B.U.I.L.D Standards
B.U.I.L.D Standards
Driving growth, skills development and contractor empowerment
To promote consistency, transformation and inclusive growth in South Africa’s construction sector, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure has gazetted specific B.U.I.L.D Standards applicable to all infrastructure projects aligned to cidb Grade 7 and above.
These standards are designed to ensure that large-scale infrastructure investment delivers meaningful economic and developmental impact across the industry:
Standard for Indirect Targeting for Enterprise Development
A minimum of 30% of the contract value (Contract Participation Goal) must go to developing emerging contractors
(cidb Grades 1-6). This applies to cidb Grade 7+ contractors in General Building or Civil Engineering, on contracts of
six months or longer. The goal is real, lasting SMME growth, not just participation. That means subcontracting
opportunities, structured mentorship, business development support and targeted, long-term skills transfer for smaller,
growing contractors.
Standard for Developing Skills
Infrastructure contracts of R5 million or more, awarded to cidb Grade 7 and above contractors, must meet a Contract
Skills Development Goal (CSDG). This creates structured, workplace-based learning for TVET college learners,
university students and professional registration candidates. It strengthens the entire construction skills pipeline.
Hands-on site experience is paired with formal classroom education, so every graduate is genuinely job-ready from
their very first day.
This approach is particularly impactful for:
- College graduates, who gain the workplace exposure required to complete trade tests and qualify as artisans.
- Professional candidates, such as engineers and architects, who acquire the practical experience needed for professional registration.
Together, these standards ensure that infrastructure delivery not only builds critical assets, but also advances contractor development, skills transfer and sustainable transformation across South Africa’s construction industry.
Who is responsible for delivering B.U.I.L.D Standards?
- Clients ensure that development requirements a re embedded in all infrastructure contracts and that projects are registered with the cidb.
- Main contractors are responsible for creating workplace opportunities, employing learners and providing structured training and mentorship on-site.
- Professional Service Providers oversee implementation on behalf of client departments. They also create workplace opportunities for university and candidate learners, ensuring quality training, compliance and the development of future industry professionals.
Explore how B.U.I.L.D delivers real industry impact
What does the cidb B.U.I.L.D Programme entail? How is if funded? Which initiatives support contractor growth and skills development?
