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Women in property: She Builds graduates shatter glass ceiling
Property Point and Growthpoint Properties are celebrating the ground-breaking success of their women-only enterprise development programme, She Builds. Designed to break down the gender barriers in South Africa’s property sector, the programme has seen the inaugural group of female entrepreneurs collectively earn a staggering R122 859 998 (about $6.5 million) in revenue over the last two years.
Launched in an industry typically dominated by men, the She Builds initiative provided support to 11 ambitious women-led businesses. With a revenue growth rate of 100%, these flourishing enterprises were awarded contracts amounting to R6 952 704 (about $371 000), leading to the creation of 45 full-time jobs. This outcome illustrates the significant potential women entrepreneurs hold in promoting economic growth and employment.
The vision of the She Builds programme, according to Property Point founder Shawn Theunissen, is to nurture sustainable women-owned businesses capable of competing effectively in male-dominated arenas.
Theunissen notes that although women make up 51% of the South African population, they hold less than 24% of leadership positions, with African women accounting for under 4%.
“By 2024, our goal is to support 70% of female entrepreneurs,” said Theunissen. “We are committed to breaking down gender barriers by providing women entrepreneurs with increased access to funding, assets, opportunities, and skills training. The success of these women embodies their tenacity and courage.”
Growthpoint Properties South Africa chief executive Estienne de Klerk applauded the graduating class’s achievements, highlighting them as a beacon of hope and evidence of the transformational power of empowerment-focused programmes.
“Targeted support and resources can significantly bolster female entrepreneurs and promote a more equitable and prosperous society,” stated De Klerk.
“We have been thrilled to witness the resilience and brilliance of these entrepreneurs, and the transformational power of our partnerships.”
The programme’s success can be attributed to its holistic approach to overcome challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including restricted access to markets, limited capital, constrained social networks, and traditional gender roles.
Pearl Ngobeni, founder and CEO of Tekcon Construction & Services, emerged as the overall winner, leading in company performance over the two-year period.
“I am overjoyed knowing that our company is heading in the right direction,” said Ngobeni. “We are meeting our goals financially and administratively, and significantly contributing to societal and economic transformation. The support I received from Property Point enables me to give back to my community, and I aim to help other women establish their businesses.”
The inspiring list of She Builds graduates includes Pearl Ngobeni (Tekcon Construction & Services), Lucia Mabuza (Isigodlo Investments), Puleng Tubane (NRP Properties & Contractors), Thirusha Moonsamy (Leeanka Cost and Construction Consultants), Sbahle Tshivhase (Lugisani Development Projects), Tryfina Kgokong (Triumphant Zoe), Elekanyani Ndlovu (Mikovhe Electrical), Suzan Motlhabane (Lokissa Business Solutions), Gugulethu Mbatha (In Coatings), Itumeleng Mosupi (Zakhe Holdings and Trading), and Mamokete Dhlamini (MEP Plants & Décor).
The monumental achievements of these women, coupled with the formidable success of the She Builds programme, sets a powerful precedent for the future of gender equality in South Africa’s property sector and beyond.
