Wurthmore Concrete, a Kimberley-based ready-mix concrete supplier, is expanding its footprint in the Northern Cape’s construction sector at a time when the industry continues to play a critical role in South Africa’s economy, contributing R313.8 billion to GDP (6.1%) and employing around 1.7 million people, according to Statistics South Africa.
More than 120,000 small and medium-sized enterprises operate in the sector, supporting infrastructure delivery and economic activity across the country.
The company, led by Sheridan Rivombo, is among eight black-owned enterprises recently supported through a partnership between the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Northern Cape Provincial Government.
The initiative aims to strengthen small businesses, unlock investment, and drive job creation across the province.
Founded in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Wurthmore Concrete entered the competitive market during a period when parts of the construction sector were under pressure, creating both challenges and opportunities for emerging suppliers in the industry.
Supplying construction materials
Wurthmore Concrete specialises in the supply and delivery of ready-mix concrete to the construction sector, supporting infrastructure and building projects within the Kimberley municipality and surrounding areas.
The company provides concrete of various strengths depending on project requirements, contributing to roads, buildings and broader infrastructure development in the region.
The construction industry in South Africa continues to show both scale and volatility, with new project values reaching R450 billion in 2023, of which about 60% is driven by infrastructure development.
The sector also grew by 3.2% in 2022, outpacing the wider economy and reflecting ongoing demand for building and infrastructure projects.
At the same time, residential construction accounts for about 40% of total output, highlighting the mix of public infrastructure and housing demand that continues to drive material suppliers such as Wurthmore Concrete.
Funding boosts growth and job creation
Rivombo said the business was introduced to funding opportunities through the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) after engaging with officials for financial support to expand its fleet and operations.
Through this process, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) approved a loan that enabled the company to scale its capacity and improve service delivery.
“The NEF-approved loan enabled Wurthmore to increase its ability to cater for the broader district and reduce lead times for deliveries to our clients,” he said.
The investment has allowed the company to increase its monthly production volumes, improving operational efficiency and revenue growth.
The funding has also contributed to job creation, with four direct jobs created, supporting 12 beneficiaries in total.
Looking ahead, Rivombo said the company plans to establish two other branches in the next eight months.
The expansion is expected to strengthen service delivery, reduce turnaround times and extend access to ready-mix concrete across a wider customer base.
As one of the businesses supported through the NEF initiative, Wurthmore Concrete reflects the growing role of small and medium enterprises in supporting infrastructure development and economic participation in the Northern Cape.
