Construction Industry News and Views - September 2020
Construction Industry News and Views Edition 185 07 September 2020
Dear Members and Readers
Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the move to Alert Level 2 and the lifting of further restrictions to help drive economic recovery in the country. Members are however urged to take every precaution and to continue to implement health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
We are pleased to see that our membership numbers have remained consistent during this period and we are committed to assist you through these challenging times. Our focus is to enhance our services and products to our members and clients as we strive to achieve industry sustainability.
The Association continues to drive its lobbying and advocacy role with participation at relevant industry platforms. The Building Industry Forum (BIF) meeting was convened with participation from key industry stakeholders. An extensive discussion around the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry was held and preparations are underway for a joint career day to be convened by members of the Building Industry Forum in KwaZulu-Natal. The Association also convened a meeting of the KZN Good Practice Committee which focuses on promoting good practice and maintaining industry standards among other matters.
The Cidb have made several positive changes intended to simplify their processes and to make registration easier and more convenient. This includes email applications from grades 2 to 9 from contractors for the three-year Cidb renewal. The Association intends hosting a Member Forum meeting where the Cidb will be invited to provide an overview of their enhanced processes and will be on hand to answer questions from members. Look out for the invite and be sure not to miss out on this unique opportunity to engage directly with the Cidb.
In this spring edition, our Membership News article provides feedback from member meetings held during August 2020, touching on enquiries relating to the P&G section of the Bill of Quantities. Read more about the difference between quarantine and isolation in the article “COVID-19: How long should isolation or quarantine last.” The article “Cost of construction disputes” provides information on the financial consequences of a dispute. We also delve into the future of training and online learning.
We are honoured to pay tribute to a successful woman entrepreneur in the construction industry - Thobekile Ndlovu of Thobethulani Trading has received a string of accolades and awards over the years and is a proud member of the Association and a Member of the Executive Council. Please join us in applauding Thobekile Ndlovu as she continues on her journey of success!
Stay safe and enjoy your newsletter.
Vikashnee Harbhajan | Executive Director
Membership News
The Association has received notification from the South African Reinforced Concrete Engineers Association (SARCEA) pertaining to a shortage of reinforcing Steel. They advise that the shortage from the steel mills is such that their members are unable to supply the necessary requirements to meet their obligations. They also state that at this stage, they are not in a position to give indication of the severity or duration of the shortage.
One of the biggest challenges construction companies are faced with in any dispute is the issue of the costs and the financial impact. Most construction companies don’t have the cash reserves for drawn out arbitrations and litigation. Certain professionals within the legal fraternity have recognised this problem and have come up with an innovative idea of assisting contractors in any dispute.
COVID-19: How long should isolation or quarantine last?
On 17 July 2020, Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that the number of days for isolation had been reduced from 14 days to 10 days. Many people raised clarity on the difference between isolation and quarantine. It is probable that people will need to isolate or quarantine themselves in the coming months, therefore it is worth understanding the reasons for doing so.
Celebrations for Thobethulani Trading: A successful woman in construction
In an article published in the Sunday Tribune, Thobekile Ndlovu was praised for leading a thriving construction company in a male dominated industry. Proud member of the Association, Thobekile Ndlovu of Thobethulani Trading has been honoured by the Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Construction Awards by receiving the Project Delivery Excellence of the Year Award in the Grade 7 and up category.
The COVID-19 crisis has impacted greatly on all facets of human activity, including education and training. In an instant our lives, the way we do business and how we learn has changed. Globally, large sums of money have been spent on aligning with the challenges posed by the pandemic. Businesses and institutions of learning alike have had to embrace technology to retain their relevance. This has resulted in vast investments in technology over the past few months.
Your favourite meals from Cafe Indaba, open for sit-down customers
Cafe Indaba welcomes its patrons in accordance with government regulations. We follow stringent health and safety regulations and sanitise all surfaces accordingly.
Contact us on 031 831 3231 to order. Choose from our delicious curries, burgers, pies and bunnies!
The training programmes are intended to provide access to currently employed candidates, unemployed candidates and school leavers, as well as to facilitate workplace training.
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.
