Traditionally the world of construction was dominated by men . Today the profession is seen as an attractive career choice for many SA women and an entrepreneurial opportunity for them to earn a living .
FEATURES
Women are raking in construction accolades
Traditionally the world of construction was dominated by men . Today the profession is seen as an attractive career choice for many SA women and an entrepreneurial opportunity for them to earn a living .
Compiled by Cherry Ellis
The construction industry in South Africa plays a vital role in our country ’ s economy . Because of boundaries women face in the industry they become entrepreneurs and open small construction companies , which brings its own challenges .
Women have made inroads and are winning awards in various construction sectors for their contribution or for successfully running their own companies plus they are heard and recognised for their achievements and growth .
The industry is evolving . Female trailblazers the industry are encouraging young women to participate in learnerships and become entrepreneurs to ensure that there is advancement up the ladder to success , and that more women become even more involved .
AFRICAN CONSTRUCTION AND TOTALLY CONCRETE
At the African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo held at Gallagher Convention Centre recently , women were honoured and awarded for their contribution and the difference they have made – and continue to make – in the industry . The awards are not only about one night of celebration , but a year-round pursuit to highlight the best of the industry and to demonstrate the passion of those working in the sector .
Entrepreneurs and industry leaders were judges for numerous category awards , which among others , included Women in Construction : Young Entrepreneur / Rising Star , Life Time Achievement and Transformation .
The awards were sponsored by CCS , FEM , NHBRC , Rosslyn Hubb and NAFBI . Table sponsors included Cape Business News , CETA , CIDB , Concrete Trend , FEM , Kaytec , Masisizane Fund , NAFBI , NHBRC , PPC , Rosslyn Hub , SANRAL , Sizwe , Tiber and WBHO .
Rhadia Khatieb Parker , architect and founding director of Archi . CapeTown , who won the lifetime achievement award in the Women in Concrete and Construction section , says her career fascination stems from her interest in science and art where architecture is a balance of both .
“ I am a logical and creative thinker which are both necessary tools for architectural rational . I believe I was born to follow this career path , it is a career that demands full command of one ’ s life both in business and personal [ capacities ],” she says .
“ I am involved in projects from conception to delivery . I am fascinated by complexities between urban design and architecture . I develop feasibility studies that align design to infrastructure as this impacts city development and Flavia Kutlwelo Tau , director , Tumagole
Trading Enterprise , took the honours in elevates human the transformation category .
DMG EVENTS
SOME CATEGORY WINNERS
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION – YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR / RISING STAR |
Winner Mandy Jayakody Aquila Projects |
1st runner-up Zanele Mabathoana Gauteng Department of
Infrastructure Department
|
2nd runner-up Kea Mokhukhwane Kgarebana Civil and Structural Engineers |
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD : WOMEN IN CONCRETE AND CONSTRUCTION |
Winner Rahdia Khatieb Archi . CapeTown |
1st runner-up Flavia Tau Tumagole Trading Enterprise |
2nd runner-up Manana Khotseng Rehauwe Construction and Developers |
TRANSFORMATION |
Small company Tumagole Trading
Enterprise ( Gauteng )
|
Medium company Nonku Ntshona & Associates
Quantity Surveyors
|
Corporate Steeledale ( Gauteng ) |
|
|
|
AFFORDABLE
SA HOUSING JULY - AUGUST 2018 17
|