cidb Honours South African Women Leading Transformation in Construction
cidb Honours South African Women Leading Transformation in Construction. The Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) has recognised women contributing to transformation, innovation and excellence in South Africa’s construction sector at its annual Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (Erwic) Awards.
The ceremony was held in Johannesburg on 18 August 2026 during Women’s Month and recognised women-owned construction businesses, mentors, academics and industry leaders.
The event also commemorated 70 years since 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings against pass laws, as well as three decades since 9 August was formally declared a day to honour the historic march.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said government remained committed to creating opportunities for women in construction. He noted that award entries had doubled over two years to 160.
Macpherson also said women account for 53% of beneficiaries supported through professional skills and capacity development interventions. He reaffirmed government’s investment of a R300 million construction fund aimed at supporting women-owned companies.
cidb chief executive officer Bongani Dladla said the awards recognised women whose expertise and leadership are contributing to changes within the construction industry.
Among the 2026 winners was Galo Maarohanye of GVM Civils, who received the Project Delivery Excellence of the Year award in the Grade 1 category for renovations to Kgodisong Flea Market.
Other Project Delivery Excellence winners included Shai Tshiskule of Livhone Advisory, Johanna Mokoenene of Lebohile Construction and Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu of VEA Road Maintenance & Civils.
Matlakala Radebe of Qualicon Construction won Rural Project of the Year, while Rene Bengu of Rene Forbay Designs received the Interior Design and Build Project of the Year award.
Other recognised women included Ayanda Phumo of Ayanda Phumo Consulting, named Youth-owned Woman Construction Entity of the Year, and Noko Ramasenya of Noleo Projects, who won Woman-owned Construction Entity of the Year.
Katlego Charlotte Pfupa of Crystal Construction received the Women with Disability Contractor of the Year award, while Xolile Nokulunga Mashwama of Walter Sisulu University won Academic Excellence in the Construction and Built Environment Sector.
Dladla called for the industry to build on the momentum created by the awards and work towards making women’s success an expected part of South Africa’s construction sector
