The South African National Road Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) has launched an ambitious new initiative designed to uplift black contractors in the construction sector. Unveiled on Monday in Durban and Richards Bay, the Contractor Development Programme (CDP) focuses on empowering African, Coloured, and Indian contractors, with a primary aim of increasing their participation in Sanral’s construction and maintenance projects. The programme places a special focus on emerging contractors in the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grades 5CE and above.
Sanral’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Lehlohonolo Memeza, described the CDP as a critical step in creating a more inclusive and representative construction industry. “Through our Contractor Development Programme, Sanral aims to foster an inclusive environment where emerging contractors can thrive. This initiative is a vital step toward levelling the playing field, ensuring that opportunities for growth and development are accessible to all,” said Memeza.
Empowering Underrepresented Groups
The CDP is more than just an initiative for black contractors; it is a comprehensive programme designed to support historically marginalised groups. This includes women, youth, people with disabilities, and military veterans, providing them with the tools and resources needed to succeed in a competitive industry. Memeza stressed that this programme is part of a broader strategy aimed at transforming the construction industry by creating opportunities for equity ownership, capacity building, and long-term sustainability for black-owned businesses.
Building Capacity and Sustainable Growth
The programme is structured to offer more than just opportunities to win contracts. Contractors will benefit from training, mentorship, financial assistance, and ongoing support. It specifically targets those within CIDB grades 5 to 7 but will also include contractors who have recently been upgraded to CIDB grades 8 and 9. This holistic approach aims to ensure that black contractors can grow sustainably while actively contributing to Sanral’s various infrastructure projects across South Africa.
Industry Support
The programme has received praise from various stakeholders within the construction sector. Wonder Jaca, a representative of the Black Business Federation, lauded the initiative as an excellent opportunity for smaller players within CIDB grades 5 to 7. “This is a good opportunity for small players to maximise their participation on Sanral projects,” Jaca said.
Tackling Skills Shortages
In addition to promoting inclusivity, Sanral’s CDP also addresses a critical issue within the construction industry: skills shortages. By providing tailored training and mentorship, the programme seeks to bridge the gap in essential skills, thereby contributing to the overall growth and stability of the construction sector.
Sanral hopes that its Contractor Development Programme will not only create more representative participation in the construction industry but also contribute to South Africa’s economic stability and the upliftment of disadvantaged communities.
With the backing of industry players and stakeholders, this programme is poised to make a meaningful impact on the landscape of the country’s construction sector.
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