North West women build their way to national stage

Qualified electrician and national SANAA finalist Ulenda Mathebula is proudly representing Brits and the North West.

Platinum Weekly newspaper | North West – Two remarkable women artisans from the North West are breaking barriers and preparing to represent the province at the 2026 South African National Artisan Awards (SANAA).

Qualified electrician Ulenda Mathebula from Brits and bricklayer artisan Mamello Giveness Boboko from Mosiane View in Mahikeng have been selected as national finalists. The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on Saturday, 5 September 2026.

Mathebula was inspired to pursue electrical engineering after seeing her community struggle during load-shedding. She completed her N1 to N6 qualifications and an apprenticeship before establishing Ulenda Electrical Solutions, through which she provides electrical services to her community. “Being selected as a national finalist validates my skills and proves that artisan work is not a second choice, but a respected and professional career,” she said.

Mathebula plans to become a Master Installation Electrician, obtain her wireman’s licence and further specialise in solar energy. She also hopes to establish a training centre in the North West, create employment and empower future apprentices.

Boboko pursued her passion for construction through bricklaying training at Vuselela TVET College. Although some people told her she was entering “a man’s profession”, she remained determined to prove that women belong in the construction industry. “As a woman in construction, you must have a strong character and believe that you can lead,” Boboko said. “We do not only construct buildings; we also build character.”

She hopes her achievement will encourage girls and young women to pursue practical careers without allowing gender stereotypes to limit them. “What seems impossible to people does not mean that it is actually impossible. Do it with a heart of faith,” she said. “You can build your future with your own hands.”

Held under the theme Changing Artisanal Identity and Status, SANAA celebrates artisans as skilled professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs who contribute to infrastructure development, economic growth and job creation. Mathebula and Boboko both hope to return home with national honours – but they have already made the North West proud by showing that skilled women can power communities, build structures and help shape South Africa’s future.