Serisha Sirputh's vision for women leaders in South Africa's construction industry

Serisha Sirputh, director of Durban-based company LDM, believes that South Africa needs more women at the decision-making table in the built environment industry.

Sirputh, who is also a professional quantity surveyor with over 18 years of experience in the built environment sector, said every woman who steps into leadership creates a pathway for others.

“I’m committed to using my voice to help more women not only enter this industry but thrive in it.”

She said she is passionate about mentoring women in the built environment industry and driving initiatives that create a more inclusive and connected sector.

LDM specialises in quantity surveying and construction project management, overseeing all aspects from planning to completion, including cost, budget, timeline, and quality.

Additionally, LDM offers services in engineering, procurement, and construction management, programme management, facilities management, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure master planning.

Alongside her technical role, Sirputh also oversees operations, IT, and HR, as well as staff training and wellness programmes.

“I’ve been fortunate to grow in a company that truly invests in its people, believes in training, and promotes from within.”

She said having incredible mentors has shaped not just her skills but her confidence.

“For me, success has come from staying organised and treating time like gold. In this industry, things move fast, and if you’re not on top of deadlines, something critical can easily slip through the cracks.”

Sirputh said building genuine relationships has also been vital to the success of the business.

“This industry is as much about people as it is about projects, and the colleagues, clients, and mentors I’ve connected with have opened doors I never even knew existed.”

Above all, Sirputh said what is key to her success is that she continues to learn.

“Just when you think you’ve mastered it all, a new technology, method, or trend changes the game, and staying curious keeps you adaptable and ahead.”

However, Sirputh said despite the progress women entrepreneurs have made, some hurdles remain stubbornly in place.

She said a significant hurdle for women-led businesses remains access to funding. Many struggle to secure the necessary capital for growth, often due to investor bias, stringent collateral requirements, or a general lack of serious consideration.

Old stereotypes also linger, from questioning women’s leadership skills to expecting them to manage full domestic responsibilities alongside their careers, she added.

“These pressures can limit both time and opportunity. And then there’s the gap in mentorship and (professional) networks.

“Without strong connections and role models, many women feel like they’re navigating their careers alone, which makes the climb to leadership that much harder.”

Sirputh advises aspiring women entrepreneurs to utilise their existing resources and to bravely pursue dreams that exceed the expectations of others.

“You don’t need perfect conditions to start making an impact. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and allies who believe in your vision and will challenge you to keep growing. Understand your numbers inside and out, because financial literacy gives you power and confidence in negotiations.”

She emphasised that both the difficulties and successes faced by women entrepreneurs are integral to their unique voice, urging them to embrace their individual stories and journeys as these elements differentiate them.

“Be willing to embrace technology and digital tools to market creatively, work smarter, and expand your reach. And above all, be resilient.

“Setbacks will come, but they are lessons, not failures. Celebrate the small wins along the way; they are the stepping stones to bigger success.”

karen.singh@inl.co.za