Durban: Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala is today expected to give a keynote address at the National Annual General Meeting of the South African Women in Construction and Built Environment (SAWIC and BE).

According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting will be held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, under the theme: “Leaving no woman behind – Inclusive growth for all women”. Zikalala is anticipated to provide details of the work that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) is undertaking to drive the agenda of women empowerment in the built environment sector.

SAWIC was established by the late Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Stella Sigcau, 28 years ago. It has collaborated closely with the DPWI ever since, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable partnerships. Zikalala is expected to recommit the department to building the capacity of women contractors and entrepreneurs through training and mentorship, as well as creating policy certa
inty and driving for women to access infrastructure opportunities and enterprise development.

The SAWIC and BE general meeting is expected to attract women from various sectors including construction, property development, property management, and other areas of the built environment professions. SAWIC and BE’s membership includes individuals from both urban and rural areas.

“As the country closes off Women’s Month, the department wants to assure women in the construction sector that it remains a reliable partner in their development, access to infrastructure opportunities and training,” the DPWI said.