Abandoned: Is it the end of SA’s construction industry?
Just 15 years ago, blue chip construction firms dominated the JSE’s leaderboard. Since then, some have collapsed, others have quit the industry. More casualties could follow in a sector scrambling to find work, and under siege from mafia-style protection rackets
03 November 2022 - 05:00
To hear Mohau Mphomela describe it, South Africa faces the real prospect of losing its once mighty construction sector within less than a decade.
“In five years’ time, the builder of South Africa will be China,” he tells the FM. “They are waiting to come in with cheap labour and cheap materials. Before we realise it, we’ll be like Kenya — you just have to see the highways being built there. Or the roads and infrastructure built by China in Uganda.” ..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.