The ability to build a structure and the ability to build a successful construction business are not always the same thing. While technical skills remain essential, contractors increasingly need strong capabilities in financial management, contract administration, procurement, project planning and leadership to sustain and grow their businesses.

This gap between technical capability and business management is receiving renewed attention as South Africa looks to strengthen its contractor base and improve infrastructure delivery.

The issue was highlighted at the launch of the Certificate in Construction Management (CCM) programme in North West recently, where the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) and the University of the Free State (UFS) are working together to strengthen the management capabilities of emerging and developing contractors.

The CCM programme forms part of the cidb's contractor development programme and is designed for cidb-registered contractors in Grades 2 to 6. It equips participants with the practical business and management skills needed to build sustainable construction enterprises, covering areas such as construction project management, procurement and contract administration. Participants can also specialise in electives including construction innovation, digitalisation and information management, and building standards.

Speaking at the launch of the CCM programme in Rustenburg recently, North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Hon. Elizabeth Mokua, said the province's infrastructure ambitions depend on the strength and sustainability of its contractors.

“Infrastructure delivery is about more than investment. It is about capability. We need contractors who can manage projects effectively, administer contracts professionally and build sustainable businesses that can grow and create jobs in the North West. Developing those capabilities is essential if we are to meet the infrastructure needs of our province.”

Mokua said the demands placed on contractors have evolved significantly in recent years, requiring businesses to navigate increasingly complex commercial, regulatory and project delivery environments. Programmes such as the CCM are intended to help contractors strengthen these capabilities and position themselves for sustainable growth.

cidb CEO Bongani Dladla says the programme was developed to address one of the most persistent challenges facing emerging contractors: converting construction experience into sustainable business growth.

“The transition from contractor to business leader is not always straightforward. As businesses grow, so do the demands associated with managing projects, people, risk and performance. The CCM has been designed to help contractors navigate that transition with greater confidence, while laying the foundation for sustained growth and competitiveness.”

Dladla says the partnership between the cidb and the University of the Free State is one of the programme's defining strengths.

“The programme brings together the cidb's deep understanding of industry realities with the academic expertise of the UFS. This ensures that the learning experience is practical, credible, and closely aligned to the challenges and opportunities facing today's construction sector.”

The programme will be delivered at three learning centres in Rustenburg, Mahikeng and Potchefstroom, making it accessible to contractors from across the province. The North West is the fourth province to implement the CCM under the cidb's national roll-out plan, following successful launches in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the Eastern Cape, as the initiative continues to expand its national footprint.