ABOUT | Libera

DIRECTORS

Ferdi Botha

Director (Contracts)

Ferdi holds a BSc degree in Construction Management from the University of Pretoria. He began his career with a residential developer before joining Libera Construction, where he has steadily progressed from Contracts Manager to Contracts Director.

Known for his commitment, determination, and strong personal values, Ferdi leads by example and strives to create a supportive and motivated work environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he values quality time with friends and family and maintains an active lifestyle.

Jonathan Libera

Director (Managing)

Jonathan holds an Honours degree in Quantity Surveying from Wits University.

He began his career in quantity surveying working for his father, but soon realized that his true passion lay in building. He left the family business to join established construction companies, where he gained valuable experience. He was mentored at Vlaming Construction and later moved to Gothic Construction, where he was promoted to director and offered shareholding. Jonathan left Gothic Construction to establish Libera Construction, a company founded on a unique sense of purpose and strong values.

The Libera family's South African construction legacy began in the early 1900s with Gervasio Libera, who emigrated from Italy to work as a bricklayer at the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory, supporting the country’s growing gold mining industry. After initially working on a short-term contract, he later returned with his family and became a foreman bricklayer, remaining with the factory for many years.

Gervasio’s sons—Fergie (a carpenter), Camillo Natale (a bricklayer), and Ezio (a blacksmith)—also began their careers at Modderfontein. His brother Giovanni and nephew Aldo Guido (a plumber) continued the family's involvement with the factory until the outbreak of World War II. After leaving Modderfontein, the Libera family applied their combined skills to the broader construction industry, where they have remained active for over a century.

The surname "Libera" originates from Lombardy, Italy. Meaning “free,” it was historically given to Polish immigrants who were granted special legal status as “free” foreigners—Libera—in contrast to others who did not enjoy the same rights.

Today, the Libera Construction family remains committed to building with purpose, guided by a quiet passion for craftsmanship and a desire to uplift others through their work.