In recognition of its long-standing members, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal recently introduced its membership loyalty awards programme. As part of the initiative, those who renew their membership in 2019 and have held membership of the Association for a period spanning 10 years or more qualify for a certificate celebrating their membership anniversary. It is pleasing to report that over 150 of these certificates have been sent out thus far.
In May 2019, the Association engaged with FEM (The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) Proprietary Limited) over matters relating to workman’s compensation and how the Association could assist its members in ensuring compliance. Workmen's compensation is compulsory and provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of their employment. FEM is licensed to provide workmen's compensation insurance for the building industry and as such, serves as an alternative service provider to the Department of Labour for the construction industry. Members should note that new applications processed with FEM takes approximately 7 days and that the FEM Letter of Good Standing bears the Compensation Fund and Department of Labour logos and is accepted for all tender purposes.
In the Durban area, member operations were negatively impacted by the two-week municipal strike which caused disruption to the water supply and brought the Durban CBD to a standstill. The ensuing protests caused heavy congestion which blocked off main roads and made it extremely difficult to access sites in the city and its surrounding areas. Municipal workers were acting on claims that the municipality had hired MK Veterans on a higher wage scale. Following discussions at the Bargaining Council by the SA Municipal Workers Union, Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union and the municipality, the municipality announced that the matter had been resolved amicably.
In the South Coast, building operations in areas that receive water from the Umthamvuna Water Treatment Works were severely hampered by sporadic supply. It was reported that the treatment works suffered a major mechanical breakdown at the abstraction pump station necessitating emergency maintenance. In late May 2019, Ugu Municipality warned the public that that supply was expected to remain sporadic for the next four weeks. Affected areas stretch from Southbroom to Port Edward and the adjacent inland areas of KwaNzimakwe, Ezinqoleni, KwaXolo, Gcilima, Thelawayeka, Mvuntshini, Shobamdlanzi, Mbecuka, Florida, Nodalane, Shobeni and Mlozane.
In Zululand, excitement among contractors continued to mount as the R6.5 Billion Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) Zulti South project gained some momentum. RBM announced that they planned to engage with members of the community at Mhlaleni stadium in Kwasokhulu and made it known that that the project will help ensure that it continues contributing to the economy and communities for years to come.
Ernest Roper | Membership Services Manager
