ON THE COVER: Following the introduction of the new generation Volvo excavator range last year, Babcock reports a strong uptake of the EC210 and EC220 models in general construction and plant hire. In a fiercely competitive 21-22 tonne (t) market segment, the two models combine premium quality and competitive pricing, pushing boundaries in performance, efficiency and total cost of ownership.
Despite the seemingly improved infrastructure project rollout from government, construction contractors in South Africa are generally navigating a challenging operating environment marked by high inflation, rising material costs and fuel price volatility, resulting in squeezed margins.
Integrated compaction solutions reshape construction efficiency in Africa
In an environment where downtime, rework, and fragmented supplier networks continue to erode margins, integrated compaction solutions are no longer a luxury, they’re a necessity. The 2017 acquisition of Wirtgen Group by John Deere marked a decisive shift in the global construction equipment landscape - one that continues to influence project delivery in markets such as South Africa. By integrating Wirtgen’s five specialist road-building brands into its portfolio, Deere effectively created a full-line construction offering without internal product overlap. The result is a complementary ecosystem of technologies, strengthened global reach, and streamlined distribution and support capabilities.
Pumping up performance on modern builds
In an increasingly complex construction environment, specialist contractors are playing a more critical role in delivering projects efficiently and safely. Foxcrete Concrete Pumping is one such player, steadily expanding its footprint and capabilities to meet rising demand for precision concrete placement. Founded in 2007 in Kempton Park, the company initially focused on concrete boom pump hire. Over time, it has grown its fleet and operational reach, adding a second base in Mbombela and evolving into a service provider capable of supporting large commercial and infrastructure projects. Its fleet now includes boom pumps ranging from 36 m to 43 m, alongside static pumps, positioning the business to handle everything from multi storey slabs to complex structural work.
Stronger enforcement and collaboration signal shift in SA’s civil engineering sector
Encouragingly, collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders in South Africa’s civil engineering industry is strengthening - underpinned by a firmer stance on accountability across the construction value chain. According to Lindie Fourie, Operations Manager at the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI), recent remarks by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure that a number of contractors have already been blacklisted in 2026 for non-compliance and unethical practices send a clear signal that enforcement is gaining traction.
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