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The construction industry remains a male-dominated industry but there are signs that women are starting to become better represented in this sector. 

In terms of small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) and entrepreneurial support, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) aims to increase the number of local emerging contractors from previously disadvantaged communities, used in capital projects carried out in various communities, as well as the number of local construction jobs created. In particular empowering women in development and construction.

One of the projects where the JDA has experienced significant involvement of women owned SMMEs is in the development of the Jabulani Node, one of the City’s signature projects for using transit-oriented development (TOD) as a catalyst to accelerate socio-economic development.

This Women’s Month, the JDA celebrates women in development by highlighting the opportunities that exist for women and showcasing the impact that female owned SMMEs have had in the development of the Jabulani TOD which being undertaken in seven phases and is currently at Phase 5, Phase 6B and Phase 7 of development.

JABULANI PHASE 5

Phase 5 of the Jabulani TOD entails the expansion and upgrading of Bolani Road, a key artery that traverses the Jabulani Node. A total of six female-owned SMMEs have been appointed on Phase 5 of the Jabulani TOD  project to the combined value of R6 785 874.13 as well as the use of four female local labourers.

The explansion and upgrading of Bolani Road will create unique public spaces, defined connections comprising of complete streets and public environment upgrades in order to provide safe and secure environments while emphasising and enhancing a sense of place identity.

JABULANI PHASE 6B

A total of six female-owned SMMEs on the have been appointed on Phase 6B of the Jabulani TOD  project to the combined value of R4 376 942.90 as well as the use 16 female local labourers. Phase 6B entails the development of a community and recreational environment for people of all ages consisting of a Jabulani Community Facility and a SAFA Safe Hub. 

The Jabulani community facility boasts a multipurpose hall  with a basketball court, changing rooms and tiered seating, a library, counselling facilities, offices and meeting rooms which aligns with the JDA’s principle of creating public spaces which are creatively designed and move towards greater adaptability and multiplicity of use to ensure their longer-term sustainability. 

The SAFA Safe Hub element of the building will consist of changing rooms, internal and external entertaining spaces, a kitchen and coffee bar, workshops, computer/IT rooms, a training centre and other amenities.

JABULANI PHASE 7

Molapo Bridge, which forms part of Phase 7 of the Jabulani node, includes extending and upgrading an existing pedestrian bridge at Inhlazane train station, the building of a new pedestrian and vehicular bridge over a railway line and new approach roads and public environment upgrade.

A total of nine female-owned SMMEs have been appointed on Phase 6B of the Jabulani TOD project to the combined value of R7 000 800.31 as well as the use 10 female local labourers.

Issued by the City of Johannesburg