Mercia Best
Professional Town Planner, Project Manager and GIS Analyst at BVi Consulting Engineers, Best was born in Pretoria on March 28, 1995. Her academic foundation includes a Master’s degree in Land and Property Development Management from the University of the Free State (2024) and a Bachelor’s in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Pretoria (2017). To strengthen her technical expertise, she also obtained additional qualifications in GIS, Project Management and Financial Modelling.
Her management style is transformational and collaborative, built on accountability, empathy and a commitment to showing up, fostering networks, and learning together. Best’s proudest achievement has been completing her Master’s degree and being recognised by the South African Council for Planners as one of the Top 15 Young Planners in 2024, while balancing a full-time career and personal responsibilities. She would most like to meet Malala Yousafzai for her courage and advocacy for education and empowerment.
Her philosophy is “Discipline determines destiny.” To South African women leaders, she says “Have confidence in your abilities, pursue opportunities, cultivate relationships and support those around you.”

Neziwe Moleejane
Mechanical Technologist Moleejane is originally from Mahikeng in the North West Province. She holds both a BTech in Mechanical Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management. With over a decade of experience in the corporate sector, Moleejane has established a reputation for professionalism and excellence while successfully balancing a demanding career with fulfilling family life, something she considers one of her greatest personal achievements. Her management style is centred on fostering collaboration and coherence within teams, believing that aligned goals and effective communication are the foundation for shared success. Purpose, balance and integrity are the core values that guide her actions in both professional and personal spheres. If given the chance, she would love to meet Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama—two iconic leaders whose journeys of empowerment and authenticity continue to inspire her. Moleejane’s advice to fellow women leaders in South Africa’s business community is: “Let us lead with strength, grace and authenticity, uplifting one another and demonstrating to the next generation that success and balance are not mutually exclusive, but powerful when pursued together.”

Tshepo Tleane
As a Civil Engineer at BVi Consulting Engineers, Tleane works on water infrastructure-
related projects. She was born and raised in Pretoria and holds a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering from Wits University. 
Embracing a democratic management style, Tleane values collaboration and the power of diverse perspectives. To her, this approach promotes an environment of innovation and excellence.
A pivotal moment in her journey is marked by achieving a degree in Civil Engineering. This achievement serves as a stepping stone towards her goal of making a difference in people’s lives through impactful infrastructure development. The person who she would most like to meet is Dr Tshepo Motsepe. 
Guided by the maxim, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” this engineer envisions a future where she is able to contribute to elevating the living standards and dignity of people through sustainable infrastructure projects. This quote also serves as a compass, a challenge, and a message to other women leaders that meaningful change begins with a proactive approach.

Nerisha Baruth
Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Baruth is the KZN Regional Accountant at BVI Consulting Engineers. She holds a BCom in Financial Management and is currently pursuing a BCom Honours. Baruth embraces authentic leadership, leading with integrity, self-awareness and openness. She believes that vulnerability and consistency in values build trust among colleagues. Her proudest achievement is rising from humble beginnings to become a successful professional, student and mother of four, balancing work, studies and family life. Through this journey, she has learned the importance of determination, resilience, discipline and daily commitment.
Baruth finds inspiration in Margaret and Allan Hirsch, founders of the Hirsch Group, who transformed a modest R900 savings into a thriving multi-million-rand business, demonstrating the power of vision and perseverance. Her guiding principle, echoed by Denzel Washington’s quote, “We have to do what we have to do in order to do what we want to do”, reminds her that sacrifice is often required for success.
Baruth’s advice to South Africa’s women leaders: Don't give up on your dreams, even after starting a family. Remain grounded, value your supporters, and embrace humility as a source of strength.

Premala Singh
Born in the tranquil town of Pietermaritzburg on March 19, Singh remains grateful for the humble beginnings that built the resilience and character essential for today’s fast-paced world. These early experiences shaped her growth, both personally and professionally.
With academic dedication, she earned a Doctorate in Business Management, an MBA, and a degree in Marketing Management—qualifications that helped her ascend the corporate ladder and lead the BVi Group’s marketing. Singh’s leadership style is deeply rooted in transformational principles, emphasising trust, courage, resilience and compassion. She believes empathy is the foundation of effective leadership, creating genuine connections between leaders and teams.
Her proudest achievement is not just her professional success, but also nurturing and leading her family. Singh admires New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, regarding her as a role model for dynamic, empathetic leadership. “You can definitely be both compassionate and strong,” she affirms.
She encourages embracing authenticity: “Authenticity is your superpower. The world may try to mould you, but your authenticity will set you apart and earn true respect.”

Zandiswa Mbenyana 
Electrical Technologist Mbenyana was born in Lady Frere, in the Eastern Cape. She holds a BTech in Electrical Engineering from Cape Peninsula University of Technology. 
She is known for her collaborative yet firm management style, fostering teamwork while maintaining high standards. 
One of her proudest achievements is leading the electrical design and successful commissioning of a hospital project under tight deadlines. Her broad exposure to the engineering sector, combined with continuous learning in emerging technologies and experience in various roles, has shaped her growth and adaptability. 
Mbenyana would love to meet Dr Segenet Kelemu, a pioneering African scientist, to discuss leadership and impact in male dominated fields. She also lives by the philosophy that consistency and humility build lasting influence. 
 Her message to fellow women in engineering and to women leaders across South Africa is: “You belong in every room you walk into. Lead with grace, speak with purpose, and never underestimate your voice.”

Asive Ndonyana
Civil Engineering Technologist Ndonyana hails from Mconco, KwaNdanya in Libode, Eastern Cape, and holds a BTech in Civil Engineering. Deeply dedicated to her field, she prioritises building strong, respectful relationships at work. Her leadership approach is shaped by empathy, trust and open communication, striving for a workplace where all voices are valued. Ndonyana is especially proud of having learned to speak up for herself in high-pressure situations, a turning point after years of self-doubt that strengthened her confidence and leadership presence.
She would most like to meet actor Sam Heughan, admiring not only his talent but his grounded nature, dedication to wellness, and philanthropic work. Ndonyana appreciates how he uses his platform for good, a quality she strives for in her own career. Her guiding philosophy centres on growth and resilience, recognising that while challenges are inevitable, our responses define us. Her message to fellow women leaders in South Africa’s business community: “Don’t shrink to fit spaces that weren’t designed for you. Own your voice, uplift other women, and remember your presence is powerful.” 

Juliette Harris
Candidate Town and Regional Planner Harris was born in Polokwane. She holds a BTRP degree from the University of Pretoria, where she graduated in 2024 with distinction and received the award for best research project. Founding the Student Planning Forum at TUKS shaped her leadership style—act today, don’t delay, and make people feel seen and heard. Harris believes in being both driven and compassionate. One of her proudest moments was winning a research award after being told that “it rarely goes to a top student”. With strong Dutch roots, Harris has always wanted to meet former Prime Minister Mark Rutte to better understand his mindset and values. She lives by the idea that life is one long interview and how you show up matters. As her mother always says, “Do your best and the angels will do the rest.” She does it with brains, boldness and a bit of mascara.

Tel: +27 12 940 1111

E-mail: pta@bvi.co.za

Website: https://www.bvi.co.za/