In a male-dominated industry, Mpumi Mnguni, the visionary founder of Bethu Project, is redefining the role of women in construction. Established in 2013 and based on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, Bethu Project is a 100% Black-woman-owned construction company specializing in civil construction, general building structures, and roadworks, including pothole repairs and slurry sealing. The company also offers secondary services, such as ClearVu fencing, palisade concrete fencing, and gate installations.
For Mpumi, construction wasn’t just a business venture, it was a passion and a statement of purpose. Tired of the constraints of an 8-to-4 job, she took a bold step to build her own legacy in an industry traditionally dominated by men. “I didn’t want to follow the conventional path of women in business – cleaning, catering, I had to divert and challenge myself,” she says.
Her journey has not been without challenges, but Mpumi believes that true success begins with a dream and passion. “If you want to start something, you must have a vision, like Martin Luther King. It’s not about doing what everyone else is doing, but about having the patience to build something meaningful.”
Through Bethu Project, Mpumi is not only transforming infrastructure but also inspiring the next generation of womento step into spaces where they are often underrepresented. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and breaking barriers in the world of business
Mpumi Mnguni, the visionary founder of Bethu Project