Page 5 - Landscape SA Issue 107

FEATURE

WOMEN IN LANDSCAPING:

PLANTING

THE SEEDS

OF SUCCESS

by LIbby PEACOCk

reen-fingered aunt-and-niece team Dinah Kgeledi and
Lesego Seloane are carving their way in an industry Ronewa Creations, a women-owned landscaping business in Gauteng,
Gdominated by men: landscaping. And they say the Covid-19 founded by aunt-and-niece team Dinah Kgeledi and Lesego seloane
pandemic has shown them to be resilient and able to “pivot a lot”.
Their clients are very appreciative of their gardens, particularly
because many of them are now working from home”.

The Gauteng-based pair use their botany and horticulture expertise
to provide landscaping planning, design, implementation and
maintenance services through their business, Ronewa Creations.

More than just growing an enterprise, they’re establishing a legacy,
says Seloane. They grew up in a home surrounded by plants of
different species and were inspired by Kgeledi’s mother, who is now
in her 80s. “She still loves gardening, and she is still schooling us to
this day.”

About 90% of the suppliers and partners they work with in different
parts of their service offering are men, as are most of their team,
adds Seloane. “Since our business is male-dominated, we have to be
strong, mentally and physically.”

“From the plant names and knowing how to care properly for your
plants, to leading a team of mainly men, you need clarity of vision
and the right talent on board with the right mindset, because this is
tough … working in the rain or under the scorching sun.”
Kgeledi adds: “Although we don’t know many female landscapers in
the industry, young women are truly inspired by us. It’s our biggest
dream to give back to the youth. We want to have an impact on
people’s lives – especially young women who want to pursue
business.”

The right guidance has been vital on their own journey, she says –
it’s not only about business, but also about personal development
and having the “right mind and attitude”. Perseverance, a strong will,
passion and a love for people are important.

The pair have a similar vision and and share a goal: to grow the
business in other provinces, employ more people and empower
others through environmental advocacy – all while having fun.
• Ronewa Creations is supported by insurer Hollard’s Big Ads for
Their tips for young women following in their footsteps? “Just start! Small Business initiative that aims to help small, medium and micro-
Women are incubators and we can achieve so much when we realise enterprises thrive, for their own benefit and that of their communities
how great we can be once we are in business,” says Seloane. and the broader economy. n

Information supplied by Flow Communications on behalf of Hollard.

About Hollard
Established in 1980, the Hollard Insurance Group provides short-term and life insurance as well as investment products to a diverse customer
base including individual consumers, commercial entities and corporate clients. Hollard’s organisational purpose is to enable more people to
create and secure a better future.

Landscape SA • Issue 107 2021 3