The South African construction and built environment industry gathered in Durban to honor the country’s top contractors, engineers, property developers, and visionaries at the 19th Annual South African Builders & Construction Awards.
Hosted at the Premier Hotel in Umhlanga, the prestige evening was co-anchored by DJ Ngavu (the Afro-fusion producer behind the hit “Ukholo Lwami”) alongside former Kaizer Chiefs football star, analyst, and motivational speaker Marks Maponyane.
Honoring Lifetime Service: 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
A central highlight of the evening was the induction of the 2026 Hall of Fame class, celebrating leaders whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Mzansi’s infrastructure and property sector:
- Dr Matthews Phosa
- Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu
- Dr Sisa Ngebulana
The evening also featured the Dr Matthews Phosa Honorary Excellence Award, a special tribute awarded to an individual contractor or nation builder exemplifying dignity, resilience, and lifetime commitment to the built environment.
“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,” stated Hon. Sihle Zikalala, Deputy Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure. “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.”
Full List of 2026 Winners
| Award Category | 2026 Winner |
| Top Contractor of the Year | Vea Road Maintenance |
| Best Woman Excellence in Construction | Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu |
| CEO of the Year | Mpho Modise (Tshepo Ya Rona) |
| Best Property Developer of the Year | Billion Group |
| Best Emerging Contractor of the Year | Amafuto Construction |
| Best Subcontractor of the Year | Racinz Construction |
| Best Engineering Firm of the Year | Weldron Engineering |
| Best Quantity Surveyor Firm of the Year | MMQS |
| Best Team Project Manager of the Year | MMQS |
| Best Public Works Excellence | Vea Road Maintenance |
| Best Excellence Skills Development Company | Vea Road Maintenance |
| Best Employer of the Year | Vea Road Maintenance |
| Best SHEQ Contractor of the Year | Amafuto Construction |
| Construction Business Banker of the Year | Capitec Business |
| Best Funding Product of the Year | Fund The People |
| Best Fuel & Fleet Card Management | Giyani Petroleum |
| Top Hotel Excellence | Mayfair Hotel |
| SA Construction News Readers’ Choice | Praneshan Naidoo |