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MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

WESTERN CAPE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Member It is that time of the year when we all have to reflect on our efforts over the past year. For some, it is a time to rejoice with our families and friends and rekindle our relationships. For others, it is a sad time for those who have lost family and friends due to someone else’s reckless driving or crime or illness. Irrespective of what perception and experience we have of this time, for all of us, it is a time to take stock of what our contribution has been to a host of things: be they social, be they individual, and resolve to do even better given another new year. The festive season is a period that reminds us that as we relax and enjoy our holidays we look forward to the birth of a new year, with new beginnings and hopefully a year of economic sustainability for our industry. In so doing we need to reflect on our past year, fuel our energies to make the best of what we were unable to accomplish during a depressed industry market. The marginal GDP increase of 0.9% stemming from the Reserve Banks latest data coupled to other individual indicators have predicted an economic revival and it seems, going by the MFA latest indicators, that hopefully we can look forward to a period of accelerated growth during the coming year. Included amongst these leading indicators are vehicle sales, house prices, residential plans passed and transfer duties representing a revival in the property market for existing houses. In order to remain relevant, the MBA must constantly reassess its goals and adapt its actions to the new challenges we face. The principal challenge is to embrace the forces of change without abandoning the values that have been instrumental in making us strong. The way to respond to this challenge is, I believe, to play an active part in charting the path to the future. Adapting to the changing world means that we must also contribute to changing it. If we want to be ahead of the game, we must help write the rules. These are our future challenges. MBSA has taken up this challenge by embarking on a strategy programme towards 2013 – we in the Western Cape need to rise to the same challenge and ensure that we leave a future MBA stronger and more relevant than ever before. With 2009 rapidly drawing to a close, I would like to extend my very best wishes to mem-bers and their staff of Master Builders Western Cape for a happy and healthy New Year that lies ahead. I wish all of you a blessed holiday and look forward, with you, to a successful Soccer world

cup year of 2010 and better trading conditions in this region. Kind regards

Danie Hattingh

President

D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9 V O L U M E 2 I S S U E 1 0

STAFF RHM Johnson rob@mbawc.org.za

EC Cadwallader Accounting officer ethel@mbawc.org.za

D Bester Occupational Health and Safety Manager deon@mbawc.org.za

M McInnes PA to Director margot@mbawc.org.za

A Jordaan OHS Advisor angelique@mbawc.org.za

A Rhoda Communications Officer adele@mbawc.org.za

Ruth Achilles Reception ruth@mbawc.org.za

M Jacobs Conference Manager

J Desari Conference Co-ordinator

J Shamu Functions Manager WEBSITE www.mbawc.org.za EMAIL info@mbawc.org.za

Ph O21—6852625

Fax 021—6852622

Members’ views, com-ments and contribu-tions will be gladly ac-cepted for publication.

Disclaimer: The views & comments expressed herein are not necessarily that of the MBA

and although every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of information the MBA cannot

be held liable for the views expressed or information disseminated.

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

My sincere thanks to those of our members, executive and officers of the association who have given such valuable support to the MBA office and staff. The MBA without its members would not be what it is today and it is with pride that we, the staff, and our C&L & Skills and labour affairs consultants are able to assist our members with their enquiries on a host of issues that crop up daily. MBA Insurance Scheme— the introduction of the scheme late this year has been one of the highlights for me personally as it has already proven its worth with some satisfied members changing their insurance require-ments to the MBA Insurance scheme. As time goes on I am sure more and more members will benefit from the good advice and excellent rates which we are able to secure for them. 2010—Soccer World Cup year is going to be a testing period for all of us. Traffic jams/inflated restaurant prices—in fact all commodities and services which will be for sale in this city and the rest of the country are going to be priced at the short term affordability of visitors to our city rather than sustainability for the rest of the year. This does and will not prevent us as an industry holding our heads up high with hope towards the after-growth of the world cup period. I am optimistic that visitors who have never been to our shores before are going to realise that they have been missing a wonderful opportunity — investment—especially in Cape Town must result from their visit which must bring growth for our Industry. The Cape Town Stadium, and the surrounding parkland, is going to prove to be an exceptional asset for this city and not being a betting man—I do see the day, sooner than later, that WP Rugby will be moving to the Stadium. The seating is such that from any seat in the stadium one can see the four corners of the field—I certainly look forward to watching a game of rugby at the stadium. The MBA congratulates all those who were involved in the creation of this magnificent building which will remain a monument to the building industry expertise in this city. Training—Training—training—why is it that only the large companies see the value in sending their employ-ees for training/ up skilling etc. And not our smaller members—Is it because they rely solely on their sub-contractors? Quality of workmanship has become an embarrassment for our industry and every employer—certainly amongst our members has an obligation (if they have the future of the industry at heart) to ensure that they have at least one employee in training at any one time. In an effort to encourage qualifications in the roofing industry leading to roofing being included as a designated trade— 3 persons out of all our roof-ing members replied. We are told by others in the rest of the country to stop wasting time trying to get roofing as a qualification off the ground! It is a case of being damned by a few for doing nothing and then being damned for trying to do something. Training of staff brings immense benefits to companies.– these are inter-alia—

Tax Breaks return on investment for the employer through updated techniques which bring better productivity and efficiencies more loyal staff pride in workmanship self pride and self esteem amongst staff better allocation of resources attainment of organisational goals less rework increased profitability for the employer.

Short term benefits in a recession are no different to the long term benefits, however;

Improved productivity potentially results in less labour hours needed a smaller labour force needed, which; ultimately results in less expenditure for the employer. training helps an employer to determine whether or not an employee is capable of performing to the

expectation of his employer and if not the employer can cut his losses and retrench.

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There are so many reasons to train and develop staff but there is an ongoing reluctance

by employers to do this. The MBA encourages members to support our training pro-grammes. for which in most cases, the training cost is presently sponsored by the MBA

Development Trust. If you are not taking advantage of this exceptional offer then you only have yourself to blame when the skills shortage gets worse in an upturn.

We have set up a Multi—Skilling course starting in the new year especially for the smaller members—but it is a large member who has identified the opportunity and has

booked 8 employees for the course. From what I have heard from those who do make use of the financial aid from the MBA—

they are and have been reaping the benefits. Thank you to those of our members who support our training initiatives.

KINDLY REFER TO OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMME FOR Jan to June 2010 on pg 9 Belmont Square has experienced ups and downs this year just like any other company affected by the economic downturn but I am pleased to report that bookings and enquir-

ies have risen substantially over the last month. December and January are notoriously poor trading months but I hope we will regain our losses in the new year.

Our 2010 Membership Directory is due to go to print in the early new year. If you have not been contacted for advertising—please phone Adele at the office and she will arrange

for you to be contacted. Please do not forget that the onus is on the members to send us the correct contact addresses and telephone number etc for any changes to their direc-

tory entries. The use of the correct Contract documentation is essential for peace and mind - please

familiarise yourself with what is available for minor contracts to very large contracts. We receive too many calls from members and their clients wanting to resolve disputes and

no contract is in place.

BBBEE is here to stay and even if you do not score highly at least consider having your status verified. Companies with no status at all (level 9) and not companies with even level 8 are deemed to be disadvantaged in procuring work. Virtually every contractor can

achieve a minimum of level 8. Don’t forget, Skills Training is a positive pointer towards a reasonable score. Consult us if you require assistance in this regard.

END OF YEAR LUNCHES

The MBA and Belmont Square Staff are foregoing their annual staff lunch and the pro-

ceeds we would have normally spent is being donated to the Maitland Cottage Home for Disabled Children. We hope that their lives will be a little bit happier over the festive

season. How about our member companies and their staff considering doing the same? The MBA Office will be closing on the 15th of December but I will be in until the 18th to

assist with any member requirements should this be necessary.

In closing, I trust that all members, their staff and families have a wonderful break over the festive season and we look forward to exciting times ahead in 2010.

Kind regards Rob Johnson

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MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE

Safety message from the OHS Department.

Proposed changes to the Construction Regulations

The Advisory Council for Occupational Health and Safety known as the ACOHS committee have been working on proposed changes to the Construction

Regulations for some time now.

Various documents have been circulating indicating the proposed changes to the

Regulations. The document that is presently available is a working document and was never intended to be distributed to anyone other than the members of the

committee. This document was leaked to the industry somehow and is now being treated as an official DOL document out for public comment.

This is incorrect!

We are awaiting an official draft from the DOL which will then be in the public domain for comment. Once we have this official document we will advise members

and call a meeting of the OHS committee and interested members so that we can direct any comment we have on record to the DOL via Master Builders South Africa.

Whilst the document still remains a working document and no official document is

available, the Construction Regulations remain as they are. We have been informed that some agents are trying to enforce the regulations as stated in the working

document on our members. No changes have been made to the current legislation. We appeal to all contractors and safety practitioners to not include changes that

have not yet happened in their documentation as this is creating some confusion in the industry.

We do not foresee the draft regulations being promulgated before the early part of next year and the full effect of the Regulations could only come into being in the

latter part of next year.

We will advise members timeously of any changes

Deon Bester

OHS Manager

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OHS TRAINING FOR 2010

Passport to Construction

– General OH&S awareness training (on request 3 hours)

Sub – Contractor

- OH & S awareness training – on demand (Min 10) Full Day

Supervisor Safety Awareness – on demand (min 10) Half Day

Specifically aimed at Foreman/Leading hands

Site Safety Officer Training I x day per week for 5 weeks.

Aimed at those with a reasonable knowledge of OHS

Scaffold information session. 1x Day—aimed at site personnel not

engaged in the erection or inspection of scaffolding

Should any member company require their employees to attend these

courses they must please contact Deon Bester or Adele Rhoda at the MBA

Office.

MBA/MIDAS GOLF DAY This popular event postponed in November due to heavy rain, will now take place on the 28th January 2009 at Parow Golf Club. Make a note of the 11th March 2010 when the MBA will host a golf day at the Strand Golf Club. We hope that some of our Boland members will join us for a fun day. Contact Margot McInnes for further info.

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A FEW PUNS FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY THEM!

1. The roundest knight at King Arthur’s Round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi. 2. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still. 3. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

4. No matter how much you push the envelope , it’ll still be

stationary. 5. A dog gave birth to puppies at the side of the road and

was cited for littering. 6. Two silk worms had a race—they ended up in a tie. 7. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall—the police

are looking into it. 8. I wondered why the cricket ball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.

9. Sign at a drug rehab centre—” Keep off the Grass” 10. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray

was described as a seasoned veteran. 11. In democracy it’s your vote that counts—in feudalism it’s

your count that votes.

12. Atheism is a non-prophet organisation.

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A CASE OF HOW NOT TO DO IT!A CASE OF HOW NOT TO DO IT!

Molo ! Kunjani ? Ingubani Igama Lakho ? CAN YOU SPEAK OR UNDERSTAND XHOSA ? IF NOT ….. THE MBA IS LOOKING INTO PROVIDING A LANGUAGE CD (AT A VERY LOW COST) WHICH YOU CAN PLAY IN YOUR CAR OR AT HOME OR ON YOUR IPOD. XHOSA INSTRUC-TION WILL BE SIMPLE CONVERSATIONAL AND BASIC PHRASES, AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PRACTICE CORRECT PRONUNCIATION IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR HOME/CAR.

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MBA DEVELOPMENT TRUST

42 BURSARY APPLICATIONS FOR STUDY AT TERTIARY

INSTITUTIONS IN THE YEAR 2010 WERE RECEIVED BY THE

CLOSING DATE OF 1 DECEMBER.

23 Funding applications with a value of R375125

have been approved by the Bursary committee which

still have to be ratified by the Development Trust

Committee.

The gender make up of the funding is as follows :

Black Male 10

White Male 10

Black Female 4

White Female 1

They will be studying in the following Built-

Environment disciplines :

National Diploma Building

National Diploma Quantity Surveying

National Diploma Civil Engineering

BTech. Construction Management

BTech. Quantity Surveying

Bsc. Construction Management

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MBA DEVELOPMENT TRUST

TRAINING FOR Jan—June 2010

Apprentices— members are requested to consider enroll-

ing apprentices. Apart from assisting your BBEEE scorecard the Tax rebate offered by SARS is a significant incentive.

Skills Programmes—We will be catering for the follow-

ing trades: Bricklaying/plastering/carpentry/painting & decorat-ing/plumbing.

Multi-Skilling Programme— training will cover

bricklaying/plastering/tiling/carpentry and elements of water-proofing. Trainees must under 40 years old.

MBA Leadership Course— First intake starts in

January for 2 x groups. (1x Month for 15 months)

Junior Supervisor/Team Leader— this

course will be dependant on whether we have the support for such a course, consisting of Basic Supervision/Team organisation/control of labour/material control. It is envisaged

that the course will consist of ten modules 1/month for ten

months.

Managing Disciplinary Processes It is our intention to run a number of workshops in the above processes. The content will include the development of a disciplinary procedure through to chairing disciplinary hearings. We would like to start in March 2010.

National Certificate in Supervisory Site Practices. This program is available, subject to a min

10 candidates. The program gives you SARS Tax rebates and the training cost (excluding wages) is fully covered by the Trust

Scaffold erector and Scaffold Inspector These courses are available on demand subject to three weeks notice being given to us and that we have a min 10 candidates

If members have any suggestions as to what other courses they would require the Trust to facilitate, please contact Tony Keal or Rob Johnson.

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