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