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On-site labour productivity modalities for small and medium enterprises to enhance sustainable construction project delivery in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
Author(s)
Mtshakaza, Yongama
Date Issued
2026
Type
master thesis
Publisher
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Abstract
On-site labour productivity is a major determinant of the success of SME contractors that play a major role in the growth and employment in South Africa. Nevertheless, 70-80 percent of the SME contractors have been failing within the first five years, mainly because of low productivity, which affects the economy negatively and ends up causing job losses. It has been observed that poor on-site labour productivity often leads to profit losses, inefficiency in utilisation of resources, and lack of competitiveness. Therefore, in this study, effective on-site labour productivity modalities that can be adopted by SME contractors to enhance sustainable construction project delivery are proposed. In an effort to improve SME contractor’s on-site labour productivity, this study investigates perceptions of SME contractors regarding on-site labour productivity, on-site labour productivity challenges among SME contractors, factors in enhancing effective on-site labour productivity, and effective modalities recommended by SME contractors to enhance labour in the Western Cape. This study adopted a quantitative research methodological choice, and therefore, collected data was based on an online survey questionnaire applied through Google Forms to the SME contractors registered under the cidb Grade 1 to 6 of General Building (GB). The sampling was of the site management staff of the SME contractors in the Western Cape directed at managing directors, quantity surveyors, construction managers, foremen and site agents. In order to analyse the results, descriptive statistical analyses (Mean Value and Relative Importance Index) and inferential statistics (Factor Analysis) were employed in this study using SPSS. Furthermore, this study made of Cronbachs Alpha in order to ascertain the reliability of the study findings. The results have indicated that SME contractors in the Western Cape consider the following practices important towards improving on-site labour productivity: continuous training and skill building, job satisfaction, and the adoption of new technologies, and compliance with Safety, Health and Quality (SHEQ) regulations and clear instructions and guidelines. The results also revealed the challenges faced by the SME contractors in terms of on-site labour productivity that encompassed poor site layout plan, negligence of labour, alteration of government policies and compliance with labour laws. Also, the findings identified key factors for enhancing effective on-site labour productivity, which include the level of skill of the labour, the motivation, the training, the external conditions and the influence of the stakeholder. Regarding SME contractors’ modalities for improving on-site labour productivity, the results indicated the presence of excellent task supervision, monitoring of construction equipment (via telematics), employment of labour-assistive robotics and addressing labour-related issues promptly and fairly. In conclusion, on-site labour productivity of SME contractors can be improved by means of constant training and development of on-site labour, appropriate supervision and site management and the use of technology.
Additional information
Thesis (Master of Construction (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2026
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Mtshakaza, Y_222351896 (1).pdf
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Name
Mtshakaza, Y_222351896 (1).pdf
Size
1.7 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):ecc2b54f4eaa08876e74dcfab85b9eba