#WIB - Q&A With Tshidi Mndzebele Co-Founder Of AvenirHoldings -

1. Can you please tell us more about your business?

AvenirHoldings Pty Ltd is a multi-disciplinary engineering and construction project
management and 100% black-woman owned firm. We specialise in industrial, mechanical,
electrical and C&I, civil and structural, quantity surveying, architectural and construction
project management services in the public and private sector. We have ECSA and SACPMCP
registered engineers and construction project managers respectively.

We are registered with Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA). Furthermore, we
are affiliated with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Commitment and
Undertaking employer with the commitment of supporting young candidate engineers to be
professionally registered with ECSA to increase their marketability nationally and
internationally. We are particularly passionate about increasing the number of female
engineers in the working environment. We been able to contribute towards
the development of young graduates through bursaries and scholarships of more than 20
graduates between the period 2017 to 2020.

AvenirHoldings triple ISO certified firm i.e. Occupational Health and Safety – ISO 45001:2018,
Environmental – ISO 14001:2015 and Quality – ISO 9001:2015. We have been part of the Aurik
Accelerator programme and Black Umbrellas programme and subsequently received the
accolades of “Most Jobs Created in 2018 and 2019 consecutively.

2. When, how and why did you start your business?

In the early years of the 2010s, I found myself immersed in the corporate world, working
diligently, climbing the corporate ladder, and gaining valuable experience in the engineering
field. The more I worked in this sector, the more I became aware of the immense opportunities
that lay ahead, particularly in South Africa and beyond. It was during this time that the seeds
of AvenirHoldings (Pty) Ltd. were sown.

The name “AvenirHoldings” was chosen with careful consideration. Derived from French
origins, “Avenir” means “future.” This name perfectly encapsulated our vision for the company
– to be at the forefront of innovation and progress in the infrastructure and built projects
industry. The year 2014 marked the birth of AvenirHoldings, and it was a significant turning
point in my career.

The decision to start my own business was not taken lightly. It was driven by a deep desire for
independence, a yearning to be my own boss, and the freedom to chart my own course. I had
gained the necessary knowledge, experience, and confidence to take the risk and venture into
the world of uncertainty. It was time for me to be in control of my own destiny.

The business was founded with a specific focus on engineering services, but it was more
than just a business venture; it was a calling. We were inspired not only by Africa’s immense
potential as the next investment destination of choice and global economic leader but also by
a profound understanding. We believed that for the continent to fulfil its potential, it needed to
prioritize the development of key infrastructure.

Our passion for Africa and our deep expertise in the built environment domain made it clear
that we needed to be part of this transformation. Thus, AvenirHoldings emerged as a specialist
provider of engineering, project management, construction, and total facilities management
solutions. We were driven by the belief that by delivering innovative and leading solutions in infrastructure and built projects, we could contribute significantly to the development and progress of the continent.

As we embarked on this journey, we were fuelled by a sense of purpose and determination. The name “AvenirHoldings” symbolized our commitment to shaping a better future through our work. It was a name that reflected our vision, our values, and our unwavering dedication to building a brighter tomorrow for our continent, Africa.

3. What is your role in the business?

I am the co-founder and CEO of the company.

4. Where did you study and what did you study?

National Diploma in Industrial Engineering at University of Johannesburg – 2005
B-tech in Industrial Engineering at University of Johannesburg – 2008
Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration at GIBS – 2009
Master in Business Administration at GIBS – 2013
Currently pursuing a PhD at Wits Business School – 2023

5. How did you finance your business?

At inception we used own equity in a form of provident fund monies to start the company
however, during the course of the business journey we used working capital and asset
financing from external financiers i.e. Spartan SMME Finance.

6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

First of all, there is definitely no such in my world, each day comes with its own challenges,
trials and successes.

The average day is not your typical 8-hour day but a possibly a 12hour plus workday. I am
responsible for developing strategic plans for the organisation, implementing and managing
existing plans and policies, creating plans to achieve goals the company sets, improving the
company’s financial strength, supporting any relevant transformation as well as setting all vital
standards in an organisation.

My role includes the management of various functions such as finance, sales and marketing, business development, governance and compliance, operations whilst managing stakeholders such as employees, clients, suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders.

Essentially, I am the first person who is accountable and responsible for the organisation’s
performance which reflects our success or failure as a business.

7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?

I do daily afternoon walks at a nearby nature reserve, this which helps to boost my mental
sharpness and fills my body with the much energy needed and support for overall well-being and
relaxation. I try my very best to spend as much time as possible with family doing various family
activities.

8. What drives you and inspires you?

I am inspired by the fact that every day is a new day, yes with new challenges but equally with
new opportunities and possibilities such as to be the best version of myself vs the previous
day, development of others around, be it employees, clients, communities and improvement of
organization with the objective of reaching set goals and vision.

I am also inspired by the great potential that lies in the POWER of CHANGE. For me, making
a difference in others and empowering others drives me everyday. I am a firm believer of that
“one person and one action, can have a contagious ripple effect that can make a huge
difference” in the lives of many around the world. As a professional engineer at heart, I believe
every problem has a solvable solution out there. All I need to do thoroughly apply myself and
others to reach a workable solution.

I find it particularly inspiring and encouraging to be around people who are greatly intelligent
with a combination of humility and empathy for their communities with the objective of
constantly making the world a better place.

9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

My mind generates ideas all the time, good or bad, in any state of mind, in any environment.
However, I have found that my best ideas are generated very early in the morning before the
buzz of phone calls, emails and meetings. Sometimes, strangely enough some ideas literally
wake me up early in the morning until I have written them down in my journal. This allows me
to reflect on the ideas objectively at a later stage.

10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?

Our service offering is predominantly a B2B offering. We are still very much traditional in our
approach of marketing and advertising our business. We have a marketing strategy of
penetrating a certain number of new clients a month and we ensure introductory presentations
with prospective clients, registering on relevant client databases, etc.

We are currently engaging the services of a digital marketing specialist to assist us to
navigate the current digital landscape.

11. What is next for your business?

Due to the kind of engineering technical expertise we have in-house, we have commenced to
play in the skills and development space as a registered ECSA Commitment and Undertaking
employer. This means we have access to qualified engineering mentors who are ready and
willing to impact their skills and knowledge to make a difference in engineering in South Africa
by mentoring engineering candidate mentees to be professionally registered. The importance
of professional registration to candidates is mainly to make them more employable and
marketable even to the international world.

12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?

Discovering your genuine passion and transforming it into a business endeavour can lead you
down a path where work feels more like a joyful pursuit, making it a fundamental prerequisite
for all entrepreneurs. This aspect carries even greater significance for female entrepreneurs,
given the multitude of roles we often juggle. When you engage in what you genuinely love, the
demands of entrepreneurship become a fulfilling journey rather than a mere job.

As I reflect on the invaluable journey of entrepreneurship, I am reminded of the countless
lessons I’ve learned, the hurdles I’ve overcome, and the dreams I’ve transformed into reality.

I’ve been asked what advice I would give to aspiring female entrepreneurs embarking on this
exhilarating adventure.

In the heart of South Africa’s diverse and dynamic business landscape, aspiring female
entrepreneurs face unique challenges and opportunities. The journey to starting and growing
a business can be particularly demanding in a country where gender biases persist and male
dominance prevails in many sectors. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that South African women
also bring a unique perspective, resilience, and dynamism to the business world.

To empower and inspire female entrepreneurs in South Africa, here’s some valuable advice:

Leverage Your Unique Perspective:

South African women have a distinct viewpoint shaped by their experiences, culture, and history. Use this perspective to your advantage. Understand the needs and aspirations of your community, and tailor your business idea to address those issues. Your unique insights can be a powerful tool for success.

Build a Strong Support Network:

Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs who can guide and support you. In South Africa, various organizations and networks are dedicated to empowering women in business. Seek out these resources, attend networking events, and connect with like-minded individuals who can provide guidance and encouragement.

Invest in Education and Skills:

Continuous learning is crucial for any entrepreneur. Invest in your education and skills development. Consider enrolling in business courses, workshops, and seminars to enhance your entrepreneurial knowledge. In South Africa, many institutions and online platforms offer affordable training opportunities.