Businesswoman builds legacy in male-dominated construction sector

As South Africa marks International Women’s Month, Boniswa Jane Oor is making her mark in a traditionally male-dominated sector, using her construction business BNMS OOR PRO to not only build infrastructure but also uplift communities. Oor, 46, is part of a growing number of women stepping into industries historically dominated by men, including construction, civil engineering and steelwork. Through her company, Oor provides a range of essential services, including plumbing, maintenance and structural work, contributing to both economic activity and local development. “I wanted to challenge myself and really see what I am capable of in this industry. “Working on-site opened my eyes to the possibilities. I believed in myself and knew that I wanted to be part of this space, even though it is dominated by men. “It has not been easy, especially with the challenges and things I had to learn along the way, but I was willing to put in the hard work,” said Oor. Despite not having formal qualifications, Oor has completed several training courses to equip herself with the necessary skills, demonstrating her commitment to learning and growth within the industry.Some of these courses include First Aid Levels 1 to 3, Fire Fighting Level 1 and MHS Legal Liability Level 2, as well as computer training in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Her construction-related training includes Excavator Level 3, Mine Health and Safety, tendering in construction, reading and interpreting construct...