Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi speaking during the 17th annual SA Construction Awards, held at Emperors Palace in honour of individual and organizational contributions of those who shaped the sector in the past year. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspaper
The glittering atmosphere of the Emperor’s Palace in Ekurhuleni set the scene for the 17th Annual South African Construction Awards (SACA), an event that can only be likened to the Oscars of the construction industry.
On a beautiful Wednesday evening, industry leaders, professionals, and dignitaries gathered in droves to celebrate the hard-earned achievements of their peers in a sector that is both vibrant and challenging.
Hosted by renowned media personalities, Zizo Beda and Dan Moyane, the ceremony provided an invaluable platform for networking, learning, and exploring investment opportunities in the construction sector. Industry stalwart Dr Collen Mashawana, the founder of Afribiz Invest, delivered a heartfelt tribute to the attendees in a video message, emphasising the significance of collaboration and recognition within the industry.
“Almost a thousand professionals and dignitaries from the construction industry gathered to provide support, inspire one another, and share experiences and advice on tackling the challenges within our sector,” Dr Mashawana remarked. “The South African Construction Awards also acted as a platform to honour and recognise the committed men and women who are essential to the infrastructure development of our country. Congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients; we are all winners.”
Highlights of the evening included the attendance of prominent figures such as Minister of Human Settlements Mmaloko Kubayi, as well as celebrities like actress Lele Ledwaba, and entrepreneurs like Lebo Gunguluza and Steven Ngobeni. The event was also punctuated by a series of lively musical performances that entertained the audience.
Dr Mashawana took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to the executive mayor of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Doctor Xhakaza, for his role in making the awards a success. “Thank you, City of Ekurhuleni for hosting the South African Construction Awards (SACA). This event, a collaboration between the Department of Human Settlements, Green Construction Journal, and Afribiz Invest, celebrates the remarkable contributions of inspiring players in South Africa's construction industry,” he expressed appreciatively.
In his opening address, Mayor Xhakaza reaffirmed Ekurhuleni's commitment to supporting the construction sector and addressing urban development challenges. He stated that urban regeneration focuses on infrastructural improvement as part of a long-term programme to create sustainable settlements.
“We want to commit ourselves as the City of Ekurhuleni to the objective that focusses on urban regeneration through channelling roads infrastructure which is part of a long-term programme to create sustainable settlements and infrastructure,” he said. “At a high level, some of our work is that we sit with a challenge of more than 100 informal settlements as thousands of our people come into our space.”
The 17th SACA was not just an awards ceremony; it was a powerful affirmation of the power of community, collaboration, and the indomitable spirit of South African construction professionals, who continue to rise to the occasion even amidst challenges.
Saturday Star
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