She is a very dynamic businesswoman who started in the local mechanical and civil engineering landscape in 2008 and is still making the most in the industry.
Zoe Sibawu is self-assured in her company, Ezobuhle Trading Enterprise, which specializes in plant hire in the area.
It all began when she was hired as a trainee engineer at a dolomite mine. She recalls registering at the company as a young, part-time mining and mineral processing student.
Zoe went on to share one of the challenges she has faced in her career, as she once landed a contract, but did not have the funds.
Her mother and high school sweetheart, now husband, stepped in to make sure she had enough money to see the contract through.
As part of Seriti’s sponsored Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, Zoe is currently receiving business training and mentoring, the Women in Mining programme, which debuted in May of this year.
This programme was developed and is being managed by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over the next eighteen months.
Seriti’s ESD programmes aim to develop local SMMEs to create a pipeline of supply chain to ready businesses who can secure procurement opportunities, both inside and outside Seriti and to develop existing local suppliers and SMMEs to enable them to realise scale and drive supplier diversity in their supply chain.
According to her she has already learnt much about improving her company’s processes and procedures and she wishes to learn more about marketing the company’s services and obtain financial opportunities.
“Don’t limit your ability just because you are a woman,” said Zoe.
CVC’s Managing Director Wybrand Ganzevoort, says the programme’s twenty entrepreneurs will be skilled and their companies developed to grow, thus increasing their competitiveness and ability to attract further business.
It is especially this aspect of the programme which appeals to Zoe as she hopes to improve herself thereby benefiting the company and its fifteen employees.
In addition to learning from mentors and trainers, entrepreneurs in the program benefit from the exchange of contacts and best practices.
Zoe has only positive things to say about the program and her fellow trainees. “Talking to these ladies has made me realize that I am doing fine and that we women are much stronger than we think.”
Her husband, a civil engineer, joined her in the business. Although Zoe jokes that she is still the boss, both at work and home, she is full of praise for her man for being the ‘civil brains’ of the business and sharing the load of business and caring for the children and the home.
This vibrant businesswoman and mother of three young daughters enjoy travelling, especially to the Garden Route, and taking walks to relax and loves to watch science fiction movies.
Her final advice to those interested is to, “accept it won’t be easy ‒ you must have perseverance, thick skin and always give your best in what you do. You will be doubted, but don’t let that bring you down or discourage you from your dreams.And when you feel overwhelmed, which you will when things aren’t going well, take time to breath, re-evaluate your plan and be kind to yourself.”
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