A powerful new training program is opening doors for women in South Africa’s construction industry. The Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) have joined forces to offer this special opportunity, helping women gain world-class project management skills and build strong, sustainable businesses in a field long dominated by men.
The program began with five highly accomplished women entrepreneurs. Their selection highlights the importance of choosing experienced professionals who are ready to lead change. Cidb’s CEO, Bongani Dladla explained, “We’re not just offering training for the sake of it. This is about creating a culture of excellence. These women have already proven they have the skills, strength, and commitment to succeed.”
One of the participants, Lulu Ngomane, has worked in infrastructure and construction for years. From managing city development grants to building garages for Shell, she has seen the ups and downs of the industry. “I tried to get certified before but didn’t pass,” she said. “So, when I heard about this chance, I raised my hand immediately. It’s fully sponsored, why wouldn’t I go for it?” Her story reflects the determination and spirit that the program aims to instill.
Phumza Dyani, PMI’s Business Development Lead for the Southern African region, shared the broader vision: “PMI’s global mission is to maximize project success and elevate our world. To achieve this, we must ensure inclusivity and bridge gaps in industries like construction, where women are often underrepresented. This partnership with cidb aligns perfectly with our goal to create equal opportunities and amplify the impact of women in this sector.”
She emphasized the program’s practical benefits: “The training integrates global frameworks like PMP and OPM, tailored to address South African women contractors’ unique challenges, such as cash flow management, resource allocation and scope creep. By adopting lean and agile methodologies, participants learn to cut inefficiencies, deploy projects faster, and compete internationally. This certification places them on par with their global peers, opening doors to larger projects and cross-border opportunities.”
Dyani also highlighted the role of private sector collaboration: “Private partners can magnify this initiative’s impact by offering real-world opportunities, from projects to mentorship. Our network connects these women with industry leaders, creating platforms for visibility and growth. Success isn’t just about completing the course; it’s about applying these skills to transform their businesses and inspire the next cohort.”
But skills alone aren’t enough. The launch also highlighted some of the unfair challenges women face in construction, like not getting big projects or struggling to access funding.
Award-winning entrepreneur Wendy Mbanjwa pointed out that giving women training is only the first step. “PMI and cidb should also give us real projects where we can prove ourselves. In this industry, your track record is everything,” she said. Another participant, Leah Ramashala, added, “This program helps me become a better project leader. When you’re truly skilled, people trust you to deliver.”
Beyond personal growth, this initiative is part of a larger mission. cidb’s CEO believes it can help make South Africa a leader in construction across the continent. “If our professionals understand global project language, we can compete internationally,” he said. The program’s pilot phase will test and refine its approach before expanding. Success will be measured not just by certificates, but by how well the women use their new skills in real projects and how many go on to mentor others.
As these women take their first steps on this journey, one message rings clear: this is a chance to build more than just buildings. As Phumza Dyani urged, “Take courage and resilience, the rewards are limitless. Construction isn’t just about breaking ground, it’s about the entire value chain. Whether in project management, software, or supply, your contribution matters.” With the support of PMI and CIDB, these women are not only changing their futures, they are shaping a stronger, more inclusive construction industry for everyone.