Startup Story
Lerato Masuku is the visionary director of Bokamo Warona Construction, a 100% black female-owned company based in Daveyton, Benoni. Founded with a passion for quality and community development, the company specialises in general building, maintenance, plumbing, civil works, paving, and general supplies. Under Lerato's leadership, Bokamo Warona Construction has earned a reputation for delivering reliable and professional services, including recent successful projects such as slurry work on the R56 in the Eastern Cape. Lerato is committed to empowering women in the construction industry while growing a business that supports infrastructure and job creation across South Africa. The business was launched in 2016 and has created jobs for 10 people.
LoA spoke to founder, Lerato Masuku, about her entrepreneurial journey in a tough industry sector, and her vision for the future.
What does your company do?
Core Services:
General Building & Construction: New building projects (residential, commercial, public works)
Renovations and alterations: Maintenance Services
Building repairs and upkeep: Preventative and routine maintenance
Plumbing: Installations, repairs, and maintenance of water systems. Drainage systems and sanitary fittings
Civil Works
Road construction and rehabilitation: Slurry sealing and related services
Paving: Interlocking paving for driveways, walkways, and public spaces
General Supplies: Supplying construction materials and equipment
“Believe in your vision, even when others don’t. Don’t wait for the perfect time or for validation—start where you are, use what you have, and keep learning as you grow.”
“Through Bokamo Warona Construction, I’m not just running a business, but creating opportunities, empowering others, and contributing to my community’s growth.”
What inspired you to start your company?
The desire to create meaningful opportunities in the construction industry—especially for women and young people in my community. I saw a gap in the market for reliable, black female-owned construction businesses and wanted to challenge the status quo in a male-dominated industry. I’ve always been passionate about building and improving spaces, and starting my own company allowed me to combine that passion with a mission to drive economic empowerment, create jobs, and deliver quality infrastructure that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Our commitment to quality, reliability, and community upliftment. As a 100% black female-owned company, we bring a fresh, inclusive perspective to the construction industry. Our hands-on approach ensures that every project—whether big or small—is completed with attention to detail, professionalism, and accountability. We prioritise local employment and skills development, helping to build not just structures, but stronger communities. Clients trust us because we deliver on time, within budget, and with a personal touch that sets us apart from larger, less responsive companies.
Tell us about your team
We are proud to have a passionate, skilled, and dedicated team that shares a common aim—delivering quality work and uplifting communities. Our team includes experienced builders, plumbers, civil works specialists, and support staff who bring professionalism and attention to detail to every project. We also invest in local talent by providing training and mentorship to young people and women in the construction field. Together, we work as a family—committed to safety, excellence, and creating a lasting impact through every structure we complete.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey began with a passion for building in 2016 when I was working for a road resurfacing company. I didn’t come from a traditional entrepreneurial background, but I was raised in a hardworking environment where resilience and determination were part of daily life. Starting Bokamo Warona Construction was a leap of faith driven by a vision to create jobs, break barriers for women in construction, and contribute meaningfully to local development. The journey has had its challenges, but each project, each client, and each milestone has shaped me into a stronger, more focused leader. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what lies ahead.
“Every challenge we overcome and every goal we reach reminds me why I started: to build a legacy of purpose, excellence, and positive change.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My vision for Bokamo Warona Construction is to become one of South Africa’s leading black female-owned construction companies, recognised for quality, integrity, and community impact. In the future, I intend to expand our operations across the country, undertake larger infrastructure and government projects, and invest in advanced equipment to increase efficiency. I also aim to establish a training and mentorship programme for young people and women interested in construction, so we can develop both structures and future leaders. Ultimately, I want Bokamo Warona to be a symbol of empowerment, excellence, and transformation within the industry.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Seeing the real impact of my work—whether it’s a completed building, a newly employed team member, or a client who is genuinely happy with our service—fills me with pride. I know that through Bokamo Warona Construction, I’m not just running a business, but creating opportunities, empowering others, and contributing to my community’s growth. Every challenge we overcome and every goal we reach reminds me why I started: to build a legacy of purpose, excellence, and positive change.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Believe in your vision, even when others don’t. Starting something from the ground up requires courage, especially in industries where women are underrepresented. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” or for validation—start where you are, use what you have, and keep learning as you grow. Surround yourself with people who support your goals, stay consistent, and never let fear silence your voice. You are more capable than you think, and your business could be the very thing that inspires the next woman to rise.
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Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa, we love Lerato Masuku’s story because it shines a powerful light on what’s possible when passion meets purpose in one of the toughest industry sectors. Her journey with Bokamo Warona Construction is a true inspiration for women entrepreneurs everywhere—demonstrating resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to job creation and community impact. Lerato’s practical insights on breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, while building a business rooted in quality and empowerment, are invaluable. Her story reminds us that women can shape industries, transform communities, and leave a lasting legacy of excellence and change. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa