Breaking Barriers: Black women-led consortium spearheads South Africa’s rail revolution

IN A landmark development that could redefine the face of infrastructure leadership in South Africa, the Sihamba Sonke Mobility (SSM) Consortium has emerged as a trailblazer by placing Black women entrepreneurs and executives at the forefront of one of the country’s most critical rail modernisation projects.

This isn’t just another corporate initiative — it’s a seismic shift in an industry long dominated by men.

With heavyweights like African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), Alstom, AWCA Investment Holdings (AIH), GIBB-Crede, Motseng Investment Holdings, and RATP Dev joining forces, the consortium is reimagining South Africa’s public transport system. But what sets this collaboration apart is its audacious commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that black women-owned businesses are not merely participants but leaders driving change from within.

The Gautrain — a lifeline for millions of commuters — stands to be transformed under their stewardship. For Ipeleng Mkhari, chief executive of Motseng Investment Holdings, this is more than just business as usual.

“This consortium represents a bold step toward ensuring that South Africa’s infrastructure development is both inclusive and future-orientated,” Mkhari said. “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.”

In an industry where 83.3% of the workforce is male, according to national statistics, the rise of these women-led enterprises is nothing short of revolutionary. Only 21.9% of businesses in South Africa are owned by women, yet here they stand, leading a multi-billion-rand project poised to reshape urban mobility. Their involvement challenges entrenched norms while proving that diversity isn’t just about optics — it’s about delivering results.

Take Makgola Makololo, managing director of Alstom Rolling Stock South Africa, who brings over two decades of expertise in engineering and policy implementation. Under her leadership, Alstom has become a beacon of innovation in rail manufacturing. Or consider Nthabiseng Kubheka, country director for RATP Dev in South Africa and chief executive of Bombela Operating Company, who recently earned international recognition as one of the International Railway Journal’s Women in Rail Award winners.

“We are not just breaking barriers — we are redefining them,” Kubheka said. “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.”

What makes this initiative even more compelling is its focus on sustainability and community upliftment. These companies aren’t content with simply occupying boardroom seats — they are rewriting the rules of engagement.

Motseng Investment Holdings, co-founded and led by Mkhari, champions local supplier development by integrating small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) into large-scale projects. Meanwhile, Nozala Investments, helmed by ICT policy expert Mandla Msimang, supports capacity-building initiatives for women in technology and education through its network of non-profit shareholders. And AWCA Investment Holdings (AIH), a fully Black women-owned enterprise, continues to invest in financial literacy programs designed to empower young female professionals.

Gugu Sepamla, director of AIH, underscored the broader implications of such efforts. “This partnership highlights the vision, capability, and networks that female-led enterprises bring to drive large-scale infrastructure development,” she said. “It’s about showing the world—and ourselves—that we have what it takes to lead in high-impact industries.”

As South Africa commemorates International Women’s Month under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equity, and Empowerment,” the work of these trailblazers serves as a clarion call to action. They are not only dismantling systemic barriers but also paving the way for future generations of black women to take their rightful place in sectors traditionally closed off to them.

“Young women in STEM now have powerful role models to look up to,” Gwen Mahuma-Madida, leader of MIH Rail and Infrastructure, said. Her company, which boasts six women shareholders owning 83% of the firm, exemplifies how gender parity can coexist with excellence in technical fields.

The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. It marks a decisive break from the past — a rejection of outdated hierarchies and exclusionary practices. Instead, it heralds a new era defined by representation, resilience, and reinvention.

“These women are not just participating; they are leading,” said an industry analyst who requested anonymity. “Their track record speaks for itself. If anyone doubted whether Black women could spearhead transformative infrastructure projects, this consortium will silence those voices once and for all.”

Indeed, the stakes are high. Success or failure here will reverberate far beyond the railways — it will shape perceptions of what is possible when historically marginalised groups are given the reins of power. As Ipeleng Mkhari put it: “We are not only building trains and tracks; we are building a legacy.”