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VEA Road Maintenance and Civils - Building Futures
Empowering South Africa, One Road At a Time
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is more than a roads construction company — it is an organisation committed to transforming South Africa through diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment. Led by their trailblazing Managing Director, Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, VEA Roa Maintenance & Civils has built a reputation for excellence, breaking barriers and setting new standards in the roadworks and civil construction industries.
Paving The Way For Diversity and Inclusion in Construction
Diversity and inclusion are central to their mission. In an industry historically dominated by men, VEA Roads stands as a symbol of change. The company relentlessly focuses on empowering women, fostering inclusivity, and providing opportunities for all. This commitment is woven into every project, every team, and every kilometre of road they pave.
VEA’s work not only improves infrastructure but also uplifts the communities they serve. They create jobs, transfer skills, and contribute to South Africa’s long-term development goals. This dedication has earned VEA multiple accolades, including:
Being proudly ranked in the Top 5 of South Africa’s Construction Sector for 2024, recognising their bold leadership, innovation, and operational excellence.
Managing Director Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu’s 2nd place win for Exceptional Woman in Construction, showcasing her pioneering leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Securing 2nd place for Project Delivery Excellence, a testament to VEA’s consistent ability to deliver highquality projects on time.
Thoko’s Business Woman of the Year Award (BBQ Awards 2024), celebrating her contributions to advancing diversity, innovation, and community impact within the construction sector.
These accolades reflect VEA’s commitment to building a future where diversity and inclusion drive both their business and the broader South African landscape.
Women leading the way at VEA Road Maintenance and Civils
Pictured from left to right: Georgina Motha (Site Agent), Terry-anne Hart (Contract Manager), Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu (Managing Director), Bernice Brandt (Site Agent), Carisha Mughoo (Safety Officer)
At VEA, the belief is that empowered women build empowered communities. Leading this charge is Managing Director Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, whose passion for transforming the construction industry has earned her recognition as Business Woman of the Year 2024 by Black Business Quarterly. Under Thoko’s leadership, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils has embraced diversity not just as a company initiative but as a core business imperative.
Supporting Thoko is Contracts Manager Terry-Anne Hart, who brings over 20 years of industry experience to VEA Road Maintenance and Civils. “We faced a monumental challenge during the N2 emergency roadworks project just before Easter this year. Working around the clock, we opened the road in time for holiday travellers, proving what teamwork and dedication can achieve,” - Terry-Anne Hart.
These achievements underscore the resilience and capability of VEA’s female leaders, demonstrating that diversity in leadership drives both innovation and success. VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is committed to not only building roads but building brighter futures for the communities we work in. From supporting schools to caring for the elderly, VEA ensures that their projects leave a lasting, positive impact.
“We see our work as a way to uplift people. It’s not just about infrastructure; it’s about connecting communities and creating opportunities for growth,” -Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu.
Site Agent Georgina Motha builds on this by highlighting how successful road projects are not just about construction but also about fostering connection and growth within the communities they serve. "A key part of what we do is about solving problems in a way that benefits the entire community, I encourage my team to actively participate in finding solutions. This doesn’t just help us on the job — it strengthens the communities around us by creating ownership and fostering accountability." -Georgina Motha.
Georgina’s emphasis on collaboration, solution-driven leadership, and her open-door policy fosters an environment where team members feel empowered to contribute, directly aligning with VEA’s broader mission to uplift the communities in which they operate. Her approach has played a crucial role in ensuring that VEA’s projects are not only completed successfully but that they also create long-term value for local communities.
“Road construction is the love of my life. I am passionate about using technology to ensure that our projects are efficient and delivered on time. But beyond that, what excites me is knowing that the ` roads we build connect people and bring development to underserved areas,” -Bernice Brandt.
VEA Road Maintenance & Civils community outreach includes supporting communities donating supplies to local schools, elderly homes, and churches.
"True progress comes from uplifting others, Our work reflects our deep commitment to empowering the communities we serve, and we have only just begun. We have exciting projects lined up that will allow us to expand our reach, create more jobs, and continue making a lasting difference in people’s lives. We’re looking forward to increasing our involvement in schools, healthcare, and community development projects as we grow,” -Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu.
Safety and innovation are key pillars of VEA’s operational success. Safety Officer Carisha is dedicated to fostering a work environment where safety is more than just a protocol — it is a core part of the company culture. “Safety is paramount. We ensure that every person on our sites returns home safely each day. Our safety strategies are directly tied to our project success,” -Carisha Mughoo.
In addition to safety, innovation is crucial in driving VEA Road Maintenance & Civils' efficiency and project delivery. Site Agent Bernice utilises technologies like Google Earth and advanced project management software to manage large-scale roadworks effectively. “Technology helps us plan with greater precision and execute more efficiently, which ultimately saves time and resources. It’s critical to meeting and exceeding client expectations,” -Bernice Brandt.
This unwavering commitment to safety and innovation ensures that VEA consistently exceeds industry standards and delivers excellence on every project. At VEA Road Maintenance and Civils, true excellence is born from a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. VEA is more than a construction company — it is a driving force for positive change in South Africa, where every road built connects more than just places; it connects people, opportunities, and communities.
The company’s vision is clear: to construct roads that not only link towns and cities but also lay the groundwork for economic growth, social development, and a more inclusive future.
From high-profile national projects with SANRAL, Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, the Western Cape Government, and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, to routine provincial road maintenance across the country, VEA’s work reflects its commitment to South Africa’s future.
Every kilometre of road they pave tells a story of hard work, determination, and the power of a diverse, empowered team. With strong female leadership at the forefront and a clear focus on uplifting communities, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is shaping a legacy that extends far beyond infrastructure — it’s about building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
“Our roads are more than just pathways; they are bridges to better futures,” - Thoko TshabalalaShandu, Managing Director of VEA Road Maintenance and Civils.
Telephone: +27 87 160 0318Email: info@vearoads.co.zaWebsite: www.vearoad.co.za
