Startup Story
The civil and building construction industry sectors are traditionally tough industry sectors to break into as a young, ambitious entrepreneur. But for Thobile Nyawo, founder of Nyawo Construction in South Africa, she believes there are no hurdles in business that cannot be overcome with hard work and tenacity.
LoA chatted to founder Thobile Nyawo this month to learn more.
What does your company do?
Nyawo Construction, which has been in business since 2015, is in the business of civil and building construction. Today we have a workforce of 150 people.
“My future plans and aspirations for the company are to become one of the top construction companies, not only in South Africa, but also in Africa, and to empower as many people as we can.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I wanted to build and leave a legacy.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Nyawo Construction is a 100% black owned construction company. We offer quality services to our customers.
Tell us a little about your team
Wow, I love working with my male colleagues, even though they are such work at times! But they are good in terms of delivering on production and quality, and very professionally. At Nyawo Construction, we are one family.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I am a young, award winning entrepreneur who has founded my own construction company at the age of 19 years. I hold a National Diploma in Civil Engineering. By the age of 24, I was honored by the BBQ (Black Business Quarterly) Awards 2019 as Best New Entrepreneur of the Year, and also the Top Empowerment Awards Youth Employment Service Initiative of the Year in 2019. I have also launched the Thobile Nyawo Foundation that empowers women and youth to go into entrepreneurship.
“What gives me the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur is the fact that I am able to empower other people through my business.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To become one of the top construction companies, not only in South Africa, but also in Africa, and to empower as many people as we can.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The fact that I am able to empower other people through my business.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Wow, before you go out into the world, you need to know who you are, set a standard for your life, and believe in yourself. Also, importantly, get a mentor. Never settle for less than your best!
Find out more
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL nyawoconstruction@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
Breaking into tough, traditionally male-dominated industry sectors as a woman entrepreneur can be a challenge, particularly if you are also young. But for Thobile Nyawo, founder of Nyawo Construction, she is not daunted by such challenges and is simply driven by her ambition and determination to build a successful, game-changing business that empowers and creates opportunities for others. Thobile is definitely an entrepreneur to watch in 2020 as she continues to grow her successful business to the next level. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa