Daniel, a real life Bob the builder.

Not many men can organise a team of builders, analyse building plans, help with the laying of bricks and plastering of walls and take time to tell his origin story to a bewildered student but Daniel does all of this with ease. In this essay you will get to know a man who worked his way up in the construction industry through intense manual labour and the willingness to learn.

Born and raised in Mpumalanga, Daniel completed his matric and moved to Gauteng where he started to work with his uncle as a bricklayer. Daniel describes himself as a people person who always goes the extra mile to help those around him. These selfless acts resulted in trained plasterers teaching him how to plaster and project managers taking time from their schedule to teach him how to read floor plans and manage a construction project.

After saving up enough money Daniel completed his civil engineering certificate and became self employed by creating his own building company. He works with friends but also hires unschooled workers to help with bigger projects.

In the interview I could feel his passion for building and helping other people. Daniel says that plastering is his favourite part of building but overall he enjoys every aspect of the building process. When I asked him which project he is the most proud of he could not highlight a single project because he works to be proud of every single building he helps build. He did however say that one of the greatest achievements for him would be to build a house, as big and beautiful as the ones he builds for other people, for him and his family.

Daniel has once again taught us the importance of hard work and helping others. We look forward to working with him again in the weeks to come.

Below is the original interview with real life construction sound effects.