Lutendo Vanessa Lekhade, a skilled bricklayer from South Africa, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning first place in bricklaying at the South African National Artisan Awards. Her journey to success began when she moved to Gauteng from Elim, Limpopo, with her mother. The skyscrapers in Gauteng sparked her curiosity, and she often asked her mother who built them. This curiosity led her to pursue a career in construction.
Lekhade's passion for construction led her to study civil engineering at South West Gauteng College, where she obtained her qualification in 2021. She then gained practical experience in bricklaying through her work at Mavco in 2023. Her hard work and dedication earned her a technical teaching degree from Stadio Higher Education. Today, she teaches bricklaying at Tshwane South TVET College, where she shares her knowledge with students.
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Lekhade faced skepticism about her abilities. However, she proved her doubters wrong through her exceptional skills. Her win in the national artisan awards brought her a R20,000 prize, a Certificate of Achievement, a toolbox filled with construction tools, and the role of artisan ambassador. Lekhade believes that her new role as an ambassador comes with greater responsibility to represent the artisan profession.
Lekhade's experience in the construction industry has been extensive, with one of her major projects being the Lufhereng development under Raubex and Raudev. She worked on both the practical and theoretical aspects of the bricklaying trade. Her goal is to encourage students to view artisan work as a career to be proud of, rather than just a job. She believes that artisans can be employers, not just employees.
Despite her success, Lekhade still faces skepticism from people who question her abilities as a woman in a male-dominated field. Her response to such doubts is to let her work speak for itself. Lekhade's achievements serve as an inspiration to young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Her message to them is to not underestimate the power of their hands and to believe that their background does not determine their future.
Lekhade has also started a side business, Kuhlula Decor and Events, which supplies equipment for events and parties. She began the business in 2022 with one jumping castle and has since grown it through reinvesting her income. Her long-term plan is to establish a place where young people can learn a trade, develop a business idea, and eventually employ others.
Lekhade identifies the biggest challenge facing young artisans as the gap between holding a qualification and having a real chance to use it. She believes that they need more time in workplaces, more mentorship, and more support to start businesses of their own. Her goal is to make a positive impact in her community by providing opportunities for skills development and entrepreneurship.
Key points
- Lutendo Lekhade won first place in bricklaying at the South African National Artisan Awards.
- Lekhade teaches bricklaying at Tshwane South TVET College and aims to inspire students to view artisan work as a career.
- Lekhade started a side business, Kuhlula Decor and Events, and plans to establish a place for young people to learn a trade and develop a business idea.
