Investigating the underlying causes of construction site disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal was the focus of research by Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies graduate, Ms Nombuso Dlamini.
With experience as a Social Facilitation and Stakeholder Engagement Practitioner, and Managing Director of Phizano (Pty) Ltd, Dlamini’s study is grounded in practical experience of infrastructure projects across the province. It seeks to move beyond surface-level explanations and provide a more grounded understanding of the dynamics at play to contribute to practical, engagement-driven solutions that can support more stable and inclusive infrastructure delivery.
Supervised by Dr Nomkhosi Luthuli, her dissertation was titled: ‘Construction Site Disruptions in the Infrastructure Development Projects of KwaZulu-Natal: Analysing Perceptions of the Black Business Federation. “My research examined construction site disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on the perspectives of the Black Business Federation and other key stakeholders involved in infrastructure development projects,” she explained.
The study found that disruptions on construction sites are often not simply criminal acts, as is commonly assumed, but are linked to deeper structural challenges such as historical economic exclusion and limited access to opportunities within the construction sector.
Dlamini noted that from the perspective of the Black Business Federation, such disruptions are often driven by attempts to push for economic inclusion in a sector perceived to be inaccessible. However, these actions are frequently interpreted differently by other stakeholders, resulting in tension, mistrust and project delays.
She further highlighted a significant gap between policy and implementation, where frameworks intended to support local participation are not always consistently applied on the ground and this contributes to misunderstandings and conflict within projects.
Another key finding of the research was that stakeholder engagement in many infrastructure projects remains largely informal and reactive.
According to Dlamini, this approach limits the potential for early resolution of disputes and contributes to unnecessary disruptions on site.
The study further emphasises the importance of shifting how communities and local businesses are viewed within infrastructure development, from passive beneficiaries to active participants in the development process.
Dlamini says balancing her studies with work and family responsibilities was not without challenges. She described the journey as demanding, requiring discipline, resilience and careful time management while navigating multiple roles as a practitioner, business leader and mother.
She acknowledged that the process involved personal sacrifices, particularly in terms of time with family, but said the support of her loved ones and her supervisor, Dr Nomkhosi Luthuli, played a crucial role in helping her complete the qualification.
With her children celebrating the graduation milestone in simple but meaningful ways, including bringing her flowers from their garden, Dlamini said the achievement carried deep personal significance.
Now the proud holder of a master’s qualification, Dlamini says she is better positioned to expand the work of Phizano (Pty) Ltd and contribute more meaningfully to infrastructure development processes. She believes her research will reinforce the importance of inclusion, structured engagement and clear communication in achieving sustainable and conflict-free project delivery in the sector.
She currently serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Professional Business Women Association (PBWA) and as the Chairperson of the Masenze Foundation, roles that reflect her commitment to leadership, women’s empowerment, and community development.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini