Construction Industry News and Views - November 2019
Construction Industry News and Views Edition 176 04 November 2019
Dear Members and Readers
The Association proudly hosted its Annual awards celebrating excellence in Construction and Health and Safety on 18 October 2019 at the Durban ICC. We take the opportunity once again to congratulate our Members on their success and for showcasing excellence in the construction industry. The event was featured in the Business Day on 25 October 2019. Please visit the website to view our winners!
The Housing Consumer Protection Bill, 2019, was published in the Government Gazette for comment. A consolidated submission has been forwarded from the Master Builders Federation to the Department of Human Settlements. In addition, a request has been made for verbal representation to the Department. Members will be kept abreast of any further developments herein.
In membership news, Members operating in the Midlands area will be pleased to note that Msunduzi Municipality has launched their new E4 Rates Clearance Software. In recent years, acquiring of rates clearance certificates in the area proved challenging with waiting periods of up to 18 months. The system went live in October 2019 and the municipality anticipates that turnaround times will improve immensely. Water supply on KZN’s South Coast is of great concern as the area experiences water stoppages as a result of high tide affecting the St Helens Rock abstraction point. The Association has been monitoring the issue to establish the impact on our Members.
The Association is also offering bursaries to South Africans residing in KwaZulu-Natal, studying for a construction related qualification. These include apprenticeships, national certificate qualifications, diplomas, degrees or any other industry related qualification, approved by the Bursary Committee. Members are encouraged to ensure that suitable candidates apply with a view to increasing the skills and capacity in the KZN construction industry.
The Association was extremely saddened by the passing of longstanding member and stalwart Ray Basson from Anthony & Basson Development CC. Ray served on the Association’s Executive Council for several years and proudly represented the Master Builders brand in the South Coast area. He was also the recipient of the prestigious Award of Merit. We pay special tribute to Ray Basson in this edition, who will always be remembered for his positive contribution to the Association and the industry at large. May his soul rest in peace!
On the radar are several year-end member meetings scheduled to take place around KwaZulu-Natal over the next few weeks. We look forward to seeing you at these events.
Lining up for your country to the sound of the national anthem is one of the most treasured moments in life - it is the ultimate experience of pride, emotions, power and courage to conquer and emerge victorious. The Association would like to take the opportunity to extend congratulations to the Springbok rugby team for a sterling victory in the Rugby World cup. Team SA have no doubt ushered in a positive and inspirational era in South Africa.
Viva Springboks! Viva South Africa!
Vikashnee Harbhajan | Executive Director
Membership News
In 2018, the Association introduced an exhibition element to the Annual awards for the purpose of providing Associate members (suppliers) with an affordable platform to gain high level exposure at KZN’s premier construction event.
The Housing Consumer Protection Bill was circulated for comment. The Association submitted comments and a submission from the Master Builders Federation has been sent to the Department of Human Settlements.
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Bursary Fund Application 2020
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal as the leading voice of the KwaZulu-Natal construction industry recognises the need to support aspiring construction industry leaders of the future. To this end, the Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Bursary Fund opens opportunities to South Africans residing in KwaZulu-Natal and studying a construction related qualification.
It’s the silly season, that time of the year where everybody is relaxed and easy-going spending lots of time out-doors, not only is there an increase in the fun activities, there is usually an increase in crime, accidents and mishaps as well.
Ensure that your nominated dependents and beneficiaries are updated with your Fund
There can be no doubt that you want your death benefit to go to the people you want them to go to if you were to pass away during your employment. It is therefore vital that you complete your beneficiary nomination form and inform your beneficiaries of the benefits contained in your fund.
The Association was deeply saddened by the passing of Reynecke (Ray) Basson on 22 October 2019. Ray was a former member of the Association’s Executive Council and industry veteran, who was extremely well liked and respected by all who knew him.
Ensure that your nominated dependents and beneficiaries are updated with your Fund
