Few people understand this concept as well as Deonette de Ridder, MD and mother of four. Realcor’s latest project, under de Ridder’s direction, was established on the construction site of the current Marsh Rose project.

Record expansion in construction actively helped South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grow by 4.7% in the first quarter of 2007 making it 34 consecutive quarters of economic growth since 1998, the longest upswing in the country's history and this with a marginal percentage of women gaining employment in the sector. Often argued that women are less suited to the physically taxing environment of a construction site, ladies are seen working alongside men on the Marsh Rose project, building a retaining wall of gabion cages, supervising a bricklaying team and erecting structural steel. This gave de Ridder the idea of giving more women the opportunity to enter this booming job market.

Working closely with various professionals, de Ridder is jointly planning a project of social and economic upliftment through empowerment of women to participate in the construction industry. The proposed development of more affordable housing in Plettenberg Bay, Le Petit Village, provides the platform from which de Ridder aims to launch this project.

De Ridder believes firmly in empowering the women of local communities with practical building skills. She even envisages women building homes for their own families in the very communities she launches building projects. Not just by providing skills, but by facilitating easier access to building materials.

“We are extremely committed to uplifting women, being a woman myself I know what challenges women face in the market, and I know it’s not easy. The women of South Africa must start working together, for the sake of our children.” De Ridder emphasises.

Clearly, this is her way of contributing, and she puts her money where her mouth is when it comes to community upliftment. The Marsh Rose development in Grabouw is an example of this.

Community upliftment is woven into the fabric of the Marsh Rose Development’s composition. Contractors, materials and labour are largely sourced locally, and tenants are required to give preference to Grabouw locals when employing staff.

Local businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their products in the tourism centre, which serves as a tourist gateway to the area. Additionally, the name “Marsh Rose” underscores the eco-nursery and importance of conserving the area’s unique and rare plant species, one of which is the rare marsh rose, once thought to be extinct.

The Social and Economic Impact assessment dealing with the impact that such a proposed Mall would have in Grabouw, conducted by the well-known Professor Amiena Bayat, states in it’s conclusion: “ This study indicates that the Marsh Rose Mall development manages to strike a balance between social, economic and environmental objectives and will serve as a catalyst to kick-start the local economy.” A far cry from the factories originally planned for the site at the entrance to Grabouw!

Contact information:
Deonette de Ridder
Realcor Cape
Tel: 083 700 4028
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