In her keynote address congratulating the winners at the 2nd annual Construction Industry Development Board’s Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction Awards (ERWIC), Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Noxolo Kiviet confirmed government’s commitment to transformation stating,
“The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan indicates government’s will to ensure effective gender mainstreaming in all aspects of the plan through the participation and mobilization of women at all levels.” The ERWIC Awards is an awards programme developed by the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) to celebrate and encourage women in the construction industry and showcase women-led projects and achievements. The 2021 ERWIC Awards held on 24 August comprised 11 awards categories that recognized construction entities for their role in developing women in the industry and also recognize entities and individuals who support gender transformation and mentorship of women in the industry. In his opening address, cidb Acting CEO Bongani Dladla said, “We have a strong focus on supporting the gender agenda and are working hard at encouraging all entities registered with the cidb to embrace gender diversity and transformation within their organizations to enhance the sustainability of women within the construction industry.” In the category Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Woman-owned Construction Entity, the winner is Perseverence Mashale from Ke Nale Modisa Construction and Projects. Second place went to Nonhlanhla Esen, Nos Group, while third place was awarded to Mikateko Rosemary Mabunda from Mikateko Trading Enterprise. Winner of the Rural Project of the Year is Thobekile Ndlovu from Thobethulani Trading. The winner of the Mentoring Entity of the Year category is Lebogang Zulu, Tshitshirisang Construction and Projects. Second place went to Lettie Mashau from Motheo Construction Group while third place was awarded to Murendeni Ernest Mabada from Mabert Electrical Solutions. In the Transformation Entity of the Year category, the winner is Lebogang Zulu, Tshitshirisang Construction, and Projects. Second place went to Buang Moloto, Linhleko Projects with third place going to Dr. Nkgomeleng Julia Petla from Amedzo Trading and Projects.Winner of the Youth-owned Woman Construction Entity of the Year was Tshepiso Ingrid Ngwenya from KwaMarona. Second place went to Kgothatso Doris Matsogo from Kgothatso Electrical, while third place went to Phindile Hlongwane from Injabulo Suppliers.
A new category in 2021 is Innovative Entity of the Year which was won by Lebogang Zulu from Tshitshirisang Construction and Projects. Second place went to Lettie Mashau, Motheo Construction Group, and in third place was Rose Ntabiseng Tsenase from Bashoeshoe Housing System. Another new category in 2021 was Business Resilience of the Year (COVID) which was won by Nokuthula Mahlangu from Elezulu Construction with Faith Tshepiso Mabena from Nokhanya Services in second place and Lettie Mashau from Motheo Construction Group in third place. In the Woman-owned Construction Entity of the Year category, which in 2021 received a large number of entries, the winner is Celeste Margo Le Roux from React 24 with Faith Tshepiso Mabena from Nokhanya Services in second place, and coming in third is Nokuthula Mahlangu from Elezulu Construction. The 2021 Woman Mentor of the Year is Vuyiswa Ndzakana from Ms3 Property & Investments with Celeste Margo Le Roux from React 24 in second place and Thobekile Ndlovu from Thobethulani Trading in third place. Another new category for 2021 is the Exceptional Woman in Construction Contributor of the Year with Celeste Margo Le Roux from React 24 being announced the winner. In second place is Nelisiwe Joyce Radebe from NJ Radebe General Projects with Nokuthula Mahlangu from Elezulu Construction coming third. The prestigious Chairman’s Award aims to recognize an outstanding woman or woman-owned entity within the construction industry who has contributed significantly to the development and transformation of women in the South African construction industry through dedication, conviction, vision, commitment, and leadership. “Although there were a number of impressive candidates put forward, one candidate stood out for her impressive career, commitment to the empowerment of women and her outstanding leadership qualities,” said cidb Chairperson, Dr Natalie Skeepers as she awarded Lebogang Zulu CEO of Tshitshirisang Construction and Projects the prestigious 2021 Chairman’s Award.
