JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: 9 November 2026 – VEA Road Maintenance & Civils (VEA Roads) proudly celebrates the induction of its Managing Director, Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, into the prestigious South African Builders & Construction Awards (SABCA) Hall of Fame, following the 19th Annual SABCA Awards held on 7 November 2026 in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban.
The induction marks a defining moment in Tshabalala-Shandu’s leadership journey and a significant milestone for South Africa’s construction and infrastructure sector. In what is understood to be a historic first for the organisation, she becomes the first woman inducted into the SABCA Hall of Fame, a distinction that carries significance far beyond individual recognition.
Five Awards, One Shared Vision
VEA Roads’ success at the 19th Annual SABCA Awards is a reflection of the organisation’s continued commitment to excellence, transformation and meaningful contribution to South Africa’s built environment. Adding to the evening’s achievements, Managing Director Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu was honoured with the Best Woman Excellence in Construction of the Year Award, recognising her leadership and contribution to the construction industry.
These prestigious awards recognise different but interconnected aspects of the business: its standing as a leading contractor, its contribution to public works, its approach to creating a positive employment environment and its investment in skills development.
Being named Top Contractor of the Year recognises VEA Roads’ position and contribution within the construction industry, while the Best Public Works Excellence Award acknowledges its role in delivering infrastructure that supports communities and economic activity.
The Best Employer of the Year and Best Excellence Skills Development Company awards further highlight the importance the organisation places on its people, recognising that sustainable business growth and successful infrastructure delivery depend on developing talent, creating opportunities and investing in skills.
A Legacy of Leadership
Leadership in construction is measured not only by the infrastructure delivered but also by the businesses built, opportunities created, people empowered and lasting impact made on the communities that infrastructure serves.
For Tshabalala-Shandu, this recognition reflects a journey shaped by entrepreneurial ambition, determination and an enduring commitment to advancing South Africa’s infrastructure landscape.
As Managing Director of VEA Roads, she has played a central role in building and leading a Black women-owned infrastructure and civil engineering business operating across eight provinces. Under her leadership, the company has continued to strengthen its position in road maintenance, rehabilitation, civil construction and infrastructure development.
Reflecting on the significance of the induction, Tshabalala-Shandu says:
“This recognition is deeply meaningful to me, not simply because of what it represents in my own journey, but because of what it means for the women who will come after me. The construction and infrastructure industry has traditionally been a difficult space for women to navigate, and I hope this milestone demonstrates that there is room for women to lead, build successful businesses and shape the future of our industry.
I see this recognition as a responsibility as much as an honour. We must continue creating opportunities, challenging perceptions and ensuring that the next generation of women can enter this industry knowing that leadership, ownership and success are within their reach. I am proud of the journey, grateful to those who have supported it, and excited about what we can continue to build together.”
SABCA Hall of Fame
While the SABCA Hall of Fame recognises an established contribution to the industry, it also represents an opportunity to look forward.
South Africa’s infrastructure ambitions require strong, capable and forward-thinking leadership. They require businesses that can deliver quality infrastructure while contributing to economic development, skills advancement, transformation and more sustainable communities.
The next chapter of the construction industry must create greater space for diverse leadership and ensure that women are represented across the entire infrastructure value chain.
Tshabalala-Shandu’s induction serves as a reminder that progress is built through the people who are willing to challenge limitations, take responsibility and create opportunities for others.
For VEA Roads, her recognition is a moment of immense pride, but also a reaffirmation of the work that lies ahead: continuing to build an organisation defined by engineering excellence, meaningful transformation and infrastructure delivery that makes a difference.
Her induction is a milestone in her leadership journey. Its greater significance lies in the doors it helps open for those who will follow.
About VEA Road Maintenance & Civils
VEA Road Maintenance & Civils (VEA Roads) is a leading Black women-owned South African infrastructure and civil engineering company specialising in proactive, reactive and emergency road maintenance, road rehabilitation, civil construction and infrastructure development.
With CIDB 9CE, 9GB, 9SB, 1SK and 9SH grading and operations across eight provinces, VEA Roads is committed to engineering excellence, safety, sustainability and meaningful transformation while delivering infrastructure that supports economic growth and stronger communities.
Media Enquiries
Candace Laubscher
Chief Marketing Officer
VEA Group
marketing@veagroup.co.za
