NEWSWORTHY
GVK SIYA-ZAMA APPOINTS NEW GAUTENG MD
GVK Siya-Zama has appointed Jabu Serithi as the new Managing Director for its Gauteng operations. Serithi, who joined the company in 2009 as a senior quantity surveyor, has rapidly advanced through the ranks, previously serving as commercial director and taking up a directorship at the group level in 2019. GVK Siya-Zama is a proudly South African construction group. Established in 1960 as a painting and restoration company, it has grown to cover large-scale construction projects across the country. Serithi aims to bring a commercial focus and entrepreneurial mindset to the Gauteng team, emphasising quick responses to business demands.“ I believe that an entrepreneurial approach is imperative in our industry so that teams are equipped to respond swiftly to the numerous demands on the business and its people,” she said. Serithi acknowledges the challenges of skills loss in the construction industry, especially due to emigration, but is committed to creating environments that offer opportunities.“ It calls on all of us to create environments that are ripe with opportunities for employees; that of skills development, career growth and financial reward,” said Serithi. She plans to drive success through clear communication, collaboration, and commitment, ensuring the continued growth and success of GVK Siya-Zama.
BUILDING WITH INTENT: CLUB MED SOUTH AFRICA’ S CONSTRUCTION STRATEGY
Club Med South Africa Beach and Safari is more than a luxury resort – it’ s a benchmark for innovative construction strategy. Development Manager Collins Residential, working with Club Med, has adopted a unique, inclusive approach that could serve as a global blueprint for large-scale development.
“ We broke this site down to first principles,” explains Chris du Toit, Project Lead of Tinley Leisure.“ Instead of appointing one or two large contractors, we divided the project into multiple packages. This gives us control, adaptability, and stronger relationships with on-site teams.”
The build is split into seven major construction packages – covering civils, villas, hotel blocks, staff housing, infrastructure, and amenities – each awarded through a rigorous selection process. Key to contractor selection is not only capability, but consistent on-site presence.
“ Our model allows us to adapt, pivot, and hold each contractor accountable in real-time,” says du Toit.“ While it’ s more involved from our side, it best protects the project’ s integrity.”
Spanning two hills, the site design includes resilient access routes to maintain progress.“ We’ re on strict deadlines. If 1,000 international guests arrive on opening day, we can’ t send them back because we’ re not ready,” he quips. With global reservations opening in September – 10 months before launch – timely delivery is critical.
Currently, all contracts are active, with 1,400 workers on-site. Key infrastructure, including roads, dam, water, and a 3km power line, is nearing completion. Accommodation units have reached roof height, with internal work starting. Resort amenities and staff housing for 200 people are underway.
“ We’ ve scaled systems with site activity – from contractor check-ins to health and safety,” notes du Toit.“ One large contractor would lock us into a single timeline.”
Local labour is central to the project, supported by a Community Forum involving councillors, traditional leaders, and the client.“ We’ re investing in the local economy,” says Collins Residential CEO Murray Collins.“ Each package has targets for community involvement.”
“ With progress syncing across the site, everything’ s taking shape,” adds Collins.“ This isn’ t just construction – it’ s legacy, innovation, and doing things the right way.”
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