At V3 Consulting Engineers, our mission to “improve the lives of communities through infrastructure delivery” is powered by the people who embody our values of integrity, people and diversity, and accountability. This Women’s Day, celebrated on August 9 in South Africa, we honour Polina Ditsoane, our receptionist, whose warmth, resilience, and quiet strength hold our Bloemfontein office together. As a Level 1 B-BBEE firm established in 2014, we’re committed to transformation, and Polina’s journey reflects our brand promise: “Motha Ke Motho Ka Batho” (We are who we are because of others). Her story of overcoming challenges and inspiring others aligns with our vision of fostering inclusive, impactful growth.
The Heart of the Front Desk
Polina Ditsoane is more than a receptionist—she’s the first point of contact who sets the tone for everyone entering V3’s offices. “What I enjoy most is creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere,” Polina shares. Her role involves managing daily interactions with clients, engineers, and staff, handling everything from inquiries to complex coordination with professionalism and grace. Her small wins, like completing tasks or helping colleagues, fuel her sense of accomplishment, reflecting V3’s value of quality in every action. Polina’s ability to solve problems quickly and represent the company with pride has strengthened her confidence, a testament to our commitment to empowering our people.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Polina’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Living with a disability, she has faced being overlooked and underestimated, with some assuming her physical limitations reflect her capabilities. “There’s still a stigma,” she notes, “where people confuse physical disability with mental incapacity.” Yet, Polina’s determination shines through. “Rising above doubt meant believing in myself first and never allowing someone else’s assumptions to become my truth,” she says. Her personal victory—completing a qualification and professional training while balancing responsibilities—embodies V3’s value of accountability and our focus on skills development for previously disadvantaged individuals.
Her theme song, Rise Up by Andra Day, captures this spirit: “It reminds me that no matter what I go through, I can always choose to rise and keep moving forward with hope.” This resilience aligns with our sustainability ethos, ensuring lasting impact through perseverance.
Empowering Others and Celebrating Wins
Polina’s role at V3 has been transformative. “Being in a professional environment where I interact with various departments daily has helped me become more self-assured,” she explains. Her work supports our collaborative culture, fostering teamwork across transportation, built environment, and mining projects. Beyond her duties, Polina uplifts other women, encouraging them to “recognise their strength, know their worth, and confidently stand in their truth.” Her advice—“stand tall, be consistent, and let your work speak for itself”—reflects V3’s integrity and proactive transformation approach.
She celebrates wins, big and small, through reflection and gratitude, often sharing moments with loved ones. Polina’s lively side surprises those who see her as reserved: “I’m not as quiet as I seem! I love connecting with others once I’m comfortable.” This balance of quiet observation and vibrant engagement mirrors our flexible, people-cantered culture.
A Vision for the Future
Polina’s biggest dream is to provide long-term stability for her children, ensuring they have opportunities she worked hard to create. “I want them to live a better life, with comfort and freedom to grow without limitations,” she says. Her pursuit of further education aligns with V3’s bursary and mentorship programs, which empower previously disadvantaged communities. For the next generation of women, Polina hopes they learn early to “set boundaries, embrace self-love, and take up space confidently.”
This Women’s Day, Polina sees the occasion as “a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and beauty women carry every day, often silently.” Her story honours the sacrifices of those before her and V3’s commitment to equality and transformation.
V3’s Commitment to Empowerment
Polina Ditsoane’s journey reflects V3 Consulting Engineers’ dedication to fostering an inclusive, transformative workplace. By supporting our people, we drive community upliftment, aligning with our mission to deliver infrastructure that improves lives. Polina is a shining example of how individual resilience strengthens our collective impact, making us a partner for sustained growth.