Start™How to Start a Construction Company in South Africa
Here's everything you need to register your Construction Company, stay compliant, and hit the ground running.
Why Start a Construction Company?
South Africa's growing need for housing, infrastructure, and development makes construction a high-demand industry. Starting a construction company can be a profitable and scalable business with opportunities in both private and government sectors. With the right compliance in place, you can take on larger contracts and build a trusted brand in your area.
🪜 Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Construction Company
Follow these steps to launch your Construction Company successfully.
1Register Your Company
Register Your Company
Registering your business makes it official and gives you the documents you need to:
- Open a business bank account
- Hire employees
- Sign contracts
- Apply for tenders and government work
It’s the first step to running your company legally.
2Get a Letter of Good Standing
Get a Letter of Good Standing
Register with COIDA to protect your employees if they get injured or sick on the job. Once you're registered and up to date, you’ll get a Letter of Good Standing—often needed for tenders.
3Get a Tax Clearance Certificate
Get a Tax Clearance Certificate
A Tax Clearance Certificate shows you're in good standing with SARS. It’s often needed when applying for tenders, funding, or doing business across borders.
4Get a B-BBEE Affidavit
Get a B-BBEE Affidavit
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is a government program that supports economic transformation. If your company earns less than R10 million a year, you’ll likely qualify as an Exempt Micro Enterprise (EME), which means you only need a simple B-BBEE affidavit.
5Register with the CIDB
Register with the CIDB
The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registration is mandatory for companies seeking to:
- Work on government projects
- Bid on tenders
CIDB registration enhances your credibility and competitiveness in the industry.
6Register with the NHBRC
Register with the NHBRC
Registering with the NHBRC isn’t required, but it can help. It shows you’re committed to quality and safety, and gives you access to support if there are disputes with clients.
7Register with the CSD
Register with the CSD
The Central Supplier Database (CSD) is where businesses register to supply goods or services to the government. Signing up makes it easier for you to be seen and considered for government tenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about starting a Construction Company.
Every great company starts with a first step.
We'll help you register, stay compliant, and get your business moving—without the stress.