Brenda Ndlovu

Brenda Ndlovu, the founder and CEO of Imbokodo Electrical Construction, shares her story with a blend of pride and humility. “I was always curious about business,” she says, tracing her entrepreneurial roots back to her childhood in Hammarsdale, west of KwaZulu-Natal. “My mother was a street vendor, and I was exposed to the world of sales at the tender age of six. From then on, the idea of being employed by someone else never really appealed to me.”

Her company’s work involves electrifying rural areas that previously lacked power, and recently, has moved into transmission, building substations and pylons. “We’re involved in vegetation management, including clearing alien trees along power lines. Our clients include municipalities, Eskom, and private entities,” she explains. The company, which began as a small endeavour in 2002, has grown into a key player in the industry, electrifying over 100,000 homes and constructing thousands of kilometres of power lines throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

Brenda’s introduction to the electrical sector came by chance. While still in school, she was offered a job by an electrical contractor who used to give her lifts. “I was curious and eager to learn, and within a year, I’d taught myself everything in the office,” she recalls. It was during this time that she realised her potential in the field. With the encouragement of her foster father, Rob Hill, Brenda registered her own business at just 22 years old.

She acknowledges the unique opportunity that came with being a young, black woman entering a male- dominated space. “My company was the first black- owned, female-led electrical construction business in the area. It definitely gave us a boost, but we’ve earned our place through hard work and consistency over the last 23 years.” Brenda’s company has been recognised as the Eskom Contractor of the Year 2012, as well as runner up as both the Sebenza Women of the Year in Construction 2022 and FMI Impactor of the Year.

Balancing Business and Motherhood
Brenda’s motivation has always been her children. “I have four girls, ranging from young adults to a nine- year-old,” she says. “Growing up, my dream was to be a mother who could provide for her children in ways I never experienced. Being my own boss was the ideal way I could achieve that.”

Balancing her role as a business owner and a mother has been a central theme in Brenda’s life. Following her divorce, she reshaped her company to allow more flexibility. “I didn’t want to be tied to an office all day. I structured my business so I could have the freedom to parent and still run things effectively. In the past two years, I focused on expansion, but I made sure I could spend quality time with my youngest daughter and six- month-old grandson,” she shares.

Brenda’s parenting approach extends beyond her own children, impacting her employees and the communities they serve. “In the early days, I would visit schools to scout for workers. Many of my employees are people whose families I know well. It’s not just a business; it’s a family affair,” she says with pride. Her dedication to uplifting rural areas through electrification is not merely a job but a passion that she finds deeply fulfilling. “Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they get electricity for the first time is priceless.”

Overcoming Challenges
Navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry has not been easy. “In the beginning, being both black and a woman was an issue. I had to prove myself three times over to be taken seriously,” she says. This reality demanded that she learn quickly and work harder than her peers. “Being a Zulu woman brought its own set of expectations, and I wasn’t given time to grow into the role of a boss. I had to hit the ground running.”

The lack of mentorship in the early years slowed her progress compared to her contemporaries. “I was self- taught, and there was no one to show me the ropes,” Brenda reflects. “When I see others who started later but moved faster, I realise they had access to coaching that I didn’t.” Despite these setbacks, she has maintained a steady momentum, which has kept her business strong over the decades.

For Brenda, setbacks are simply indicators of where to make changes. “I don’t see business highs and lows as different. I think my mother shielded me from the tough times growing up, so I learned to handle business as a constant. When things dip, it’s just a sign that we need to adapt.” This resilience was especially tested during the Covid-19 pandemic, but her positive outlook remained intact.

Looking to the future, Brenda is eager to expand Imbokodo Electrical Construction into the independent power producer business. “I want to move into biomass and wind turbines. South Africa, and Africa at large, has a massive need for innovative energy solutions, and I want to be part of that trend,” she says. The government’s recent move to open up the energy sector presents an opportunity that she is ready to seize.

Her advice to young women aspiring to follow her is straightforward: “Just start. You don’t need all the skills right away because the industry will teach you what you need. It’s the action that matters — it’s doable.”

Brenda’s spirituality plays a role in her journey. “I start my day with personal devotions, it’s a routine that grounds me, especially with my children being such a big part of my life.”

Brenda’s story is not just about building a business; it’s about creating a legacy. “For me, business is more of a hobby,” she admits with a smile. “I love strategising, seeing my plans come to life, and watching my team grow. The real reward is knowing that I’m making a difference, not just in my own life, but in the lives of my employees and the communities we serve.” Her journey continues to light the way for others, illuminating not just homes, but the path for the next generation of women entrepreneurs.