Spotlight on women in construction

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala is today expected to give a keynote address at the National Annual General Meeting of the South African Women in Construction and Built Environment (SAWIC and BE).

The meeting will be held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, under the theme: "Leaving no woman behind – Inclusive growth for all women".

Zikalala is expected to provide details of the work that the DPWI is undertaking to drive the

agenda of women empowerment in the built environment sector. 

SAWIC was set up by the late Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Stella Sigcau, 28 years ago. It has worked hand in glove with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure ever since in a strong commitment to sustainable partnerships.

Zikalala is expected to recommit the department to building the capacity of women contractors and entrepreneurs through training and mentorship, and to creating policy certainty and driving for women to access infrastructure opportunities and enterprise development. 

The SAWIC & BE general meeting is expected to attract women in construction, property development, property management and other areas of the built environment professions. SAWIC & BE membership spans both urban and rural areas. 

“As the country closes off Women’s Month, the department wants to assure women in the construction sector that it remains a reliable partner in their development, access to infrastructure opportunities and training,” the DPWI said. – SAnews.gov.za