CONSTRUCTION

Construction, overseen by CETA (Construction Education and Training Authority), is the sector where skills and labour visibly transform into physical infrastructure. The sector’s training is aligned to the National Skills Development Plan 2030, with a focus on artisans, engineers, and project managers.

Historically, construction has played a dual role in South Africa building world-class infrastructure while perpetuating exploitative labour practices. In the past, major projects excluded Black contractors and skilled workers. Post-democracy, construction became a space for empowerment, though corruption and inefficiency in state contracts have hindered progress.

Today, the sector employs around 1.2 million people, directly and indirectly. It is also one of the most cyclical sectors, vulnerable to government budget constraints and economic downturns. Retrenchments are common when projects stall, leaving artisans and labourers stranded. Despite this, construction remains central to development from housing and schools to renewable energy projects and transport infrastructure.

Looking toward 2030, construction is expected to be revitalised by public-private partnerships, green building technologies, and large-scale infrastructure drives linked to the AfCFTA and South Africa’s own development goals. The demand for skilled artisans plumbers, electricians, welders will grow, alongside emerging fields like sustainable architecture and smart cities.

Construction must not be defined by stop-start cycles of corruption and collapse.