Nathisha Singh

What does your company do?

Transcendence Developments is a Turnkey Development, Commercial and Project Management Company offering a comprehensive range of professional services in the built environment sector, specializing in retail and commercial developments. Our services cover the full development lifecycle, including: Conceptualization of Development Projects Land Acquisition & Strategic Planning Feasibility Studies Facilitation & Presentation of Investment Cases for Client Approval Project Funding & Financing Applications Commercial Management (Budgeting, Cost Control & Scheduling) Project Management (Planning, Resourcing, Procurement, Risk & Stakeholder Management, Construction Management till Closeout) Liaising with Authorities Development and Strategic Marketing & Communication Tenant Co-ordination Commercial Property Leasing Managing Sustainability Initiatives Quantification of Insurance Claims Exhibition and Court Space Management Services Services Training We are known for our hands-on, turnkey approach, and our ability to deliver projects that offer exceptional returns on investment.

What is your biggest success?

Our biggest success to date has been the riot rebuild of Springfield Value Centre in Umgeni, KwaZulu-Natal. Following the devastating political riots in July 2021, most of the centre required demolition and rebuilding. We were involved at every level, from conceiving the new rebuild and putting together the business case, to managing the tender process, engaging and managing the professional team and contractor, and overseeing the budget. We also handled contractor issues, communicated with tenants, coordinated subcontractors, and briefed development marketing. Crucially, we assisted our client in settling the substantial insurance claim. Despite immense challenges, the R300 million project was completed within an ambitious seven-month timeframe, on time, within budget, and exceeding expectations. This project truly showcases our resilience and ability to deliver under pressure. Receiving the "Woman of the Year " award at the 2024 Big Five Construction Industry Awards was a profound validation of this journey, symbolising not just my professional achievements, but a triumph over personal, professional and societal barriers towards building a successful, 100% black-woman-owned company.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

My biggest hurdle in establishing Transcendence Developments was the initial lack of capital and the prevailing skepticism towards a new business. Compounding this was the "triple jeopardy" of being an Indian woman in a male-dominated construction and development sector, facing gender and cultural stereotypes, a devaluation of women's capabilities, and a lack of professional support. I invested my personal savings and leveraged existing credit lines as securing traditional funding proved daunting. Financial institutions, focused solely on current monetary traction and track record, disregarded my extensive experience from previous roles. They are inherently risk-averse, unwilling to see potential in a startup with no prior business history or assets. Despite my passion, confidence, and readiness to work tirelessly, overcoming this initial capital barrier and the ingrained biases was the most formidable challenge I faced. Gratefully, S A Corp was willing to take me on as an Enterprise Development Partner, and I was able to demonstrate my immense resilience, unwavering passion, and relentless work ethic. Thus began our successful journey together.