The Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) has expanded its 2026 Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction (ERWIC) Awards with the introduction of an Academic Excellence category, recognising researchers, lecturers and industry educators whose work is advancing South Africa’s construction and built environment sector through teaching, research, mentorship, innovation and industry engagement.
The new category reflects the cidb’s recognition that the future of construction is shaped not only on project sites, but also in lecture halls, research institutions and industry learning environments. By recognising women whose work is generating new knowledge, improving construction practices and developing future professionals, the expanded awards programme acknowledges the diverse contributions that strengthen the industry’s growth and transformation.
“The ERWIC Awards celebrate women whose leadership, expertise and commitment are helping to transform South Africa’s construction industry,” says cidb CEO Bongani Dladla. “The introduction of the Academic Excellence category recognises the important contribution made by researchers, lecturers and industry educators to advance construction knowledge, strengthen professional practice, drive innovation and develop the skills our sector needs to thrive.”
Now in their seventh year, the cidb ERWIC Awards have become one of South Africa’s premier platforms for recognising women making a measurable contribution across the construction value chain. The awards celebrate excellence across diverse areas of the industry, from project delivery and professional services to innovation, manufacturing, mentorship, transformation and disability inclusion. The introduction of the Academic Excellence category expands that recognition to women whose teaching, research and industry engagement are helping to shape the future of South Africa’s construction and built environment sector.
The awards form part of the cidb’s broader commitment to building a more inclusive, capable and transformed construction industry. Through its programmes and initiatives, the cidb continues to strengthen contractor development, support enterprise growth, promote skills development and create greater opportunities for women to participate and lead across the construction value chain.
While women remain under-represented in the construction sector, progress continues to be made. According to the cidb’s Construction Monitor, women accounted for 11% of the approximately 1.259 million people employed in South Africa’s construction sector at the end of the second quarter of 2025. By recognising excellence across the profession, the cidb aims to inspire greater participation by women and encourage more leaders who will help shape the industry’s future.
“The future of our industry will be shaped by the people we recognise, support and inspire today,” adds Dladla. “The ERWIC Awards celebrate women who are breaking new ground, opening doors for others and redefining what leadership looks like across the construction and built environment sector. Their success strengthens the industry today while inspiring the leaders who will shape it tomorrow.”
The closing date for entries has been extended to 10 July 2026. Entries can be submitted at www.erwicawards-cidb.co.za