The ruling by the Constitutional Court on 18 September 2018 that the private use of cannabis would be decriminalised has raised important questions for the construction industry.

Following Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s first budget, economist Dr Azar Jammine has raised hopes for a “major recovery” in the South African economy, but he warned it was unlikely to happen before 2021.

The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) accredited professional body for the engineered timber construction sector in South Africa, has successfully developed an inspectorate process to assist Local Authorities, whose role is pivotal in the enforcement of compliance with the National Building Regulations (NBR).

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has concluded an agreement with Bidfreight Port Operations (Pty) Ltd  for the design, development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and transfer of a Multi-Purpose Terminal at Sheds 10 and 11 in the Port of Port Elizabeth, following an open tender process.

The construction industry is a major employer in any growing economy. Within the South African context, the Master Builders Association of the Western Cape has established a proud tradition of producing skilled and semi-skilled people who have worked on major projects all over Southern Africa through training initiatives.

A recent Balfour Beatty survey envisions a construction industry with dramatic digital capability by 2050.

The Master Builders Association (MBA) North says that the continuing trend of main contractors delaying payment of their sub-contractors – or defaulting altogether – is a symptom of the deteriorating health of the construction industry.

The announcement on the 15 June 2018 that Basil Read Construction is applying for business rescue is a clear indication of the critical state of the construction industry, says Mohau Mphomela, Executive Director, Master Builders Association North.

The gazetting of an amended Code of Good Practice on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) specifically for the construction industry on 2 November 2017 opens up new opportunities for the industry, says Kwakho Mpepho, Education, Training and Transformation Manager at the Master Builders Association North.