At a recent Corporate Member engagement which took place via the MS Teams platform, members who fall into the Associations corporate member category were delighted to hear from Steve Angelos, Senior Programme Manager Catalytic Projects Unit, eThekwini Municipality.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Planning Commission (KZN PPC) defines the term ‘Catalytic Project’ as a project of significant scale (i.e. its reach) and scope (i.e. impact on employment, services, economic and social investment, and/or rates), thereby displaying some or all of the following characteristics:

• It makes a substantial impact.
• It provides leverage and/or creates multiplier effects.
• It has the power to radically activate development (social, economic or both).
• It significantly impacts spatial form.
• It creates jobs, and increase land value.
• It contributes to the achievement of the vision and goals of the Province.

Mr Angelos informed members of the role of the unit and how it aligns itself to the Infrastructure Development Policy.  It was noted that their mandate is to project manage, implement, and coordinate the implementation of catalytic land development projects across the city. They also influence pipelining and coordination of land development and bulk infrastructure rollout.  It was evident that the projects are coming to fruition with work relating to the extension of the Durban promenade to the harbour and the Hammarsdale interchange already concluded.

The presentation included an overview of the numerous catalytic projects planned for implementation over the next two years and beyond. The Association supports the drive to turn eThekwini into Africa’s most caring and liveable city by 2030. We wish the unit all the best on this exciting and commendable journey.

On 16 October 2020, a meeting was held with Small Business members from the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality at the Port Shepstone Civic Centre. Special guests at this event included Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Mayor, Nomusa Cynthia Mqwebu and Councillor H. Boland, Chair of Development Planning Services Portfolio Committee. Each attending member received 40 pairs of safety glasses which were donated to the Association by uvex in the support and promotion of occupational health and safety.

In closing, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal welcomes the following new members onboard:

• Ukholo Construction and Road Works (Pty) Ltd
• Anesh Bennie Contractors CC
• KPD Power CC
• Imbe Holdings (Pty) Ltd
• Thembakosi Equipment & Hardware

The Association looks forward to being of service to both new and long serving members.

Ernest Roper | Membership Services Manager