In her role as the first female managing director of SIP Project Managers, Farzana Rasool shares her insights on leadership, creating opportunities, mentoring others and fostering inclusivity in the work environment.
SIP stands for Strength, Integrity and Passion – and those three words have come to define not only the company I’ve grown up in, but also the way I try to lead. Being appointed Managing Director of SIP Project Managers is something I hold very close to my heart. It’s more than just a professional milestone. I’m the first woman to take on this role in our 47-year history – something I say with quiet pride – but more importantly, it reflects the trust my fellow shareholders and colleagues have placed in me. They believe in what I bring to the table: my values, my energy and my approach to leadership. I walked through SIP’s doors as a young graduate, and I never imagined that one day I’d be sitting in this seat.
As a registered Professional Construction Project Manager (PrCPM) through the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), I’ve been with SIP since the very beginning of my career. My academic background is in quantity surveying – I completed my Honours degree in it – but to be honest, I didn’t set out to become a project manager. That path unfolded naturally over time. And I’m so grateful it did. Project management has allowed me to be involved in every aspect of a development – from concept to handover – and I’ve found immense fulfilment in that.
I have been fortunate to work alongside some of the greats in our industry – pioneers who helped shape what project management in South Africa looks like today. Their influence stays with me. It’s shaped how I think, how I treat people, how I solve problems. It’s also deeply shaped the culture of SIP – where we take our work seriously, but always remember that this is a people-first business.
Mindful projects
I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, and my focus has always been on delivering with excellence and care. I have led both greenfield and brownfield developments, particularly in retail and commercial spaces. One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the R265-million expansion of the Pan Africa Mall in Alexandra, Gauteng. We added 10 000m2 of new retail space to the existing
15 000m2 centre, integrated the old with the new, upgraded the infrastructure and introduced an informal trading zone near the taxi rank. But what made this project truly special was collaboration with the local community – over 200 local labourers were employed and several SMMEs were brought into the construction process. That’s the kind of impact of which I’m most proud.
At the moment, I’m overseeing two exciting commercial developments – one in the Johannesburg CBD and another in Irene. The demand for high-quality office space has really grown, and we’re focused on shaping possibilities for tenants who are looking for efficient, modern spaces. I’m also involved in a full residential refurbishment in Midrand: we’re breathing new life into a building that had been vacated, and I look forward to seeing it reactivated with new purpose.
Another project nearing completion is the Eastgate taxi rank. We’ve built an entirely new facility with new ablution blocks, covered waiting areas, informal trading spaces and better traffic flow. For me, it’s about fostering spaces that respect the people who use them every day – safer, cleaner and more dignified environments. I’m also looking forward to the upcoming refurbishment and extension of Protea Point in Soweto, a vibrant community hub that has huge potential.
A sense of purpose
While I spend most of my time concentrating on delivering projects, I also care deeply about growing the business in a way that reflects real transformation. SIP is a Level 1 BBBEE contributor, and I take that seriously – not as a box to tick, but as a responsibility to create opportunities, mentor others and ensure inclusivity in how we operate.
One area especially close to my heart is the advancement of women in the built environment. I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Gauteng Committee for the Women’s Property Network (WPN), where we work to open doors for women – through mentorship, networking and leadership development. There’s still a long way to go in terms of representation at senior levels, but I’m excited to be part of the change.
Over the years, SIP has been recognised with several awards, but this year’s PMR.africa Diamond Arrow Award meant something different. Being voted the best project management firm in South Africa by our peers – people who know the industry inside out – was both humbling and motivating. It affirmed that the work we’re doing is being noticed and valued.
My love for retail takes me back to Tenant Coordination Services (Pty) Ltd, set up back in 2015 – a boutique consultancy focused purely on tenant coordination. It’s now independently run by the very team I mentored and trained. Seeing them thrive and carry that business forward is one of the achievements that I take great pride in. Leadership, for me, is about making room for others to grow.
At the core of all of this is a sense of purpose. SIP’s long-standing partnership with the Adopt-a-School Foundation gives us a way to make a tangible difference in education. Whether it’s contributing to upgrading classrooms or improving sanitation facilities, it’s about building something lasting for children across South Africa. That work reminds me that the real power of what we do isn’t just in buildings – it’s in the lives we can improve through them.
And while the work keeps me busy (and on my toes), I do try to make time to rest and recharge. Tennis is my outlet – it keeps me grounded and clears my head. I also love spending time outdoors with my husband and two little kids – it’s where I find balance and reconnect with myself after the demands of a fast-paced work week.
