KZN woman wins double at the construction industry awards
The spotlight is shining on women in construction, and one of KwaZulu-Natal’s own has emerged as a leading voice in youth empowerment and mentorship.
Sanele Ndlovu, project manager at Magnacorp Project Managers, was recently honoured at the Construction Industry Development Board’s (cidb) Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards, where she walked away with two accolades: second place in the Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Programme category and third place as Woman Contributor of the Year.
For the KwaMashu-born mentorship champion, the recognition is humbling and affirming.
“It tells me that both our company’s commitment to training youth and my personal journey as a woman leader are being acknowledged,” she said.
“Importantly, these awards also recognise the power of partnerships. Without collaboration with government and industry stakeholders, none of this impact would be possible.”
The honours mark a significant milestone in Magnacorp’s work to break cycles of unemployment and inequality in the built environment.
The company, in collaboration with the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and private partners, has pioneered accredited training and mentorship programmes that go beyond infrastructure delivery to build sustainable futures for young people.
“I believe our work stood out because it goes beyond infrastructure; we focus on building people,” said Ndlovu.
“We focus on accredited training, mentorship, and employment pathways. That collaborative model ensures the work is impactful and sustainable.”
Last month, Magnacorp celebrated the graduation of 45 young people from the rural community of eMbumbulu, south of Durban, who completed a CETA-accredited Further Education and Training (FET) NQF Level 4 in Supervision of Construction Processes, and NQF Level 3 in Construction: Roadworks.
For many of the graduates, it was their first formal qualification.
“Watching them walk across the stage was one of my proudest moments,” she said.
“It was proof of what is possible when the private sector, government and training providers come together.”
Her journey has not been without challenges. As a woman in the male-dominated construction sector, she has had to confront stereotypes and prove her competence repeatedly.
“The biggest challenge was being underestimated or overlooked. I overcame this through resilience, continuous learning, and letting excellence speak for itself,” she said.
“But I also learned the value of networks, mentors, industry allies, and organisations that champion women in construction. No one overcomes these challenges alone.”
That experience fuelled her passion for mentorship, particularly for women entering the industry.
“Mentorship is crucial. Women need not just skills but guidance, role models and networks to navigate this space. When one woman rises, she must hold the door open for others. That’s how we change the narrative for the next generation.”
While proud of the accolades, Ndlovu insists they are not the end goal. Instead, she sees them as a springboard for greater impact.
“This recognition is not a finish line but a launchpad,” she said.
“We plan to expand our training programmes, strengthen partnerships, and grow Magnacorp’s footprint beyond KwaZulu-Natal. Awards like these open new doors to networks, collaborations and opportunities to influence policy. My goal is to keep proving that women-led companies, working with others, can transform not only infrastructure but lives.”