A fearless female entrepreneur has entered the male-dominated steel industry in the heart of Mpumalanga. Shocky Nengovhela, a driven mechanical engineer from Middleburg, has the courage and foresight to break into a field dominated by men. Nengovhela now stands tall as the company he founded, Tembo Engineering, continues to expand and make its mark.
Steel Excavation Making Room
Nengovhela registered Tembo Engineering in 2016, and he plans to begin full operations in 2020, after earning a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the famous Tshwane University of Technology. She overcame adversity to start a company that provides mechanical engineering services, among which are the creation of maintenance strategies, plans, and design drawings for a wide range of businesses.
“Mechanical engineering is my passion,” Nengovhela says with conviction. It has always been one of my life’s ambitions to work in this field. The success of Tembo Engineering shows how far we’ve gone, and how challenging our journey may have been.
Conquering Difficulties
Nengovhela faced difficulties in launching his company, as do other entrepreneurs. Nengovhela attributes the early success of her business to the help she received from the Department of Small Business Development and its Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda).
Tembo Engineering’s fortunes improved after Nengovhela contacted the Local Economic Development office in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. Tembo Engineering was able to join the Mpumalanga Stainless Initiative (MSI) because to the help of the city government and Seda. The company was able to thrive because to the opportunities presented by B2B trading, increasing supplier trust, and subsidised workshop and office space.
Contributing to a Better World
Tembo Engineering has expanded significantly now that it employs 12 skilled artisans full-time. Nengovhela, however, is realistic about the difficulties expansion can bring, such as a lack of funds, insufficient personnel, and the pressure to maintain a high standard of service.
Despite these challenges, she is enjoying the business expansion process, especially because it has resulted in more employment prospects. Nengovhela remarked, “It is rewarding to know that despite these difficulties, we are making a difference and creating jobs.”
Nengovhela’s motivational rise isn’t exclusive to Tembo Engineering. She recently spoke at the prestigious Vuk Talks, inspiring the next generation of South African business leaders by encouraging them to pursue entrepreneurship after completing their education.
Shocky Nengovhela’s bold entry into the steel sector is an illuminating example of the transformative potential of dedication, enthusiasm, and foresight. She is living proof that anyone can overcome obstacles, shatter preconceptions, and carve out their own niche in any field they so desire with enough drive and support.
About The Author:
Lunga Dlamini is a journalist specializing in African start-ups and entrepreneurship. Lunga’s fascination with innovative business models and emerging market trends guides his writing. He has an MBA and has been with Africa Nova since its inception.
