The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Carol Phiri, has congratulated the winners of the Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards, held in Johannesburg on 18 August 2026.
The annual awards, hosted by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), recognise and celebrate female contractors and built-environment professionals in what remains a largely male-dominated industry. Ms Phiri said the seventh edition of the ERWIC Awards demonstrate that recognising and supporting women in construction must be more than a once-off campaign.
“We congratulate all the women who have been recognised tonight. Your achievements show that women have the skills, determination and ability to succeed in the construction industry. We must ensure that these opportunities are not limited to a few, but that more women are supported to enter the industry, grow their businesses and compete for major projects.”
Ms Phiri noted that while women make up more than 51% of the national population, they account for roughly 10 to 11 percent of the approximately 1.259 million workers in the South African construction sector.
Furthermore, Ms Phiri raised as a concern that women-owned businesses remain concentrated in the lower CIDB registration grades, particularly Grades 1 to 4, while higher-value commercial and civil construction work in Grades 7 to 9 remains largely male-dominated.
“We must change this empowerment pattern by giving women real opportunities to move up the value chain, access bigger projects and build sustainable businesses. The construction industry cannot transform while women remain concentrated at the lower end of the sector,” Ms Phiri said.
The winners of the 16 categories at the 2026 ERWIC Awards:
Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Women-owned Construction Entity:
- Grade 1: Galo Maarohanye from GVM Civils for the Renovations to Kgodisong Flea Market
- Grade 2–4: Shai Tshiskule from Livhone Advisory Pty Ltd for the Design and Construction of Warehouse Extension and Mezzanine Office for ZF Lemförder South Africa Pty Ltd
- Grade 5–6: Johanna Mokoenene from Lebohile Construction for the Naledi Development: Construction of 26 Housing Units
- Grade 7–9: Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu from VEA Road Maintenance & Civils for the Emergency Reconstruction of Evaton Municipal Access Road
Rural Project of the Year: Matlakala Radebe from Qualicon Construction for the Borwa Primary Healthcare Clinic Design and Construction
Interior Design and Build Project of the Year: Rene Bengu from Rene Forbay Designs for TLS Centurion Design and Project Management
Specialised Project of the Year: Mpho Bantsijang from Loago Electrical and Construction Pty Ltd for the Supply, Delivery and Construction of 2,5 km Long Diamond Mesh Security Fencing At Nongo’s Joint Project
Mentoring Entity of the Year: Sanele Ndlovu for the Magnacorp Project Managers for Learnerships, Skills Programmes, Workplace Learning Initiatives and Project-based Opportunities
Transformation Entity of the Year: Protilagor Laboratory and Construction for Female Participation in Technical, Managerial and Leadership Roles
Innovative Entity of the Year: Sonto Cheryl Sikhakhane from Zimisele Afrika Consulting for the Langalibomvu High School
Youth-owned Woman Construction Entity of the Year: Ayanda Phumo from Ayanda Phumo Consulting
Woman-owned Construction Entity of the Year: Noko Ramasenya from Noleo Projects Pty Ltd
Woman Mentor of the Year: Thato Mapuleng Elsie Mokhothu from RTT Africa Legacy/Thato M Foundation
Women with Disability Contractor of the Year: Katlego Charlotte Pfupa from Crystal Construction
Exceptional Woman in Construction Contributor of the Year: Tshidi Mndzebele from Avenir Holdings
Academic Excellence in the Construction and Built Environment Sector: Xolile Nokulunga Mashwama from the Walter Sisulu University
Chairman’s Award: Tshidi Mndzebele from AvenirHoldings
Ms Phiri called for greater recognition of the women who are actively shaping South Africa’s physical and economic landscape. She said the committee would continue to support efforts to remove barriers that limit women’s meaningful participation in the construction and built environment.
Africa Fact: 40% of Africans now live in urban areas.
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