GITNUXREPORT 2026

South Africa Construction Industry Statistics

South Africa's construction industry is growing steadily with major infrastructure investments underway.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

68% of large projects faced delays due to regulatory hurdles in 2023.

Statistic 2

Corruption incidents in public tenders cost the sector ZAR 27 billion annually per Corruption Watch 2023.

Statistic 3

1,247 construction site fatalities recorded from 2019-2023, averaging 250 per year.

Statistic 4

Water scarcity impacted 55% of construction sites in Western Cape 2023.

Statistic 5

B-BBEE compliance issues led to 15% tender disqualifications in 2023.

Statistic 6

Load shedding caused ZAR 50 billion losses to construction in 2023 per BER.

Statistic 7

72% of contractors cited material price volatility as top risk in 2023.

Statistic 8

Environmental impact assessments delayed 40% of projects by over 6 months in 2023.

Statistic 9

29% non-compliance rate with CIDB grading regulations among contractors.

Statistic 10

Climate change risks assessed high for 65% of coastal infrastructure projects.

Statistic 11

Strike actions disrupted 120 major sites, costing ZAR 8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 12

35% of projects exceeded budget due to supply chain disruptions post-COVID.

Statistic 13

Local content requirements mandated 50% for public tenders, compliance at 62%.

Statistic 14

22% increase in construction mafias incidents reported in KZN 2023.

Statistic 15

Renewable energy share in construction power needs reached 15% in 2023.

Statistic 16

Green building certifications issued: 450 projects under Green Star SA in 2023.

Statistic 17

Carbon emissions from construction sector totaled 45 MtCO2e in 2022.

Statistic 18

Waste recycling rate in construction improved to 28% in 2023.

Statistic 19

18 new regulations on sustainable materials enforced from Jan 2024.

Statistic 20

Drought conditions halted 30% of rural water infrastructure projects in 2023.

Statistic 21

The construction industry employed 10.2% of the formal workforce in Q3 2023, totaling 678,000 workers.

Statistic 22

Unemployment rate in construction sector was 28.5% in 2023, higher than national average of 32.9%.

Statistic 23

Average monthly earnings in construction were ZAR 18,500 in Q2 2024.

Statistic 24

52% of construction workforce are skilled artisans as per 2023 CIDB survey.

Statistic 25

Youth employment in construction stands at 22% of total jobs, with 150,000 under 35.

Statistic 26

Female participation in construction workforce increased to 18% in 2023 from 14% in 2019.

Statistic 27

1.2 million informal construction workers operate in townships as of 2023 estimates.

Statistic 28

Construction sector added 45,000 net new jobs in 2023.

Statistic 29

Artisan shortage estimated at 75,000 workers in 2024.

Statistic 30

Labour productivity in construction improved by 2.1% in 2023.

Statistic 31

65% of construction firms reported skills shortages as primary hiring challenge in 2023 survey.

Statistic 32

Temporary workers make up 35% of construction employment in large projects.

Statistic 33

Black African workers constitute 78% of construction labour force per QLFS Q4 2023.

Statistic 34

Training expenditure by construction firms totaled ZAR 2.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 35

Gauteng province hosts 42% of national construction jobs, approx 285,000 in 2023.

Statistic 36

Wage settlements averaged 7.2% increase for construction unions in 2023.

Statistic 37

25,000 construction workers retrenched due to project delays in 2022-2023.

Statistic 38

Health and safety training reached 120,000 workers via CIDB programs in 2023.

Statistic 39

Total private construction investment in renewable energy projects ZAR 120 billion pipeline to 2030.

Statistic 40

Government capital expenditure on infrastructure budgeted at ZAR 887 billion for MTEF 2024-2027.

Statistic 41

Development Bank of Southern Africa lent ZAR 25 billion to construction projects in 2023.

Statistic 42

Foreign direct investment in SA construction FDI inflows ZAR 15.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 43

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in construction valued at ZAR 140 billion active in 2024.

Statistic 44

Construction bonds issued by Nedbank totaled ZAR 8 billion for sector financing in 2023.

Statistic 45

Standard Bank construction loan book grew 12% to ZAR 45 billion in FY2023.

Statistic 46

IDC approved ZAR 22 billion for infrastructure and construction projects in 2023.

Statistic 47

Pension fund investments in SA construction reached ZAR 350 billion as of 2023.

Statistic 48

Tender value backlog for construction firms stood at ZAR 950 billion end-2023.

Statistic 49

Average profit margin for large contractors was 4.2% in 2023.

Statistic 50

Cost overruns averaged 25% on public mega-projects per 2023 AG report.

Statistic 51

Insurance claims in construction totaled ZAR 12 billion due to delays in 2023.

Statistic 52

Equity funding raised by listed construction firms ZAR 5.6 billion via JSE in 2023.

Statistic 53

Green bonds issued for sustainable construction projects ZAR 4.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 54

Bad debt write-offs in construction lending reached ZAR 3.8 billion for banks in 2023.

Statistic 55

Venture capital in proptech for construction startups ZAR 1.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 56

Export credit agency support for construction exports ZAR 7.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 57

Municipal infrastructure grants disbursed ZAR 18 billion for construction in 2023/24.

Statistic 58

Contractor payment delays averaged 90 days, impacting cash flow by ZAR 200 billion annually.

Statistic 59

42% of construction SMEs reported access to finance as top barrier in 2023 survey.

Statistic 60

Total sector debt-to-equity ratio averaged 1.8:1 in 2023 financials.

Statistic 61

Construction Project Value in South Africa for Kusile Power Station Phase 4 estimated at ZAR 160 billion.

Statistic 62

Medupi Power Station total construction cost exceeded ZAR 200 billion as of completion in 2023.

Statistic 63

N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway project spans 620km with cost ZAR 35 billion, ongoing to 2025.

Statistic 64

Gautrain expansion Phase 2 budgeted at ZAR 40 billion for 2030 completion.

Statistic 65

Cape Town International Airport upgrade cost ZAR 8.5 billion, completed 2023.

Statistic 66

Transnet Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 expansion ZAR 13 billion, 2024 start.

Statistic 67

PRASA Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme Phase 2: 600 new trains at ZAR 50 billion.

Statistic 68

SANRAL N4 Maputo Corridor upgrade ZAR 12 billion over 550km.

Statistic 69

Eskom Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme final cost ZAR 85 billion, operational 2023.

Statistic 70

City of Johannesburg Water and Sanitation Revamp ZAR 20 billion programme to 2028.

Statistic 71

Passenger Rail Agency Rolling Stock Manufacturing Facility in Nigel cost ZAR 3.6 billion.

Statistic 72

Amandelbult Chrome Mine Tailings Retreatment Plant ZAR 2.8 billion investment.

Statistic 73

Richards Bay Coal Terminal Expansion Phase 2 ZAR 15 billion for capacity increase.

Statistic 74

Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Life Extension ZAR 80 billion over 20 years.

Statistic 75

Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project Phase 2 ZAR 18 billion for highway upgrades.

Statistic 76

Durban Harbour Dugong Access Channel deepening ZAR 4.5 billion.

Statistic 77

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium upgrades for 2024 events ZAR 1.2 billion.

Statistic 78

Bloemfontein Fan Park and Infrastructure ZAR 900 million for 2023 events.

Statistic 79

Total public infrastructure spend on water projects reached ZAR 45 billion in 2023.

Statistic 80

Private sector data centre construction boom with ZAR 10 billion invested in 2023.

Statistic 81

The South African construction industry contributed 3.9% to the national GDP in 2022, with a total value added of approximately ZAR 152 billion.

Statistic 82

Construction sector growth rate was 2.8% year-on-year in Q4 2023, driven by residential and non-residential building activities.

Statistic 83

The market size of the South Africa construction industry reached USD 42.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 84

Projected CAGR for South Africa construction market is 4.2% from 2024 to 2028, reaching USD 52.1 billion by 2028.

Statistic 85

Civil engineering segment accounted for 38% of total construction output in 2022.

Statistic 86

Residential construction grew by 5.1% in 2023, contributing ZAR 85 billion to the sector.

Statistic 87

Non-residential building construction output increased by 1.2% in Q1 2024.

Statistic 88

Total construction investments announced in 2023 amounted to ZAR 1.2 trillion over the next decade.

Statistic 89

Construction production index stood at 105.3 in December 2023 (2015=100).

Statistic 90

The industry is expected to grow at 3.5% annually through 2027, per IMF projections adjusted for construction.

Statistic 91

Building plans approved for new residential buildings totaled 45,200 units in 2023.

Statistic 92

Commercial property construction permits issued rose 4.7% to ZAR 22 billion in value during 2023.

Statistic 93

Infrastructure development accounted for 45% of construction GDP contribution in FY2022/23.

Statistic 94

Private sector construction spending increased by 6.3% to ZAR 210 billion in 2023.

Statistic 95

Overall construction tenders awarded in 2023 totaled ZAR 450 billion.

Statistic 96

Electricity and water infrastructure projects dominated with 28% market share in 2023.

Statistic 97

Road construction output grew 7.2% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 98

Construction inflation rate was 5.8% in Q4 2023.

Statistic 99

Total value of construction projects in pipeline reached ZAR 3.5 trillion as of 2024.

Statistic 100

Heavy construction segment valued at ZAR 180 billion in 2023.

1/100

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Behind the impressive ZAR 3.5 trillion project pipeline and a market set to grow to USD 52.1 billion, the South African construction industry is a powerful yet paradoxical engine, driving significant economic contributions while navigating deep challenges.

Key Takeaways

The South African construction industry contributed 3.9% to the national GDP in 2022, with a total value added of approximately ZAR 152 billion.
Construction sector growth rate was 2.8% year-on-year in Q4 2023, driven by residential and non-residential building activities.
The market size of the South Africa construction industry reached USD 42.5 billion in 2023.
The construction industry employed 10.2% of the formal workforce in Q3 2023, totaling 678,000 workers.
Unemployment rate in construction sector was 28.5% in 2023, higher than national average of 32.9%.
Average monthly earnings in construction were ZAR 18,500 in Q2 2024.
Construction Project Value in South Africa for Kusile Power Station Phase 4 estimated at ZAR 160 billion.
Medupi Power Station total construction cost exceeded ZAR 200 billion as of completion in 2023.
N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway project spans 620km with cost ZAR 35 billion, ongoing to 2025.
Total private construction investment in renewable energy projects ZAR 120 billion pipeline to 2030.
Government capital expenditure on infrastructure budgeted at ZAR 887 billion for MTEF 2024-2027.
Development Bank of Southern Africa lent ZAR 25 billion to construction projects in 2023.
68% of large projects faced delays due to regulatory hurdles in 2023.
Corruption incidents in public tenders cost the sector ZAR 27 billion annually per Corruption Watch 2023.
1,247 construction site fatalities recorded from 2019-2023, averaging 250 per year.

South Africa's construction industry is growing steadily with major infrastructure investments underway.

Challenges, Regulations, and Sustainability

68% of large projects faced delays due to regulatory hurdles in 2023.
Corruption incidents in public tenders cost the sector ZAR 27 billion annually per Corruption Watch 2023.
1,247 construction site fatalities recorded from 2019-2023, averaging 250 per year.
Water scarcity impacted 55% of construction sites in Western Cape 2023.
B-BBEE compliance issues led to 15% tender disqualifications in 2023.
Load shedding caused ZAR 50 billion losses to construction in 2023 per BER.
72% of contractors cited material price volatility as top risk in 2023.
Environmental impact assessments delayed 40% of projects by over 6 months in 2023.
29% non-compliance rate with CIDB grading regulations among contractors.
Climate change risks assessed high for 65% of coastal infrastructure projects.
Strike actions disrupted 120 major sites, costing ZAR 8 billion in 2023.
35% of projects exceeded budget due to supply chain disruptions post-COVID.
Local content requirements mandated 50% for public tenders, compliance at 62%.
22% increase in construction mafias incidents reported in KZN 2023.
Renewable energy share in construction power needs reached 15% in 2023.
Green building certifications issued: 450 projects under Green Star SA in 2023.
Carbon emissions from construction sector totaled 45 MtCO2e in 2022.
Waste recycling rate in construction improved to 28% in 2023.
18 new regulations on sustainable materials enforced from Jan 2024.
Drought conditions halted 30% of rural water infrastructure projects in 2023.

Challenges, Regulations, and Sustainability Interpretation

The South African construction industry is wrestling with a perfect storm of bureaucracy, corruption, tragedy, and environmental strain, where building anything requires navigating a minefield of delays, loadshedding, and mafias while desperately trying to comply with a growing stack of green regulations.

Employment and Workforce

The construction industry employed 10.2% of the formal workforce in Q3 2023, totaling 678,000 workers.
Unemployment rate in construction sector was 28.5% in 2023, higher than national average of 32.9%.
Average monthly earnings in construction were ZAR 18,500 in Q2 2024.
52% of construction workforce are skilled artisans as per 2023 CIDB survey.
Youth employment in construction stands at 22% of total jobs, with 150,000 under 35.
Female participation in construction workforce increased to 18% in 2023 from 14% in 2019.
1.2 million informal construction workers operate in townships as of 2023 estimates.
Construction sector added 45,000 net new jobs in 2023.
Artisan shortage estimated at 75,000 workers in 2024.
Labour productivity in construction improved by 2.1% in 2023.
65% of construction firms reported skills shortages as primary hiring challenge in 2023 survey.
Temporary workers make up 35% of construction employment in large projects.
Black African workers constitute 78% of construction labour force per QLFS Q4 2023.
Training expenditure by construction firms totaled ZAR 2.5 billion in 2023.
Gauteng province hosts 42% of national construction jobs, approx 285,000 in 2023.
Wage settlements averaged 7.2% increase for construction unions in 2023.
25,000 construction workers retrenched due to project delays in 2022-2023.
Health and safety training reached 120,000 workers via CIDB programs in 2023.

Employment and Workforce Interpretation

South Africa's construction sector is a powerhouse of skilled artisans and job creation, yet it's simultaneously haunted by an artisan shortage, frustratingly high unemployment, and an army of informal workers, all while slowly becoming more productive and slightly more inclusive.

Financial and Investment

Total private construction investment in renewable energy projects ZAR 120 billion pipeline to 2030.
Government capital expenditure on infrastructure budgeted at ZAR 887 billion for MTEF 2024-2027.
Development Bank of Southern Africa lent ZAR 25 billion to construction projects in 2023.
Foreign direct investment in SA construction FDI inflows ZAR 15.4 billion in 2023.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in construction valued at ZAR 140 billion active in 2024.
Construction bonds issued by Nedbank totaled ZAR 8 billion for sector financing in 2023.
Standard Bank construction loan book grew 12% to ZAR 45 billion in FY2023.
IDC approved ZAR 22 billion for infrastructure and construction projects in 2023.
Pension fund investments in SA construction reached ZAR 350 billion as of 2023.
Tender value backlog for construction firms stood at ZAR 950 billion end-2023.
Average profit margin for large contractors was 4.2% in 2023.
Cost overruns averaged 25% on public mega-projects per 2023 AG report.
Insurance claims in construction totaled ZAR 12 billion due to delays in 2023.
Equity funding raised by listed construction firms ZAR 5.6 billion via JSE in 2023.
Green bonds issued for sustainable construction projects ZAR 4.2 billion in 2023.
Bad debt write-offs in construction lending reached ZAR 3.8 billion for banks in 2023.
Venture capital in proptech for construction startups ZAR 1.1 billion in 2023.
Export credit agency support for construction exports ZAR 7.5 billion in 2023.
Municipal infrastructure grants disbursed ZAR 18 billion for construction in 2023/24.
Contractor payment delays averaged 90 days, impacting cash flow by ZAR 200 billion annually.
42% of construction SMEs reported access to finance as top barrier in 2023 survey.
Total sector debt-to-equity ratio averaged 1.8:1 in 2023 financials.

Financial and Investment Interpretation

With ambitions soaring on a ZAR 120 billion renewable pipeline and a ZAR 887 billion government war chest, the South African construction industry finds itself in the ironic position of being a ZAR 950 billion tender backlogged, 4.2% margin, 90-day payment delayed gold rush.

Major Projects and Infrastructure

Construction Project Value in South Africa for Kusile Power Station Phase 4 estimated at ZAR 160 billion.
Medupi Power Station total construction cost exceeded ZAR 200 billion as of completion in 2023.
N2 Wild Coast Toll Highway project spans 620km with cost ZAR 35 billion, ongoing to 2025.
Gautrain expansion Phase 2 budgeted at ZAR 40 billion for 2030 completion.
Cape Town International Airport upgrade cost ZAR 8.5 billion, completed 2023.
Transnet Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 expansion ZAR 13 billion, 2024 start.
PRASA Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme Phase 2: 600 new trains at ZAR 50 billion.
SANRAL N4 Maputo Corridor upgrade ZAR 12 billion over 550km.
Eskom Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme final cost ZAR 85 billion, operational 2023.
City of Johannesburg Water and Sanitation Revamp ZAR 20 billion programme to 2028.
Passenger Rail Agency Rolling Stock Manufacturing Facility in Nigel cost ZAR 3.6 billion.
Amandelbult Chrome Mine Tailings Retreatment Plant ZAR 2.8 billion investment.
Richards Bay Coal Terminal Expansion Phase 2 ZAR 15 billion for capacity increase.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station Life Extension ZAR 80 billion over 20 years.
Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project Phase 2 ZAR 18 billion for highway upgrades.
Durban Harbour Dugong Access Channel deepening ZAR 4.5 billion.
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium upgrades for 2024 events ZAR 1.2 billion.
Bloemfontein Fan Park and Infrastructure ZAR 900 million for 2023 events.
Total public infrastructure spend on water projects reached ZAR 45 billion in 2023.
Private sector data centre construction boom with ZAR 10 billion invested in 2023.

Major Projects and Infrastructure Interpretation

South Africa's construction landscape is defined by staggering billion-rand energy and transport megaprojects that underscore a heavy national reliance on monumental, costly infrastructure to power its future and fix its present.

Market Overview and Growth

The South African construction industry contributed 3.9% to the national GDP in 2022, with a total value added of approximately ZAR 152 billion.
Construction sector growth rate was 2.8% year-on-year in Q4 2023, driven by residential and non-residential building activities.
The market size of the South Africa construction industry reached USD 42.5 billion in 2023.
Projected CAGR for South Africa construction market is 4.2% from 2024 to 2028, reaching USD 52.1 billion by 2028.
Civil engineering segment accounted for 38% of total construction output in 2022.
Residential construction grew by 5.1% in 2023, contributing ZAR 85 billion to the sector.
Non-residential building construction output increased by 1.2% in Q1 2024.
Total construction investments announced in 2023 amounted to ZAR 1.2 trillion over the next decade.
Construction production index stood at 105.3 in December 2023 (2015=100).
The industry is expected to grow at 3.5% annually through 2027, per IMF projections adjusted for construction.
Building plans approved for new residential buildings totaled 45,200 units in 2023.
Commercial property construction permits issued rose 4.7% to ZAR 22 billion in value during 2023.
Infrastructure development accounted for 45% of construction GDP contribution in FY2022/23.
Private sector construction spending increased by 6.3% to ZAR 210 billion in 2023.
Overall construction tenders awarded in 2023 totaled ZAR 450 billion.
Electricity and water infrastructure projects dominated with 28% market share in 2023.
Road construction output grew 7.2% YoY in 2023.
Construction inflation rate was 5.8% in Q4 2023.
Total value of construction projects in pipeline reached ZAR 3.5 trillion as of 2024.
Heavy construction segment valued at ZAR 180 billion in 2023.

Market Overview and Growth Interpretation

The South African construction industry is not just laying bricks but strategically pouring a ZAR 3.5 trillion foundation for the future, with residential building leading a modest yet promising charge that proves, despite the macroeconomic headwinds, the nation's blueprint for growth is stubbornly, and concretely, being followed.

Sources & References

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