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The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) have reaffirmed government’s contractor base following a successful commitment to developing South Africa’s Gauteng Contractor Development Roadshow at the Emerald Hotel in Vanderbijlpark on Friday.
The roadshow brought together contractors, government institutions, infrastructure clients and development finance agencies to strengthen collaboration and provide practical guidance on procurement opportunities, compliance requirements, funding mechanisms and contractor support programmes. The discussions and commitments made during the event come as government continues to accelerate infrastructure delivery and expand contractors through funding, skills development and improved access to public procurement.
The event was led by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Honourable Sihle Zikalala, and addressed by Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Honourable Jacob Mamabolo.
South Africa’s infrastructure ambitions depend on a capable, growing contractor base. The roadshow was designed to close the gap between government’s infrastructure pipeline and the contractors who need to access it giving emerging and established contractors direct insight into procurement requirements, compliance expectations and available support.
Deputy Minister Zikalala was clear on the connection between infrastructure and people: “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.”
One of the key focus areas of the roadshow was the R300 million Construction Fund, a joint initiative, launched in May 2026, between the cidb and the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA). The Fund is designed to help emerging contractors access affordable finance, grow their businesses and compete for public sector work.
The need for this support remains significant. Survey data shows that 24% of contractors cite access to finance as a major barrier to growth, and more than half – 53% – reported difficulty accessing loans or guarantees in the past year alone. The Construction Fund directly responds to these challenges.
Cash flow remains one of the most pressing day-to-day challenges for contractors. During the roadshow, MEC Mamabolo reaffirmed the Gauteng provincial government’s commitment to settling contractor invoices within 30 days, recognising that timely payment can determine with a small businesses are able to survive and grow.
He also encouraged contractors to meet government halfway by operating ethical, financially stable businesses, managing cash flow responsibly and embracing digital tools that improve efficiency and compliance.
Progression through the industry remains a key measure of an effective and functioning contractor development system. The cidb confirmed that its Certificate in Construction Management, a structured learning programme, will be formally launched in July 2026 through the cidb B.U.I.L.D Programme. The programme is being delivered in partnership with the Durban University of Technology, Walter Sisulu University and the University of the Free State.
cidb Chief Executive Officer Mr Bongani Dladla set the standard plainly: “Success cannot be measured only by how many contractors enter the industry, but by how many are able to grow, progress to higher cidb grades and compete successfully in larger and more complex projects. A stronger contractor base strengthens the entire construction ecosystem, it creates jobs, supports transformation and improves delivery capability.”
Participants also engaged directly with a broad range of public sector stakeholders, including 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, gaining first-hand information on infrastructure pipelines, procurement processes and compliance requirements.
The Gauteng Contractor Development Roadshow forms part of an ongoing national program to strengthen contractor capability, improve access to funding and opportunities, and build a more inclusive, competitive and sustainable construction sector. As government continues to invest in infrastructure lead growth initiatives such as these ensure that contractors are better equipped to participate meaningfully in the countries development agenda.
INFO SUPPLIED.