Tana Malinga

A stronger construction sector begins with stronger contractors, and in Gauteng, that future is already taking shape.

Hundreds of emerging and established contractors left the Gauteng Contractor Development Roadshow with more than information; they departed with renewed confidence, practical solutions and a clearer path to participating in South Africa’s growing infrastructure economy. The gathering at the Emerald Hotel in Vanderbijlpark became far more than a government engagement. It evolved into a powerful platform where opportunity met ambition, partnerships were forged and the promise of inclusive economic growth came to life.

Hosted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in partnership with the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb), the roadshow showcased government’s unwavering commitment to empowering contractors as central players in rebuilding communities, stimulating economic growth and creating sustainable employment.

Infrastructure may be built with bricks, steel and concrete, but its greatest strength lies in the people who build it.

• Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala,

Leading that message was Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, who reminded delegates that every infrastructure investment carries a far greater purpose.
“Every infrastructure project is an opportunity to create jobs, grow local businesses, transfer skills and strengthen communities. A capable contractor base is not separate from infrastructure delivery; it is the foundation on which successful infrastructure delivery depends.”

His remarks reinforced government’s vision of transforming infrastructure development into a catalyst for inclusive economic participation, where emerging contractors become drivers of national development rather than spectators.
That vision was echoed by Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, who reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to paying contractors within 30 days.

Recognising that cash flow often determines whether small businesses survive or collapse, he challenged contractors to match government’s commitment through ethical business practices, sound financial management and embracing digital innovation that enhances compliance and competitiveness.

One of the roadshow’s defining moments was the spotlight on the newly established R300 million Construction Fund, launched in May 2026 through a partnership between the cidb and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).

For many contractors, access to finance remains the biggest obstacle to growth. Nearly one in four contractors identify funding as their greatest challenge, while more than half struggle to secure loans or guarantees. The Construction Fund directly addresses this reality by opening doors to affordable finance, enabling contractors to expand their businesses, acquire capacity and compete confidently for public infrastructure projects.

Beyond funding, the roadshow demonstrated government’s holistic approach to contractor development. Delegates gained valuable insights into procurement processes, compliance requirements, funding opportunities and business support programmes while engaging directly with major infrastructure stakeholders.

Representatives from SANRAL, the Independent Development Trust, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water, SEDFA, the Gauteng Office of the Premier, Sedibeng District Municipality, Emfuleni Local Municipality and SARS provided practical guidance that demystified public procurement and strengthened collaboration between government and industry.

The event also placed a strong emphasis on building long-term capability.
cidb Chief Executive Officer Bongani Dladla announced the official launch of the Certificate in Construction Management through the cidb B.U.I.L.D Programme in July 2026. Delivered in partnership with Durban University of Technology, Walter Sisulu University and the University of the Free State, the programme aims to equip contractors with the technical expertise and leadership skills needed to progress through higher cidb grading levels and compete for increasingly complex infrastructure projects.

Dladla captured the broader ambition perfectly.

“Success cannot be measured only by how many contractors enter the industry, but by how many grow, progress and successfully compete for larger projects. A stronger contractor base strengthens the entire construction ecosystem, creates jobs, drives transformation and improves infrastructure delivery.”

The Gauteng Contractor Development Roadshow demonstrated that contractor development is no longer confined to policy documents, it is becoming tangible action.

As South Africa accelerates infrastructure investment to stimulate economic growth, initiatives such as these are creating a construction sector that is more inclusive, more competitive and better prepared to deliver the roads, schools, hospitals, housing and public infrastructure that communities deserve.

The roadshow did more than connect contractors with opportunity, it restored belief.

Belief that government is listening.
Belief that partnerships can unlock progress.

And most importantly, belief that empowered contractors will not only build infrastructure, but help build a stronger, more resilient South Africa, one project, one business and one community at a time.

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