DPWI COMMEMORATES NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY IN KZN

Article by Maanea Maselesele, Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

08 August 2025

In honour of National Women’s Month, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) hosted a National Women’s Day Commemoration, 8 August 2025, in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.

The event was directed and facilitated by Naledi Stemela, Acting Deputy Director-General: Professional Services. The commemoration was led by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, under the 2025 national theme: “Building resilient economies for all.”

The occasion brought together women from across the DPWI portfolio, including representatives from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), the South African Women in Construction (SAWIC), the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and community members. The day was marked by a spirit of unity, optimism, and empowerment, as women shared experiences, discussed key issues, and identified opportunities for collaboration and advancement within the built environment sector.

As the programme progressed, it featured powerful presentations, including one from the Chairperson of CIDB, who highlighted the CIDB B.U.I.L.D Fund, which promotes access for women in construction. Deputy Director-General of Real Estate Investment Services, Sassa Suban, presented DPWI’s empowerment programmes and messages of support. Mameetse Masemola, Acting Head of Infrastructure South Africa, also spoke on the growing role of women in the infrastructure sector.

At the programme’s peak, the Chairperson of SAWIC, Clara Sikelelwa Sodlulashe-Mwenze addressed attendees, emphasising the importance of women seizing government opportunities and driving transformation within the infrastructure sector. With a tone of encouragement and commitment, Minister Dean Macpherson delivered the keynote address, highlighting several government interventions that support women in infrastructure, including programmes under ISA and the EPWP Vuk’uphile Learnership Programme. “Women must be at the centre of South Africa’s infrastructure agenda. Together, we are building a more inclusive and prosperous future,” said Minister Dean Macpherson.

The Minister wished all women a happy Women’s Day in advance and emphasised that the Department remains committed to supporting women’s participation at all levels of infrastructure development and ensuring the sector contributes to building a more equitable society.