The Association takes the opportunity to welcome the following new members : 

• MSAT Construction Service (Pty) Ltd
• SKM Engineering and Amptech Electrical Services
• Andrew Sutherland Projects (Pty) Ltd
• Ubhaqa Enterprise (Pty) Ltd
• Ice Crusher Investments (Pty) Ltd
• Pilekon Construction (Pty) Ltd
• ERD Construction (Pty) Ltd

While the Association has retained the bulk of its members, the impact of COVID-19 continues to hinder the industry with many of our members having experienced several challenges since lockdown was implemented.  General construction in the industry has been slow, as preparations to open up projects for the commencement of construction with the COVID-19 health and safety protocols is time consuming for businesses.  

Supply of cement has stabilised amidst the industry experiencing a  shortage  in light of import restrictions and manufacturing company closures. Suppliers and projects often come to a standstill due to  COVID-19 infections. This results in business closure for sanitising purposes, which delays the supply of goods as well as the progress of ongoing projects.

Throughout the month of July 2020, the Association continued to deliver membership services either telephonically or on site as required.  

Most of the activity that required on-site assistance revolved around Health & Safety. In order to be allowed to operate on certain sites members require star grading certificates hence there were requests for urgent Health and Safety audits. The Association has also assisted members to resolve matters were body corporates have refused to allow contractors access as a result of COVID-19 concerns.

The Association’s Occupational Health and Safety Manager also participated as an expert presenter in a webinar hosted by FEM.

Zululand has remained quiet with most companies operating with minimum staff on rotational rosters due to work shortage and COVID-19 concerns. Some have taken the opportunity to focus on legal compliance. With Occupational Health and Safety being a key priority, many companies have also used the downtime to make sure that they are 100% up to speed on all OHS related matters. Empangeni is headed for further load shedding during peak times due to illegal connections, the roads are deteriorating at a rapid rate and the region seems to be plagued with strikes, riots and protests, all of which has affected business operations.

Ernest Roper | Membership Services Manager