Infrastructure is one of the most powerful drivers of South Africa’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 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.
The successful delivery of infrastructure depends 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.
Recognising the need to strengthen contractor and professional development, the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb), working in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg, developed the Certificate in Construction Management (CCM) as its flagship industry qualification. The programme is designed to equip emerging and developing contractors, as well as construction professionals, with the practical knowledge and skills required to manage projects effectively and build sustainable construction businesses.
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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.
Commenting on the launch of the cidb Certificate in Construction Management, cidb Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bongani Dladla, said the programme reflects the organisation’s commitment to building a capable, competitive and sustainable construction industry. “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.”
Mr Dladla added that the launch in the above three provinces was the beginning of a national rollout, and that 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.
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Echoing the sentiments of the cidb Chief Executive Officer, the University of Johannesburg’s Professor Clinton Aigbavboa said the CCM represents a strategic investment in the future of South Africa’s construction industry. “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.
Professor Aigbavboa added that partnerships between the 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.”