Paving the way for future generations of women in plumbing and beyond.

It's not every day you meet a woman who has boldly stepped into the heart of the plumbing industry, but it’s even more inspiring when that woman has built her company from the ground up. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ntombomzi Sweetness Mbaza, a powerhouse in the construction and plumbing sector, to discuss her incredible journey from an underpaid administrator to the founder of Itha Plumbing - a company that has grown from just two employees to a thriving team of 30.

Sweetness started her career managing an RDP housing project while earning a meager R2,500 a month. She wasn’t just handling paperwork - she was running the entire operation, from securing subcontractors and organizing materials to coordinating building inspections and processing payments. Yet, she worked under a boss whose business ethics left much to be desired.

“I started my business out of anger,” she admitted. “If I could do all of this for him, why couldn’t I do it for myself?”

That fire led her to take on her first independent job, an R1,000 public works project. It was a small step, but one that ignited the foundation of Itha Plumbing.

Like many entrepreneurs, Sweetness faced early setbacks. Her first attempt at building RDP houses failed due to financial mismanagement. Instead of giving up, she pivoted, narrowing her focus solely to plumbing.

She started small, securing minor contracts and submitting quotations until departments began to take notice. Along the way, she groomed her brother and brother-in-law to join the business. Her breakthrough came in 2008 when Itha Plumbing secured its first major tri-annual tender with the metro. Since then, the company has never looked back.

Breaking into an industry dominated by men wasn’t easy. She constantly had to prove herself, fight to be taken seriously, and navigate threats that her contracts would be revoked if she didn’t meet unrealistic expectations.

“I was told who to hire for certain projects, struggled to get yellow machines for bigger jobs, and even had to work with old, unreliable equipment,” she shared. “But I worked even harder until I could buy my own.”

Like many startups, Itha Plumbing faced financial constraints. Loans, sheriff visits, and repayment plans were part of the struggle. However, Sweetness made strategic sacrifices, reinvesting every possible cent into the business to ensure its survival and growth.

Her time with Raizcorp played a significant role in transforming her business. The mentorship and training she received improved her financial management skills, and during her tenure there, she purchased her first major piece of equipment.

Running a company alongside her husband and raising children was another challenge. While her husband and brother handled operations on-site, Sweetness juggled work and motherhood.

“My kids understood my business from a young age,” she explained. “I’d pick them up from school, take them to the site, and help with homework either late at night or early in the morning.”

With Itha Plumbing now employing 30 people, Sweetness remains resilient despite the challenges she faces. Some industry players have tried to push her out, but subcontracting has helped her sustain the business.

“I had to swallow my pride and adapt,” she said. “Owning my resources makes things easier.”

For women looking to enter construction, Sweetness has one clear message: Don’t be intimidated.

“Some men in this industry don’t even know the job,” she pointed out. “Get qualified people, pay them well, educate yourself about your field, and hire someone to handle administration so you can focus on finding opportunities.”

Her entrepreneurial spirit truly shone when she decided to establish her own plumbing company. Her journey from an administrative role in construction to leading her own business exemplifies perseverance and determination, epitomizing the adage that success favours the bold. Sweetness Mbaza's story offers a glimpse into the potential of women in trades. Breaking through barriers and redefining norms, she embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation, paving the way for future generations of women in plumbing and beyond.

For more, visit: Itha Plumbing & Civil Construction