Preparing women to lead, building businesses to last
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11-08-2026
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“Diversity in demographics also promotes diversity of thought.”
For Dr Zoliswa Tshetshe, Executive Chairman of M&D Construction Group, those words capture one of the greatest opportunities facing South African business today. While construction contracting remains a predominantly male industry, she believes the conversation should move beyond representation alone and instead focus on the value women bring to leadership.
“As a woman, I often bring a different perspective simply by bringing a feminine energy into the discussion,” she says.
One of the few women leading a major construction company in South Africa, Dr Tshetshe believes diverse leadership teams make better decisions because they draw on a broader range of experiences, perspectives and ideas. More importantly, they create companies that never lose sight of the people responsible for delivering business success.
“The executors of a business strategy are not just tools,” she says. “They are human beings.”
For Dr Tshetshe, creating opportunities for women is therefore “about building stronger, more resilient organisations capable of harnessing the widest possible range of talent, experience and insight.”
She is equally conscious of the example she sets.
“When I show up, I do so to represent every other woman.”
It is a responsibility she embraces with humility, recognising that leadership extends far beyond the boardroom. Every decision she makes and every milestone she achieves helps demonstrate to younger women that executive leadership is attainable.
This Women's Month, her message is one of possibility rather than limitation. She encourages women to prepare themselves for the opportunities they aspire to, embrace lifelong learning and pursue ambitious goals with confidence. Success, she believes, starts with purpose, preparation and the courage to bring your own perspective to the table.
From Gqeberha to the Boardroom
Her own journey reflects those principles.
Born and raised in Gqeberha, Dr Tshetshe credits a formative four-year period spent living with her grandparents as one of the defining influences on her life. Those years taught her independence, resilience and self-reliance – qualities that would later shape both her leadership style and her career.
While financial necessity initially influenced her career choices more than personal ambition, she has come to recognise that every experience prepared her for the leadership role she holds today.
"I don't believe anything happens by chance," she reflects. "Every experience has contributed to who I am as a leader."
Curiosity and determination have been constants throughout her career. She also had the privilege of being mentored by M&D founder Andrew Murray during the final years of his career. Rather than simply learning the operational aspects of the business, she immersed herself in understanding the values and culture that had shaped M&D into one of South Africa's most respected construction companies.
Through Murray’s mentorship, she gained a deep appreciation for the principles that continue to guide the organisation. They include Be Safe, Do What You Say, Find the Best Way, Do It Right and Khula Nathi – "Grow with us" – a philosophy that reflects M&D's commitment to developing its people, building enduring partnerships and creating lasting value for the communities it serves.
Those values underpin Dr Tshetshe's own leadership philosophy and continue to shape the culture she is nurturing as Executive Chairman.
Breaking the egg from the inside
For Dr Tshetshe, leadership is neither a title nor a position. She describes herself as a servant leader and often refers to the concept of "breaking the egg from the inside" – the belief that meaningful leadership begins with leading oneself before attempting to lead others.
"I cannot expect to lead others well if I have not first led different aspects of my own life," she says. "How I show up as a leader demonstrates my preparedness to serve others so that they can become better and achieve more."
This people-first philosophy inspired her to pursue a doctorate while serving in an executive role. Her research explored the relationship between organisational culture and business strategy. This has reinforced a conviction that has become central to her leadership approach: strategy may determine where an organisation wants to go, but culture determines whether it will get there.
For Dr Tshetshe, culture is not an abstract concept or a collection of corporate slogans. It is reflected in the everyday behaviours that build trust, encourage accountability and empower people to perform at their best. This is in addition to enabling companies to remain resilient through change while creating an environment where individuals are inspired to grow.
That belief aligns closely with M&D's Khula Nathi philosophy. For Dr Tshetshe, growth is measured not only in projects completed or financial performance, but in the development of people, the strength of partnerships and the positive impact the business has on the communities it serves.
It is also why she encourages women to invest in themselves long before opportunity presents itself.
A blueprint for the next generation
Her advice to young women is refreshingly practical. Understand the role you aspire to. Develop the skills, knowledge and experience required to succeed. Be ready when opportunity arrives.
She likens this to applying for a passport before planning an overseas journey. Preparing in advance signals intent and ensures that when the opportunity comes, there are no unnecessary barriers standing in the way.
She also encourages women to resist comparing themselves with others, choosing instead to focus on their own journey and celebrate every milestone along the way.
"Run your own race," she says. "Celebrate the small wins."
As South Africa celebrates Women's Month, Dr. Tshetshe encourages more organisations to recognise that diversity is not simply about achieving representation targets. It is about creating stronger leadership teams, richer organisational cultures and better businesses by embracing different ways of thinking.
For the next generation of women, her message is equally clear. Believe in your potential, prepare relentlessly, lead authentically and never underestimate the value of the unique perspective you bring.
“After all, diversity of thought does not happen by accident,” she says. “It happens when organisations create space for different voices to be heard and when courageous women are prepared to take their seat at the table.”
For Dr Zoliswa Tshetshe, that is how stronger organisations are built, better leaders are developed and lasting legacies are created.
For more information please contact:
David Poggiolini
Debbie Poggiolini
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