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Cape Town – Trailblazing entrepreneur Siyasanga Ngcongca broke the barriers when she entered the male-dominated construction industry, following her father’s death.
The 26-year-old managing director of Lamla Ngcongca Building Construction says her father prepared her for the take-over of the business before the inevitable took place.
"Construction is very male-dominated, but I have come to find that men do not discourage you because you are a woman, instead they challenge you to be better," she said. "What I learned the hard way is that discipline is key for business success. You must be disciplined emotionally, physically and financially."
Siyasanga Ngcongca shared her story with Fin24:
I was born in Langa Township in Cape Town. I come from a family of five and I’m the fourth one of my siblings. I matriculated at St Josephs Marist College in Rondebosch in 2007. I went to study Internal Auditing at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. I worked for various companies such as Syntel and at the Pick n Pay head office as finance clerk.
Finding my destiny
Lamla Ngcongca Building Construction is a family business, which means I have a duty to keep the legacy of the Ngcongca family alive. Taking over was not easy as I was still coming to terms with the loss of my father. I have come to realise the strength I never knew I had and that experience made me a stronger person. I went through changes and challenges that made me realise my true abilities and also finding my destiny.
I recall when I attended a conference this year with a theme, Owami Women: A deep meaningful conversation. One of the speakers there said, “You need to reflect within yourself the one thing that you have always wanted out of life. That one thing that lies within the core of who you are, that dream you had as a child”.
I went into my corner within myself and I remember the times I used to imagine myself owning a boutique and becoming a fashion designer or even a lawyer with my own law firm. So yes, I have always wanted to be in business, but I never thought I would take over my father’s business.
Following in my father’s footsteps was difficult, but he raised a very principled woman. He did an awesome job in raising me, grooming me into business (often deprived of my childhood opportunities) and instilling a sense of responsibility.
Support structure
Because I had literally grown up within the business, I didn’t have serious challenges in operating the business. All the staff working for the company are people that I knew growing up and my support structure was amazing. My brother Zuko kindly took me under his wing and guided me in learning new things every day.
My main challenge though, was managing people, but what helped was the sense of respect that I always had for the people I work with. I have honed my leadership skills so that when needed I can explain in a respectful tone when something needs to be addressed.
Preparation is key
I didn’t have any experience when I took over the business, but I had time management experience since I had to balance my life between working, studying, household chores and I still had to do business admin, which my dad was quite strict about.
I knew the report and quotes, etc. side of things, but I had no idea about getting onto roofs and accessing building sites. One of the opportunities I had was knowing my dad’s business acquaintances such as Richard Arendse and Maria Issacs, who taught me the ins and outs of the construction world. Richard Arendse is mentoring me on how to deal with the insurance industry and claims and how to handle clients.
Preparation is key in any business; I can confidently say that I was prepared for the takeover, but I also knew that, ready or not, I had big shoes to fill. It was overwhelming at first, but now I have a hang of things. What helped me to cope was being gentle to myself.
I had to be honest with myself and understand that I am going to make mistakes just as long as I learn from them. What I learned the hard way is that discipline is key for business success. You must be disciplined emotionally, physically and financially.
Mentorship
Maria has become my great mentor. She has taught me the importance of finding and unlocking the power that’s within and to never take being a woman for granted. She also taught me that as a black woman I will always have to strive for 200% in everything that I do. I truly appreciate having someone like her who constantly reminds me of respect, honesty and trustworthiness in all aspects of life and business.
What drives me is I want to see my true potential. I constantly stretch myself to see what I’m capable of and to take my father’s business to greater heights.
Male-dominated industry
Construction is very male-dominated, but I have come to find that men do not discourage you because you are a woman, instead they challenge you to be better. You also need to be a pusher in this industry and claim your space – that you are here to stay. I have met amazing people who have just allowed me to learn. Clients that I meet every day are often surprised by a woman who gets onto the roof with so much confidence and readiness.
I was born a go-getter and I don’t let gender discrimination get to me. I allow myself to make mistakes. One of the people who have allowed me to make a mark is Wayne Wieman, my mentor who is always just a phone call away. He is very helpful, especially when it comes to conducting business with clients.
Empowering myself
I’m a spiritually grounded women of God; ambitious and full of life. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and empowering my mind. The latest book I have read is Leading Women by Dr Nancy O'Reilly and I also enjoy Robin Sharma books.
Seven stages of self-discovery from the book, The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma, made a huge impact in my life. Another book that changed my life is Mind power in the 21st century by John Kehoe.
Ambition is aspirational – having a goal, hope or desire. Intention implies assuming you are empowered to achieve your ambition and that you take the responsibility to make it happen. Embrace changes in your life and allow the universe to direct you to your destiny.
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