Throughout November 2019, the Association held several member meetings across the province where the hot topic on the agenda was “Business Rescue – Know Your Rights”. The topic was aimed at informing members who are creditors to companies that go into Business Rescue as to what their rights are. In the Durban Area, Bilaal Dawood of Bilaal Dawood Attorneys presented on the subject and informed members that creditors are entitled to vote on a business rescue plan. This includes the right to vote on an amendment or rejection of a proposed business rescue plan and may also vote that an alternative plan be tabled.
At the Midlands member meeting, Jeremy Deidrick’s from Deidrick’s Attorneys engaged members on how to manage late and non-payments in the construction industry. He highlighted the importance of taking into consideration potential bad debt when quoting for work and making provisions for it to ensure sustainability. He emphasised that this is especially important to do in challenging and competitive times as there is less profit available to absorb such losses. Court processes are costly and with long delays a common occurrence, he recommended arbitration as a much cheaper and less time-consuming option. He also stated that there is a great deal of wisdom in also specifying a preferred arbitrator by mutual agreement at the signing of the contract. Our Health and Safety Manager presented on cannabis policy management for contractors.
In the South Coast, the Association attended the inaugural annual Supplier Day event hosted by Ray Nkonyeni Municipality. The event was held at the Port Shepstone Civic Centre hall where some 70 companies attended. The Municipality established the platform to help capacitate local business and to allow their partners the opportunity to present on business opportunities in the area. Topics for discussion included business support programmes, opportunities and tendering requirements, ocean economy opportunities and contractor capacity programmes.
A long-standing tradition in the South Coast is the presentation a floating trophy to the most active member in the area, which is awarded at the South Coast year-end member meeting. This year the trophy was awarded to Paul Tedder from P & G Construction for his immense contribution and participation in the activities of the Association. Congratulations to Paul and his team at P & G construction.
Water supply in the South Coast areas that were previously affected has been restored. An emergency berm was built across the Umzimkhulu River as an interim solution to contain the inflow of saline water. Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal members assisted in the construction of the berm.
In Zululand, the Association met with the Department of Employment & Labour who stressed concerns around Occupational Health and Safety in our industry. The feedback was that inspectors were struggling with the ongoing battle of smaller or emerging contractors not adhering to the OHS Act. All contractors needed to ensure that the OHS Act was enforced. They stated that there are companies which are still not paying the minimum wage and expressed appreciation to the Association for strongly advocating compliance among its members.
Please be on the lookout in January 2020 as membership renewal invoices will be sent out. Renew your membership timeously!
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the following new member companies that joined the Association in October 2019:
- Thekweni Roofing and Waterproofing CC
- R Holdings
- Orange Operations (Pty) Ltd
- Intertherm
- Jasjian (Pty) Ltd
- Weldron Engineering CC
- RP Structural Steel
- Chetty's Properties & Construction (Pty) Ltd
We look forward to their participation and to servicing their industry requirements.
Ernest Roper | Membership Services Manager
