Johannesburg, South Africa – October 2026: VEA Road Maintenance & Civils (VEA Roads) proudly announces that its Managing Director, Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, will make history as the first woman to be inducted into the South African Builders & Construction Awards (SABCA) Hall of Fame.
The landmark recognition will take place at the 19th Annual South African Builders & Construction Awards 2026, on 7 November 2026, at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, under the theme “Building Legacies, Honouring Icons.” Tshabalala-Shandu will be inducted alongside two of South Africa’s most respected nation-builders, Dr Matthews Phosa and Dr Sisa Ngebulana.
Her historic induction represents a significant milestone not only for Tshabalala-Shandu but also for women across South Africa’s construction, engineering and infrastructure sectors. Her recognition reflects a career defined by resilience, entrepreneurial leadership, infrastructure delivery, and a sustained commitment to transformation and inclusive economic participation.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it represents more than an individual achievement. It is a recognition of what is possible when women are given the opportunity to lead, build and shape the industries that define our country,” said Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, Managing Director of VEA Road Maintenance & Civils.
“Being the first woman inducted into the SABCA Hall of Fame is an honour I accept on behalf of the many women who continue to break barriers across construction and infrastructure. I hope this milestone encourages more women to see themselves not only as participants in this industry but also as leaders, owners, decision-makers and nation-builders.”
Under Tshabalala-Shandu’s leadership, VEA Roads has established itself as a leading South African road maintenance and civil engineering company, delivering road maintenance, rehabilitation, civil construction and infrastructure development projects across the country.
Tshabalala-Shandu’s leadership has also been recognised through a series of industry accolades in 2026, further reflecting her contribution to infrastructure, empowerment, and the broader built environment.
The South African Builders & Construction Awards
Now in its 19th year, the South African Builders & Construction Awards (SABCA) has established itself as a benchmark for excellence across the construction and built environment sectors. The awards celebrate and honour the outstanding contributions of South Africa’s construction industry to society, recognising the companies, professionals and leaders whose work is helping to shape the country’s future.
The 2026 awards celebrate an industry that extends far beyond the delivery of buildings and infrastructure. Construction plays a critical role in enhancing lives, stimulating economic growth, creating meaningful employment and career opportunities, fostering strong relationships with communities, driving innovation and advancing the transition towards a lower-carbon future.
For more than two decades, SABCA has positioned its awards as more than simply a celebration of achievement. Recognition at SABCA represents a statement of excellence and places recipients among an elite circle of companies and leaders whose work is helping to define South Africa’s built environment.
About VEA Road Maintenance & Civils
VEA Road Maintenance & Civils (VEA Roads) is a leading Black women-owned South African infrastructure and civil engineering company specialising in proactive, reactive and emergency road maintenance, road rehabilitation, civil construction and infrastructure development.
With a CIDB 9CE, 9GB, 9SB,1SK, 9SH grading and operations across eight provinces, VEA Roads is committed to engineering excellence, safety, sustainability and meaningful transformation while delivering infrastructure that supports economic growth and stronger communities.
Media Enquiries
Candace Laubscher
Chief Marketing Officer
VEA Group
marketing@veagroup.co.za
