Lerato Kgoa sees transport as more than roads and traffic; it is about improving people's lives. As a senior researcher at the CSIR, her work at the Transport Safety Laboratory focuses on transport planning, traffic engineering and road safety. This Women's Month and beyond, we celebrate Lerato for her commitment towards helping governments make better transport decisions.
"Civil engineering is about serving people by developing practical solutions that support everyday life, improve access to opportunities and help communities live, move and function better," she explains.
Lerato's sense of purpose extends beyond her professional life. As a married mother of two daughters, she takes pride in leading by example. "I want my daughters to see that women can be technically strong, thoughtful, ambitious, nurturing and purposeful, collecting and analysing real-world driving data, studying driver behaviour and testing transport,” she says.
Her day-to-day work includes conducting road safety research to reduce fatalities through technology.
For Lerato, success means using data and digital tools to help governments make better transport decisions.
"My work at the Transport Safety Laboratory entails using advanced vehicle sensors, driving simulators and infrastructure assessments to generate evidence that supports safer roads, vehicles and transport systems," she says.
Lerato also mentors young professionals entering technical fields. Her guidance helps them build confidence and thrive. She holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a Master of Urban Studies in sustainable cities from the University of the Witwatersrand.
"My faith keeps me grounded," she said. "It reminds me that the work I do should ultimately contribute to the well-being of people and communities."
Published 20 August 2026