MBOMBELA – One of the province’s most successful businesswomen has urged both young and old women to consider past failures as a lesson towards success.

“Failure or being rejected once, is not a valid reason for one to give up trying to make a difference in life. Women must keep on trying and someone will eventually support their idea. I urge all of them to stand up and make a difference in their communities, no matter how small it is.”

These were the words of Mbombela-born, determined young female contractor,
Ms Nosizwe Mmako (32), founder of Manodoma Trading, which walked away with two prizes at the recent Govan Mbeki Awards.

These are aimed at honouring all stakeholders who make significant contributions in the delivery of integrated human settlements, and role players who have contributed substantially to government’s endeavours to house the needy within integrated and sustainable communities.

Manodoma Trading was crowned the overall winner in the Best Youth Contractor and Best Woman Contractor categories. Judging criteria included the involvement of the contractor during the process of the project, demonstration of good leadership, employment of youth and transfer of skills, among others.

During the project she provided job opportunities to more than 100 previously unemployed youth.

Mmako ventured into this male-dominated industry after spending a couple of years working as a researcher, and said hard work, passion and determination had seen her through thick and thin in business.

She said finishing a contract in given time and seeing beneficiaries finally having a decent house to live in brought her pleasure and a feeling of satisfaction.

She also expressed words of gratitude to the Department of Human Settlements for recognising the role played by women like her in the community.

Speaking at the awards, the provincial MEC for human settlements, Ms Violet Siwela, said the focus should not be on winning, but rather on how the contractors and stakeholders could improve, in a quest for better service delivery.

“As a department, we would like to acknowledge all stakeholders who go the extra mile by delivering more for the community. This is done through the donation of houses and other structures after construction,” she said.

She added that the department’s allocated budget of R1 380 billion would enable it to establish 10 integrated human settlements, support municipalities with bulk-water and sewer infrastructure, and also provide more than 7 000 housing opportunities to contractors.