The South African construction industry gathered for an evening of recognition and celebration on 7 November 2026, as the 19th Annual South African Builders & Construction Awards took place at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban. 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, the prestigious event honoured the contractors, engineers, developers and industry leaders helping to shape South Africa’s built environment.
The awards recognise excellence, innovation, transformation and lifetime service in an industry that plays a vital role in building the country’s homes, schools, roads and infrastructure — and in creating opportunities for communities across South Africa.
One of the evening’s highlights was the induction of the 2026 Hall of Fame class, recognising individuals whose leadership, achievements and lasting contributions have made a significant impact on the construction industry and the nation:
- Dr Matthews Phosa
- Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu
- Dr Sisa Ngebulana
The Dr Matthews Phosa Honorary Excellence Award was also recognised as a special tribute to an individual contractor or nation builder for outstanding achievement, lifetime service and contribution to the construction industry. The award reflects the values of dignity, resilience and nation-building.
2026 WINNERS
| AWARD CATEGORY | 2026 WINNER |
| Best Public Works Excellence Award | Vea Road Maintenance |
| Best Subcontractor of the Year Award | Racinz Construction |
| Best Engineering Firm of the Year Award | Weldron Engineering |
| Best Fuel & Fleet Card Management in Construction Award | Giyani Petroleum |
| Construction Business Banker of the Year Award | Capitec Business |
| Best Excellence Skills Development Company of the Year | Vea Road Maintenance |
| Best Property Developer of the Year Award | Billion Group |
| SA Construction News Readers’ Choice Award | Praneshan Naidoo |
| Top Hotel Excellence Award | Mayfair Hotel |
| Best Emerging Contractor of the Year Award | Amafuto Construction |
| Best Quantity Surveyor Firm of the Year Award | MMQS |
| Best Woman Excellence in Construction of the Year Award | Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu |
| CEO of the Year Award | Tshepo Ya Rona – Mpho Modise |
| Best Employer of the Year Award | Vea Road Maintenance |
| Best Funding Product of the Year Award | Fund The People |
| Best SHEQ Contractor of the Year | Amafuto Construction |
| Best Team Project Manager of the Year Award | MMQS |
| Top Contractor of the Year Award | Vea Road Maintenance |
“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.”
— Hon. Sihle Zikalala, Deputy Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure
