Onneile Thelma Pudi is the owner of Best Enough Construction that has partnered with the Northern Cape Provincial Government's Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs. She says it was not easy to establish her company in a male dominated industry, as people are of the view that construction is only meant for men. However, Pudi encouraged women in leadership positions to be firm and make sure that men know that they are in charge and they know what they are doing.

“It’s not easy to penetrate the market, because people don’t trust that you will do a proper job. It is a cultural mind-set that women cannot do construction work. When you give instructions, you must really be firm and they must understand that that is what they are supposed to do, because males getting instructions from a female... they don’t take you serious,” said Pudi.

She said that for women to succeed in the construction industry, they have to work hard, be knowledgeable and get the right people to work with them. Pudi also advised women who are in this sector to shine.

Meanwhile, Coghsta building inspector Nolovuyo Mbacha said that the department wants to prove that women can also achieve things within the construction industry. The Northern Cape provincial government has taken steps towards the inclusion of women in the public procurement process.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi