BLOEMFONTEIN – The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has rolled out a flagship Certificate in Construction Management (CCM) course in three provinces, developed in partnership with the University of Johannesburg. The programme has been launched in three provinces, with the Free State event held on 9 July, following earlier launches in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. It is designed to equip emerging contractors in the country with foundational knowledge to ensure long-term sustainability and structural integrity in infrastructure delivery projects across the country.
Ibrahim Moola, CIDB director explained that the learning initiative under the programme called Building Unprecedented Inspiring Leadership Directions (Build) combines academic excellence with practical industry experience to help contractors strengthen their businesses, improve project delivery, and build sustainable construction enterprises. He said the course of 3 to 6 months was designed to allow working contractors to upskill while actively managing projects. Moola said emerging contractors stand to benefit by learning how to play a key role in infrastructure investment through delivering quality projects.

“The programme is critical for the development and improvement of enterprise contractors’ grading on the CIDB. This will improve access to development work and the allocation of projects above R20 million in value for companies,” said Moola.
Ntombi Nyaga, CIDB chief operating officer, further explained that the learning programme was prompted after observing contractors struggling to move up their grades. “While contractors have technical skills, we realised there is a lack of understanding of how to run their businesses better; through this programme we are bridging the gap,” said Nyaga.

Free State MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Dibolelo Mance emphasised the importance of contractors broadening their knowledge for sustainability in the industry. “Infrastructure development remains one of the strongest catalysts for economic growth and social development. Infrastructure is only as effective as the people who plan it, manage it, supervise it and deliver it,” she said.