PWC listens as South Africa's trade & industry minister talks.

On Tuesday, May 7, the South African Deputy Minister of Trade & Industry, Elizabeth Thabethe and members of the nation's Consulate General, hosted a luncheon for Professional Women in Construction (PWC) National at Il Valentino's Restaurant in New York City to explore work and investment opportunities for American women in South Africa.

Thabethe said, "The purpose of the lunch was to establish contact and broaden the network for South African women entrepreneurs. It was also a listening exercise to see what your challenges were as women entrepreneurs in the U.S., and, not surprisingly, they were similar to ours. I am pleased to say that we have received a request to host a group of U.S. women in the construction industry."

Noting that "our government has set aside $50 billion for infrastructure development," she expressed her hope that women in construction will take advantage of the current infrastructure development program which includes upgrades or developments to be made in preparation of South Africa's hosting of the 2010 FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) Soccer World Cup.

PWC National President Lenore Janis, former owner of Era Steel Construction Corp. said, "There is enormous potential for South African women business owners and professionals in the country's burgeoning construction industry.

"PWC is happy to share its expertise and applauds the efforts of the South African government to involve its women in building the nation's infrastructure."

The women of South Africa, who were oppressed during the era of apartheid that ended in 1994, are becoming increasingly empowered and are seeking economic self-sufficiency in a wide range of fields. Ms. Thabethe noted too that South African President Thabo Mbeki encourages women's advancement and that organizations like the South African Entrepreneurs' Network and the Technology for Women in Business are gaining ground in her country.

The Government is also setting up a Women's Fund to facilitate access to finance by women owned businesses. Members of the South African delegation said that there is a great deal of interest in construction among women including green building.

PWC members and invited guests from Financial Women's Association responded enthusiastically to the prospect of exchanging talent and ideas.

Said Norma Tempel, president of Etched In Stone and of PWC-NJ Chapter, "It is amazing how women all over the world seem to be dealing with the same issues. We are all working to gain acceptance in a male-dominated industry. I hope this meeting will begin to create ties between two parts of the globe that have quite a bit in common."

Dickie Sykes, president, DGS Consulting and a PWC member said, "I believe women entrepreneurs in the US and the Republic of South Africa can be of service to one another since our challenges are very similar. I see many opportunities for women from our nations to work together."