Page 61 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

Competence brings confidence, the more you know,

the more confident you become in your work.

Working Independently Competence Brings Confidence
Founder,
Qhakaza Africa Consulting After qualifying, Mandisa worked for various architects, Reflecting on her challenges, Mandisa recounts her
primarily serving higher-income clients, but noticed a gap struggle with language as a Xhosa speaker entering
andisa Pepeta, founder of Qhakaza Africa in services for low-income and township communities. an English-dominated field. “I could write English but
Consulting, shares her journey into the world “Some clients would approach me after hours and on struggled to speak it. I had to read a lot, watch TV, and
Mof architecture and property development. Her weekends for services that my employer did not provide,” practice. There was a time when my children asked why
company provides architectural services and property she explains. Faced with a decision to stay employed I didn’t speak much Xhosa with them. I felt guilty, but I
development solutions, catering to a range of clients, or be in business on her own, Mandisa chose to pursue told them it was because I was busy learning English,”
including individual homeowners, property developers, her business. “I wasn’t exposed to the full spectrum of she explains.
government entities, and corporates. architectural services in my employed role, but working
independently allowed me to offer much more.” It was a Running a business was another challenge, as she had
Mandisa explains, “Part of our service involves taking a brief bold step, she admits: “When I ventured out on my own, architectural training but no formal business skills. “I had
from a client who wants to build a particular facility. We I didn’t tell my mother or friends, as I wasn’t ready for to learn about the financial side of business through
assess the site’s suitability, consider the zoning constraints anyone to discourage me. I had no experience running a training, workshops, and mentorships,” she says. The
according to the municipality, and ensure that the site is business and was taking a risk, but it has paid off.” support from more experienced professionals was
appropriate for their intended project.” Once the feasibility is crucial to overcoming these hurdles.
established, Qhakaza Africa Consulting designs the project, In terms of professional inspiration, Mandisa draws
submits it for municipal approval, and remains involved in motivation from those who pursue quality. “I have met many For young women starting out, Mandisa advises,
the construction management process. Mandisa adds, “We people who approach their work with competence and “You must learn continuously and seek out mentors
ensure that whatever is planned and designed is built to excellence. That always inspires me to do my best,” she says. — people who have walked the path before you.
quality, within budget, and on time. We are always on the Competence brings confidence, the more you know, the
client’s side, making sure the builder constructs the facility A significant part of Mandisa’s work involves educating more confident you become in your work.” She stresses
according to the plans.” clients about architectural processes. “Most people the importance of refining skills and maintaining a
aren’t familiar with architectural services. They may commitment to learning.
Originally from Bizana in the Eastern Cape, Mandisa pursued not understand how their homes came to be or what Looking ahead, Mandisa’s aspirations are centred
her schooling there before attending the former ML Sultan is required for other projects,” she explains. She often around influence within the architectural and property
Technikon, where she qualified in architecture. She admits educates clients about environmental factors, zoning development sectors. “I’ve realised that the people who
that architecture was not her initial career choice, explaining, regulations, and site limitations, such as floodplains or can make significant changes are those in decision-
“I initially wanted to study drama, but I wasn’t audible areas where building a crèche is prohibited due to traffic making positions. I am always seeking opportunities to
enough, and my English wasn’t very good, so I couldn’t get and noise concerns. “The educational aspect of my work have a seat at the table,” she states. Her goal is to be
in. It was a blessing in disguise, as it led me to architecture.” is what I enjoy the most,” she adds. more involved in decision-making processes, particularly
She had been uncertain about her career path after the those that can address industry challenges.
setback in drama, and even considered studying computers Mandisa is a strong advocate for addressing injustices
before friends suggested architecture or town planning in the industry, representing those without a seat at the Outside of her professional life, Mandisa is a mother. “I
due to her artistic flair. “In the first weeks of studying archi- table. Her advocacy work has led her to become involved spend a lot of time with my children, which helps me
tecture, we had orientation to understand what the field was in various professional bodies, including the architectural relax. I used to work long hours, but now I make sure
about, and I was hooked from then on,” she recalls. community within the eThekwini region and the South to reserve time for my family,” she says. She enjoys
African Council for the Architectural Profession, where playing tennis and jogging when possible, prioritising
Mandisa’s interest in drama was driven by the influence she serves as a board member. “I got there because of my a balanced life.
she associated with being on TV, but she found a different advocacy,” she says. “There are many people who don’t
form of influence through her work in architecture. get the same opportunities, and I aim to be the voice Mandisa’s story is one of determination, with a focus
“Although I didn’t end up in the media space, I’ve achieved for them.” She recognises that individuals from certain on education, advocacy, and continuous growth. Her
the influence I sought because architecture is also about backgrounds may feel timid in professional settings, and journey illustrates the power of taking risks, embracing
impacting people’s lives,” she reflects. she is committed to amplifying their voices. learning, and striving for excellence in every endeavour.

Mandisa PEPETA | 59