Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala has urged for greater efforts to ensure the inclusion of women in the built industry, emphasizing the importance of preferential procurement targeting women-run businesses. Speaking on the first day of the South African Women in Construction (SAWIC) policy and elective conference in Jeppestown, Johannesburg, Zikalala highlighted the need for focused policies to empower black women as a designated group within the construction sector.
Zikalala noted the significance of the conference, particularly as it coincides with ongoing consultations led by National Treasury on finalizing infrastructure procurement regulations under the new Public Procurement Act. “We look to your conference to adopt policies and programmes that will ensure we collectively change the face of construction and unlock the industry’s true potential,” he said.
SAWIC, an organization established in 1997 to empower women in the construction and built environment industry, is holding this conference after facing challenges that prevented the hosting of an elective conference in 2022 and 2023. New leadership will be elected, which Zikalala believes will play a crucial role in driving the industry’s transformation.
Expressing his commitment to ongoing collaboration with SAWIC, Zikalala stated, “We will continue engaging with SAWIC to advance the transformation of the built environment by prioritizing the empowerment of black women.” He also called on the private sector to join the government in developing a skills pipeline for women in construction and property sectors.
“More needs to be done to ensure meaningful participation of women,our programmes must address skills shortages among women in particular, while increasing business opportunities for them,”said Zikalala
The Deputy Minister is confident that the conference’s outcomes will support inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.