According to a construction industry report published by Stats SA on Thursday, the sector's total revenue reached 605.6 billion rand in 2024, an 8.9% increase compared to 430.8 billion rand in 2020. This new certificate is designed to provide practical knowledge and skills for effective project management and building sustainable businesses in the construction sector.
Development of the Certification Program
The Construction Management Certificate (CCM) was developed by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg (UJ). This qualification is a flagship product of the industry, reflecting the organization's commitment to creating a competitive and sustainable construction industry.
Significance for Contractors
Bongani Dladla, CEO of CIDB, emphasized that the certificate will help emerging and developing contractors acquire necessary management skills. He noted that investing in contractors' capabilities is an investment in the country's infrastructure future, enabling them to participate more significantly in South Africa's infrastructure economy.
Need for Comprehensive Skills
The successful implementation of infrastructure projects depends not only on the technical expertise of contractors and construction specialists but also on their business, financial, and leadership competencies for effective and sustainable management. As part of the initial phase of the national implementation plan, CIDB launched the CCM for contractors in three provinces: Free State, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Expansion Plans and Academic Partnership
According to Dladla, the launch in these three provinces is the beginning of a nationwide rollout, and CIDB intends to extend the program to all provinces of South Africa, ensuring access to a nationally recognized qualification. Professor Clinton Aigbabwoa from UJ believes that the CCM is a strategic investment in the future of South Africa's construction industry, as the program aims to develop capable professionals and sustainable enterprises that contribute to the country's long-term economic growth.
Combination of Theory and Practice
Professor Aigbabwoa added that the partnership between educational institutions and the industry was critical for training the next generation of construction leaders. Through collaboration with CIDB, they combine academic excellence with practical industry knowledge to ensure that contractors receive applicable skills that improve project execution and business performance.
Construction Industry Statistics
The Stats SA report from July 9 showed that the industry's total revenue in 2024 amounted to 605.6 billion rand, which is 8.9% higher than in 2020 (430.8 billion rand). The largest growth was recorded in the 'civil engineering construction' segment (+58.9 billion rand), followed by 'building construction' (+33.6 billion rand) and 'other construction finishing' (+24.1 billion rand).
Employment and Profitability in the Sector
In 2024, the construction industry achieved its highest profit rate since 2014–2024—4.8%. The highest profit margin in 2024 was shown by 'site preparation' (13.2%), as well as 'rental of construction or demolition equipment with operators' (8.6%) and 'painting and finishing' (6.3%). The total number of employees in the industry as of the end of June 2024 was 539,056, which is 3.0% more than in 2020 (479,071).
Employment Structure
In 2024, the largest number of workers were employed in 'building construction' (139,326 people, or 25.8%), followed by 'civil engineering construction' (124,988 people, or 23.2%) and 'other construction finishing' (91,785 people, or 17.0%).
Role of Construction in Development
Construction plays a key role in stimulating inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in South Africa. By building roads, schools, hospitals, water infrastructure, and other public facilities, the industry enables the government to expand access to vital services, boost economic activity, and improve the quality of life for the population.