Lerato Khunoana
Lerato envisions integrating 4IR technologies into construction
The civil engineering industry is largely seen as a male dominated industry. Although historically, this industry may have been built on the backs of many men who were passionate about building and growing our country, women can bring a different point of view to any construction site, and with different points of view comes change.
Lerato Khunoana is the Founder and CEO of Lekhuns Projects, a civil construction company that has built a strong reputation for delivering a quality service, on time and at a competitive price.
Since her high school days, Lerato knew she wanted to be in construction, either as an architect or an engineer. At first, she dreamt of being an architect, but her mind was broadened to other career paths when she was one of the few high school learners chosen to visit the University of Pretoria on an Engineering Week excursion to learn about the different disciplines of engineering.
“I read up about architects and what they do and found out that they work hand in hand with civil engineers. When I discussed my dreams further with my aunt, she advised me that civil engineering would be a wise career choice as it is never ending as there is always a need to build structures and it is a rare skill,” recalls Lerato.
Wearing her passion on her sleeve, Lerato pursued civil engineering and completed her Diploma in Civil Engineering at the University of Johannesburg. Armed with a qualification, she began practicing as a Civil Engineer Technician, working on construction sites in managerial positions where she honed her skills. Lerato believes that there is no such thing as a man’s world which is one of the reasons she studied Civil Engineering, a field that is dominated by males.
Surrounded by various mentors, Lerato was encouraged to start her own business by sub-contractors she worked with who could see her passion for her work and her drive in transforming their lives.
Today she heads her own company, Lekhuns Projects which she founded in 2014 where she works on civil and building projects from conception to completion. Lerato is skilled and experienced in all aspects of civil construction and this, combined with her extensive knowledge of the market, will establish Lekhuns Projects as a major player in the industry.
Raised in Soweto and later Diepkloof, Lerato is inspired by her aunt and her mother. These two matriarchs have always ensured her physical and mental wellbeing. “My mom and my aunt had a huge role in the person I have become today from making sure I read books and do my homework to making sacrifices to ensure that I went to the best schools and also directing my career path,” she said.
Lerato is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and she finds solace in coming up with solutions to ensure that our infrastructure is built properly without incurring any future defaults.
A typical day for Lerato as the director of a company entails waking up to check emails, following up on whether there are any issues at the site, communicating with clients, and checking in with the site Foreman to ensure that there is sufficient labour to complete the job and ensuring that everything is running according to schedule. She always needs a back-up plan, and does a lot of strategising. Currently Lekhuns Projects is overseeing 6 projects.
To unwind from the pressures of her day, Lerato loves sipping on good wine, dancing and socialising and having meaningful conversations with friends. In her leisure time she attends music concerts, and enjoys travelling and exploring her surroundings.
A unique individual, Lerato believes what sets her apart is living authentically in a world where people are out to impress and be perceived as perfect. “As a unique and authentic individual, I am able to break through barriers and get through to people. I always take initiative and can get clients to open up and trust the process the company takes them through and give them the best quality service. I take the route less taken and it helps solidify my career in construction,” she said.
Over the past decade, digital progress has transformed whole industries, ushering in a new technological era now known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Innovation has improved companies’ productivity and sustainability, and redefined the skills and competencies needed to thrive. Lerato’s vision for Lekhuns Projects is becoming one of first companies to use 3D machines and incorporating them into the business to build foundations to expediate construction. She envisions the company expanding and feeding more families globally and introducing 4IR in the construction space for efficient and cost-effective construction.
“4IR takes away from human labour but I believe we can find a balance whereby 30 % of the project will be done using 4IR technologies and 70% will be handled by humans. 4IR will help accelerate the number of projects that can be completed,” she proclaims.
Although she has found it difficult being a woman in a male dominated industry, Lerato is masculine representing, so the men don’t really shun her because she is bold. By taking initiative in all her projects and showing her prowess in construction sets her apart. She has proven her broad knowledge in civil engineering which has garnered the respect of her male counterparts.
Her advice to anyone wanting to start up in the construction industry – “learn the skill before you get into the industry otherwise you will struggle and provide sub-standard work. Not everyone can do construction. Find your niche, perfect it and then run into the industry. Be passionate about construction, have perseverance and be committed to seeing it through because it is not easy at all. Whatever you do, don’t give up!
You can connect with Lerato and her company at:
Instagram – @lerato_lekhuns, @lekhunsprojects
Website: www.lekhuns.co.za
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