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© Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal 2017

Construction Industry News and Views - August 2019

 
 
 
Construction Industry News and Views         Edition 173                         05 August 2019
 
Dear Members and Readers 
 
The Association welcomes the announcement that the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms Patricia de Lille has launched an investigation into the department's failure to pay its service providers within the prescribed 30-day period.

The President of Master Builders South Africa, John Matthews stated as follows in a Federation press release: “We presented challenges bedevilling the sector to the President and we are pleased that action is being taken to address them. This is a positive step in the direction to rescue the construction industry in South Africa. “
Click here to read the press releases

Looking at the economic outlook for the second quarter of 2019, the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index registered a gain of 4 points moving from 25 in Quarter 1 to 29 in Quarter 2. Notwithstanding the slight gain, we are hopeful that this is an indication that the construction industry will gain momentum in the coming months.

During July 2019, the South African Reserve Bank cut interest rates by 25 basis points for the first time since March 2018, which has led to banks cutting their prime lending rates. This may result in increased consumer spending and we hope to see future investments and a positive impact on the construction economy. However, we are mindful that any ratings downgrade would have an adverse effect on the economic growth of the country.

In July the Association held its annual Golf Day which provides a networking platform for contractors, suppliers and industry role-players. East Coast Radio entered a team and well-known radio personalities Darren Maul and Gareth Jenkins were among those who took to the fairways. The day was a resounding success and it was interesting to note that the Association Golf Day was one of the biggest golf days on the Durban Country Club’s annual calendar.

Master Builders KwaZulu Natal consistently engages with relevant stakeholders to unlock opportunities for our Member companies. We have recently become a Program Associate in the Ikhaya Elikufanele Housing Scheme which was launched in July 2019. The launch presented the Association with an opportunity to promote its services and products amidst dignitaries, which included the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

The Association Annual awards event has become the most celebrated function on the KZN construction calendar. The event celebrates industry excellence and culminates in a glamorous gala function attended by our Member companies, government representatives and other key industry stakeholders. This year the event will take place on 18 October 2019 at the Durban ICC and those who wish to showcase their brand may participate in the exhibition or as a Marketing Partner.

Under ‘Membership News’ we note the reports on protests in Zululand, water outages in the South Coast and dire delays in the issuing of rates certificates in the Midlands. There is however some good news for both the South Coast and the North Coast which has the potential to give the economy in those areas a welcome boost.

Enjoy your newsletter ......
 Vikashnee Harbhajan | Executive Director
Membership News
 

 
In the Midlands, delays in the issuing of rates certificates by the Msunduzi Municipality has become a major concern impacting negatively on the industry. Delays of 6-12 months have become common and organised business in the area have come together to act against it.

                                                                                      ........Read More
 
Implications of the use of a Project Manager as opposed to a Main Contractor
 

 
Construction projects involve a myriad of specialty contractors working concurrently on a project site. On any given day, contractors are performing such varied tasks as excavation, laying foundation, scaffolding, welding/cutting, pipefitting, crane operations and more. All these activities require specialised co-ordination, programming and quality control. A main contractor provides the specialised site staff with the associated plant and equipment to achieve a quality product. With the industry in recession most of the main contractors will provide their plant and equipment at cost or below.

 

                                                                                    .....Read More
 
Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI)
 

 
POPI is designed to safeguard personal information. It balances the legitimate needs of organisations to collect, record and use personal information for business and other purposes against the right of individuals to have their personal information kept private and safeguarded. POPI applies to both private and public bodies.
                                                                                         .....Read More
 
Do you offer Pension or Provident Fund benefits to your staff?
 

 
Do you offer Pension or Provident Fund benefits to your staff? If so, do you understand the costs associated with it? For example, are commission fees built into the contributions?
 
 
 
 Construction hazards and solutions
 

 
In the past several years, injuries and fatalities resulting in working fall risk positions has increased and contributed to around 17% of all claims made by FEM policyholders. In the past three years alone, twelve employees lost their lives, and motor vehicle incidents were cited as the cause of the majority of fatalities.

 
Closing comments

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest Association news!

Ernest Roper | Membership Services Manager
 
In This Issue
 
Membership News
Implications of the use of a Project Manager as opposed to a Main Contractor
Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI)
Do you offer Pension or Provident Fund benefits to your staff?
Construction hazards and solutions

 

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CPAP Indices - Stats SA

The latest CPAP indices have been released by Statistics South Africa. This is for June 2019. Please note all previous months are available on the Stats SA website.

Download here 

PRINT Studio
 
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Master Builders Training ACADEMY

 
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal is a CETA accredited training provider. See link below for upcoming courses:

Courses scheduled  for August 2019

Call us on 031 831 3238

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Operating a successful building, contracting and sub-contracting enterprise is becoming increasingly demanding. Most enterprises simply do not have the resources to operate a business that is financially sound, sustainable and compliant with the complex regulatory framework that exists today.

This is where Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal can assist you.  The Association has been in existence since 1901 and has the resources, infrastructure and experience to assist you in promoting, supporting and protecting your business.

 

The Association provides a range of services to members including training, contractual and legal assistance, occupational health and safety consulting, employee benefits schemes, member discounts and lots more.

 

 
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