The Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) honoured South African women-owned construction entities, academics contractors, mentors and industry leaders at the yearly Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards, held in Johannesburg on August 18.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean McPherson said he remains committed to "[kicking] down the doors of opportunity" for women to compete and win in the open market, reporting that award entries doubled in two years to 160.
He highlighted that women currently make up 53% of beneficiaries supported by professional skills and capacity development interventions, and he reaffirmed the government's investment of a R300-million construction fund to support women-owned companies.
Also speaking at the event, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure Carol Phiri was recognised for her key leadership in the oversight of industry transformation.
"These awards recognise the vision, determination and achievement of the women builders in our country, celebrating the incredible leaders whose expertise is transforming our industry and whose contributions are shaping the South Africa we will leave to future generations,” said cidb CEO Bongani Dladla.
