Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the critical success factors (CSF) that influence the success of small and medium sized contractors in the greater Johannesburg metropolitan area, Gauteng province of South Africa. An all-inclusive literature study was carried out. A structured questionnaire was developed for 50 SMME contracting firms to access the standing of their enterprises and also to scrutinize the CSF that influence the success of their businesses. Findings emanating from the study reveal that good management skills, maintaining good relationships with clients, proper record keeping and good cash flow management were the prime CSF needed by the SMME in the greater Johannesburg region for the survival of their firms. This study contributes to the preposition that CSFs are necessary for the survival of SMMEs as they are seen to hold the key to the development of the local economies and the nations at large.