In his address to the Nation last night, President Ramaphosa announced some of the details surrounding the country’s move to Level 3 on 1 June 2020 and the good news is that the entire Construction Industry will be allowed to resume operations as at 1 June 2020 under Level 3.
We are certain that the combined efforts of the many business submissions made to Government, as well as the many hours of consultations, positively influenced the decision announced by the President last night.
We must extend the combined thanks of our membership to all the organisations and groupings who joined forces to ensure that our voices were heard. We especially thank our fellow MBA’s and Affiliates of Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) and the Construction COVID-19 Rapid Response Task Team (CC19RRTT) for a well coordinated effort.
We would also like to thank the many members who have communicated their thanks and appreciation to the staff of the MBA. It has not been easy for our staff working from home but they have risen to the challenge and I join you in thanking them for their efforts as well. As your Association, the MBA has been working to a detailed “return-to-work” plan for the past 3 weeks. The plan has resulted in a few staff returning to the office but with the balance still working remotely from home or on a mobile basis. Our offices are therefore still closed to members and the public for now but you are welcome to contact us on any of the numbers below.
As mentioned yesterday, it’s vital that we all comply with the strictest Health & Safety Guidelines and ensure that we keep our sites safe and open. In order to do this we need to be especially diligent in our planning and preparation for 1 June.
As mentioned before, we will be re-issuing the relevant government directives and guidelines as well as the necessary pro-forma documents to assist members with their planning. We will also be available to assist directly where required.
We must all be under no false illusions that this is now business as usual. Hot spots will occur in Cities, Towns and on building sites. COVID-19 infections will rise and more people are going to become infected. The difference is that it’s now in your hands and up to you as the employer to resort to all possible measures to protect your employees (and yourselves) to ensure that you remain open for business.
The MBA team is here to assist members wherever possible in order to properly plan a safe and responsible return to work.
In closing I attach a copy of the President’s speech for your reference.
Kind regards,
Greg Steele, Executive Director, East Cape Master Builders Association