History will be made at this year’s South African Builders & Construction Awards (SABCA) as the organisation prepares to induct its first-ever woman into its Hall of Fame, alongside two of South Africa’s most recognised leaders in business, property and nation-building.
The 19th Annual SABCA Gala Awards, taking place on Saturday, 7 November 2026 at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, will bring together more than 200 leading figures from South Africa’s construction, property, engineering, architecture, infrastructure, finance and government sectors under the theme:
“Building Legacies, Honouring Icons.”
Among this year’s headline honourees are Dr Matthews Phosa, Dr Sisa Ngebulana and Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu.
A historic first for women in the built environment
In what SABCA describes as a landmark moment in the organisation’s 19-year history, Mrs Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, winner of South Africa’s Best Woman of Excellence Award 2025, will become the first woman inducted into the SABCA Hall of Fame.
Mrs Tshabalala-Shandu is a powerhouse in construction, project management and infrastructure delivery, a beacon for women in a male-dominated industry, and a proven builder of communities and businesses. Her induction breaks a 19-year glass ceiling.
“For 19 years, SABCA has honoured those who build South Africa. This year, we are not just honouring builders; we are honouring nation-builders and legacy-makers. Dr Phosa represents principled leadership and resilience. Dr Ngebulana represents audacious vision and black excellence in property. And Mrs Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu represents the future – and it is a future led by women. Making her the first woman ever in our Wall of Fame is our proudest moment as SABCA,” said Lloyd Ngavu, President of SABCA.
Honouring two giants of South African nation-building
SABCA will confer its highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Excellence Award, on two leaders of the built environment, who will also be inducted into the SABCA Hall of Fame.
Dr Matthews Phosa, former Premier of Mpumalanga, struggle stalwart, renowned attorney and businessman, has been a pillar of transformation, legal and business excellence, inspiring a generation of builders through ethical leadership and nation-building.
Dr Sisa Ngebulana is founder and Executive Chairman of the Billion Group, one of Africa’s most formidable property development powerhouses.
Dr Ngebulana is the visionary behind landmark developments that reshaped South Africa’s skyline, including the Hemingway Mall in East London, and is a pioneer of black excellence in property development.
Induction into the SABCA Hall of Fame is reserved for individuals whose contribution to the construction, property and infrastructure sector is monumental, enduring and has changed the face of South Africa.
A night of celebration and honour
The gala will host more than 200 of South Africa’s top developers, contractors, engineers, architects, government leaders and financiers for a night of celebration, networking and honour.
“On the 7th of November, we don’t just give awards. We make history,” said Ngavu.
