The value of building plans passed -at current prices- by major municipalities during 2009 decreased by 21.7% when compared with 2008,Statistics South Africa announced.

In a bid to turn it into a sought after business and entertainment destination, work on the Tusk Umfolozi Casino makeover, is now underway. The new- look design and upgrade of facilities include the construction of a Peermont Metcourt Hotel, with 44 suit

The new Pressure Equipment Regulations came into force on the 1st October 2009. The regulation makes provision for an Authorised Person who is registered as competent within the scope of work undertaken.

The Built Environment Act of 2000 is the umbrella for a raft of Built Environment Professions statutes such as the:

The following article was published in “Concrete Trends” (Official Journal of the Cement and Concrete Institute) VOL 12 No4 November 2009 edition. We thank Concrete Trends and the Cement and Concrete Institute for allowing us to republish it.

Master Builders South Africa recently embarked upon a payment quality survey, and has for our benefit, submitted a detailed report with respect to the findings.

The following excellent article was penned by Paddy Hartdegen for Property 24. It focuses on the contentious issue of low cost housing that has received much media attention of late. He also expresses strong opinions with regard to the future of the NHBRC

The Department of Labour's Chief Inspector of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Thobile Lamati addressed delegates at a Health and Safety Conference held at the Master Builders' Westville office recently.

Many of our members, particularly those involved in undertaking work for various organs of state, are reporting a range of problems relating to tendering processes and activities.

In terms of Board Notice 127 of 2009 published in Government Gazette No. 32600 the (National) Minister of Public Works Mr. G.Q.M. Doidge has appointed the following persons to serve as Council members.