The winners of the Women in Construction Awards, recognising excellence in Africa, were announced Wednesday night, 13 May 2015. Hosted by the African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo, at the Sandton Convention Centre, the event saw 300 guests from the construction, cement and concrete industry celebrate, recognise and applaud the finalists for 2015.

The call for nominations for the Women in Construction Awards resulted in an influx of 42 nominations. A panel of judges, which consisted of 14 global industry experts, identified 12 finalists, representative of three different African countries.

Currently in its third year, The Women in Construction Awards evolved through a need to recognize and celebrate the role of women in the construction, cement and concrete industry. The awards, which comprise of both individual and organisational categories, acknowledge the increasing important role of women in the industry.

The individual categories recognise women who are pioneers in innovation within the built environment, as well as identify ‘New Starters’ – women under the age of 30 years – who through their efforts to date have been identified as women to watch as they get a foothold within the sector.

The organisational awards acknowledged organisations which have stepped up and developed women’s roles through innovative training programmes as well showing their commitment to developing the careers of women in the industry.

 

Individual Categories

Pioneer in Innovation Award:

1. Manana Khotseng, director, Rehauwe Construction and Development, South Africa
2. Solange Ngandu Misengabu, managing director, Best Construct, Democratic Republic of Congo

New Starter of the Year – Under 30 Award:

1. Lentsu Mmako, quality surveyor in training, VSB Quantity Surveyors, South Africa

Organisational Categories

Most Innovative Women Training Programme Award:

1. Gordon Institute of business Science: The NHBRC Women Empowerment Programme, South Africa

Excellence in career Development Award:

1. Seda Construction Incubator, South Africa

“Nights like these would not be possible if we did not have the support of sponsors, I would like to thank our sponsors Aecom, Power Group and Neuroleadership for their support. The Women in Construction Awards are important as they create visibility for women and those organisations supporting and shaping the role of women in the construction, cement and concrete industry. I am excited as we’ve had winners from South Africa and the DRC. ” said Award director Tanitha Jolly.