| Dear Members and Readers The Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Annual Awards which recognises excellence in construction and health and safety will be held on 7 October 2022 at the Premier Hotel Umhlanga. It was pleasing that the sites entered by our members in the Excellence in Construction Competition and the Health and Safety Competition were of a superior standard. As a precursor to the event, a member promotion campaign, designed to create awareness of Master Builders members is underway. Once again, we are looking forward to a grand networking event as we are a few days away from unveiling the Overall Winning member company. The Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) Congress held in September at The Capital Zimbali was a resounding success and featured prominent speakers with pertinent debates on construction industry matters. The Congress resolutions will be implemented by MBSA. Congratulations to Musa Shangase, President of MBSA and Bhekisisa Samson Ngcongo, Vice-President of MBSA on their appointment for the new term of office. The FNB/BER Civil confidence index rose from 10 to 24 in Q 3 of 2022. Notwithstanding this gain, there was still dissatisfaction with prevailing business conditions due to factors such as lack of demand and low profit margins. It was noted in the report that profit margins were likely being eroded by high material prices and security costs. The recent interest rate hike will create added pressure as households and businesses will have less disposable income and bigger overhead costs. In addition, increased loadshedding has placed severe constraints on business activity as energy availability has been at its lowest point, with analysts reporting that South Africa’s economy is losing millions due to loadshedding. September was a busy month for membership. A Member Forum meeting was held and Peter Barnard from Cox Yeats Attorneys delivered a presentation on the current position regarding procurement law, given the recent Constitutional Court Judgment. A workshop on the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Amendment Bill was also held with key speakers from the Department of Employment and Labour. In this edition of the newsletter, an overview is provided on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms covering mediation, adjudication and arbitration.Employment Equity online reporting is explained and information is shared on how to obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate. In addition, the value provided by membership organisations is explained and learn how Toolbox talk training can be used to improve health and safety. Readers can also understand the barriers that hinder the management of ergonomic risks in the construction industry. To this end, October is Ergonomics month and members can look forward to a webinar on ergonomics. Enjoy the newsletter! | 
Email to a Friend
