According to Stats SA’s latest 2026Q2 financial statistics for the construction sector, activity strengthened in Q2 2026, with turnover rising 3.1% y-y to R97.8 billion, supported by higher purchases, increased equipment hire and stronger work in progress. Large contractors also entered the quarter with substantially higher active workloads, although WIP declined during the quarter as existing projects were worked down.
Profitability remains the key concern. Pre-tax profit in rands fell 54.7% y-y, reducing the industry margin from a average of 3.6% to just 1.6%, while large contractors remained loss-making despite higher turnover. Overall, the industry is busier, but not yet healthier, with stronger activity still struggling to translate into sustainable margins.
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