The people and businesses shaping South Africa’s built environment took centre stage in Durban as the 19th Annual South African Builders & Construction Awards brought together leading figures from the construction industry for an evening of recognition and celebration.
Held on 7 November 2026 at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga, the event honoured contractors, engineers, property developers and industry leaders whose work continues to contribute to the country’s infrastructure and economic development.
The evening was hosted by DJ Ngavu, the Afro-fusion and deep-house producer behind the hit “Ukholo Lwami”, alongside former Kaizer Chiefs football star, motivational speaker and analyst Marks Maponyane.
Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the awards highlighted the importance of an industry responsible for building homes, schools, roads and essential infrastructure, while creating opportunities for communities across South Africa.
One of the evening’s major highlights was the induction of the 2026 Hall of Fame class. This year’s inductees included Dr Matthews Phosa, Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu and Dr Sisa Ngebulana, in recognition of their leadership, achievements and lasting contributions to the construction industry and the country.
The Dr Matthews Phosa Honorary Excellence Award also formed part of the evening’s recognition programme. The special honour pays tribute to an individual contractor or nation builder whose outstanding achievements, lifetime service and contribution reflect the values of dignity, resilience and nation-building.
Meanwhile, several companies and individuals walked away with top honours across a range of categories.
Vea Road Maintenance emerged as one of the evening’s notable winners, securing four awards, including Best Public Works Excellence Award, Best Excellence Skills Development Company of the Year, Best Employer of the Year and Top Contractor of the Year.
Amafuto Construction also received recognition, winning Best Emerging Contractor of the Year and Best SHEQ Contractor of the Year. MMQS took home two awards, namely Best Quantity Surveyor Firm of the Year and Best Team Project Manager of the Year.
Other winners included Racinz Construction for Best Subcontractor of the Year, Weldron Engineering for Best Engineering Firm of the Year and Giyani Petroleum for Best Fuel & Fleet Card Management in Construction.
Capitec Business was named Construction Business Banker of the Year, while Billion Group received the Best Property Developer of the Year Award. Fund The People won Best Funding Product of the Year, and Mayfair Hotel received the Top Hotel Excellence Award.
The individual honours recognised Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu as Best Woman Excellence in Construction of the Year, Praneshan Naidoo as the recipient of the SA Construction News Readers’ Choice Award and Mpho Modise of Tshepo Ya Rona as CEO of the Year.
Adding to the significance of the evening was a message from the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Sihle Zikalala, who reflected on the sacrifices and determination of those who have contributed to building the country.
“Tonight was not just about awards. It was about honouring the men and women who built through hardship, discrimination and doubt — and never gave up. They built roads, homes, schools and dreams. They built South Africa. To every winner, we say: We see you. We honour you. We celebrate you. God is amazing.”
As an annual platform recognising achievement across the construction sector, the South African Builders & Construction Awards continues to shine a spotlight on excellence, innovation, transformation, skills development and safety.
Ultimately, the 19th edition served as a reminder that behind the country’s physical development are the people, businesses and professionals whose work helps turn infrastructure plans into lasting realities.
