By: Serisha Sirputh - Director at LDM

For many matriculants currently writing prelims, the question of “What’s next?” looms large. While some already have their future mapped out, others are still deciding which path to follow. “Two options worth serious consideration, especially for female learners taking Mathematics as a matric subject, are quantity surveying and construction project management,” says Serisha Sirputh, Director at LDM, a built environment consultancy firm. “These are two closely interconnected disciplines that complement each other very well in infrastructure projects, and while these careers were historically dominated by men, they are now increasingly being shaped by women,” she notes.

Sirputh explains that despite women making up less than 20% of registered quantity surveyors in the country (according to the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Professionals), the landscape is busy shifting. “At LDM, for example, we have no fewer than 16 female junior and candidate professionals currently building their careers in quantity surveying and project management. Their stories prove that this is no longer a “men-only” space.

She provides some insights into the reasons why more women are choosing these fields of study… and excelling:

1. A Career That Builds More Than Buildings

Quantity surveyors and project managers are at the heart of shaping the built environment - from schools and hospitals to homes and office towers. Suvarna Gayapershad began as a junior in 2012 and, over 12 years, has steadily advanced. Her journey shows how mentorship and opportunity in this industry can lay the foundations for a lifelong career.

2. Mentorship That Opens Doors

For many of LDM’s rising stars, structured guidance has been the key to advancement. Take Chiedza Matuso, who joined a year ago with a civil engineering degree. With the mentorship of senior colleagues, she’s already preparing for her PrCPM and PMP certifications. Younger recruits like Mbalenhle Ncube, who joined as a trainee in 2024 while still studying, show how formal mentorship and on-the-job training fast-track development and open clear career pathways.

3. A Field That Rewards Collaboration

Beyond one-on-one guidance, construction projects thrive on teamwork. Candidate quantity surveyors such as Amrisha Balgovind and Nomathamusaqa Ncube credit their progress to the collaborative nature of the industry — working alongside diverse professionals, learning by doing, and gaining confidence through shared responsibility. This culture of collaboration means no one builds a career alone, and young entrants quickly find themselves part of supportive project teams.

4. Education Meets Experience

Many of the women excelling in these roles have academic backgrounds in property development, building science, and engineering. But as candidates like Irene Tlale and Bongiwe Mahlalela prove, pairing those qualifications with real-world exposure - whether at conferences, on-site projects, or through mentorship - is what makes the difference.

5. The Industry Welcomes Different Journeys

Some women, like Thameshnee Pillay, have spent years honing their skills at LDM, steadily building toward seniority. Others, like newcomers Ntefo Tshele and Yamkela Matshotyana, are just stepping into the profession, eager to put theory into practice

A Pipeline of Future Leaders

From interns like Bulela Katamzi and Sinothando Nxasane to more seasoned candidates like Mbali Koza, these women reflect the changing face of the profession. Their stories carry a common thread: with mentorship, support, and opportunity, they are not only entering what was once a male-dominated space - they are thriving and preparing to become the leaders of tomorrow.

For matriculants considering this career path, degrees in Construction Management or Built Environment are excellent options. These programmes - particularly at South African universities of technology - combine both quantity surveying and project management elements, offering practical, industry-ready training that develops the diverse skills needed to succeed in either field.

“Quantity surveying and project management demand precision, leadership, and resilience - qualities that transcend gender,” concludes Sirputh. “And, the fact that more and more young women are choosing this path shows the future of our industry is diverse, innovative, and inclusive.”