The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) successfully hosted its much-anticipated Conference and Masterclasses at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Gauteng on 10 and 11 November 2026.

Held under the theme “Constructing an Ethical Built Environment,” the two-day event comprised a full-day conference on 10 November, followed by a dedicated day of Masterclasses on 11 November.

The event provided a valuable platform for professional development, knowledge-sharing and industry engagement, bringing together key stakeholders to share industry insights, explore emerging opportunities and strengthen collaboration across the built environment. It also created opportunities for businesses to showcase their expertise, establish meaningful industry connections and enhance their visibility among a targeted audience of industry professionals and decision-makers.

The Honourable Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, officially opened the conference, delivering an address that highlighted the importance of responsible infrastructure delivery and the role of ethical leadership in shaping the future of South Africa's construction industry.

"Infrastructure delivery cannot simply be measured by projects undertaken or money allocated. It must be measured by the lives that we improve, jobs that are created, communities that are empowered, public resources protected, and public trust restored. Ultimately, it's not only about what we build that matters, but how we build it, and whether it stands the test of time," said Minister Macpherson.

Both days attracted strong participation and engagement, bringing together various participants within the industry, including subject-matter experts, industry decision-makers, business leaders and CEOs, representatives from the public and private sectors, government and municipal officials, construction professionals and ministerial representatives.

The strong turnout was particularly encouraging, with registrations exceeding the organisers' expectations. Reflecting on the success of the event, SACPCMP President, Ms Sharon Shunmugam, said: “We are delighted by the overwhelming response to this year's conference and Masterclasses. The number of registrations exceeded our expectations, showing a genuine interest in meaningful engagement, knowledge-sharing and professional development within the industry. The strong turnout is a testament to the relevance of this year's theme and the importance of creating platforms that bring the built environment profession together. “

Through a programme of expert presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions, attendees had the opportunity to engage with leading industry voices, gain valuable insights and draw on the knowledge and experience of professionals working across the sector.

The conference also provided an opportunity to reflect on the SACPCMP's 25-year journey and its evolving role in advancing professional standards and accountability within the built environment.

Reflecting on this milestone, Shunmugam said: “The first 25 years of the SACPCMP tells a story of resilience and our commitment to move the construction industry and South Africa forward. We built the SACPCMP from a statute on paper to an operating institution while embracing change and leveraging opportunities created by new and emerging technologies.”

“This 25th year marks a new strategic cycle built on modernisation and regulatory delivery, with a strong focus on credible compliance and enforcement, stronger candidate progression, transformation, resilient digital services, and a growing global presence,” she concludes.

The Masterclasses programme was carefully curated to address critical issues affecting the development of built environment professionals, equipping participants with relevant knowledge and practical insights to respond to the sector's evolving challenges and opportunities. Topics covered included:

• Strengthening Digitalisation on Construction Projects and AI in Construction
• Whistleblowing: A moral duty or professional betrayal?
• Building Inspectors and the Mainstreaming of Universal Design
• Climate Change and Anticipating Chaos
• Procurement Essentials for Infrastructure Development
• Professionalising Social Facilitation

The SACPCMP is encouraged by the support and participation and look forward to building on this success.