In South Africa, above 10% of the construction workforce is made up of women - a figure Sisters in Construction is determined to change in the years ahead. Our name, Sisters in Construction, is not defined by biology, but by unity. We are a diverse collective of women from various ethnicities, races, and religions, coming together to create something extraordinary.
We’ve identified a significant gap in the industry and a clear need for increased female representation. As a 100% female-owned and 70% female-operated construction firm, we are committed to bridging that gap. Our focus is on recruiting and empowering women in roles such as civil and electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, architects, interior designers, town planners, real estate developers, truck drivers, administrators, and cleaners - all working under one banner to deliver projects with passion and precision.
We believe that women have the power to become anything they set their minds to. Although construction has long been a male-dominated field, we are here to rewrite that narrative. In today’s society, women are rising rapidly in the business sector, and we are proud to be part of that momentum.
Women bring a unique set of strengths to the workplace: integrity, a strong work ethic, exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence. These qualities not only enhance the work environment but also drive excellence in project execution.
Recognizing the low participation of women in this field, our long-term vision is to collaborate with key industry bodies such as the CIDB, CETA, EPWP and NHBRC to train and upskill women in disadvantaged communities. By doing so, we aim to equip them to contribute to critical infrastructure projects - building schools, homes, and healthcare facilities - and to ease the pressure on their male counterparts in the industry.
At Sisters in Construction, we believe that when women work together, they bring unmatched strength, resilience, and purpose. Together, we are building more than just structures - we’re building a future.
Vision:
To create, innovate, inspire, and drive meaningful change. Sisters in Construction is dedicated to employing, empowering, uplifting, and upskilling women and youth in the construction industry by harnessing the power of technology. This is the foundation of our mission for sustainable transformation.
Unique Value Propositions:
Empowerment Through Technology: As a 100% female-owned company, we are committed to becoming 70% female-operated. Our goal is to elevate women across all areas of construction by integrating innovative technologies that support growth and excellence.
Community-Centered Development: We collaborate with organizations such as CIDB, NHBRC, EPWP, and the Amy Foundation to provide training for women from underprivileged communities. These partnerships empower participants to gain valuable skills and actively contribute to community-based construction projects.
After a year of winning The Best Business Pitch in the Emergent Academy, Dream Factory Foundation had invited me to give a Motivational Talk to their new intake of businesswomen that they will education and support for the next year.
Sisters in Construction was the first and only female contractor from Cape Town to represent South Africa at the Vibrant Buildcon Expo and Conference showcasing their finest building material.
We were awarded a full scholarship at the Gordons Institute of Business Science for their International Leadership Development Programme for construction funded by the Construction Education Training Authority (CETA)
Over 100 applicants competed, and 70 were shortlisted—including four construction companies, three women, and one man. Each of us had just 90 seconds to pitch our business to an esteemed panel of judges. Among the 20 winners selected, Sisters in Construction was proud to be one of them.
Rahma Mehter - Accountant
Kouthar Davids - Founder and Managing Director
Jacqui Samson - Town Planner
Desnaye Meiring - DCP Tester
Nuraan is our first female artisan and an all-rounder. She is also the Team Leader to the students we employ from Siviwe School of Skills
Founded by Managing Director, Kouthar Davids in August 2022. Kouthar holds a certificate in Paralegal, Conveyancing and Administration of Deceased Estates as well as a Higher Certificate in Law and now is one step closer to obtaining her LLB Law degree. Kouthar has five years’ experience in part-time radio presenting, a seasonal television show that she hosted called ‘On the hot seat with Kouthar D’ and is also the founder of Kouthar Charitable Journey, which has been in existence for the last six years. The latter part of Kouthar’s journey was to embark on an opportunity that presented itself, which was to work in the construction industry, focusing primarily on concrete pumping and rib and block. During her tenure and obtaining the fundamental knowledge, she has networked with various individuals in the sector and thus confidently started her own distinctive construction firm.