Top honours for construction industry female entrepreneur

Her unassuming demeanour and humility can be easily mistaken for weakness, but Goldswift Construction projects manager Thandiwe Nziramasanga is fast making a name for herself in the construction industry through her dedication to excellence and quality workmanship.

A mother of two, a community builder and a top executive all rolled into one, Nziramasanga has carved a niche in the construction industry working with her husband Budwell Nziramasanga.

Nziramasanga said it was their dedication to quality workmanship and respect of set rules and regulations in the sector that have carried the day for her company.

“The construction industry is not a stroll in the park particularly at a time when competition is at its highest given the general boom in the sector,” she said.

“The public sector, the private sector and even individual citizens are engaged in various construction projects and competition amongst peers in the sector is at its highest.

“Our greatest distinction and advantage as a company has been our commitment to professionalism and quality workmanship in all that we do.”

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The company has rolled out various projects that have been well-received by their clients.

“We are bringing the game to the local construction industry through tailor-made and market-tested services and products under our flagship brand,” Nziramasanga said.

“As government and the private sector continue to push the housing for all narratives through various projects we have rolled out various campaigns, among them the Build Wise campaign, which encourages clients to adhere to government regulations in land acquisition and construction as well as ensuring quality in their projects.”

Goldswift Construction has registered a big boom in their business with various reputable award boards recognizing their efforts.

“Our approach to business has brought us a lot of good and we are happy with the general surge in our business as clients go after our market-tested and tailor-made construction services,” Nziramasanga said.

“From last year to this year, we have seen our company bagging reputable awards while attracting new clients on the market.”

Nziramasanga, who recently walked away with a Virtuous Woman Leadership award at the recent Zimbabwe CEO’s Network awards also thanked the market for the show of confidence and pledged to continue churning out quality projects.

“There is a general boom in the construction business and as a company we have seen our efforts being recognized through various accolades that attest to our quality work,” she said.

“As this growth in the sector continues, it is, however, important that the industry is regulated to achieve greater good.

“President [Emmerson Mnangagwa] has continuously called for sanity in the construction industry and has blasted land barons that are affecting government efforts towards affordable housing for all. In spite of all the setbacks, I believe we are in the right path and we should continue working together to achieve this dream.”

Nziramasanga, who started off in the construction industry in 2015, said while real estate is a good investment, individuals and companies must apply due diligence when acquiring land and properties.

“Having been in this industry for almost a decade, I can safely say Real Estate is a good investment and owning a home or property is a dream for everyone,” she said.

“However, it is very important that as you invest in property you do it the right way. Everything must be done right starting from the land acquisition to the actual construction and commissioning of your property.

“Many have lost a fortune after buying land from barons who sell undesignated land or they engage dodgy construction players that short-change them through poor structures.

“At Goldswift Construction, we are bringing the A game to the industry through quality services to those that seek quality, professional and market tested construction services.”

She said the amount of ongoing construction work in Zimbabwe speaks to economic progression, but it was important that the right checks are put in place to avoid truancy along the way.

“A viable construction industry is a good indicator of economic development and progression. When a country’s populace embraces continuous improvement at personal and business levels, they invest in erecting buildings and structures that ensure corresponding quality shelter for their families while housing their business ideas for increased productivity,” she said.

“This explains the general progression of the local construction industry even amidst the generally challenging economic environment.

“At Goldswift Construction, we are happy to play our part in ensuring sanity in the local construction industry towards economic growth.”

Established in 2015; Goldswift Construction is a multi-award winning company, which has embraced quality and affordable construction services that border on excellence.

“We apply the ‘build wise and safe’ approach to business to cushion our clientele from the widespread land barons as well as crooks that sell stands at undesignated points and go on to construct sub-standard structures that cannot withstand the drudgery of harsh weather conditions and oftentimes get razed down by local authorities citing illegality,” Nziramasanga said.

“Our major objective is to become a one-stop service provider for all construction-related work starting with the feasibility studies of whatever land they have through to the design and architecture and last, but not least the actual building and construction.”

Nziramasanga said their business scope feeds into existing programmes by both government and private players aimed at ensuring housing for all while ensuring a viable economy that promotes excellence and productivity across sectors.

“We are a growing organisation led by qualified and experienced personnel that carry big dreams to build the value of the business and increase its market presence through brand developing so that it becomes a by-word for quality and consistency,” she said.

“Beyond satisfying the market, we believe in good corporate governance, although our focus is mainly on the customer and we maintain an active role in society. We are therefore happy to see continued efforts to regulate the local construction industry.”

Nziramasanga also emphasised the importance of environment protection within construction as promulgated by government through the relevant ministry as well as government agencies like the Environment Management Agency (EMA).

“The up-keep of the environment is very dear to our hearts. In simple terms we advocate for the development of individuals, society and the environment,” she said.

“We are happy that government through the relevant ministry and EMA is doing all it takes to ensure preservation of the environment.”

Concerning her experience in the male-dominated construction industry, Nziramasanga said she was happy to be playing her part in the male-dominated industry and is proud to have formed a formidable force with her husband and business partner.

“This is a calling and challenge for us and we believe we are geared to give our best towards a business that will forever be cherished in Zimbabwe and beyond,” she said.

“Some of our projects were commissioned by the president, which attests to the scale of our dreams.

“We are focusing very attentively on the needs of a specific target market through monitoring our performance and ensuring quality service delivery at all times.”

Goldswift Construction has also been commended for its commitment to community development through various corporate social responsibility programmes.

“We are a brand that cares. Beyond making sure that we operate profitably, we have also invested in various corporate social investment projects that have been well received by the beneficiaries,” Nziramasanga said.

“We have supported various disadvantaged students with educational support while giving to various charities.

“The hope is that we continue on this path until we set up a Goldswift Construction fund specifically dedicated to that cause.”

As we wind up women’s month, Nziramasanga challenged fellow women in business to stand up and be counted.

“Women are born leaders and it is my hope that even as we wrap up women’s month, many take up the challenge,” she said.

“Nothing can stop you for as long as you have clarity of intent. Your commitment must get you started but more importantly, your consistency and professionalism will help you achieve.”