Construction Industry News and Views - February 2020
Construction Industry News and Views Edition 178 03 February 2020
Dear Members and Readers
Investor confidence is low which does not bode well for the construction sector and based on current economic forecasts; tough times look set to continue. Economists are predicting that increased power cuts, the slow pace of structural reforms and the possibility of a ratings agency downgrade, will continue to hamper economic growth throughout 2020. In light of this, members are urged to keep a strong handle on company finances and to strategize and re-strategize if necessary to ensure sustainability. Members are reminded that the Association exists to represent their interests and to provide them with specialist support services so that they may rest assured that quality advice, assistance and guidance, is just a phone call away.
The Association prides itself on creating platforms where members can engage with industry experts on matters that impact the business of construction. To this end, there are a number of member meetings scheduled for February 2020 across KZN Province, so lookout for the invites. Members should also note that entries for the Excellence in Construction competition are now open, click here to download entry form (MSWord).
In 2020, its KZN’s turn to host the Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) congress. The event is a major highlight on the construction industry calendar and aims to address immediate issues and opportunities within the South African building and construction industry. This not to be missed event, scheduled for 11 September 2020 at Fairmont Zimbali Resort will be attended by Government officials, building industry leaders and relevant stakeholder bodies so be sure to save the date.
In this edition, our lead article highlights the range of services we offer and our mantra to members for the year ahead is “Make the most of your membership in 2020”. The Association advises businesses that are struggling with pay negotiations during these tough economic times to think differently about employee benefits in order to increase morale, retain talent and meet targets. We also draw attention to the scourge of corruption that impacts the lives of all of us and we take note of the Health and Safety trends to watch out for in 2020. In the article titled “Access to Higher Education” the Association’s Training Academy accentuates the struggles that school leavers continue to face in gaining access to tertiary education.
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Vikashnee Harbhajan | Executive Director
Membership News
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal understands the numerous industry challenges that members are faced with. Members are reminded that the Association exists to represent the interests of members and to provide them with specialist support services to assist in the successful running of their businesses. To this end we offer a wide range of membership services and members are encouraged take full advantage of it and to get the most of their membership in 2020.
Notice: Amendment of Basic Conditions of Employment Act
The Minister of Employment and Labour has amended the Regulations of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) (No 75 of 1997). The purpose of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act is to give effect to the right to fair labour practices referred to in section 23(1) of the Constitution by establishing and making provision for the regulation of basic conditions of employment; and thereby to comply with the obligations of the Republic as a member state of the International Labour Organisation; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
International Anti-Corruption Day was held on 9 December 2019. As most members were preparing for their annual shutdown it’s more appropriate that we bring up the subject of corruption at the beginning of the new year as it can be a focal point over the next eleven months.
Four Health and Safety trends to watch out for in 2020
The field of occupational health and safety is constantly changing and evolving. Workforce demographics, employee expectations and other influences are changing our training methods and the tools we use to improve workplace safety.
As we move into the first year of a new decade, several trends are taking shape that will influence occupational health and safety during the next few years and beyond.
Maximising Employee Benefits in tough economic times
The strained South African economy has presented the HR sector with a tricky catch 22 situation. While employees may be on the hunt for increased earnings to keep up with the rising cost of living, employers face the struggle of keeping staff happy and motivated while their organisation regains its footing financially.
The South African Union of Students demanded in a memorandum submitted on 16 January 2020 to Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology that historic debts be scrapped, students in debt be allowed to register, and academic records and certificates be issued to all students – even those owing fees, amongst other things.
Access to Higher Education
