DPWI IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DHS TO ADVANCE CONTRACTOR DEVELOPMENT

Article by Bukiwe Cimela and Pictures by Matome Dikgale 

30 July 2025

Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala met with Human Settlement Minister Thembisile Simelane in a bid to learn from each department, the best practices for more efficient and innovative construction. The meeting held at the DPWI Headquarters, in Pretoria, was joined by the CEO of IDT Bongani Dladla and Deputy Directors General from both departments.

Dladla presented the CIDB contractor outreach programme which aims to ensure the sustainable development and progression of contractors, focusing on previously disadvantaged, women, youth and people living with disabilities.

Deputy Minster Zikalala stressed the importance of implementing ‘set asides’ in all construction projects in order to advance local businesses. A ‘set aside’ can be a guideline, a law or a policy that pre determines a portion of a project to a particular group such as women, the youth, persons with disabilities etc. He said the DPWI was willing to learn from the Department of Human Settlements on how they have successfully implemented their ‘set asides’ in order have smoother construction projects.  He has called on the DPWI to take a lead to review and develop the implementation of preferential procurement to target women-run businesses, youth and people living with disabilities.

Minister Simelane said the department of Human Settlement has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Agrement SA, an entity of DPWI, for a project in Soshanguve, North of Pretoria, to build houses using innovation and latest building materials. The Minister said through NHBRC, the DHS has had an intake of 100 contractors for development.