Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, delivered a powerful address at the CIDB National Contractor Development Roadshow held at Olympia Hall, Royal Showgrounds, emphasizing infrastructure as a cornerstone for inclusive economic transformation.
The event, themed “Build Your Business. Build South Africa,” convened emerging and established contractors to explore compliance, CIDB grading, funding, and business development opportunities.
Zikalala stressed the critical need for disaster-resilient infrastructure and localized systems, aligning with South Africa’s G20 chairmanship theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. “Sustainability is a necessity, not a luxury,” he asserted, urging stakeholders to prioritize disaster risk reduction and empower marginalized communities.
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He highlighted the National Contractor Development Framework and CIDB’s B.U.I.L.D Programme as vital mechanisms to enhance equity and access in the construction sector, while expressing concern over the underrepresentation of black professionals and African women on the CIDB register, declaring, “Transformation is not negotiable.”
The Deputy Minister also condemned construction-related crime, extortion, and intimidation, calling for collective action to safeguard the industry. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to an infrastructure-led recovery under the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, Zikalala invoked the spirit of Youth Month and the 1976 generation, stating, “Through initiatives like this roadshow, we are reclaiming our future.”
The event fostered dialogue between contractors, government, and industry leaders, reinforcing the CIDB’s role in building a resilient, inclusive construction sector that drives South Africa’s economic progress.
