Shauwn Mkhize, Durban's well known, controversial, successful construction mogul.

Love or hate her, but she's made it. One of the few hugely successful black females in the construction industry able to compete with the big boys.

Mam' Mkhize as she is affectionately known, despite all the media controversy, is a powerful, inspirational figure for women in construction. I've seen it.

She commands attention. They are in awe in her presence. She embodies what they aspire to be. Confident, bold, knowledgeable about her industry - and not afraid to take on the big guns.

In an industry still dominated by men, that's a huge feat. But, not all women are bold enough in a world still dominated by men.

Many are struggling to make it. Payment delays, lack of grading criteria needed for certain government projects or simply not successful bidders are amongst the contributing factors.

But their frustration is real and speaks of an industry that's difficult to break into unless you're already successful. Or able to cushion the blows along the way until you achieve that success. It's a cold, tough industry for a woman.

Less than 10% of women compete in the construction industry - this despite government's commitment to empower more women by setting aside a portion of projects for them.

The grim reality is the level of grading needed is dominated by a few. It's a low hanging fruit which remains forbidden to most.

"After leaving eThekwini as an employee I decided to start my own business,“ explains Nkosingiphile Geke.

“I opened a boutique then Covid came so I closed it. I then decided to open a construction company up-skilled myself and thought I could get some small projects here and there. I was left very frustrated. I would attend workshops, conferences and all this talk about women empowerment but nothing will happen. The small projects I received I struggled with payment. Women in this industry struggle with receiving payments on time. It seems we are deliberately frustrated so that we don't tender again or are put out of business so that someone else can get the job," .

She, like many others, have given up hope on the construction industry. Frustrated, exhausted by their efforts in vain and financial struggles with payment.

Geke has since decided to juggle, opening a small security services firm, a health spa and a few other side hustles to survive.

Her story is not unique. There are many others like her who feel they are being left behind.

"Government's talk of empowering women is seen to be reserved for a few. And then for many of us who get something as a sub contractor to the main contractor we don't get paid what is due. Or payment is never made, for months at a time. We eventually have to say no and move on. I had to walk away from a project after six months of not getting paid. It destroyed me financially," another female construction business owner says.

It's a struggle echoed by many women in construction - despite a commitment by the old guard, ANC government 10 years ago.

Each year, every August, women are celebrated at conferences, but many leave with full bellies and little else.

With many women in construction being sole bread winners or single parents, the financial impact has been tough.

Its a concern for newly appointed KZN Public Works MEC, Martin Meyer. Like those before him, he's also committed to addressing the disparity. To do more for women owned businesses. To empower more women.

Whether he becomes the exception to government lip service is left to be seen.

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