Nombeko Khumalo, the woman behind Empilisweni refurbishment project in Sterkspruit Nombeko Khumalo,37 years old, is a passionate professional Architect with over seven (7) years’ experience in architectural conceptualisation, design development and contract management of construction projects.
She was the brains behind the successful completion of the refurbishment of Empilisweni hospital. As a woman she had this to say about being part of this project “Although completing the project in itself was a major success, there were several other achievements recorded as the project progressed. There were no variation orders, no health and safety incidents throughout the construction period and the project was achieved using the in-house team without the appointment of external professional service providers”
Khumalo is passionate about learning and she constantly likes to improve herself. She said her future plan is to add on another skillset that will assist her to be better at what she does. “As a young girl I was curious about the construction industry. I was fascinated by safety boots and helmets and the way the people wearing them seemed to know exactly what they were doing. I always knew that one day that would be me” Khumalo said.
In closing she said the biggest challenges that women continue to face in the workplace are socio-cultural related challenges, particularly in the construction industry that is male dominated. Women often have to work twice as hard to prove themselves. The project awarded three (3) Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) contractors who were responsible for electrical works, landscaping and fire detection.
Article: By Luvo Sandlana
Picture: Supplied