Building More Than Houses: Empowering Africa Through Skills and Inclusion

Workforce Development and Skills Retention

Workers trained during these projects can subsequently maintain local housing, establish independent contracting businesses, and train the next generation of builders, thereby reducing long-term dependency on outside expertise.

Maintenance Literacy and Infrastructure Longevity

Physical housing projects require continuous upkeep to prevent structural degradation, water intrusion, and electrical faults from escalating into costly emergencies. By teaching residents practical skills—such as identifying early warning signs, managing basic plumbing upkeep, and understanding when to call a qualified professional—communities can better protect public investments and extend the lifespan of newly installed infrastructure.

Addressing Gender Disparities in Construction

Women remain heavily underrepresented in South Africa’s construction sector, according to data released by Parliament in August 2026. Official figures show that women account for roughly 10% to 11% of the country’s approximately 1.259 million construction workers. Furthermore, women-owned enterprises remain largely concentrated in lower registration grades, while higher-value commercial and civil construction projects remain male-dominated.

To confront these disparities, the Housing Development Agency hosted its second Women Who Build the Nation Summit in August, operating under the theme ‘Women at the Centre of Development, Growth and Nation Building.’ The summit convened leaders from government, private enterprise, academia, and civil society to advance inclusive economic empowerment. Global initiatives, such as the upcoming Women Who Build 2027 calendar project, aim to amplify the visibility of women across the built environment and connect recognition directly to professional opportunities, contracts, and leadership roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the scope of South Africa’s informal settlement upgrade programme? The Department of Human Settlements plans to support the upgrading of 4,075 informal settlements during the 2024-2029 period, providing essential services like water, electricity, and sanitation.
• What percentage of construction workers in South Africa are women? Parliamentary data from August 2026 indicates that women make up between 10% and 11% of South Africa’s approximately 1.259 million construction workers.
• Why is maintenance literacy emphasized in housing development? Teaching residents practical maintenance skills helps prevent minor infrastructure issues from turning into major structural failures, protecting both the home and the initial capital investment.