Building the future together as women shape excellence at Aurex Constructors
From the office to the construction site, women across Aurex Constructors are proving that technical expertise, leadership and dedication are driving a more inclusive future for South Africa’s construction industry.
Women’s Month in August provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women who are helping to reshape traditionally male-dominated industries. At Aurex Constructors, women are making their mark across every level of the business, demonstrating that success in construction is built on competence, and a willingness to keep learning.
Timekeeper Anthea Welman and Construction Electrician Onica Nthabiseng Swarts may work in very different roles, but their stories reveal a shared commitment to resilience and supporting those around them.
For Anthea, whose work ensures the accurate recording of employee hours and payroll information, attention to detail is at the heart of everything she does. “I was attracted to the necessity of attention to detail required,” she explains.
“Nothing makes you pay more attention than working with people’s money. I still enjoy that aspect of the work, as well as working in close relation to people. It makes me feel like what I do has value,” says Anthea. Onica’s journey into construction began much earlier, inspired by watching her father repair electrical appliances.
“I could not understand how he was doing the magic,” she recalls. “After completing school I went straight to college, completed my qualifications and started my apprenticeship. That is where it all began.”
Creating opportunities through performance
Both women believe that opportunities in the construction sector are increasingly being earned through capability rather than gender. Anthea says she has always experienced the industry as one where good work is recognised fairly. “I have always viewed and experienced my profession and industry as equal opportunity based. The importance of doing a good job has remained consistent throughout the years,” she says.
Onica has seen the shift first-hand. “I am proof that women are now given a chance to prove themselves in jobs that were known as ‘men’s jobs’, especially mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP). Women are now getting jobs without considering their gender,” highlights Onica.
Her own career reflects that progress. Having started with Aurex Constructors in construction, she has developed into a multi-skilled electrician capable of handling work across both construction and operations.
“I started here as a no-one, but I fought until I got recognition. Now my boss can trust me with the job even in his absence. I am now multi-skilled and can do almost everything either on construction or operations,” says Onica.
Leadership built on respect
Success in construction depends as much on people as it does on technical expertise. When Onica was appointed to lead one of the site’s largest teams, she initially found it daunting, particularly as many team members were older than she was.
“I was always open for suggestions so that we could agree on the strategy that would make our job faster and better,” she says. “Not even once did I report someone to the office. I tried to solve issues myself so that we could continue being free and happy at work.”
Anthea believes that treating people with dignity has been one of the greatest lessons of her career, inspired by her father, who also worked as a timekeeper. “He taught me the importance of seeing and treating the people on my screen as individuals first, not just a data entry.”
That people-first approach continues to shape how she measures success. “Whether it is about correct pay runs to promote site stability or simply being there for someone in a moment of need, it all contributes. That is what makes me happy and feel like I can make a difference.”
Pride in making a difference
For Onica, one defining career moment came when a project she helped build was commissioned and began generating electricity. “No electrician wants to build the plant and not see when it finally operates and produces power. Now I can proudly point at Grootspruit solar plant and say, ‘That is my job.’”
Anthea’s proudest achievement has been her ability to grow and adapt across different sectors. “I am proud of how much I have learned and adapted over time, especially moving between the oil and gas and renewables industries.”
Both women emphasise the importance of continuous learning. Anthea’s meticulous attention to detail and willingness to keep developing her skills have been central to her success, while Onica has built specialist expertise in areas such as cable terminations, communication software updates, thermal scanning and plant commissioning.
Looking ahead
While both acknowledge that progress has been made, they believe there is still room for improvement. Anthea would like to see greater understanding and support for working mothers, particularly single mothers, recognising the additional demands they often face.
“I would love to see the perception and treatment of working moms improve. A greater support system would be appreciated,” she says. Onica hopes the industry will continue moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
“South Africa must stop assuming women cannot do certain jobs. They must leave this gender-based thinking and treat us as equals.” Their advice to young women considering careers in construction is equally practical.
Anthea encourages aspiring professionals to understand the realities of the industry while embracing the rewards it offers. “Make sure you understand what the job entails and that you are ready to tough it out. As rewarding as it can be, it does come with a great personal cost, especially when working away for extended periods of time.”
Onica’s message is one of confidence and commitment. “Ladies, it is possible. You can do it. Get certified, take the opportunity when it comes and give it your best. The way to climb the ladder is through hard work and commitment to your job.”
As Aurex Constructors celebrates Women’s Month, the experiences of Anthea and Onica demonstrate that the future of construction is being built by diverse teams whose success is defined not by gender, but by skill, determination and the desire to make a meaningful difference.
Ends
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Notes to the editor
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About Aurex Constructors
Aurex Constructors is a leading player in Southern Africa’s EPC, Construction, Turnaround, and Maintenance industry, with over 40 years of experience serving blue-chip customers in the oil, gas & chemicals, mining & metallurgy, petrochemical, thermal power, and renewable power sectors. The company operates offices in South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia, providing a comprehensive range of services including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, piping, platework (CSMEIPP), fabrication, and management services, catering to projects of any scale and complexity.
As a 100% South African owned and managed company with 51% black ownership, Aurex takes pride in its highly skilled workforce, which has a proven track record of delivering innovative and customised project management solutions tailored to the specific requirements of customers. Aurex Constructors is dedicated to fostering growth and sustainability in the regions it serves. We strive for excellence.
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Anthea Welman,Time keeper at Aurex Constructors.
Onica Nthabiseng Swarts, Construction Electrician at Aurex - Building the future together as women shape excellence at Aurex Constructors_approved
Building the future together as women shape excellence at Aurex Constructors_approved
