InfrAstructure & Development - Trademax Publications

Women in construction
In late 2010, Khuthaza assisted Tiber Bonvec Construction
to identify young women for their bursary programme,
one of whom was Nomasonto Tshehla. At the time, she was
finishing her BSc in Construction Management at Wits
University. Subsequently employed by Tiber as a Junior
Engineer, Nomasonto soon began to make her mark and
her potential was brought to the attention of Tiber’s MD,
Fernando Cardoso. She was offered the exciting
opportunity to specialise in Green Building and assist the
company to gain expertise in the field. It was a significant
responsibility, as she had to gain the knowledge, develop
the systems and set up the department within Tiber.
The company invested in her training through the Green
Building Council of South Africa and she was also
fortunate to find an excellent mentor. Tiber was involved
in a Joint Venture with WBHO and a Green Star Accredited
Professional from WBHO, Gideon Van den Berg, took her
under his wing and “taught her everything.” But it is all
credit to Nomasonto that she seized these opportunities
and made the most of them. Always keen to learn, her
confidence, a go-getter attitude, and strong emotional
intelligence have enabled her to navigate this maledominated
industry.
At the age of 26, Nomasonto is now a Green Star
Accredited Professional and proud of what both she and
Tiber are delivering. Although young, she is already
looking to give back and share her experiences with
younger women entering the industry. Nomasonto
attributes much of her successful progress to the solid
backing from the company and to learning the importance
of ‘people skills’ on a construction site.
“We’re very proud of Nomasonto,” says Tiber’s Cardoso.
“By supporting her education and providing opportunities
to develop her career, we recognise that she adds
significant value to our company and the capacity of the
industry as a whole.”
Nomasonto enjoys being hands-on and having the
exposure to various construction sites. Through Tiber
Bonvec’s excellent standing in the industry, Nomasonto
has had the opportunity to work on various Green Star
rated projects such as, Sandton’s 115 West Street and 15
Alice Lane, Superpark (Isando) where they are focusing on
waste management, and working with Aurecon, who were
the Sustainability Consultants on 8 Melville Road (Illovo).
Her ambition is to play a more senior role in Project
Management with responsibility for all aspects of a
project.
“We are proud to be associated with Tiber: they are a great
company to work with and we are so pleased that they are
supporting the development of women in the industry,”
comments Elizabeth O’Leary, Executive Director of
Khuthaza. “Nomasonto is already an excellent role-model
and demonstrates the character and potential of so many
women looking to develop careers in the construction
industry.”
As South Africa looks for opportunities for both economic
growth and socio-economic transformation, investing in
women and harnessing their potential is an excellent
investment in the future.
About Khuthaza
Khuthaza facilitates Career and Enterprise Development,
primarily for women, in the housing and construction
industries.
We are a non-profit company with over 10 years of
experience in this market. Khuthaza offers a range of
programmes and services that support both the emerging
and established sectors, with the same goals in mind –
transformation, women’s development and capacity
building within the industry.
Khuthaza has a solid reputation in terms of our ability to
delivery, our culture, the quality of our programmes and
our relationships in the industry.
Please visit www.khuthaza.org.za for further information.
18
august 2013