Ms. Nolubabalo Tsolo has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS). Tsolo, a Professional Quantity Surveyor (PrQS), has over 17 years of experience in the construction industry in both the private and public sectors and has worked on diverse construction projects.
The search for a new Executive Director was triggered by the retirement of Karl Trusler who served as ED from 1 September 2022 after seven years serving as the Association’s EduTech Director.
“The appointment of Ms. Tsolo as Executive Director of the ASAQS comes at the right time in the Association’s 116-year history,” says Trusler. “Current political, social and economic conditions call for a new brand of leadership to navigate the challenges and create new solutions. Due to her qualifications, demonstrated work experience, a strong sense of responsibility, a light-hearted sense of humour – and youth on her side – the future of ASAQS is in good hands.”
According to Mosha Senyolo, President of the ASAQS, the recruitment and selection process followed several rigorous stages, including a thorough assessment of the top three candidates in terms of their qualifications, work experience, leadership vision, and alignment with the ASAQS mission.
“The successful candidate was selected based on her qualifications, extensive knowledge and experience, including her forward-looking vision for the profession,” explains Senyolo. “The appointment of Ms. Tsolo as Executive Director underscores the ASAQS’s dedication to addressing the pressing challenges of the construction sector and shaping a sustainable, future-ready built environment.”
In her previous role as Chief Quantity Surveyor at the Department of Infrastructure Development, Tsolo managed operational capital project portfolios, ensuring efficient cash flow management and overseeing human resources development. She also managed subordinates’ performance and implemented knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Having served as both a client and a service provider in the construction sector, Tsolo has a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities in both government and corporate contexts. Her current pursuit of an MBA from Wits Business School is set to enhance her business acumen, operational efficiency, and leadership capabilities, equipping her to address both internal organisational needs and external stakeholder demands effectively. In addition, Tsolo’s experience as a part-time lecturer further enables her to bridge the gap between higher education and industry, fostering a future-focused and evolving quantity surveying profession.
“I plan to leverage the strong foundation already laid by the Association and the work done by my predecessors thus far while ensuring we remain relevant in a continuously changing industry,” says Tsolo. “My vision for the ASAQS’s future is to establish it as a prominent voice and resource within the built environment, championing the value and skill set that quantity surveyors contribute to the field, all while promoting a culture of innovation and ongoing professional growth.”
“By balancing innovation with respect for the profession’s heritage, we can equip our members for a dynamic future while maintaining the core values that lend ASAQS and the quantity surveying profession its esteemed reputation.”