Boogertman + Partners Dominate Impact Awards as Over 8,800 Industry Professionals Attend Landmark Expo in Johannesburg
The 2025 edition of Big 5 Construct South Africa, co-located with the debut South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, wrapped up in Johannesburg after three days of dynamic engagement, cutting-edge exhibitions and strategic dialogue. The events drew 8,858 professionals from across the construction and infrastructure spectrum, highlighting a renewed momentum towards sustainable development, innovation and sector-wide collaboration.
Held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, the dual events provided a comprehensive platform for public-private engagement in support of South Africa’s National Infrastructure Plan 2050. They focused heavily on addressing the country’s pressing needs in water security, climate resilience and urban infrastructure.
“This year’s events stood out for the quality of participation, industry dialogue and commercial opportunities,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President – Construction at dmg events. “We look forward to building on this success in 2026.”
With exhibitors from over 20 countries, the event featured country pavilions from China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Poland. Key international brands included:
Acero Building Systems (UAE), specialising in pre-engineered steel structures; Al Ayed Industrial Group (Saudi Arabia), showcasing industrial polymers; Masa (Germany), presenting advanced plant technologies;
Tilara Polyplast (India), known for extruded plastic sheet production.
Sustainability dominated the expo floor, with companies unveiling solutions targeting power efficiency, water conservation and smart infrastructure. GPT Renewables showcased solar-battery hybrids, while FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa demonstrated water recycling technologies. Exhibitors such as Absolute Energy Solutions and Matra presented advanced systems for water treatment and long-term storage.
Over 1,280 attendees took part in the Big 5 Talks, South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum, Infra360 and Water360 sessions. These forums offered vital discussions on infrastructure policy, project delivery and sector governance.
One of the highlights came during a session moderated by Zweli Mahlangu, featuring Friedrich Slabbert, President of The South African Institution of Civil Engineering, where speakers stressed the importance of adaptive and ethical governance in meeting future infrastructure demands.
Key figures such as Engr Wynand Dreyer (Dreyer Project Dynamics), Johnson Mwawasi Kilangi (Miundo Misingi Hub), and Engr John Samuel (PPP Expert) called for increased transparency, risk-aware project financing, and enhanced use of public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Another compelling session led by Turner & Townsend underscored the role of cloud-based project dashboards in improving budget transparency, delivery timelines and risk management.
A standout panel on diversity and inclusion, featuring Takalani Netshipale, Sekadi Phayane-Shakane and Tshidi Mndzebele, called for urgent industry-wide reforms to promote gender equity and inclusive leadership in the built environment.
At a glittering awards gala, the third edition of the Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards recognised outstanding contributions across 12 categories.
Boogertman + Partners emerged as the top winner, securing five awards, including:
Residential Project of the Year – The One, Stellenbosch, a R1 billion ($55 million) student housing development
Architecture Firm of the Year, Commercial Project of the Year – MMH – Momentum Metropolitan Holdings
Retrofit Project of the Year – The Woods Shopping Centre, Environmental Excellence Award – Thaba Eco Village & Lifestyle Centre
Other notable winners included: Gap Infrastructure Corporation– Contractor of the Year, WSP – Engineering Consultancy Firm of the Year, Layher South Africa– Infrastructure Project of the Year, Murray & Dickson Construction– Digitalisation Project of the Year
In individual categories, Mandisa Sibiya of Turner & Townsend was named Rising Star of the Year, while Tshidi Mndzebele, CEO of Avenir Holdings, was honoured as Leading Woman of the Year.
“This year’s edition recognised the people, partnerships and progress shaping South Africa’s infrastructure landscape,” Heijmans added. “We’re proud to celebrate the visionaries and innovators building a better future.”
Encouraged by positive feedback from both exhibitors and attendees, Big 5 Construct South Africa is set to return in 2026 from 10–12 June at the Gallagher Convention Centre. The event continues to serve as a strategic bridge for South African firms exploring export and trade links with regions including the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, particularly through Big 5 Global in Dubai.
For full details and registration, visit: www.big5constructsouthafrica.com
Big 5 Construct South Africa is part of the Big 5 global portfolio, the world’s largest series of construction exhibitions connecting international suppliers and local buyers through innovation, networking and knowledge-sharing.
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