South African Women in Construction and Built Environment (SAWIC & BE) is a national organisation established to empower women by improving access to economic opportunities, industry participation, skills development, funding, and strategic networks within the construction and built environment sector.
Founded in 1997 by the late Minister of Public Works, Hon. Stella Sigcau, SAWIC & BE has grown into a leading women’s construction business chamber with a strong presence in all nine provinces of South Africa.
SAWIC & BE operates as a Section 21 Company (non-profit entity) and is proudly member-driven, ensuring that its strategic direction remains aligned with the needs, aspirations, and growth of women in the industry.
Over the years, the organisation has demonstrated consistent growth, institutional maturity, and governance excellence. It is guided by a constitution approved by its members and regularly reviewed by its leadership to ensure relevance, accountability, and alignment with the evolving industry landscape.
Leadership & Governance
SAWIC & BE is led by the President, supported by a National Office Bearers (NOB) structure comprising professionals with specialised expertise across key areas, including:
Membership Development
Operations and Finance
Research and Development
Stakeholder Relations
This leadership structure ensures that the organisation remains strategically positioned, operationally effective, and responsive to both member needs and national development priorities.
Our Commitment
SAWIC & BE is committed to advancing excellence, transformation, and inclusive participation in the construction and built environment sector.
Through its national footprint, the organisation continues to:
Empower women-owned enterprises
Facilitate access to opportunities and markets
Strengthen skills development and capacity building
Foster strategic partnerships across public and private sectors
With a strong foundation built on integrity, professionalism, and impact, SAWIC & BE continues to play a critical role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable industry.
WHO WE ARe
SAWIC & BE
✓ We have over 345 members in good standing.
✓ Our membership comprises of women owned entities in construction, property development, property management, suppliers, manufacturers and the BEP’s (companies, co-operatives and corporates)
✓ The membership is a representation of the all nine provinces of the Republic.
✓ The cover CIDB levels from Grade 1 – 9, across all the classifications of works.
SAWIC & BE’s VALUE PROPOSITION
✓ Leverage networks through SAWIC’s partners and other business organisation affiliations.
✓ Advocacy.
✓ Skills Development (Business management and Technical).
✓ Increase capacity to deliver projects.
✓ Encourage collaborations, co-production and co-operatives.
✓ Access to material supply and finance.
✓ Access to economic opportunities
✓ Think tank to provide expertise/knowledge in Policies related to the transformation agenda.
✓ Comprehensive Enterprise Development Program
Our Story
The journey of South African Women in Construction and Built Environment (SAWIC & BE) began with a bold vision—to create space, opportunity, and recognition for women in an industry where they were often overlooked. Since its founding in 1997, the organisation has grown into a powerful national movement, championing access to opportunities, skills development, funding, and strategic networks for women across all nine provinces of South Africa.
Today, SAWIC & BE stands as more than an organisation; it is a community of leaders, builders, and change-makers. Through strategic partnerships, government engagement, and grassroots impact, it continues to uplift women, strengthen enterprises, and shape a more inclusive and equitable built environment. At its core, SAWIC & BE is driven by one purpose: to empower women not only to participate in the industry but to lead and transform it.
Our Vision
Enhancing the role of women across the value chain of the Built Environment
Our Mission
To Promote and support the advancement of women in the built environment through advocacy, skills development and capacity building.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Association shall be to:
Promote and support the advancement of women in the built environment enhance the entrepreneurial development of women-owned enterprises in built environment.
Promote cooperation, fellowship and a better understanding among members of the Association
