Page 181 - KZN Top Business Leaders

VIROSH SINGH

irosh Singh, the dynamic CEO and founder have lacked formal education. “Many of our team in my journey. It’s not about materialism; it’s
of Construction for Africa, is a self-made members don’t have qualifications. That reminds about achieving goals I set for myself. Watching
entrepreneur who embodies the grit, me of my own journey. I see the potential in videos of my dream car kept me motivated
V vision, and heart of true leadership. He people. I mentor them, groom them, and in during tough times.”
founded the company in 2011 as a sole proprietor, turn, I learn from them too. It’s reciprocal. When
and in 2012 he turned it into a Pty Ltd. Since I see them running a department or managing His advice to fellow entrepreneurs is both practical
the business has grown into a team of over 80 a project on their own, it’s an indescribable and profound. “Separate your personal and
employees. feeling.” business finances. Draw a salary like your staff.
Keep overheads low. Build cash flow. And most
The company operates in two distinct yet The culture at Construction for Africa is rooted importantly value relationships over money.
complementary divisions. “We have a contracts in respect, collaboration and mutual support. Relationships will carry your business further than
department that focuses on civil and general “We’re not a traditional top-down business. We any deal ever could.”
building works; we can build from the ground up solve problems together, we innovate together.
and construct roads,” Virosh explains. “And then It’s a team. That’s how we’ve built something On leadership, he says: “Be honest. Be transparent.
there’s our minor works division, which is where sustainable.” Talk to your team, even when things go wrong.
the business really started. It’s close to my heart. Support them, invest in their growth, and always
We handle day-to-day maintenance jobs, often for Asked about his proudest accomplishment, Virosh say thank you. Without them, there is no business.”
insurance companies, malls, and other commercial doesn’t mention awards or profits. Instead, he says:
environments. That includes all the relevant trades “It’s the journey itself from starting in a three- Looking ahead, Virosh has big dreams for his
within our industry, and we’ve built a team of in- square-metre basement with no staff, no car, no company. He says, “Over the next five years,
house tradesmen to manage it all.” cash, to having a structured business with systems, we’re aiming to go fully digital, integrating AI
clients, and people who believe in the vision. That’s and robotics into our processes and reshaping
What sets Virosh’s story apart is not just the scale of what I’m most proud of.” how construction is done. We want to lead that
his success, but how it was built from absolute zero. shift, not just in South Africa, but across the
“I didn’t have much of an educational background,” OVERCOMING STRUGGLES continent.”
he says honestly. “I studied electronics at Phoenix
Technical School but never used it. My first job was Virosh’s challenges were immense. “Starting this The company is already laying the groundwork for
delivering newspapers. Then I worked in a printing business was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” this evolution. “We’ve begun investing in advanced
factory and eventually joined a shopfitting he says. “No one wanted to help. No banks, no technology, including robotics for tasks like
company, where I grew professionally. When that suppliers, no clients. I had nothing. I was bankrupt.” painting,” Virosh explains. “Our goal is to reduce
company closed down, I had nothing. No job. No manual labour and instead train our team to
income. That was the turning point.” So, he built his business on trust. “I convinced operate and manage these new systems. It’s about
suppliers to give me 30-day credit terms. I told upskilling, not replacing.”
Virosh faced repeated rejection in the job market. them we were a growing company with upcoming
“People would say I had no qualifications. Others contracts. Then I found tradespeople willing to One of the most exciting innovations is an AI-
said I had no experience. I was stuck. I told myself work with deferred payments. I project managed generated room that will allow clients to visualise
enough is enough. I’m going to change my own everything. When we got paid, I made sure their buildings before a single brick is laid.
destiny.” everyone got paid. That’s how I built credibility.” “We’re rethinking every part of the process,” he
says. “And just as importantly, we’re committed
LEADING WITH PURPOSE Virosh lived in near-poverty for four years, to bringing our people along on this journey;
sacrificing personal comfort to build a stable empowering them to grow from labourers into
Virosh’s entrepreneurial philosophy is underpinned cash flow and company foundation. “People don’t skilled technicians, operators, and future leaders.”
by a deep sense of responsibility, not just to clients realise how lonely and tough it can be at the start.
or shareholders, but to his team. “My purpose is But I knew that if I could make it through those And his life motto? “Never stop dreaming. Dream
simple,” he says. “It’s about creating clarity and early years, I’d build something meaningful.” as big as you want; no matter how impossible it
structure in the company, building flow and may seem. Everything starts with a vision. And if
efficiency, but most importantly empowering the THE MAN BEHIND THE MISSION you can dream it, you can achieve it.”
people within the business.”
Virosh’s drive is personal. “I’ve always been Virosh has built not just a business but a legacy that
He takes great pride in creating opportunities for passionate about cars,” he confesses with a smile. lifts others, innovates with purpose, and proves
others, especially those who, like himself, may “Every time I change a car, it marks a new chapter that no dream is too bold.
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