Masha Padayachi

Masha Padayachi is the chief executive officer of FT Engineering, a company that has shaped the telecommunications landscape for three decades. “We do telecommunication work for MTN, Cell C, Vodacom, and ATC, which is an American based company and we are also into construction,” she explains with pride. Her success is rooted in determination, resilience, and a steadfast belief that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.

“I started from very humble beginnings,” says Masha. “I married into a very humble family,” she adds,
acknowledging that she never had the luxury of financial advantage or a straightforward path. Instead, she was inspired by the powerful example of her mother and mother-in-law, who were the sole providers for 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 WITH HEART
Masha’s journey into entrepreneurship was driven by her biggest dream which was to give her children the
opportunity that she was not allowed or did not have. And she added her motivation was, ‘to serve the community and help the poor’.

She recalls the early days of FT Engineering clearly. “The business was established in 1995. I started with just
three staff members and myself, and I ran it from my living room.” Without tertiary education in engineering
or telecommunications, she forged ahead through determination, on the job learning and a strong
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.”

Today FT Engineering stands as a respected player in South Africa’s telecommunications and construction
sectors. What began in Masha’s living room has One of the achievements Masha treasures most is the
empowerment of women within her workforce. “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 within her business reflects a core principle of her leadership: opportunity must be accessible to those whom society often overlooks.Masha has long been an advocate 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. “There are a few who have their own business now. I feel very good that I empowered these people.” She describes the workplace she has built as a
community. “We are a family at FT Engineering, more than the staff and employer.” With pride Masha adds,
“My oldest staff member has been with us for 28 years.”

WEATHERING STORMS
Success did not come without challenges. “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 on sites where her knowledge and authority were dismissed. “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 tested her leadership further. “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. She remains proud that most of her team stayed intact through those difficult years Reaching the 30-year company milestone was a moment of fulfilment for Masha. She hosted a
celebration that recognised every person who helped build 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.” Some staff members experienced luxury hospitality for the first time. “They did not know what it is like to go and sit in a hotel. And that gave me so much satisfaction.”

LIVING WITH PURPOSE
Masha’s work does not end at the company gates. Community upliftment and faith-based service are essential parts of her life. “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. “I find doing this service very relaxing, and I get fulfilment out of it.”

As she looks to the future, Masha hopes to embrace a slower pace. “I would love to spend time with my
grandchildren now.” She lists with joy the ages of the young ones who brighten her life. “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
says that she would also like to do some travelling to Seychelles or Maldives with her ‘lovely husband’. “The
beaches would be ideal. Somewhere to relax where there is not too much activity and where I know I can
just chill.”

Masha’s message to young women is 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 concludes by crediting 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."