​For Zandile Mbali, a 32-year-old woman from Tsakane in the Eastern Corridor, life had come to a standstill. After years of being at home with no prospects, she found a new path, one she never imagined for herself. Today, she is proudly studying Building Engineering at the Xilembeni Project, Centre of Excellence, a Non-Profit Organization funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
Mbali had always dreamed of becoming a Social Worker, but financial difficulties forced her to put her education on hold. She struggled with uncertainty, unsure of how to move forward. That changed when a friend, already a student at Xilembeni, introduced her to the diverse training programs offered at the institution.

Initially, she hesitated at the thought of joining a male-dominated industry. The idea of lifting bricks, mixing concrete, and working on construction sites seemed intimidating. However, the encouragement of her classmates, mostly men gave her the confidence to take a leap of faith.

“Women are underrepresented in the construction industry, but my dream is to start my own construction company. Turning back is not in my vocabulary,” said Mbali with determination. “The men in my class are incredibly supportive, and that has made all the difference.”

Determined to succeed, she started researching the experiences of women in construction. She discovered the challenges, discrimination, harassment, gender bias, and the struggle to balance work and family life. But she also realized that the right work environment and support system could make all the difference.

On her first day at Xilembeni, she was introduced to the basics of digging and setting a foundation, both literally and figuratively. With each passing day, her confidence grows, and she now looks forward to furthering her education and expanding her skills.

She hopes to inspire other young people, especially women, to explore opportunities beyond traditional careers. “Many learners give up on life when they can’t afford university, not knowing that the government offers opportunities like Xilembeni,” she says. “I want to share this information because too many young people in my community are falling into dangerous lifestyles, such as substance abuse.”

One of the most pleasant surprises for Mbali was the support she received at Xilembeni. The institution provides transportation and daily meals, a small but significant gesture that eases the burden on students. Today, she stands tall as a future builder, ready to pave her own way. With graduation on the horizon, her next step is to establish her own construction company, proving that no dream is too big — even in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Her story is of resilience, courage, and the power of second chances. With hard work and determination, Zandile Mbali is not just building structures, she’s building a future