Saturday 16 November 2002
Circulation : exceeds 1,400 subscribers
Property and Construction related articles featured on the Internet for the past week brought to you by ASAQS.
News specific to the quantity surveying profession is reflected at the bottom of this newsletter. Click on the blue headline if you wish to read the full article on the Internet.
Past issues of this newsletter can be found at http://www.asaqs.co.za/news/

Construction and Development News
Retail Roundup
Housing News and Land Issues
News from Africa
Mining News
News for Estate Agents and Home Owners
Property Links
The Agent's tool kit
Building Terms
Special Reports
Economic Indicators
ASAQS News
Did you hear?
Update your information
Subscribe


First Name: Your profession

We wish to collect the names and professions of our old subscribers in order to personalise our newsletter in the future. All you need to do is submit your name and select your profession... our computers will do the rest!


First Name:

E-mail:
Your profession

Subscribe:
Un-subscribe:

Please make sure that you are connected to the Internet before you press the GO! button. We value your subscription.


CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT NEWS
KWIKfeas facilitates the preparation of financial feasibility studies for property developments. The application dramatically reduces the time required in preparing, assessing or fine-tuning the feasibility of a new development and offers a professional presentation incorporating cash flows, graphs and reports presented in a format which can be modified to suit your image and needs. This product is an invaluable tool for property developers, financial institutions, quantity surveyors, architects, project managers, property administrators and agents.
Click here to view brochure
Phone +27(0)11 442-2184 for more details
Click here to purchase KwikFeas Online in our Webshop
 

Transforming a derelict historical area
Development of Kliptown gathers momentum as pace of delivery accelerates.Greater Kliptown, an area of historical importance in Soweto located between the residential areas of Eldorado Park, Pimville, Dlamini and Klipspruit West, is the scene of one of Blue IQ's five tourism-related projects.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Making the airport free zone cost effective for tenants
PRICE is the most important inducement for industrial tenants in considering the possible advantages of locating to an industrial development zone. In order to make the Johannesburg International Airport free zone competitive, Blue IQ is negotiating with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality for a rebate scheme on rates and taxes, water and lights and electricity supply.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Full speed ahead for top CBD projects
Extensive urban renewal programme set to transform Cape Town's inner city. The regeneration of Cape Town's central business district as part of an extensive urban renewal programme has sparked a development boom that has bucked the trend apparent in some other SA inner cities.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Gautrain gets closer to its destination
AFTER three rounds of public hearings there is still no final decision on the routes for the proposed Gautrain express train linking Johannesburg, Pretoria and Johannesburg Internation
(©www.bday.co.za)

Man's ancestry is a prime attraction
THE Cradle of Humankind site could eventually rank as a major international tourist drawcard, if managed properly. The fossil hominid sites at Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and the environs were declared a World Heritage Site in December 1999 by the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
(©www.bday.co.za)

Private investors come to the party
THERE are signs that Blue IQ's plan to attract private sector investment to its ambitious strategy is beginning to materialise. Blue IQ a R3,5bn initiative of the Gauteng Provincial Government is rolling out developmental projects as part of a long-term strategy to transform Gauteng into the "smart province". Accelerating the economic growth of the province, creating jobs and attracting investment are the fundamental objectives of the programme.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Creating a hub for cultural, arts and creative industries
BLUE IQ is putting more than R300m towards the regeneration of Newtown, home of the creative arts in Johannesburg. Blue IQ's master plan is for Newtown to become a hub for cultural, arts and creative industries, with a series of permanent cultural attractions and tourism drawcards.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Historic hill set to attract tourists
A legacy for future generations SA'S new Constitutional Court is to be housed at the site of the 19th century Old Fort in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, occupying roughly 12000m² of the 95000m² Constitution Hill development site. The complex is part of the inner city rejuvenation initiative and one of Blue IQ's five tourism projects. The design will be open, highly visible and user- friendly. The project will be a 24-hour facility combining residential, retail, commercial and recreational facilities.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Province's inland ports get facelift to boost efficiency
JOHANNESBURG's two inland ports, City Deep and Kaserne, form the hub of an export-orientated growth zone. Blue IQ aims to exploit this potential by developing the area into a national platform for freight, distribution and logistics. "To this end we have upgraded the road infrastructure and will facilitate development of a sophisticated logistics management system," says Irvin Naidoo, portfolio manager for the City Deep transport logistics hub project.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Fairvest rings in changes after Daisy Street deal
THE R420m Daisy Street acquisition by property loan stock company Fairvest has brought some radical changes for the group. Changes in the offing include a name change from Fairvest to Reit Property Holdings, and the group's asset management role will be taken over by Sanlam Property Asset Management.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Former Colliers MD is banking on mixed development
Former Colliers RMS MD Jaco Odendaal is venturing into a multimillion-rand mixed use development, CapeGate, to be built on a 60ha site in Brackenfell, Cape Town. The development draws on the growing trend of mixing commercial, retail, residential and leisure activities in a single space.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Small players are blocked
The public sector carries enormous opportunities for commercial property players, but its high barriers of entry can exclude small players, says RMB Properties services director Barend de Loor. His comments, posted in the RMB Properties quarterly review, come amid hopes that public sector work will facilitate transformation of the commercial property industry by promoting the use of smaller players in mainstream contracts.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Builder pumping millions into Tuscan-styled villa in Waterkloof
GAUTENG-based builder Rudan Maritz is pumping millions of rands into the development of a home he hopes to sell for about R20m in Waterkloof Ridge, an upmarket Pretoria suburb. His speculative venture represents an enormous amount of confidence in SA's residential property market, and in the Pretoria suburb, known as an embassy node, in particular.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Two investors eye East London zone
THE East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) company is in negotiations with two investors who are considering investments worth more than R1bn each. CEO Peter Miles declined to elaborate on the talks, but said two tenants had already been secured at the zone. German wheat beer producer Weissengold as well as German condom manufacturer Condomi were now building factories on the site.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Foreigners' ownership of land to be probed
CAPE TOWN Government has no plans to limit the foreign ownership of land in SA, Deputy President Jacob Zuma said yesterday, but acknowledged that the matter was the subject of a governmental investigation.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Aveng set to consider South America as point of expansion
Industrial Correspondent SA's largest construction group Aveng will look to South America as its next expansion point. The group already derives 45% of its R13bn revenue from Africa, excluding SA, southeast Asia and the Middle East. Growth beyond SA is in line with the group's policy of spreading or balancing risk.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Sugar mill plan sweet for farmers
Cape Town - Donors, investors and the government are close to finalising a $200m (about R1.9bn) proposal for a 16th sugar mill in the country, which could be operational within five years, officials said on Thursday.
(@www.news24.com)

Avoid duplication of training plans, urges minister
THE private sector must keep government informed about technology training initiatives to avoid duplication of effort, says Communications Minister Ivy MatsepeCasaburri. Opening the Communal Information Technology Centre for underprivileged students in Carletonville last week, MatsepeCasaburri said: "Business, government and the community have demonstrated that they have the ability to make a difference to the lives of many people.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Master plan aims to increase Gauteng's competitive edge
Three-pronged strategy for knowledge-based economy, writes Eamonn Ryan BLUE IQ's vision had its genesis in a trade and industrial strategy initiated by Gauteng's finance and economic affairs department in 1995. In 1997 the department produced the strategy after two years of research into the functioning of the provincial economy.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Cahora Bassa power flows, but talks to continue
Electricity company Hidroelécrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) has resumed supplies to Eskom, after the South African utility agreed to pay a higher tariff from yesterday.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

US holds Agoa up as model
US Secretary of Commerce, Don Evans, last week praised the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) as an "economic model" to encourage new investments, jobs and trade.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Ports policy fuzzy on scope of competition
Several forms of competition are possible within and between the various ports in South Africa, but the Draft Ports White Paper fails to explicitly recognize these types of competition, and the draft policy is inadequate to that extent said Competition Commission chief economist Geoff Parr in a submission to the Portfolio Committee on Transport.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Good progress on $1,2bn SA-Moz gas project
Petrochemicals group Sasol is making rapid progress with the development of the Temane gas field and construction of the Central Processing Facility near Vilanculos in Mozambique, from where natural gas will be piped over 865 km to Secunda in South Africa.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

R20bn in projects promises rich harvest for valve makers
Plans by South African petrochemical giant Sasol and its affiliated companies to implement projects worth more than R20-billion in the next five to ten years hold much promise for local valve manufacturers.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Strong earnings, prospects for Barloworld
South Africa's Barloworld reported yesterday a 24,6% surge in 2002 profits, reaping the rewards of its value-based management strategy, and said it expected further growth in 2003.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

World Summit budget exceeded by 13%
The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held earlier this year might cost the taxpayer more than anticipated.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

SA plans farm insurance against disasters
South Africa will establish an insurance scheme to protect farmers against disasters, including a brewing El Nino weather pattern that threatens to fuel a regional food crisis, the agriculture minister said on Wednesday.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

South Africa is plum agroprocessing investment site
The thriving Spring Valley Foods fresh prepared-fruit operation, in Mpumalanga, epitomised the immense investment and export potential in South Africa's agroprocessing sector.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Bearings leader expands across its Joburg fences
The R30-million Bearing Man park in Johannesburg has become too small for the listed engineering consumable company, which is experiencing rocketing performance.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Mariculture may add value to Namaqualand
The government of the Northern Cape is working on a plan to convert the barren Namaqualand coastline, with its depleted mineral deposits, into a R100 million-a-year mariculture park.
(@www.busrep.co.za)

SAFCEC NEWS

TRADE UNION SURVEY
The trade union survey that was recently conducted by the HR Department shows some interesting developments in regard to the total number of employees in the industry and union membership. If compared with the 1999 survey then the total number of hourly rated people employed by members has increase by approximately 20%. The union membership has however decreased in real and actual numbers. The SAFCEC information will now be compared with the information supplied by the unions after which the process for a new bargaining structure will be taken forward.
(©www.safcec.org.za)

CHANGES AT SABS
The Standards Division of the SABS has changed its name and will henceforth develop and publish standards under the banner of Standards South Africa (STANSA), to distinguish themselves from the identity of their parent organization, SABS. This identity change was identified as necessary during the recent review of South Africa's SQAM (Standards, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Legal Metrology) infrastructure commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry, and is part of an ongoing implementation programme of transformation deemed necessary to bring us closer to our stakeholders.
(©www.safcec.org.za)

STANSA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT
A meeting to constitute the Technical Committee to consider standardisation in the field on earthmoving machinery and related equipment will be held at the SABS Building, Pretoria, at 10:00 on Thursday, 28th November 2002. Any member interested in joining this Technical Committee should contact Howard Richardson at SAFCEC Head Office.
(©www.safcec.org.za)

Back to Index

 
RETAIL ROUNDUP
BUSINESS INCENTIVES
Cash Grants
Cash Sharing Grants
Competitive Enhancement
Development Finance
Empowerment
Export facilitation
Human resources
Investment incentives
Matching grants
Sectoral
Small, Medium
Social Benefit
Tax Incentives
Technology (research
Tourism

(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Government Tender Bulletin
Trade by Industry
SA Business Brief
Worldwide telephone directories


ASSOCIATION OF ARBITRATORS
(Southern Africa)

The Association has been presenting correspondence courses in arbitration since 1985. The qualifications gained by those studying these courses are well respected in the construction industry locally and internationally. We have pleasure in announcing that the following courses will commence in February 2003:

  • Certificate Course in Arbitration
  • Specialisation in Construction Law
  • Fellowship Admission.
For further information, kindly contact the Association at:
PO Box 653141, Benmore 2010,
2nd Floor Digital House, Park Lane, Sandown
Tel: (011) 884-9164/5
Fax: (011) 884-9167
Email:arbitrators@icon.co.za
Website: www.arbitrators.co.za
 

For shoppers, the thrill is back
In our time-starved, pressure-filled lives, “shopping” no longer brings back memories of a Main Street department store decked out at Holiday time or that one-of-a-kind gift bought on vacation. Shopping has become a chore. And couldn't we buy that gift by catalog or online; so what if we couldn't touch or smell or see it in person, romancing that we had made a wonderful and private discovery
(©www.shoppingcenterworld.com)

Hi-tech park will aid start-up firms
BLUE IQ is throwing its weight behind a project to stimulate hitech business start-ups by developing a tailormade science and technology park. SA will have its first such park, benchmarked against international best practice, by 2004 and with it possibly the beginnings of our own hi-tech cluster.
(©www.bday.co.za)

First tenant moves into component park
THE Lear Corporation has been announced as the first tenant of the new R1bn automotive supplier park development at Rosslyn, close to Pretoria. The park is a key component of Blue IQ's Gauteng automotive cluster project. Lear, an automotive parts supplier, is scheduled to move in in the middle of next month. "The process to secure more tenants is proceeding and we're in discussion with a number of potential suppliers.
(©www.bday.co.za)

De Beers, LVMH to open first store
De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd and luxury goods group LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton will open their first joint venture jewellery store in London shortly, De Beers's chairperson says.
(@www.news24.com)

Shopright expands to Mauritius
Johannesburg - Food and furniture retailer Shoprite Holdings said on Thursday it had opened a hypermarket store in the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, boosting its presence on the African continent. Shoprite said the 8 000 square metre store in Trianon was the largest on the island.
(@www.news24.com)

Fund trustees looking for tailor-made portfolios
RETIREMENT fund trustees are increasingly looking for tailor-made portfolio construction, according to Old Mutual Employee Benefits Investment Services. The group's subsidiary, Symmetry Multimanager Portfolios, announced yesterday that it had reached almost R7bn in assets under management.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Back to Index

 
LOW COST HOUSING NEWS AND LAND ISSUES
 

New, dynamic land reform strategies a must
THERE are about 55000 white farmers in SA now, and they own most of the agricultural land in the former white SA about 86-million hectares. This means 0,1% of the population owns about 70% of SA's land surface. If government's current aim is achieved, in 2016, this tiny group of white farmers will still own 60-million hectares half SA's total land area.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Constraints hamper poverty alleviation
MILLIONS of poor South Africans are not benefiting from the government's programme of free basic services like water and electricity because local authorities lack money to implement it. Government policy obliges SA's 284 newly demarcated local authorities to provide 50kw of electricity and 6kl of water free to the poor, each month.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Second warning to traditional leaders
Parliamentary Editor CAPE TOWN President Thabo Mbeki yesterday issued a second strong warning to traditional leaders threatening to resist government reforms that the lawenforcement authorities would "act vigorously" to protect lives and property.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Back to Index

 
NEWS FROM AFRICA
VIRUS OR HOAX?

In case you've received an e-mail containing a virus warning please check carefully for a real virus or a hoax. Usually e-mail warnings encouraging you to forward the information to all and sundry are hoaxes. You can make sure by visiting the Virus or Hoax? web site.

If you suspect that you have opened an e-mail containing a virus visit the virus information section on Virus or Hoax? The site also links to free virus-removal programs.

You can also try the BitDefender online virus scanner

FREE ANTI-VIRUS
Free Anti-Virus Protection!
Use our unique offer - AVG 6.0 Free Edition. Download, install and use AVG 6.0 Anti-Virus system to reliably protect your computer and data free of charge. Go to Free Download Page to get more information.
PC PITSTOP
At PC Pitstop they will help you get your PC in top form -- running fast, stable and secure. PC Pitstop runs diagnostics on your PC to identify things that might help improve performance.
Visit PC Pitstop - it's free.
 

Africa in one day on whistle-stop tour
BLUE IQ's Dinokeng project embraces a series of cultural centres to allow business and leisure travellers the opportunity to experience a comprehensive range of cultural experiences on a single whistle-stop tour. Situated on about 280000ha of land in the north-eastern corner of Gauteng, Dinokeng is within an hour of Johannesburg International Airport and in close proximity to the province's major metropolitan areas of Pretoria and Johannesburg.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Abolish African legal systems with caution
A CHANCE remark by a woman colleague, who normally brings an element of sanity to the debate on the rights of women, or lack thereof, in traditional African communities, illustrated to me the extent to which the worldview of Africans has been distorted by years of white racial domination. She commented on the recalcitrance of Eastern Cape traditional leaders on suggestions that the African laws of succession be changed to allow daughters to have the right to be successors to their father's estates in the same way as sons.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Nigeria works to gain from Agoa
Abuja Correspondent THE Nigerian government has approved the establishment of the Nigerian Apparel and Footwear Project, an initiative aimed at taking advantage of the US-sponsored Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).
(©www.bday.co.za)

Sasol steams ahead in Mozambique
Sasol is forging ahead with its Mozambican projects - the development of the Temane gas field, the construction of the central processing facility and the Vilanculos/Secunda pipeline.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Zimbabwe attractive to platinum miners
Members of the platinum mining fraternity were told yesterday that Zimbabwe was "a great place in which to do business".
(©www.bday.co.za)

Lesotho joins international community
Shipowner Safmarine is expanding its operations in Lesotho by opening a sales office in Maseru.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Zim PGM industry a safe investment – Pitchford
The Zimbabwean government has introduced several incentives to assist the platinum group metals (PGM) industry to develop in that country, said Zimbabwe Platinum MD Roy Pitchford, at the World Platinum Congress 2002 in Johannesburg yesterday.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Zim economy shrinks 11,9% in 2002
Zimbabwean Finance Minister Herbert Murerwa said on yesterday the southern African country's economy would contract by 11,9% in 2002, painting an even bleaker picture than analysts had expected.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Namibia's Ongopolo gets go-ahead to pitch for Zambia's Ramcoz mines
Lusaka - Namibian mining firm Ongopolo Mining and Processing had made inquiries about purchasing troubled Roan Antelope Mining Corporation (Ramcoz), Zambia's mining minister said yesterday, and it was welcome to do a due diligence study.
(@www.busrep.co.za)

Back to Index

 

 
MINING NEWS

NEWS FLASHES FOR ARCHITECTS

Ons begin hierdie nuusflits met baie goeie nuus ...

JBCC DOKUMENTASIE IS NOU BESKIKBAAR IN AFRIKAANS!

Dokumente is bestel en sal vanaf Maandag 21 Oktober by die kantoor beskikbaar wees. Indien u 'n pryslys benodig skakel die kantoor en ons sal dit of faks of e-mail.

Another bit of good news is that Ishara Pillay has joined the PIA to assist with the administration and to ensure that the PIA offices are open daily until 15h30. Welcome Ishara and we trust you will enjoy working with the architects and their secretaries.

WARNING: In the past week 3 Architects have been robbed of their computers. Two of these Architects were robbed at their offices and the other at his home. Engineers are also being targeted. This is probably the work of a syndicate targeting people in this particular profession. Please be careful, especially over the weekends.

Thanks to the PIA for the information drop them a note at admin.pia@saia.org.za

VISIT SAFCEC
Sixty three years constitute two generations. The South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors has celebrated over sixty years of being the "midwife" of the development of South Africa. Its members were intimately involved in the creation of the infrastructure that became the envy of our continent. In the same spirit, SAFCEC has prepared itself for the challenges awaiting us in the new millennium.
To catch up on the latest news click here

ProjectPro ...linking vision to reality

ProjectPro® is a South African based organization that specialises in the field of project management.

Visit ProjectPro® today

 

 

Empowerment targets will not be shifted
There would be no shifting of the black empowerment goalposts contained in the mining charter, Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka emphasised yesterday.
(©www.bday.co.za)

AngloGold begins HIV treatment programme
The first three HIV-positive miners at AngloGold's South African operations began receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) yesterday, following the official launch of the gold company’s treatment.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Minister explains equity-beneficiation offset
Companies which struggle to hit targets set in South Africa's mining charter to give blacks a higher stake in the industry could compensate by adding value in manufacturing projects, the mining minister said last week.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Mining law in place by June 2003
South African legislation to change the white-dominated industry will be up and running by June next year, a senior government official said this week.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

New Aussie diamond-mine is possible on West Coast
South Africa's famous scenic West Coast holds promise for an Australian diamond- mining company, which could see it go into production by the middle of next year.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Local company to start Angolan diamond-mining by next year
As part of its growth strategy and support of the African renaissance initiative, diamond-mining group Trans Hex has secured two alluvial diamond concessions in Angola.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Uranium project expected to begin production in 2005
The Langer Heinrich uranium project in Namibia, which was discovered in 1973, has been acquired by Australian resource group Paladin Resources from Aztec Resources, which was formerly known as Acclaim Resources.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Roadshow to garner global interest in mine fund
The roadshow to fully capitalise the New Africa Mining Fund (NAMF), launched last month, is expected to set off early next year
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Gold mines account for 64% of SA mine deaths
Cape Town - Almost two-thirds of accident fatalities on South African mines last year occurred on gold mines, the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate said yesterday.
(@www.busrep.co.za)

High court to decide extent of Gencor's responsibility in asbestos claims next week
Cape Town - Should Gencor, the investment holding company, be held liable for the asbestos-related illnesses and deaths of workers at mines in which it had interests? And, if it is found that Gencor has a case to answer, how far back should that responsibility stretch?
(@www.busrep.co.za)

Angloplat warns of dangers of state inertia
Johannesburg - The government must speed up mining applications to cope with a boom in platinum demand or risk price spikes that could be damaging, Anglo Platinum (Angloplat) chief executive Barry Davison warned yesterday.
(@www.busrep.co.za)

Argent gets boost from exports and steel prices
Johannesburg - Attributable profit at Argent Industrial, the maker of engineering and mining equipment, rose 108 percent to R21.7 million in the six months to September, the company said yesterday.
(@www.busrep.co.za)

Anglo wraps up ExxonMobil deal
London - Anglo American, the world's largest mining company, said it had completed the acquisition of ExxonMobil's copper mines in Chile for $1.3 billion. The transaction was announced in May.
(@www.busrep.co.za)

Forest Oil seeks equity partner for west coast gas project
Johannesburg - Forest Oil was in talks to sell 30 percent of South Africa's biggest natural gas deposit to the government to help fund its development, a partner in the project said yesterday.
(@www.busrep.co.za)

Back to Index

 
NEWS FOR ESTATE AGENTS AND HOME OWNERS
THE AGENTS TOOLKIT
Homeloan Calculator
Transfer Fees Guide
Bond Registration Costs Guide
Contract for Housing and Minor Works
Contract for the sale of a house
Checklist for Moving Home
Homebuyer's Checklist
Homeseller's Guide
Capital Gains Tax

BUILDING TERMS

Don't know your architraves from your dados? How about your flaunchings and transoms?
REAL ESTATE TERMS
What is your cooling off right? What is an escape clause and when is something sold "voetstoots"?
Get to grips with terms used in property sales agreements here.

CONSTRUCTION LINKS
Over 3,500 construction web sites categorized by topic.

Constructionweblinks.com

Get free issues of the Property Professional Online
National newsletter by
Rodney Hayter, News Editor of
The Property Professional Magazine.
One voice for Property.
Click on the link below which will open your e-mail client, insert SUBSCRIBE in the subject line and pop it off to Rodney

Subscribe to The Property Professional Online
 

Residential property is booming
Shortage of stock countrywide boosts prices, particularly at the coast, writes David Jackson. The residential property market is booming countrywide, with a shortage of quality housing stock across the country and record prices for prime coastal properties in particular.
(©www.bday.co.za)

You're invading my space,' cry property owners
Developers need to make sure that both the planning scheme and title deed are in order and that they have a working knowledge of the law to avoid disputes. We all need our own space ask anyone who has ever been a teenager but finding it is getting harder and harder to do when it comes to residential and commercial property.
(©www.bday.co.za)

New homes on The Berea
Increasing demand for secure small homes in Durban's highly sought-after Berea will be partly relieved this week with the release on to the market of 27 units in a block of flats being converted from share block to sectional title.
(©www.property24.co.za)

Wine exports spike Worcester farm sales
Booming wine exports and good grape harvests are great for the country's economy, but not such good news for the property industry in historic Worcester, the wine capital of the Cape's Breede River valley.
(©www.property24.co.za)

Tenant ruling sparks new insurance ideas
Two new insurance products have been brought to market in the aftermath of the recent controversial Appeals Court decision on the rights of non-paying tenants.
(©www.property24.co.za)

Spotlight on: Kyalami
As the traffic congestion between Johannesburg and Pretoria worsens, Midrand is becoming an increasingly sought-after location for upmarket homebuyers.
(©www.property24.co.za)

Stock squeeze fuels urban renewal
The combination of higher interest rates and a lack of home building at the lower end of the price spectrum could prove the catalyst for large-scale rejuvenation of declining suburbs - and the densification of upmarket areas.
(©www.property24.co.za)

Back to Index

PROPERTY LINKS
Property24 real estate price indicator Residential property market 2q2002
Building statistics Home loan market share
Household debt Survey of average monthly earnings
National nominal flat rental growth Tourism and migration
Calculators Transfer costs

Consumer Advice

You will require the FREE Acrobat reader to enable you to read reports in this newsletter published in .PDF format
 
SPECIAL REPORTS
ASAQS WEBSHOP

Visit our new online Webshop to purchase documents and programs online.

SPECIALS

Norton Antivirus 2000 -
Just R250,00 per package - limited stock!

MSFrontpage 2000 upgrade - normal price R1,399-00, yours for only R700,00

Series 2000 Major Works - your solution for the preparation of JBCC payment certificates, advice statements, N/S subcontractor notifications and recovery statements - AT THE INCREDIBLE PRICE OF R565! Usual price is R995 Unlimited packages available.

 

Social responsibility in the construction sector
Chrisna du Plessis of CSIR Building and Construction Technology recently delivered the keynote address at the 9th ENTAC (Encontro Nacional de Technologia do Ambiente Construido) conference in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. The theme of the conference was "Cooperation and Social Responsibility in the Construction Sector". The conference was organised by the Associação Nacional de Technologia do Ambiente Construído (ANTAC) of Brazil and attended by participants from all over Latin America.
(©www.csir.co.za)

The Small Projects series:
A look at small projects and the complexities of doing them well.
What Is a Small Project?
Starting with two distinct views, a single common view is derived for the small project in the Construction Industry.

(©www.construction.about.com)

CPM Central
More than just scheduling, CPM's are the way to go to schedules:
How to Present a CPM Schedule
Some great ideas on how to WOW them during the presentation of a CPM schedule.
(©www.construction.about.com)

Concrete but not as we know it
New developments in ultra-high performance concrete is giving bridge designers scope for ever greater creativity. Fiona Sutherland reports on the latest developments.
(©www.intlconstruction.com)

Back to Index

ECONOMIC INDICATORS
 
The indicators as on
Nov 17 2002 15:48 PM
This week
09/11/02
Rand/$
9.562
9.7638
Rand/£
15.1080
15.5264
Rand/€
9.5668
9.8868
R150
11.600%
11.625%
Gold/oz
$320.05
$321.30
Gold index
2779.88
2802.13
JSE All Share
9697.44
9656.97

JSE opens slightly firmer
The JSE Securities Exchange opened slightly firmer on Friday, with the major indices slightly better or flat.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Back to Index

SARS issues draft taxpayers' charter
SARS commissioner Pravin Gordhan has presented a draft taxpayers' charter to raise awareness about tax compliance and underscore efficient service of taxpayers.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Financial stocks boost JSE
Fincancial stocks flipped the JSE to a positive close on Friday, as the rand climbed to its strongest level against the dollar this year but gains were capped as a rally in the US fizzled out.
(@www.news24.com)

Government plans to hold back adspend
CAPE TOWN Government is considering additional steps, including the possibility of withholding its adspend from advertising agencies that refuse to take on black empowerment partners, in a new push to promote transformation in the advertising and marketing sector.
(©www.bday.co.za)

 
ASAQS NEWS
 

The MFA composite leading indicator for the SA building industry: Presaging a revival?
The latest data show a rise from 45 to 48 in this key leading indicator: Does this mean that the recession in the building industry is over? Unfortunately not. An index of 48 means that 52% of BER building respondents still find the going tough. Given the four interest rate hikes since the beginning of the year, high office vacancies and overtraded conditions in the retail sector, how come that overall business confidence levels are rising? Writes Dr Johan Snyman in Topics on the ASAQS website.
(©www.asaqs.co.za)

Delay, disruption: Discuss
A consultation document for determining extensions of time and compensation for delay is well thought out, says Roger Knowles. But it is not without flaws...
(©www.intlconstruction.com)

Registration as a Project Manager
Persons who wish to register as Project- or Construction Managers with the newly formed South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions in terms of Act 48 of 2000 should download the registration form and submit it to the Council. The form is available from QSNet.

Important dates from the ASAQS Calendar
Event : SA Council for the QS Profession Executive Meeting
Date : November 26, 2002
Time : 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Event : ASAQS Marketing Committee
Date : December 10, 2002
Time : 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Event : ASAQS Executive Committee
Date : December 11, 2002
Time : 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

For more information on the above events contact Len Harris director@mweb.co.za or phone 011 315 4140

Click here to view the ASAQS Calendar or add events to it

Latest (November) DPW reimbursables published
Preparing a fee claim for government? The new PWD reimbursables are available in the New Documents section of the CUG.

Seen on Classifieds:
Wil jy bevry word van jou das?
Word vry op Vryheid – skakel Theunis Bekker by 083 625 6857. Baie ryk boere met ongetroude dogters in onmiddelike omgewing van 18 putjie gholfbaan
QSs Required
A dynamic firm based in Botswana requires the services of self-motivated and dedicated surveyors to work on projects throughout the country. Must have a minimum of five year post-qualification experience and be prepared to travel.
QS for Housebuilding in UK
We are a highly successful Uk Housebuilder with a need to recruit qualified QS's. Current vacancies in Essex,Sussex and West Midlands. Good progression opportunities. Results /Team focus very important. Previous Housebuilding experience preferred.
All those interested should send a CV to name below. A package will be developed to attract the best.Visit our website www.davidwilsonhomes.co.uk
QS in Middle East
David Adamson & Partners - a British PQS Firm - currently have a vacancy in their Middle East office in Qatar for a senior qualified QS. An attractive tax free salary package is offered. Please send CV if you are interested.

Remember: Visit the ASAQS website for new updates!

New members to the CUG

Martin van Heerden
Grahame van Dyk
Andre Mullins
Diane Vest
Irina Unkovski
Trevor Noriskin
Stanley Bloch
and a special welcome to Teddy Lai from Hong Kong


Please note : Only paid-up members of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors are allowed entrance to the CUG. We still receive a number of applications every month from non-members. If you have any questions regarding membership contact Mrs Barbara Morgan on 011-3154140

Also note that your registration to the CUG will remain in force as long as you remain a member of ASAQS and there is no need to register every year. If you have not received an e-mail confirming your registration contact ASAQS.

Back to Index

DID YOU HEAR ?

Misnomer

This guy is walking through Chinatown. He is fascinated with all the
Chinese Restaurants, the Chinese shops, the Chinese signs and banners on the buildings. He is having the best time just walking and looking.
He turns a corner and sees a building with a sign "Hans Olaffsen's Laundry".

"Hans Olaffsen?", he thinks. "How in the world does that fit in here?".
So, he walks into the shop and sees an old Chinese gentleman sitting in the corner.. The visitor asks, "How in the world did this place get a name like Hans Olaffsen's Laundry?".

The old man answers "Is name of owner." The visitor asks "Well, who in the heck is the owner?".

"I am he", answers the old man.

"You? How in the heck did you ever get a name like Hans Olaffsen?"

The old man replies, "Many years ago when I come to this country, I was standing in line at Documentation Center. Man in front of me was big blonde Swede. Lady look at him and go "What your name? He say Hans Olaffsen.
She look at me... What your name? I say, Sam Ting."

 
 
 
Change of e-mail address?
Do you wish to continue your subscription to the Weekend Property and Construction News? Then do the following :
1- unsubscribe your old e-mail address.
2- subscribe using your new e-mail address with our subscription box on the left
Please Note:
The Weekend Property and Construction Newsletter is at present only available in HTML format.
Webmaster ASAQS

© www.asaqs.co.za. All content belongs to the respective media companies as referred to in each summary.
All other information remains the ownership of www.asaqs.co.za.
All rights reserved.