By Lerato Mutlanyane

From selling food to fund her first project to leading a thriving construction company, Kutala Tshangela is rewriting the script for women in mining and construction

Kutala Tshangela, from Khuma Township just outside Klerksdorp in the North West, is the co-founder of L&L Innovations (Pty) Ltd — and she is on a mission to transform the construction industry while empowering women along the way. L&L Innovations is a construction company that specialises in supplying goods to the mining sector. Tshangela says the company plays a significant role in the sustainable growth of the supply chain within the mining, industrial, agricultural, and corporate sectors. The business operates across several divisions, including supply and demand, travel and leisure, as well as security services. She knows first-hand what it means to be a woman navigating traditionally male-dominated spaces. “Entering the mining and construction sectors at a young age came with challenges I had not anticipated. As a woman in a male-dominated environment, I often had to prove my capabilities beyond what my male counterparts were expected to do. Earning respect, navigating technical expectations, and finding my voice in labour and operational spaces were some of the earliest obstacles,” she says. “But entering these sectors was tough — and it made me tougher. I had to prove myself time and again, but that is what drives me to create change.” Tshangela attributes her resilience to her background. “My upbringing in Khuma and the mining community of Buffelsfontein instilled in me courage. Becoming a young mother while still in high school strengthened my discipline and determination. These experiences prepared me to face intimidating environments with confidence.” Through continuous learning, professionalism, and consistency, she built a reputation anchored in competence and integrity. Her roles at AngloGold Ashanti, as well as her involvement in labour structures and political leadership, taught her to stand firm, speak up, and lead with purpose. One of her greatest milestones came in 2010, when she co-founded L&L Innovations with nothing but determination and a shared vision. “We raised funds by selling food in our community, and our first road construction subcontract proved that success is not about starting with resources, but with purpose,” she shares. Tshangela is also the founding chairperson of the Tshangala Foundation, launched in 2024. The foundation is a community-driven organisation dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children, empowering families, and addressing systemic socio-economic challenges across the North West and beyond. There are already long-term plans in motion to ensure the sustainability of both the business and the foundation. “The Foundation aims to become a leading force for social relief, youth empowerment, and community transformation. Our goal is to break cycles of generational poverty, support vulnerable learners, expand mental health interventions, strengthen drug rehabilitation partnerships, and extend outreach to rural and farming communities,” said Tshangela.