A South African government trade body looking into the country’s struggling steel sector proposed import duties starting at 10% to defend the industry from an influx of imports mainly from China. The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) released its preliminary findings after a broad review of steel tariffs, ordered by the government in March, as part of a response to oversupply, weak local demand and high input costs in South Africa’s steel industry. ITAC recommended that the government take emergency action under World Trade Organisation rules to defend the sector and proposed import duties starting at 10% on steel products,

South Africa’s infrastructure and construction sectors stand at a crucial turning point — where bold policy commitments, private-sector momentum, and cross-sector collaboration are converging to drive real, measurable transformation. Far more than just a trade showcase, Big 5 Construct South Africa and the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo have evolved into dynamic platforms for catalysing progress across the built environment. Taking place from Wednesday, 18 June 2025 to Friday, 20 June 2025 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, these co-located events bring together key decision-makers, technical experts and industry trailblazers to align on the country’s infrastructure priorities, explore innovative delivery

In addition, currency fluctuations are making dollar-priced imports even more expensiveSweeping US tariffs have triggered global supply chain disruptions, with far-reaching consequences for South Africa.Local property developers now face material shortages, sharp price hikes, and longer lead times for essentials like steel, aluminium, solar panels, and electrical components—highlighting how international trade policies are directly impacting construction at the far end of Africa. Nolubabalo Tsolo, executive director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), explains that contractors are struggling to manage the rising costs and add risk premiums to tenders. This means that projects – from roads and bridges

The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has resumed construction on the R82 (Old Vereeniging Road) between De Deur and Walkerville in the Sedibeng District. The project, which had experienced delays due to underperformance by previous consultants, is now being fast-tracked with a new contractor on-site. Completion is expected by October 2026. Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport  MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela says they realised that there is poor project management in infrastructure development in government. “I was in the legislature doing oversight on infrastructure for instance, and amongst others is after handover, which is something that has been happening, after handover to a

The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements (GDHuS) has blamed criminal activities for the staircase structure that partially collapsed at Montrose Mega City Development in Randfontein, west of Johannesburg. This unfortunate incident occurred on Monday and resulted in the death of one individual. According to the Montrose website, 8 000 units of social housing, bonded housing and RDP houses were expected to be built. A total of 839 units were expected by the end of the project, but it remains incomplete to date.Only staircase slabs collapsed, not the building Terry-Ann Van Eck, spokesperson for GDHuS MEC Tasneem Motara, said only concrete

Amid great anticipation, the 51 finalists for the 3rd edition of Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards have officially been revealed.  Celebrating excellence across the built environment, Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards honour the commitment, skill and vision that continue to shape cities and uplift communities, championing projects promote sustainable design and construction.Taking place on 20 June 2025, at Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, the awards will celebrate winners across 12 unique categories, including Architecture Firm of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Excellence in Leadership, Rising Star, Leading Woman of the Year, Residential Project of the Year, Commercial