Top female contractor rides crest of success
FOR Thandiwe Nziramasanga, navigating through the male-dominated construction industry is not an easy feat, but she is determined to remain at the top of her game.
She says she is happy to be playing her part in the sector and is proud to have formed a formidable force with her husband and business partner to rise to the top of the industry.
Nziramasanga’s contribution has seen Goldswift Construction, a company for which she is the projects manager, being named the platinum winner at the recent Zimbabwe CEO’s Network awards.
“This is a calling and challenge for us and we believe we are geared to give our best towards a legacy business that will forever be cherished in Zimbabwe and beyond,” she said.
“Some of our projects were commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, 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.”
Nziramasanga lauds progress being made in the construction industry as a sign of Zimbabwe’s economic progress but says land barons and other illicit dealers in the industry are threatening to spoil the game.
As the Government and the private sector continue to push towards fulfilling the "housing for all" narrative through the construction of various projects and other initiatives, Nziramasanga called for concerted efforts towards this ideal programme.
She says there is need for proper regulation of the industry for the progress to continue on an upward trend.
“Housing for all is a welcome ideal and as a mother and a woman in construction, I am encouraged by the efforts being made by the Government in the quest for affordable housing,” she said.
“It is, however, important that the industry is regulated to achieve greater good. The President has continuously called for sanity in the construction industry and has blasted land barons that are affecting
Government efforts towards affordable housing for all.
“Despite all the setbacks, I believe we are on the right path and we should continue working together to achieve this dream.”
Nziramasanga said while real estate was a good investment, individuals and companies should 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 shortchange them through poor structures. At Goldswift Construction, we are happy to service those who seek quality, professional and market-tested construction services.”
The industrious mother of two said the amount of ongoing construction work in Zimbabwe speaks to economic progress, but it is 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,” she said. “When a country’s populace embraces continuous improvement at the 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.
“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.”
Nziramasanga said it was important for those in the housing construction sector to protect their clients against misfits.
“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,” she 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.
She emphasised the importance of environmental protection within the construction as promulgated by the Government through the relevant ministry as well as government agencies like the Environment Management Agency (EMA).
“The upkeep 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 the Government, through the relevant ministry and EMA, is doing all it takes to ensure the preservation of the environment. We owe it to future generations to protect the environment.”
Nziramasanga said the construction industry required excellence.
“Excellence remains the cornerstone of our operations and we are happy to be a growing market leader in construction through professionalism and adherence to set standards,” she said.
“Every project is an opportunity for us to prove our mettle and we are happy with the positive feedback that we are getting. Repeat business forms the bulk of our portfolio and bedrock of our future success.”