|
Dear Members and Readers
February was an extremely busy month as we took stock of the State of the Nation Address and the Budget Speech. The State of the Nation Address was underpinned by the concept “Leave no one behind.” The key issues of concern included load shedding, unemployment, poverty, crime and corruption.
Economic growth and jobs are being severely hampered as load shedding continues unabated. The South African economy is still recovering from the impact of COVID-19 as it faces yet another national State of Disaster to respond to the severe energy crisis and the effects thereof. It is anticipated that the State of Disaster will restore energy security and provide measures to support business supply chains and households, as well as the rollout of alternative energy sources. The call to all social partners to be part of the social compact and play a role in the implementation of the Energy Action Plan is critical in the response to the crisis.
It was pleasing to note that the infrastructure build programme was gaining momentum through Infrastructure South Africa and that projects worth R 232 billion were under construction with an estimated R 4 billion projects completed by January 2023.
The incentives worth R9 billion for businesses and households to invest in renewable energy, including solar power generation was welcomed in the Budget Speech. It was noted that companies have until February 2025 to claim a 125% deduction in the first year for all new renewable energy projects. In addition, the benefit of up to R15,000 per individual is available on solar panels installed at a private residence between March 2023 and February 2024, while private households will be able to claim a 25% rebate on the cost of solar photovoltaic panels.
The Association wrapped up its financial year at the end of February 2023. A member meeting was held with key speakers addressing members on the preventative measures against site disruptions. Members are urged to complete the Member survey in order for the Association to keep abreast of current member needs. Members were also advised that the National Minimum wage increase was effective 1 March 2023 and that the submission of Return of Earnings (ROE) by employers for the 2022 Assessment Period would be open from 1 April 2023.
Members are encouraged to utilise the Vuka Makhi Programme which consists of the Candidacy/Professional registration, Short Skills and Skills Card interventions. These interventions are provided at no cost to members to increase workplace skills. The Association currently has limited seats available, particularly for the Health and Safety Short Skills Programme. Please contact the Association to secure skills training to meet your construction needs.
On the radar is a Small Business Member workshop covering key topics and the Member Online Forum where members have the opportunity to engage directly with the Executive Director and the management team. It is that time of the year again for WSP submissions and the Association Business Support Consultancy may be contacted for assistance.
The Regional Health and Safety Competition entries are also open, and members and FEM policyholders are invited to submit their entries. The South Coast Golf Day will be held on 12 May 2023 at the San Lameer Country Club with exciting golfing and marketing opportunities available.
This March edition unpacks the 2023 / 2024 Budget Speech for our readers. Capture the benefits of sustainable construction and the importance of registering with the NHBRC. An overview of the Regional Health and Safety Competition is provided to refresh members on the competition. There is also an advisory on Continuous Professional Development and the CPD training offered by the Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Training Academy. Information about disciplinary action in the workplace is also shared.
Enjoy the read!
|
Email to a Friend
