Simanyene Construction built a legacy
How one founder's unshakeable vision is building a construction powerhouse
When a violent hijacking stole his sight, Edward Mnqayana thought he faced a bleak future, but rather than let this tragedy define him, he chose to let a different kind of vision lead the way. He founded Simanyene Construction and built a business driven by resilience, inclusion and community empowerment.
This is the story of how unshakeable purpose, combined with the right support, can challenge perceptions and build an enduring legacy.
Edward’s journey into entrepreneurship began in the darkest of circumstances. After losing his sight, he felt lost. “It was a very difficult situation,” he recalls, “even to understand the way forward, how I am going to survive.” The turning point came when a former boss encouraged him and offered to be his mentor, clearly seeing the potential that Edward could not yet recognise in himself. Despite his own doubts, Edward made a pivotal decision to build a business, drawing on his previous experience in carpentry and joinery. Simanyene Construction was born.
The problem
Starting a business from the ground up presents immense challenges for any entrepreneur. For Edward, who had recently lost his sight, these were amplified. To further exacerbate the situation, he was starting from ground zero, with no cash flow and no permanent employees, relying entirely on his own determination and the support of his mentor. As the business began to gain traction, a critical logistics barrier threatened its growth.
With only one vehicle, the company’s ability to manage multiple sites and transport materials and deploy teams was severely limited. “To have a fleet, it's a benefit,” Edward explains. “You can be able to move around without frustration.” Without the means to expand his fleet, the company’s potential was capped. Simanyene Construction had the ambition and the expertise, but it lacked the vital infrastructure to move forward.
The solution
Understanding that he needed a partner who understood his unique journey and commercial needs, Edward connected with Standard Bank’s Enterprise Development programme. The bank saw beyond the immediate challenge, recognising a resilient entrepreneur with a clear plan for growth and community impact.
Standard Bank provided the precise tool needed to unlock the company’s potential:
· Fleet finance, structured to be accessible and affordable
This allowed Simanyene Construction to immediately expand its operational capacity.
“I managed to have my first fleet with a very, very low rate, with their assistance,” Edward says. This was more than just a financial transaction; it was a foundational partnership that provided the wheels for his vision. Standard Bank provided the means for Simanyene Construction to become a more dynamic and reliable presence in the industry.
“When my sight could no longer guide me, I had to let my vision lead.” - Edward Mnqayana, founder of Simanyene Construction
The outcome
With the logistical constraints removed, Simanyene Construction has grown exponentially. The business that started with a single vehicle now commands a fleet of over 10 trucks and vehicles, enabling it to operate efficiently across multiple projects.
The company’s growth is also measured in human potential. Edward has built a strong and loyal team, personally investing in skills development. “I take them from when they pass matric and then teach them how to do the work,” he notes. This commitment to mentorship has created sustainable careers and fostered a culture of excellence. The legacy continues with his son, who has joined the company as general and operations manager, ensuring the family’s vision endures for the next generation.
Today, Simanyene Construction is a testament to its founder’s spirit. Edward continues to visit sites, guiding his teams with a confidence born from deep expertise. His ultimate vision is to create more opportunities for people with disabilities to help them ‘get back their dignity... their confidence’.
Edward Mnqayana's journey demonstrates that powerful enterprise can be forged in the face of adversity. He turned a moment of profound personal loss into a thriving business that builds opportunities and empowers a community. His success is a powerful reminder that when personal determination is met with the belief of others - from a mentor’s encouragement to a bank’s partnership - the truly remarkable becomes possible.