The Power of Diversity: Women’s Contributions to the Construction Sector in Southern Africa

Like with many other sectors, the construction sector has historically been dominated by men in Southern Africa. Yet as time has gone on, more women have entered the field and broken-down barriers. From engineers to project managers to site supervisors, women are now filling positions in the construction industry that were formerly held by males. Although there is still a long way to go, Southern Africa has made considerable progress in empowering women in the construction sector.

International Women’s Day this year allows us to highlight the importance of our new Award category ‘Woman Of The Year’ at The Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards to both recognize and celebrate the achievements of women working in the construction sector in Southern Africa.

We reached out to our inspirational female judges participating in this years judging of the awards to learn more about their journey as a woman in construction, what advice they would give aspiring young ladies joining the industry and tips for entering this years awards.

Our Esteemed Judges

• Dr Bridget Ssamula, Chief Executive Officer, Engineering Council South Africa 
• Babalwa Bungane, Deputy Vice-President Communications and Marketing, Genesis Energy
• Petra Devereux, Regional Manager Sub Saharan Africa, Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• Lettie Mashau, Chief Executive Officer, Motheo Construction Group

What are the challenges that you face as a woman in the industry?  

Dr Bridget Ssamula: It’s always the unconscious bias that I must fight through before gaining credibility, but over time it has become part of the journey knowing what to expect from my audience and responding to what bias I must manoeuvre through.

Babalwa Bungane: Firstly, I want to highlight that I’m in infrastructure development by correlation to the energy sector. Accordingly, I will relate the accounts of the women I’ve had the opportunity to conversate with on this topic. The chief challenge that female engineers are facing is underrepresentation – lack of mentorship from women in leadership. Then followed by a few issues including gender pay gap, lack of work support and possibly there’s more.

Lettie Mashau: Our organisation has always made a conscious decision to support women, because we know they have got what it takes. At times there is opposition because of the unwillingness to change. In our company you do not have to convince anyone in our structure that women need to be afforded opportunities. We have embraced it wholeheartedly. I remain an aggressive proponent of diversity in terms of gender and race as we daily meet the challenge of seeking to thrive in a continually changing environment.

What, in your opinion, is the biggest challenge for the next generation of female leaders here in Africa?  

Petra Devereux: The biggest challenge in my opinion is for these female leaders to create sustainable change in a continent seemingly adverse to change, the challenge is to introduce a culture shift to empower women and support their ideas and vision.    

Babalwa Bungane: As earlier mentioned, I would reiterate that the biggest challenge is underrepresentation which then leads to lack of mentorship from women in leadership for the next generation of female leaders.

What advice would you give to aspiring female executives? 

Babalwa Bungane: My advice would be to have an inquisitive mind. Surround yourself with people that will challenge you and elevate you. Most importantly find yourself a mentor, it is the best way to learn from someone who has walked the path you are about to. Attend seminars to gain different perspectives.

What unique skills have you learned in the industry that have benefited you in general?

Dr Bridget Ssamula: Critical thinking and being process oriented is a great skill we are taught in the industry and the ability to identify the root of the problem and solve it rather than be distracted by short term solutions.

Lettie Mashau: My early days of my career were spent on site running different projects, dealing with communities, sub-contractors and managing different stakeholders. This period has afforded me an opportunity to have a great exposure of the technical side of the construction work and understanding stakeholder management.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about a career in construction?

Petra Devereux: I would encourage women to understand that a career in construction enables on to make a difference in the world around us, the built environment impacts everyone in some shape or form, we all need a roof over our heads, schools, hospitals and other buildings are essential to all humans and thus it is a very impactful industry.

Why do you think The Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards is important for the industry?

Dr Bridget Ssamula: The sector has gone through a lot in the last decade to maintain credibility as it has been struggling with the Construction cartel investigations, Construction mafia, low government spend in infrastructure. These awards signify those entities that have weathered the storm through it all and are standing strong delivering and implementing projects in very difficult circumstances.

Babalwa Bungane: Recognition and rewarding excellence are fundamental in the construction sector as the industry is undergoing massive changes influenced by a number of factors in response to environmental and other factors. The Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards is a great initiative to show that peers and leaders in the sector appreciate efforts that are being made to reflect the innovative approach, which is now required for resilience and agility by the sector. 

Petra Devereux: The Awards are so important for the industry because it gives those companies who are striving for excellence, being consistent in their professionalism and going the extra mile the opportunity to showcase their work but not only that,  it is hoped to have a ripple effect on many other companies to reflect on and hopefully improve on the way they operate, learning from the calibre of entrants and winners of the awards.

Lettie Mashau: It’s important to recognize and encourage all the great work that is happening in our industry. We need to inspire South Africans to continue doing good, aim for higher standards and continue impacting our communities.The construction industry deserves great recognition, therefore initiatives like these are appreciated. It is important to understand where the industry’s strengths are, what it needs and where the industry is headed.

What top tip would you give to entrants to follow when submitting their award entries?

Dr Bridget Ssamula: Let us know not just what you built and delivered but who it impacted and the lives that you have changed in the process. Our sector needs to amplify its value-add based on societal impact.

Babalwa Bungane: My tip to entries would be don’t ever stop challenging yourself. Submitting your entry is one way to ascertain how you are faring against your peers. So go ahead and submit your entry.

Petra Devereux: Be clear on how you articulate your contribution to the community, industry or broader public as a result of the work you have done, also demonstrating the teamwork the involved to achieved this.

Lettie Mashau: It’s important to create a winning awards strategy which is the first step to success as it makes sure you are in the right race in the first place. Planning which awards and categories to enter is vital for your awards journey and makes your efforts more likely to bring you those valuable wins.

 

Learn more – The Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards

Submit entry for ‘Woman of the Year’