AWARD OF MERIT
This Year's Award of Merit was presented to “a very deserving gentleman” Grahame Carver, the Operations Director at Stefanutti Stocks Building KZN. A modest Carver humbly accepted the award, but said it belonged to his colleagues.
Before calling him to the podium to collect his certificate, Brandon Abdinor, Executive Director of the Master Builders Association said the Association's Award of Merit was established four years ago to recognise outstanding and positive contributions to the building industry in KZN.
Last year it was presented to an individual, Raj Naidoo from the then Grinaker LTA for consistency and an outstanding contribution to health and safety in the industry.
“This year we are recognising another individual who started his career in the industry in 1976 at the age of 21. He was a training constructor supervisor at the then Stevenson Construction known to all today as Group 5 KZN.
“The motivation for this nomination states that the nominee can easily be called an icon. His expertise, knowledge and commitment to his projects have been an inspiration to many, not only his colleagues but clients and consultants as well.”
Abdinor said a comment from the MD of one of the clients that Carver has served was: “In the many years of knowing him and having worked with him on all of my projects, I found him to be approachable with an impeccable work ethic. His attitude is nothing short of a great businessman who will do everything in his power to ensure his company's reputation is upheld. He commands respect from his employees without even asking for it.”
“This came as a great surprise,” said Carver afterwards. “My colleagues nominated me and I am overwhelmed at receiving this prestigious award at the end of my career. But I must tell you that this award is not about me, but the amazing people I work with. An award like this is won through a combination of attention to detail and safety as well as timeous delivery.”
He said that throughout his career he focused on “flying the company flag” looking after clients and the people he worked with.
“I've been fortunate to have worked on such a fascinating variety of sites ranging from recreational (hotels), industrial sites, retail and commercial buildings. Lead by example has always been my credo. I don't expect others to do what I cannot.”
