SA Affordable Housing May - June 2019 // Issue: 76 | Page 40

PERSONALITY PROFILE
Keep pushing forward,
no matter what
In the spotlight this month is Katleho Mallela, a director and
majority shareholder at Anquet Construction Solutions, based
in Bedfordview, Johannesburg.
K
atleho Mallela holds multiple qualifications under her
belt - a BA Postgraduate degree in International
Relations and Media Communications from Monash
University SA and also boasts qualifications in Project
Management from Wits Business School.
“I have a passion for project management and the
construction industry as a whole, and value the role that
women are beginning to play in this industry as well,”
Mallela says.
LIFE OUTSIDE WORK
Life is fairly relaxed and slow paced outside of the work
environment. Mallela enjoys going to the gym on a regular
basis, reading, immersing herself in literature and travel
when she can. For the most part, work usually keeps her
busy Monday to Friday, so she makes the most of her time
outside of work and relaxation is her usual go-to.
“My father got me involved in the construction industry. He
inspired me to take an interest, from visiting construction
sites with him when I was younger, listening to him talk
about the industry and his work. This led me not only to be
inspired but drawn to the industry,” Mallela shares.
She joined Eskom before Anquet and her interest in
construction, engineering and project management grew
from there. Up to now, Mallela’s career has been filled with
growth and learning as she admits it is a tough industry with
many challenges, but rewarding in many ways.
WORTHY ACHIEVEMENT
Mallela says her most significant achievement to date has
definitely been learning and evolving within the company
over the years in which she holds a majority share.
Mallela remembers, “When I went up on behalf of the
Anquet team to receive the South African Forum of Civil
Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) 2018 Presidential Award
for Most Valued Participation & Commitment by a Member
Company, it was definitely one of the main highlights of my
career. Not only do I work for a great company, but a
company that commits itself to creating change in the
construction industry, especially in such a prestigious
organisation as SAFCEC.”
THE MOTIVATION
Mallela’s inspiration comes from seeing how the
[construction] platform is gradually changing to embrace
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MAY - JUNE 2019
GETTING INTO CONSTRUCTION
Katleho Mallela, director and majority shareholder at Anquet
Construction Solutions.
women in senior and management positions in an industry
that has otherwise been known to have a long history of
male domination.
“It is inspiring to wake up every day knowing you are
working to not only change the infrastructure of the
country, but the way in which women are perceived within
it. I am proud to work for a female-owned construction
company,” states Mallela proudly.
HER ADVICE FOR OTHERS
“What I have learnt is to keep pushing forward even when
facing adversity. Nothing comes easy, and challenges are
part of the process. They are there to test you and build
you and its only up to you to wisely utilise what you have
learnt. Be a sponge and soak up what you can, there is a
wealth of knowledge out there – you just need to be open
enough to receive it. Go out there and GET IT! Nothing will
come to you if you are not willing to work hard for it, keep
trying and striving, always,” adds Mallela.
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