Shando's is part of a competitive construction industry

"When the opportunity presented itself to start a company, I jumped at it. The zeal of owning a business in a male dominated industry was just a plus for me, I wanted to be one of those women who face the challenge head-on and simply do better and excel in it," Ndiweni says. "I want people to know that Shando's Construction is a small company with a big vision.

"My passion is to be part of a transformed and competitive construction industry that delivers quality infrastructure, promotes economic growth and also become a company that cares for its employees." Besides building construction, the company offers a number of services including plumbing, paving, landscaping, electrical, carpentry and painting among other specialities.

First project

The business continues to grow since she and her business partner, Dickson Dladla, started it in 2011. The first project they won was pure luck - she approached a company in Potchefstroom for a project but she didn't give up. She continued to pursue the opportunity until they gave her a chance; however, it turns out that the contract was meant for another woman also named Princess. She grabbed this chance with both hands and never looked back. In four years they have worked on both major and small projects. However, for these two, the size of the project does not matter - they make sure they leave behind top quality work.

It's this quality work that has opened doors for them. Over the years, the company has achieved great results working closely with construction giants such Group Five, WBHO, Dalmar Construction, Trecon Construction, Cross Border, Gorogang and Toro ya Africa.

Shando's Construction's 100 employees are scattered across the Gauteng province working on various projects which include the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital. It's also building a fire station in Germiston, renovating schools and homes and one of the small projects it's working on is building office blocks in Sandton. Previously, the company built the retirement homes in Waterfall Estate, miners' accommodation in Potchefstroom and was contracted by Anglo American to build a block of flats in Rustenburg.

Mentorship programme

Another great referral came from a friend who introduced them to The Hope Factory. The duo joined the Enterprise and Supplier Development mentorship programme and according to their mentor, they are thriving in their business. "It's been a great experience to have someone who's neutral listen to your ideas and give an objective advice. This has made our decision making much easier," she says.

The owners want to grow the company so it becomes a significant player among the best and leave a legacy. Part of this growth also includes introducing more women to the industry. Currently, Shando's Construction employs two female safety reps and wants to expand this in the future. The company is also giving back, and has provided an unemployed youth the opportunity of an internship for gaining valuable work experience.