DEPUTY MINISTER ZIKALALA LEADS CIDB CONTRACTOR DEVELOPMENT ROADSHOW IN KIMBERLEY

Article by Fanisa Makhubela, Pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

12 September 2025

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), alongside the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), today hosted the second leg of the CIDB Contractor Development Roadshow in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The initiative, which was first launched in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, in June, and will be rolled out across all provinces to empower contractors and strengthen the construction sector.

The Kimberley event, held at The Lighthouse in Ernestville under the theme “Build Your Business. Build South Africa,” brought together emerging contractors, government entities, and industry stakeholders. Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the urgent need for transformation in the construction sector and stronger support for emerging contractors. He said the Roadshow is a platform to empower SMMEs, address barriers to growth, and ensure inclusive participation in South Africa’s infrastructure pipeline.

Reflecting on the anniversary of Steve Biko’s death, Zikalala called for a more humane and inclusive economy, saying: “We have come to the Northern Cape to help eliminate poverty, support enterprise development, create jobs and build a South Africa with a more human face, as Biko would have wanted.” Despite government accounting for 40% of national infrastructure investment, Zikalala noted that black contractors, particularly women remain underrepresented on the CIDB Register of Contractors. He identified systemic challenges such as payment delays, limited access to finance, and fragmented development programmes as key barriers to growth.

To address these, DPWI and the CIDB are implementing the National Contractor Development Framework (NCDF) and the CIDB B.U.I.L.D Programme, which includes enterprise development, skills training, and mentorship. Through the B.U.I.L.D Fund, R100 million has been allocated to support emerging enterprises in the year ahead. Additional, interventions include the assessment of 1000 contractors and specialised training for 200 contractors in Construction Management Systems, aimed at building sustainable and competitive businesses.

The Kimberley Roadshow also offered sessions on CIDB compliance, tendering and procurement, B-BBEE, business administration, and project management, while partners such as SANRAL, PRASA, ISA, and the NEF presented opportunities for collaboration and funding. The Deputy Minister also issued a stern warning against organised crime and extortion in the construction industry, saying such practices undermine development and investor confidence.