TUT alumna drives change through modular infrastructure

A TUT alumna is redefining construction through innovation and entrepreneurship, using modular infrastructure to uplift communities while inspiring women to lead in the built environment.

Manufacturing and construction entrepreneur, Ofentse Ntuli. Ofentse Ntuli’s career reflects a broader shift within the Built Environment, where professionals are redefining traditional roles through entrepreneurship, innovation and social responsibility. Her journey is a powerful example of how determination and vision can reshape industries and inspire others, particularly women, to lead and thrive in spaces where they are often underrepresented.

For Ntuli, success in the Built Environment has never been about following a conventional path. “I have always been drawn to challenges. I wanted to pursue something in a space where I could grow, lead and make an impact,” she said.

A qualified Quantity Surveyor and entrepreneur, Ntuli is the founder of Ofentse Modular Business (OMB), a company specialising in modular infrastructure using Alternative Building Technology (ABT). Through design, manufacturing and installation, the company delivers efficient structures tailored for communities that require accessible, high-quality facilities.

Her academic journey reflects a commitment to continuous growth. Ntuli completed her undergraduate studies in Quantity Surveying at the Durban University of Technology, followed by an Advanced Diploma at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). She is currently furthering her studies at the University of Johannesburg.

She credits her time at TUT with shaping both her technical ability and professional mindset. “My time at TUT gave me a strong foundation in the technical and commercial aspects of the built environment. It taught me discipline, problem-solving and resilience, which prepared me to navigate the realities of the industry and eventually build something of my own,” she explained.

This perspective became clearer during her early career, when she worked closely with contractors and clients across various sites. Her role evolved beyond traditional quantity surveying into client engagement and solution-driven communication. Through this exposure, she witnessed firsthand how infrastructure shortages affect underserved communities.

“I saw how many communities lacked proper infrastructure and how long traditional construction methods could take. That is where I realised there was an opportunity to provide faster, more adaptable solutions,” she reflected.

Motivated by these insights, she began developing the concept that would later become OMB. Initially operating part-time, Ntuli steadily built the business while refining her approach to modular construction. With the support of an early investor who believed in her vision, she made the decisive move to pursue entrepreneurship full-time.

“Starting OMB was a natural step for me,” she said. “I wanted to contribute meaningful solutions to the industry while creating opportunities for others. It allowed me to combine my professional expertise with my passion for development and impact.”

Her approach is rooted in practical, results-driven delivery. OMB focuses on infrastructure such as mobile classrooms, clinics, offices, laboratories and ablution facilities. These structures are designed for rapid deployment, often completed within weeks, while maintaining durability and requiring minimal maintenance.

“We are able to deliver infrastructure in a fraction of the time,” Ntuli explained. “It means communities can access essential facilities much sooner, whether it is education, healthcare or workspace.”

Ntuli emphasises that entrepreneurship within the Built Environment is about more than business growth; it is also about national development. “In South Africa, where unemployment is a major challenge, entrepreneurship allows us to create jobs and drive economic growth while solving real problems,” she said.

Her journey has not been without obstacles. As a woman in construction, she has had to continuously prove her capability in an industry where leadership is often questioned. “There were moments where people would ask who was really behind the company,” she recalled. “You have to work harder to earn trust, but consistency and quality always speak for themselves.”

Today, OMB is expanding its footprint by delivering modern infrastructure solutions that respond to social and economic challenges. For Ntuli, the impact goes beyond construction.

“We get to make a real difference in people’s lives. It is about building more than structures. It is about building opportunities, restoring dignity and contributing to communities in a meaningful way,” she concluded.

A TUT alum is using modular infrastructure to uplift communities while inspiring women to lead in the built environment. Ofentse Ntuli is transforming infrastructure into hope, dignity and real change for underserved communities.

Through her work, Ofentse Ntuli is bringing faster access to classrooms, clinics and opportunities.