GVK Siya-Zama is proud to announce that Jabu Serithi has been appointed the new Managing Director (MD) of its business in Gauteng.
“It’s a privilege and I feel honoured to join such an established leadership team. I look forward to making my mark by bringing a unique perspective to the leadership brand in this region,” said Jabu Serithi, MD of GVK Siya-Zama in Gauteng.
GVK Siya-Zama is a proudly South African construction group involved in various projects related to infrastructure and development in South Africa. Established in 1960 as a painting and restoration company, it has grown to cover large-scale construction projects across the country.
Serithi joined the group as senior quantity surveyor in its Gauteng business in 2009. Her ascent through the ranks was rapid and she served as commercial director in the regional business, before taking up a directorship at group level in 2019.
When asked about her vision, she speaks with passion about bringing commercial focus and a business mindset to the team she will be leading in Gauteng. “I believe that an entrepreneurial approach is imperative in our industry so that teams are equipped to respond swiftly to the numerous demands on the business and its people.
Vision for the future
A skilled negotiator, Serithi values engagement and a good rapport with stakeholders across all levels. She emphasizes that trust is intrinsic to project delivery, a critical component of client satisfaction. “Difficult conversations don’t need to strain relationships as long as we remember that the common goal is to cement the success of all stakeholders – it’s business, and nothing personal,” Serithi continues.
The leadership quality she values most is agility. The ability to adjust to ever-changing circumstances and to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds. A charismatic, commanding and democratic leader, it is expected that her tenure will be characterised by this quality.
Company culture
Serithi acknowledges that company culture is a live organism and is mindful that it cannot be overlooked or underestimated by a leader. GVK Siya-Zama is a dynamic organisation with hard-working and supportive teams. Serithi aims to nurture this culture where team members feel at home. “I want this same sense of belonging that I experience to be present at all levels of the business,” says Serithi.
Despite the challenges facing the construction industry, notably that of an increased loss of skills through emigration, much can be done to eliminate certain push factors. “It calls on all of us to create environments that are ripe with opportunities for employees; that of skills development, career growth and financial reward.”
The Three Cs of Success
Serithi says that while orchestrating several projects, each their own business entity, simultaneously, she will drive Communication, Collaboration, and Commitment from all teams.
“Our future requires seamless communication and collaboration and relentless commitment to the execution of projects to ensure healthy client relationships and the company’s success.”
In closing, Serithi emphasises the invaluable contributions of those that came before her, “I acknowledge that a lot of work has been done by my predecessors to build this forward-thinking business over the last sixty years. Through mutual trust and a shared passion for the business and the industry, I believe we are ready to take this to a new level,”