BY OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Department of Local Government and Human Settlement hosted a delectable awards in honouring those who performed well in the construction industry within the province.

Govan Mbeki Awards event was hosted at Manthe stadium, in Taung and some of those who graced the event, was North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo, North West MEC for Human Settlement and Local Government, Collen Maine and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Zoe Kota-Hendrick.

Mahumapelo lauds those contractors who showcased a splendid performance and were head above shoulders.

“We would like to applaud those contractors who displayed marvellous work despite challenges they came across in building those indispensable houses. Most construction companies those who were hired by government; some of them are now blacklisted because they were chancers. The government of Bokone Bophirima took a resolution that, they will build RDP houses for elders only and to create many entrepreneurs within the youth as possible.

“This initiative was seconded by the late Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati who always encouraged the youth to go to school. Bokone Bophirima continues with Saamtreek saamwerk initiative. We need to explore and broaden the market because we have experienced an overflow within the construction industry, hence agriculture, tourism and culture are at the forefront agenda in our province,” Mahumapelo said.

Mahumapelo also took time to thank South Africans who paid tribute to the late struggle icon, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati who was laid to rest on Saturday in Vryburg, North West.

He also said the government resolute to dedicate its chuck of financial muscle to small villages, townships and dorpies.

Deputy Minister Zoe Kola-Hendrick said the government promotes the awards among contractors to encourage them in delivering enormous work.

“We are here to assure government that we build houses value for money. The awards were great success and we will be having national Govan Mbeki Awards ceremony on the13th of August 2015 and on the 14 Agust 2015, we will be having Govan Mbeki Golf Day in Cape Town,” Hendrick said.

Rachel Molamu from Mercycon Construction & Projects, who was bestowed with The Best Woman Contractor award in the province said she was overwhelmed by the award despite challenges she faced.

“I feel very honoured because the construction industry is mostly male-dominated, so for me being awarded this shows that women have the ability to strive. We really appreciate the support shown by government, so to other women out there, come and give the males a run for their money and make undeviating changes in the world,” Molamu said.

Tsholofelo Mosalaesi(22) from Rustenburg was thrilled after being honoured as the Best Student in Construction.

“My hardwork finally paid-off and this only tells me to work very hard. I got BSC Honours Degree in Construction Studies from Wits University. I am inspired by the achievements,” Mosalaesi concludes.

Catergory WinnerName of the company
Best Rural Project Zola Mangwaca(winner)White Leopard
Best Informal Settlement Upgraded Programme Cecil HarrisCH Enterprise
Best Woman ContratorRachel MolamuMercycon Construction
Best Youth ContractorThokozane LittlerMadimong Trading & Services
Best Integrated Residential ProgrammeAshraf SoomarSunset Bay Trading
Best Enhanced People’s Housing ProcessStanley NyanyiraiUtshani Fund (NPC)
Best Project in non-subsidy marketGerrie Brits(Den Akker Projects)
Best Student Awarded Bursary Tsholofelo MosalaesiWits University
-TDN
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