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Skills Development, Training and Community Involvement

Africost is committed to supporting skills development, professional training and meaningful transformation within South Africa’s construction and built-environment sectors.

Over the years, we have helped previously disadvantaged Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and building contractors develop their professional and business capabilities. Through mentorship, practical training and project exposure, several individuals have progressed into leadership positions, established independent practices or participated in successful joint ventures.

Our focus is not simply on transferring technical knowledge. We aim to provide individuals and emerging businesses with the practical skills, confidence and industry experience required to build sustainable careers and successful enterprises.

Building Skills and Creating Sustainable Opportunities

Africost dedicates time, expertise, labour and resources to community-based initiatives and joint ventures with emerging professional practices and contractors.

These partnerships are designed to promote shared growth, strengthen local capacity and support long-term participation within the construction industry.

Our assistance has included:

  • Preparing business plans and project estimates
  • Providing cost estimates for schools and crèches
  • Supporting social upliftment and community development plans
  • Supervising community building programmes
  • Mentoring emerging building contractors
  • Providing guidance on project administration
  • Assisting with budgeting, planning and financial control
  • Supporting contractors with general business and administrative skills

By providing practical guidance and professional support, Africost helps emerging businesses improve their ability to tender for projects, manage construction programmes and deliver work according to the required standards.

supporting emerging Proessionals and contractors

Community Upliftment Initiatives

We have participated in a variety of community development and skills-transfer initiatives throughout its history.

Examples of our involvement include:

Emerging Contractor Support in Nongoma

Africost provided surety support to a small, previously disadvantaged emerging contractor, enabling the business to tender for the upgrading of market stalls at the Nongoma taxi rank.

Our team also assisted with project planning and management. The contractor successfully completed the project and later developed into an established construction business within the area.

KwaMashu Hostel Upgrade

During the 1996 KwaMashu hostel upgrade, Africost helped oversee the training of numerous previously unskilled community members.

The programme provided participants with practical exposure to construction activities while contributing to employment creation and skills development within the local community.

Utrecht Classroom Building Programme

Africost made a financial contribution towards the Classroom Building Programme in Utrecht, undertaken in association with Umzinyathi Projects Group (Pty) Ltd Consulting Engineers.

This initiative supported the improvement of local education infrastructure and reflected our continued commitment to community development.

Professional Education and Training

Africost’s directors are responsible for promoting consistent and proactive education, mentorship and professional development across the company.

Training and skills transfer are provided in the following areas:

  • Planning and cost analysis
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Feasibility studies
  • Tender documentation
  • Project administration
  • Project Management
  • Construction Management
  • Human relations and staff development
  • Property development
  • Financial management
  • Business management and administration

This ongoing development ensures that our team remains equipped to provide professional, ethical and high-quality services to clients across the construction and property sectors.

Professional Education and Training

Building Skills and Creating Sustainable Opportunities

Africost believes that meaningful transformation is achieved through practical action, lasting partnerships and the sharing of professional knowledge.

By mentoring emerging professionals, supporting contractors and contributing to community-based projects, we aim to strengthen the construction industry while creating sustainable employment, business and development opportunities.

Our commitment to skills transfer and community involvement remains an important part of how Africost creates value beyond the projects we deliver.