In a country grappling with high numbers of unemployment, public works programmes such as construction and rehabilitation of roads is proving to be making a difference in the lives of many.
Ephesia Kau is one of the many women road construction workers working on the rehabilitation of roads in South Africa. Like many, she was unemployed and struggling and the job has provided her with a regular income and is providing her with skills she didn’t have before.
These women are turning the tide of poverty in their households and say they are breaking the stereotype that road construction work is too strenuous a job for women.
Kau is currently working on the construction done on the M26, a portion of the R511 and a portion of the R114 between Laudium and Diepsloot.
Kau, like her other two co-workers Gugu Ngobese and Linky Matjiane, got jobs on the project through the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport.
Although work on the project comes to an end in December, the women hope to still work in road construction thanks to the skills they have acquired.
According to site manager of Stefanutti Stocks Roads and Earthworks Chris Hattingh, the project is currently employing about 125 locals.
“At the moment, we’ve got 39.2 % women, 68% youths and 8% disabled people,” said Hattingh.
The project will conclude on 9 December 2015.
