The Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) has recognised the women driving transformation, innovation and excellence across South Africa’s construction sector at its annual Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (Erwic) Awards.
Source: Supplied.
Held in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 18 August 2026 during Women’s Month, the ceremony celebrated women-owned construction businesses, mentors, academics and industry leaders whose contributions are helping reshape the built environment.
The event also marked 70 years since 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings against pass laws, and three decades since 9 August was formally declared a day to honour them.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean MacPherson said he remains committed to "kick down the doors of opportunity" for women to compete and win in the open market, reporting that award entries doubled in two years to 160.
He highlighted that women currently make up 53% of beneficiaries supported by professional skills and capacity-development interventions and reaffirmed the government's investment of a R300m construction fund to support women-owned companies.
Leadership drives transformation
Also speaking at the event, chairperson of the portfolio committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, Carol Phiri, was recognised for her key leadership in the oversight of industry transformation.
Meanwhile, cidb chief executive officer, Bongani Dladla noted: "These awards recognise the vision, determination and achievement of the women builders in our country, celebrating the incredible leaders whose expertise is transforming our industry and whose contributions are shaping the South Africa we will leave to future generations.”
Dladla added that the theme for Women’s Day, being Empowered Women Empower the Nation, "could not be more fitting" to the awards, adding: "Empowerment is not merely a slogan, but a site-plan brought to life, a contract signed, a team inspired and a project completed.”
Source: Supplied.
2026 Erwic award winners
The winners of the categories were:
Project Delivery Excellence of the Year –
Women-owned Construction Entity: Grade 1: Galo Maarohanye from GVM Civils for the Renovations to Kgodisong Flea Market
Grade 2 – 4: Shai Tshiskule from Livhone Advisory Pty Ltd for the Design and Construction of Warehouse Extension and Mezzanine Office for ZF Lemförder South Africa Pty Ltd
Grade 5 – 6: Johanna Mokoenene from Lebohile Construction for the Naledi Development: Construction of 26 Housing Units
Grade 7 – 9: Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu from VEA Road Maintenence & Civils for the Emergency Reconstruction of Evaton Municipal Access Road
Rural Project of the Year: Matlakala Radebe from Qualicon Construction for the Borwa Primary Healthcare Clinic Design and Construction
Interior Design and Build Project of the Year: Rene Bengu from Rene Forbay Designs for TLS Centurion Design and Project Management
Specialised Project of the Year: Mpho Bantsijang from Loago Electrical and Construction Pty Ltd for the Supply, Delivery and Construction of 2.5km long Diamond Mesh Security Fencing at Nongo’s Joint Project
Mentoring Entity of the Year: Sanele Ndlovu for the Magnacorp Project Managers for Learnerships, Skills Programmes, Workplace Learning Initiatives and Project-based Opportunities
Transformation Entity of the Year: Protilagor Laboratory and Construction for Female Participation in Technical, Managerial and Leadership Roles
Innovative Entity of the Year: Sonto Cheryl Sikhakhane from Zimisele Afrika Consulting for the Langalibomvu High School
Youth-owned Woman Construction Entity of the Year: Ayanda Phumo from Ayanda Phumo Consulting
Woman-owned Construction Entity of the Year: Noko Ramasenya from Noleo Projects Pty Ltd
Woman Mentor of the Year: Thato Mapuleng Elsie Mokhothu from RTT Africa Legacy/Thato M Foundation
Women with Disability Contractor of the Year: Katlego Charlotte Pfupa from Crystal Construction
Exceptional Woman in Construction Contributor of the Year: Tshidi Mndzebele from AvenirHoldings
Academic Excellence in the Construction
and Built Environment Sector: Xolile Nokulunga Mashwama from the Walter Sisulu University
Chairman's Award: Tshidi Mndzebele from AvenirHoldings
Dladla called on the industry to build on the momentum of the evening. "As we mark 70 years since that march, let us recommit to a construction sector where a woman's success is not the exception but the expectation. Let us build an industry, and a country, worthy of the women who marched so that we could stand here freely tonight.”
In closing the event, Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala noted the importance of ensuring women receive a larger share of project opportunities, comparable to their male counterparts.
He stressed that the government is playing an oversight role to ensure this growth happens and called for a recommitment to the industry where women's success is a standard expectation.
