BUILDING STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS TO UNLOCK OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Article by Andile Xulu, Pictures Supplied

09 April 2026

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala has commended the partnership of tertiary institutions like the i-Yunivesithi Walter Sisulu, the private sector and government in sustaining the construction sector in the country.

Speaking at the launch of the i-Yunivesithi Walter Sisulu-cidb Centre of excellence in sustainable construction at the institution’s East London Campus in the Eastern Cape, the Deputy Minister said Infrastructure development remains the backbone of development. He said this is evident by government’s commitment of more than a trillion rand for infrastructure investment in the medium-term period.

The launch of the center of excellence was also attended by the Higher Education and Training Minister, Buti Manamela, Eastern Cape Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) CEO Bongani Dlala and cidb Chairperson Khulile Nzo.

‘Institutions like i-Yunivesithi Walter Sisulu must be at the forefront of working with the democratic government to train students that will be capable to deliver infrastructure on time, on budget and sustainable’, said Deputy Minister Zikalala.

He said the launch of the i-Yuniversity Walter Sisulu-cidb centre of excellence speaks to the national priorities of the department, which include skills development, industrialisation and inclusive participation in the construction economy.

The centre of excellence is set to become a hub for innovation, digital transformation and sustainable construction practices. Through this initiative, the university seeks to equip students and professionals with future ready skills aligned to the evolving demands of the construction industry, particularly in the context of sustainability and technological advancement.

Zikalala said infrastructure delivery is not only about building assets but is also about capabilities, in people, in companies and in the construction sector as a whole.

‘The centre of excellence is a practical response. It moves us beyond isolated interventions, towards structured long term capable development. As the department responsible for public infrastructure delivery and industry transformation, we place strong emphasis on emerging sector development. This includes youth and women, people living with disabilities, transformation of contractor based regional and township economic inclusion’, said Zikalala.