The CDA’s Contractor Training Class of 2025
On 29 August, DAG’s Contractor and Developer Academy (CDA) hosted a milestone celebration to mark the graduation of its 2025 Contractor Training cohort. The programme plays a vital role in advancing DAG’s mission to build equitable, inclusive, and sustainable neighbourhoods.
Since its launch in 2017, the CDA has trained more than 165 contractors across the Western Cape and Gauteng, with a strong focus on empowering youth, women, and individuals from marginalised backgrounds. Through this, graduates are equipped with the skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs begin their journey without the formal training needed to navigate the complexities of modern construction. The CDA is designed to bridge that gap, and its courses move beyond just teaching technical skills, and toward empowering participants to become confident business owners who are capable of securing and successfully executing projects of all sizes.
In a sector that is still largely male-dominated and has been slow to transform, the CDA takes a developmental approach that advances socio-economic and spatial justice through collective action. This commitment was evident at the graduation event, where 19 rising construction business owners representing a range of communities across Cape Town, including Atlantis, Khayelitsha, Mitchell’s Plain and Kraaifontein were honoured.
The presence of industry partners such as the City of Cape Town’s Business Hub, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), the Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC), and the Built Environment Clinic (BEC) at the event not only affirmed the significance of these graduates’ achievements but also provided valuable networking opportunities. In her keynote address, Mrs. Petra Devereux, Executive Director of MBAWC, underscored the importance of building these kinds of connections while also offering practical insights on navigating the construction sector.
The CDA’s Contractor Development Training Programme is led by Dr. Amanda Filtane, a seasoned construction manager and academic who specialises in Business and Project Management. The four-month course, which combines teaching, assessment, and mentorship focuses on the following core training areas:
- Business Administration and Management
- Financial Management
- Branding and Marketing
- Construction Technical Skills (Interpretation of Drawings, Measuring, Pricing, and Costing)
- Procurement and Tendering Processes
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Project Management
From Administrator to Builder: Faheema’s Journey of Resilience and Growth
One of the evening’s most powerful stories came from Faheema Kader, a female participant from Grassy Park. With her husband, Faheema runs Inside and Out, a fast-growing construction company specialising in building maintenance. Faheema’s role in the company had been business administration, while her husband handled the technical aspects on-site. However, when her husband was unfortunately involved in a car accident and was no longer able to perform his duties, Faheema had to step up and manage the ongoing projects.
“I would not have been able to do this without the knowledge and tools I learned from the training. I was comfortable going on-site and drafting risk assessments for the project. Thank you to Dr. Amanda and the DAG’s team for this opportunity.”
Faheema’s story is a testament to why DAG initiated these capacity building programmes. Our training is open to everyone, with no prior formal education required. This approach allows the CDA to provide a pathway to economic empowerment for those who might otherwise be left behind. By focusing on practical skills and business acumen, we are building a generation of contractors who are ready to drive change and build sustainable cities.
