Project schedule overruns are a significant problem in South Africa and globally. This research investigates the key factors that lead to the late completion of government funded construction projects in South Africa and the mitigation measures that may be implemented to minimize the delays. The research is anchored in the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) as a theoretical framework and the research employed a quantitative research design.  Primary data was collected from built environment professionals registered with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professionals through a survey employing an online questionnaire. The results from the analysis indicated that the top five ranked project delay factors include poor performance of contractors, labor unrest and strikes, slow decision-making, poor project planning and rework due poor quality. Of the top five ranked delay factors, labor unrest and strikes were the only delay factors that were identified in the literature survey. The use of competent contractors and professional service providers, proper project planning, comprehensive project plans and thorough stakeholder engagement and management may minimize delays in construction projects.  The top five mitigation measures noted by the respondents appeared in the literature review and the PMBOK framework.