A strategic leap for infrastructure leadership
A new era in South Africa’s transportation landscape is unfolding, as the Sihamba Sonke Mobility (SSM) Consortium makes history by placing Black women entrepreneurs and executives at the forefront of a major infrastructure initiative in the country’s rail sector.
The SSM Consortium is a collaboration of industry leaders: African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), Alstom, AWCA Investment Holdings Pty Ltd (“AIH”), GIBB-Crede, Motseng Investment Holdings (Motseng), and RATP Dev. With formidable Black women-led businesses like Motseng and AIH playing pivotal roles, the consortium has also partnered with MIH Rail and Infrastructure (MIH) and Nozala Women Investments (Nozala) to reimagine South Africa’s transportation sector.
Together, the collective has answered the Gauteng government’s call to identify a new operator to upgrade, modernise, maintain, and operate the Gautrain system. The consortium aims to provide innovative, localised solutions, enhancing the transport system for millions of commuters.
In an industry where 83.3% of the workforce is male, the SSM Consortium is committed to shifting the narrative by placing accomplished Black women-owned and managed businesses at the helm of both project companies and subcontracting roles. These enterprises have demonstrated strategic foresight, deep industry expertise, and a proven track record in executing complex infrastructure projects while advancing economic participation.
Driving inclusive growth in infrastructure
The participation of women-led companies in this multi-billion-rand initiative represents more than a symbolic step; it is a bold leap toward meaningful economic inclusion and equitable leadership. Their expertise and influence highlight the crucial role of diverse leadership in advancing South Africa’s infrastructure agenda.
By investing in the rail sector and the broader urban mobility ecosystem, these businesses are contributing to the country’s economic advancement. Their involvement strengthens the consortium’s capacity to deliver innovative, locally relevant solutions that will modernise the Gautrain system and improve mobility for millions.
As members and extended participants of this consortium, these companies are setting a powerful precedent for Black female leadership in high-impact industries, positioning the consortium as a key partner in the transformation of public transport.
A new era of leadership
At the helm of these women-led companies are visionary Black South African leaders, whose leadership ensures the project is grounded in credibility, capability, and long-term impact. Key figures include Ipeleng Mkhari (Motseng), Gugu Sepamla (AIH), Makgola Makololo (Alstom), Nthabiseng Kubheka (RATP Dev), Gwen Mahuma-Madida (MIH), and Mandla Msimang (Nozala). Their companies lead by example, empowering Black women at all levels and fostering sustainable change within the industry.
Speaking on behalf of these enterprises, Ipeleng Mkhari, CEO of Motseng Investment Holdings, said, “This consortium represents a bold step toward ensuring that South Africa’s infrastructure development is both inclusive and future-oriented. Our leadership in this space demonstrates the critical role that Black women can and should play in major infrastructure projects. We are not only investors, leaders, and decision-makers, but also active contributors to South Africa’s economic progress.”
While only 21.9% of businesses in South Africa are women-owned, Mkhari emphasised that this partnership highlights the vision, capability, and networks that female-led enterprises bring to drive large-scale infrastructure development.
Inspiring future generations
The leadership of these trailblazing women challenges industry norms and inspires the next generation of Black women to step into leadership roles within infrastructure and technology.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Month under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equity, and Empowerment,” the SSM Consortium is proud to contribute not only to rail and bus transport but also to opportunities for young professionals, particularly women in STEM, who now have powerful role models to look up to.
“We are not just breaking barriers - we are redefining them. For RATP Dev, this reaffirms our commitment to equity, empowerment, and creating opportunities for all women and girls. By fostering a culture of inclusion, we are not only transforming our industry but also strengthening our nation, ensuring that South Africa’s future is one of shared prosperity and opportunity for all,” shared Kubheka.
Beyond leadership representation, these Black women-led enterprises ensure that South Africa’s infrastructure transformation is sustainable and community-focused. For example, Motseng, through its property and infrastructure portfolio, has championed local supplier development by integrating SMMEs into large-scale projects. Nozala has, through its public benefit organisation shareholders, funded capacity building initiatives for women in infrastructure, technology and education. AWCA Investment Holdings (AIH) is a 100% Black women-owned enterprise, where shares are held by natural persons, making AIH a unique professional, women-led investment company with deep financial and strategic expertise. AIH also continues to invest in financial literacy and mentorship programmes for young female professionals.
This historic initiative goes beyond leadership representation. It signifies a commitment to reshaping South Africa’s mobility sector in an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable manner.
