Results, not talks important: Mbeki
President Thabo Mbeki vows that the World Summit on Sustainable Development, due to start on Monday, would not be a mere talk shop
(©www.bday.co.za)

Brookrail project goes ahead
THE 16-year wait for a consortium led by JHI Real Estate for the green light to develop the 16ha Brookrail site near Cape Town's harbour is over. The delay was due mainly to the inaccessibility of the site.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Bafokeng Construction to close shop this year
BAFOKENG Construction, owned by the wealthy Royal Bafokeng of North West Province, is to be closed by the end of the year to make way for the emerging construction industry within the community, MD Richard Saxby said at the weekend.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Village mirrors Shangaan culture
SHANGANA Cultural Village, near Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, was developed to celebrate and conserve the Shangaan culture and to provide a stage for local performers to use their musical, dance and theatrical talents. The village is the winner of the category best practice by a small, medium or micro enterprise in this year's Imvelo Responsible Tourism Awards.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Skewed land debate may set back rights
The agriculture and land affairs department fears that recent political events in Zimbabwe may hurt chances for the adoption of clauses relating to land tenure rights in the implementation plan of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Coega advancing despite French delay
Industrial Correspondent PORT ELIZABETH The Coega Development Corporation says it hopes to have finalisation on the proposed $1,6bn aluminium smelter investment by Pechiney and on some defence offset projects only by the end of next year.
(©www.bday.co.za)

NEI expects to pay final liquidation dividend soon
Industrial Correspondent NORTHERN Engineering Industries (NEI) Africa expects to pay the final dividends from its liquidation in the next few months. The company will then apply to delist from the JSE Securities Exchange SA.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Upgrade at Bedford Centre
THE new owners of Bedford Centre, an upmarket retail development in Bedfordview, have lined up R100m for the refurbishment of the centre.
(©www.bday.co.za)

R520m steel-mill clean up gets under way
Africa’s leading steel producer, Iscor, has set aside R520-million for the implementation of an environmental project for its Vanderbijlpark Works in Gauteng, which has been the subject of much attention from environmentalists over the past few years.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Steel giant's earnings surge after overhaul
South Africa's largest steel producer Iscor posted higher-than-expected profit yesterday and said it saw strong growth in its first full-year earnings report since restructuring as a dedicated steel maker. Analysts applauded the results as evidence that last year's overhaul had unlocked value and said Iscor's business model suggested it was on track for good earnings over the next year.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

R30bn needed for SA road repairs
Transport minister Dullah Omar says a total of R30-billion is needed over the next five years to make improvements on roads in the country. Briefing media in Cape Town today, the Minister said of that amount, R7-billion would be spent on routine maintenance while R10-billion would be used to reseal and gravel roads.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

R45m SA-Swazi road project to boost tourism
The R45-million Bulembu road project that aims to boost tourism between the historical gold mining town of Barberton in Mpumalanga and neighbouring Swaziland will be launched on Friday.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Strong order book for construction firm
One of South Africa’s largest construction companies, Group Five, announced a R3-billion order book, as well as a number of projects in the pipeline.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Engineering group may break up finance unit
Europe's biggest industrial engineering group ABB is planning to break up its structured finance unit by selling most or all of its lease portfolio, sources close to the deal said on Friday.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Giant telescope's dome takes shape
The first phase of installation of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) dome was completed mid-July when the structure of the dome was lifted into place. The next phase includes completion and installation of the shutter as well as the fitting of panels and seals on the dome.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Stainless fibre-forming capability introduced to SA
Magaliesburg firm Metalloy Fibres began commercial production of 50 mm and 25 mm stainless steel fibres a month ago, having completed the two-month commissioning phase of the casting machine that produces the fibres.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Structural steel wind-up is still not complete
Some nine months after the demise of South Africa’s largest independent, privately-owned structural-steel company Girder Naco, there is still no finalisation of the winding up of the estate, which was originally planned for the end of March.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

SAFCEC NEWS

NORTH BRANCH NEWS

This week a very interesting meeting was held with our emerging members. The meeting covered issues such as
Meeting the legal requirements to register as a contractor
The CEITS learnership at NQF level 2 as a national qualification for civil engineering contracting
The completion of information forms to compile a database of contractors and capacity
Establishment of areas in which emerging contractors require support

We are going to use the information obtained to put a database on the website to facilitate the networking between main contractors, government authorities and emerging contractors. We are still working hard to obtain financing for our mentor and the information obtained will also assist in accessing the needs required.

The meeting was a great success with over 50 people in attendance and a lot of positive feedback. We intend holding these meetings once every two months and in the near future we would like to have a forum with emerging members and larger contractors. So, if any of our members can assist with mentoring or are interested in any other aspects of this development, please contact the North Branch Manager.

Preparations for the AGM are proceeding well. We have received more pledges of sponsorship from suppliers contacted and have confirmed that John Robbie will be the guest speaker at the cocktail party. So, please return your registration forms and invite your clients to attend this highlight of the North Branch Year. I will soon be contacting members to re-constitute the North Branch Manco and sub committees, so please contact me if there are any areas in which you would like to be involved. SAFCEC is your organisation and we need your input to keep our services relevant.
(©www.safcec.org.za)

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Future of the Department Store
When JCPenney left the Florence Mall in Florence, S.C., in 1992, mall owner Edens & Avant didn't scramble to find another department store to fill the anchor slot. Instead it quickly struck a deal with a restaurateur to fill the space. Some 10 years later, the “de-malled” center is welcoming discounters T.J. Maxx and Ross Stores as part of a $10 million expansion.
(©www.industryclick.com)

Put vacant space back to work
Bankruptcies, changing demographics, mergers — tenants bail out of centers for any number of reasons. In order to avoid the blank spaces they leave behind, landlords should plan to plug up gaps even before the other shoe drops. Thanks to oversupply and outdated prototypes, owners need to keep an eye on their movie theaters and big boxes. Not only is the current retail landscape littered with these casualties, but they are also some of the more awkward spaces to be re-tenanted.
(©www.industryclick.com)

Edgars, Arthur Kaplan team up
Edgars, one of the retail chains in the listed Edcon Group, and Arthur Kaplan Jewelers have announced a management agreement that will see specialists Arthur Kaplan managing most aspects of Edgars' jewellery and watch business.
(©www.bday.co.za)

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Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries
The construction industry and its activities are responsible for a substantial amount of global resource use and waste emissions. It also has an important role to play in socio-economic development and quality of life. The need for an internationally agreed agenda for sustainable construction was realized early on. Such an Agenda would help guide the industry in preparing for and implementing the principles of sustainable development and support Agenda 21 and the Habitat Agenda. An Agenda 21 on Sustainable Construction was published in 1999. At the time it was realized that conditions in developing countries may require a different approach to that followed in developed countries. A separate Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries was commissioned by the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB). The first discussion document is now available for public comment.
(©www.sustainablesettlement.co.za)

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Mugabe dissolves cabinet
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has dissolved his cabinet, a long-awaited move that comes amid Harare's growing international isolation
(©www.bday.co.za)

Mugabe's policy moral but method despicable'
GENEVA Eminent Swiss sociologist Jean Ziegler has defended Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's controversial land reforms, saying he has "history and morality on his side".
(©www.bday.co.za)

UK businessman in deal to buy Mugabe MiGs'
LONDON A British businessman, awaiting sentencing in jail for manslaughter, has been involved in secret talks to buy Russian MiG fighter jets for Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Sunday Times reported.
(©www.bday.co.za)

NamPower raises R570m funding for new projects
Financial Services Reporter NAMIBIA's national electricity utility, NamPower, has raised more than R570m of debt funding for two big new infrastructure projects, R220m of which came from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
(©www.bday.co.za)

Namibian power utility raises R570m
Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower), the national electricity utility of Namibia, has successfully raised over R570-million of debt funding, announced Mike Meeser, Investec’s South African Head of Project and Infrastructure Finance.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

Zambia to buy GM-free maize from Kenya, Tanzania
Zambia will buy maize from Kenya and Tanzania to help feed millions of people, after rejecting offers of genetically modified (GM) maize aid, Zambian Finance Minister Emmanuel Kasonde said on Wednesday.

Big cash injection needed for Zambian railways
Rail utility Spoornet and its partner, New Limpopo Projects Investments (NLPI), nominated earlier this year as the preferred bidders to operate Zambia Railways’ network on a concession basis, is expected to sign the final agreement with the Zambian authorities in less than a month.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

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Mining giant plans to grow roses for export
South Africa’s second-largest gold producer is in the process of establishing an agricultural hub in the West Wits area near Carletonville as part of a comprehensive sustainable development plan to ensure economic activity in the area once the mines close in 30 years.
(©www.engineeringnews.co.za)

SA resources group mulls 17 projects
Newly-formed South African resources company, Kumba Resources, has released details of a multi-commodity project pipeline, which is designed to help grow its iron-ore, coal, base-metals and heavy-minerals businesses and diversify its geographic spread.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Marula platinum project to start next month
World number-two platinum producer Impala Platinum’s (Implats’) Marula mine project, on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex, will come on stream next month, ramping up to 103 000 ounces of platinum a year in 2005.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Platinum No.2 says it can manage Zim risk
World number two platinum producer Impala Platinum Holdings (Implats) reported lower but better than expected year headline earnings a share yesterday and said it saw a good 2003.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Diamond giant signs two-year wage deal
Diamond miner De Beers and South Africa's National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) have agreed on a two-year pay settlement, the company and union said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Gold bounces as oil prices surge
COMEX gold regained its footing on Tuesday, rescued from Monday's downdraft by profit taking and market concern about surging oil prices, while players weighed whether the 2002 gold boom was petering out.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Good performance expected from unbundled mining, steel firms
South Africa's biggest steel and iron ore producers Iscor and Kumba Resources are seen reporting a leap in annual earnings next week, reaping the rewards of their split and despite a firmer rand.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

New mining law likely to be delayed until 2003
South Africa's government said on Monday the enactment of a controversial new mining law was likely to be delayed by negotiations on a related Money Bill to set mining royalties.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Resource projects to proceed despite a global slowdown
Diversified resources group BHP Billiton has indicated that the new projects worth $2,9-billion approved during the last 12 months will definitely go ahead, despite concerns about the global economy.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

R25m feasibility study for PGM prospect
South Africa’s third-largest gold company, Harmony Gold Mining, spent R3,6-million on platinum-mine Kalplats, in the North West Province, during the quarter ending in June.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

Black miner eyes two brownfield PGM projects
Tokyo Sexwale’s Mvelaphanda is about to become involved in two brownfield platinum expansion projects, of the low-risk high-return kind.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

'Finland PGM deposit part of bigger complex'
SOUTH African company Gold Fields Limited believes that the platinum-group metals projects it is currently pursuing in Finland are just part of a much bigger PGM complex in that country.
(©www.miningweekly.co.za)

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From the Property Professional Online:
Rawson elected president
Cape Town's Bill Rawson has been elected national president of the Institute of Estate Agents of SA. He succeeds Jeff Mashigo the Institute's first black president. (see Page 2)

Le Roux resigns from Institute
PA Group CEO Jan le Roux has resigned from the IEASA due to business reasons. Le Roux is a founder member of the Real Estate Co-ordinating Committee (RECC) and a strong proponent of industry empowerment.

Agent registration
The EAAB says there are 32 497 agents representing 9 267 firms registered with the Board. Highest number ever was 41 241 in 1994 which slid to 28 833 in 1999.

Fidelity Fund claims
Since its inception the EAAB has processed 12 775 individual claims to the total value of R167 783 323 of which R82 854 177 has been approved and R72 395 755 rejected. The fund currently stands at over R300 million.

Gahagan heads up Property24
Homeloans marketing expert Richard Gahagan has left Absa to head up electronic property and news media service Property24.

Calling all agents
Alison, renowned author of "I have life" will be addressing Durban estate agents on how she turned tragedy into a celebration of strength and self-reliance at a Property Association and Nedbank - proud sponsors of the Property Professional of the Year 2002 - seminar at the ICC Durban on 28 August at 0930. Supporting Alison will be Pretoria attorney Johan Muller discussing money laundering while Jack Trevena, GM Nedcor Bank Homefinance & Services will deliver the keynote address. Bookings Debbie 209 8585. Also in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Congratulations to Rodney Hayter, News Editor of the Property Professional Online who this week published the 50th Edition of this extremely informative electronic newsletter. Follow the subscription instructions in the right column to get your free copies by e-mail.

Hyprop continues to develop portfolio of prime real estate
Property loan stock company Hyprop continued to grow its portfolio of prime real estate investments over the past six months, boosting headline earnings a combined unit by 3% from 61,82c to 63,77c for the halfyear ended June 30.
(©www.bday.co.za)

New niche opened by small firms
SMALL to medium-sized companies seeking an up-market address have largely been neglected by property developers. Residential conversions to offices have filled the gap to some extent, but these inevitably involve something of a compromise.
(©www.bday.co.za)

Spotlight on: Breede River valley
Homebuyers in the Western Cape are increasingly looking beyond Cape Town and its immediate environs to towns further afield.
(©www.property24.co.za)

Growing demand for Kloof homes
The leafy Kloof area just to the west of Durban is enjoying such popularity among home buyers that realistically priced homes are selling rapidly across all price ranges.
(©www.property24.co.za)

New road to benefit East London market
The new R72 from East London to Port Alfred is progressing well and is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy as well as the property market.
(©www.property24.co.za)

Location still top priority for online buyers
Freehold homes in good locations are still the favourite choice for online homebuyers, according to the latest Property24 poll, but the demand for single-family homes has fallen, while that for cluster homes has risen substantially.
(©www.property24.co.za)

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Principles of sustainable development
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs… As such it requires the promotion of values that encourage consumption standards that are within the bounds of the ecologically possible and to which all could reasonably aspire."
(Our Common Future, WCED, 1987)
(©www.sustainablesettlement.co.za)

South African Property Report 2002
Download and print out this glossy and detailed report on the South African property scene published annually by JHI Real Estate Limited. Please note that this report is published in PDF format.
This week download:
Section 2 - Retail Sector and Property Market
Section 3 - Industrial Sector and Property Market (cont) - Commercial Sector and Property Market
(©www.jhi.co.za)

Conference on Construction and Engineering Excellence
The theme of this conference is that the building process needs to be streamlined with all essential parties coming together to ensure success and will be held from 30 September to 1 October 2002 at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton. Full details available on the ASAQS website.

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(©www.news24.co.za)

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Fitch revised SA's ratings outlook from stable to positive
Headline CPI moved back into double-digit terrain for first time in 7 years. Index increased by 1.5% m-o-m to yield annual rate of 10.6%, sharply up from 8.9% recorded during June. 100bps rise in prime rate during June as well as continued rising food prices were main contributors
(©www.busrep.co.za)

Webmaster away
When you receive this newsletter your webmaster will hopefully be lazing on the beaches of the Andaman Sea! ASAQS news will be updated again with the next issue. In the meantime, why not get to know the ASAQS website a bit better?

Get to know the staff in Midrand
You may have spoken to Ingrid, Barbara or Basie over the phone and may have wondered what they look like. Browse here to find out what the staff functions at ASAQS are...

Download free software from the CUG
iISystem Wiper allows you to clear the history of your activites from you computer. In addition to the lack of privacy this stored information causes, the files can also take up large amounts of space on you hard drive. Internet Explorer's temporary files can take up hundreds of megabytes of space. iISystem Wiper will even automate the process of wiping clean your computer. All you have to is select what items you want cleared and iISystem Wiper will clear your computer everytime it is shutdown.

Golf Day
Join us for the 2002 Pretoria Golf Day on 3 September 2002

CPD Seminar
Join the Gauteng Chapter for a special CPD Seminar entitled "The Commonwealth's Values and Assets" on 2 September 2002 and earn 13 CPD points. Click on this link to get further details and view the program.

Remember: Visit the ASAQS website for new updates!

New members to the CUG

Names updated next week

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.

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