Gibela empowers female-owned company
At a media briefing last Thursday, Gibela announced the award for the contract for its main site buildings for its Dunnottar-based factory.
The media briefing was held in Edenvale, at Trencon Construction’s premises.
The R400-million contract was awarded to Black Jills Engineers, for a joint venture with Trencon Construction in the R1-billion project.
Gibela CEO, Marc Granger, assures that the selection process for the award was led by stringent criteria, such as equity quotas, CIDB grading levels, technical competence and a proven track-record of excellence.
“Our award process for the open tender has been clear and transparent,” says Granger.
The joint venture between Trencon Construction and Black Jills is an initiative specially formed to support Gibela‘s economic plan of development and empowerment for emerging businesses in the sector, which will create growth and transformation that is key to the South African landscape.
“Black Jills will not only partner on this project, but will be mentored and developed through various initiatives,” says Trencon’s special projects director, Yavani Singh-Ninan.
The MMC of Economic Development, Clr Thumbu Mahllangu, was also in attendance.
He highlights that, although a lot of criticism is expected, Ekurhuleni is privileged to host a project that will be a first of its kind, while empowering a female-owned construction company.
“We are ready to host this project in our area and community,” says Mahlangu. “We also hope that this is the beginning of great things for women in construction.”
Managing director of Black Jills, Lebo Leshabane expressed her excitement at the opportunity.
“The process shows Gibela’s faith in local entities and is an unmistakable sign that Gibela is committed to empowering local companies,” she says.
According to Gibela’s communications director, Pamella Radebe, the Gibela construction programme is expected to reach its peak at the end of this year, where an approximate 1 900 jobs will be created.
