BLOEMFONTEIN – The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) is rolling out a flagship Certificate in Construction Management (CCM) course, developed in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, designed to equip emerging contractors in the country.
The programme has been launched in three provinces, with the Free State event held on Tuesday, following earlier launches in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. It will equip contractors 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, spanning three to six months, is specifically designed to allow working contractors to upskill while actively managing their 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 your companies,” said Moola.
He stressed that gaining knowledge and technical skills through the course will benefit contractors, helping them achieve growth and become leading role players in South Africa’s economic growth and infrastructure investment.
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 the 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, further encouraging local contractors to take advantage of the opportunity by enrolling in the course.
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.
