The glitzy atmosphere of Emperor’s Palace recently came alive as the 17th annual South African Construction Awards (SACA) unfolded, in honour and celebration of the significant contributions made by individuals and organisations within the construction sector.
Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, delivered a poignant keynote address that celebrated the resilience and achievements of women in an industry notoriously male-dominated.
The SACA, often referred to as the “Oscars” of the construction industry, saw an impressive turnout, bringing together key players from various sectors, including the illustrious Dr Collen Mashawana, founder of Afrobiz Invest, and his brother, Cecil Mashawana, alongside other prominent industry figures like Lebo Gunguluza.
This year’s finalists showcased a diverse array of projects, from roads and rail to hospitals and schools, reflecting a commitment to creating a more progressive and sustainable construction landscape in South Africa.
In her address, Kubayi expressed her admiration for those whose work has been instrumental in shaping human settlements, underscoring the importance of the construction industry in fulfilling national mandates.
“We are excited as the department tonight as we take this opportunity to honour those who have been central to the delivery of our mandate as Human Settlements Department while fulfilling the call by our president to turn South Africa into a construction site,” she stated.
However, amid the celebration, Kubayi highlighted the stark realities faced by women in construction, shining a light on the challenges they endure, including threats of violence and extortion from those operating outside the law.
“We honour those who have endured the pain and suffering of sustaining their businesses. I have interacted with many of you, and you have shared the pain and various hurdles you have had to overcome to survive in this sector,” she said, poignantly recalling stories shared during the recent Indaba in Kimberley.
This year’s SACA celebrated various achievements across numerous categories, including awards for Green Builder of the Year, Construction Project Manager of the Year, Best Construction Company, and Best Engineering Firm. Special recognition was awarded to many women-owned organisations that exemplified innovation and resilience in the face of adversity.
The event stood as a testament to the industry’s evolution and the critical role women play in its ongoing transformation. As Kubayi concluded, her call for unity and support resonated, inspiring both current and future generations to persevere and thrive in the construction industry.
The minister further committed herself to making the industry a part of her legacy in ensuring that it thrives and delivers to its mandate of creating jobs and ensuring service delivery and dignity to disadvantaged and poor communities across the country.
Saturday Star
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za