EMERGING CONSTRUCTION SMMES EMPOWERED IN KARIEGA
Emerging construction SMMEs in Nelson Mandela Bay have been equipped with vital skills and regulatory knowledge through the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) Home Building Skills Programme, recently hosted at the Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre in Kariega.
Delivered in partnership with the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s Special Projects office, the programme focused on strengthening local contractor capacity, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and positioning emerging businesses to participate sustainably in residential development opportunities across the region. MBDA Acting CEO, Mr. Unathi Peter, was encouraged by the positive response from participants: “The MBDA continues to support initiatives that align with the its developmental mandate to strengthen local capacity and create real economic participation. The construction sector plays a critical role in shaping our city. The empowerment of emerging SMMEs ensures that development in Nelson Mandela Bay is both inclusive and sustainable. Programmes like this directly support our mandate to transform space, people and the economy of our region.”
Participants gained practical knowledge and hands-on training to help them grow stronger, more sustainable businesses. The programme offered insights into home building standards, compliance, and quality assurance, giving emerging contractors the confidence and tools they need to take part in development opportunities across the Bay. The training aimed to equip local contractors with practical skills, regulatory knowledge and compliance requirements necessary to operate sustainably within the residential construction industry. The programme forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of emerging businesses and ensure that local contractors are better positioned to participate in development opportunities across Nelson Mandela Bay.
Participants received structured training focused on home building standards, regulatory compliance and quality assurance. One participant shared, “We welcomed this training with great excitement and truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of this initiative. Coming from disadvantaged areas such as Ward 184, opportunities like this are scarce. We are grateful for the exposure and would welcome more programmes like this that allow us to grow and develop our businesses.”
Another attendee noted that they were thankful to the MBDA, as an agency of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, to empower the people of Kariega. “Over the three days of training, we have gained valuable knowledge and practical skills… [t]his programme has opened doors and given us confidence to grow our businesses.”
The NHBRC plays a key role in regulating the home building industry and supporting contractor development across South Africa. NHBRC representative, Mr. Samkelo Gqebe, said that training was crucial to address poor workmanship in the construction sector in a positive way. The training covered key stages of house construction, including soils, foundations, walls, roofing, finishing and practical completion. It combined both theory and simulation to provide participants with a clear understanding of technical standards and home-building compliance regulations.
“In addition to the technical components, participants were also introduced to the NHBRC mandate, including home builder registration, enrolment of new homes, inspections, warranty cover and consumer protection processes,” says Mr. Gqebe. “Our goal is not only to promote regulatory compliance, but to support emerging contractors in building sustainable and credible enterprises.”
Through partnerships such as this, the Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre plays its role as a platform for practical skills development, supporting emerging contractors to grow their businesses while contributing to safer and more compliant building practices in the region.