Women in construction honoured at 2026 ERWIC Awards
The seventh annual ERWIC Awards recognised women and construction entities making their mark across South Africa’s built environment.
August is Women’s Month in South Africa, when the country commemorates the women of 1965 who marched to the Union Buildings on August 9 to protest against apartheid pass laws.
To celebrate women making their mark in construction, the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) hosted the seventh annual Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards in Johannesburg on August 18.
Hosted by Unathi Nkayi, the awards celebrated women who are not waiting for permission to build. They are laying foundations, pouring concrete, raising steel and delivering projects that contribute to South Africa’s development.
“Tonight we are simply presenting awards, we are recognising vision, determination and achievements. We are really celebrating our contractors, engineers, artisans, project managers and leaders whose expertise is transforming our industry and whose contributions are shaping the South Africa we leave behind,” said Bongani Dladla, CEO of the cidb.
The awards recognise women across different areas of the construction and built environment sector, from contractors and project managers to academics, innovators and mentors.
The 2026 ERWIC Awards winners are:
- 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
- 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 2,5 km 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
The recognition comes as women continue to push for greater representation and opportunities in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Through their businesses, professional expertise and work on construction projects, the women recognised at this year’s ERWIC Awards are contributing to the growth of the sector while creating opportunities for others to follow.
The awards also shine a light on the importance of recognising women not only as participants in the construction industry, but as business owners, professionals, leaders, mentors and decision-makers helping to shape the country’s built environment.
