STAR OF THE SHOW
TRI-STAR CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
Brooklyn House
2 | Africa Outlook Issue 122
STAR OF THE SHOW
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Established in 1979, Tri-Star Construction is a private, management-owned business that has evolved into a successful, sustainable, multi-disciplined, and reputable construction company. CEO, Derek Wheals, shares the full story Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: James Melton
Africa Outlook Issue 122 | 3
TRI-STAR CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
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he construction industry across Africa presents both significant opportunities and considerable challenges. Whilst the market remains buoyant in many regions, operating within the continent requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of local conditions. One of the primary challenges is the availability of resources, including both human capital and construction materials. Meanwhile, logistics can be complex, and the process of sourcing and transporting materials across vast geographic areas often requires careful planning and execution. “Construction in Africa is certainly not an environment for the fainthearted,” opens Derek Wheals, CEO of Tri-Star Construction (Tri-Star). South Africa (SA), by comparison, offers a more structured and efficient operating environment. Much of the infrastructure, logistics networks, and supply chains that support projects elsewhere on the continent are routed through SA, making it a strategic gateway into the broader African market. Tri-Star has responded to this by establishing a procurement company called Supply Sphere Solutions,
which procures material and goods for export to Africa using its logistics partners to ensure reliable and competitive supply into the greater African continent. “That said, SA faces its own challenges – prolonged economic pressures over recent years have resulted in a shortage of skilled human capital. Many experienced professionals have emigrated, semigrated, or sought employment opportunities abroad as expatriates. “In addition, the government’s ability to provide basic skills and artisanal training is hopelessly short of what the industry requires, putting the responsibility for training and education into the contractor’s hands,” he sets out. As a result, there is now an increasing shortage of experienced construction professionals and artisanal skills within the local industry. Despite these challenges, Wheals believes that the construction industry in SA has reached the bottom of its cycle and is now showing positive signs of recovery. “Improved political and economic stability, together with increased investment and population growth, are creating renewed momentum within the sector, but overall, the outlook for construction in the nation is encouraging,” he predicts.
DIVERSE CAPABILITIES
Derek Wheals, CEO
4 | Africa Outlook Issue 122
As a diversified construction group that operates across a broad spectrum of construction sectors, Tri-Star has been growing for more than 45 years and has evolved largely through organic expansion. Many senior managers and directors have spent decades within the business, helping to establish a strong culture, deep institutional knowledge, and long-term stability. The company operates across residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and student accommodation sectors
– diversification which enables TriStar to manage market fluctuations and benefit from opportunities across different sectors of the construction industry. “Today, Tri-Star directly employs approximately 700 people, whilst indirectly employing a further 7,000 people on its sites daily through its subcontractors,” Wheals reveals. “We recognise our responsibility to employees, subcontractors, suppliers, and communities and remain committed to maintaining a sustainable long-term business,” he tells us. Additionally, the company promotes from within wherever possible. Many directors began their careers as site agents, foremen, or contract managers before progressing into leadership roles, whilst short-term and long-term incentive programmes assist with staff retention and development. “Employing people from local communities, training them, and building small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) has become an essential and critical part of our DNA,” he enthuses.
FOUNDATIONAL EXPERIENCE Wheals’ career in the construction industry began shortly after completing national service at the age of nineteen, whereby he was fortunate to receive a scholarship from Stocks & Stocks, a construction company that sponsored his studies towards a quantity surveying degree at the University of Natal, now known as the University of KwaZulu-Natal. “This opportunity provided the foundation for what has become a lifelong career in construction and property development,” he recalls fondly. During his university years, Wheals worked for Stocks & Stocks during holiday periods and, upon graduation, continued employment with the company whilst fulfilling the service
“We are particularly proud of the loyalty and dedication demonstrated by our employees – the longevity of our management team has enabled us to build a culture of reliability and accountability, positioning Tri-Star as a trusted and dependable construction partner” – D E R E K W H E A L S , C E O , T R I - S TA R C O N S T R U C T I O N
commitment associated with the scholarship. “These formative years provided valuable practical exposure to the construction industry and helped develop both my technical and commercial understanding of the sector,” Wheals informs. Indeed, Wheals has been the driving force behind Tri-Star’s success for over 29 years. His unwavering dedication, industry expertise, and passion for excellence continues to propel the company forwards, delivering innovative construction solutions and building a strong industry reputation.
DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE One of Tri-Star’s greatest strengths
is the consistency, experience, and stability of its leadership team. “Of our 12 directors, the average tenure within the company is approximately 22 years, whilst most have accumulated around 30 years of experience within the construction industry,” acclaims Wheals. This depth of knowledge provides confidence in Tri-Star’s ability to deliver projects successfully and consistently. “Working with and including local communities in the construction process by creating employment opportunities, training, mentorship, and building is a critical and important part of our success story,” he continues. Furthermore, Tri-Star’s extensive
Ninety One staircase
experience enables it to maintain high standards in quality assurance, project delivery, productivity, contract management, and client service. “We are particularly proud of the loyalty and dedication demonstrated by our employees – the longevity of our management team has enabled us to build a culture of reliability and accountability, positioning TriStar as a trusted and dependable construction partner,” prides Wheals. Africa Outlook Issue 122 | 5
TRI-STAR CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
The Westcliff Hotel
NINETY ONE HEAD OFFICE One of Tri-Star’s most notable recent projects was the refurbishment and conversion of the Ninety One head office in Cape Town. A milestone in sustainable construction, the project involved the complete transformation of a ninestorey commercial office building where the structure was fully stripped internally and rebuilt to meet modern workplace requirements. In addition, the entire external façade was reclad, resulting in a highly efficient and visually striking building. “The project was completed over an eighteen-month period and achieved a prestigious 5-star Green Star rating. The quality of workmanship and level of finishing required were exceptionally high, making this one of the projects we are most proud of,” Wheals excites. “Rather than demolish and rebuild, the existing building was retained and substantially refurbished, an approach that required careful planning and coordination whilst avoiding the embodied carbon associated with a new structure.” Delivering a major refurbishment while preserving the building’s structure takes considered work at 6 | Africa Outlook Issue 122
TRI-STAR LANDMARK PROJECTS At any given time, Tri-Star is typically engaged in between 30 and 40 active projects across Gauteng Province and the Western Cape. Amongst these, several projects stand out for their scale, complexity, and significance: The Westcliff Hotel – Johannesburg This luxury hospitality project demanded an exceptionally high standard of construction and finishing. Delivered over approximately 18 months, the project showcased Tri-Star’s ability to execute premium hospitality developments where quality, precision, and attention to detail are paramount. Brooklyn House Student Accommodation – Pretoria Brooklyn House represents one of SA’s premier student accommodation developments. Having successfully completed Phases 1, 2, and 3, the company is currently engaged in Phase 4, which will add a further 300 student beds. Upon completion, the development will comprise more than 1,000 beds in total. The project has established itself as a benchmark for high-quality student accommodation and remains one of Tri-Star’s flagship developments. Riverside Mega-City Development The Riverside Mega-City Development is one of the largest residential projects undertaken alongside one of Tri-Star’s strategic development partners. The development comprises a fully integrated mega-city, including more than 10,000 residential units, schools, shopping centres, and supporting community infrastructure. To date, Tri-Star has completed approximately 80 percent of the development and is currently approaching the final phases of the project. It has been an immensely rewarding journey and stands as a testament to the value of long-term partnerships and consistent project delivery.
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TRI-STAR CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
Riverside Mega-City Development
The Herringbone
Riverside Mega-City Development
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every stage, from planning through to execution. “For our team, the project demonstrates how construction can extend the life of existing buildings and support a lower-carbon built environment,” he adds. In addition to the Ninety One head office project, Tri-Star has completed 23 Lower Long, a 10-storey apartment building in Cape Town central business district. The development incorporates a borehole water treatment and distribution system together with rooftop solar installations that support the building’s energy requirements.
SHAPING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT For Tri-Star, a key strategic objective for the future is the continued improvement of systems, governance, and operational excellence. The company is pursuing enhanced quality management practices and 8 | Africa Outlook Issue 122
“From my beginnings as a young quantity surveying student to my current role as CEO of Tri-Star, my career has been shaped by a passion for building, developing people, and delivering quality projects” – D E R E K W H E A L S , C E O , T R I - S TA R C O N S T R U C T I O N
ISO-aligned standards to strengthen consistency, efficiency, and client service, whilst artificial intelligence (AI) is being incorporated into the business to assist with efficiency across the board. With these goals in place, today, Tri-Star continues to play a significant role in shaping communities throughout SA. “From my beginnings as a young quantity surveying student to my current role as CEO of Tri-Star, my career has been shaped by a passion for building, developing people, and delivering quality projects,” Wheals affirms.
“Supported by an experienced leadership team, strong strategic partnerships, and a diverse portfolio of projects, we remain committed to delivering exceptional construction solutions whilst contributing meaningfully to the growth of the built environment,” he concludes.
Tel: +27 12 687 1000 info@tri-star.co.za
www.tri-starconstruction.co.za
TRI-STAR CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION
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Africa Outlook Issue 122 | 9
Tel: +27 12 687 1000 info@tri-star.co.za www.tri-starconstruction.co.za
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