JOHANNESBURG- The South African Women in Construction and Built Environment (SAWiC & BE) and the Princess Stella Sigcau Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday aimed at strengthening the participation of women in the construction and built environment sectors, while advancing skills development, enterprise growth, and community upliftment.
The partnership marks a strategic collaboration between two institutions committed to transformation, economic inclusion, and sustainable development. Through this MoU, SAWiC & BE and the Princess Stella Sigcau Foundation will work together to create opportunities for women contractors, emerging entrepreneurs, and young women entering the construction value chain.
Leslie Sigcau from the foundation said the partnership is a strategic step toward ensuring that infrastructure development becomes a vehicle for inclusive economic empowerment.
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“Women, particularly in rural and historically marginalised communities must be active participants in shaping and delivering development. Through this MoU, we are aligning our efforts to support skills development, enterprise creation, and sustainable community impact. Together, we are laying foundations not only for infrastructure, but for generational opportunity and shared prosperity.”
SAWic’s president, Thembeka Mnisi shared Sigcau’s sentiments stating that the MOU represents more than a formal agreement and that it is a commitment to accelerating the economic empowerment of women within the construction and built environment sectors.
“For too long, women-owned enterprises have faced structural barriers to market access, finance, and large-scale project participation. Through this partnership, we are creating a platform that strengthens skills development, enterprise growth, and meaningful inclusion in infrastructure delivery. Together, we are building not only structures, but sustainable pathways for women to lead and thrive in our industry,” said Mnisi.
The partnership seeks to:
- Promote women-owned construction enterprises
- Support skills development and mentorship programmes
- Facilitate access to markets and procurement opportunities
- Encourage youth and community participation in infrastructure development
- Advocate for inclusive policies within the built environment
About the South African Women in Construction (SAWiC & BE)
The South African Women in Construction & Built Environment (SAWiC & BE) is a national industry association established to advance the participation, empowerment, and recognition of women in the construction and built environment sectors. SAWiC & BE advocates for gender transformation across the construction value chain and works to remove systemic barriers that limit women’s access to opportunities, finance, markets, and leadership roles.
Through strategic partnerships, capacity-building programmes, mentorship initiatives, and policy advocacy, SAWiC & BE supports women-owned construction enterprises and promotes inclusive growth within South Africa’s infrastructure landscape. The organisation is committed to developing sustainable women-led businesses, strengthening technical and entrepreneurial skills, and influencing industry practices to ensure equitable participation in public and private sector projects.
SAWiC & BE continues to play a catalytic role in shaping a more diverse, competitive, and inclusive construction industry in South Africa.
About the Princess Stella Sigcau Foundation
The Princess Stella Sigcau Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation committed to advancing community development, social upliftment, and sustainable empowerment initiatives. Rooted in a legacy of leadership and service, the Foundation works to promote inclusive economic participation, education advancement, skills development, and socio-economic transformation — particularly in rural and under-resourced communities.
Through strategic partnerships, community-driven programmes, and advocacy initiatives, the Princess Stella Sigcau Foundation supports initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, youth development, women empowerment, and infrastructure-led growth. The organisation collaborates with public, private, and civil society stakeholders to ensure that development interventions create meaningful and lasting impact at grassroots level.
Guided by principles of dignity, opportunity, and shared prosperity, the Princess Stella Sigcau Foundation continues to champion initiatives that strengthen communities and contribute to sustainable development across South Africa.
