Construction ladies break new ground
The pair, plying their trade in the tough world of construction, has opened up about their individual passions and challenges that they’ve come across and overcome in the industry.
As women are perceived to be the weaker sex, many pursue softer-skills jobs. But for Lerato Mkubukeli, 25, and Masego Maseko, 41, that is not the case.
The pair, plying their trade in the tough world of construction, have opened up about their individual passions and the challenges they’ve come across and overcome in the industry.
Lerato from Discovery prides herself on being an entrepreneur. Her business, GlamRocks, creates jobs, among other things. She shared her journey in the industry. “In 2014, I registered the company as a marketing and promotions company; but because it was so difficult for me to grow in this industry I decided to venture into construction,” said Lerato who’s now been in construction for two years.
She added, “The field also gave me an opportunity to enable those who are less fortunate, like the general workers, to put food on their tables”.
Masego from Katlego Projects and Development weighed in by sharing her sentiments of how construction benefits others. “It is a very satisfying industry as it has a beginning and an end – you get to build something, such as a house, that people will appreciate for a long time,” she said.
The duo has worked with various reputable industry giants, providing their services that range from general to civil construction.
As expected these women have had their fair share of challenges. “The fact that I’m black, female and young came with a lot of problems. It is always a struggle to get recognition in the form of contracts, and respect. Some people even say I’m being done a favour,” Lerato said.
“Construction is an industry dominated by men, many of whom believe that women cannot survive it. You are treated as if you are clueless,” Masego lamented.
“Men need to understand that a woman’s place is not only in the kitchen. We can run businesses more successfully than they can,” Masego said.
Lerato explained how she overcame some of the challenges. “I’ve made sure that I know my rights and know how people should conduct themselves in a democratic society. With that knowledge I was able to stand up for myself and what I want, and address issues of oppression,” she said, with Masego agreeing.
The duo is currently contracted to complete a multi-million rand construction project in Little Falls.
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