BUILDING A LASTING LEGACY
As one of Africa’s dynamic and burgeoning industries, construction is crucial to the continent’s economic advancement.
Driven by the high demand for infrastructure and housing, the sector is becoming increasingly multidisciplinary as urbanisation accelerates due to a rising population. This evolution requires a diverse range of skills and expertise to meet the community’s needs effectively.
WBHO is an international construction company leading the progress of Africa’s foundation and framework. With comprehensive services covering various aspects of building and engineering, it plays a vital role in developing growing communities across the continent.
“Africa is an exciting place to work with constantly changing circumstances to navigate, such as localisation, exchange rates, and competition from foreign companies. There is considerable demand for various exciting projects; however, securing development finance can be challenging,” introduces Derek Wallace, Managing Director of the Projects Division at WBHO.
Encompassing engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and design initiatives, this division not only supports other departments but also undertakes energy projects for the group.
WBHO’s construction activities, meanwhile, cover a wide range and are categorised into three main operating divisions – Building Construction, Civil Engineering, and Roads and Earthworks.
Established in 1970, the company has grown into one of the largest and most prominent construction firms in Southern Africa with a strong presence in the industry.
It is proudly listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), holding Level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) contributor status, showcasing its commitment to promoting economic empowerment and transformation in the region.
RELIABILITY AND ABILITY
The driving force behind WBHO is a core of dedicated, hands-on management professionals whose expertise spans decades of major construction projects in Southern, Central, and West Africa, as well as the UK.
The company’s continued success is a testament to its dedication to safety and unwavering commitment to quality. This is encapsulated in the WBHO motto, ‘Rely On Our Ability’, reflecting its pride in serving clients of all sizes.
“We stand firmly behind our motto because of our commitment to delivering only the highest standard of construction practices, which are at the heart of our business. We like to provide a hands-on approach to all projects,” Wallace proudly states.
At the core of WBHO’s success is a committed team with extensive experience in large construction projects, and this continuity of service only strengthens the company’s motto.
“Construction sites are not easy places to work, with many uncontrollable elements, so it is sometimes hard to find people in it for the long haul.”
WBHO’s dedicated employees at all levels are a major asset, embodying the company’s core values. Wallace himself joined WBHO in 1988 as a site engineer and was subsequently appointed as Managing Director of the Projects Division in 2012.
“The continuity of service amongst our senior management is one of our key differentiators, with most managers contributing over 25 years of service, which helps us maintain a continuation of culture and allows them to share their breadth of experience. Our management team is very hands-on and not head office-based, making them more attuned to what is actually happening on projects,” he outlines.
As a whole, the WBHO team comprises inherently driven individuals who take initiative in their work and are self-motivated in their ambition and commitment to achieving excellence in every project they undertake.
“The workforce shares in the company’s success as employees who have performed well are given development opportunities and are rewarded through quicker promotions. Staff selection is a critical aspect of continuing the company culture as emphasis is placed on employing suitable people,” Wallace declares.
BUILDING WINNING PARTNERSHIPS
Most of the primary equipment for solar renewable projects is located offshore, so supply chain management is essential for timely delivery. Thus, supplier relationships remain of the utmost importance to WBHO and are a critical aspect of its operations.
In response to the urgent need for energy-efficient solutions, WBHO has sought partnerships and collaborations focusing on renewable energy projects.
During challenging projects, it is vital to establish partnerships with suppliers who not only deliver quality products but also offer assistance when issues arise.
“We build relationships with our suppliers, so we know each other’s touch points and have an open relationship to discuss any problems that might occur,” Wallace reveals.
It is equally important for suppliers to have insight into the supply chain to ensure smooth and efficient operations. For instance, if a relationship breaks down, a lack of communication about a product being supplied from Asia to Europe can lead to significant disruption.
WBHO is dedicated to ensuring that suppliers and subcontractors are prioritised, particularly regarding financial arrangements, which helps to foster strong partnerships.
“We take the government’s drive to build small enterprises seriously and often have to split up parcels enable smaller companies to participate, even though it increases our risk profile,” expresses Wallace earnestly.
As building partnerships with local businesses and communities promotes economic empowerment, WBHO leverages local expertise to tailor projects to the specific needs of the regions in which it operates.
Effectively managing strategic partnerships is therefore crucial for WBHO’s mission to advance development throughout Africa and create an enduring legacy.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE OPERATIONS
WBHO’s primary goal is to successfully complete ongoing projects and enhance its reputation in the energy sector whilst pursuing additional procurement opportunities.
Therefore, sustainability becomes a cornerstone of the process when the company takes on design projects. Sustainable principles are integrated at every stage, demonstrating a commitment to both quality and environmental stewardship.
Due to recent energy supply issues in South Africa (SA), implementing energy-saving measures has become crucial for all projects. These beneficial initiatives are necessary for sustainability and efficiency in an environment where energy resources are limited.
“Our current designs address water supply issues. Energy projects, often located in remote areas, need to be self-sufficient in terms of utilities; thus, sustainable designs are essential,” Wallace enlightens.
As such, the company is committed to sustainable operations and actively pursues various initiatives to enhance energy efficiency. It aims to reduce its environmental impact by implementing innovative strategies and practices whilst promoting responsible resource use.
“Typically, clients incorporate their sustainability goals into their projects, and our influence is primarily limited to design, construction, or public-private partnerships (PPPs). We make an effort to recycle waste products and utilise on-site green energy to maximise our eco-friendliness,” impassions Wallace.
Using modern technologies such as building information modelling (BIM) can lead to more efficient planning and construction processes, minimising waste and improving project outcomes.
Whilst construction innovates at a different pace to other sectors, WBHO has recently begun to embrace the digital space through the comprehensive implementation of BIM.
In addition to standard construction projects such as buildings, roads, earthworks, and civil engineering, the company has successfully entered the power production market through its Projects Division, focusing on commercial renewable energy projects, including both wind and solar.
AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT CONTINUES
Currently, WBHO is placing strong importance on the procurement and execution of renewable energy projects.
The company is actively completing bids for initiatives that can generate up to 500 megawatts (MW) of power, aiming to expand its portfolio in this growing sector.
This strategic focus reflects its commitment to sustainability and its role in supporting the transition to cleaner energy solutions, which often involve PPPs.
“PPPs have been sporadic in SA for the last 20 years, yet WBHO has been successful in bidding, constructing, and managing PPP projects. As such, we anticipate a good growth path in this aspect going forwards,” Wallace details.
Despite facing challenges around regulatory uncertainty, PPPs present a vital opportunity for sustainable infrastructure development in Africa, including projects for renewable energy sources and efficient water management systems.
“Some PPP projects in the pipeline include hospitals, border posts, water treatment works, and office accommodation. Besides investment in construction equipment, our other investments have been in PPPs, with the last one completed in 2023,” Wallace concludes.
WBHO’s longevity in the industry stems from its experienced management, diverse service offerings, dedication to quality, commitment to sustainability, and effective partnership management.
Combined, these elements enable the company to thrive in Africa’s competitive construction landscape, making it a leader in the field.
Indeed, it will be interesting to observe what WBHO achieves over the next 50 years and how it continues to shape Africa’s construction industry.
WBHO PROJECTS PARTNERS
