The current debate around undocumented migrants has placed South Africa’ s construction industry under renewed scrutiny. For decades, the sector has often relied on migrant labour to fill roles across the skills spectrum. If stricter enforcement of immigration laws results in fewer migrant workers on construction sites, the industry could face significant labour shortages unless it is prepared.

Rather than viewing this solely as a challenge, it should also be seen as an opportunity. South Africa faces persistently high unemployment, particularly among young people. Yet many construction companies continue to struggle to find suitably trained artisans and site workers. Bridging this gap will require greater investment in apprenticeships, vocational training and partnerships between industry, government and educational institutions.

Construction has the potential to create meaningful careers while supporting economic growth. However, skills development cannot begin only when labour shortages emerge. It requires long-term commitment, sustained investment and a clearer pathway from training into employment.

The future of the industry depends not only on who builds our projects today, but on who is equipped to build them tomorrow. If this moment encourages a renewed focus on developing local talent, it could ultimately strengthen both the construction sector and the country’ s economy.

Louise Fenner Publisher and Editor louisef @ archibuild. co. za

PROJECTS

38 DOLCE VITA A mixed-use Sea Point development blending apartments, boutique hospitality and street-level dining within a layered coastal architectural language.

50 RAVENSCRAIG HOUSE Affordable student housing designed around safety, durability and community.

58 LOWVELD MALL A Hazyview retail repositioning rooted in bushveld character and storytelling.

64 MARITIME SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE A specialised Durban boarding school aligning architecture, maritime education and student life within a coastal learning campus.

74 LENZ QUARTER An open neighbourhood retail centre in Lenasia, combining convenience, social space, climate response and locally rooted material expression.

82 GROBLERSDAL MALL A regional retail redevelopment that repositions Groblersdal Mall through hospitality-inspired interiors, community spaces and a stronger local identity.

92 EMBASSY OF CÔTE D’ IVOIRE A sculptural diplomatic building in Pretoria that expresses Ivorian identity through woven geometry, contemporary materials and environmental responsiveness.

100 ABSA REGIONAL OFFICE A strategic redevelopment in Gqeberha that transforms an ageing office park into a contemporary regional corporate workplace.

110 RED BULL HEADQUARTERS INTERIOR A workplace transformation shaped by brand energy, sport and place.

FEATURE

115 OUR 16-PAGE ANNUAL LIGHTING PRODUCT FEATURE

DEPARTMENTS

4 NEWS WATCH 10 COMPANY WATCH: Ukhuni Business Furniture 16 FEATURE ARTICLE: LiDAR Creates Certainty Through Accuracy 18 COMPANY WATCH: Geberit 26 PROJECT WATCH 108 INTERIOR WATCH 130 ADVERTISERS, SUBSCRIPTION & CONTACT INFORMATION

Contents 3

Architect and Builder Q2 Jun 2026 | Page 3

Architect and Builder Q2 JUNE 2026 | VOLUME 77 | ISSUE 2

Architect and Builder Q2 JUNE 2026 | VOLUME 77 | ISSUE 2

CONTENTS