In a country where infrastructure underpins economic progress and community upliftment, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils stands as a beacon of excellence in South Africa’s construction sector. Under the leadership of Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, Managing Director, the company has not only excelled in routine road maintenance and infrastructure development but has also pioneered transformation, empowerment, and Black business excellence in the industry.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu’s journey into the construction sector is a story of resilience, discipline, and an unshakable vision. The construction and engineering industries have long been male-dominated, yet she has navigated systemic challenges and industry biases to establish VEA Road Maintenance and Civils as a powerhouse in road infrastructure. “Entering this space required persistence, boldness, and the courage to lead by example,” she shares.
This bold leadership has resulted in VEA Road Maintenance and Civils securing its place among the Top 5 Construction Companies in South Africa for 2023 and 2024. Through strategic foresight, technical excellence, and a deep-rooted commitment to transformation, Thoko has positioned the company as an industry leader, known for delivering high-quality, reliable, and sustainable road infrastructure solutions.Her recognition as Businesswoman of the Year at the BBQ Awards is a testament to her extraordinary contributions. She attributes this success to her dedicated team, strategic partnerships, and values-driven leadership.
“This award is not mine alone, it is a testament to the hardworking people who share this vision with me. We are proving that Black-led businesses can lead with excellence, create impact, and redefine industries, says Thoko.
Driving Transformation and Empowerment
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils operates with a vision that extends far beyond infrastructure, it is about nation-building, empowerment, and socio-economic transformation.
One of the company’s core objectives is addressing unemployment in South Africa. Through skills development programmes, mentorship initiatives, and on-site training, VEA actively creates employment opportunities for young people, women, and previously disadvantaged groups. “Every kilometre of road we build represents hope, progress, and a better future for our communities,” Thoko states passionately.
VEA prioritises hiring local talent and upskilling individuals in technical trades, providing them with certified training in civil engineering, project management, and site operations. This ensures that the impact of their projects extends beyond construction, uplifting entire communities through sustainable employment opportunities.
The company has also taken deliberate steps to empower women in the industry. By fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils ensures that women are not just present but are leading, managing, and excelling in key technical and leadership roles.
Meeting Industry Challenges with Determination and Innovation
South Africa’s road maintenance sector faces numerous challenges, including:
- Aging infrastructure that requires urgent rehabilitation
- Funding constraints for public infrastructure projects
- Efficiency bottlenecks in project delivery
- The need for innovative, durable road solutions
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils has adopted a proactive and solutions-driven approach to tackle these challenges. The company’s project execution model focuses on speed, efficiency, and quality, ensuring that clients such as SANRAL, Gautrans, and other government agencies receive top-tier service delivery. “We are relentless in delivering exceptional results with speed and reliability,” says Thoko.
VEA’s cutting-edge technology investments, advanced machinery, and a highly skilled workforce have enabled us to deliver projects on time, within budget, and above industry standards.
A Culture of Excellence and Relentless Drive
At the heart of VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is a culture of discipline, urgency, and excellence, values that drive every project, partnership, and decision. Thoko has built a company where accountability and execution matter, ensuring that every team member, from leadership to site workers, understands their role in delivering exceptional infrastructure solutions.
“We don’t just build roads, we build a culture where people take ownership, think ahead, and execute with precision,” Thoko explains. The company’s ability to deliver on complex, high-stakes projects stems from its deeply embedded culture of resilience, high performance, and purpose-driven leadership. By ensuring every employee aligns with the company’s greater vision, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils continues to exceed expectations and set new industry standards.
Building Economic and Social Value Beyond Roads
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ success is not just measured in asphalt and concrete, but in the economic and social value it brings to South Africa. “Our work is about building strong prosperous futures,” Thoko explains. Through our projects, VEA ensures that:
- Jobs are created for underprivileged communities
- Small businesses and local suppliers are empowered through procurement opportunities
- Young engineers and technical professionals receive training to contribute to the industry
VEA has actively partnered with education and training institutions to ensure that young professionals are equipped with the knowledge, certifications, and on-the-job experience needed to advance their careers.
Beyond Business: Creating Generational Impact
Transformation at VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is not just about diversity on paper, it’s about generational impact. The company’s commitment to Black excellence and economic inclusion is evident in how it uplifts communities, develops future leaders, and opens doors for small businesses.
Through its enterprise development initiatives, VEA actively mentors and partners with Black-owned subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring that opportunities extend beyond the company itself.
“If we are not empowering others to rise, we are failing in our mission. True transformation means leaving an industry better than we found it,” says Thoko. By ensuring meaningful participation in infrastructure development, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is shaping not just roads, but the future of South African business and leadership.
Strengthening Industry Influence
and Thought Leadership
VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is not only making strides in infrastructure & construction but is also playing a key role in shaping industry policies, best practices, and innovation adoption. Through active participation in industry associations, construction forums, and strategic advisory panels, the company is influencing the way infrastructure projects are planned, funded, and executed in South Africa.
Thoko sees thought leadership as a powerful tool for advocating for the inclusion of Black-owned businesses, fostering fair procurement processes, and ensuring that industry regulations support long-term economic transformation. “To change the future of this industry, we must be at the table where key decisions are made,” she asserts.
Fostering a Legacy of Ownership
and Economic Participation
Beyond leadership and job creation, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is committed to driving real economic participation through ownership. Thoko’s vision includes supporting subcontractors, suppliers, and emerging entrepreneurs in transitioning from service providers to business owners who build generational wealth.
By equipping small businesses with operational knowledge, funding insights, and mentorship, the company is ensuring that transformation is not just a temporary initiative but a lasting shift in economic power. “For us, success is not just about completing a project, it’s about creating sustainable opportunities that allow others to build, grow, and lead,” she explains.
A Glimpse into the Future:
Global Expansion and Bigger Impact
As VEA Road Maintenance and Civils continues to grow and improve, Thoko is setting her sights on international expansion.
The company plans to:
- Expand into global markets, particularly in Africa and emerging economies
- Invest in high-tech infrastructure solutions
- Take on larger complex projects, positioning VEA as a global leader in infrastructure excellence
“International expansion is not just about growth, it’s about showing the world what South Africa can deliver and exceed expectations. It’s about contributing meaningfully to global infrastructure development while uplifting our people back home,” Thoko affirms.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
in Infrastructure and Beyond
For Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, entrepreneurship is not just about building businesses–it’s about building people, purpose, and prosperity. She believes that success is rooted in discipline, vision, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. Entering an industry as demanding as infrastructure takes more than just skill, it requires resilience, values-driven leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility.
“Be bold, stay disciplined, and never stop striving for excellence. Trust the process, work with integrity, and surround yourself with people who push you forward. There will be obstacles, but purpose and perseverance will see you through.”
Thoko encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to build businesses that stand for something greater than profit. She believes that entrepreneurship is a calling, one that requires service, accountability, and a willingness to uplift others. “Your legacy is not just what you build for yourself, but the opportunities you create for others. Success is measured by impact, not just income.”
A key part of Thoko’s leadership philosophy is mentorship and continuous learning. She believes that no leader rises alone and that seeking wisdom from those who have walked the path before is essential. “Find mentors who challenge your thinking, refine your approach, and hold you accountable to a higher standard,” she advises. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation, and young entrepreneurs must actively seek knowledge, build relationships, and stay ahead of industry trends.
She also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and long-term vision. In business, patience and adaptability are as crucial as hard work. “Opportunities won’t always come easy, and the road won’t always be smooth. But nothing great is built overnight. If you remain consistent, committed, and focused on delivering excellence, the results will follow.”
For Thoko, business is about more than transactions, it’s about transformation. She urges young entrepreneurs to dream beyond themselves and to use their businesses to drive real change in their communities. “We are here to create something that lasts, to open doors for others, to lead by example, and to show that African excellence is a force to be reckoned with.”
With discipline as her foundation and impact as her mission, Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu continues to pave the way for the next generation of African business leaders, proving that entrepreneurship in South Africa is about grit, growth, and giving back.
Balancing Leadership, Legacy, and Purpose
Being a leader at the helm of a major construction company requires a strong sense of purpose, clarity, and resilience. Balancing leadership and personal life is no small feat, but Thoko has mastered the art of purpose-driven leadership. “Every challenge we overcome is a reminder of why we do what we do, to uplift, to build, and to leave a legacy,” she reflects.
Her ability to lead with empathy, strategic foresight, and unwavering persistence has positioned VEA Road Maintenance and Civils as an industry powerhouse.
Paving the Way for a Brighter, More Connected South Africa
Under Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu’s leadership, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is not just building roads, they are building a strong legacy, empowering communities, and positioning South Africa as a leader in construction and infrastructure excellence.
With a future defined by growth, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership, VEA Roads is paving the way for a brighter, more connected tomorrow. 
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