Thobile Nyawo, the founder and chief executive of Isambane Energy and Nyawo Construction, is emerging as one of the young business leaders in South Africa, contributing to the country’s economic growth and addressing the ongoing challenge of load-shedding.
With her expertise in the construction, energy, and connectivity sectors, Nyawo is making a significant impact on the industries and communities she serves.
The 2023 Mail & Guardian young influential business of the year journey began during the load-shedding crisis, where she recognised the need to find solutions that would accommodate middle and lower-income individuals.
At the age of 28, she established Isambane Energy, a venture focused on providing innovative energy solutions to bridge the gap for those affected by power outages.
“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,” said Nyawo, highlighting her commitment to empowering women in the business world.
With a national diploma in civil engineering and over eight years of experience in leadership and business, Nyawo has built a strong foundation for her ventures.
At Nyawo Construction, she adeptly balances strategic planning with operational execution, guiding the company toward success.
“My experience in the construction, energy, and connectivity sectors has provided me with the skills and expertise needed to succeed in these fields, including strategic planning, financial management, project management, and stakeholder engagement,” said Nyawo.
She said practical experience and self-taught knowledge can help when navigating complex industries.
In recognition of her outstanding leadership and entrepreneurship, Nyawo and her Nyawo Group received the prestigious Top Woman Entrepreneur in the Construction and Building Services Sector title at the 2019 Standard Bank Top Women Awards.
This accolade highlights their impact on the industry and demonstrates 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,” said Nyawo, reflecting on the recognition they received and their determination to continuously improve.
The Nyawo Group has been acknowledged as a leading and innovative company in the energy and connectivity sectors.
They were honored as a finalist in the Energy and Water Sector category at the 2020 SA Premier Business Awards, which celebrates businesses that exemplify excellence across various fields.
“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, highlighting the transformative power of construction that continues to inspire her to innovate and lead in these industries.
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 businesses and individuals alike.
“I would like to see our country flourish, particularly in terms of economic growth and job creation. By increasing opportunities for women in leadership and entrepreneurship, we can unlock significant economic growth and drive positive social change,” said Nyawo, emphasising her commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
As a role model for young business leaders, Nyawo encourages reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, building diverse teams, prioritising work-life balance, and embracing failures as steppingstones to learning and development.
Her commitment to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends exemplifies her dedication to success.
Nyawo’s passion, leadership, and entrepreneurship make her a trailblazer in South Africa’s business landscape.
Through her ventures, she is not only addressing the challenges of load-shedding but also contributing to the country’s economic development and the empowerment of women in the workplace.
Nyawo’s dedication and drive have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and industry experts.
She has become a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, who aspire to make a significant impact in their respective fields.
Looking ahead, Nyawo envisions a South Africa that flourishes in terms of economic growth and job creation.
She believes that by harnessing the potential of women and providing them with equal opportunities, the country can unlock its full economic potential and drive positive social change.
“I am confident that through initiatives such as mentorship programs, access to funding, and policy reforms that address systemic barriers faced by women, we can create an environment where women thrive in leadership roles and entrepreneurship,” Nyawo said.
As a leader, Nyawo understands the importance of collaboration and building strong networks.
She actively engages with industry experts, attends conferences, and keeps up with the latest research and developments to ensure she stays at the forefront of her field.
Nyawo believes that by fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge, the business community can collectively work towards a brighter future for South Africa.
Nyawo’s success story serves as a testament to the potential and capabilities of young entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Her innovative solutions, commitment to excellence, and dedication to empowering others are paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous business landscape.
