Winners in various categories were announced at the Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards, organised by the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb).

This year’s event took place in Gauteng, on Thursday, 24 August 2023 and featured 15 categories that commended both individuals and companies for their contributions to transformation, development, and mentorship within the construction industry.

The 4^th annual event was also attended by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s Honourable Minister Sihle Zikalala, who in his keynote address emphasised the importance of women conquering stereotypes and reaching new heights in the construction sector. He underscored that the remarkable achievements of women in this field should serve as an inspiration, enabling transformation and diversification in the construction industry to ensure it is not male dominated but instead actively prioritises female participation. “Women are not second-class citizens. I am calling for a concerted effort to improve the representation of women in the construction sector and across South Africa,’’ he firmly said.

Bongani Dladla, CEO of the cidb, highlighted the ERWIC Awards as a platform to celebrate and recognise women in construction, playing a crucial role in fostering transformation and empowerment and contributing to a more inclusive country. “As with many technical and engineering industries, the built environment still has much progress to make before it can be called “truly transformed” but the awards are a testament to the fact that we are starting to make a difference,” he added.

Khulile Nzo, Chairperson of the cidb, ended the night on a high note by stating: “What is even more heartening is that we are not only seeing more women starting and running construction companies, but more women are being appointed in very senior positions within the sector and this we applaud.’’ He also highlighted the significance of these awards during Women’s Month and emphasised the profound impact that the cidb ERWIC Awards finalists and winners are leaving on the construction industry. “

The cidb congratulates the 2023 nominees and winners and urges stakeholders to continue to collaborate and build better together.

Women in construction excellence

Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Grade 1:

• Winner: Magz Projects for the Connection of Phase One (1) buildings to the existing backup generator at Bensonvale Office Complex for DPWI, Joe Gqabi Region.
• 2nd place: Sbonzin Trading for the Upgrading of Gravel Roads to Surface Roads in Drieziek.
• 3^rd place: Mabo Construction Services for the servicing of underground diesel and petrol tanks and refurbishing both the petrol and diesel dispensers.

Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Grade 2 – 4:

• Winner: Siphumelele Business Enterprise for the Langelibomvu Secondary School project.
• 2nd Place: Boitsholo Trading and Projects for CLUSTER 7 Supavut, Middle Warehouse and DSV Factory and related engineering services in Tasez projects.
• 3^rd Place: Mpumistone Projects for the Installation of clear view fence at Sehlare Package Plant.

Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Grade 5 – 6

• Winner: Kapcor Construction for the M1 Bridge Rehabilitation project.
• 2nd Place: Sue Phalane Trading and Projects for the Construction of the Tshukudu Multi-Purpose Community Centre.
• 3rd Place: Kusini Holdings for the Facilities Management for 1 Military Hospital.

Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Grade 7 and upwards

• Winner: Nokhanya Services for the Harare Phase 1 Housing Project.
• 2^nd Place: Lite-Line Electrical for the 286Q for the Delft Voorbrug 5 A Side project.

Rural Project of the Year

• Winner: Sue Phalane Trading and Projects for the Upgrading of Roads in Ramokokastad and Bojating-Road 3 project.
• 2^nd Place: VP Electrical Contractors for the Pienaarspoort Electrifiction project.
• 3^rd Place:  Sue Phalane Trading and Projects for the Construction of Tshukudu Multi-Purpose Community Centre.

Mentoring Entity of the Year

• Winner: Siphumelele Business Enterprise.
• 2^nd Place: Golden Rewards 1981 cc.
• 3^rd Place: RTT Construction and RTT Consulting.

Transformation Entity of the Year

• Winner:  Sue Phalane Trading and Projects.
• 2^nd Place:  Zimisele Afrika Consulting.
• 3^rd Place: Golden Rewards 1981 cc.

Innovative Entity of the Year

• Winner: Siphumelele Business Enterprise

Professional Team of the Year

• Winner: RTT Consulting
• 2^nd Place: Zimisele Afrika Consulting
• 3rd Place: Jowy Tradings CC

Youth-owned Woman Construction Entity of the Year

• Winner: Sue Phalane Trading and Project
• 2nd Place:  Kapcor Construction
• 3rd Place: Thabomeleng Construction Group

Woman-owned Construction Entity of the Year

• Winner: VEA Road Maintenance and Civils
• 2^nd Place:  Golden Rewards 1981 cc
• 3^rd Place: Mega Roads and Civils

Woman Mentor of the Year

• Winner: Suzan Portia Phalane from Sue Phalane Trading and Projects
• 2^nd Place: Caroll Masevhe from Kapcor Construction
• 3^rd Place: Lynette Mazibuko from Lenda Construction and Supply Services

Women with Disability Contractor of the Year

• Winner: Qeda Contracting and Services cc

Exceptional Woman in Construction Contributor of the Year

• Winner: Revona Botha from Robus Engineering Training Services
• 2^nd Place: Yibanathi Mtirara from Magz Projects
• 3^rd Place:  Zola Hlatshwayo from Mkhulu EDP

The awards concluded with the prestigious Chairman’s Award that went to Nyami Mandindi, who has extensive executive and organisational leadership, excelling in co-creating sustainable business and change strategies with leadership teams. With a background spanning various industries and sectors, Mandindi has initiated and managed complex organisational growth projects, advised the government on procurement reform, played key roles in major infrastructure projects, and contributed significantly to transportation planning for the 2010 World Cup, among other accomplishments.