Dear Members and Readers

As the Association continues to represent its members at various platforms, it was heartening to note that majority of our members have renewed their membership for the new year. We have also seen keen interest and a rapid take-up of the BuildLaw subscription which the Association has secured for a 12-month period at no cost to its members. Members are also urged to participate in our upcoming online workshops on the Ergonomics Regulations and the POPI Act.

The Association noted that members were experiencing payment challenges relating to Department of Education projects and engaged with KZN Treasury in an effort to expedite these payments. Some members have recently reported receipt of payment and the Association is optimistic that more will follow. To this end, the Association will continue to engage with KZN Treasury to assist our members.

Members should note that entries for the Occupational Health and Safety Competition is open until 14 May 2021. The Association has sent out a call for nominations for special awards which recognises positive and outstanding contribution to the construction industry. For more information on the special awards categories and to access the nomination forms, kindly Click Here.

In the CIDB April 2021 issue of Construction Monitor – Supply and Demand, it was interesting to note that 57% of construction projects for the period (Quarter 2 of 2020 to Quarter 1 of 2021) were from the public sector and 43% from the private sector. However, public sector projects declined from R84 billon in 2019 to R62 billion in 2020, whilst the private sector projects increased by 6% from the prior period.

The local governance ratings agency, Ratings Afrika (RA) in its annual Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI) report reflected that the municipal sector’s aggregate cash shortfall now amounts to R50.7 billion, up from R32.9 billion in 2019. The financial wellbeing of Municipalities is vital to South Africa achieving much needed economic growth. Businesses, in particular the construction industry requires plan approvals, electrical connections, water infrastructure and various approvals as per the National Building Regulations from Municipalities.

Construction Alliance South Africa (CASA) continues to engage on industry matters. Engagement on concerns raised on employment equity sector targets was held with the Department of Employment and Labour, followed by a submission to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour for consideration. Pursuant to a letter to the Minister of Finance, a pre-meeting was held with National Treasury which focussed on procurement issues and CASA awaits an industry engagement on the matter. A meeting has also been requested with the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation to discuss the matter of engineering skills for water and sanitation projects.

An update from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality on the Economic Relief Plan is provided in this month’s edition of the newsletter. Readers will discover eight key components of occupational health and safety management systems in our Health and Safety feature. In another interesting read, the position of the law on the right of lateral support owed between contiguous properties is summed up.

Stay safe and enjoy the read!