By Architect and Builder, Volume 75, Issue 4, page 22
Construction World recently spoke to the two remaining founding members of Washirika 3 Oaks (W3O), Gavin Morrow (CEO) and Sean Roberts (Director of Design & Build and Development), on the eve of the company’s 20th anniversary in March. Joined by Happy Ntshingila, who became Chairman in 2014, they share insights into how W3O has transformed into a major industry player and how its principles and strategic growth have positioned it to take on increasingly complex projects.
The Evolution of W3O
When Gavin Morrow and Sean Roberts returned from working in London, their initial focus was property development. Over time, the company evolved, and when Happy Ntshingila joined as Chairman in 2014, W3O took on a new strategic direction—shifting from smaller residential projects to positioning itself as a formidable force in industrial and commercial construction.
Ntshingila is currently on a sabbatical while he completes his pupillage with the Legal Practice Council and will be back in the saddle in 2026. He comes from a corporate background, recalls how he met Morrow and Roberts when their company was still known as 3 Oaks. “It was a small operation, but we saw the potential to build something much larger,” he says. “We needed to move away from just building houses and instead think on a much bigger scale. Through strategic planning, we redefined our approach to align with the principles of a high-performing industrial construction business.”
The W3O Principles
The foundation of W3O’s success is built on four core pillars that guide the company’s culture and operations. These principles form the backbone of its motto: Building Better Together.
- Ubuntu – Every employee is integral to the company’s success, reinforcing that the sum is greater than the individual parts.
- Own It – Accountability is key at W3O. Employees take responsibility for their work, their colleagues, partners, and customers.
- Show Grit – Employees are encouraged to tackle challenges head-on, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
- Be Real – Individual perspectives, experiences, and skills are leveraged to make better business decisions and deliver optimal results for clients.
“Our business is like a table that needs all four legs to stand,” Morrow explains. “We actively ensure that we live by these values. W3O Champions, selected from within the company, act as conduits between employees and management, helping to uphold these principles while also forming part of our succession planning.”
With rapid growth, W3O has remained intentional about preserving its culture. “As we reach a level where we can compete with major contractors, we ask ourselves how we maintain the values that brought us here,” says Ntshingila. “Our DNA must remain uncompromising.”
Intentional Growth
W3O’s rise has been anything but accidental. The company’s growth has been driven by clear strategic goals, particularly over the past five years. While the Covid-19 pandemic slowed progress, W3O adapted, rebounded, and is now focused on achieving its goal of becoming a top 10 contractor in South Africa.
“Defining a top 10 contractor isn’t straightforward,” Morrow admits. “It can be based on revenue, expertise, footprint, workforce size, or the complexity of projects. But what we do know is that in 20 years, we have grown from six employees to 450 and from an initial turnover of R1.5 million to nearly R1 billion. Our most significant growth has come in the last decade.”
W3O’s Unique Selling Proposition
“Our USP is simple: Big Enough to be the Best,” says Ntshingila. “It’s a bold yet humble statement that reflects our confidence in our ability to deliver excellence while ensuring clients feel secure in choosing us.”
Safety is a critical aspect of W3O’s identity, with the company boasting an impressive track record. W3O has won multiple 5-Star Health & Safety Awards with MBA North and MBA Western Cape and was recognized as the Safety Manager of the Year in 2024 through the MBA North, with Thando Mbhele receiving this prestigious award.
The right people are just as important as the right projects. “When hiring, we don’t just look at CVs—we look at individuals,” says Morrow. “A person has to be a W3O person. With 45 active projects across the country, we rely on our people to uphold our brand and values.”
W3O operates from offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, with satellite offices in various regions. Plans are underway to expand into Botswana. “We can work anywhere in the country, depending on the project’s needs,” adds Roberts.
Currently, W3O’s work is entirely within the private sector, with no direct government contracts. However, the company established a Civils Division two years ago as part of its long-term growth strategy. “We aim for a 70/30 split between private and government work in the future,” Morrow explains.
Defining Success
W3O’s impact on the industry is evident through its achievements. “There have been key milestones,” says Roberts. “Happy joining and reshaping the company’s mindset, earning ISO9001:2015 and ISO45001:2015 certifications, and our success in safety awards. A major highlight was receiving a Highly Commended award for our work on the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRi) at Steve Biko Academic Hospital at Construction World’s Best Projects Awards in 2024.”
This recognition underscores W3O’s expertise in healthcare construction—a sector that remains a key focus. Beyond healthcare, W3O specializes in office, retail, banking, industrial, residential, education, and hospitality projects.
Future Aspirations
One of W3O’s key objectives is to expand its presence. “In Cape Town, we’ve built our brand from scratch to the point where we are now recognized as a serious player,” says Morrow. “Right now, we have six cranes on five sites in the city, which speaks to our growth and visibility.”
Another defining goal is to position W3O as the Next Generation Contractor. “This means filling the gaps in technology, sustainability, and innovation,” Morrow explains. “We are committed to evolving with the industry and ensuring that our leadership team reflects this commitment. Our more experienced leaders must mentor the next generation so that they can drive the company forward while staying true to our culture and values.”
W3O is no longer just an emerging contractor—it is a company that has earned its place among the industry’s top players. With a clear vision, a strong culture, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, W3O is set to redefine what it means to Build Better Together.
Caption
Gavin Morrow (CEO) (right) and Sean Roberts (Director of Design & Build and Development) at Monte Circle. This is a new commercial building that W3O is building for Abcon Developers.