WSU’s built environment HOD to ministerial panel

A broad career in infrastructure and construction, both as a practitioner and educator, has seen one of WSU’s brightest and most dynamic minds being called to serve at the pleasure of the public works and infrastructure minister.

WSU Built Environment departmental head in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBEIT), Dr Nokulunga Mashwama, was a picture of elation following her appointment last year by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, as a member of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Five-Year Review Panel.

“The news filled me with immense excitement and gratitude, as it is a significant honour to serve in a capacity that allows me to contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of South Africa’s construction industry. Being entrusted with this responsibility reaffirmed my passion and commitment to the built environment and fostering its development,” said Mashwama.

“Construction and infrastructure industry is engine of the country’s social and economic development“

Foreshadowing her significant role in the CIDB, the newly-appointed CIDB panellist characterised the construction and infrastructure industry as a fundamental pillar and engine of the country’s social and economic development.

Mashwama further noted that the construction industry is a major employer, creates job opportunities, facilitates skills development, and builds essential infrastructure that underpins economic activity.

Official appointment from 17 October 2024

Following her appointment, which officially commenced on 17 October 2024, Mashwama will actively participate in fostering and implementing the development above through key focus areas such as:

• Uniformity in construction procurement – Streamlining processes for greater efficiency and transparency.
• Efficient and effective public infrastructure delivery– Enhancing project management and execution.
• Industry performance improvement – Encouraging best practices and innovation.
• Transformation and skills development – Promoting inclusivity and addressing disparities within the sector

“My selection for this role stems from my extensive and vast experience in the construction sector, working in various disciplines and with stakeholders, including quantity surveyors, consultants, public and private sector clients, and contractors. This diverse exposure has enabled me to broadly understand the construction industry from multiple perspectives—ensuring a balanced, informed approach to the industry development,” she said.

Mashwama was also quick to refer to her academic expertise as the institution’s Built Environment HOD and her responsibility in developing and implementing a responsive curriculum to the economy aimed at shaping the construction industry’s future workforce.

She said the aforementioned academic leadership role grants her the ability to bridge the gap between academia and practice, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is well-equipped to drive innovation and excellence in the construction sector.

Industry still encounters fundamental challenges

“While there are numerous successful experiences and achievements in the South African construction industry, several fundamental challenges are still encountered. This includes the economic instability, skills shortages, lack of transformation, and inefficiencies in project execution, the emergence of construction mafias in business forums, and the overshading of unethical and dishonest practices,” said Mashwama.

In a bid to help address these endemic challenges, the new panellist offered a myriad of ideas and potential solutions, including greater investment in capacity building in terms of skills development and education; improved access to entrepreneurship opportunities for emerging contractors, particularly black women to promote and foster transformation, and; incentivizing and promotion of the adoption of sustainable building and environmentally friendly practices to reduce adverse environmental impact.