The start of 2025 signals a positive shift for the construction industry with reports forecasting an increase in construction activity. This uptick is driven by renewed government efforts to boost infrastructure development and “turning South Africa into a construction site”.
In January the South African Reserve Bank reduced interest rates for the third consecutive time, cutting the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.50% and the prime lending rate to 11%. These adjustments are anticipated to support a recovery in the residential property market.
The Build KZN Better Conference on property management, held at the Durban ICC on 28-29 January 2025, focussed on collaboration in property management and the drive to make state assets work for the public. The event featured prominent speakers, including Honourable Thami Ntuli - Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, KZN MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mayor of eThekwini and other key stakeholders. The conference hosted three important commissions focused on “Urban Renewal and Property Optimization,” “Rural and Peri-Urban Development,” and “Public-Private Partnership Forum.”
As we move into the year, it is time for membership renewals and Members are encouraged to look out for renewal information. On the radar is a Member Meeting scheduled for 19 February 2025, whilst the Durban Golf Day will take place at Cotswold Downs Golf & Country Estate on 14 March 2025. Members are urged to secure their bookings as soon as possible.
One of the Association's key strategic objectives is to promote and share best practice in the industry. In line with this, the Association is pleased to announce the launch of its Best Practice Repository, a platform designed to share best practice with members of the Association. The Repository can be accessed via the Association’s website using member login details.
In the first week of April 2025, the Association will be hosting Roadshows in Durban, Zululand, Pietermaritzburg and South Coast. The Roadshow seeks to promote the Association, membership growth, strengthen current member relationships and reaffirm the Association’s role as a trusted industry partner. Further details will be shared in the coming weeks.
The legislative landscape is bustling with activity, with several significant pieces of legislation in progress. The Housing Consumer Protection Act has been signed into law. The Employment Equity Amendment Act came into effect on 1 January 2025 and the Department of Employment and Labour is holding consultations on numerical sector targets before the publication of the related Regulations. The Construction sector engagement is set for 12 February 2025. Work is underway on the Public Procurement Regulations through a National Treasury reference group focused on infrastructure procurement.
The MBSA Annual Congress will be held on 5 September 2025 at the Sun City Resort. This event is a highlight of the year, gathering key industry players to address pertinent issues and celebrate the National Safety Awards.
Members are also notified that the Association's Zululand office has relocated to Unit 8B, Calypso Centre, 10 Lira Link Road in the Richards Bay CBD. The contact numbers and email addresses remain unchanged.
This month’s edition delves into the impact of late payments on small businesses in South Africa, followed by a special focus on key health, safety and environmental goals for the year ahead. A practical guide to understanding Procurement Law in South Africa is provided, along with an insightful feature on the role of a construction foreman. The edition also covers UIF contributions, declarations and benefits. Rounding off this edition is information from the Association’s Business Hub.
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