Inspiration

Proud To Be A Woman Contractor

Tsakani Maluleke Limpopo born Tsakani Maluleke is the fourth of six daughters. Although Tsakani’s Tsonga parents had no formal education or skills (her dad was a house painter and her mom was a housewife) they ensured that the younger four of their six children were educated to secondary school level. Tsakani graduated from high school in 1985. Already at that age she knew the value of education and took it upon herself to obtain a tertiary qualification. Walking four kilometres each day carrying her goods in a basket on her head, Tsakani sold tomatoes and mielies (corn) as a street hawker in order to pay for her three years of tuition
After graduating with a Diploma in Journalism, Tsakani entered the corporate world in 1990 working first for an industrial finance institution and then joining the SABC. At the SABC she produced magazine programmes, gospel music, videos and devotions. One of the highlights of Tsakani’s career in the SABC was her involvement in the coverage of the 1995 Rugby World Cup which was aired on what used to be called Topsport for TV 1. Tsakani says “working for the SABC was challenging and hectic but also very interesting”. Whilst working at the SABC Tsakani was exposed to people from all walks of life. She learnt to appreciate and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds and at different levels.
It was in this environment that Tsakani became aware the opportunities available to women entrepreneurs. She says “I had already begun to have ideas about it in 1992.” More than ten years later, in a growing economy with houses, alternative accommodation and commercial properties coming up all the time Tsakani saw opportunities in the construction industry. Seeing it as an environment in which she could make a meaningful contribution by creating employment for other women and equipping them with new skills Tsakani registered Ntombani Trading.
She is currently working on the construction of subsoil drainage, roads and strorm-water facilities for the eMalahleni Local Municipality. Ntombani Trading is also involved in the construction of water, sewer, network system and toilets for 79 stands in Khayelitsha, Tembisa, for the Department of Housing. They also have various smaller roofing and paving projects lined up.
Tsakani’s greatest challenge has been coming into the industry with limited knowledge. Having come from a media production background she knew very little about construction. She says that the biggest challenge for her has been being thrown in the deep end and being forced to learn the business in a short period of time. She is very grateful to Khuthaza for their support in this regard and says “I am proud to call myself a women contractor”. Through the workshops and the Re-a-abelana programme of which she has been a part Tsakani has gained the knowledge she has needed to establish herself as a contractor and set her business on a path of growth and development.
She says the most beneficial part of her training with Khuthaza has been the Project Management component of the programme. It has enabled her to prepare the project programme herself and although she employs a project manager she has more control during the planning stage of a project. Applying the project management principles she learnt during her training with Khuthaza has allowed her to make valuable amendments, often reducing timelines and driving productivity. Tsakani intends to employ more permanent staff in the near future and also hopes to build on her good reputation by continuing to obtain and deliver world class projects.
It is interesting to note that in addition to her thriving career as a contractor Tsakani also has a large family. She is currently raising twin girls aged fourteen and quadruplets aged three and has no problem balancing a family and a career. She says that her daughters are like friends to her, pushing her on and always cheering for her team.
Two qualities which I believe set Tsakani apart as a leader are her sense of humour and her determination. Tsakani is able to laugh at life and at herself. She also has a resolve to succeed which is set in stone.