In the Durban Area, the Association held a workshop titled “Cannabis Management in the Construction Industry”. Dr Tim Laurens, Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Pretoria was among several subject matter experts, who shared their perspective on the topic with us.

In Zululand, the Association attended a presentation by Mrs Brenda Strachan, Manager Environmental and Spatial Planning City of uMhlathuze Municipality, on their Urban Development Framework programme. Mrs Strachan encouraged the business community to attend the municipality’s upcoming budget roadshows, where further detail on future developments will be communicated.

In terms of Human settlements, Mrs Strachan mentioned that the Aquadene housing project, the Empangeni Mega Housing Project and the Dumisani Makhaye extension projects, are all currently in the pipeline. She also that mentioned several strategic and catalytic projects are on the cards for the City, including the new airport, Ridge and Greenhills developments, Steel Bridge development and the Zululand ICC. She also mentioned the climate change action plan and the water re-use project.

In the Midlands, the Association met with the Msunduzi Municipality to discuss development plans for the area. Feedback received from the representatives in Local Economic Development, was that the municipality has been in contact with private developers to follow up on the respective projects that the developers have planned with a view to assist in them with the various stages of approvals, required for the projects to progress. 10 major developments were highlighted by the municipality, that are in several different stages of the construction process. Should you wish to view them click here.

In Shelly Beach, the Association held its Annual South Coast Career Day to encourage youth in the area to make construction their career of choice. There was a strong focus on the importance of the industry, its critical link to skills development, infrastructure creation and service delivery as well as the role that the people of South Africa have to play in this. This message was met with great enthusiasm and learners were excited to find out more, about the varied career opportunities that the construction industry has to offer.

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the following new members to the Association:

Ernest Roper | Membership Services Manager