Page 15 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

Finish what you start with pride and integrity

“I have a passion for business, and I wanted to use my put all your energy into it, regardless of what obstacles
Founder and Director,
educational background to teach others,” Nontokozo come your way.”
Mcebowethu Projects
explains. “We offer short courses to help people gain
skills, even if they haven’t matriculated.” Her company’s A Vision for the Future
ontokozo Londiwe Dludla, alongside Percy
Phakathi, is the founder and director of mission is to provide accessible learning opportunities, Looking ahead, Nontokozo has ambitious plans for
NMcebowethu Projects, a company established in enabling individuals to improve their prospects. “From Mcebowethu Projects. “My goal is to establish a
2015. Based in Richards Bay within the King Cetshwayo July to November, we trained more than 100 people in skills academy under the Mcebowethu name,” she
District, she has built the business from the ground up, various short courses,” she adds. “We’ve expanded to says. Currently, the company trains in government
focusing on skills development in the construction offer online classes as well, to reach those outside of institutions that provide the space and facilities for
industry. Richards Bay.” their programmes. “But my dream is to have our own

“The company is accredited by the Construction Seta Overcoming Challenges academy where we can offer training directly through
our facilities.”
and offers various short courses, including health Nontokozo’s determination and dedication have
and safety, first aid, and contracting skills,” Nontokozo not gone unnoticed. “Last year, I was nominated for In addition to growing her business, Nontokozo also
explains. “We cater to different levels, from NQF Level the Outstanding Women Leadership Award in India, emphasises the importance of personal balance.
2 for contracting to NQF Level 3 for health and safety.” “To maintain a clear mind and make sound business
and this June, I received the award,” she proudly
Her educational background has been a significant shares. “I was also a nominee for the Women in Africa decisions, I practise meditation regularly,” she shares. “It
asset to her career. After matriculating from Ndesheni initiative, the JAMII Femmes programme, funded by helps me stay calm, think clearly, and reflect on what
High School, she pursued a BA in Information Science at Coca-Cola, which recognises women in business.” I want to achieve in my business and life in general.”
university. She also completed several short courses in Her achievements continued when she won a global She finds meditation to be a crucial tool for grounding
fields such as health and safety, financial management, award in August and was later nominated for the herself amidst the demands of entrepreneurship.
business management, and supervision of construction Sebenza Women Awards in the construction industry. Close your Circle
processes (civil). “The Sebenza Awards are happening November, and
I’m hoping to win,” she says excitedly. “Now, I’m part For Nontokozo, success is not just about personal
“Initially, I wasn’t interested in studying further, but once the KZN Top Business Women Collection 2024, which is accolades but about representing the company’s brand
I joined the business world, I saw the need to understand a significant event for me.” with integrity. “It’s not about me; it’s about the brand I
the industry better,” Nontokozo shares. “So, I committed represent,” she says. “Mcebowethu Projects stands for
to learning more about the business I was running.” However, Nontokozo’s path has not been without empowerment, education, and the opportunity for a
difficulties. One of the major challenges she has better future.” Her personal motto, “Close your circle”,
Inspired by Mentorship
faced is securing financial support. “Finances can be encapsulates her approach to business and life: “Finish
Nontokozo’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a significant hurdle,” she admits. “We often apply for what you start with pride and integrity,” she explains.
a mentor who instilled in her the value of running a funding but don’t always get it, which makes it hard
business rather than working for someone else. “My to keep the business moving forward.” Nonetheless, As Nontokozo continues her journey, she remains
spiritual mentor often spoke about the importance of her persistence has paid off. “In 2020, Mcebowethu committed to uplifting others through skills devel-
owning a business,” she says. “He was a strong influence Projects received funding from the Construction Seta, opment and creating a lasting impact in the
and a key factor in helping me get to where I am today.” and in 2021, we secured additional support from the construction industry. Her story serves as an inspiration
government,” she recalls. to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially young women, to
With the support of a trusted business partner, she pursue their goals with passion, resilience, and a clear
began to pursue her ambitions in the business world. Despite these challenges, Nontokozo remains steadfast vision for the future.
Her research into different industries led her to the in her belief that perseverance is key to success. “My
construction sector, where she saw an opportunity to advice to young women is simple: you are young, so be “It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey,” she
make a meaningful impact. useful,” she says. “If you’re passionate about something, concludes. “And I’m only just getting started.”

Nontokozo DLUDLA | 13