The eThekwini Municipality’s Constructor Development Programme is continuing to bear fruit following news that 24 more emerging contractors have successfully completed and graduated from the programme.

The initiative, which is a partnership between the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) Construction Incubator and the municipality, aims to assist contractors with technical and business skills, enabling them to sustain the construction sector and create further employment opportunities while contributing to the economy.

According to Busi Ndlovu, Economic Development and Planning Committee Whip, the programme has already supported about 269 emerging contractors, who have generated a turnover of R300 million and created 1033 permanent and 89 informal jobs respectively.

Ndlovu notes that the municipality is proud of the commitment and determination shown by the contractors. “Beyond being equipped with relevant skills, it has helped them to grow their businesses,” Ndlovi says.  

SEDA Construction Incubator Head of Contractor Development, Nonela Mxokozeli adds: “SCI provides support to contractors and this is premised on our bigger objective that is the National Contractor Development Programme. Our partnership with the municipality has yielded positive results in trying to revive the sector and meet our objectives.”

The graduation ceremony took place last month at the Coastlands Hotel with six of the 24 graduates receiving special awards for their outstanding work on the Constructor Development Programme which lasted three years.