WeeklySA_AdminEXCELLENCE: Multi-award winner aims to provide innovative solutions to those affected by power outages in lower-income groups…
By Robert Tlapu
Electricity loadshedding is a huge crisis affecting every South African, directly or indirectly. This is when a young entrepreneur Thobile Nyawo saw an opportunity to find solutions to the crisis by establishing her company, Isambane Energy and Nyawo Construction.
The 28-year-old entrepreneur’s business journey began during the loadshedding when, armed with her expertise in the construction, energy and connectivity sectors, she established her company Isambane Energy, which is making a significant impact on the industries and communities she serves.
Her company’s focus is to provide innovative energy solutions to bridge the gap for those affected by power outages in the lower and middle income individuals. The Mail &Guardian 2023 Young Influential Business of the Year winner says she is committed to empowerment of women in the business sector.
“I firmly believe in transformation and that by increasing opportunities for women in leadership and entrepreneurship, we can unlock significant economic growth and drive positive social change”, emphasized Nyawo.
Together with Nyawo Group, she also attained the prestigious Top Woman Entrepreneur in the Construction and Building Services Sector title during the 2019 Standard Bank Top Women Awards. The accolades recognised her outstanding leadership, entrepreneurship skills and the impact on the industry through their commitment to service excellence and innovation.
“Receiving the Top Woman Entrepreneur award was a humbling experience that has inspired us to strive for greater heights, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation and service excellence.
“As a child I was fascinated by the construction projects that were happening in my community. Watching buildings go up gave me a sense of excitement and possibility”, reminisced Nyawo on how she got inspiration to be in construction sector.
Nyawo’s vision for South Africa encompasses inclusive economic growth, job creation, and improved infrastructure, particularly in energy and connectivity. She calls for continued investment in these sectors to enhance access to basic services and generate opportunities for business and individuals alike.
A Civil Engineer National Diploma graduate is committed to continuing learning and staying up to date with the industry trends, to help in her dedication to succeed in the sector. Nyawo’s passion is not only to address the challenges of loadshedding, but also to contribute to the country’s economic development and the empowerment of women in the workplace.
Her dedication and drive have earned her the respect from her peers and the industry experts alike, as she is a source of inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs, who aspire to make an impact in their respective sectors.
Nyawo believes that the country can unlock its full financial potential by giving women equal opportunities. “I am confident that through initiatives such as mentorship programs, access to funding, and policy reforms that address systematic barriers faced by women, we can create an environment where women thrive in leadership roles and entrepreneurship”.
