Pioneering excellence in a male-dominated industry

Xoliswa Daku

Her company, DCI Holdings, is widely recognised as the house of commercial and residential property development, construction, and facilities management. These are achievements she is most grateful for.

Xoliswa could not attend the award ceremony, due a very demanding client commitment. She cried the tears of joy and feeling absolutely bad for not being able to be there. This is what she had to say about the award: "I feel honoured; it is indeed a special recognition and proves my resilience in a tough environment. The award is not an honour but an assurance to all other women in business that we have the skills and capacity to lead these key industries. I want to thank the judging panel, the sponsors, and the organisers for recognising my achievements; it is an amazing feeling to be acknowledged for the hard work and dedication I have invested in my business. This gives testament that South Africa has outstanding leaders in business."

Women can make it

For her this proves that women can make it in a male dominated industry and strive to be on the same par with the male counterparts. After ten years in business, she is determined to build a strong and reputable brand, based on competencies and quality and being able to compete in infrastructure beyond the South African market and gaining growth and sustainable revenues shows testament that DCI Holdings will still be standing in the next decade.

Before branching out on her own, she was the Head of Local and International Investment of Trade Promotion for Wesgro. That is when she pursued her entrepreneurial dream and formed DCI Holdings, the then investment and property development. With companies like Transnet, PRASA, Intersite, Coega Development Corporation in their client list to mention just a few.

It is not only about building an empire but Xoliswa has spent her life empowering women and young people through programmes such as SAWEN, SANWIT, SAWIC, YWA and has built a relationship with CPUT and the Northlink College for internships. She continues to do so through spotting young entrepreneurs and supporting their business.