Youth unemployment stands at a staggering 45.5% for individuals aged 15-34, significantly higher than the national average of 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024, as reported by Statistics South Africa. Furthermore, the annual panel data highlights that young people who have some work experience are much more likely to move from being unemployed or inactive to being employed between quarters.

GVK-Siya Zama is taking proactive steps to tackle the skills drain in South Africa’s construction sector by fostering and retaining young talent. The company’s strategic initiatives centred on professional development, innovation, and mentorship, address industry challenges and shape the sector’s future.

Thabang Mathabathe, a 24-year-old Quantity Surveyor intern with a Diploma in Building Science from Tshwane University of Technology, reflects on his internship at the company: "Since joining as a Quantity Surveying intern, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from various industry professionals and take on significant responsibilities.”

Mathabathe continues, “The day-to-day experiences have only strengthened my ambition and taught me the essential practical skills of a good quantity surveyor. Job satisfaction is a significant benefit and being part of a team that contributes to successful projects brings a sense of accomplishment. I am proud to be part of the construction industry and to say I am one in #BuildingStrength,” quoting the company’s slogan.

Fezeka Mpongwana, a 27-year-old Civil Engineering intern from the Mthatha campus of King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College, says despite the challenges facing the South African construction industry, she remains passionate and optimistic about her role in it. “My journey in this industry has been good as I continue to learn and grow in my career. I enjoy collaborating with others and find great satisfaction in working with my hands.”

Danielle Francis, a 22-year-old Junior Quantity Surveyor with a BSc in Quantity Surveying from the University of Pretoria, started at GVK-Siya Zama on a refurbishment project for the University of Pretoria, which she described as ‘overwhelming’. She adds: “However, this opportunity offered insights beyond classroom learning. Under the guidance and tutoring of both a junior and senior quantity surveyor, I’ve learnt about client interactions and project complexities, enhancing both my professional skills and personal growth.”

Unathi Mpayithethi, a Coega Development Corporation appointed Document Controller from KSD TVET College’s Mthatha campus (Cicira), has navigated a challenging yet rewarding path into the construction industry. “The industry is opening up more opportunities for young women, and I'm driven to inspire others to consider it,” she says.

Ricardo Hoffman, a 25-year-old Junior Quantity Surveyor, recounts his path: “My journey began at HTS Daniel Pienaar THS, South Africa’s oldest technical high school, where I chose Civil Technology. This sparked my interest in construction, and studying Building Science at Nelson Mandela University provided clarity, offering career paths like Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.

“During my first year, amid the Covid-19 pandemic's challenges, I adapted to online learning. As the semester ended, a project assigned by our lecturer took me to construction sites for comparative analysis. At a GVK-Siya Zama site in Forest Hill, the late Mr. Crane, a Contracts Manager, generously assisted despite his busy schedule, leaving a lasting impression on me. The following year, the company hired me as a student under Simone Vermaak's mentorship, solidifying my path to becoming a quantity surveyor.”

Cathy Strydom, an experienced HR Manager who has served at the construction company for over 25 years, provides an overview of the internship process and its objectives: “At GVK, we aim to bridge the gap between the theoretical training obtained at the tertiary institutions and the practical application of this knowledge on site.”

Strydom, who is based in the Eastern Cape, says the objective is to ensure that the students are exposed to all facets of the business and experience the aspects of both commercial and production activities and how they integrate with each other. The company has a structured student programme whereby a seasoned mentor is assigned to the student, and together, they will navigate through the internship.

A key takeaway from the students is that GVK-Siya Zama offers opportunities for personal and professional growth through practical experience and mentorship. Each young professional highlighted how their hands-on experiences guided by experienced mentors have enhanced their technical skills and shaped their careers.

Group executive Amelia Keefer, comments that the company’s student and mentorship programme not only builds careers for young construction professionals, it also makes a manifest contribution to a vibrant company culture and the reciprocity of learning. “It keeps us relevant and on our toes!”