| JOHANNESBURG, 19 AUGUST 2026 – The Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) honoured the country’s most outstanding women-owned construction entities, academics contractors, mentors and industry leaders at the annual Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards, held in Johannesburg on the 18th August.
The awards ceremony took place, during Women’s Month, against the backdrop of a historic milestone for South Africa, 70 years since 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in defiance of the pass laws and 30 years since 9 August was formally declared a day to honour them.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean McPherson said he remains committed to “kick down the doors of opportunity” for women to compete and win in the open market, reporting that award entries doubled in two years to 160. He highlighted that women currently make up 53% of beneficiaries supported by professional skills and capacity development interventions, and he reaffirmed the government’s investment of a 300 million rand construction fund to support women-owned companies.
Also speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Carol Phiri was recognised for her key leadership in the oversight of industry transformation.
Meanwhile, cidb CEO Bongani Dladla noted: “These awards recognise the vision, determination and achievement of the women builders in our country, celebrating the incredible leaders whose expertise is transforming our industry and whose contributions are shaping the South Africa we will leave to future generations.” |
