MEET THE TEAM

Vikashnee Harbhajan has held senior positions in both the public and private sector. She holds a Master’s degree in law and is an admitted Attorney and Conveyancer of the High Court of South Africa.

After having completed National Service, Greg started out his career in the Deeds Office where he worked for 3 years. While serving as a Title Deed Examiner, he attended university part time. He then worked as a Railway Stoker for a year in order to complete university and thereafter joined Byron & Jooste where as an Audit clerk, completed his articles and qualified as a chartered accountant. Greg spent 8 years at Byron & Jooste before joining DS&T.

Ernest worked for PostNet Southern Africa (PTY) LTD for 12 years and at different times throughout that period, held the post of Regional General Manager in three different provinces. He has had his own IT Hardware supply and support business and was the managing partner in an online outdoor activity web portal venture. He joined Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal in 2009 to assist in the Commercial and Online Department before being appointed Regional Manager for the Association's Durban region.

Gary Amstutz was born in Cape Town and spent much of his childhood travelling the world, as his father was a Civil Engineer with a large International Firm. Gary studied law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and completed his LLB in 1993. He then spent two years working and travelling overseas.

Jannie was born and educated in Cape Town. He was employed by Transnet and as he progressed within the company was transferred to Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and then Richards Bay. His last posting saw him appointed as Labour Relations Manager and his responsibilities included, the implementation of the new Labour Relations Act and managing the Labour relations for the Coallink Business Unit.

Neels is the Association's Health and Safety Manager, he has served the Association in this position for more than 12 years. He started his working career with ESKOM in 1981 where he qualified as a Draughtsman. In 1986 he changed his focus to Safety Risk Management and later qualified as an Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Officer. He currently holds a National Diploma in Safety Management and have been practicing Occupational Health and Safety for the past 25 years.

Rob came onboard as Benefits Manager in November 2001, at the time, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal was administering the Provident Fund as well as running the Stamp Scheme. A few months later the Association started administering two additional funds, KZN and Midlands Retirement Fund. Rob played an intricate role in managing and implementing the administering of these new portfolios.

Ross Stembridge was born in Pietermaritzburg into a family with strong roots in the building industry. Both his father and grandfather were involved in building and to visit sites on a Saturday morning was the normal course of events. After completing his National Service enrolled for a B.Com at the University of Natal and then as he decided that building was in his blood completed a National Higher Diploma in Building Survey.

Upon Completion of high school, Shelly achieved a National Secretarial Certificate as well as a Fitness & Nutrition Diploma. She began work life as a tracing agent at ASAP Tracing in Newcastle, before Joining Hudson & Knight Unilever, where she worked as a personal assistant for three years, before leaving to travel the USA.

Victor Smith was educated in Durban and after completing his teacher education, he taught at schools in both Johannesburg and Durban. After sixteen years as an educator, Victor joined a private training provider, where his functions included:

Bonga recently moved over from the NHBRC Inspectorate and came on-board as the Association’s Customer Care Facilitator and is currently acting Durban Regional Manager. His role in the organization is to call on existing members as well as to recruit new ones; he is essentially the interface between members and the Association. Bonga speaks fluent English, Zulu, Afrikaans and Xhosa making him the ideal candidate.

Our Midlands Regional Manager was born, raised and educated in Pietermaritzburg and matriculated at Maritzburg College in 1993. Gareth spent the next 8 years working for On Tap, a local plumbing and sanitaryware supply in Pietermaritzburg and gained excellent experience from his time there.

Hans grew up in Klerksdorp before his family relocated to Harrismith when he was 13. After matriculating, he began his career in the nearby town of Bethlehem, where worked for the South African Railways. Hans displayed a natural enthusiasm for learning and completed several courses. He quickly rose through the ranks, resigning 13 years later as a district track manager.

Paula grew up in Richards Bay and began her working career with a small local construction company called General Plant Services. From 1992 she worked as a marketing consultant for stationery supplier Waltons, before in 1999, joining security company Chubb Guarding as their Richards Bay branch manager. In 2005 she moved over to labour hire firm New Adventure Hire, where she headed up their Human Recourses department.

After having spent some time working in the Construction industry, Amos joined the team at the Association 1990 as an assistant handy man. His role and responsibilities include maintaining just about every aspect of The Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Essex Terrace building.

Ben grew up in Bloemfontein and after completing school, spent six years studying at the University of the Orange Free State, where he qualified as a quantity surveyor. After University, he spent the next 5 years working for a construction company called Martin Harris and Sons. He then joined Schoombie Hartmann and Partners as a fully fledged Partner and ran their Bethlehem office for them.

Brenda was born and raised in Richards Bay and after completing Matric, studied office Management and Technology at Technikon Natal. She has obtained a Computer Certificate from the University of Zululand and worked for Hang Ten as a store Supervisor, before joining the Association in 2011. She is currently studying Administration through Intec College.

Busi grew up in Durban and joined the team at the Association in 1991 where her work as a tea lady, is very much appreciated. She lives in KwaMashu, has two sons and a daughter, and has only ever been in the employ of Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal.

Caroline worked for Gwahumbe Game and Spa performing various chef duties before coming to the Association in 2011. Her responsibilities included cooking, baking and serving meals to the guests. At Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal she caters and serves at Cafe Indaba, the Association’s in-house coffee shop and restaurant.

Chervon came on board earlier in the year as assistant to the Association's Administration Manager, Shelly Kupfermann. Her role is assisting Shelly with general administration duties, HR matters, as well as various unique projects, functions and events. One of her many responsibilities, is to inspire and maintain sound business relationships with the Association's members.

After matriculating in 1984, our Conference Co-Ordinator Debbie Gowar studied a 3 year National Diploma in Hotel Management. Debbie achieved the Excellent Service award and also won the best Thesis award, as well as obtaining a distinction in Hotel Law and Hotel Practice.

Dumisani joined the team at the Association in 1987 where he assists with all matters pertaining to post, and also serves as a general cleaner. He is a farther of six daughters and lives close to the Inanda area.

Eileen started her career at Old Mutual in Cape Town, moved to Port Elizabeth where she worked for South City Brokers then settled in KwaZulu-Natal. In Durban she initially worked for Sanlaam, before embarking upon a second spell with Old Mutual. Eileen began employment with the Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal in 2005, bringing with her a wealth of Employee Benefit experience.

Elishya joined the Association in 2008. She worked in the associations exhibition centre and then after a year moved to the Occupational Health and Safety department. She has since then completed Samtrac (entry level safety management training course) and is currently studying through UNISA (Programme in Safety Management). Elishya hopes to further her education by completing the National Diploma in Safety Management through UNISA. She is also a member of Saiosh ( South African Institute of Safety & Health) since 2010.

Shortly after having matriculated in Durban, Goodman in 1986 commenced employment at Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal. He joined the Employee Benefits Office in 1999 and today fulfills the role of Employee Benefits Front Office Supervisor. Goodman in 2004, also achieved his teachers certificate through UNISA.

Before joining the team at Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal, Happiness worked at the Shell Garage in Riverside in Durban North as a cashier. Prior to that, she gained a wide range of experience in catering while in the employ of Red Rose Caterers. In 2010 she was appointed as a conference assistant to Debbie and later became the first staff member to provide in-house catering to conference delegates.

After ten years experience working at Junk Mail, Jhan came onboard in 2009 as the Associations in-house graphic designer and has since been responsible for the creative element relating to all flyers, brochures, advertisements and advertising materials. Over this period he also completed computer programming studies at CTI and was the successful applicant for the position of Retail Shop Manger.

Upon completion of school, Durban born Hazel attended ML Sultan Technikon where she achieved a diploma in Internal Auditing. After having been in the employ of David Strachan & Tayler, as well as Deloitte and Touche, in 2008 she joined the Master Builders as association bookkeeper, and is in her third year of studying for a B Compt Degree.

Kesi initially worked for the company that had the contract to supply the Association with Building maintenance. After a decision was taken that a full time maintenance man was required, he came onboard as a member of staff. Kesi is responsible for the supervising of all maintenance work at our Essex Terrace Offices, is married with 2 children, and lives in Umzinto.

Kim attended Technikon in Durban, where she studied Criminology, anthropology, Ethnology and also completed a secretarial course. She worked for both Tiger Brands and MTN before joining Master Builders Kwazulu-Natal in 2007. Kim is responsible for all administrate duties, pertaining to the Outsource Inspectorate.

Leah was born, raised and educated in Empangeni. She matriculated in 2010 at Empangeni High School and joined the Association in June 2012. She has completed Modern Risk Management through IRCA as well as an Audiometry course through OCSA and continues to further her education in this field. She assists with the running of the Association’s Mobile Clinic service and advises members on how to properly maintain their Safety file.

Lyn was born in Lusaka but has lived in Durban North since the age of 3. She matriculated from Northlands Girls High School and went to work for a national tyre company where she spent 13 years in total. She also worked at a large car manufacturer’s head office, the Natal Rugby Union as well as another national manufacturing company for 18 years before joining MBA. She has two daughters with three grandchildren. Lyn joined the Benefits department in November 2009 on contract to help with the administration of the Surplus Apportionment exercise. In August 2010 she took a permanent position in the same department in the Stamp office.

Mandisa was born in Durban, after matriculation she studied Financial Management at eThekwini FET College and then was employed by a Training Organisation as Office Support. She furthered her studies in Pastel Accounting and Bookkeeping at UniSchool which is part of Howard College. She joined the Association in 2010 and now fulfils the role of Receptionist.

Mike matriculated at Durban Finishing School and in 1993 went onto work in the Benefits Office at Old Mutual, Durban Branch. In May 2001 he joined Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Benefits Office, as Provident Fund Administrator assistant to Bob Sayers. In 2002 he became the Provident Fund Administrator responsible for Death & Disability claims. He is currently studying Business Administration through Varsity College and holds a certificate of proficiency (C.O.P.) in Retirements Funds through the Insurance Institute of South Africa, which he attained in June 2004.

Michelle grew up in Amanzimtoti and began work life in the employ of Invesguard Financial Brokers. She then served as an Executive Secretary to the Council at The Playhouse Company, before spending four years with Coastal Farmers Co-Operative Limited. Michelle joined the Association in 2008 as a Minute Secretary and is in her third year of studying towards a Professional Secretarial Diploma.

Minnie has been with association for a number of decades. She went into retirement in 2005 and returned in 2006 to assist as tea lady and cleaner. She has remained at the Association ever since, where her warm smile, and good natured personality, is always welcomed.

Before joining the association, Muzi completed a Two year learnership with Metro Cash and Carry and worked as a bartender for Sun International. He now works with the ladies in the Conference Department assuring that rooms are prepared in accordance to client specification. Duties also include prepping tables and the serving of hot beverages and meals, as per the clients agenda.

Neil obtained his National Diploma in Safety Management in 2005 through UNISA and is a registered Occupational Health and Safety Professional with OSHAP, registered with ACHSAM as a Construction Health and Safety Consultant. His also a member of the institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) . His role within the association is as an Occupational Health and Safety Consultant, advising and assisting members on how best to conform to Construction Health and Safety standards.

Petros started out with the association in 1987 as a general cleaner, before joining the Benefits Department. Today he is Assistant Provident Fund Administrator, where he handles the funds withdrawal and retirement.

Ruth has been with the Association for 20years and assists with ensuring that the catering needs of those hiring conference facilities are timeously met. Duties include prepping tables and the serving of hot beverages and meals, as per the client's agenda.

Upon leaving school Sane began studying for a Diploma in financial accounting at Durban University of Technology. While embarking upon her studies she held a temporary position at Transnet Port Terminals and began working fulltime for the Association as a receptionist in 2011. Sane has since completed her studies and works with Victor Smith in the Association's Training Department.

After having grown up on a farm in Ladysmith, Sally spent several years in the employ of Ernst & Young, before embarking upon four years of travel. Upon her return to South Africa, she joined Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal where she performs administrative duties, pertaining to Pension Fund accounts.

Sharon grew up in the Kloof area of Durban and upon completion of High School, studied for a secretarial diploma. Before joining Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal, after having achieved success as owner operator of a service industry related business, Sharon traveled extensively. After 14 years of service within the association, She brings to the benefits office, a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Shahieda was born in Port Elizabeth, schooled in Pietermaritzburg and began her working career with Industrial Council for the Building Industry ( PANABI ). After several years with them, she was employed by Building Industry Training Scheme, before joining Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg office in March 2000. Her roles and responsibilities include client liaison as well as various administrative duties.

Tanya began her work career at ICF (Independent Cutting Forms) initially as their receptionist. She went on to work in various divisions gaining experience in stock management, stock control and Logistics, before serving as personal assistant to the companies Production Manager. Tanya joined Master Builders in 2007 and now fulfills the role of Advertising Coordinator, within the associations Commercial Division.

Natal born, Winnie, has lived in Durban her whole life and after matriculating, did a secretarial course at Inanda Seminary before studying business management at Unischool which was part of Howard College. She began her career working for the Industrial Council for the Building Industry then later for Fedsure when they took over the fund. She then worked at Capital Alliance before joining Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal earlier in the year.

Zama studied photography at Durban University of Technology and graduated in April 2011. Upon completion of her studies, she worked at Pandays studios where she operated as photographer and photo editor. She began working for the Association in 2011 assisting Jhan in the copy print retail outlet.