Global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon has appointed Kolosa Madikizela as its Unit Leader for the Built Environment in Gauteng.

Ferdi Nell, Aurecon Managing Director Africa, says that the company’s built environment capabilities are fundamental to the successful execution of its business strategy and Madikizela’s appointment is key to achieving the company’s business goals.

“I am delighted to welcome Kolosa Madikizela to lead our Built Environment Unit. She will play a key role in bringing together the right people to make sure that we deliver world-class buildings to our clients, as well as use innovation and emerging technologies that will create future-ready African environments,” says Nell.

A wealth of knowledge

Madikizela has built her 14-year career in the construction, property development and engineering sectors at organisations such as Bigen Africa, Aveng Group, and Nexus Facilities Management Company, as well as Life Healthcare and Shell South Africa in facilities management. Her most recent role was as the Managing Director at Pragma, an engineering organisation specialising in physical asset management.

“African skylines are going through a period of unprecedented change. Growing populations and digital disruptions are changing how people live, work and play, and I look forward to pursuing ways to grow the Built Environment Unit and take on more work in Africa,” says Madikizela.

Fostering mentorship opportunities

Madikizela describes her leadership style as coaching and guiding. “Leaders within a business need to give their team members space to shine as well as to learn from their mistakes. As leaders, we need to start becoming more comfortable with showing vulnerability and not be afraid of leading with love because vulnerability is one of the character traits that builds trust.”

“I’m not afraid to say I don’t know the answer to something because it is not always the leaders that have all the answers. Many of the greatest innovations have come from collaboration between employees and staff members who aren’t necessarily in the C-suite. One of my goals is to foster greater mentorship opportunities for our people,” she says.