Leading with excellence, redefining the construction and built environment for women- Adelia Creations.
On this exciting edition of Carob Magazine Africa, we talk to CEO and founder of Adelia Creations enterprise. We talk to her about her journey in the construction and built Industry and becoming one of the most influential young women in Africa through her work and contribution to the sector.
CAROB MAGAZINE AFRICA: Who is Adelia Nqubuka? Where were you born? How was it like growing up?
Adelia Nqubuka: Meet Adelia Njabulo Nqubuka, a resilient young woman born in 1990 at Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg. As the third child to her parents, Adelia’s upbringing was marked by challenges, particularly during her teenage years. Despite the odds, Adelia persevered, and her determination paid off when she successfully passed her matric exams – all while navigating the unexpected journey of motherhood. Growing up, Adelia had big dreams of becoming a doctor, nurse, or teacher. However, financial constraints and rejection from colleges seemed to dash her hopes. Yet, in hindsight, Adelia recognizes that these setbacks were a catalyst for her growth. Though her childhood was far from perfect, Adelia acknowledges the invaluable lessons she learned along the way. These experiences have shaped her into the strong, courageous woman she is today.
CAROB MAGAZINE AFRICA: Tell us more about Adelia Creations, when was it founded and what services does the company offer?
Adelia Nqubuka: Adelia Creations is a construction and landscaping company founded by Adelia Njabulo Nqubuka in 2014, with operations commencing in 2016. Adelia Creations Enterprise CIDB Grading Grade 3 for General Building and Civil Engineering. Despite initial challenges, including no prior construction experience and being eight months pregnant when securing her first project, Adelia persevered. Today, the company specializes in building construction, maintenance, and landscaping, with a footprint in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, and continues to grow and thrive eight years on.
CAROB MAGAZINE AFRICA: You have achieved so much as a young woman in the male dominated Industry, what keeps you standing strong as you continue to break barriers?
Adelia Nqubuka: As a woman in this space, I firmly believe that we’re more than capable of excelling. In fact, I think it’s essential for us to thrive in order to inspire and empower other women. However, I’m also aware that it’s not easy. Societal expectations and stereotypes can be challenging to navigate, especially in our personal relationships where women are often expected to relinquish their voice and autonomy. Despite these obstacles, I remain steadfast in my commitment to succeed. I believe that collaboration and mutual support between men and women are essential for achieving our goals. No project can be completed solely by one gender; we need each other’s unique perspectives and strengths. Rather than viewing each other as competition, I think we should focus on uplifting and empowering one another. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable industry that benefits everyone
CAROB MAGAZINE AFRICA: How many employees does your company have? Both temporary and permanent, how does it feel to be impacting so many lives in your community positively?
Adelia Nqubuka: Adelia Creations Enterprise has a team of 20 employees, comprising 15 temporary staff and 5 permanent members. As the founder, I’m deeply proud of the positive impact we’ve had in our community since 2016. Our commitment to empowering local individuals has led to the creation of numerous job opportunities, skills transfer, and community development initiatives. We’ve donated essential items like school uniforms, shoes, and sanitary pads to those in need. One of our flagship programs is the ‘Adopt a Matriculant’ campaign, which provides support to struggling matriculants. This initiative is particularly close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to see the positive difference it’s made. By prioritizing local hiring and skills transfer, we’re not only uplifting our community but also investing in its future. It’s an incredible feeling to know that Adelia Creations Enterprise is making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of those around us.
CAROB MMAGAZINE AFRICA: What sets Adelia Creations apart from other companies offering the same services?
Adelia Nqubuka: We differentiate ourselves through our community-focused approach, prioritizing local hiring and investing in community development initiatives. We offer personalized service, innovative solutions, and empowerment through skills transfer, setting us apart from others in the industry. Our team is driven by passion and dedication, building lasting relationships with clients and partners, and making a positive impact on our community.
CAROB MAGAZINE AFRICA: What has been the biggest highlight of your career in business ever since you started?
Adelia Nqubuka: The biggest highlight of my career has been securing a 3-year contract major client in commercial property, which enabled us to create job opportunities and give back to the community. I’m also proud to have been afforded the opportunity to work on many successful projects in the construction and built environment. Another significant achievement was upgrading our CIDB grading to level 3, which has allowed us to expand our operations to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. I’ve also had the privilege of winning several prestigious awards and pitches, including the Hollywoodbets Bambelela Business Awards, WeConnect, Discovery, and Rhiza Babuyile. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to share my story on Radio 2000. These milestones are a testament to the hard work and perseverance that have defined my journey as a businesswoman.
CAROB MAGAZINE AFRICA: What advice would you give to someone who would like to follow in your footsteps?
Adelia Nqubuka: To anyone who wants to follow in my footsteps, I’d advise staying focused and determined, being resilient in the face of challenges, and building a strong support network. Continuously learn and improve, staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Trust your instincts and remember that you have the power to create the life and business you want. As you grow and succeed, don’t forget to give back to your community, lifting others up and making a positive impact on those around you.
CAROB MAGAZINE AFRICA: Last but not least, where do you see your business in 5 years?
Adelia Nqubuka: In 5 years, I envision Adelia Creations as a leading construction and landscaping company, not only in South Africa but also across the continent. I see us expanding our operations, creating more job opportunities, and continuing to empower local communities. We’ll have established a strong presence in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and will be exploring new markets in other provinces. Our CIDB grading will have advanced to level 6 or higher, enabling us to take on even more complex and large-scale projects. Adelia Creations will also have solidified its position as a trailblazer for women in construction, inspiring and mentoring other women to pursue careers in the industry. We’ll continue to innovate, embracing new technologies and sustainable practices to deliver exceptional results for our clients. To achieve this vision, we’ll remain willing to learn and implement new ideas, best practices, and industry trends. We’ll form strategic collaborations with other businesses, organizations, and stakeholders to leverage expertise, resources, and networks. Through these partnerships, we’ll drive growth, improve our services, and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Ultimately, my goal is for Adelia Creations to be a household name, synonymous with excellence, integrity, and community development