Over the November period, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal hosted various year-end member meetings around the province presenting on “Addressing Industry Concerns”. There was also an excellent line-up of guest speakers at these meetings.
At the Durban member meeting, Prof Theo C Haupt presented on the recent court ruling of smoking cannabis and the steps that contractors can take to reduce the safety risks that may arise from cannabis legalisation.
Professor Haupt was warmly applauded by appreciative members who were left with an important message - Like alcohol impairment, cannabis impairment is a dismissible offence and companies should update their drug and alcohol policies to specifically prohibit recreational use of cannabis in the workplace.
The Association also attended an event where the keynote speaker was Thami Sithole, Senior Manager from PRASA who had good news for the Zululand area. Mr. Sithole spoke of how government has responded to development challenges through Transnet and noted that the Port of Richards Bay was vital to the development of the area. He spoke of a capital investment budget of R145bn to develop and grow ports in SA. He informed delegates that R18.9bn had been allocated to KZN Province while R4.5bn was allocated to Richards Bay specifically.
Health and Safety Manager Neil Enslin presented on occupational health and safety at the Zululand member meeting.
On the KZN South Coast, the year-end meeting was a festive occasion with former Proteas cricketer Pat Symcox performing MC duties. Pat has been involved in property on KZN’s South Coast for some years and expressed positive views for future development in the area.
Executive Director, Vikashnee Harbhajan addressed Members on the industry and the Association initiatives.
The award for Most Active South Coast Member was presented to Thys Blom from Plankonsult.
Thys has served on the South Coast Committee since 2009 and has been instrumental in facilitating interaction, between the Association and South Coast municipalities. He currently also serves on the Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council.
At the Northern Natal year-end meeting, Members from the area who received awards at the Association’s Annual Awards event were once again celebrated. Members were acknowledged by their colleagues from the area and were applauded for their commitment to excellence. Guest speaker at the event was Attorney Robyn Pentz of Southey Attorneys Incorporated, who spoke on contractual issues and touched on cannabis and alcohol in the workplace.
In the Midlands Area, the Association met with the Department of Public Works to facilitate health and safety training for their personnel and to also engage with them on possible partnerships regarding our Emerging Contractor Programme. The Midlands year-end meeting will be taking place on Wednesday 5 December 2018 at 3pm where Attorney Jeremy Diedricks, Director at Diedricks Attorneys Incorporated, will be discussing how to overcome the challenges surrounding delayed plan approvals.
Ernest Roper | Membership Services Manager
