Dear Members and Readers
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal held its 120th Annual General Meeting on 29 June 2021, online via the MS Teams platform. The time-honoured ceremony saw Bhekisisa Samson Ngcongo of Dambuza Community Development Trust elected to a third consecutive term as President of the Association.
In his address to members, the President stated that the past year had been marred by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions, yet it was pleasing to note that amidst this tumultuous period, the Association weathered the storm and made every effort to keep the Association and industry afloat.
The President commended the Association and the Executive Director for the lead role played alongside other industry stakeholders, in uniting the industry to speak with one voice under the banner of Construction Alliance South Africa (CASA). “This marked a significant shift for the South African construction industry, with collaborative efforts on the radar to find joint industry solutions.”
The Executive Director reported on the Association activities for the period under review stating that the Association had performed well, despite the many challenges that manifested from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association once again boasted an unqualified audit and it was encouraging that membership figures were retained at 711 at the close of the financial year, having recruited 82 new members.
It was noted that in order to help members navigate the severe financial challenges that disrupted the industry in 2020, the Association applied a significant fee discount to membership fees. Members were also provided with information on health and safety protocols and a COVID-19 site induction video. The Annual Review document was circulated to the membership electronically.
Congratulations to the Executive Council for the next term of office:
- Bhekisisa Samson Ngcongo - Dambuza Community Development Trust - (President)
- Joyce Dolly Tembe - Sakhisizwe Development Training - (Immediate Past President)
- Patricia Moodley - Globacon (Pty) Ltd - (Vice-President)
- Lance Ridl - Ridl Construction (Pty) Ltd - (Vice-President)
- Marcus Gonzalves - F.S. Gonzalves Construction - (Vice-President)
- Moegamat Behardien - MET Developments (Pty) Ltd
- Vivekananda Venketas Naidoo - 2C Projects CC
- Thys Blom - Plankonsult
- Craig Gainsford - GVK-Siya Zama Building Contractors (Pty) Ltd
- Francois Louw - MET Builders (Pty) Ltd
- Thobekile Ndlovu - Thobethulani Trading CC
- Ash Sewraj - Deck, Steel and Concrete CC
- Mark Stewart - Stefanutti Stocks (Pty) Ltd
- Kalwyn Ramiah - WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd
- Nelson Rodrigues - Grinaker-LTA - (co-opted)
The recent announcement moving the country to Alert Level 4 lockdown restrictions and the increase in COVID-19 infection rates calls for stricter COVID-19 protocols in the workplace. Members are reminded to revise their protocols to ensure compliance with the Regulations and most importantly to keep the workplace safe. The Association has a COVID-19 information web portal on the website to keep members regularly updated and is on hand to assist you with any related query.
Members are reminded that the Association is hosting an online workshop on the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Bill on 7 July 2021. The purpose of this workshop is to create awareness on the proposed amendments, guide members on the impact it will have on their operations and to assist in submitting comments on the Bill.
The Association proudly announces the launch of the Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Print Studio courier service. The Print Studio now offers a complete courier service from road to air freight. Members and readers in need of a safe and reliable courier service need not look any further. Visit or call the Print Studio for further information.
The Association continues to receive enquiries relating to the POPI Act, particularly in relation to the appointment of the Information Officer. In this edition, we advise members on the requirements of the appointment of the Information Officer as well as other POPI related matters. Guidelines on preparing and responding to tenders, articles on Health and Safety related topics and possible tax savings while working from home, makes this edition a valuable read.
It is imperative for the industry to focus on opportunities for growth and to drive sustainable infrastructure development together.
Stay safe!
