|
Construction Industry News and Views Edition 193 07 June 2021
|
Dear Members and Readers
The country has been placed on adjusted Alert Level 2 lockdown restrictions with effect from 31 May 2021, following an increase in the rate of COVID-19 infections. This would assist in delaying the spread of the virus to ensure a rollout of vaccines before the third wave peaks. Members are urged to keep your workplaces safe. Consolidated Directions on Occupational Health and Safety measures in certain workplaces have been issued by the Minister of Employment and Labour and it is important for members to take cognisance of the provisions contained therein, with reference to employee vaccinations.
Members are requested to ensure full participation on the matter of employment equity sectoral numerical targets for the construction industry. Further to communication since 2019, including member surveys, a national consultative workshop was convened by Master Builders South Africa to provide further information to our members across the country and to obtain their input. The process of further engagement with our members on the matter is underway.
The Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Bill has been published for comments. The Association has embarked on a process to provide input on this important piece of legislation and members can look out for a workshop invitation on this matter.
Members are reminded that the Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held on 29 June 2021 at 17h30. Due to the restrictions, the AGM will be hosted online via the Microsoft Teams platform. An invitation will be sent out to members and the Association looks forward to your participation at this event.
Notwithstanding the challenging period for the industry over the past few months, it was pleasing to note the number of entries received for the 2021 Excellence in Construction competition and the Health and Safety competition. Judging is underway and we wish all entrants the best of luck. Members are also encouraged to submit nominations for special awards before 30 July 2021.
In reviewing member communication, the newsletter edition will continue to be disseminated on the first Monday of every month. However, in order to ensure a more expeditious flow of key industry information, the eBulletin will be sent out as and when pertinent matters arise instead of every Monday.
This June newsletter brings with it news of upcoming contractual workshops and a POPI Act workshop for members. The Association commemorates the month of the Youth with an article on Employment Tax Incentives to incentivise youth employment in South Africa. The issue of the legal requirements of submitting a building plan is set out in this edition. Insight is also provided on a smart way of managing energy consumption.
Stay safe and enjoy the read!
|
| Vikashnee Harbhajan | Executive Director |
|
| |
|
Membership News
The Association is frequently requested to provide advice on interpretation of contractual clauses pertaining to payment. When the Association offered members a free subscription to BuildLaw, it was envisaged that the platform would serve as an online resource to help members interpret the various clauses in contracts and to provide easy access to templates for various notices that members may require. To take this a step further, BuildLaw have offered to present a short webinar for Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal subscribers on how to maximise benefits from the facility. BuildLaw will also be hosting contractual workshops free of charge to members in the coming months. There will be workshops specifically aimed at subcontractors, so look out for the various invites.
Read More...
|
| ___________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| |
|
The legal requirements of submitting a building plan – Residential buildings
It is a legal requirement to submit building plans prior to actually commencing with a building. This is a requirement when building, renovating or extending a residential building. Section 4(1) of the National Building Regulations and Buildings Standards Act states that: “No person shall without the prior approval in writing of the local authority in question, erect any building in respect of which plans and specifications are to be drawn and submitted in terms of this Act.”
Read More ...
|
| __________________________________________________________________________________________ |
Assisting you and your clients with planning energy consumption efficiencies
A study based in Cape Town has shown that – on average - customers reduced their electricity use, when switched from postpaid monthly bills to prepaid electricity metering, by 1.9 to 2.2 kWh per customer per day, or 12 to 15 percent. This clearly represents a significant saving and is therefore a recommendation to all business types that they consider installing a prepaid electricity sub-meter for their premises in order to see significant savings on their energy billing.
Read more...
|
|
| ___________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| |
Incentivising youth employment through Employment Tax Incentives (ETI)
According to the International Labour Organisation, in 2010, youth unemployment in South Africa stood at 50.53%. In 2020, this figure has risen to 55.75%. Some studies estimate the jobless rate of youth between the ages of 15 and 24 at 74%. In the first quarter of 2020, South Africa consisted of 20.4 million young people between the ages of 15 and 34 years, who account for 63,3 % of the total number of unemployed persons.
Read more...
|
| ___________________________________________________________________________________________ |
|
A meaningful way to reward your employees
Rewarding hardworking employees is an important part of showing that they are acknowledged and appreciated. Many companies acknowledge their staff performance with once-off cash incentives or gifts, however there are more meaningful ways to reward employees and help create sustainable employer-employee relations. One of the best ways to do that is through employee benefits.
Read more...
|
| ___________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| |
|
Creating an effective mentorship programme
A mentor is a person that has knowledge, skills and experience that provides guidance to a new employee known as a mentee that requires the relevant amount of experience, development and skills. A mentor can be an employee from the same organisation or an external expert. Mentorship programmes within the workplace are generally utilised during a new employee’s onboarding and development phase. This arrangement increases the employee’s productivity, focus and overall motivation.
Read more...
|
| ___________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| |
|
Special offer on Site Diaries and Site Instruction Books at Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Print Studio
Order now and receive 30 minutes of free artwork to customise your books! Contact Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Print Studio to order your Site Diaries and Site Instruction Books. Site Instruction Books start from R150 each, including vat. Call us on 031 831 3235/37 or email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.
|
___________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| |
|
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 calendar
|
| ___________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| |
|
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
|
| ___________________________________________________________________________________________ |
| |
 |
|
|
Master Builders Kwazulu-Natal - Voice of the KZN Construction Industry
|
|
|
|
|
|
