XOLANI Makhaka built R6,8million worth of school buildings in three months, a project that was scheduled for eight months.

Makhaka, 32, of Xol-Mak Construction in Mafikeng, built Ipokeng Middle School in Gelukspan with good quality material while involving community members in the process.

He was recognised for his excellence as an emerging contractor in the Independent Development Trust (IDT) Contractor Awards on Thursday night.

The ceremony was held at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg.

The awards, which began last year, recognise excellence by emerging contractors from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with special emphasis on women, who have excelled in traditionally male terrain.

The IDT is a service delivery vehicle of the Ministry of Public Enterprise headed by Geoff Doidge.

Nominations began at regional (provincial level) and ended with the last 15 nominees, who all received certificates on the night.

Judges assessed the speed, quality, cost, community involvement - job creation.

Makhaka won in the category Construction Industry Development Board (CIBD) Grade 5 to 6 general building.

He employs 130 people and 50 of them are women and 120 come from the local community.

"You must be committed to your project. Manage people and funds properly," he revealed his secret for success.

"We divided the projects into two halves, which enabled us to built all the six blocks at the same time.

"You must be able to intertwine your business life and your personal lifestyle."

He received a trophy with a R50000 cheque, half of which must be used for community development.

Makhaka worked for two years as a quantity surveyor. But in 2004 he decided to start his own construction firm.

A single father of four-year-old daughter, Makhaka said he would like to get into the stable market of property development or go the franchise route in future.

Lerato Parkins, 43, of Lerato Consulting, also based in Mafikeng, won the CIBD Grade 1 to 2, general building award. Last year she built 20 bourne toilets in the Bodibe Village in North West.

"It was a dream come true because I had no previous construction experience but I was able to deliver a good project," Parkins said.

She received a trophy and R20000, half of which must be spent on either skills development or buying equipment for the company.

Parkins said she would donate R10000 to charity.

Laurence Cwayi, 47, of LM Cwayi Construction, in Umthatha won the Grade 3 to 4 general buildings award.

He built the Nomzamo Junior Secondary School in Cofimvaba, worth R1,8million, walking away with a cheque of R15000.

Pumla Radebe, chairperson of the IDT board, commended all the winners.

"We are proud of the emerging contractors who are committed to growth, improvement and community development," she said.

Doidge said: "The increased participation of black people in the construction sector is a priority for our department and through the focus, specifically of emerging contractors we are encouraged as a department."

Thandi Ndlovu, chairperson of the South African Women in Construction, also congratulated the winners.