Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards to recognise construction industry impact

Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, organised by dmg events, returns for its 4th edition on 10 June 2026 in Johannesburg, recognising and celebrating impact across South Africa’s construction sector.

With South Africa’s construction market valued at approximately $125 billion, spanning infrastructure development, housing, commercial projects, transport networks and digitalisation initiatives, the industry has the opportunity to be recognised for its achievements at the awards.

As the industry continues to address construction delivery pressures and increased expectations for accountability and performance, independent recognition plays an important role in benchmarking achievements across the sector.

Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards recognise projects, organisations and industry professionals that demonstrate measurable impact across sustainability, innovation, leadership and project and business performance. Open to project owners, contractors, consultants, architects, engineers and project management firms operating in South Africa, the awards spotlight contributions that support growth within the built environment.

Expansion of awards programme reflects evolving industry priorities

Now in its fourth year, the awards have expanded from 12 to 18 categories in 2026, reflecting the growing emphasis across the construction industry on leadership accountability, digital adoption, collaboration and inclusive organisational practices.

The six new categories are: Construction Leader of the Year; Best Use of Technology of the Year; Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Partnership of the Year; Impact Leadership Team of the Year; and Sustainable Organisation of the Year. All 18 categories open for nomination are available on the website.

Commenting on awards’ nominations, Josine Heijmans, senior vice-president at dmg events, says: “Over the past four years, Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards have become a key benchmark for performance in South Africa’s construction industry. This independent recognition plays an important role in raising standards and encouraging organisations to assess and recognise their achievements as the sector evolves.”

Independent judging ensures credibility and transparency

All the nominations submitted for Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards are reviewed by an independent panel of construction industry experts.

One of the judges, Nomvula Rakolote, CEO of the Association of Construction Project Managers, comments: “As a judge for Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, I will be looking for projects that set new benchmarks through decisive leadership, bold innovation and the committed teams whose vision delivers lasting impact.”

The panel assesses entries against defined criteria to ensure a transparent and rigorous evaluation process, recognising organisations that demonstrate measurable achievement and a significant contribution to South Africa’s construction sector.

“Some of the most impactful work in our built environment is rarely the loudest. These awards create space for that work to step into the light. As a judge, I’m excited to engage with projects and people who are contributing meaningfully to our industry, often without seeking recognition,” adds another judge on the panel, Linke Ströhmenger, president and director at the South African Institute of Architectural Technologists.

Growing participation reflects industry evolution

The 2026 edition builds on the continued growth of Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards. In 2025, the programme saw increased participation from across the industry, with more than 20% of finalists being new entrants.

The inclusion of emerging organisations alongside established industry leaders reflects the evolving composition of South Africa’s construction sector and highlights the role of the awards in recognising both innovation and operational performance.

The entry deadline to submit nominations for Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards is 27 March 2026, with winners to be announced at the awards ceremony on 10 June 2026 in Johannesburg.

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