WBHO’s roots go all the way back to 1970 when the construction company was founded by John Wilson and Brian Holmes. Following several mergers, the company became WBHO Construction in 1996 and expanded its operations beyond South Africa into other key African markets, including Zambia, Madagascar, Liberia, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Ghana and Tanzania, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a challenging business environment.
Today, WBHO is one of the largest construction companies in southern Africa, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and in addition to offices and subsidiaries in multiple African countries, also has a firm footing in the UK as a result of two acquisitions in 2017 and 2018.
Rated The Most Empowered Company on the JSE in 2019, WBHO prides itself on being a company that strives to empower as many stakeholders as possible throughout the construction value chain.
“At WBHO, we believe in a customer-centric approach, which involves regularly engaging with clients to understand their needs and expectations and implementing feedback mechanisms to enhance service delivery,” says Deon Robinson, Director – Building Africa.
Solid reputation
WBHO is a pioneer in technology integration, leveraging modern construction management software to streamline its operations, and incorporating Asite as a cloud-based construction management system for enhanced project visualization and management. “The strong emphasis on technology reassures our stakeholders about our modern approach,” says Robinson.
He further points out that the company’s success stems from its ability to diversify projects across various sectors, invest in local talent, and form strategic partnerships.
“At WBHO, we are unwavering in our commitment to financial prudence. We have implemented robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms, ensuring transparency and accountability. By conducting regular reviews of project financials, we demonstrate our dedication to staying within budget and optimizing profitability, instilling a sense of security and confidence in our stakeholders.”
With a solid reputation for delivering high-quality construction services, WBHO has secured repeat business and long-term contracts with clients. Its emphasis on safety, sustainability, and ethical practices further strengthens its market position.
Local engagement
WBHO’s construction projects span commercial, residential, industrial, roads, renewable energy, rail and infrastructure development. This diversification allows the company to mitigate risks while remaining flexible when faced with changing market demands.
“We have been instrumental in delivering critical infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, bulk earthworks, mining projects, hospitals, and schools, data centres, but not limited to and mixed-use developments leaving a lasting impact on the communities they serve and contributing to broader economic development,” says Robinson.
Stakeholder engagement is driven by engaging with local communities and stakeholders to understand their concerns and priorities regarding sustainability. WBHO further develops corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that reflect its commitment to sustainability and community support.
“We encourage a culture of innovation by investing in research and development for new construction technologies and techniques, and we partner with academic institutions to transfer knowledge and find innovative solutions. Internally, facilitating mentorship programmes to foster knowledge-sharing among employees also goes a long way.”
Operational Excellence
Throughout the years, WBHO has successfully formed partnerships and joint ventures with local and international firms. These collaborations enable knowledge-sharing and resource pooling and improve project delivery capabilities.
The company uses various techniques to optimise workflows and eliminate waste in all areas of operation. This creates lean construction principles that overflow into the Quality Management Systems (QMS) developed and implemented based on a comprehensive QMS manual to ensure high quality standards.
Safety is one of WBHO’s top priorities, Robinson affirms. “Our safety management is based on prioritising an excellent safety culture by adopting a zero-accident policy and continuous training on safety protocols, new initiatives and improvement plans for each division. We utilise the latest technology to monitor and enhance site safety.”
“Further, we track performance metrics by establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor operational efficiency. We use data analytics to identify trends and areas for improvement and senior managers are always directly involved in site safety. Safety comes first!”
Social and environmental practices
WBHO places a strong emphasis on the well-being and development of its staff and implements some key incentives taking care of its employees.
Within Health and Safety, WBHO prioritizes a safe working environment by implementing rigorous health and safety protocols on all their sites. “For training and development, we offer continuous professional development opportunities, including training programs and workshops, to help employees advance their skills and careers.”
Employee Wellness in WBHO supports the employees through various initiatives, such as wellness programs and access to health services. By recognition and a rewards system the company rewards employees for their hard work and achievements, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.
These efforts help create a supportive and engaging work environment for WBHO staff.
Similar importance is placed on sustainability. The company’s dedication to sustainable construction aligns both with global trends and with the priorities of local governments across Africa. This commitment enhances its competitive edge, particularly in regions prioritising environmentally responsible development.
“We implement eco-friendly construction methods to ensure sustainable practices, such as using sustainable materials and reducing energy consumption. Where required we manage to obtain EDGE / LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications for our green building projects.”
Leading the way
By effectively integrating the best practices into its operations, WBHO Construction positions itself as a construction industry leader, enhancing its operational effectiveness and contributing positively to the environment and society.
Despite political instability and economic volatility, WBHO’s reputation and strategic focus positions the company as a key player in Africa’s construction landscape.
“Our agility and adaptability have been crucial to maintaining steady growth and competitiveness,” reflects Robinson, pointing out that the company’s success across the continent is a testament to its strategic vision, adaptability, and commitment to continuing its growth path.
