Woman of wonders

/BUILDING

THE FUTURE

/building

the future

South Africa celebrates National Women’s Month in August and Briefly News has launched Women of Wonder: Building The Future 2023. The project highlights the incredible success stories of strong women who are paving their paths as professionals in the construction industry.

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/Statistics

Research shows that the construction industry in South Africa is male-dominated, with women making up only 11% of the workforce.

The construction industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers, and women are increasingly seen as a pool of potential talent.

The proportion of female workers in construction trades is the highest it’s been in two decades. Moreover, women run their own construction firms and hold the positions of chair, architects, artists, and construction lecturers.

According to Statista, there are 159 000 women in the construction industry in comparison to 2,008,000 women in Community and Social Services

We’ve searched high and low for women whose stories will not only resonate with other women but also inspire many others looking to break the glass ceiling in male-dominated industries.

/Hlayisani Lorraine Sono

When it comes to gender, we are always sidelined when it comes to job opportunities. They will tell us that we won't do it right because we are women. But we can build these mansions and big buildings and we can do it right. - Hlayisani Sono

Hlayisani Lorraine Sono is the proud Founder and CEO of Mhani Builder Construction & Projects which offers bricklaying, roofing and painting services. Hlayisani is an advocate for women going after their passion and dreams irrespective of what people say. Her work speaks for itself as she was awarded the Sunday World 2021 Women Heroics Award and also made the Top 10 nominees for the Inspirational Women Awards for Miss Limpopo.

Hlayisani Lorraine Sono/

Even if spaces are hostile because you are black and female, ensure that you do not reduce your capabilities and how you value yourself. Let your work speak for you, you did not ask for permission to be in the industry, you earned it and you deserve to be there. - Kgaugelo Lekalakala

Kgaugelo Lekalakala is a young architect and artist. A lot of her work is a visual critique of spatial constructs through the lens of the Black female body. In 2016, she obtained her bachelor’s degree at the University of Cape Town (BAS) and graduated from the Graduate School of Architecture at the University of Johannesburg (2019) with an MTech Arch (Prof) (CW).

/Karabo Malope

My passion for architecture gave me the willpower to push myself to where I am today. The last piece of advice I would give to my younger self is never to stop dreaming. - Karabo Malope

Karabo Malope is a SACAP-registered Professional Architect. She holds an MTech (Prof) in Architectural Technology from the University of Johannesburg. She has worked on projects alongside the World Bank in Tanzania, designing public spaces in Temeke, Dar es Salaam. Karabo is committed to empowering Black women in the architectural industry. She wants to uplift their voices and give them a platform to showcase their talents and innovative ideas that meet Africa’s architectural needs.

Neo Mdaka/

Do not let fear get to you, this is an industry where women can also thrive and do amazing things. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to learn, we learn something new every day, be inquisitive and don’t be afraid to collaborate with other women in this industry. - Neo Mdaka

Neo Mdaka specialises in Architectural planning and design. She is a PrArchDraught at Zür Architecture, an innovative architectural studio based in South Africa. She has also worked as an Architectural Technician at Ark Design and Development and Afristic Architects(Pty) Ltd previously.Neo is a naturally gifted, imaginative, and incredibly creative architect. Her choice of career was clearly written in the stars. She designs strong and sustainable houses that promote the notion of greener living spaces.

/Nomalanga Mahlangu

As a woman in construction, I see my role in fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce as both a responsibility and an opportunity. I am incredibly fortunate and grateful that I can make an impact from a very foundational level in their careers. By being a visible and successful presence in the industry, I can serve as a role model and mentor for aspiring female architects. - Nomalanga Mahlangu

Nomalanga Mahlangu is a young artist, architect, and academic at the University of Johannesburg. She was inspired to pursue a career in architecture while in high school when her uncle shared an article about the construction and renovation of stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. As a lecturer at the Department of Architecture (DoA) and GSA, it is crucial for Nomalanga to explore alternative ways of thinking and teaching architecture, creating an empowering environment for her students. As an academic, Nomalanga seeks to interrogate the impacts of colonisation and apartheid on our understanding of space.

/Project Goal

Briefly News delves into the stories of five South African women who shared their rocky paths into construction to demonstrate how women challenge the industry, breaking misconceptions connected with it.

Read more stories like these on Women Empowerment category on Briefly News!

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