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Construction Industry News and Views Edition 179 02 March 2020
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Dear Members and Readers
The Association welcomed several announcements in the State of the Nation address delivered by the Honourable President Cyril Ramaphosa. In particular, it was heartening to note that the Infrastructure Fund Implementation team “has a project pipeline with potential investments of over R 700 billion over the next 10 years." Members are to note that infrastructure listed includes “student accommodation, social housing, independent water production, rail freight branch lines, embedded electricity generation, municipal bulk infrastructure and broadband rollout.” The impact of load shedding on business and the economy has been severe and we look forward to the measures that will "rapidly and significantly increase generation capacity outside of Eskom.”
The President also addressed the need to respond to the “growing problem of criminal groups that extort money from construction and other businesses,” and “that specialised units bringing together the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority, are mandated to combat these crimes of economic disruption.”
Growth and sustainable reform underpinned the Budget Speech with focus on expenditure cuts as opposed to tax hikes. It is trusted that the Budget will give effect to the State of the Nation address.
During February 2020, the Association convened a meeting of the KZN Good Practice Committee with participation from key industry bodies SAIA, ASAQS and SAPOA. Key issues impacting the industry are on the agenda of this Committee and we look forward to collectively bringing reprieve to an ailing industry.
In this edition of the newsletter, we focus on budget highlights and the various membership meetings held across the Province with specialist presenters tackling challenging industry matters. We also draw attention to the fact that most government organisations and State-Owned Enterprises are reportedly making use of the New Engineering Contract (NEC).
In Health and Safety news, we note the hazards that tower cranes present and highlight the essential steps to prevent incidents and the challenges that women face when working in environments that require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The Association has once again shown its commitment to skills development within the industry by awarding bursaries to deserving young students who wish to pursue careers in the construction disciplines. We draw attention to the amendments to the National Minimum Wage and urge members to abide by the new rates.
The Association is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Gareth Roberts, our Midlands Area Manager. We express our deepest condolences to his wife, children, parents, friends and family during this difficult time. Gareth was highly respected by his colleagues and known for his kindness and compassion. During his 14 years at the Association, his contribution was very valuable and he touched all our lives in a special way. He will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in peace.
Members are reminded that we are currently in our membership renewal period and that the prior year membership certificate has now expired. It is the loyal support of our members that enable the Association to represent the best interests of the industry through effective lobbying, advocacy, promoting of best practice, skills development and construction excellence. We look forward to being of assistance to you.
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| Vikashnee Harbhajan | Executive Director |
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Membership News
A key mandate of the Association is to serve the greater good of its membership by being proactive in addressing matters that impact negatively on our Industry. Albeit that this objective is vigorously pursued through lobbying and advocacy, the Association prides itself on acquiring guest presenters for member meetings that have expert knowledge to share and to help members navigate their way through the various challenges they are faced with.
Read More...
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Gareth Bryn Roberts 1975 – 2020
Beloved friend and colleague Gareth Roberts, age 44, sadly passed away on 29 February 2020 leaving all who knew him deeply saddened, by this tragic and senseless loss. Gareth was born on 25 August 1975 and was a true son of the City of Pietermaritzburg. He was born, raised and educated in Pietermaritzburg and matriculated at Maritzburg College in 1993. He believed in serving the greater good of his community and was highly committed to helping those less fortunate than himself. This shone through brightly in his work as a pastor, where he had a strong and positive impact on the lives on many around him.
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New Engineering Contract for Infrastructure Projects
An article appeared in the January 2020 edition of Engineering News written by Cameron Staude, a partner in the law firm Nupen Staude de Vries, stating that most government organisations and State-Owned Enterprises have standardised on the use of the New Engineering Contract (NEC).
Read More...
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 National Minimum Wage Act No. 9 of 2018 - Amendments
The National Minimum Wage Act No. 9 of 2018 and the Basic Conditions of Employment Amendment Act No. 75 of 1997 is amended to include the following wages and remuneration increases with effect from 1 March 2020.
Read More...
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Tower Crane Safety 
In recent times there has been an increase both locally and internationally in incidents involving the operation of tower cranes resulting in the loss of lives. The purpose of this article is to assist those using tower cranes to ensure they not only comply with legislation, but also understand the safe operations of tower cranes.
Read more...
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2020 Bursary beneficiaries receive grant letters
The Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Bursary Fund’s primary objective is to provide stimulus to young people who have chosen construction as a career of choice. The Bursary Fund seeks to address the current and future skills shortage and to support the construction industry.
Read More...
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 The practical problems of working women in working men’s clothing
South Africa is seeing an increase in female workers in industrial environments as the traditional barriers of gender specific roles are being broken down. However, from a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) perspective, women are still pigeon-holed with the expectation that they should wear either male or unisex PPE. There is a fundamental difference in the size and shape between a woman and man’s body, often creating discomfort and even potential risk for women.
Read More...
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CPAP – Indices
Members who have current contracts that make provision for Contract Price Adjustment are able to download the latest published indices from Statistics South Africa by clicking on the following link.
Click here to download
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Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Training Academy 
The training programmes are intended to provide access to currently employed candidates, unemployed candidates and school leavers, as well as to facilitate workplace training.
Click here to access Durban calendar
Click here to access South Coast calendar
Click here to access Zululand calendar
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Master Builders Kwazulu-Natal - Voice of the KZN Construction Industry
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