My Experiences In The
Construction Sector
A Presentation by
Thandeka Nene
Humble Beginnings
How I got into construction?
The Birth of
Bonelena Construction
When did I start
my business?
Projects Past & Present
Bonelena Construction has successfully worked on various projects ranging
from R8m to R60m and a turnover – on average - of R50m per annum.
 CURRENT

Ivuna High School Classroom Renovations

PMB Magistrate Court Rehabilitation Project

Christ the King Hospital Nurses accommodation

St Charles Johnson Memorial Hospital expansion

P230 Eshowe Road Construction
Past & Present Cont…
COMPLETED
 Various Schools (8) construction of
classrooms, laboratories, lavatories,
fencing etc
 Tugela Ferry Hospital sewerage upgrade
 Newcastle School Hostel Construction
Challenges in the Construction
Industry
• Difficulty in accessing finance
• Tender Process
• Professional Team
• Lack of industry experienced staff
• Sourcing material
Challenges I Face as a Young
Black Business Woman
Managing my time as a wife, mother and a
business woman
Keys for Success
ADVICE FOR WOMEN ASPIRING TO ENTER THE
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
 Passion and Drive
 Hands On
 Education and Experience
 Time Management
 Financially Savvy
 Don’t capitalise on woman empowerment
 Allow yourself some “me-time”
Possible Interventions by
the
Department of Public Works
Under-pricing/Tender documents
The Consultants
Career Highlights
 Reaching CIDB grade 7 level within 4 years
 Bonelena has 600 people in it’s employ
 Offered 7 students internship contracts
 Offered 5 bursaries to deserving students
 Donated funds to various charities
 Acquisition of essential business equipment i.e. plant, trucks and property
 Sub-contracting with smaller companies that have now reached CIDB grade 4
level
 Awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the KZN MEC for Education in 2006
 Awarded the National Women in Construction Excellence certificate in 2009
 Awarded by CIDB the National Women in Construction Excellence Certificate
The Road Less Taken….
My Personal Vision
Thank You!
Thandeka
Mahlalempini – Nene
Tel: 033 386 2080
Fax: 033 386 2085
info@bonelena.co.za

NDip Teaching (TSA)

BEd. Hons (Univeristy of Potchefstroom)

NDip Engineering (Technisa)

NDip Project Mngt (Varsity College)

Cert. Training Fundamentals (UNISA)

NQF Level 4 Cert. Construction