From dust to dignity: how Elelwani Sophia Maphutha is building more than structures

In Postmasburg’s Newtown township, where opportunity has long been scarce, Elelwani Sophia Maphutha saw more than hardship, she saw potential waiting to be unlocked.

Today, as the founder and managing director of Sophia Projects (Pty) Ltd, she is turning that vision into concrete change, proving that construction isn’t just about bricks and mortar, but about rebuilding lives.

“I watched too many people, especially women, carry the weight of broken systems. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be part of rebuilding something, not just structures, but lives. That’s what shaped the foundation of Sophia Projects,” Maphutha said.

Building a business on faith and purpose

“The first step was daring to believe that I was enough even without capital, connections, or a formal blueprint,” she said.

Registering Sophia Projects was an act of faith and courage, one that would eventually grow into a respected multi-sector service provider with reach across construction, mining, and logistics, she said.

“Honestly, I didn’t imagine the scale we’ve achieved today,” Maphutha added.

“The lives we’ve touched and the communities we’ve impacted, it’s beyond what I dreamed. But I also know it’s just the beginning. There’s still more ground to break, more people to uplift.”

Breaking through barriers

As a woman in male-dominated industries, Maphutha had to work harder to be taken seriously.

“The biggest challenge was being seen and heard. In many spaces, I had to prove my competence before anyone even listened. But I leaned on excellence. I let the work speak. And I kept showing up, even when I wasn’t invited,” she said.

“Over time, performance became my loudest advocate.”

Building futures, not just structures

For Maphutha, Sophia Projects is about more than construction contracts. It’s about transformation.

“We don’t just pour cement. We pour hope, skills, and a sense of worth,” she said.

One example close to her heart is a single mother who joined the company with no prior experience.

“It was her first formal job on a paving project. Today, she leads a team. I watched her confidence grow with every task she completed. That’s what I mean when I say we build more than structures, we build futures.”

A people-first philosophy

Accountability, dignity, and people-first thinking form the backbone of Sophia Projects.

“Every team member knows that professionalism is non-negotiable, but so is compassion,” Maphutha explains.

This philosophy extends to her hiring practices.

“For many women, especially single mothers, Sophia Projects is their first job and their first taste of financial independence. That’s life changing,” she said.

“I believe that when women thrive, communities rise. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about unlocking potential.”

The ripple effect is tangible.

“I’ve seen women move from survival mode to leadership roles. I’ve seen children go to school because their mothers earned a stable income. I’ve watched women walk taller because they could provide. That’s the real reward.”

Powered by partnerships

Her journey was strengthened by partnerships like Anglo American Zimele, where she became an enterprise development beneficiary.

“Zimele was a game-changer,” she said.

“They believed in me before many others did. Their support gave me access to networks, capital, and guidance that helped me grow Sophia Projects with more structure and confidence. It was a partnership rooted in shared purpose.”

Scaling with integrity

As Sophia Projects expanded into a multi-sector business, Maphutha focused on scaling without losing sight of her mission.

“I scale through people, not just plans. We grow when our team grows. I invest in training, mentorship, and strong systems that uphold our values even as we expand,” she said.

Innovation is part of her model, but never at the expense of integrity.

“We innovate by listening to clients, to our team, and to the industry. But we never compromise on our standards. Excellence and integrity aren’t trends,  they’re our culture. That’s what makes us stand out.”

Defining success and legacy

For Maphutha, success isn’t measured in profits alone.

“Success is seeing someone who came in with no experience leave with skills and confidence. It’s creating generational shifts in families. It’s proving that a woman from Newtown can build a nationally respected company without losing her values. That’s the legacy I want.”

Her vision extends beyond her company to the broader economy.

“We’re proving that rural doesn’t mean behind. Rural means opportunity,” she added.

“We’re creating jobs, skills, and dignity right where people live. Our model shows that transformation can be built brick by brick from the township up, not the top down.”

BUSINESS REPORT