Masha Padayachi: Leading with Purpose and Empowerment

Leadership in Telecommunications

Masha Padayachi serves as the chief executive officer of FT Engineering, a company that has played a significant role in shaping the telecommunications landscape for three decades. She proudly explains, “We do telecommunication work for MTN, Cell C, Vodacom, and ATC, which is an American-based company, and we are also involved in construction.” Masha’s remarkable success is anchored in her determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of women to achieve anything they set their minds to.

Origins and Inspiration

Masha reflects on her modest beginnings, saying, “I started from very humble beginnings. I married into a very humble family.” She openly acknowledges that her journey was never marked by financial privilege or a straightforward path. Instead, she was motivated by the inspiring examples set by her mother and mother-in-law, who were the sole providers in their families. “They encouraged us in pursuing our goals and taught us that nothing is impossible. By looking at what they did, I knew that women could do it.”

A Business Built with Heart

Masha’s entrepreneurial journey was fuelled by her greatest dream: to offer her children opportunities she herself never had. She was also motivated by a desire “to serve the community and help the poor.”

She recalls the early days of FT Engineering vividly. “The business was established in 1995. I started with just three staff members and myself, and I ran it from my living room.” Despite lacking formal education in engineering or telecommunications, she pressed forward, relying on determination, on-the-job learning, and a supportive partnership at home. “It was all self-taught and with the help of my wonderful husband, I managed to persevere and get to where I am today.”

Empowering Women and Building a Community

Today, FT Engineering is recognised as a respected player in South Africa’s telecommunications and construction sectors. What began in Masha’s living room has grown into a company that embodies her commitment to empowering women. “Of that staff, I empowered many women, and I now have them holding high positions in our local offices and in the rural areas.” This transformation reflects her core leadership principle: opportunity should be accessible to those whom society often overlooks.

Masha has always advocated for giving people the chance to gain experience rather than excluding them for not having it. “You go out for interviews and the first question you are asked is: ‘What is your experience?’ If everybody closes the door on you because you had no experience, when are you going to get that experience? I gave many people the chance to get that experience at FT Engineering.” Many of those early employees have now grown into respected professionals, with some even starting their own businesses. “There are a few who have their own business now. I feel very good that I empowered these people.” She describes the workplace as a community, saying, “We are a family at FT Engineering, more than the staff and employer.” Masha proudly adds, “My oldest staff member has been with us for 28 years.”

Overcoming Challenges

Success was not without obstacles. “In the beginning, obviously it was finance, but I managed to overcome that.” As one of the few women in her field, Masha faced scrutiny and was often not acknowledged on sites where her expertise and authority were questioned. “Going out to sites, I was not acknowledged and I could hear comments, but that did not intimidate me at all. In fact, that made me more determined to make it work.”

The Covid pandemic further tested her leadership. “During Covid, I really concentrated on my staff and managed to stretch my budget so that I could keep them.” Support programmes such as Covid loans helped her maintain salaries, and she remains proud that most of her team stayed together through those challenging years. Celebrating the company’s 30-year milestone was a moment of fulfilment for Masha. She hosted an event to recognise every person who contributed to building FT Engineering. “I invited all my clients, my suppliers, and most importantly, all my staff to show them my appreciation. Because without them, there is no FT Engineering.” For some staff, this was their first taste of luxury hospitality. “They did not know what it is like to go and sit in a hotel. And that gave me so much satisfaction.”

A Life of Purpose and Service

Masha’s dedication extends beyond her company. She is deeply involved in community upliftment and faith-based service. “I belong to a women empowerment group where we help the poor in our community. I also belong to a Hindu organisation where I help to deliver food hampers.” Charity work brings her peace and fulfilment. “I find doing this service very relaxing, and I get fulfilment out of it.”

Looking Ahead

Masha looks to the future with hope for a slower pace. “I would love to spend time with my grandchildren now.” She joyfully lists their ages: “I have a two-year-old, a six-week-old, and I have a son who has a twenty-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son.” She also dreams of travelling to Seychelles or Maldives with her husband, seeking relaxation and tranquillity. “The beaches would be ideal. Somewhere to relax where there is not too much activity and where I know I can just chill.”

Words of Wisdom

Her message to young women is both firm and inspiring: “Never underestimate your ability. You must set your goals and work towards them. And remember, nothing comes for free. Everything is hard work. And you must get up, dress up, and go get it.”

Masha credits her strength to the women who raised her. “Looking at them working so hard has shown me that women can do it. They were my role models. I am sure they are somewhere up there looking at me and very proud of me.”