At a hybrid physical-virtual awards ceremony held last night, winners in the nine prestigious awards categories were named. This was the first time these awards have taken place, which aim to celebrate female excellence and empowerment in the built environment sector.
With the aim of celebrating and encouraging women in the construction industry, the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) developed an awards programme to showcase women-led projects and achievements. The Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards consisted of ten awards categories which were open for entry on the 15th June 2020 and closed on the 17th July 2020. The awards also recognised entities and individuals who support gender transformation and mentorship of women within the industry.
The winners of the Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction Awards 2020. Image credit: cidb
The aim of the awards is to encourage excellence among women and commitment among stakeholders to support women in their professional growth and development. At a physical event at the Hilton Hotel, Johannesburg, held in conjunction with an online event to adhere to physical distancing requirements, the award winners were named as follows:
Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Woman-owned Construction Entity:
Grade 1
- Winner: Phindile Cindi, PCA Trading and Projects
- Second place: Nthabaleng Pitso, Rejangmmoho Multi Trading
- Third place: Dineo Letsholo, Dineo Ya Rona Trading
Grade 2 – 4
- Winner: Mikateko Rosemary Mabunda, Mikateko Trading Enterprise
- Second place (shared): Thuli Ntanzi, Khalisi Holdings; and Nkgomeleng Julia Petla, Amedzo Trading and Projects
- Third place: Patricia Satekge Masoko, Masoko Constructions
Grade 5 – 6
- Winner: Nokuthula Mahlangu, Elezulu Construction
- Second place: Rachel Molamu, Mercycon
- Third place: Ouma Sophie Sibanyoni, Mamolato
Grades 7 and up
- Winner: Thobekile Ndlovu, Thobethulani Trading and Impressing Designs
Rural Project of the Year:
- Winner: Rachel Molamu, Mercycon
- Second place: Nokuthula Mahlangu, Elezulu Constructions
- Third place: Mikateko Rosemary Mabunda, Mikateko Trading Enterprise
Mentoring Entity of the Year:
- Winner: Ramatsobane Innocent Mpe, Ramatsobane Developers
- Second place: Lettie Mashau, Motheo Construction Group
- Third place: Nosiphiwo Sixhaso, Hlumantombazana Civil and Construction/TA: Ngamela
Transformation Entity of the Year:
- Winner: Lebogang Bridget Zulu, Tshitshirisang Construction and Projects
- Second place: Fana Skosana, Conscience Building and Projects
Youth-owned Woman Contractor of the Year:
- Winner: Precious Seapose, Liviya Projects
- Second place: Ayanda Nkomo, Empower Electrical
- Third place: Sihle Makhanya, Makhanya Trading and Projects
Woman-owned Contractor of the Year:
- Winner: Revona Botha, Robus Engineering Training Services
- Second place: Lebogang Bridget Zulu, Tshitshirisang Construction and
- Third place: Celeste Margo LeRoux, React24
Woman Mentor of the Year:
- Winner: Celeste Margo LeRoux, React24
- Second place: Thobekile Ndlovu, Thobethulani Trading
- Third place: Thato Mokhothu, RTT Construction
Woman with Disability Contractor of the Year:
- Winner: Duduzile Ellah Zulu, Qeda Contracting and Trading
Chairman’s Award:
- The late Dr Thandi Ndlovu, Motheo Construction Group
On the awards, cidb CEO Cyril Vuyani Gamede says: “The calibre of entries was extremely high and the competition was tough. The entries showcased female excellence in the industry, and we congratulate the winners of these awards on their prestigious achievements in the built environment sector. We look forward to hosting these awards throughout the coming years, further encouraging women in the industry to come forward with their achievements and become role models to others.”
“We are thrilled at the success of these awards, which would not have been possible without our valued partners,” says Nonkululeko Sindane, cidb chairperson. “Thanks goes to Crown Publications’ Construction World magazine, which has been our supportive media partner, and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure who have put their name behind this worthy initiative,” she concludes.
