Let’s get over it.

Let’s focus on the job at hand.

Last month I spoke about the rough ride our industry might expect during 2016. And that has certainly started off with a bang.

But in these troubled times it pays to step back, keep one’s head down and focus on the work at hand, regardless of the turmoil around us. We are all too well aware of the many factors affecting our economy and industry, and the world at large. Yet we must, and will, survive no matter what.

So let’s get on with it.

I find it ironic that it was Sun Tzu, a Chinese general, military strategist and philosopher who said “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” Meaning: Be different. Take the chance to stand apart from the deluge of insipid marketing messages and capture the consumer’s attention and loyalty.1

Now, in this issue of SA Builder, we see exactly that, as our besieged steel industry closes ranks to deal with the glut of substandard steel products being dumped on our shores – by the Chinese. In so doing, the South African Institute of Steel in Construction (SAISC) is finding innovative ways of consolidating the myriad aspects of the steel sector, creating new local opportunities, and actually planning to grow its export markets.

In the roll-out of our National Infrastructure Development plan (NDP), we see how Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), see ways to create opportunity in the challenges of getting projects released and underway through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and closer working relationships with Municipalities, who are steadily releasing a small but significant stream of infrastructure projects.

On Construction Health and Safety, industry doyens such as Professor John Smallwood and his team at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) continue to pave the way for us through their innovative research, building the “best practice safety platform” from which we as an industry can operate.

And, most importantly, through the guidance of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), we are advised in its latest instalment of the Construction Industry Indicators (CIIs) Report of the growing levels of client dissatisfaction with the performance of contractors. This is in itself an exciting pointer as to how to improve contractor performance.

So colleagues and friends, enjoy the read and let’s get to it. With the depth and spread of the pool of professional bodies in our industries, we have everything at our fingertips to draw on the information to hand, and sail steadfastly forward.

Just focus on the job at hand.

‘Til next month.

Roy Mnisi

1 Ten Teachings to Inspire Triumphant Marketing
from Sun Tzu’s The Art Of War
bluenotetechnologies.com