A powerful movement toward women’s empowerment in the construction industry has officially begun. The Mpumalanga Queens in Construction, operating under Basadi Civil Youth Development Construction, was launched in a dynamic and inspiring event held at the South African Alliance Church in Mathafeni.
The launch was honored by the presence of Mama Nomshado Madonsela, founder of Basadi Civil Construction, alongside representatives from the Mordecai Ndlovu Foundation, including Mordecai Ndlovu and Nolwazi Shongwe. Other distinguished guests included Bonisile Ngcombo, Executive Chairman of Ntsika Advisory, and Nonhlanhla Masinga of NBCH.
The Mpumalanga Queens in Construction team — Happy Meyane, Mapule Theletsane, Thato Mashile, Innocentia Shabangu, and Nolwazi Shongwe — stood as proud pioneers of this new chapter.
Stories of Resilience and Purpose
In a moving keynote address, Mama Nomshado Madonsela shared her journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a formidable force in the construction industry. Starting as a teacher and transitioning through the clothing business, her resilience ultimately led her to founding a construction company now operating at CIDB Grade 7. Her message was clear: “There is no limit to what determined women can build.”
Shongwe, representing the Mordecai Ndlovu Foundation, shared how mentorship and opportunity propelled her into the world of construction, culminating in the formation of the Mpumalanga Queens in Construction — a platform to extend those same opportunities to others.
Mentorship in Action
Testimonies from young women whose lives have been transformed by Basadi Civil Construction underscored the importance of mentorship and skills development.
Happy Meyane, once a financial officer intern, proudly shared how she registered her own construction company with Mama Nomshado’s guidance. Thato Mashile, currently studying civil construction, detailed her growth under Basadi’s mentorship and emphasized the impact of being nurtured in a space designed to uplift women.
A Vision for Sustainable Impact
The launch of Mpumalanga Queens in Construction is more than symbolic. It is a concrete step toward creating space for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Under Mama Nomshado Madonsela’s leadership, this initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship, mentorship, and empowerment across Mpumalanga and beyond.
For more information or to get involved, contact Nolwazi Shongwe at mpqueensinconstruction@gmail.com
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