Every great city runs on invisible systems, water that flows, fuel that powers movement and minds that imagine it all before it’s built. One of those minds belongs to Caroline Vanqa, a woman whose journey began not in an engineering lab or corporate boardroom, but in the modest streets of Vosloorus. “Growing up in Vosloorus, a township in the East Rand, I was a driven and ambitious young lady. Although I wasn’t sure what it would take to achieve my dreams, my aspirations remained a constant driving force.”
That drive led her through a winding path of self-discovery—starting as a waitress, dabbling in programming, exploring banking, and eventually stepping into the world of corporate finance. Each step, no matter how small, was a brick in the foundation of a powerful legacy she was yet to build.
Today, Caroline stands at the helm of Tola World, an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) company in North Johannesburg that is redefining standards in water and sanitation, fuel, and fleet management systems. But the road here was anything but straight.
Banking on Courage
After 14 years in the banking sector, Caroline made a bold decision. She stepped away from the security of a stable career to pursue entrepreneurship. “After 14 years experience in the banking industry, I was ready to pursue my entrepreneurial ambitions. My background in corporate finance has provided a solid foundation for my business acumen, enabling me to drive my company’s growth with a strong financial framework.”
Tola World was born not from convenience, but from necessity. Initially founded to meet the growing demand for financial literacy and corporate governance, the business soon pivoted. “Within two years, we expanded our scope to become an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) company. Focusing on innovative solutions for complex challenges in water and sanitation, fuel and fleet management systems. Our services now include designing, building, automation, asset and wetstock management for various industries, including mining.”
This pivot was a daring leap, one that would not only change Caroline’s life but also transform the lives of many others across South Africa and beyond.
Built to Lead, Built to Serve
As the Founder and Managing Director of Tola World, Caroline is more than just a businesswoman. She is a leader, a mentor, and a visionary. “I lead a team of professionals in delivering exceptional client service and managing all aspects of commercial and contractual processes.”
Her hands-on approach in business development, contract and site management, and environmental compliance speaks volumes. “I am passionate about ensuring compliance with OH&S and environmental requirements, as well as coaching and mentoring junior technical staff.”
With a staff complement of 15 employees, Caroline’s leadership style fosters not only technical excellence but also a culture of innovation. “My goal is to provide high-quality solutions and services to our clients, while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within our organization.”
Adapting Through Adversity
Caroline is no stranger to hardship. The journey of entrepreneurship tested her in more ways than one. “As an entrepreneur, I’ve navigated through numerous challenges, including seasonal contracts, limited business opportunities, inadequate strategies for growth and cash flow constraints.”
These weren’t just hurdles, they were masterclasses in resilience. Caroline learned quickly that thriving in business demanded a keen ability to adapt and a willingness to collaborate. “Through these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and adaptability, recognizing that difficult times are temporary. I’ve discovered the benefits of collaboration, forming strategic partnerships with other businesses and prioritizing networking and continuous learning to drive growth.”
Growing with Vision
At its core, Tola World is about more than just projects—it’s about impact. “Our company has established a strong track record of delivering fuel and water management projects to a diverse range of clients, including industries, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and municipalities.”
The company’s footprint now stretches across Africa, with ongoing operations and expansion into the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Beyond our domestic successes, we’ve expanded our footprint across the continent, conducting site assessments and providing comprehensive findings reports for international clients.”
Whether it’s fleet management solutions featuring mobile bowsers and trucks, or the installation of site control equipment, Tola World is building systems that keep essential services running smoothly.
The Leader Beyond the Boardroom
Caroline’s influence extends well beyond the business sector. “I have taken on influential leadership roles, serving as Cosmo City Chairperson for the Women’s Forum (2018), a Member of Youth Parliament SA (2016) and Deputy Chairperson of the Community Advisory Board for Esizayo Research Unit (2022).”
Her resume reflects a woman deeply invested in community empowerment and representation. She is an active member of the Black Business Council in the Built Environment (BBCBE) Women’s Chapter and interim National Treasurer of the South African Fire Development Association (SAFDA).
Through these platforms and partnerships with organizations like WomX Business Accelerator, Genderlinks, and Global Affairs Canada—Caroline continues to be a fierce advocate for women-led, township-based entrepreneurship. She even represented African business leaders internationally. “I have represented African business leaders as a panel chair at Africa Down Under (2019) in Perth, Australia, engaging with global stakeholders in mining, energy, and economic development.”
Advice from the Frontlines
To those hoping to walk a similar path, Caroline offers pragmatic wisdom. “To succeed in our line of business focus on building your knowledge and expertise. Invest in courses and training programs that cover water and sanitation, fuel and fleet management best practices.”
She encourages entrepreneurs to think strategically—“…study your market, understand your competition, and always plan ahead. Outline clear goals and strategies for your business and consider sub-contracting as a way to expand your offerings without increasing overhead costs.”
Partnerships, she insists, are not optional, they are essential. “Build strategic partnerships with suppliers, equipment manufacturers and other businesses.”
A Future Fueled by Innovation
Looking ahead, Caroline sees a landscape shaped by innovation. “In recent years, we’ve witnessed the emergence of exciting technologies, including AI-powered solutions, 5G connectivity, predictive analytics and a growing shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles.”
She is determined that Tola World will not be left behind. “As a forward-thinking company, we’re committed to aligning our business with these innovative trends as we continue to grow and evolve.”
This foresight is what continues to set Caroline and her company apart in an ever-changing industry.
Rooted in Resilience
When asked about the most important lesson she has learned as an entrepreneur, Caroline doesn’t hesitate. “The most significant lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability and resilience. Building a business is a journey filled with ups and downs and being able to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances has been crucial to my success.”
She reflects on the relationships she’s built, the backbone of her journey. “I’ve also learned to prioritize building strong relationships with my team, customers and partners, as these connections have been essential in helping my business to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.”
As Africa embraces new technologies and deeper connectivity, Caroline Vanqa is already there, engineering not just better systems, but a better future.
