BUILDING A LASTING LEGACY
At the vanguard of the industry, WBHO specialises in engineering, procurement, and construction, playing a pivotal role in Africa’s infrastructure. Derek Wallace, Managing Director of the Projects Division, shares how the company is driving sustainable development
Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Andrew Marjoram
As one of Africa’s dynamic and burgeoning industries, construction is crucial to the continent’s economic advancement.
Driven by the high demand for infrastructure and housing, the sector is becoming increasingly multidisciplinary as urbanisation accelerates due to a rising population. This evolution requires a diverse range of skills and expertise to meet the community’s needs effectively.
WBHO is an international construction company leading the progress of Africa’s foundation and framework. With comprehensive services covering various aspects of building and engineering, it plays a vital role in developing growing communities across the continent.
“Africa is an exciting place to work with constantly changing circumstances to navigate, such as localisation, exchange rates, and competition from foreign companies. There is considerable demand for various exciting projects; however, securing development finance can be challenging,” introduces Derek Wallace, Managing Director of the Projects Division at WBHO.
Encompassing engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and design initiatives, this division not only supports other departments but also undertakes energy projects for the group.
WBHO’s construction activities, meanwhile, cover a wide range and are categorised into three main operating divisions – Building Construction, Civil Engineering, and Roads and Earthworks.
Established in 1970, the company has grown into one of the largest and most prominent construction firms in Southern Africa with a strong presence in the industry.
It is proudly listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), holding Level 1 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) contributor status, showcasing its commitment to promoting economic empowerment and transformation in the region.
RELIABILITY AND ABILITY
The driving force behind WBHO is a core of dedicated, hands-on management professionals whose expertise spans decades of major construction projects in Southern, Central, and West Africa, as well as the UK.
The company’s continued success is a testament to its dedication to safety and unwavering commitment to quality. This is encapsulated in the WBHO motto, ‘Rely On Our Ability’, reflecting its pride in serving clients of all sizes.
“We stand firmly behind our motto because of our commitment to delivering only the highest standard of construction practices, which are at the heart of our business. We like to provide a hands-on approach to all projects,” Wallace proudly states.
At the core of WBHO’s success is a committed team with extensive experience in large construction projects, and this continuity of service only strengthens the company’s motto.
“OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM IS VERY HANDS-ON AND NOT HEAD OFFICE-BASED, MAKING THEM MORE ATTUNED TO WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING ON PROJECTS”
– DEREK WALLACE, MANAGING DIRECTOR – PROJECTS DIVISION, WBHO
“Construction sites are not easy places to work, with many uncontrollable elements, so it is sometimes hard to find people in it for the long haul.”
WBHO’s dedicated employees at all levels are a major asset, embodying the company’s core values. Wallace himself joined WBHO in 1988 as a site engineer and was subsequently appointed as Managing Director of the Projects Division in 2012.
“The continuity of service amongst our senior management is one of our key differentiators, with most managers contributing over 25 years of service, which helps us maintain a continuation of culture and allows them to share their breadth of experience. Our management team is very hands-on and not head officebased, making them more attuned to what is actually happening on projects,” he outlines.
As a whole, the WBHO team comprises inherently driven individuals who take initiative in their work and are self-motivated in their ambition and commitment to achieving excellence in every project they undertake.
Delivering Impactful Projects
Specialist electrical engineering company, Innovation Expand, boasts a proud history of excellence due to its extensive experience in the South African power system industry.
Since its establishment in 2017, Innovation Expand has delivered first-class, reliable, safe, and cost-effective power system solutions across South Africa, led by a team of specialised engineering consultants.
Offering strategic advice that resolves multi-disciplined problems, the company strives to form collaborative relationships with each of its client and stakeholders to ensure ongoing transparency, communication, and optimum delivery.
The company’s technically-led, solutions-orientated approach strives to empower its clients amidst a rapidly evolving electrical engineering landscape, and it is proud to boast an impressive portfolio of both local and international clients.
As it continues to cultivate lasting relationships built on trust, Innovation Expand undertakes each of its projects with integrity, building prosperity and success for every client.
ENGINEERING DESIGN
Providing engineering design services for utilities and private clients, from substations and overhead lines, through to balance of plant wind and solar plant collector designs. Innovation Expand inhouse engineering covers the electrical, mechanical and civil components.
The company’s process consists of five distinct phases, including planning, functional design, detailed design, procurement support, and construction support, each carried out meticulously to ensure legislative and environmental compliance, process safety and project specific requirements.
The company offers engineering services for both NTCSA and Eskom Distribution self-build projects.
POWER SYSTEM ANALYSIS
Conducting a broad group of studies to determine the response of an integrated power system whilst operating under a variety of configurations and conditions, Innovation Expand utilises industry standard power system software to analyse complicated power systems and produce insightful reports of the highest quality.
Its process analysis method is carried out through four phases comprising data gathering and verification, model development and verification, advanced automation techniques (where applicable), and report delivery, providing consistently comprehensive results.
POWER SYSTEM PROTECTION
Applying expertise so that its clients can achieve dependable, resilient, and affordable power system protection.
Innovation Expand’s suite of power system protection services caters for transmission, distribution, generation, and industrial networks, whilst its top priority is to ensure that all equipment is adequately and effectively protected.
As such, the company’s protection philosophy is to prioritise safety and reliability, detect potential problems, and gauge dependable and secure alternative solutions.
Its services include design, implementation, commissioning support, as well as post-commissioning optimisation, whilst its power system protection experience enables it to understand and configure devices to prevent potential problems, thereby improving overall system performance, maximising equipment dependability, and integrated stability.
In addition, the company has a quantitative understanding of performance measures and is able to combine protection systems for both new and old technologies and systems, including telecommunications and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) integrations.
Extensive experience in the field and a holistic understanding of power systems has also enabled the company to offer training as part of its power system protection services.
GRID CODE COMPLIANCE ASSESSMENT
The company offers the suite of Grid Code compliance services, from start to finish, covering preliminary Stage 1 analysis, pre-COD Stage 2 study reports for submission to RETEC, dry-run and site testing support, RMS and EMT simulation model validation, and power quality analysis and reporting. The company is proud to offer its services to both local and international clients, in software packages of DIgSILENT PowerFactory and PSCAD.
“The workforce shares in the company’s success as employees who have performed well are given development opportunities and are rewarded through quicker promotions. Staff selection is a critical aspect of continuing the company culture as emphasis is placed on employing suitable people,” Wallace declares.
BUILDING WINNING PARTNERSHIPS
Most of the primary equipment for solar renewable projects is located offshore, so supply chain management is essential for timely delivery. Thus, supplier relationships remain of the utmost importance to WBHO and are a critical aspect of its operations.
In response to the urgent need for energy-efficient solutions, WBHO has sought partnerships and collaborations focusing on renewable energy projects.
During challenging projects, it is vital to establish partnerships with suppliers who not only deliver quality products but also offer assistance when issues arise.
A SUNNY FORECAST
WBHO is making a significant impact in the solar energy field with various completed and ongoing projects. At the forefront of renewable energy technology is Sungrow, an innovative and pioneering company dedicated to providing sustainable solar solutions for all with its advanced solar inverters.
WBHO’S RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO
MEREK 2 AND 3 SOLAR (2X 100MW) – Majority partner for the EPC contract for a photovoltaic (PV) plant and grid works for a private offtaker.
KARUSA AND SOETWATER (2X 147MW) – The electrical balance of plant works, including a 33 kilovolt (kV) and 132kV overhead line construction.
COPPERTON AND GAROB – Manufacturing of precast concrete for a wind tower, showcasing the collaboration between WBHO and the communities it serves.
RESSANO GARCIA GAS-FIRED POWER STATION – A joint venture (JV) with a specialised engineering company on a 13-engine 100MW gas-powered electric generation facility alongside grid connection works.
KATHU SOLAR PROJECT – In a JV with a minority international partner, this 81MW solar facility was developed in Round 1 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) in SA, including the self-built substation works and grid code tests.
HARMONY SOLAR PROJECT – An EPC contract for three solar PV plants totalling 30MW for a private offtaker.
NGONYE SOLAR PLANT – Construction of a 34MW solar PV plant on 54 hectares (ha), including 104,000 modules, 3,486 trackers, and seven inverter stations with associated connections to the existing ZESCO substation.
NXUBA WIND FARM – WBHO’s Projects Division was awarded a contract to complete the mechanical and electrical installations of the wind turbines at the wind farm on the Eastern Cape.
By focusing on cutting-edge solar energy products, Sungrow is playing a vital role in supporting the transition to a cleaner and greener future.
Sungrow Powers Africa’s Largest Renewable Energy Project in Collaboration with SOLA Group
Situated outside Lichtenburg in South Africa’s North West Province, this landmark project encompasses two groundbreaking solar PV wheeling initiatives, totaling 256 MWp. Owned by SOLA Group and powered by Sungrow’s advanced 1+X modular inverters, these projects mark a significant milestone in Africa’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
Sungrow 1+X modular inverters—an innovation that combines the advantages of both central and string inverters. This design offers greater flexibility for various block sizes while simplifying on-site operations and maintenance. Moreover, the 1+X modular inverter features intelligent string-level diagnostics to enhance power yield and real-time parallel arc detection to improve system safety. These benefits contribute to lowering overall operational expenses (OPEX).
With over 390,000 bifacial solar modules mounted on singleaxis trackers across 430 hectares, the projects are poised to generate an impressive 593,721 MWh of energy annually. This renewable energy output is equivalent to powering over 80,000 households and mitigating over 420,760 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, underscoring the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
team set it apart. We firmly believe that through productive cooperation, SOLA Group and Sungrow will successfully deliver this milestone project and add value to South Africa’s solar PV market,” said Ian Burger, Chief Technical Officer.
In addition to providing clean energy to Tronox Mineral Sands facilities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape, this collaboration establishes Africa’s largest corporate renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement with a private off-taker. It also represents the continent’s largest renewable energy project under a Wheeling Agreement, highlighting the transformative potential of renewable energy partnerships.
As Africa’s leading renewable energy supplier, Sungrow remains committed to enabling the widespread adoption of clean energy worldwide. By leveraging innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, Sungrow continues to empower communities and businesses with reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions.
ABOUT SUNGROW
This large-scale utility project will significantly enhance clean power generation capacity, helping to address South Africa’s current electricity shortfall while accelerating its energy transition and modernisation.
“This 256 MWp solar project is the largest and the first of its scale in South Africa. As the project’s Independent Power Producer (IPP), SOLA Group takes great care in selecting suppliers. Sungrow’s industry-leading modular inverter solutions, extensive experience in solar projects, and dedicated local
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 27 years. As of June 2024, Sungrow has installed 605 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognised as the world’s No. 1 on PV inverter shipments (S&P Global Commodity Insights) and the most bankable Asian energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects in over 170 countries, supported by a network of 490 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we’re committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit https://sa.sungrowpower.com
WBHO’S CONSTRUCTION CONTRIBUTION TO CITIES
RETAIL
MALL OF AFRICA – A flagship retail development for Atterbury Properties in the Waterfall Precinct, the scale of which is unprecedented for Africa at nearly 500,000 square metres (sqm) with 7,500 structured parking bays.
OCEANS MALL UMHLANGA – Comprises 102 retail outlets, 15 restaurants, and 1,081 parking spaces.
RESIDENTIAL
STEYN CITY – This 73,200 sqm gross leasable area (GLA) project is five floors of impressive architectural achievement with 452 luxury units, including exquisite penthouses with rooftop pools and landscaped courtyards.
RESORTS, HOTELS, AND MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS
UMHLANGA ARCH – An eight-level building divided into upmarket offices, retail, a 207-bed Hilton Hotel, and 187 high-end apartments and lofts.
ALICE LANE PRECINCT – This three-phase development includes a worldclass Virgin Active gym, restaurants, office space, retail, and a landscaped piazza.
OFFICE AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
DISCOVERY HEADQUARTERS – Just over 300,000 sqm with nine
“We build relationships with our suppliers, so we know each other’s touch points and have an open relationship to discuss any problems that might occur,” Wallace reveals.
It is equally important for suppliers to have insight into the supply chain to ensure smooth and efficient operations. For instance, if a relationship breaks down, a lack of communication about a product being supplied from Asia to Europe can lead to significant disruption.
WBHO is dedicated to ensuring that suppliers and subcontractors are prioritised, particularly regarding financial arrangements, which helps to foster strong partnerships.
“We take the government’s drive to build small enterprises seriously and often have to split up parcels enable smaller companies to participate, even though it increases our risk profile,” expresses Wallace earnestly.
Authority, Integrity and Verity In Security
We provide a comprehensive security service for our clients from vast fields of construction and operations.
We pride ourselves in delivering top quality service, every time, on time, tailored to the client’s needs.
We bring a dynamic into security that inspires trust and dependability from our clients and we have proven this in the increase in
demand for our specific services throughout more than 10 years of service excellence.
Being a multi-disciplinary service provider means our client base is diverse and multi-faceted. Our reach is vast and wide, stretching across cities and provinces. Sinegugu is your one-stop for all your turnkey security needs.
As building partnerships with local businesses and communities promotes economic empowerment, WBHO leverages local expertise to tailor projects to the specific needs of the regions in which it operates.
Effectively managing strategic partnerships is therefore crucial for WBHO’s mission to advance development throughout Africa and create an enduring legacy.
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE OPERATIONS
WBHO’s primary goal is to successfully complete ongoing projects and enhance its reputation in the energy sector whilst pursuing additional procurement opportunities.
Therefore, sustainability becomes a cornerstone of the process when the company takes on design projects. Sustainable principles are integrated at every stage, demonstrating a commitment to both quality and
environmental stewardship.
Due to recent energy supply issues in South Africa (SA), implementing energy-saving measures has become crucial for all projects. These beneficial initiatives are necessary for sustainability and efficiency in an environment where energy resources are limited.
“Our current designs address water supply issues. Energy projects, often located in remote areas, need to be self-sufficient in terms of utilities; thus, sustainable designs are essential,” Wallace enlightens.
As such, the company is committed to sustainable operations and actively pursues various initiatives to enhance energy efficiency. It aims to reduce its environmental impact by implementing innovative strategies and practices whilst promoting responsible resource use.
“Typically, clients incorporate their sustainability goals into their projects, and our influence is primarily limited to design, construction,
or public-private partnerships (PPPs). We make an effort to recycle waste products and utilise on-site green energy to maximise our ecofriendliness,” impassions Wallace.
Using modern technologies such as building information modelling (BIM) can lead to more efficient planning and construction processes, minimising waste and improving project outcomes.
Whilst construction innovates at a different pace to other sectors, WBHO has recently begun to embrace the digital space through the comprehensive implementation of BIM.
In addition to standard construction projects such as buildings, roads, earthworks, and civil engineering, the company has successfully entered the power production market through its Projects Division, focusing on commercial renewable energy projects, including both wind and solar.
Coleskop Wind Farm
WBHO PROJECTS DIVISION AT A GLANCE
The team efficiently implements turnkey projects that generate value and minimise risk for clients by developing the necessary internal expertise and strategic partnerships with local and international service providers.
The Projects Division exposes the group to a range of diversified margin streams within the boundaries of the construction environment, where it has a proven track record of delivering PPPs, concession arrangements, and turnkey design and construction solutions.
SECTORS COVERED INCLUDE:
• Airports
• Toll roads
• Renewable energy including wind, gas, and solar
• Serviced accommodation
AN UNWAVERING COMMITMENT CONTINUES
Currently, WBHO is placing strong importance on the procurement and execution of renewable energy projects.
The company is actively completing bids for initiatives that can generate up to 500 megawatts (MW) of power, aiming to expand its portfolio in this growing sector.
This strategic focus reflects its commitment to sustainability and its role in supporting the transition to cleaner energy solutions, which often involve PPPs.
“PPPs have been sporadic in SA for the last 20 years, yet WBHO has been successful in bidding, constructing, and managing PPP projects. As such, we anticipate a good growth path in this aspect going forwards,” Wallace details.
Despite facing challenges around regulatory uncertainty, PPPs present a vital opportunity for sustainable infrastructure development in Africa, including projects for renewable energy sources and efficient water management systems.
“Some PPP projects in the pipeline
include hospitals, border posts, water treatment works, and office accommodation. Besides investment in construction equipment, our other investments have been in PPPs, with the last one completed in 2023,” Wallace concludes.
WBHO’s longevity in the industry stems from its experienced management, diverse service offerings, dedication to quality, commitment to sustainability, and effective partnership management.
Combined, these elements enable the company to thrive in Africa’s competitive construction landscape, making it a leader in the field.
Indeed, it will be interesting to observe what WBHO achieves over the next 50 years and how it continues to shape Africa’s construction industry.
Tel: 011 321 7200
wbho@wbho.co.za
www.wbho.co.za
Coleskop Wind Farm
