Mrs Nolubabalo Tsolo

Executive Director – Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS)

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Wits Business School (In Progress)
• Master’s in Land and Property Development Management, University of the Free State (2017)
• BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying, University of the Free State (2007)
• BSc Quantity Surveying (Cum Laude), University of the Free State (2006)

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strategy and Leadership
• Project Costing and Financial Control
• Risk Management
• Knowledge Sharing and Training
• Expertise in NEC, JBCC, and FIDIC Contracts

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP): Professional Quantity Surveyor (PrQS), Active – in good standing
• Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS): Professional Member (PMAQS), Active – in good standing
• Golden Key International Honour Society: Member

GET TO KNOW NOLU

Q: What motivated you to accept the role of Executive Director, and what are your immediate priorities as you step into this leadership position?

A: My decision was motivated by a profound respect for the profession and a strong commitment to contributing to its ongoing evolution and success. I have long held a passion for the significant role that quantity surveyors play in the built environment—ensuring that projects are executed with efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. In my capacity as Executive Director, I am presented with the opportunity to influence the future of the profession, enhance the association's impact, and cultivate an environment in which professionals can develop, adapt, and excel amidst the challenges of a continually evolving landscape.

Q: If you could have any superpower to help you lead the Association, what would it be?

A: If I could choose any superpower to assist in leading the Association, it would be "Foresight"—the capability to foresee future trends and challenges in the industry, enabling us to remain proactive and ahead of the game.

Q: What are some of the key milestones or achievements you are most proud of during your career?

A: The positive impact one can have on the future of others is a source of pride for me. As the Chief Quantity Surveyor at the Department of Infrastructure Development, I have led significant projects and managed extensive operational capital project portfolios. My responsibilities included overseeing the delivery of public infrastructure initiatives that have not only stimulated economic growth but also provided essential services, such as educational facilities that benefit children and their families. Furthermore, in my role as a seasonal lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, I have dedicated myself to fostering the academic development of students in the field of Quantity Surveying.

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your career so far, and why?

A: My mother, Mrs. Nongekhe Mathebe who is a retired principal. She always encouraged my siblings and me to do our best. She taught us how to make the right choices when we had to decide. She also introduced us to God and Christianity, which helped shape our values and behaviour.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’ve been given that was so bad, you decided to do the exact opposite?

"Keep your work life and personal life completely separate."

This guidance was frequently shared in a more personal setting, particularly at the beginning of my career, to uphold professionalism and minimize distractions. Nevertheless, I discovered that fostering connections and expressing empathy towards colleagues, clients, and even stakeholders often resulted in improved collaboration and more robust working relationships. It also allowed me to maintain a more genuine approach in both personal and professional environments.

Q: What’s the most bizarre or unexpected skill you’ve picked up during your career?

A: One unexpected skill I've picked up during my career is public speaking. Initially daunting and still is at times, it has become an essential part of my role as a lecturer and leader, enabling me to effectively communicate ideas and inspire others.

Q: If your leadership style were a movie genre, what would it be?

A: It would be "Inspirational Drama". I believe in leading by example, inspiring others to achieve their best, and navigating challenges with resilience and determination.

Q: What motivates you on a tough day?

A: Knowing that my work positively impacts the built environment and contributes to the success of various projects keeps me motivated, and also the paving of a future for future generations

Q: What’s one fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?

A: I enjoy baking and dedicating time to gardening, specifically vegetable gardening – gardening is a passion that I adopted from my late dad, Mr. Monwabisi Mathebe, and both activities provide a therapeutic and rewarding escape.

Q: What’s the weirdest item on your desk right now, and what’s the story behind it?

A: Well, not totally weird, just a small plant (just weird as I do not know the name of the plant) I got from a friend in a vase with wording “rooting for you” this shows that I have people that believe in me and that I can make a change in any position that I may be in as I know I will always be supported.