IN SOUTH Africa, women make up 51% of the population but their representation in leadership positions is less than 24%, with African women accounting for less than 4%, says Property Point founder Shawn Theunissen.

In an effort to promote woman empowerment, Property Point, in collaboration with Growthpoint Properties, successfully graduated the inaugural cohort of woman-owned businesses, within the predominantly male-dominated property sector, via its SHE Builds programme.

The inaugural woman-owned enterprise and supplier development programme aimed to foster the establishment of sustainable womanowned businesses that can compete on merit in an industry that is predominantly male-dominated, says Theunissen.

The 11 female entrepreneurs under its umbrella have collectively earned R122 859 998 in revenue, with an impressive revenue growth rate of 100%.

The businesses received contracts worth R6 952 704 as a result of the programme, resulting in the creation of 45 full-time jobs and demonstrating women’s enormous potential in generating employment prospects and promoting economic advancement.

Estienne de Klerk, the CEO of Growthpoint Properties South Africa, said the graduating class s accomplishment was a testament to the transformational potential of empowerment-focused initiatives to promote development.

“It has been a pleasure to see the entrepreneurs resilience and brilliant minds. Their achievements have enhanced their businesses, lives and proved the life-transforming power of partnerships.”

Property Point, working alongside with Growthpoint Properties, addressed major difficulties faced by women entrepreneurs: lack of access to markets, lack of capital, limited social networks, and cultural limitations such as gender roles.

“We firmly believe that inclusive transformation is one of the cornerstones of sustainable economic development,” Theunissen says

Our relationship with Growthpoint Properties, a pioneering leader in the property sector, has been critical in understanding the specific needs of female entrepreneurs in the industry.”

SHE Builds emphasis on developing critical skills and providing required resources has been vital in giving women entrepreneurs the tools they need to run successful enterprises.

Pearl Ngobeni, the founder and CEO of Tekcon Construction & Services, a general building construction and furniture manufacturer, was chosen as the overall winner, having ranked top in company performance over the previous two years.

“Knowing that our company is heading in the right direction means so much to me,” Ngobeni said.

“We are checking all the boxes in terms of finances, administration and, most importantly, contributing to societal and economic transformation through job creation.

“The assistance I received from Property Point enabled me to give back to my community through the group I founded to assist orphans.

I also want to help other women by preparing them to establish their own businesses. I run with courage from here!

THE COMPLETE LIST OF GRADUATES:

1. Pearl Ngobeni: Tekcon

Construction & Services – general building construction furniture manufacturer

2. Lucia Mabuza: Isigodlo

Investments – construction management, property development, property valuation

3. Puleng Tubane: NRP Properties & Contractors – office refurbishments, tenant installations, specialist painting, general building, drywall partitioning

4. Thirusha Moonsamy: Leeanka

Cost and Construction Consultants – quantity surveying, property valuation, project management, facilities management, town planning

5. Sbahle Tshivhase: Lugisani

Development Projects – facility management, general building maintenance & repairs

6. Tryfina Kgokong: Triumphant Zoe – quantity surveying, property development, cost management, refurbishment & value engineering, project management

7. Elekanyani Ndlovu: Mikovhe

Electrical – electrical maintenance, project & engineering management, transformers & auxiliary testing

8. Suzan Motlhabane: Lokissa Business Solutions – electrical services

9. Gugulethu Mbatha: In Coatings – Painting, Wall Coatings, Paint Manufacturer, sales

10. Itumeleng Mosupi: Zakhe Holdings and Trading – general construction, civil works

11. Mamokete Dhlamini: MEP Plants & Décor – gardening, indoor plants & cleaning, facilities management, waste management