Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the critical success factors necessary for the
survival of SMME construction firms in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A literature
survey was carried out. The data for this paper was collected from both primary and
secondary sources. The primary data was acquired through the administration of structured
questionnaires. The questionnaire was distributed to construction SME firms in the Gauteng
Province construction industry. The questionnaire was designed based on information
emanating from an extant review of literature. Out of the 140 distributed questionnaires, 120
were received back which represented 86% response rate. Findings derived from the study
indicated that producing quality work, good cash flow management, good contractual
understanding, having a business plan, effective communication channel in the firm,
maintaining good relationships with clients, proper record keeping, sensible operating costs,
recruiting qualified staff and availability of effective marketing strategies were perceived as
the main critical success factors required by SMMEs in the Gauteng Province for their
survival in the construction industry. The findings emanating from this paper will form a basis
for future research on construction SMMES in South Africa.