R300M Construction Fund Launched to Empower Women Builders in South Africa Johannesburg, South Africa – On August 18, 2026, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) celebrated the achievements of women in construction at the 2026 Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards in Johannesburg.
The event marked a significant milestone as the government announced a R300 million Construction Fund to support women-owned companies in the industry.
The awards, which took place during Women’s Month, were a platform to recognize the pivotal role women play in the construction sector, which has historically been male-dominated. Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean McPherson, emphasized the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities in the open market, highlighting that women currently make up 53% of beneficiaries in professional skills and capacity development interventions.
The R300 million Construction Fund, a partnership between the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa) and the CIDB, aims to address the persistent challenge of access to finance for emerging contractors. This fund is expected to help women-owned companies move from the periphery to the center of the construction value chain, promoting growth and development.
The ERWIC Awards showcased the vision, determination, and achievements of women builders across various categories, including project delivery, rural projects, interior design, specialized projects, mentoring, transformation, innovation, and youth ownership. Notable recipients included Galo Maarohanye from GVM Civils, Shai Tshiskule from Livhone Advisory Pty Ltd, and Johanna Mokoenene from Lebohile Construction.
As the construction industry evolves, the emphasis on empowering women builders is not only a matter of gender equality but also a strategic move to enhance the industry’s overall performance.
The R300 million Construction Fund is a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting emerging contractors and fostering a more inclusive and dynamic construction sector.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: SG Editor
