The South African Housing and Infrastructure Fund (SAHIF) has learnt with sadness the passing of Construction industry heavyweight, Dr Thandi Ndlovu.

Ndlovu passed away in hospital on Saturday following a horrific car accident. According to reports, she was on her way to a funeral in Rustenburg, North West.

SAHIF CEO, Rali Mampeule, says this is a sad day for the Built Environment industry in general and the Construction industry in particular. “The construction industry has lost a heroine, a dedicated businesswoman and a selfless leader,” says Mampeule who knew Dr Thandi very well and interacted a lot with her in recent weeks.

“Dr Thandi paved a way for a lot of women in the industry and she was on a mission to unlock more opportunities for others. She was one of the shining stars in the construction industry, thanks to her 20 years experience in the sector.”

Ndlovu, a Medical Doctor by profession, launched Motheo Construction in 1999; a company that was well respected within the sector. The company acquired a grade 9 certificate level from the Construction Industry Development Board.

Growing within the industry, she served as president of the Black Business Council for the Built Environment. Ndlovu also played a pivotal role in the growth of the African Women Chartered Accountants.

“We’d like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Ndlovu family and friends. The news of Dr Thandi’s passing came as a shock, especially this month (women’s month) which we’ve dedicated to women in construction. May her soul rest in peace,” adds Mampeule.

Dr Thandi Ndlovu is on the front cover of the August issue of Forbes Magazine Africa. She will be dearly missed and her contribution to the Construction industry will echo for generations to come.