Wendy Mbanjwa

What does your company do?

We are a construction company that is proudly contributing to the transformation of South Africa’s built environment. As building contractors, we specialise in partnering with property developers to deliver quality Social Housing projects. At the heart of our work is a deep commitment of addressing the housing crisis in South Africa and restoring dignity to our communities by providing safe, affordable, and well-built homes. In addition to housing, we also focus on Building refurbishment, with a strong emphasis on upgrading and revitalising government schools. By transforming neglected educational facilities into safe, functional, and inspiring spaces, we invest in the future of our country. Ensuring that learners can thrive in environments that support their growth and potential. Our third pillar of expertise is Civil works, where we construct essential infrastructure such as roads and stormwater systems. Through this work, we aim to enhance connectivity, mobility, and economic opportunity in our communities by delivering reliable and lasting infrastructure. We are driven by a mission to build with purpose, empower communities, and help shape a more dignified and sustainable future for all.

What is your biggest success?

My biggest success has been winning the prestigious CIDB ERWIC Award in August 2024 under the category of "Project Delivery Excellence." This moment was incredibly special for me because it validated the work we do at Lungolwakhe Group. It showed that our efforts are recognised, that our contribution matters, and that our work is on par with industry standards. Winning this award gave both myself and my team a deep sense of pride and renewed confidence. In an industry that presents many challenges, this recognition reminded us that we are on the right path. It affirmed our commitment to delivering impactful projects, especially in underserved communities, and encouraged us to keep going with even greater purpose and determination.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

My biggest hurdle has been Access to market, particularly as a woman operating in a traditionally male-dominated industry like construction. Competing in a space where many businesses have built track records over several decades comes with it’s own set of challenges. As a relatively new player, it has been difficult to earn the same level of trust as so much weight is placed on years of experience. There’s also a significant amount of red tape when trying to penetrate the market. Many opportunities require proven experience, but it's hard to gain that experience without first being given the chance. It's a catch-22 that many of us as emerging and women-led businesses face. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to pushing through those barriers. Every project we deliver is a chance to prove our capability and continue building a solid track record of excellence and reliability. Also we have distinguished our selves as Contractors who care and who are fuelled by wanting to make a positive change in our society first.