ASOCSA2017- 025 Mainstreaming Social Sustainability into Infrastructure Delivery Systems: Are There Any Benefits? A Stakeholders’ Perspective Bankole Awuzie, Ph.D., Thabiso Monyane bawuzie@cut.ac.za, tmonyane@cut.ac.za Department of Built Environment, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, Free State. (+2751) 507 3532, +2773 317 6716, +2773 341 2646 ABSTRACT Purpose of this paper This study seeks to explore the benefits of incorporating social sustainability into the delivery of infrastructure projects within South Africa, albeit from the stakeholders’ worldviews. Design/methodology/approach This phenomenological study relies on semi-structured interviews for data. Interview transcripts were subsequently analyzed, thematically. Pre-set themes were utilized to ensure construct validity- a critical component for enabling credibility in qualitative research. Findings Findings reveal the utility of the social sustainability, when mainstreamed into the delivery of projects, in enabling the successful delivery of projects. However, the costly and time-consuming nature of the consultation processes-an integral part of social sustainability- was highlighted by stakeholders as a shortcoming. Research implications This exploratory study contributes to the development of a common definition for social sustainability within South Africa’s infrastructure delivery landscape. Further studies will attempt to attain statistical generalization of its findings through the use of questionnaire surveys for a truly representative sample. 3DJH  3URFHHGLQJV WK %XLOW (QYLURQPHQW &RQIHUHQFH    $XJXVW  'XUEDQ 6RXWK $IULFD ,6%1  brought to you by CORE View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk provided by Central University Of Technology Free State - LibraryCUT, South Africa