Construction company Motheo empowers its staff and identifies future potential in the female youth of South Africa.

“In our 24 years of existence, Motheo has intentionally empowered young African graduates, with a special focus on African women, in the construction sector,” says Motheo CEO Lettie Mashau.

Motheo aims to be a role model for how a black women-owned and -managed business can remain sustainable in the South African landscape.

“We want to remain an aggressive proponent of diversity in terms of gender and race as we meet the daily challenge of seeking to thrive in a continually changing environment,” says Mashau.

The company upholds this goal through the Motheo Truly Empowered Programme, aimed at identifying young professionals in the construction industry to further their careers, she adds.

The selection criteria for the programme include that young professionals demonstrate potential, hard work, commitment and a hunger for knowledge. It also embraces employees who were part of the journey in building Motheo and young professionals with built environment qualifications.

“We are all passionate and committed to this vision. We continue laying the blocks on this solid foundation and are proud to be the leading black women-managed . . . construction company with Level 1 BBBEE status,” highlights Mashau.

While Motheo has made strides in empowering women, women-managed construction companies still face “serious challenges”, including access to opportunities, finance and training, as well as business and government support.

For sustainable business development support for women, it is essential for not only business owners and their organisations but also government to be actively involved, she emphasizes.

Mashau adds that while there are good opportunities for women in the construction sector, the most challenging part of working in the construction industry as a woman is earning the same recognition or respect as men for doing the same work.

Motheo is committed to honour the legacy of Motheo founding member, the late Dr Thandi Ndlovu, who successfully pursued her vision of building a solid construction business led and managed by black women.

Mashau concludes by emphasizing that, in doing so, Motheo prides itself on being the leading agent of change in the construction sector.