Construction Industry News and Views Edition 191 06 April 2021
Dear Members and Readers
The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index declined by 2 points to 27 in Quarter 1 of 2021. Lower building activity contributed to the slight drop, particularly activity in the non-residential building sector. The demand for office and commercial space has reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions. By contrast, on the back of higher activity and for the third consecutive Quarter, the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index rose and gained a further 5 points, to register a level of 21 during the first Quarter of this year.
Until immunity is achieved against the pandemic, it is likely that consistent construction activity will vary and sentiment will fluctuate. To this end, we need to establish how we can assist in expediting the vaccine rollout programme in our sector.
A key objective of the Association is to ensure effective lobbying and advocacy at all levels. Member surveys and call for comment on legislation are circulated to members in order to obtain relevant information to prepare an informed and well represented position to assist government and relevant bodies to make decisions which are in the best interest of the industry. Members are urged to participate in these activities and to update your contact details with the Association regularly.
The Association is pleased to announce a 12-month free subscription for relevant members to BuildLaw. BuildLaw is an online contractual and legal resource platform that provides guidance notes on the various building agreements. It also provides downloadable templates for various notices. This is exclusive to members of Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal and information on how to access the free subscription valued at R2,200 will be circulated to members. Four member workshops will be hosted during the year tailored for main contractors and sub-contractors. Look out for your invite!
The preparations for the South Coast Golf Day scheduled for 18 June 2021 are underway and will be held at the pristine San Lameer golfing venue. The Durban Golf Day will be held on 23 July 2021 at the Durban Country Club and we eagerly await the challenge for the renowned Dulux Cup.
The Association welcomed the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Economic Relief Plan which made provision for waiving of application fees and levies in certain instances. To this end the Association is engaging with the municipality to extend the provision until December 2022 to bring some reprieve to our members.
In this edition, members are reminded that entries for the Excellence in Construction Competition closes on 20 April 2021 and 2020 entries will be carried over to the 2021 competition. The entry criteria and categories are also discussed in detail for the 2021 Regional Health and Safety Competition.
The Association also takes the opportunity to announce its proud collaboration with iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and their partners on the emerging contractor initiative. We look into the changes to the lump sum disability benefits effective 1 March 2021 and how these amendments affect the various funds. The concept of practical completion as provided in the JBCC Agreement and the steps to achieve it are also captured in this edition.
Stay safe and enjoy the read!
Vikashnee Harbhajan | Executive Director
Membership News
The Association has received a number of queries relating to the submission of entries for the Excellence in Construction Competition. Members who still intend to submit entries are urged to take cognisance of the cut-off date as there will be no extension of time given. Members are reminded that the cut-off date is 20 April 2021 and that entries received for 2020 will be carried over to the 2021 competition.
Regional Health and Safety Competition 2021 - What you need to know
With the Regional Health and Safety Competition going ahead in 2021, it is important that members understand the history of this prestigious competition. The Health and Safety competition has its origins in 1963, when the first building safety competition was held by NOSA in collaboration with Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal. It took place in KwaZulu-Natal and Housekeeping was the only category which was adjudicated. In 1964, it was extended to two categories, Building and Allied Trades, both of which were won by members of the Association.
Construction Industry OHS information to assist with COVID-19 vaccine rollout
The Department of Health has engaged with the Construction Industry regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout programme. The Department of Health seeks to establish existing facilities within workplaces which are equipped to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to their employees and family members. The facility is required to have an onsite occupational health clinic and registered health care professionals to perform the vaccinations.
For the purposes of this write-up, the concept of practical completion in generality as used in the JBCC will be elaborated upon, since this is the most commonly used contract. Practical completion is defined in the JBCC 6.1 PBA contract as: “The stage of completion as certified by the principal agent where the works or a section thereof has been completed free of patent defects other than minor defects identified in the list for completion and can be used for the intended purpose [CD]”
Collaboration between Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal and iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism
The Association is proud to collaborate with iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and their partners Balwin Foundation, ENGIE Peaker Operations, Balwin properties and Siza Water on the iLembe Emerging Contractors Programme 2021.
Lump sum disability benefits changes effective 1 March 2021
The Taxation Law Amendment Act of 2020 was signed into law by the President on 20 January 2021. This has enacted the long-awaited legislation which provides for the same annuitisation rules that apply to members of pension funds, pension preservation funds and retirement annuity funds, to be applied to members of provident funds and provident preservation funds, after 1 March 2021. The Taxation Law Amendment also includes an update to legislation for the treatment of Lump Sum Disability benefits.
The benefits of conducting a training needs analysis
Training and development is vital for sustainable business growth and success. Training programmes enable employees to learn specific skills and knowledge that improves their job performance whilst development programmes target overall employee growth within the organisation. In today’s complex work environment, employees are required to be skilled in performing their tasks.
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Print Studio OHS Act & Regulations special offer
Members get a 15% discount on updated OHS Act & Regulations - 21st Supplemented Edition.
Call Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Print Studio to place your order on 031 831 3235/37 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The training programmes are intended to provide access to currently employed candidates, unemployed candidates and school leavers, as well as to facilitate workplace training.
Members who have current contracts that make provision for Contract Price Adjustment are able to download the latest published indices from Statistics South Africa by clicking on the following link.
