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Vin Naidoo, who began his career as a junior clerk in 1976, has built Thekweni Reinforcing (Pty) Ltd into one of KwaZulu‑Natal’s leading reinforcing‑steel contractors. The company was recently honoured at the Master Builders KwaZulu‑Natal awards, winning the best subcontractor award in the province and placing second nationally in the same category. The awards came at a time when the Master Builders Association (MBA) of KwaZulu‑Natal, celebrating its 125th anniversary, had historically had no black contractors among its members. Naidoo’s success is therefore seen as a milestone in a sector that has long been dominated by white male firms and where opportunities for black professionals were severely limited. Naidoo’s career began after he matriculated from Chatsworth High School. He joined the British‑owned GKN Twisteel in a clerical role, learning the business from the ground up. When GKN Twisteel was acquired by Reinforcing Steel Contractors (RSC), a subsidiary of the Murray and Roberts Group, in 1986, Naidoo continued to progress. In 1993 he was appointed director of RSC Coastal, a significant achievement in an industry that had offered few prospects for black executives. In 2000, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Naidoo founded Thekweni Reinforcing (Pty) Ltd from a modest yard in Stanger. Five years later, in 2005, he acquired RSC’s Phoenix division, expanding the company’s operations. Today Thekweni Reinforcing operates four branches across KwaZulu‑Natal, including locations in Richards Bay and Hammarsdale. The company’s early breakthrough came with a contract at uShaka Marine World. Since then it has supplied reinforcing steel for a range of major projects, including: Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) Umgeni Interchange Galleria Shopping Centre Westown development at Shongweni The Pearls of Umhlanga * Msikaba River Bridge These projects illustrate the company’s role in shaping the province’s built environment over the past two decades. Naidoo attributes his success to hard work, discipline and a willingness to take calculated risks. “High expectations are the key to absolutely everything,” he says, a mantra that has guided his leadership style. He also credits the dedication of his workforce and the loyalty of his clients for the company’s achievements. The recognition at the MBA awards marks a significant moment for both Naidoo and the reinforcing‑steel industry in KwaZulu‑Natal, highlighting progress toward greater diversity and inclusion in a sector that has historically been exclusive. Article source: The Independent Online | Image credit: The Independent Online
Vin Naidoo, who began his career as a junior clerk in 1976, has built Thekweni Reinforcing (Pty) Ltd into one of KwaZulu‑Natal’s leading reinforcing‑steel contractors. The company was recently honoured at the Master Builders KwaZulu‑Natal awards, winning the best subcontractor award in the province and placing second nationally in the same category. The awards came at a time when the Master Builders Association (MBA) of KwaZulu‑Natal, celebrating its 125th anniversary, had historically had no black contractors among its members. Naidoo’s success is therefore seen as a milestone in a sector that has long been dominated by white male firms and where opportunities for black professionals were severely limited. Naidoo’s career began after he matriculated from Chatsworth High School. He joined the British‑owned GKN Twisteel in a clerical role, learning the business from the ground up. When GKN Twisteel was acquired by Reinforcing Steel Contractors (RSC), a subsidiary of the Murray and Roberts Group, in 1986, Naidoo continued to progress. In 1993 he was appointed director of RSC Coastal, a significant achievement in an industry that had offered few prospects for black executives. In 2000, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Naidoo founded Thekweni Reinforcing (Pty) Ltd from a modest yard in Stanger. Five years later, in 2005, he acquired RSC’s Phoenix division, expanding the company’s operations. Today Thekweni Reinforcing operates four branches across KwaZulu‑Natal, including locations in Richards Bay and Hammarsdale. The company’s early breakthrough came with a contract at uShaka Marine World. Since then it has supplied reinforcing steel for a range of major projects, including: Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) Umgeni Interchange Galleria Shopping Centre Westown development at Shongweni The Pearls of Umhlanga * Msikaba River Bridge These projects illustrate the company’s role in shaping the province’s built environment over the past two decades. Naidoo attributes his success to hard work, discipline and a willingness to take calculated risks. “High expectations are the key to absolutely everything,” he says, a mantra that has guided his leadership style. He also credits the dedication of his workforce and the loyalty of his clients for the company’s achievements. The recognition at the MBA awards marks a significant moment for both Naidoo and the reinforcing‑steel industry in KwaZulu‑Natal, highlighting progress toward greater diversity and inclusion in a sector that has historically been exclusive.
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