From Short Course to MBA: Boston City Campus Graduate Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu Builds a Legacy of Leadership

September 9, 2025September 9, 2025862 Views 2 min read

When Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu first enrolled at Boston City Campus for a Software Specialist short learning programme (SLP), she could not have imagined the journey that lay ahead. Today, she is the Managing Director of VEA Road Maintenance & Civils (Pty) Ltd, leading major projects in road construction and civil engineering an industry traditionally dominated by men.

Thoko’s educational path has been a remarkable progression, achieved entirely at Boston. After her Software Specialist course laid the groundwork, she went on to complete her Bachelor of Commerce in Management Marketing, followed by an Advanced Diploma in Adaptive Leadership, and later, a Postgraduate Diploma in Management. Now, she is pursuing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the same institution.

Reflecting on her journey, she says: “Boston City Campus played a crucial role in preparing me for my career. From the very beginning, Boston gave me the flexibility to balance studies with professional responsibilities, while equipping me with practical knowledge that I could apply immediately. The support from lecturers and mentors, especially Zanele Ncai, gave me the confidence to push boundaries and achieve more than I thought possible.”

For Thoko, her studies at Boston were not just about academic qualifications, but about building the resilience and leadership capacity she would need to excel in one of South Africa’s most demanding industries. She credits Boston’s unique blend of flexibility, practical curriculum, and supportive environment for shaping her into the leader she is today.

Now at the helm of VEA Road Maintenance & Civils, Thoko leads with vision and purpose. She ensures that the company not only delivers top-quality infrastructure but also invests in people and communities. “What I enjoy most about my job is creating lasting impact. Beyond building roads, my work is about building futures,” she explains.

Her approach has earned her and her company widespread recognition, including top industry rankings and prestigious awards such as the ERWIC Award for Women in Construction and the BBQ Businesswoman of the Year Award. She has also been celebrated as a Standard Bank Top Women Entrepreneur finalist and featured on national platforms such as eNCA.

Despite these accolades, Thoko’s focus remains on inspiring others, particularly young women. She encourages learners to embrace courage and perseverance in pursuing their goals. “Don’t be afraid to step into male dominated spaces you belong there. Seek mentors, embrace challenges, and pursue your passion with perseverance,” she advises.

Her journey from a Software Specialist SLP to an MBA student demonstrates the life-changing power of education when paired with discipline and determination. For Boston City Campus, her story is a testament to the institution’s mission: to provide quality, flexible, and practical education that equips students not only for careers but for leadership and impact.

“In construction and leadership, learning never stops,” Thoko says. “Boston gave me the foundation to begin, and it continues to provide the knowledge and skills I need to grow. That is the mark of an institution that truly prepares students for the future.”