- The deadline to submit nominations is 27 March and will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts and leaders
- The awards programme introduces six new categories recognizing leadership accountability, digital transformation and inclusive growth
Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, organized by dmg events, returns for its 4th edition on 10 June 2026 in Johannesburg, recognizing and celebrating impact across South Africa’s construction sector. With South Africa’s construction market valued at approximately $125 billion (Source: ABiQ), spanning infrastructure development, housing, commercial projects, transport networks and digitalization initiatives, the industry has the opportunity to be recognized for its achievements at the awards, as the entry deadline is 27 March.
As the industry continues to address construction delivery pressures and increased expectations for accountability and performance, independent recognition plays an important role in benchmarking achievements across the sector. Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards recognize projects, organizations and industry professionals that demonstrate measurable impact across sustainability, innovation, leadership and project and business performance. Open to project owners, contractors, consultants, architects, engineers and project management firms operating in South Africa, the awards spotlight contributions that support growth within the built environment.
Expansion of awards programme reflects evolving industry priorities
Now in its fourth year, the awards have expanded from 12 to 18 categories in 2026, reflecting the growing emphasis across the construction industry on leadership accountability, digital adoption, collaboration and inclusive organizational practices. The six new categories are: Construction Leader of the Year; Best Use of Technology of the Year; Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Partnership of the Year; Impact Leadership Team of the Year; and Sustainable Organization of the Year. All 18 categories open for nomination are available on the website.
Commenting on awards’ nominations, Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, dmg events, said: “Over the past four years, Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards have become a key benchmark for performance in South Africa’s construction industry. This independent recognition plays an important role in raising standards and encouraging organizations to assess and recognize their achievements as the sector evolves.”
Independent judging ensures credibility and transparency
All the nominations submitted for Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards are reviewed by an independent panel of construction industry experts representing organizations that include: Gauteng Institute for Architecture; Green Building Council Mauritius; South African Institute of Architectural Technologists; Association of South African Surveyors; Chartered Institute of Building; South African Institution of Civil Engineering; SAICE Future Leaders Panel; South African Council for the Architectural Profession; Consulting Engineers South Africa; South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health; Association of South African Quantity Surveyors; South African Institute for Black Property Practitioners; Association of Construction Project Managers; Gordon Institute of Business Science; Master Builders South Africa; South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions; University of the Witwatersrand and ConstructAfrica.
Speaking of the judging process, one of the judges, Nomvula Rakolote, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Construction Project Managers (ACPM), said: “As a judge for Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, I will be looking for projects that set new benchmarks through decisive leadership, bold innovation and the committed teams whose vision delivers lasting impact.”
The panel assesses entries against defined criteria to ensure a transparent and rigorous evaluation process, recognizing organizations that demonstrate measurable achievement and a significant contribution to South Africa’s construction sector.
“Some of the most impactful work in our built environment is rarely the loudest. These awards create space for that work to step into the light. As a judge, I’m excited to engage with projects and people who are contributing meaningfully to our industry, often without seeking recognition,” added Linke Ströhmenger, President and Director, South African Institute of Architectural Technologists (SAIAT), another judge on the panel.
Growing participation reflects industry evolution
The 2026 edition builds on the continued growth of Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards. In 2025, the programme saw increased participation from across the industry, with more than 20% of finalists being new entrants. The inclusion of emerging organizations alongside established industry leaders reflects the evolving composition of South Africa’s construction sector and highlights the role of the awards in recognizing both innovation and operational performance.
The entry deadline to submit nominations for Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards is 27 March 2026, with winners to be announced at the awards ceremony on 10 June 2026 in Johannesburg.
For more information and to submit nominations, visit: https://www.big5constructsouthafrica.com/construction-impact-awards/