Following a notice sent to members describing the four simple steps required to access their free BuildLaw subscription, a flurry of BuildLaw registrations were recorded. For those who may not be aware, BuildLaw is an online contractual and legal resource platform that provides guidance notes on the various agreements utilised in our industry. It serves to provide members with quick access to information relating to contractual clauses and specifically relates to the suites of construction contracts most commonly used by members (MBSA and JBCC). Members who wish to register for BuildLaw may refer to the steps provided in the Association’s eBulletin, sent on 19 April 2021 or contact our offices for assistance.

Good news for members in the South Coast is that further to a request from the Association, the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality extended the waiving of all building plan application fees and town planning application fees, including development upgrade levies, from December 2021 to December 2022. Confirmation has since been received that the Economic Relief Plan applies fully to all applications submitted prior to 31 December 2021. This means that if the application is considered during 2022, providing it was submitted prior to 31 December 2021, it will qualify under the Economic Relief Plan.

In the past, the Association has reported on several announcements relating to projects valued in the billions, earmarked for the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RIBDZ). One such project was the Wilmar Processing facility, which was expected to break ground in 2020. This project was hindered by the implementation of the national Lockdown. News from the Zululand Area is that construction of the R1.3-billion crude vegetable oil refining facility has now commenced. The company had announced in 2020 that they were committed to partnering with the communities wherein they operate and that 30% of the project value will be sourced from Richards Bay and its surrounding areas.

There has been high demand for OHS Star Gradings in the Zululand Area. The reason is that the large manufacturers require their contractors to demonstrate a high level of OHS compliance and members utilise their Star Grading Certification as evidence of such. Bearing in mind that this is a free service, members across KZN are encouraged to participate in the star grading programme which can be used to gain a competitive edge when quoting for work. To find out more about the Association’s Star Grading programme, contact your nearest Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal office.

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the following new members who joined the Association in April 2021.

• NTV Projects (Pty) Ltd
• Slam Painters (Pty) Ltd
• Wilbuild Construction
• Sibamu Building Contractors
• Ubhongo Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd
• MBK Projects (Pty) Ltd
• Port Star Trading
• Mahgengeza Agricultural & Building Service
• Shukumisa General Marketing (Pty) Ltd
• Khucula Trading CC
• Mcoboshana Projects (Pty) Ltd
• DC and B Projects (Pty) Ltd
• Zizi Afrika Construction

Ernest Roper | Membership Services Manager