Construction
Construction is a major economic sector encompassing the planning, design, building and maintenance of physical infrastructure and structures. The industry includes residential, commercial, industrial and civil engineering projects such as housing developments, office buildings, factories, roads, bridges, dams, power stations and water treatment facilities. In Africa, construction plays a vital role in economic development, providing employment and supporting urbanisation, industrialisation and the expansion of essential services. The sector is typically labour-intensive and employs workers across a wide range of skill levels, from semiskilled labourers to engineers and project managers. Construction activity is closely linked to government infrastructure spending, private-sector investment and commodity cycles, particularly mining. In South Africa, the industry has faced challenges including fluctuating demand, skills shortages, safety concerns and the impact of economic cycles on public and private capital expenditure. The sector is also significant in public health contexts, as construction workers often face occupational health risks and may be vulnerable to communicable diseases due to migratory labour patterns and on-site living conditions. Construction remains a key indicator of economic confidence and a driver of job creation across sub-Saharan Africa.
Construction Updates
Cape Town drove 50% of all new job growth in metros over last five years – Hill-Lewis
By: Irma Venter 19th August 2026 Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the Western Cape capital has added 418 000 jobs over the current local government term, which he says is... →
Africans migrate for jobs mostly within the continent: why regional skills partnerships are needed
13th August 2026 In 2024, 25.1-million Africans were living in other countries on the continent. Labour migration has long been a defining feature of Africa’s... →
Can an adjudicator decide a dispute that was never referred to him?
12th August 2026 Construction adjudication is designed to be a fast, interim dispute resolution mechanism – a “pay now, argue later” tool to keep cash flowing on... →
Success of the South African Business Rescue Process – Positive news for the restructuring of distressed companies
22nd July 2026 Dr Eric Levenstein unpacks the legal significance of recent successes in the business rescue space and explains why successful business rescues are... →
Trade conditions remained tight in June – Sacci 
By: Schalk Burger 21st July 2026 The crude oil price returning to about $72/bl at the end of June had positive effects on business and particularly on general trade conditions for... →
Anti-migrant protests risk economic blowback for South Africa
By: Reuters 10th July 2026 Frustrations over unemployment, crime and years of weak growth are driving South Africa's anti-migrant protests. But economists warn that the... →
Measured ambition
By: Terence Creamer 10th July 2026 South Africa’s planned R1-trillion infrastructure programme is undoubtedly a chance to revive the struggling construction sector and to stimulate... →
Franchisors Beware! The Competition Commission may come knocking soon
1st July 2026 The franchising industry has long been a bone of contention at antitrust authorities worldwide. Franchisees often complain to competition... →
South Africa's economic recovery entering uncertain phase amid growing pressure
By: Schalk Burger 30th June 2026 South Africa’s economy remains on a recovery path, but rising global pressures and cost dynamics are slowing momentum and reshaping the outlook for... →
ActionSA wants three economic Ministers fired over Q1 job losses
By: Thabi Shomolekae 9th June 2026 ActionSA has intensified its pressure on the Government of National Unity to immediately fire three key economic Ministers following the latest GDP... →
