Recovery ahead for building and construction sectors, but healthcare risks remain…

South Africa’s blue-collar workforce – especially those in building, construction, civil engineering and mining – stands at a crossroads. The industries that employ over a million people and shape countless communities are showing sparks of recovery. Still, serious healthcare challenges threaten the wellbeing of the workers who keep these sectors alive.

Mohau Mphomela, Chairperson of the Building and Construction Industry Medical Aid (BCIMA) and Executive Director of the Master Builders Association (MBA) North, paints a picture of cautious optimism mixed with urgent calls for action. The building and construction sector is poised for growth, with market value expected to hit ZAR 160 billion this year and annual growth approaching 5% through 2029. New methods such as modular construction and a boost in government infrastructure spending are driving this momentum.

Meanwhile, open-cast mining grapples with energy shortages and logistics issues, causing contraction despite its 6% to 7% contribution to GDP. Yet there’s hope in the rising global demand for green metals like copper and lithium, which could revive mining communities if paired with modernisation and better infrastructure.

But beneath these promising headlines lies a harsh reality for workers. Many face daily risks and financial instability, with access to affordable, quality healthcare still a significant hurdle. Smaller contracting firms often leave workers uninsured and vulnerable to health crises they cannot afford.

South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) aims to improve cover, but delays and funding gaps mean the private sector must continue to innovate. For over 60 years, BCIMA has filled this gap, offering tailored, cost-effective healthcare solutions to meet building and construction workers’ unique needs. The Fund’s firm financial footing, with a solvency ratio of 68% and contribution increases consistently below inflation, ensures care remains affordable and reliable.

Mphomela stresses that healthcare isn’t just about cost, it’s about addressing mental health, financial security, and the physical dangers of demanding jobs. “A healthy workforce is a productive workforce,” he says, urging employers and industry leaders to prioritise worker wellbeing by fostering safe, supportive workplaces where employees feel valued.

BCIMA represents much more than a medical aid scheme – it’s a pillar of resilience for the communities behind South Africa’s infrastructure. Collaboration between government, employers, healthcare providers, and workers is essential to protecting and empowering those building the nation’s future.

As the sectors inch forward, the message is clear: growth alone isn’t enough. We must build a foundation of care and support that ensures our blue-collar workers survive and thrive.

For further insight on industry trends, see the South Africa Construction Industry Report 2025 and the Global Annual Mining Report 2025.