PROFILE: Childhood chore cements this community member’s love for construction
MIDRAND – Women undermined by men in the field of work must fight for their space.
A childhood chore to water her father’s bricks cemented her love and passion for construction.
Rose Tsenase is a sole owner of eight-year-old Bashoeshoe Construction Company based in Midrand. She recalled how she used to be responsible for watering the bricks her father manufactured to build their home in the 80s while she was still in primary school.
“He bought bricklaying equipment to manufacture bricks for his house. I would watch as those bricks are put together to build my parents’ house. Every stage of construction used to fascinate me. Seeing the end product was a fulfilling and exciting experience,” she said.
Tsenase established her company in 2009 while she was still an employee at South African Breweries. “I used to do business part-time and my focus was mainly on the export of cement to some neighbouring countries. I started venturing into construction in February 2011 after I resigned.”
She said one of the biggest challenges she has encountered as a woman in the industry was being undermined by her male counterparts who didn’t believe in her capabilities to deliver. Despite it all, she has encouraged women to join the male-dominated field. “Construction is not a fancy industry. It is for women who are willing to forget about their stilettos, wear protective clothing and get their hands dirty. It is not an easy industry.
“Any woman who wants to join it must be willing to work long hours and be able to handle pressure and stress. They will come across some men who will try to intimidate or undermine them because they’re females. They must be ready to fight for their space.”
The mother of a six-year-old boy said she loves travelling and spending quality time with her son when she is not working. “Regardless of my busy schedule, I am a very hands-on mom. I try my best to play my role as a mother in my son’s life. I spend more time with my family when I am not at work.”
Tsenase holds a degree in marketing management from the University of Johannesburg. She went to Khuthaza – a construction school that focuses on the development of women contractors. She holds several certificates for business development and construction courses. She is currently serving as a council member of the National Home Builders Registration Council.
