RadX Construction is one of the foremost names in the construction industry right now and it is thanks to professionals like Site Manager Daniel Machibaya. In this exclusive interview, Daniel reflects on how his upbringing shaped his career, his experiences at the forefront of dynamic projects, his thoughts on sustainable building practices and more.
Q: How has your personal background and the work your parents influenced the person and professional you are today?
A: My personal background and upbringing have profoundly shaped both the person and professional I am today. The values instilled in me—like hard work, teamwork, respect for colleagues and superiors and integrity—are key traits of my character. I owe these greatly to my mother and the education system I experienced from junior school right through to university.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
A: I pursued a career in construction because of the industry’s broad scope and the many paths one can venture into. From different roles in management—such as site management, cost management, risk management, operations management, and project development management—to being part of either the contractor team or the client/developer team, design, the opportunities are vast.
The industry is also diverse, allowing professionals to evolve into different types of construction over the years. This includes structural construction (standard brick and mortar), which further branches into residential and commercial builds, as well as civil construction (road construction, wastewater, and stormwater management) to specialised construction services e.g. concrete, piling etc.
There’s always something new to learn in construction, regardless of experience level. Additionally, being in Zimbabwe, where there is significant potential for growth due to dated infrastructure, and the need to adapt to new public demands for housing and public facilities like malls, hospitals, warehouse storage, etc., I knew there would always be opportunities to make a meaningful impact in my own little way to the Zimbabwean Market. Lastly, Construction is a big economic driver in any country so it’s an opportunity to make my mark.
Q: You studied Construction Management at the University of Pretoria in South Africa and later gained work experience in Zimbabwe. How has this unique blend of academic and practical exposure worked to your advantage?
A: Well UP provided me with a solid foundation (pardon the pun) in the theoretical and fundamental principles required in construction, such as Project Management, Construction Law, Construction Economics, and best Construction Practices. Being outside of Zimbabwe expanded my network and enhanced my cultural adaptability, as I collaborated effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
Exposure to more advanced infrastructure broadened my perspective on what we can achieve in Zimbabwe, and I am confident that we are on the right track. The hands-on experience has been an invaluable teacher, allowing me to apply my academic knowledge practically in real situations. Though I sometimes make mistakes, I adjust and improve.
Additionally, I have had the privilege of gaining hands-on experience with a Regional & Industry-leading company, RadX Construction, which has exponentially accelerated my practical exposure. These experiences have blended seamlessly, giving me an edge over my peers by combining a strong theoretical background with extensive practical experiences.
Q: What motivated your transition to RadX Construction as a Site Manager and what have you learnt since?
A: I transitioned to RadX for my personal professional development and to take on new challenges with the diverse projects the company undertakes. The company’s reputation for building trust through quality work was a driving factor in my decision to join the team. Since joining, I have learnt many things, including effective communication, client relations, teamwork, problem-solving techniques, advanced project management, and numerous technical skills.
Q: As a project/site manager, how do you make sure projects meet deadlines and maintain quality, even when the odds seem against you?
A: Detailed planning of activities, resource management, and consistent program monitoring throughout the project lifecycle are crucial for meeting deadlines. Effective communication with all parties, clearly outlining what is required of each person, as well as when and how, is also key.
Additionally, implementing quality control measures at every stage/milestone of the project greatly assists in maintaining high standards. Ultimately, having a strong team around me has helped ensure we meet our deadlines without compromising on budgeted costs and quality.
Q: You recently managed the Paramount Garments warehouse project. What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of this project?
A: The most rewarding part of the project was the positive feedback we got from the client at the end—it was incredibly affirming. Knowing that the warehouse will play a crucial role in such a large company’s operations is very satisfying. On the flip side, we faced challenges with the tight timeframe and the restrictive site space. Planning was essential, from how we stored materials on site to managing deliveries without slowing down on production.
Q: You have expressed a passion for contributing to sustainable development. How do you align this with each project you undertake at RadX Construction?
A: At RadX Construction, we focus on lean construction to minimize waste and maximize value. I achieve this through several methods:
Waste Reduction: Recycling and reusing materials wherever possible, like timber for formwork and reusing steel, etc.
Energy-Efficient Buildings: Incorporating sustainable HVAC systems, solar panels in our new builds to cut down on our carbon footprint, etc.
Sustainable Site Management: from preventing soil erosion and ensuring proper disposal of toxic materials etc and making conscious efforts to preserve the natural environment.
Just-In-Time Deliveries: Timing material deliveries to arrive exactly when needed, avoiding inventory storage costs and minimizing waste.
Final Fix Items in our Builds: Light fittings, sanitary fittings, etc., that reduce waste when being used.
Q: What does collaboration mean to you?
A: Collaboration means having shared goals with those I’m working with and effectively working together to ensure those goals are met. It’s about supporting each other, trusting each other, being motivated together to achieve, respecting and being honest with each other, openly communicating, and holding each other accountable for our shared goals.
Q: Looking back at your career thus far, is there a project or achievement that you are particularly proud of?
A: Yes, definitely, I am particularly proud of a residential cluster development of five single-storey homes in one of the north-west suburbs of Harare I worked on. It was the first project I managed from start to finish, and it significantly boosted my confidence and practical knowledge. The project turned out beautifully, especially with the landscaping, making it my favourite so far.
Q: Any exciting projects you are working on right now?
A: Yes, I am working on a very exciting project that I am sure will feature in a future Structure and Design edition soon. Stay tuned, haha
Q: Which iconic building in Zimbabwe or globally, which when you see or think about, always have you thinking, “I should have been a part of creating that?”
A: As someone who values sustainability, two buildings come to mind. The first is Eastgate Mall in Harare. Its design, inspired by termite mounds to allow natural ventilation and minimize energy use, is fascinating. Architect Mick Pearce truly innovated with this project. The second is 15 Alice Lane Towers in Sandton. This building boasts a 4-star green rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa and features numerous sustainability elements whilst maintaining an extremely beautiful and modern facade.
Q: As we close off 2024, what professional goals or aspirations are you setting for the upcoming year?
A: My primary goal for 2025 is to successfully complete the current project I am working on, on time and to the client’s satisfaction. Additionally, I aim to pursue more personal development courses to expand my knowledge and skills, striving to become the best Built Environment Professional I can be.
Q: Outside of work, what hobbies or activities keep you inspired and centred?
A: Outside of work, my new favorite hobby is playing padel, which I enjoy weekly with my friends. I also love long-distance running, both watching and playing soccer, and diving into a good book. Most recently, I’ve been enjoying African fiction. Additionally, I follow a couple of inspiring podcasts that help keep me centred and motivated.
Q: It seems easy for people who are into construction, engineering or architecture to pivot to other careers and go on to be successful as well. Ralph Mupita and Virgil Abloh quickly come to mind. Once you have achieved your goals in this field, is there another industry or career path you would like to explore?
A: Ralph and Virgil are great exemplars of how versatile our industry professionals can be, especially with Ralph being so close to home. I haven’t put much thought into anything outside of construction, but who knows what the future holds.
Q: What advice would you give to the young and old, aiming to make an impact in the construction industry?
A: Pursue continuous learning. Regardless of how much experience you have, there is always something to learn from everyone you meet in the industry. Embrace change, teamwork and stay resilient. Always put your best foot forward.
From S&D ISSUE 71
