By AGISANANG SCUFF
15 October 2026 – North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi recently met with women contractors in the province to address barriers hindering their participation in the industry and explore ways in which the department could assist them in overcoming these challenges. Molapisi said the platform provides the department with an opportunity not only to celebrate women’s valuable contributions to society, but also to engage in meaningful discussions about the opportunities available to them.
He further said this includes challenges they continue to face, particularly in the construction and human settlements sector. Molapisi added that women are builders, entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders and decision-makers and their contribution is essential to the growth and development of our communities
and the economy.
“We call on women in the construction and human settlements sector to strengthen their collective voice through organised structures that advocate for their interests and promote meaningful participation in the industry.
“Structures such as the South African Women in Construction and Built Environment (SAWIC and BE) are important, as they can provide a platform for women to collectively address challenges, advocate for their needs and advance their interests in the
Sector,” he said.
Molapisi stressed that such structures should play an active role in advocating for women in construction, ensuring that their concerns are heard and that they have access to opportunities that support their growth and development. He emphasised that women would be better positioned to influence decisions and address common challenges if they worked together through representative structures rather than raising their concerns individually.
“There is a need to deliberate and bring inclusive interventions to support the growth and sustainability of women-owned businesses, while ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are not left behind in the province’s economic development efforts.
“We become stronger when we are organised because we can collectively advocate for our issues instead of approaching them individually. I would like to caution that achieving transformation and inclusion required deliberate action, noting that government policies were intended to address existing imbalances and
create opportunities for groups that had historically been disadvantaged,” said Molapisi.
He said if they are not deliberate in their efforts, they will not achieve the objectives they have set themselves. Molapisi further emphasised the need for accountability in implementing measures
aimed at empowering women, particularly the commitment to allocate 40% of procurement spending on companies owned by women, youth and persons with disabilities.
