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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MARCH
2016
NO DISTANCE TOO FAR
Laaiqa Shaik Habeeb, project manager: administration for building
contractors, Tshenolo Resources, was based at this MBA North
member's Mafikeng branch when the SBDC started in April 2015
and thereafter undertook the four hour trips to Midrand every second
Saturday for six months.
“They were long trips, about 370 kms to get to Midrand early on a
Saturday morning , and then the same distance back again after the lectures
around midday. But it was worth the effort,” Habeeb recalls.
Nominated by her employers to attend the course, she immediately
agreed. “I have been working mainly in an administrative capacity in the
building industry for the past 16 years so I was keen to learn more about the
technical aspects of construction. I found the course extremely beneficial
and stimulating and now feel there is much room for me to grow in the
industry – perhaps as consultant to assist in the project control of contracts,
or even becoming a contractor myself in future.”
Habeeb believes there is generally now far more potential for women to
pursue careers in the building industry.“All that is needed is for us to grab the
opportunities – and have belief in our abilities. I think I did well in the course
because I am eager to increase my knowledge and learn new things. I also
always set goals for myself and passing this course was a major one for me.”
Chris Jennings of Eight J Construction, who has been the lecturer for
the MBA North SBDC courses for several years, says there has recently
been a steady increase in the number of women attending. “The 2015 class
started with 13 women and 14 men. The women came from a variety of
backgrounds: one was a travel agent close to retirement, another an ex-social
worker who now wanted to become involved in building, and another the
girlfriend of a man who specialised in 'putting contracts together'.
“I would say the women who attended the 2015 course generally fared
better – and were more dedicated – than the men, although there were
some very promising male students as well.”
The top student in last year's Master Builders
Association (MBA) North Small Builders Development
Course not only outperformed the men in her class,
but also had to travel about 740 kms to attend each
of the fortnightly classes in Midrand.
Laaiqa Shaik Habeeb, top student for the MBA North's Small Builders
Development Course 2015, receives her special award from course
lecturer, Chris Jennings, while MBA North Education, training and trans-
formation manager, Dr Deon Landmann, looks on.
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