Hon. MEC Siphokazi Lusithi, delivering her speech at the first session of the day

MEC for Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlements, Honourable Siphokazi Lusithi hosted a Women in Built Environment Breakfast Colloquium and Post Policy and Budget Speech sessions in Makhanda.  Various stakeholders in the built environment were invited with the aim of further expanding the vast opportunities offered by the government and enhance women participation in the construction sector.

The Breakfast Colloquium focused on the strategic direction of the two ministries in assisting particularly women in the built environment.  The two integrated departments are dedicated to helping women succeed in this largely male-dominated field by making sure that chances for their development and empowerment are better tailored to their needs.  MEC Lusithi underlined the ministry’s commitment to emancipating targeted populations, especially women by having them benefit 40% of its projects.

“We are in transformation period in our history where the contributions of women are increasingly recognised and celebrated across all sectors of society.  However, in traditionally male-dominated fields like construction, architecture, engineering and infrastructure development, the road to equality is still paved with challenges. Today’s colloquium provides us with a platform to discuss these obstacles, celebrate our successes and most importantly chart a path forward that ensures women are not just participants but leaders in building the Eastern Cape we want”, explained the Hon MEC whilst delivering her keynote address.

She strongly denounced the widespread construction mafia issue, which is criminal enterprise endangering the built environment. The MEC urged the community and other stakeholders to follow action on reporting such criminality to the law enforcement and further steps will be taken.

The second session was mainly to outline and discuss the highlights of the Policy and Budget Speech for 2024/25 financial year.  As the 7th administration has begun, the mission is to bring government closer to the people by working effectively with stakeholders to solve service delivery difficulties.  The MEC closed the session with words of empowerment and said, “All of us are young and energetic people in the department, therefore we have an opportunity to change the lives of our people for the better, we want to bring sustainable integrated Human Settlement through infrastructure delivery”.

Provincial Manager for CIDB, outlining the transformation and inclusivity of women in the construction sector

Attendees paying close attention to the speakers and taking notes

Stakeholders welcoming the MEC as she made her way to the podium.