Inspiration

Perseverance is Key

Gloria Selikane is a young Xhosa woman. She is a wife, a daughter and a sister and she is also a Wits graduate with an Honours Degree in Construction Management. Gloria is employed as a Junior Planner for Murray and Roberts Construction. She was recently involved in the completion of the Melrose Arch Piazza which she describes as huge and beautiful and looks forward to the completion of the Hotel. Gloria is astounded by how much she is learning “It’s a great project to be part of because I am constantly learning. My mind has been broadened by the creativity and dedication of the individuals involved.”

Gloria developed a passion for the construction industry because it satisfies her aspiration to improve people’s standards of living. She believes that the industry has a large impact on people’s lives through residential developments, retail and office developments as well as construction of roads and power stations. Even though Gloria describes herself as a purpose driven person and believes in people achieving more than they ever imagined possible, she is truly surprised that she has come this far.

Gloria says that completing her degree, graduating from Wits and being employed by one the biggest construction companies in the country are amongst her greatest achievements. Gloria had always done well at school. As the daughter of a school teacher, she was fortunate that her mum had arranged to have her first year varsity fees paid. When Gloria failed her first year, having never failed at anything before, she was bitterly disappointed. Going back after that, and having to accept financial assistance from her mother because her chances of a bursary ware blown, was one the hardest things Gloria has had to do.

Fortunately for her, Gloria has a very positive attitude and a strong will. She worked really hard to ensure that she passed the remaining years and says that “a spirit of perseverance has not always been easy to maintain, but it has been necessary.” She attributes her success to honesty and “admitting when I don’t know because that has helped me to get help.”

Gloria has always been inspired by other people and learns from their successes and failures. Her advice to other women is “Take time to know who you are as an individual. Ask yourself what is it that you stand for and review your goals from time to time. It’s ok to start again as long as you know where you want to be.”