Moyahabo Mabeba

Moyahabo Mabeba

The Limpopo department of local government and housing honoured scores of building contractors in the province at a ceremony at Bolivia Lodge near Polokwane on Tuesday.

The Govan Mbeki housing awards are held annually by the department in partnership with the SABC to recognise and honour contributions made by all stakeholders to accelerate housing delivery in the province.

The role players in the housing value chain include municipalities, developers, the banking sector, community-based organisations and the mining sector.

MEC Maite Nkoana-Mashabane announced that her department, which at one stage was one of the worst performers in terms of service delivery, is now one of the top three.

"I must confess that we began some of our projects on the wrong footing, but we were quick to rectify our mistakes. Tonight we have gathered here to reward those construction companies who really take their jobs seriously," she said.

Tuesday evening saw the prestigious builder of the year prize going to Naletsana Mangena, the woman behind Phethego Projects.

She also scooped the no-subsidy builder of the year award and emerged a runner up in the woman builder of the year. She lost to Mongoedi Bongani of Mongoedi Project Developers.

"It took dedication and hard work for my construction company to win these major awards," Mangena said. "Our building team was always focused on getting on with our work. Getting it wrong was never an option.

"After putting so much effort into our work, I am glad that we have finally been rewarded," said Mangena.

The contractor of the year award went to Vharanani Properties, owned by David Lufuno Mabilu, while Ally Bohielo emerged as the young builder of the year.