Empowering SA’s contractors: The launch of the Certificate in Construction Management

Emerging and developing contractors, as well as construction professionals, will be equipped with the practical knowledge and skills required to manage projects effectively and build sustainable construction businesses.

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), working in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ), developed the Certificate in Construction Management (CCM) as its flagship industry qualification.

The programme reflects the organisation’s commitment to building a capable, competitive and sustainable construction industry, says Bongani Dladla, the CEO at CIDB.

“The CIDB Certificate in Construction Management is a flagship contractor development programme that will equip emerging and developing contractors with the practical management skills required to deliver quality infrastructure, grow sustainable businesses and participate more meaningfully in South Africa’s infrastructure economy.

“By investing in contractor capability, we are investing in the future of our country’s infrastructure delivery.”

Business, financial and leadership capabilities are needed to manage projects efficiently and sustainably

The successful delivery of infrastructure is said to depend on contractors and construction professionals who possess not only technical expertise, but also the business, financial and leadership capabilities needed to manage projects efficiently and sustainably.  

As part of the initial phase of the national roll-out plan, the CIDB recently launched the CCM for contractors across three provinces, namely: the Free State, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

According to Dladla, the launch in the above three provinces was the beginning of a national rollout, and the CIDB was committed to expanding this programme across all provinces, ensuring that contractors throughout South Africa have access to a nationally recognised qualification that strengthens their technical and business capabilities.            

The CCM represents a strategic investment in the future of South Africa’s construction industry, says Professor Clinton Aigbavboa of UJ. 

“This programme is not just about awarding a qualification. It is about developing capable construction professionals and sustainable businesses that will strengthen infrastructure delivery and contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth.” 

Combining academic excellence with practical industry knowledge

The professor adds that partnerships between academic institutions and industry were essential to developing the next generation of construction leaders.

“Through our partnership with the CIDB, we are combining academic excellence with practical industry knowledge to ensure that contractors gain relevant, applicable skills that improve project delivery and business performance.

“As this flagship programme expands across the country, it has the potential to transform not only individual businesses, but also the communities that benefit from quality infrastructure and the economic opportunities it creates.”

According to the Construction Industry report published by Statistics South Africa(Stats SA) on Thursday, July 9, the total income for the construction industry in 2024 was R605,6 billion, representing an increase of 8.9% per annum compared with the income reported in the corresponding survey of 2020 (R430.8 billion).

Comparing 2020 and 2024, the largest increase was reported for ‘construction of civil engineering structures’ (+R58,9 billion), followed by ‘construction of buildings’ (+R33,6 billion) and “other building completion” (+R24,1 billion).

The report says that between 2014 and 2024, the construction industry recorded its highest profit margin of 4.8% in 2024. ‘Site preparation’ had the highest profit margin in 2024 at 13.2%, followed by ‘renting of construction or demolition equipment with operators’ (8.6%) and ‘painting and decorating’ (6.3%).

The very same report says the total number of persons employed in the construction industry as at the end of June 2024 was 539 056. This represents an increase of 3.0% per annum compared with the employment recorded in the corresponding survey of 2020 (479 071).

In 2024, ‘construction of buildings’ employed the largest number of persons (139 326 or 25.8%), followed by ‘construction of civil engineering structures’ (124 988 or 23.2%) and ‘other building completion’ (91 785 or 17.0%).

Construction plays a significant role in driving inclusive economic growth and sustainable development

Infrastructure is said to be one of the most powerful drivers of SA’s development, and the construction industry is at the heart of delivering it.

Through the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, water infrastructure and other public assets, the industry enables the government to expand access to essential services, stimulate economic activity and improve the quality of life for communities.

As one of the country’s largest employment-generating sectors, construction also plays a significant role in driving inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.