MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Our annual construction break is just a week away (thank God!). It is time for focus on family and friends and for reflection of the year that has past and the new-year ahead. The year that has passed has been a striking reverse of fortunes for the global economy and has not left us unscathed in South Africa. Our practioners, members and firms have experienced the affect of projects delays, cancellations or scaling back. But, through our South African way of enduring and persevering, we can see evidence of "green shoots" to look forward to.

The Association experienced key milestones this year including the Strategic Workshop which outcome was the development of Key Strategic Objectives to re-focus and re-energise ASAQS and by extension the Profession. The ASAQS's mission will be to deliver a world class service to its members and the advancement of the Quantity Surveying profession. The aim of all of this effort is to aspire to a professional association that has service delivery at its heart. Another Key milestone will be the publication of the ASAQS Centenary book. I am aware of the delays of the past but we are now in a position to celebrate this milestone.

I am both hopeful and optimistic that our FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010 year will be the injection required for renewed optimism and opportunities for the profession. We can all be proud of our member's contribution to developing the required infrastructure for the event. Again, our profession has demonstrated the value that we add to the country. Let us celebrate this contribution.

To the ASAQS Board, the Chapters, committees and sub-committees that work tirelessly, on a voluntary basis, on behalf of the members, I thank you and want to recognize you as the unsung heroes of our profession. All these members contribute their wisdom, time, commitment and effort in helping us practice. We should honor and cherish their work. I therefore appeal to all of you to get involved and help contribute your time and wisdom to the ASAQS. The commitment shown by the ASAQS office is often underestimated, but being close to the action this year I can only sing their praises and convey my appreciation. The advocacy work done on behalf of members by these two constituent groups often goes under the radar, but is very important cog in the promotion and legacy of the ASAQS.

On behalf of EXCO, the Board, Executive Director and the ASAQS office, we wish you a peaceful, safe and fun holiday. For those celebrating Christmas and other significant religious holidays, may you enjoy them with your family. For the new-year my wish and blessings for you and your family is for peace, prosperity and good health.

Indresen Pillay
President of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) (2009/2010)

 OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT TO OUR MEMBERS

Here is the annual compilation of the best management and personal development sites around - all based on the quantity and quality of their e-learning resources.

The 100 sites reviewed really are the cream of the crop. Many won't show up on the search engines, no matter how hard you try to find them, so this yearbook really is the best way to access some exceptional and extraordinary learning material.

As before, the e-book is free and you may share it with your colleagues and customers as you like, as long as you don't change the contents or sell it.

Log into the CUG to get a copy of the book

 SEASONS GREETINGS

Whilst the ASAQS offices will still be in full operation until Friday 11 December 2009 before closing for the festive season, we would like to take this opportunity to extend season's greetings to all our members, friends and colleagues in the construction industry. Some of you may be closing earlier, so we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

To those of you that will be travelling on the road during your holiday trips, please drive carefully and may you safely get to your destinations.

We value your continued support of the Association and trust that the year ahead will be a successful and lucrative one. We can all look forward to the year ahead with optimism in view of the many exciting prospects and opportunities that lie ahead. May your businesses flourish and your order books be full. We wish you all well for the future !!

 OFFICE CLOSURE OVER CHRISTMAS PERIOD

Members are advised that the ASAQS offices will be closed over the festive season this year as follows:
• Office Closes    :  Friday 11 December 2009 (at 04h00)
• Office Re-opens :  Monday 04 January 2010 (at 08h00)

This period coincides with the general shutdown of the construction industry at large and will afford the staff a well-earned rest after a very busy and challenging year.

It should however be noted that there will be a limited presence in the offices on Monday 14 December and Tuesday 15 December 2009. Should members wish to purchase any contract documentation on an emergency basis, they will be able to do so, albeit on a cash only basis.

We also wish all our members and customers a pleasant break over this period.

 2010 TARIFF OF PROFESSIONAL FEES NOW AVAILABLE

THE SOUTH AFRICAN COUNCIL FOR THE QUANTITY SURVEYING PROFESSION
AMENDMENT OF TARIFF OF PROFESSIONAL FEES
QUANTITY SURVEYING PROFESSION ACT, 2000 (ACT 49 OF 2000)

In terms of section 34 (2) of the Quantity Surveying Profession Act, 2000 (Act 49 of 2000), the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession hereby makes known that it has determined amended guideline professional fees as set out in the Schedule.

The amended guidelines contained in the Schedule below shall become effective on 1 January 2010

Amendments to the 2009 Tariff of Professional Fees published in Government Gazette No 32753 of 4 December 2009 as Board Notice 163 of 2009 are included herein.

The new tariff is available from the website of the SACQSP or can also be downloaded from the CUG.

 PUBLICATION OF THE ASAQS "CENTENARY PUBLICATION"

We are pleased to advise that the long awaited ASAQS Centenary Publication has been completed in all respects and is currently at the printers for printing. We have been advised that the first copies will be delivered to the ASAQS offices around Friday 11 December 2009. So the delivery and dispatch of these documents, where complimentary copies were promised to all the advertisers, will follow shortly thereafter from the offices of the Publishers, Chris van Rensburg Publications.

Where practices elected not to purchase advertising space in the publication, they are invited to purchase their copies from the offices of the ASAQS in the New Year. Details as to the cost and delivery procedures will be made available during the course of next week.

We are excited about the look and feel of the publication and look forward to all practices purchasing their copies of the publication.

 SALARY SURVEY 2009

We are happy to announce that the draft report of the "ASAQS Salary Survey 2009" has been made available to the offices of the ASAQS for final review and approval. The draft report is currently being reviewed by the responsible persons on the ASAQS Fees Committee and the final copy will be completed within the next few days and made available to all practices that contributed information to the ASAQS.

We look forward to the imminent release of this report with great anticipation.

We wish to express our thanks to all practices that took the time and trouble to submit the details of their remuneration packages of their employed staff to the ASAQS. Your input is acknowledged and sincerely appreciated. Without your assistance this survey would not have been possible.

 AND THE WINNERS ARE...

HERMANUS JOHANNES BERRY– GOLD MEDAL AWARD WINNER 2009 !!

We are pleased to announce that the Prizes & Awards Committee of the ASAQS has unanimously decided that the ASAQS Gold Medal Award for 2009 be awarded to Mr HERMANUS JOHANNES BERRY who completed his studies at the University of Free State.

This prestigious award is awarded annually to the best all-round student in the final year of study from any of the seven accredited Universities in the country. The criteria by which this award is adjudicated may be summarised as follows:

4.1 Available to accredited universities (excluding universities of technology)
4.2 For one student nationally who has obtained his/her degree, whose academic achievements are of outstanding merit and whose personal qualities promise to positively contribute to the profession
4.3 Universities to submit nominations to the Executive Director when requested each year. A special Adjudication Panel will be invited to consider the nominations and to make their recommendations to the Prizes and Awards Committee for final ratification and approval
4.4 Nominations from the universities must include the following documentation:
• Marks obtained by nominee in each subject for each year of study
• Class average marks for each subject in the corresponding years
• Number of students in the nominee's class year by year
• The final year marks of the best final year students for the past two years
• Extramural activities and details of character, personality and powers of  leadership
• Testimonial from the Head of Department

Herman studied at the University of Free State and completed his studies with a BScQS (Hons) last year. He is currently employed by Davis Langdon in their offices at Stellenbosch, Western Cape. He will be presented the award during the Presidential Tour in Cape Town during the early part of 2010.

On behalf of all at the ASAQS, we congratulate Herman his achievement and for the award of this prestigious award. Congratulations and well done !!

HANANJA SUSANNA JOHANNA STEYN – DJ LAING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER 2009 !!

We are pleased to announce that the Prizes & Awards Committee of the ASAQS has resolved that the DJ Laing Memorial Scholarship for the year 2009 be awarded to Miss HANANJA SUSANNA JOHANNA STEYN from the University of Free State.

This prestigious scholarship is awarded annually to a student at any one of the seven Universities in the country. The criteria by which this award is adjudicated may be summarised as follows:

5.1 Available to accredited universities (excluding technikons)
5.2 For one quantity surveying student nationally. 
5.3 Awarded on the basis of academic achievement, character, participation in student affairs and financial circumstances, with preference given to, but not restricted to, employees of Davis Langdon. Suggested that scholarship be awarded to students at the end of their first year of study and that it be renewable, subject to satisfactory results.
5.4 Universities to submit nominations together with academic results, CV's, etc, to the Executive Director when requested each year for consideration by the Prizes and Awards Committee and ratification by the family trust.
5.5 If in the opinion of the Prizes and Awards Committee none of the nominees have achieved satisfactory results of a suitably high standard to warrant the award of the scholarship, then the Prizes and Awards Committee will be at liberty to recommend alternative book prizes with a reduced financial award.

Hananja was in her first year of study at the University of Free State and is busy with her BScQS (Hons) studies. 

On behalf of all at the ASAQS, we congratulate Hananja on the receipt of this prestigious scholarship. Congratulations and well done !!

OLIVE ROMA CAROLINE DU PREEZ – DAVIS LANGDON PRIZE 2009 !!

We are pleased to announce that the Prizes & Awards Committee of the ASAQS has resolved that the Davis Langdon Prize for the year 2009 be awarded to Miss OLIVE ROMA CAROLINE DU PREEZ from the University of Free State.

This prestigious scholarship is awarded annually to a student at any one of the seven Universities in the country. The criteria by which this award is adjudicated may be summarised as follows:

3.1 Available to all accredited universities (excluding universities of technology)
3.2 For one student nationally who has obtained his/her degree with especially meritorious results in the subject Professional Practice (or equivalent) in all the years of study
3.3 Universities to submit nominations together with a motivation to the Executive Director when requested each year for approval and ratification by the Prizes and Awards Committee

Olive completed her BScQS(Hons) at the University of Free State at the end of 2008. 

On behalf of all at the ASAQS, we congratulate Olive on the receipt of this prestigious prize. Congratulations and well done !!

 ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE POSITION OF DEAN

...OF THE SCHOOL OF CONSTRUCTION ECONOMICS & MANAGEMENT AT WITS

The University of Witwatersrand (WITS) is seeking a suitably qualified person to Head the School of Construction Economics & Management. The School which combines the professional disciplines of Construction Management, Property Studies and Quantity Surveying, has a large and vibrant under-graduate enrolment and growing post-graduate enrolment in a variety of specialised fields. Located in the heart of Johannesburg, one of Africa's multi-cultural cities, the University and the School provide exciting environments for learning, teaching and research.

ENQUIRIES:
Further information can be obtained from Professor Beatrys Lacquet, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment
• Tel: +27 11 717-7011/2
• E-mail beatrys.lacquet@wits.ac.za).
• Website address: http://web.wits.ac.za/Academic/EBE/CEM

TO APPLY:
To apply and for further information regarding selection procedures and conditions of employment, please send a letter of motivation, a CV with the names and contact details (telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of three referees. Include a copy of the applicant's Identity Document or Passport if not South African. Send to:
Maxine Lewin, Human Resources Office, Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050 South Africa.
E-mail: maxine.lewin@wits.ac.za

CLOSING DATE: 31 January 2010

To view the full advertisement for this position, please click here.

 REPORT-BACK OF AAQS/ISU CONFERENCE

KAMPALA, UGANDA : 12 TO 13 NOVEMBER 2009

We are pleased to report that three representatives of the ASAQS recently successfully attended the AAQS/ISU Conference and AAQS Executive Committee at the Africana Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, on Thursday 12 November and Friday 13 November 2009. This event was jointly hosted by the Institute of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU) and the Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS).

Conference - Thursday 12 November and Friday 13 November 2009

Delegates from across the continent attended this international conference that offered an interesting and varied programme. The ASAQS representatives that attended the full day conference included the following members:
• Dr Corne' de Leeuw
• Mr Thabo Senyolo
• Mr Egon Wortmann

Dr Corne' de Leeuw presented two papers at the conference and Thabo Senyolo one, which were well received by the local delegates.

To view a copy of the programme please click here.

The AAQS Executive Committee comprising (left to right): Dr Corne' de Leeuw (from South Africa), Thabo Senyolo (from South Africa), Joseph Tango (from Tanzania), Egon Wortmann (from South Africa), Dan Kimoro (from Kenya), Joseph Ajanlekoko (from Nigeria) and Michael Frimpong (from Ghana)  Complete of all delegates at the AAQS/ISU Conference.

AAQS Executive Committee Meeting – Thursday 12 November 2009

In the afternoon of Thursday 12 November 2009 the Executive Committee had a meeting to debate the present and future activities and development on the Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS). We were happy to have had good attendance at the AAQS Executive Committee meeting and much as achieved in terms decision-making for future activities. This augers well for the support and enthusiasm that exists within the committee to further the aims and goals of the AAQS as an organisation serving the QS profession in Africa.

Socialising and networking after the meetings Sign to the Source of the Nile River

To round off the trip with a little sightseeing whilst in Uganda, a number of the foreign delegates scheduled a subsequent trip to the Jinja, the nearest village to famous the source of the Nile River. This turned out to be a most pleasant and interesting experience for the international guests.

Did you know that the source of the Nile River was in Uganda ? The main spring is at the edge of Lake Victoria (near the village of Jinja) and the river then flows through Uganda and Sudan off to Egypt and eventually into the Mediterranean Sea. The water flow from source to the sea covers a distance of around 6400 km and is estimated to take around three months to get there. Interesting, but true !!

Your Executive Director at the source of the Nile River with a Nile Special beer in his hand. The AAQS President, Mr Dan Kimoro, doing his cleansing rituals at the source of the Nile River.

 REPORT FOR THE BEPMEDS MEDICAL SCHEME

In a recent communication to the Bepmeds members, further information was issued to place on record the developments of the proposed merger between Bepmeds and Profmed. Unfortunately the proposed merger has not yet been confirmed by the Council for Medical Professions (CMS) for the reasons stated earlier. Click here to read the communication letter dated 10 November 2009.

In the Principal Officer's Report submitted to the Board of Trustees on Thursday 19 November 2009, the Principal Officer, Mr John Rollason, reported as follows:

Financial Strength
The trustees reviewed at today's meeting (19.11.2009) the management accounts of the Scheme for the 10-month period to 31 October 2009. These showed that the Scheme has achieved an overall surplus of R4.675m year to date and reserves have increased to over 11.5%. In addition, the Scheme has reinsurance in place to provide protection against high-costing hospitalisation claims and the Registrar holds a R5m bank guarantee in favour of the Scheme.

Thus, the Scheme has financial strength both on and off-balance sheet.

Corporate Governance
I am an independent principal officer and I have no connection with either the supporting professional associations or the administrators. Over the years I have been involved with several medical schemes. I can genuinely say that I have never been more impressed with such excellent standards of good corporate governance as those maintained by the Bepmeds trustees, their absolute devotion to the Scheme and the time and effort which they contribute (unpaid) to ensuring that Bepmeds remains `a professional medical scheme, by professionals, for professionals!' The Bepmeds members are very fortunate to have a Board of Trustees of such calibre looking after their interests.

 REPORT ON CIDB REGISTER OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

Following on a meeting of the BEP Grouping with representatives of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) on Wednesday 25 November 2009, a report-back was given on the progress made on the proposed national Register of the Professional Services Providers. Whilst it was acknowledged that there was still some way to go before the final document will be finalised and completed before it can be implemented, progress has nevertheless been made.

A draft document entitled "Draft Framework for the Design and Operation of the Register of Professional Service Providers (RoPSP)" was tabled for discussion at the meeting. It was reported that this draft document would also be presented to and debated further at the forthcoming CIDB Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday 01 December 2009. After that meeting a revised document will then be finalised and made available to all constituent organisations and interest groups for further consideration and comment.

We are pleased that the CIDB representative called for assistance and comment from the BEP Grouping members, which was willingly offered. This augers well for the future in ensuring that the new Register be based on comment and input from the professional associations. Further reports will be issued as the process unfolds.

Indresen Pillay
President of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) (2009/2010)

 WE WELCOME CES AS A SPONSOR

During June 1998 successful liaison between independent Contract Quantity Surveyors providing consultancy services to the Anglo American Corporation, led to the formation of CES Cost Engineering (Pty) Ltd. The Company was formally registered in July 1998 and opened offices in Sandton, Johannesburg. Their Corporate Head Office re-located to Centurion in 2000 from where all activities within the group are controlled.

With their operatives placed across Southern Africa, they are in a position to provide their services in relatively remote parts without experiencing unbearable inconveniences. They have expanded their operations and have recently established, or are in the process of establishing, offices in Maputo, Mozambique and Windhoek, Namibia.

The consolidated scope of the services on offer includes:
• Quantity Surveying services
• Project Management services
• Mine Planning & Scheduling

CES prides itself of its ability to provide multi-disciplinary and skilled professionals able to add value to any project. The following is a listing of the collective experience gained through its involvement pursuant to the provision of professional consulting services:
• Architectural
• Mining and Civils
• Industrial
• Recreational

 GAUTENG GOLF DAY AND YEAR-END FUNCTION

Photographs taken these two events are available on the Gauteng Chapter web-page.

 WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR CONTRACT DOCUMENTS ?

Following on numerous enquiries from members as to where they can purchase the various and different forms of contract, we have prepared the following easy-to-read schedule that will assist in this regard.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FROM CONTACT DETAILS JBCC CONTRACTS ASAQS 011 315 4140 PROCSA CLIENT/CONSULTANT AGREEMENTS (entire suite of documents) ASAQS 011 315 4140 NEC (New Engineering Contract) SAICE 011 805 5947/8 FIDIC CESA 011 463 2022 GCC (General Conditions of Contract - Civil) SAICE 011 805 5947/8

This schedule can also be downloaded in PDF-format by clicking here.

 REPORT-BACK OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP

As was advised earlier, the ASAQS Board had decided to undertake a Strategic Planning Workshop to assess the current operations of the ASAQS and to gauge the general market perceptions as to the operational effectiveness of the organisation. In this regard members were invited to give their input and to make their views known. The Strategic Planning Workshop was held on Thursday 08 (14h00 to 17h00) and Friday 09 October 2009 (08h30 to 13h00) immediately after the Board meeting, and was attended by all Board members. The workshop was ably facilitated by LHA Management Consultants, a consultant company from Pretoria specialising in such matters.

Click here to read on...

 LINK TO THE ASAQS WEBSITE

DOES YOUR PRACTICE WISH TO HAVE YOUR PRACTICE WEBSITE DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE ASAQS WEBSITE ??

Member QS practices are invited to have their practice websites directly linked from the ASAQS website to their practice website. 

Click here to find out how

 CONTRACT LAW WORKSHOPS FOR QUANTITY SURVEYORS

"Contracts On-Demand" is organising a series of 10 monthly half-day workshops this year, on relevant and important subjects concerning Contract Law. These are being held in conjunction with Deneys Reitz Attorneys in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
 
More...

 ANNOUNCEMENT OF FORTHCOMING CONGRESSES

In order to assist members to plan their diaries this year in terms of forthcoming congresses and conferences they may wish to attend, attached the preliminary dates of some of these congresses for your attention (more details to follow):

Power-Gen International 2009 (PGI 2009)
8 to 12 December 2009 – Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas
Be part of more than 18,000 attendees in Las Vegas, all from only R16 926!!!

Second ICE Middle & East Africa Convention
"Accelerating infrastructure delivery - Improving quality of life"
15 January 2010 – ICC Cape Town, Cape Town

Accelerating infrastructure delivery – improving the quality of life
15 January 2010 - Cape Town
Click here for the flyer (2Mb)

Energy Indaba 2010 - "A Time for Change"
24 to 26 February 2010 – Sandton Convention Centre, South Africa

GAMA Conference & AGM 2010 - "The Engineer as a Strategic Partner"
14 to 17 March 2010 – Mombasa, Kenya

ICEC World Congress 2010
23 to 27 July 2010 – Singapore

ICEC World Congress 2012
23 to 26 June 2012 – Durban, South Africa

Members are encouraged to plan ahead and to support these conferences/congresses !!

 JOIN ASAQS

Click here to find out more about becoming a member of ASAQS and gaining entry to our Closed Users Group.
Membership forms, fees, etc.

 CHAPTER CHAIRPERSONS

ASAQS have chapters in all the provinces in South Africa - if you need to contact our chapters download their contact details by clicking here.

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 USEFUL TOOLS

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Then visit http://www.guapdf.com

 CONTACT ASAQS

The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors
Postal address:
P.O. Box 3527
Halfway House 1685
Physical address:
Suite G6, Building 27
Thornhill Office Park
Bekker Road,
Vorna Valley Ext 21,
MIDRAND
Contact details:
Telephone : 011-3154140
Fax     : 011-3153785
E-mail    : association@asaqs.co.za
Office hours:
08h00 to 17h00

Click here to view a map to our offices

 WE CURRENTLY HAVE VISITORS FROM:

 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 

 BECOME A SPONSOR

ASAQS SPONSORSHIP

What you get:

• Banner adverts on the ASAQS website (675,000 hits/month on average!)
• A Mini-ad on the ASAQS website and on the Weekend Property and Construction News (4,750 subscribers)
• Preferential exposure of your products and services
• Targeted marketing at only R484.50 (inclusive) per month

Don't wait, we only have a limited number of slots left. Click here to download the sponsorship form or contact Bert van den Heever the ASAQS Webmaster