First black woman awarded construction contract in Saldanha Bay

By Celeste Ganga
16 January 2008

On Wednesday the Saldanha Bay Municipality will be awarding, for the first time ever, a woman construction worker a contract to build about 646 low cost houses worth R28 million.

“About two years ago MEC for Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape, Marius Fransman introduced what was called the ‘Women in Construction’ campaign. The campaign was aimed at training women who wanted to be part of the male dominated construction industry,” says Department spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila.

He goes on to explain that R112 million was set aside for construction projects in order to empower women. Ntabazalila adds that Fransman’s efforts to ensure that women claim their rightful place in the male dominated construction industry, is paying dividends.

“Today all regions have Women in Construction Forums and women have received training and skills development through the Department’s programmes,” explains Ntabazalila.