Several women, active in Mpumalanga’s construction sector, expressed their gratitude for the provincial government’s ongoing support initiatives during a special dialogue session with Premier Mandla Ndlovu.
They shared how infrastructure programmes had been instrumental in their business growth. Sakhabakhi was highlighted as being a transitional force advancing them from sub-contracting roles to managing their own multi-million rand self-sustainable projects.
Ndlovu hosted this dialogue with women in construction at the Ehlanzeni District Disaster Centre in Mbombela on August 19.
The session provided a vital platform to discuss challenges women in the sector face. Among the most pressing issues raised was the detrimental impact of construction mafias, demanding as much as a 30% share of a project’s value. This significantly impacts the viability and profitability of women-owned construction businesses.
Funding Opportunities and Support Structures
During this event, key infrastructure funding entities also participated. These included the Independent Development Cooperation (IDC) and the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
Representatives from these institutions provided valuable insights into various funding avenues and support programmes available to women contractors; offering potential pathways to overcome financial hurdles and expand operations.
Commitment to Gender Parity
A significant outcome of the dialogue was firm commitments from the Provincial Government to develop and implement a plan ensuring 50% of all construction contracts in the province are awarded to female-owned businesses.
Discussions also centered on the need to develop a comprehensive strategy to address and mitigate threats posed by construction mafias, ensuring a more secure and equitable operating environment for women in the sector.
This dialogue was a crucial step towards fostering greater inclusivity and empowerment within Mpumalanga’s construction industry, directly addressing the needs and concerns of female entrepreneurs who are increasingly contributing to the province’s infrastructure development and economic growth
