Tag Archives: Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal: Vision 2019

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Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal: Vision 2019

By Vikashnee Harbhajan, Executive Director, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal

Since the global recession in 2009, September 2018 saw South Africa slip into a technical recession as the GDP decreased in the second quarter of 2018. This resulted in two consecutive quarters of negative growth, with the construction sector experiencing some of its worst ever confidence levels – coupled with the demise of several large construction companies.

Vikashnee Harbhajan, Executive Director, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal

Notwithstanding encouraging signs that South Africa may be gaining momentum to emerge out of a technical recession, as well as the economic stimulus package – in particular the R400 billion Infrastructure Fund to drive infrastructure development which will no doubt boost job creation and economic growth – it is anticipated that recovery will be slow and that 2019 will prove another tough year for our industry.

It is noted that National Treasury predicted economic growth to pick up to 1.8% and 2.1% in 2019 and 2020 respectively. However, this will be dependent on factors such as a stable political environment and optimistic business sentiment.

The Association’s objective for 2019 is to assist its membership to weather the storm through effective lobbying and advocacy to ensure a sustainable business environment. These include deliberations with relevant stakeholder bodies on key industry matters, of which the issue of non-payment is a top priority.

The Association plans to engage with the banking sector on access to finance, waiver of liens, progress payments not made as per contract payment clause, payment guarantees and conflicting clauses between the building agreement and financial agreement.

The Association spearheaded the establishment of the KZN Good Practice Committee and will actively engage on all building contractual agreements, development levies, special conditions of tender, challenges regarding bills of quantities and accuracy of budgetary amounts, amongst others.

The issues on the radar for Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal for 2019 include the scoping of a dispute resolution and arbitration unit and the establishment of a Higher Education institution.

Recently the Association proudly launched its new Mission and Vision Statement along with its Core Values which demonstrates its commitment to its members and to the industry.

Mission

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal is the leading voice of the KZN construction industry, representing the interest of its members through effective lobbying and advocacy, promoting best practice, skills development and construction excellence by providing relevant services and a diverse range of business solutions; thereby creating an empowering and enabling environment for the sustainability of the construction industry.

Vision

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal is committed towards driving a sustainable and innovative construction industry which seeks to achieve inclusive economic growth and development. 

Core Values

  • Fairness

  • Reliability

  • Efficiency

  • Excellence

  • Accountability

  • Integrity

  • Diversity

Africa’s Most Influential Women, Continental Winner – Vikashnee HarbhajanAfrica’s Most Influential Women, Continental Winner – Vikashnee Harbhajan

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Africa’s Most Influential Women, Continental Winner – Vikashnee Harbhajan

 

Vikashnee Harbhajan, Executive Director of Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal, winner of the highly prestigious Continental Award in the Agencies and Regulatory Authorities sector – 2017.

In August 2017, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal, Executive Director, Vikashnee Harbhajan received recognition at the CEO Global South SADC gala awards for Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government. Ms. Harbhajan bagged the Country Award for South Africa as well as the SADC South Region Award in the Agencies and Regulatory Authorities Sector, qualifying as a finalist for the Africa Continental Award.

As a sequel to this accolade, Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal has advised that Ms. Harbhajan has been announced as the Winner of the highly prestigious Continental Award in the Agencies and Regulatory Authorities sector.

The mission of the Awards is to identify and recognise Africa’s most influential male and female leaders and just under 4 000 nominations across the various sectors were received from across the continent for the 2017 awards.

The awards are the leading African recognition programme honouring excellence in the private and public sector. The judging panel comprises leading figures from the business and public sector that have excelled in their own right and understand the demands made upon contemporary leaders. Covering 23 economic sectors, the awards have for the past sixteen years independently recognised those leaders who are at the pinnacle of their industry.

Annelize Wepener, Chief Executive, of CEO Global stated the following: “Nominees undergo a rigorous multi-tiered judging process”. “Quality assurance is provided by independent auditors throughout the judging and the highest possible standard is maintained. Those individuals whom have been recognised as winners in their field can be assured that they have truly excelled.”

According to Wepener, the programme dispels the notion that Africa has a paucity of innovative and progressive leadership talent. “There are tremendously inspirational stories at the core of each winner’s professional and personal life story. I am really very privileged to interact with these individuals. They deserve the admiration and respect they are afforded, particularly Lifetime Achievers who have often been absolute pioneers in their field.”

Continental winners will also be afforded the opportunity to join the “Network of Influence”, which will give them access to developmental tools and serves as a platform to bring together small and medium enterprises with corporates and the public sector.

South African Builder congratulates Ms. Harbhajan on her exemplary leadership.

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Vuka Makhi learners reap matric success

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Vuka Makhi star achiever, Bonakele Mkhize

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal Vuka Makhi learners reap matric success

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal is proud to announce a 100% pass rate for learners in the Vuka Makhi Programme who completed the National Senior Certificate Examination in 2017.

As part of this flagship programme which takes learners from education to employment, learners from Umbumbulu and Hammarsdale have travelled to the Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal offices in Westville every Saturday for lessons in English, Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Orientation and Computers during their grade 11 and 12 years.

It is pleasing to note that 34 distinctions were achieved by the Vuka Makhi learners who completed their examinations. 89% of these learners qualified with a National Senior Certificate with Admission to Bachelor’s Degree.

Congratulations to Bonakele Mkhize of Sikhethuxolo High School in Hammersdale who was the star achiever with six distinctions. Learners are currently finalising their registration at various institutions of Higher Learning in KwaZulu-Natal.

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal congratulates all its matriculants on their achievement and wishes them well for the future.