The construction sector in South Africa is still male dominated, and government is in pursuit of initiatives to create space for women participation. Research studies attribute this to numerous barriers, such as gender stereotypes, lack of mentorship, limited access to finance, and discrimination which discourage women from participating meaningfully in the sector.
In Mpumalanga, the Provincial Government is determined to pave way for the participation of more women in the sector. Last year the Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu initiated a Women in Construction Dialogue which was held in Mbombela, to identify and address the barriers. The dialogue was attended by regulatory bodies and funding agencies to explore measures for support.
This week Premier Ndlovu will preside over the second Women in Construction Dialogue, to track progress since the previous session last year. The Dialogue will bring together female contractors, industry stakeholders, funding agencies, commercial banks and state-owned entities to engage, in an effort to address structural bottlenecks which hinder the growth of women entrepreneurs within the province's construction and built environment sectors.
Premier Ndlovu is optimistic that the Dialogue will help mobilise the support required to achieve the objectives of women empowerment programmes in the province. “Women constitutes about 52 percent of the population in South Africa, yet continue to experience the harsh unfavourable economic conditions. Their empowerment is a transformation project that is on the agenda of the 7th administration. The priorities of the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP), one of which is driving inclusive growth and job creation, make it a compelling case to address the disparities that exist in the construction sector. Therefore the Women in Construction Dialogue, will serve as a catalyst to achieve the women empowerment objectives,” Premier Ndlovu asserted.
Apart from tracking recorded progress, Premier Ndlovu says the Dialogue will further develop practical interventions and strengthen partnerships with various institutions as a pathway towards the realisation of the 40 percent public procurement target for women-owned businesses. Successful women in the construction sector will also participate in the Dialogue by sharing best practices of success.
Details of the Dialogue are as follows:
Date: Friday, 28 August 2026
Venue: Nkangala District Council Chamber, Middelburg.
Time: 09h00
Members of the media are invited. For confirmation contact Ms. Phumla Mokoena (Office of the Premier) on 060 998 8781.
ENDS…
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Provincial Government Spokesperson) (013) 766 2242/ 083 302 2774