Dear Members and Readers
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal held its 119th Annual General meeting on 30 June 2020 via the Microsoft Teams platform, which saw Bhekisisa Samson Ngcongo of Dambuza Community Development Trust elected to a second term as President of the Association. He stated that the Association would vigorously pursue the relevant strategies to build a sustainable and conducive business environment and was resolute in its efforts to effect a positive change.
Congratulations to the Executive Council for the next term of office:
- Bhekisisa Samson Ngcongo, Dambuza Community Development Trust - (President)
- Joyce Dolly Tembe, Sakhisizwe Development Training - (Immediate Past President)
- Vic Naidoo, 2C Projects CC (Pty) Ltd - (Vice-President)
- Patricia Moodley, Globacon (Pty) Ltd - (Vice-President)
- Lance Ridl, Ridl Construction - (Vice-President)
- Marcus Gonzalves, FS Gonzalves Construction - (Vice-President)
- Moegamat Behardien, MET Developments
- Thys Blom, Plankonsult
- John Dorning, Stefanutti Stocks Building KZN
- Craig Gainsford, GVK-Siya Zama Building Contractors (Pty) Ltd
- Francois Louw, MET Builders
- Thobekile Ndlovu, Thobethulani Trading CC
- Ash Sewraj, Deck, Steel and Concrete CC
- Nelson Rodrigues, Grinaker-LTA (co-opted)
It was pleasing to note that notwithstanding a severely constrained economy, the Association closed the last financial year with 757 members on the membership roll and once again obtained an unqualified audit. The Association presents itself as a one stop business hub with its membership services complemented by a wide range of services and products which are designed to assist our members. The Annual Review document highlighting the activities of the Association was tabled and members will receive copies shortly.
The FNB / BER Building Confidence Index has moved from 13 in Quarter 1 to an all time low of 4 in Quarter 2, mainly due to a sharp drop in building activity due to the lockdown restrictions. Looking ahead and following an industry engagement with Minister Patricia de Lille, we are hopeful that the newly announced Infrastructure Plan will bring some reprieve to the industry, with increased construction activity and fast-tracked infrastructure projects on the horizon to buffer the challenges during this significant decade.
The Association has received a number of enquiries from the industry regarding the annual shutdown dates which is covered under membership news. In the article titled ‘The barometer of the building industry’ we draw attention to a survey commissioned by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) of 1, 800 practices employing over 12, 600 staff members and what their findings reveal for forecasting industry activity in the months ahead.
We also investigate the long and short-term effects of coronavirus on Health and Safety regulations and discuss the increase in cybercrime, in light of the rise in working remotely. Please feel free to view our training and other opportunities on offer.
Members are encouraged to continue to comply with the health and safety protocols to combat the spread of COVID-19. Please let us know if you are experiencing any challenges or blockages during this time. We are also in the process of engaging relevant stakeholders to unlock opportunities to assist our members and these will be announced as it unfolds.
Let me take the opportunity to thank all our members for your ongoing support as we continue to serve in your best interests.
Stay safe and enjoy your newsletter.
