This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Felicia Msiza, CEO of the Raubex Group, a JSE-listed company, to explore aspects of her leadership journey, the impact of infrastructure development on communities, and her passion for empowering future generations.

From Governance Expert to CEO

Ms Msiza reflects on her journey from serving as a non-executive director on the Raubex board in 2011 to becoming CEO in 2022. She shares how years of experience in governance, risk management, auditing, and executive leadership equipped her to transition from oversight into operational leadership.

For Ms Msiza, leadership is about more than strategy and performance; it is about setting direction, inspiring confidence, and bringing people along on the journey. She discusses how experiences across both the public and private sectors taught her the importance of accountability, adaptability, and making decisions under pressure.

Integrity: The Foundation of Leadership

A recurring theme throughout the conversation is integrity. Ms Msiza explains that true leadership requires doing the right thing, even when no one is watching; the truth always holds.

Drawing from her experience in both government and corporate environments, she argues that integrity is essential to rebuilding trust, strengthening institutions, and driving sustainable progress. She also highlights the importance of servant leadership, emphasising that leaders exist to serve employees, stakeholders, communities, and society.

Staying True to Yourself as a Leader

Ms Msiza shares her personal leadership philosophy: remain authentic and grounded in your values.

She speaks candidly about the pressures of entering environments, where you may feel compelled to conform to existing cultures and expectations. Her message is clear, women do not need to sacrifice who they are to succeed. Instead, they should lead with confidence, create clarity, empower teams, and remain true to their own identities.

The Power of Infrastructure

Ms Msiza paints a compelling picture of infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and social transformation.

She discusses opportunities in roads, rail, water, logistics, energy, and public-private partnerships across Southern Africa. She also highlights landmark projects that Raubex has developed, including the Senqu Bridge in Lesotho and the Beitbridge Border Post development on the Zimbabwe side, illustrating how infrastructure improves trade, reduces inefficiencies, creates jobs, and strengthens economies. For example, the Beitbridge Border Post has reduced processing trucks from days to within four hours.

Her vision for Raubex is to continue building a resilient, diversified, and high-performing infrastructure group that delivers lasting value across the continent.

Creating Opportunities for Young People

Youth development is a subject close to Ms Msiza’s heart.

She explains how the infrastructure sector serves as a powerful job creator and economic multiplier. Through initiatives such as the Raubex Academy, bursary programmes, mentorship opportunities, and subcontractor development, the company is actively creating pathways for young people to enter the workforce and build sustainable careers. In a country where youth unemployment sits at 60.9% for 15-24 year olds and 40.6% for 25-34 year olds, these initiatives are critical to South Africa’s economy and its people’s livelihoods.

Ms Msiza’s believes that addressing youth unemployment requires collaboration between industry, government, and educational institutions, with infrastructure investment playing a central role.

Encouraging More Women into Construction

As a female CEO in a traditionally male-dominated sector, Ms Msizais passionate about attracting more women into engineering, construction, and infrastructure careers.

She challenges young women to pursue mathematics, science, engineering, and technical disciplines, stressing that construction is no longer a space reserved for men. With evolving workplace policies and increasing opportunities, she believes women can thrive, lead, and make a meaningful impact in the sector.

Her message is simple: “We need more women in these spaces.”

Education as a Pathway to Empowerment

Ms Msiza credits education as one of the most important foundations of her success.

From her undergraduate studies to postgraduate qualifications and a master’s degree, education provided her with knowledge, confidence, and a platform to build her career. She encourages young people to invest in learning, pursue excellence, and combine academic achievement with practical experience. She remarks that education opens doors and gives individuals a voice and the ability to shape their futures.

The Women Who Shaped Her

When reflecting on the women who influenced her life, Ms Msiza pays tribute to her late grandmother and her mother. She describes her grandmother as a community leader who demonstrated that leadership is about service rather than titles. Her mother modelled hard work, resilience, and the ability to balance career, family, and community responsibilities.

Together, these women instilled in her a commitment to purpose, dignity, service, and leaving a positive legacy wherever she goes.

Your Opportunity Opens the Door Wide for Others

In her closing message, Ms Msiza encourages girls and young women to reject limitations placed upon them by others.

She reminds listeners that being the first woman in a space does not mean they do not belong; it means they have an opportunity to create pathways for those who follow. Through courage, preparation, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence, women can transform industries, communities, and nations.

“Africa needs women’s voices, leadership, courage, and excellence. Lead with purpose, hold on to your values, and never underestimate the power of a woman who knows who she is and is willing to work for the future she believes in.” Felicia Msiza

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