Full Name: Thandeka Nombanjinji-Nzama
Position: MD of Mbokodo Building
Main Activity of the Company: Construction
Date and Place of Birth: February 28, 1982, Soweto, Johannesburg
Education: Diploma in Public Relations, Advanced Diploma in Public Relations, and Certificate in Sales and Marketing
First Job: Sales executive at BMW Group
Career History Prior to Current Position: Sales executive at BMW; sales executive at Audi; CEO of Nombanjinji Family Property, a commercial property group; MD of Nombanjinji Construction & Projects; MD of Mbokodo Building
Size of First Pay Packet: R2 000 as an intern at a dealership
First Job with Present Group: MD
Value of Assets under Your Control: More than R30-million
Number of People under Your Leadership: More than 80
Management Style: Definitely democratic – I believe that a collaborative effort, with input from all team members, is highly important for the growth of our organisations
Personal Best Achievement: Being able to step forward as an advocate for women in the construction sector
Professional Best Achievement: Being able to create jobs and being one of the leaders of the most recognisable female-owned construction companies in South Africa
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My late father, Ligwa Nombanjinji – he was one of the biggest property developers in Johannesburg
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: My late father
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Oprah Winfrey
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: The late Dr Thandi Ndlovu
Philosophy of Life: Decide what kind of life you want and say no to everything that doesn’t fit in with it
Biggest Ever Opportunity: Carrying out work in the mining sector
Biggest Ever Disappointment: A project termination as a result of budget constraints brought on by Covid-19
Hope for the Future: That Mbokodo Building creates more employment and business opportunities for women, and that the company becomes a leading force in the construction sector
Favourite Reading: Becoming, by Michelle Obama
Favourite TV Programme: Self-Made, on Netflix
Favourite Food/Drink: Oxtail and samp
Favourite Music: Hip-hop, old-school RnB and gospel
Favourite Sport: Golf
Favourite Website: www.mbokodobuilding.com
Hobbies: Golf
Favourite Car: Lamborghini Huracan
Pets: None
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty
Favourite Other South African Company: Motheo Construction
Favourite Foreign Company: The Trump Organization
Married: To Warren Nzama