Abstract
This exploratory study investigated ways to
improve the development of construction Small, Medium and
Micro Enterprises (SMME) in the Gauteng province of South
Africa. 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 from the questionnaire analysis revealed that the most
recommended solutions for the further development of
construction SMMEs by the SMME construction firms in the
Gauteng Province of South Africa are; having the necessary
education / skills / qualifications; attending leadership training
courses; availability of financial benefits, rewards and
incentives; adapting practices of current larger construction
companies; and learning new skills that will enhance the firms
capabilities. The paper provides relevant recommendations to
policy makers, development agencies, entrepreneurs, and
SMME managers to ascertain the appropriate strategy to
improve the SMME sector in the South Africa construction
industry. The findings escalating from this paper will form a
basis for future research on construction SMMES in South
Africa.