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Mampho Sotshongaye is the founder and Managing Director of Golden Rewards 1981 cc in South Africa. She is an entrepreneur and award-winning business leader, and her construction business has won local awards and received international recognition. She founded the business in 2010 but started operations in January 2013 and now employs 56 people from disadvantaged communities.
On an ongoing basis, she applies various skills transfer and community upliftment programmes, providing training and support for local workers in all projects. Mampho brings 18 years of experience in the construction industry to the business having previously worked as a Construction Manager and Contracts Manager.
Lioness Weekender spoke to the pioneering founder, Mampho Sotshongaye, to learn more about what drives her in business and about her future aspirations.
Tell us more about your business
Golden Rewards 1981 cc is a Road Maintenance and Vegetation Maintenance company that is based in Cape Town, South Africa. Our primary focus is on the maintenance of major routes such as national, provincial and municipal roads but the company’s expertise has extended to construction projects.
What inspired you to start your company?
Before starting my own business, I worked in the construction industry for 7 years and acquired enough experience to make a change. Working in the rural areas of the Western Cape motivated me to continue with my contribution to the maintenance of road infrastructure and my desire to empower local communities, especially women and youth.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Having construction managers on our sites who are female and experienced is something that our clients are not used to. Having to employ people from local communities with no skills and formal education is a challenge but over the years it has become a solution to job creation and skills transfer.
Tell us a little about your team
Our company comprises of qualified and professionally registered experts in Built Environment, of which 40% are females. On an ongoing basis, we apply various skills transfer and community upliftment programmes, providing training and support for local workers on all projects.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Before starting my own business, I worked in the construction industry for 7 years and acquired enough experience to make a change. Working in the rural areas of the Western Cape motivated me to continue with my contribution to the maintenance of road infrastructure and my desire to empower local communities.
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry is very challenging, you get tested in mays. I have to work twice as hard compared to my male counterparts to prove my worth and capabilities. The journey has not been easy and I am still fighting for the change I want to see.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We see ourselves expanding to other provinces and to empower more women.
What gives you the most satisfaction in being an entrepreneur?
It’s to see the difference that I make in people’s lives and my contribution to the growth of the South African economy.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start up?
Perseverance is key, do not give up when you are being faced with challenges. We were created for a purpose and we are worthy of every opportunity coming our way.
This article was first published in Lioness Africa
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Mampho Sotshongaye is a participant on the SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme, an 18-month business accelerator powered by Fetola which supports the lasting success of businesses from across South Africa, particularly those owned by women, youth and people living with disabilities, and those in township and rural areas.
