By Mzukona Mantshontsho
In line with upholding the South African principles of Black Economic Empowerment through employment and training of young people, Arcilia Mothae established KM Developers.
KM Developers is a professional construction management and cost consulting practice offering comprehensive property development professional services from acquisition to design and development.
How did you start KM Developers and why did you choose this particular industry?
Working towards professional registration in a consulting firm as a candidate quantity surveyor, I had always known that sometime in my career I would want to start a business, it became easy to gravitate towards starting my own thing in the industry.
What was your vision when you started the company?
To form an entity that would focus on property development and investments, hence the name KM Developers, the vision remains. To raise capital, I used my consulting quantity surveying skills to raise revenue and we became the consulting cost and construction management company we are today.
What is KM Developers culture?
KM Developers’ culture is one of enabling continuous learning towards professional excellence for the staff complement. I am passionate about mentoring and coaching young women in the industry, so the company provides that environment. For our clients, we commit to providing unique professional solutions in an ethical manner.
What are your goals for the next five years?
There are two main goals: To increase our revenue levels that will enable us access and play comfortably in the property development sector. Secondly, to set up a formal mentoring and coaching programme within the company for young women aspiring to have careers in the construction and property industry.
How do you maintain professionalism, ethics, and integrity at KM Developers?
As a professional, I am expected to conduct my business activities within certain codes of conduct and ethics such as applying due diligence to every client’s project no matter the magnitude.
What challenges do you face as women business leader compared to your male counterparts?
Men and women’s business experiences will always differ. With our industry being male dominated, the difference is big. Some of the major challenges are how opportunities for business networking are still tailored to suit our male counterparts. As a woman you must bulldoze your way to fit in. The lack of confidence that clients have for female business leaders in this industry is disturbing – being a woman, some clients still have doubts that you are competent and you will deliver on your promise.
What is your managing style?
I believe in team work, constant consultation and continuous appraisal for work well done. I am firm believer that young people need to be acknowledged and appreciated.
What is the one word that describes you best?
Determined: Once you have decided to take on a journey, be determined to finish the course no matter what.
What are the major challenges that you are facing in your industry?
I think the recognition of being a professional entrepreneur in this industry in our country has been degraded: People see you as what is commonly known as “tender-preneur”, clients cannot differentiate between qualified and unqualified industry professionals, and thus devalue our businesses.
How do you stay inspired?
I have recently qualified as a Life Coach, the journey has taught me that inspiration is internal, that if you are passionate about your daily activities, you will not seek external inspiration. I am passionate about the industry and transferring my skills to others.
