CIDB honors women in South Africa's construction industry

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) hosted the seventh annual Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards in Johannesburg on August 18, 2026. The ceremony celebrated female contractors, mentors, and industry leaders contributing to South Africa’s built environment.

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean MacPherson noted that award entries have doubled to 160 over the last two years. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting women-owned companies through a R300m construction fund.

Carol Phiri, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, highlighted the need for deeper transformation. She noted that while women comprise over 51% of the national population, they represent only 10% to 11% of the 1.259 million workers in the South African construction sector. Phiri expressed concern that women-owned businesses are largely concentrated in lower registration grades (1 to 4), while higher-value commercial and civil projects (grades 7 to 9) remain male-dominated.

CIDB CEO Bongani Dladla stated the awards recognize the expertise of women leaders who are transforming the industry.