Neil Enslin, Health and Safety Manager was invited to serve on the Construction Health and Safety Technical Committee.

The Construction Health and Safety Technical Committee is responsible to review, advise and propose amendments on the 2014 Construction Regulations.

At a recent Durban member meeting, Strategic Development Manager for eThekwini Municipality, Bernardus van Heerden, presented on the Municipality plans for rejuvenation of the inner city. The initiative aims to restore the CBD back to its former glory and to ensure that the Municipality attracts investors and creates more employment. Attorney Wade Ogilvie of Cox Yeats presented on the draft Expropriation Bill and provided insight into a number of points that were of concern to members.

Both presenters granted us permission to share their presentations, which is available for download below:

Draft Expropriation Bill 2019 (PDF)

Durban Inner City Spatial Vision and Regeneration Strategy (PDF)

A meet and greet was convened with our members in the Small Business member category. The Membership Services Manager gave a presentation, highlighting the Association’s services and products. The members were addressed by the Executive Director.  

In Zululand, the Association met with the Department of Labour and discussed compliance matters relating to the implementation of the National Minimum Wage. The Association also enquired about participating in the Umhlathuze Municipality youth development forum with a view to promoting construction as a career of choice.

At a Zululand member meeting, members were excited to hear from Mike Patterson, Senior Executive Manager at Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation. He spoke about a number of construction projects planned for the area that include gas to oil exploration, Bayview expansion, waterfront development, steel bridge development, eSikhaleni SMME park and the rail link from Richards Bay to Congo via Zimbabwe.

In the South Coast, Ryan Bragge of Bragge & Francis Consulting Engineers informed members of a number of private and government projects that were currently in the planning phase, stretching from Amanzimtoti to the Eastern Cape.

In the Midlands, local attorney Jeremy Deidricks addressed members on the challenges that contractors face when dealing with the local municipality. Discussions centred around delays caused by the sluggish nature of approval processes during the various phases of construction. In the meeting, the rights of the applicant were unpacked and possible solutions explored.

The Association also engaged with the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business to establish a training centre for developing construction skills funded by local business.