CITY of Johannesburg Property Company Supports Women in Property and Built Environment.
JPC supported the EMPOWA Women in Property and Built Environment Summit, during the International Women’s Month in March.
This premier platform, dedicated to empowering women in the sector, took place on March 27 in Johannesburg.
City of Joburg acting Chief Operating Officer, Helen Botes, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the city’s commitment to fostering gender equity, unlocking opportunities for women in the property and built environment sectors, and driving inclusive economic transformation.
The summit convened industry leaders, policymakers, and aspiring professionals to discuss critical issues, share insights, and explore strategies to advance women in the sector.
It was held at Empowaworx House, Ferndale, were issues such as ‘mafia construction’ took limelight.
Other speakers included Corene Breedt- Rammutla, Founder Core Impact, Dr Eunice Cross, non-executive Director at Equities Property Fund Ltd, Sekadi Phanyane –Shakane, CEO at South African Institution of Civil Engineering, Tshidi Mndzebele CEO at Aviner Holdings, Gregory Mofokeng, acting CE at Construction Sector, Charter Council.
Others included Kululwa Muthwa, CE at South African Institute for Black Property Practitioners, Kgomotso Letsatsi, group executive Lanseria Smart City (GGDA), and Kedibone Phetla, acting chief Ombudsman at Community Schemes Ombud Service.
Most of the speakers agreed ‘sitting at that table’ in reference to influential men deciding the future of the industry, was key and fundamental, of which Botes agreed should be a must “if we must change perceptions on women in construction sector”.
Mofokeng, also lambasted women to focus on “legislation and being a collective to a single agency/organisation to help them to run the course”. Speaking in silo won’t work because even Gvt won’t give you a tender or a job as a result, he warned, much to the applause from the packed audience.
Image SLM (Joburg City COO Helen Botes, recorded during media interviews at the Empowa Women in Construction Summit held at Empowaworx House).
