BRIDGING THE CONSTRUCTION DIVIDE
BRIDGING THE CONSTRUCTION DIVIDE
WBHO Construction has meticulously established a reputation for quality, reliability, safety, and exceeding clients’ expectations. We hear more about its blueprint for prosperity with Riaan de Necker, Group Managing
Director
of the Roads and Earthworks division
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Andrew Marjoram
Construction remains a cornerstone of global economic growth, supporting infrastructure and urban development.
Increasingly, the sector is evolving through sustainability and technological innovation.
Across Africa, the construction industry continues to grow, driven by rapid urbanisation, population expansion, and demand for new infrastructure.
“In South Africa (SA), we have seen significant road and water infrastructure projects enter the market between 2023 and mid-2025, which are now being constructed,” notes Riaan de Necker, Group Managing Director of the Roads and Earthworks (R&E) division at WBHO Construction (WBHO).
“We have successfully secured a substantial share of these contracts, even though tender activity has
slowed across the continent since mid-2025.
“As such, we continue to service our traditional mining clients across Africa, delivering world-class infrastructure and tailings storage facilities,” he outlines.
WBHO’s footprint spans across Africa, with permanent offices in all major South African metros and extending to Botswana, Ghana, and Mozambique.
The R&E division supports a wide range of traditional and specialist engineering disciplines.
“Our agile teams understand the complexities of working across Africa and are supported by a modern plant fleet and experienced logistics teams, allowing us to deliver consistently high-quality service,” says de Necker.
Founded in 1970, WBHO has become one of the continent’s leading construction companies, recognised for its scale, expertise, and
long-standing industry reputation.
BUILDING THE PORTFOLIO
Since we last spoke to the company in 2024, WBHO’s R&E division has secured numerous large-scale and technically demanding projects.
“These projects have strengthened our order book and created valuable opportunities for our engineers and teams to engage with modern construction techniques and world-class equipment,” de Necker explains.
“Several previously reported projects have now been successfully completed, such as the automated coal handling and loading infrastructure at the Kusile Power Station.”
Recent contract completions also include windfarm construction in the Eastern Cape and the Beposo Tailings Storage Facility at AngloGold Ashanti’s Iduapriem Mine in Ghana.
Beposo phase
Projects such as the N2 Wild Coast Highway (Section 20 between the Msikaba and Mtentu Bridges) are progressing well and further expand the company’s growing portfolio.
The shift from mining infrastructure to road and bridge works was a natural transition rather than a planned strategic pivot.
“As a client-focused construction company, our agility enables us to adapt to changing market conditions and deliver work to our clients’ needs.
“Whilst activity in mining infrastructure declined, we were fortunate to secure significant road and bridge works, allowing us to shift our focus to new opportunities.
Mining infrastructure investment and development are cyclical, and we are confident once this market turns it will again be a significant contributor to our order book,” de Necker sets out.
ROAD REHABILITATION
A flagship project for WBHO R&E is the National Route 3 (N3) road upgrade project between Key Ridge and Hammarsdale, a critical economic corridor connecting Durban to Gauteng.
This project is one of 18 of the country’s Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) – a coordinated national infrastructure programme aimed at boosting economic growth
and improving public services.
The upgrade introduces four new major bridges to accommodate a five-lane divided dual carriageway, designed to improve mobility whilst preserving the surrounding environment.
This groundbreaking project features two incrementally launched method (ILM) bridges, each with a deck width of 23 metres (m) and length of 365 m, to accommodate five traffic lanes in both directions.
The project also features two spinebeam bridges, which use a central, robust longitudinal beam to support the decks, with cantilevered side wings to extend the width.
Key Ridge
Unearthing Natural Potential
Where others see obstacles, we see solutions. As an industry stalwart in the provision of quality drilling, blasting, crushing and screening services, we at Danoher are proud to be a leading specialist in the field with technical knowledge accumulated for over five decades.
Firstly, can you provide an overview of Danoher and your operations throughout Southern Africa?
We operate mainly in South Africa and Botswana, with a project in Eswatini set to begin soon. Our footprint includes 3 of our own commercial quarry operations, as well as 10 to 12 project sites at any given time.
What drilling, blasting, crushing and screening services does Danoher provide to the construction and mining industries in Africa?
Danoher serves a diverse customer base across the construction, mining and steelmaking sectors.
Our contract operations typically provide an end-to-end solution, starting with opencast mining to extract various minerals, followed by load and haul and then processing the material to meet customer requirements. The minerals we process include various hard rock types, silica, iron ore and lithium.
With technical knowledge accumulated over five decades, why is Danoher regarded as a leading specialist in its field?
It is not only the technical knowledge we have built up over five decades, but the practical, hands-on way we apply that knowledge and deploy our equipment and resources. We focus strongly on customer-driven solutions and that approach is what sets us apart.
What about Danoher’s focus on customer satisfaction through the reliable supply of quality products?
Our name and the strength of our brand are central to our value proposition. We believe in reflecting that through the way we work every day, delivering what customers expect from a trusted service provider. For us, it goes beyond satisfaction to building confidence through consistency, reliability and quality.
How is this achieved by having an end-toend process, from the first hole being drilled to the stockpiling of the finished product?
We believe in managing the controllables as well as we can. Factors outside your control affect everyone, so focusing too much on them becomes a distraction.
By managing the process end-to-end, from the first hole drilled through to the final stockpile, we are able to control more of the value chain. That gives our skilled team the best opportunity to consistently deliver a quality product and service.
What advanced equipment technology does Danoher utilise to produce construction and mining aggregates that meet clients’ specifications and needs?
We invest heavily in new and advanced equipment, supported by an extensive preventative maintenance programme.
We have largely standardised our fleet and work with trusted brands such as Metso for crushing, Volvo for earthmoving equipment and Atlas Copco for drilling. Our recently completed engineering facility has further strengthened our capability to rebuild equipment in-house and manufacture selected crushing components.
We are also investing in renewable energy, from smaller site-based solar installations to a larger solar plant that supports one of our commercial operations. A further large-scale project is currently in the planning phase.
Danoher has 600+ highly skilled and experienced staff members. How important are they to your success?
Our people are central to our success. Whilst we have centralised support and management functions, our operations are geographically
spread, which makes it essential to have a strong team in the field.
These are the people making key decisions and executing on the ground every day, ensuring that we deliver for our customers.
You can have the best equipment and opportunities, but without the right people to apply them effectively, execution will fall short.
We are fortunate to have built a team that does more than work for Danoher - they take ownership of what they do.
Finally, can you tell us more about your relationship with WBHO Construction?
Our relationship with WBHO Construction is built on trust, consistent delivery and a strong understanding of operational requirements. As with any relationship, success comes down to reliability, clear communication, and the ability to deliver safely and efficiently under demanding conditions.
We value the relationship and the opportunity to continue supporting their projects.
WHY PARTNER WITH WBHO?
As the first-choice African construction partner, WBHO offers:
• A strong culture of professionalism and respect.
• Responsive senior managers who leverage extensive industry experience.
• A conservative approach to risk-taking outside of established construction standards.
• The capability to pursue opportunities across numerous geographical areas.
• Broad technical and sector expertise.
• Proven ability to deliver both small and large-scale projects efficiently.
This impressive design facilitates rapid construction and uninterrupted traffic flow during construction.
Other works include pre-cast traffic barrier installations, gabion protection, and high-quality street lighting.
“The roadway will ultimately be upgraded to a transformative fivelane divided dual carriageway,” de Necker informs.
Historically, this stretch of road has been prone to major accidents, and the upgrade aims to significantly improve safety issues.
“Another one of our projects on the same stretch of highway involves the rehabilitation of the N3 highway
Key Ridge
Electrical Engineering Reliability for the Water Industry Since 1982
EDSE Projects (Pty) Ltd has completed multiple projects over the past 40 years with reliable expertise.
In the dynamic and essential world of water infrastructure, EDSE Projects (PTY) LTD has earned its place as a trusted turnkey engineering partner across Southern Africa. Since its establishment in 1982, EDSE has consistently delivered high-performance electrical, control, and instrumentation solutions tailored to the demanding needs of the water sector.
With a comprehensive, end-to-end service offering, EDSE manages every phase of a project-from concept and design through to manufacturing, installation, and final commissioning. This integrated approach ensures efficiency, accountability, and exceptional quality across all project stages.
As a proud Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of Motor Control Centres (MCCs), EDSE combines engineering expertise with advanced manufacturing technologies. The company utilizes cutting-edge tools such as CAD design, 3D modelling, and precision laser cutting to produce MCCs that are robust, reliable, and built to exact specifications. These capabilities enable EDSE to deliver optimized, futureready solutions that meet the highest industry standards.
EDSE’s technical scope includes:
• Low and medium voltage installations
• Cable installation and management
• Small power distribution
• Telemetry and advanced instrumentation
• PLC and SCADA system integration
• Full installation and commissioning services Quality and compliance are central to EDSE’s operations. The company adheres to IEC and SANS 61439 standards, with MCCs and busbar systems fully type-tested up to a 70kA fault level-demonstrating a strong commitment to safety, durability, and performance under the most demanding conditions.
Operating throughout Southern Africa, EDSE Projects continues to support critical water infrastructure with dependable, innovative engineering solutions. Backed by decades of experience and a forward-thinking approach, EDSE remains dedicated to powering the systems that sustain communities and industries alike.
EDSE PROJECTS (PTY) LTD
TEL:(012) 665
1213/4/5/6/7
10 Einstein Avenue, Highveld Techno Park, CENTURION, 0169
between the Vaaldraai Interchange and Malanskraal, one of the busiest roads in SA,” he explains.
Elsewhere, WBHO is also involved in the significant upgrade of National Route 2 (N2) on three road contracts, between Ermelo and eMkhondo, totalling nearly 100 kilometres (km) of highway.
This section forms part of the main route between Richards Bay harbour and Mpumalanga. The current single carriageway is being upgraded to a dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction and is receiving a Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) to accommodate the high volume of heavy-axle loads encountered.
Notably, it will be the first significant stretch of CRCP to be constructed in SA since the turn of the century.
WBHO has therefore acquired two complete Wirtgen concrete paving trains, comprising the WPS 62i concrete placer, a SP 94i concrete paver, and the TCM 180i texture and curing machine.
“Our teams are excited to be involved with this technology delivering world-class infrastructure,” de Necker enthuses.
THE WAY OF WATER
In 2024, WBHO was successful in its bid submission for the design and construction of a 100 km water pipeline with associated pump stations and water storage facilities –the Lebalelo Regional Water Project in Limpopo.
“Since being named as the preferred bidder, we have worked closely with the project sponsor and implementor to get the contract to financial close,” de Necker recalls.
In December last year, the sponsor and implementor – together with the institutional and commercial sector financing partners – signed a pledge to commemorate commercial close for Stage 1 of the Olifants Management Model Programme,
“AS A CLIENT - FOCUSED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, OUR AGILITY ENABLES US TO ADAPT TO CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS AND DELIVER WORK TO OUR CLIENTS’ NEEDS”
– RIAAN DE NECKER, GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, ROADS AND EARTHWORKS, WBHO CONSTRUCTION
A Century of Steel
Established in 1924 on the West Rand but now headquartered in Wadeville, Germiston, Hall Longmore has spent a century building an unmatched legacy in large-diameter welded steel pipe manufacturing.
The company started life as an independent manufacturer supplying pipes to the booming mining industry during the first half of the 20th century. From the 1970s on, the value of the business was recognized at a more corporate level, having been a member of various groups including Barlows, Malbak, and Murray & Roberts. Since 2013, Hall Longmore has been a proud member of the Barnes Group of Companies, an entity with a specific focus on steel and steel-related products.
Today, the company proudly holds its position as the largest operation of its kind in Africa south of the Sahara, a distinction earned not through longevity alone, but also through an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and service excellence.
With a portfolio spanning water conveyance, gas transmission, petrochemical pipelines, mining infrastructure, and structural applications, steel pipes manufactured and supplied by Hall Longmore traverse thousands of kilometres of Southern Africa. From Cape Town, South Africa to Obajana, Nigeria, and from Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coastline to Namibia, the company’s products have become synonymous with quality infrastructure.
Built on Strong Partnerships: Working with WBHO Roads & Earthworks
World-class pipe is only as good as the hands that install it. That is why Hall Longmore’s relationships with South Africa’s leading civil contractors are central to the success of every project. Amongst these valued partnerships is the company’s ongoing collaboration with WBHO, one of South Africa’s most respected civil construction multi-disciplinaries, operating across South Africa, Botswana, and the broader continent.
Hall Longmore already had a long-established working relationship with Insitu Pipelines, a specialist pipe installation and rehabilitation business, when WBHO Roads & Earthworks – the group’s bulk earthworks, infrastructure, and roadworks division – saw obvious synergies and acquired them in 2007. Their teams operate in some of the most demanding conditions in the region, precisely the environments for which Hall Longmore’s steel pipes and protective systems are designed. The alignment of both companies’ commitment to quality, safety, and programme delivery makes for a supply chain partnership built on mutual trust and consistent results. For contractors like WBHO, having a manufacturer of Hall Longmore’s calibre as a supply partner translates directly into on-site confidence, predictable delivery schedules, guaranteed product compliance, and technical support that ensures installation proceeds without delays. It is the kind of partnership that transforms ambitious infrastructure programmes into lasting national assets.
Since Insitu’s acquisition, we have collaborated on project supplies totalling nearly ZAR200 million for end users as wide and varied as Richards Bay Minerals, Mhlatuze Water (now Umngeni Uthukela Water), City of Cape Town, and Two Rivers Platinum (a JV between ARM and Impala Platinum).
Investing in South Africa’s Infrastructure Future
Hall Longmore’s ongoing investment in research and development including the local development, of a Fusion Bonded Medium Density Polyethylene (FBMDPE) coating system “Xtalene” and the constant upgrading of plant, equipment, and materials testing technologies, underscores a philosophy that looks beyond the next contract to the longterm health of South African manufacturing and skills development. Steel pipe, when properly manufactured and protected, delivers infrastructure with a service life of 100 years or more. It is a legacy worth building.
which aims to cost-effectively deliver raw and potable water to various communities and mining houses in the delivery area.
This triggered the commencement of the first phase of the project last month, with the balance of the work likely to commence in April 2026.
“As such, in order to achieve the tight programme requirements for such a large diameter pipe project, we procured a Tesmec 1875XL EVO – the largest and most powerful chainsaw
trencher produced by Tesmec, which has been specifically engineered for large-diameter pipeline projects in the most demanding conditions,” explains de Necker.
This impressive machine is primarily used for excavating hard and abrasive rock where traditional methods often fail.
At present, there are only two other machines of this size and capability in the world, both of which are operating in Saudi Arabia.
WBHO COMPANY VALUES
TEAMWORK
• As one big team, everyone at WBHO succeeds together and looks out for their colleagues. Every team member is encouraged to participate in activities and projects that promote WBHO as a collective entity.
QUALITY
• Quality is of utmost importance to WBHO for both management and employees – it is expected at all times. Duties should be performed at the required level of skill, knowledge, experience, and judgement.
REPUTATION
• The company’s reputation is one of its greatest assets –WBHO actively works to build a reputation of reliability through excellence in its people, systems, and products.
CULTURE
• WBHO promotes a positive ‘can-do’ attitude and always tries to go the extra mile for its clients by fostering flexibility, dependability, and professionalism.
• These shared values have guided and shaped the company, and everything WBHO has achieved is a direct result of the many small acts of consideration, respect, and kindness that are shown daily. Every WBHO employee is an important part of its collective success.
Specialist Water Engineering Contractors in the field of Pumping Systems and Potable Water Treatment.
COMPANY HISTORY
Metsi Projects (Pty) Ltd evolved from Turbo Projects, a company originally specialising in the supply and installation of large pumping plant and other rotating
OUR CLIENTS
machinery, established in 1980. Metsi Projects is a well-respected mechanical engineering and contracting company which has completed numerous pumping and water purification plants over the
Our clients include public bodies such as major government water authorities, water boards, municipalities, Eskom, mining houses, and private companies. Projects have been completed throughout Southern Africa.
ENGINEERING SERVICES
Our field of expertise covers the following disciplines:
• Mechanical and electrical plants for turnkey pumping systems.
• Water purification systems for domestic water. This includes the design, manufacture and installation of filter floor systems, including false floor slabs and pipe lateral systems.
• Chemical dosing systems for chemical processes associated with potable water purification plants.
• Sourcing and supply of products and commodities related to the above disciplines.
• Refurbishments and retro-fitting of filter floors and other associated equipment.
SIGNIFICANT CURRENT PROJECTS
• Metsi Projects is currently in the process of completing a large project for Lepelle Northern Water in the Limpopo Province. The project includes the supply, installation and commissioning of a mechanical plant to replace 15 high-lift pump sets in four pump stations, including piping, valves, cranes and an ancillary plant. The variable speed pump sets deliver up to 0.347m3/s at total heads of up to 330m, with a total installed motor power of 23.1MW. The contract also includes the complete refurbishment of 10 rapid gravity sand filters, valves, actuators and chemical dosing equipment for the 60Ml/day Ebenezer water treatment plant.
• Metsi Projects is delighted to be associated with WBHO Construction as the major mechanical subcontractor for the recently awarded Olifants Management Model BWUA, EPC
past 45 years, as well as maintaining and refurbishing plants in the water treatment industry. Metsi Projects is a Level Three B-BBEE Contributor and holds a CIDB 8ME Grading.
Contract Phase 2B & 2B+, Flag Boshielo Dam to Pruissen Reservoir, bulk water transfer scheme. The mechanical works will comprise three pump stations, each housing three variable speed pump sets of 3.5MW. Each pump station will transfer water at a flow rate of 2.1m3/sec at maximum duty and at a total head of about 250m, with a total installed motor power of 31.5MW.
M E M B E R S H I P S
Metsi Projects is proudly affiliated with the following professional organisations:
• The Water Institute of Southern Africa
• The Engineering Council of South Africa
• The South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering
• The Construction Industry Development Board
LED BY PASSION
Following three consecutive years of growth, de Necker credits WBHO’s ongoing success to its dedicated team of people, who operate in various geographical areas wherever construction opportunities present themselves.
“We operate across multiple disciplines, with each of our divisions being led by management staff that possess detailed market knowledge of the region they are responsible for,” he remarks.
“It’s the quality of our people and the passion they have for what they do that has truly inspired our success to date.”
He emphasises WBHO’s commitment to ongoing training and staff development, allowing WBHO to securely and sustainably deliver the standards of quality, safety, and reliability that its name is now synonymous with.
“We operate a modern fleet of plant and equipment, which further supports our operational excellence,” de Necker states.
WBHO’s leadership in the sector is rooted in the diversity of services offered, quality, sustainability, and strong partnerships. An experienced and loyal management team sets the company apart from its competitors.
SAFETY AS A PRIORITY
As a contractor with an everexpanding international footprint operating across Africa, WBHO must maintain the very highest health and safety standards.
Safeguarding of its employees and subcontractors is essential for high morale and productivity.
Additionally, a proven safety record is imperative for securing contracts in key markets, particularly in mining and public sector projects.
The company endeavours to maintain its sound reputation for delivering high-quality projects with superior levels of safety management.
Poor safety records can negatively affect reputation, client relationships, and most importantly, the well-being of its employees.
“Safety is always our priority – we strive to ensure all our employees return home safely to their families after each workday and are obligated to meet specific safety targets every year,” says de Necker.
“Across every facet of our business, safety is a daily conversation. It is intertwined into every element of the ‘WBHO Way’ and a safe site is a productive site, with safety forming an integral part of our method of doing business.”
THE NEXT CHAPTER
WBHO remains focused on delivering its current project portfolio whilst staying aligned with its mission to provide clients with long-lasting, high-quality projects.
“We do not chase revenue growth – we choose to focus on ensuring we achieve the profitability targets we set ourselves,” says de Necker.
Furthermore, WBHO’s long-term vision is to leave a lasting legacy through the infrastructure it delivers.
“We aim to establish ourselves as the leading construction company wherever we operate, always striving to be a pleasure to do business with, delivering quality solutions in a professional and collaborative manner,” he adds.
Adaptability, strong client relationships, and operational excellence will continue to guide WBHO’s future.
“We stand firmly behind our motto of ‘rely on our ability’, and we trust that mantra to drive us forwards,” de Necker finishes with pride.
Tel: +27 11 321 7200 wbhoho@wbho.co.za wbho.co.za
