Erwic Awards 2020

VINOTHA GOVENDER – LA CONSULTING ENGINEERS

V inotha Govender is the Managing Director of LA Consulting Engineers and is a dedicated, inspiring and motivated woman who excels in a male dominated environment. It is evident that survival is the key to all aspects of her life. Nothing has come easy for her and hard work and dedication has been the strong traits behind her success. She crossed many hurdles and did it with dedication and passion for her dream making her a successful businesswoman today. She is able to share her experiences with other women and helps to empower them in achieving their dreams in the industry. Govender is a fearless and dynamic leader who has made a formidable impact on others and serves as a role model as she has made her mark in her career which will continue inspiring others especially women out there.

She has over 25 years of experience working at all levels of accounting services and Management positions. Govender is currently the Managing Director of LA Consulting Engineers and has held various positions within organisations prior to her current position. She has also received many awards. 

THANDIWE MHLONGO – DR BONGANI INVESTMENT

D R Bongani is 100% black female owned, has Level 1 BBBEE status and NHBRC Registration. It has been in the construction sector for the past 20 years and delivers quality houses and satisfies beneficiaries and clients by producing durable structures. “We endeavour to empower, local communities in spite of insurmountable challenges and we have successfully managed to deliver projects timeously. We have assisted female contractors with facilities to purchase material, skills provision and skills transfer,” says owner Thandiwe Mhlongo. As a female contractor Mhlongo is passionate about empowering fellow women contractors in the construction industry as she is able to relate to their struggles at all levels. Preference is given to women and youth when setting employment targets. All positions where women can be

accommodated will be filled by women, because the struggle of women begins at the grassroots, where women are generally side-lined when it comes to participating in construction projects. Without flouting any labour laws, the aim of the company is to give more women an opportunity to work for D R Bongani. This is reflected in the fact that over 80% of administrative and management staff are women. Starting a business, securing financing, securing projects and sustaining construction companies, are generally more difficult for women and Mhlongo was called upon to assist female owned construction companies that had secured projects but were struggling to deliver. The two companies were Bhekiswayo and Mathalisa and their projects were in the Mpumalanga Province. 

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ERWIC AWARDS 2020