I will be submitting parliamentary questions to the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, to seek an update on his department’s groundbreaking contractor's framework aimed at empowering women and youth. On 24 January 2022, the Provincial Department of Human Settlements announced the launch of this framework which was designed to attract construction corporations that have at least 51% of female ownership. 

South African women’s right to equality and equity, as enshrined in the Constitution, have still not been fully realised. In areas such as the building and construction industries more must still be done to empower women. 

Government initiatives, as developed by the Western Cape Human Settlements Department, are crucial in empowering women and laying the foundation for them to access male-dominated industries. The contractor’s framework, the first of its kind in South Africa, will provide more women with the chance to advance in their endeavours within construction.

The DA in the Western Cape welcomes the Provincial Government’s commitment to fighting for the promotion of gender equality and building a fairer and more equitable society for all. 

 

Issued by Matlhodi Maseko, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Human Settlements