Partner With Visionaries - A Company With A View On Tomorrow
Established in 1979, Tri-Star Construction is a private, management-owned business that has evolved into a successful, sustainable, multi-disciplined, and reputable construction company.
Tri-Star Construction was founded, marking the beginning of our dedicated journey in the construction industry.
Derek Wheals and Billy McNeil acquired the business, initiating our expansion into the construction sector.
We established Tri-Star Housing to specialize in multi-unit residential developments
In response to our rapid growth, we launched our own plant and equipment division to support our projects.
Recognizing the importance of health and safety, we created an in-house Health & Safety department. This year also saw us expand our footprint into the Western Cape.
We sold 26% of our shares to Ba-Akhi Investments, a company wholly owned by Malose and Albertinah Kekana, marking a significant step in our transformation.
Tri-Star Painting and Renovations was divested to a local director as part of a BBBEE transformation initiative.
We unveiled our new corporate headquarters in Centurion and established an Executive Committee (EXCO) to steer our strategic growth.
Ba-Akhi Investments increased their stake to 51%, making Tri-Star a majority black-owned enterprise, and we achieved BBBEE Level 1 accreditation.
We continue to excel, receiving health and safety awards and delivering large‑scale commercial, student accommodation, industrial, retail, and mega‑city residential projects.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to hard work, growth, and creating a sustainable future for our clients, our staff, and communities in which we work.
Tri-Star Construction was founded, marking the beginning of our dedicated journey in the construction industry.
Derek Wheals and Billy McNeil acquired the business, initiating our expansion into the construction sector.
We established Tri-Star Housing to specialize in multi-unit residential developments
In response to our rapid growth, we launched our own plant and equipment division to support our projects.
Recognizing the importance of health and safety, we created an in-house Health & Safety department. This year also saw us expand our footprint into the Western Cape.
We sold 26% of our shares to Ba-Akhi Investments, a company wholly owned by Malose and Albertinah Kekana, marking a significant step in our transformation.
Tri-Star Painting and Renovations was divested to a local director as part of a BBBEE transformation initiative.
We unveiled our new corporate headquarters in Centurion and established an Executive Committee (EXCO) to steer our strategic growth.
Ba-Akhi Investments increased their stake to 51%, making Tri-Star a majority black-owned enterprise, and we achieved BBBEE Level 1 accreditation.
We continue to excel, receiving health and safety awards and delivering large‑scale commercial, student accommodation, industrial, retail, and mega‑city residential projects.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to hard work, growth, and creating a sustainable future for our clients, our staff, and communities in which we work.
At Tri-Star Construction, we uphold integrity in everything we do, operating transparently and treating all stakeholders with fairness and respect. We prioritize health and safety as fundamental to our operations, ensuring a safe environment for our teams and communities. Our commitment extends beyond construction. We strive to make a positive impact on society through social investment, and by empowering our people through training, mentorship, education, and opportunities for growth. Long-term relationships are the foundation of our success, and we are dedicated to fostering trust and collaboration with clients, partners, and communities. Excellence drives us; through innovation and teamwork, we aim to improve performance and deliver outstanding results for our projects, clients, employees, and the wider community.
To be a highly capable, diversified construction company recognized for our expertise, agility, integrity, and strong partnerships. We will pursue sustainable growth through organic and controlled expansion, guided by our core management team and values. By adhering to good corporate governance, managing risks prudently, and maintaining financial discipline, we will ensure long-term sustainability and success of Tri-Star Construction.
At Tri-Star Construction, our experienced management team and highly skilled workforce adopt a collaborative, hands-on approach to every project. We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality construction projects that meet the needs of our clients and adhere to industry standards.
Our broad expertise allows us to offer a comprehensive range of construction services, including:
•Traditional Building Contracts
•Turnkey (Design and Build) Projects
•Development Management and Property Development
•Client Partnerships, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and Joint Ventures
We have a proven track record of delivering complex projects across various sectors, including multi-unit housing, high-rise residential, commercial, industrial, retail developments, and specialized construction projects.
"The Road to Success is always under construction." – Lily Tomlin
Tri-Star Construction is driven by a dynamic team of directors who are highly experienced in the field of construction and share the passion and vision of their shareholders.
Albertinah brings extensive financial expertise and strategic leadership to Tri-Star Construction. Her insights and seasoned guidance are instrumental in shaping the company’s governance and long-term vision, providing invaluable stability and direction at the board level.
With years of corporate and financial experience, Malose has been a key member of our Board of Directors. His strategic guidance and industry insights support our growth and ensure sound decision-making across all aspects of our operations.
As co-founder and CEO, Derek has been the driving force behind Tri-Star’s success for over 29 years. His unwavering dedication, industry expertise, and passion for excellence continue to propel the company forward, delivering innovative construction solutions and building a strong reputation in the industry.
Gauteng Managing Director
Gauteng Chief Financial Director
Gauteng Contracts Director
Gauteng Contracts Director
Gauteng Contracts Director
Gauteng Contracts Director
Gauteng Associate Director / Senior Manager: Stakeholder Engagement
Gauteng Associate Director / Commercial Manager
Gauteng Associate Director / Senior Contracts Manager
Gauteng Human Resources Director
Gauteng Plant & Equipment Director
Cape Town Managing Director
Cape Town Commercial Director
Cape Town Associate Director / Senior Contracts Manager
Cape Town Associate Director / Contracts Manager
“Our people are our business.” – Derek Wheals, CEO
At Tri-Star Construction, our people are the foundation of our success – they are our most valuable asset. We believe that open, transparent communication is essential, and management is always accessible to staff, fostering a supportive environment where queries and issues are promptly addressed and resolved.
Central to our strategic approach is ongoing investment in our greatest asset: our workforce. We are committed to continuous training, development, and career advancement, ensuring our team remains motivated, skilled, and aligned with our company’s vision and values. We regularly review all aspects of our operations to identify opportunities for growth and improvement, both for our business and our people.
We recognize that our human capital creates sustainable value. To support this, we implement:
•A merit-based rewards system offering competitive remuneration
•Recognition programs and clear pathways for career progression through targeted training, education, and mentorship
•A collaborative environment that encourages innovation, skill-sharing, and problem-solving
At Tri-Star, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where our staff can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and be proud of the role they play in building a better future.
“We seek to inspire and uplift our people.” - Derek Wheals, CEO
At Tri-Star Construction, health and safety are at the heart of our operations. Our dedicated Health and Safety division is highly experienced and committed to maintaining the highest standards across all projects. We implement rigorous safety protocols, conduct regular training, and perform continuous risk assessments to protect our employees, subcontractors, clients, and communities.
Our unwavering dedication to safety excellence has earned us numerous industry awards and recognition, reflecting our proactive approach and industry leadership. We are committed to ongoing improvement, ensuring our safety practices stay aligned with the latest best practices and regulatory requirements.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Health and Safety team played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards. We partnered with the Master Builders Association (MBA) to develop and implement industry-leading protocols, setting new benchmarks for safety and health standards during a challenging period.
At Tri-Star, safety is more than a policy – it’s a culture. We believe that a safe working environment is essential to delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. Our comprehensive safety management system promotes a safety-first mindset, fostering open communication, continuous training, and vigilant site inspections to ensure everyone goes home safely every day.
Founded in 2006, Tri-Star Plant and Equipment operate as a strategic subsidiary of Tri-Star Construction, established to support our rapid growth and expanding project portfolio. This division is vital to our operational success, providing reliable, high-quality construction plant, machinery, and equipment.
Our plant and equipment is maintained internally to the highest industry standards, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and dependability on every project site. With dedicated premises and a highly experienced management team, Tri-Star Plant and Equipment offers seamless service, minimizing project downtime and maximizing productivity.
This centralized approach enhances our ability to deliver projects on time, the requisite plant and equipment and at reasonable cost, while supporting our long-term growth ambitions. Our commitment to excellence in plant and equipment management underscores our dedication to delivering superior quality, safety, and efficiency across all our construction operations.
"Whatever good things we build end up building us." – Jim Rohn
Building landmarks. Creating legacies.