Building more than buildings: What women in construction can teach us about leadership

In the dynamic field of construction, the importance of strong leaders cannot be understated. For GVK Siya-Zama, empowering women leaders is key, and on International Women’s Day 2025, the company celebrates the leadership of its group project director Jabu Serithi in an exclusive Q&A session which reveals her true qualities as a leader.

Q: Which project are you most proud of and why?

Serithi: I would say our Khulani Special School project, as it aligns with my values and has made a significant impact on its community. Located in the rural valley of Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, the project was initiated to address the challenges faced by children with special needs.

During the site handover, I witnessed the difficult conditions that the children endured, including inadequate facilities and poor living conditions. This experience deeply moved me and made me appreciate the potential of the school to improve the lives of these children and their caregivers.

Although it wasn’t a large-scale project, its ability to address genuine community needs and inspire hope for a better future, makes it special to me.

Q: What one piece of advice would you give to women considering the construction industry as a career?

The construction industry is among the toughest fields – in my opinion, second only to mining. It requires resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to one’s principles. Success requires both cognitive and emotional intelligence; you need to blend these skills to tackle the daily challenges of the industry. It’s a powerful arena for personal growth, as it continuously prompts one to be one’s best self.

Q: What’s one piece of advice would you give to someone who is NOT considering the construction industry, but should?

Even if other career paths may seem more appealing, they often lack the vibrancy found in the construction industry. This field is rich with unique opportunities and fascinating life stories waiting to be discovered.

Q: Do you have any routines or practices that help you stay grounded under pressure?

I find solace in listening to audiobooks. Those moments in my car between meetings help me retreat and recharge. I find that they make it easier to tackle daily challenges.

I try to include exercise in my daily routine. While I don’t often have enough time for this, I recognise the importance of physical activity for mental and physical health, and I also encourage my colleagues to prioritise their wellbeing. I believe that pursuing one’s interests and passions is also vital for managing stress effectively.

Q: Could you discuss a recent project that you’re particularly excited about?

I would say the Transnet head office in downtown Johannesburg, on Rissik Street near Park Station. This project is significant as it connects to Transnet’s heritage in South Africa’s transportation history. I find inspiration in the executives’ vision of returning to their roots while establishing a meaningful head office.

The building will feature a unique heritage library of all things rail, including rare rail encyclopaedias, symbolising South Africa’s strong legacy in engineering and locomotion. Expected to be fully operational by mid-2025, the head office aims to centralise all Transnet employees, which reflects the evolving transport needs of our country. I am excited to be part of a project that will involve inner city rejuvenation.

Q: If you could collaborate with anyone – living or deceased – on any project, who would it be and why?

It would definitely be Miranda Priestly’s character in the movie, The Devil Wears Prada, (2006), played by Meryl Streep. The movie eloquently combines two of my favorite things: fashion and leadership styles in an organisation. I think she could teach me a thing or two about both subjects.

Q: What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not working?

In my personal life, I cherish being a mother, wife, friend, sister and daughter. These connections are what I value most outside of my parofessional endeavours.

Q: What is one personal goal you’re currently working towards outside of your career?

Restoring a gem of a classic car – something well engineered; or perhaps mastering the art of making a vanilla soufflé like my daughter does!

Q: Could you name 10 people you would like to invite for dinner?

I would invite Ursula Burns, the first black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company; Thandi Ndlovu, founder and chair of Motheo, who has sadly passed on; Trevor Noah, who’s smart, funny, and masterfully in tune with his audience; Eusebius McKaiser, for his intellect and ability to articulate, but who was sadly taken from us too soon; Khanyi Mbau, for her bravery; Evander Holyfield, because my dad admired him and this instilled in me a love for boxing; Muzi Dladla, my late father who inspired my career choice and who would never stop talking to Holyfield if they were seated at the same table; Max Verstappen, because he’s so arrogant and competitive and I love that he owns it; Indra Nooyi, because she is as real as you can get, she’s a wife and mother, and a pillar of society in business; and finally, Ithumeleng Serithi, my dear husband and my rock.