THE CHALLENGES FACED BY AFRICAN FEMALES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. EVIDENCE FROM A SELECTED METROPOLIS OF THE EASTERN CAPE

The South African construction industry has successfully held a positive role in the transformation of the country over the years through economic development, infrastructure, and job creation. The purpose of the study was to probe the challenges that hinder the progress of black female professionals to become successful entrepreneurs in the construction industry. The study pursued a quantitative research approach. A questionnaire-based survey was utilized to gather data from participants at the selected location of the Buffalo City Metropole, Eastern Cape. The research findings revealed that although there are still challenges faced by African females, there is still considerable growth of women-owned SMME’s and the retention of African female professionals within the construction industry has significantly improved. It was also concluded that the many Government initiatives have also played a key role in these successes, though participants have also noted that there are some areas for improvement on these programs.