Warren Buffett is probably the most successful investor in American history.

He credits a 1936 book called One Thousand Ways to Make $1,000 (which he found in the library when he was 7 years old) with giving him his initial career inspiration.

The book was out of print for decades.

But the author found it recently and read it, and he was pretty much blown away! He shares those secrets and many more in this short read we hope you will enjoy over the holiday break. 

This Ubook^TM runs almost exactly 12,000 words, which probably works out to roughly 50 minutes of reading time.

You’ll also notice that it’s formatted to make it easy to read on a smartphone or tablet, hopefully without downloading any other apps.

Click here to read the book.

Subscribe to Understandably by Bill Murphy Jr. and receive a free newsletter with links to other books by the author such as:
How to raise successful kids
and a free book on neuroscience:
13 Ways to Understand and Train Your Brain for Life.

Thank you to all those who attended the recent year end event held at Bontevlei Venue, Stellenbosch. 

There were about 200 attendees and all had a great time enjoying our first in person networking event in 3 years. 

We would like to thank the main sponsor ASAQS Western Cape Chapter together with the following sponsors, EuroDrain Technology, Afrimat Hemp, BuildingPoint SA, Rigifoam, Ployflor, Modena, Flagship Solar, Ami Pod, By Design and GVK Siya Zama for providing the Neil Ellis wines. 

We also extend a big thank you to Lizette Swanevelder of Ecospecifier  https://www.globalgreentag.co.za/contact.html for her sterling efforts in arranging this event. 

Chris Steffen,
Western Cape Chapter Chair. 

Here are some photographs of the event

We recently read headlines such as this: "Attempts at the climate talks to get all countries to agree to phase out coal, oil, natural gas and all fossil fuel subsidies failed. And countries have done little to strengthen their commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions in the past year." ( The Economic Times - November 23, 2022)

In another headline about one of our major trading partners: China unlikely to pay for climate change despite being 'biggest annual emitter of greenhouse gases': Report

But did you know that Africa leads in renewable energy consumption? Look at the infographic that accompanies this article.

"Uganda, Central African Republic, Somalia and Democratic Republic of the Congo were the only countries in the world in 2019 to have renewable energy sources make up 90 percent of total consumption.

The latter even came close to 100 percent, with 96.2 percent. In contrast, advanced economies such as the United States (9.9 percent), Germany (17.2 percent) and Japan (7.9 percent), were still a long way from completing the shift to green energy." (Zerohedge 17 November 2022)

Did you know that there is new technologies that are currently being researched which will drastically alter the production of energy in the future?

One of those novel technologies can power your home for days using half the water needed to flush a toilet!

Read how emission-free hydrogen could, one day, entirely replace fossil fuels - and a start up in Germany believes it has the key ingredient to make it accessible to all. (The Bighter Side of News, 19 November 2022)

Enapter recently joined seven other leading European cleantech companies to announce the formation of a new Cleantech Scale-up Coalition, with the goal of helping Europe become climate neutral, energy autonomous and industrially competitive. The coalition is supported by Bill Gates, founder of Breakthrough Energy and Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, both in attendance at the event.

And then there is geothermal energy!

This simple article explains the principle. Written so that kids can understand how geothermal energy, can create electricity all over the world! It all starts with water, The Frontiers for Young Minds explains.

There is hope for the future.

New Preferential Procurement Regulations (the 2022 Regulations) were gazetted on 4 November 2022. The 2022 Regulations will come into effect on 16 January 2023. Any tender advertised before then is to be determined in terms of the 2017 Regulations."

Click here to read what the new Regulations have in stall for the construction industry

Click here to download Gazette No. 47452

Dear Members, 

You did well to subscribe to the 2022 CUSTOM-MADE CPD programme! 

Since we QS’s enjoy our numbers, I thought you might be interested in a few stats relevant to this past year’s CUSTOM-MADE CPD:

The Council underwent leadership changes this year. We are thankful to the service of the leaders who gave the baton to us. We take every change as our door to growth and improved Council's administrative function.

As the Council, we are single to the aim of continued mandate to develop and maintain the standard of excellence and innovation. We seek to enhance and promote among our members: a better quantity surveying service, ethical behavior, accountability and social responsibility.

Please read the newsletter to find out more about the Professional Fees update.

In the applied science world of construction, we often limit our view of storytelling as a form of entertainment that has no bearing on our success in an industry predicated on the creation of tangible physical objects. The role of stories in society and in our lives is of such significance that it even penetrates the concrete world of construction.

In this article, the persuasive power of storytelling is considered by reviewing applicable research and
demonstrating how it can be applied to claims and disputes

Click here to read the article

The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Onwaba Tselane as the new Registrar with effect from 1st September 2022. Onwaba is a registered Professional Quantity Surveyor, who has served as Deputy President of our Council. Furthermore, she also served as acting Registrar of the SACQSP since April 2022.

Onwaba has over 15 years of collective experience in quantity surveying practice and has worked on various projects in the infrastructure, mining and building sectors. This broad range of experience, we believe, will bode well for her new role as Registrar. Of particular importance is the role that Onwaba has played in mentoring candidates for professional registration in her previous working positions. This knowledge and experience will contribute positively towards facilitating new entrants into our profession.

We are also thankful for her commitment and passion for the quantity surveying profession and look forward to many years of her strong leadership in taking our profession forward in these very challenges times.

We wish Onwaba well in her new role and trust that she will have the full support of the quantity surveying profession and the built environment in general.

We would like our members to use it and slot in a number of completed projects to get a feel for it. Do you feel that the linear regression built into the simulator is an important tool for predicting when projects are running late? Did it give an indication whether things were going pear-shaped after 25% of the project duration or only later on?

Your findings will be appreciated and if you can send us a couple of your projects it will not only help us to improve the calculator, but also supply valuable input to a task that we are busy with at the ASAQS. You can use a non de plume (false name) for your projects but please add for what type of project the cash flow is depicted i.e. a school, hospital, office or shopping centre, etc. Also tell us what was the planned project duration and when did it actually finish (practical completion)

You can send your finding to the Webmaster at ASAQS (webmaster@asaqs.co.za)

We need more leaders, but not just any type of leader.

We need great leaders who positively influence others toward a common purpose and vision. Great leaders create a positive ripple across the entire organization and into the community that adds value to the employees, stockholders, customers, potential customers, and onlookers. 

Increase your effectiveness and leadership capacity by delving into:

• Why great leaders are uncommon
• The one required leadership quality
• The powerful principle of stopping to propel forward
• Four proven ways to add value to people.

Take a stand and choose to be an intentional leader. 

Offered Free by: Dan Black

(You should be signed in to Tradepub.com to download the book: Click here to register)

Download the book

Quantity Surveyors equipped to have widespread influence, says new ASAQS ED

The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) has named Karl Trusler as its new Executive Director (ED), effective from the 1st of September 2022.

Karl has served the Quantity Surveying profession in his capacity as Director of the ASAQS’ training division called EduTech since 2015.

He is preceded by Larry Feinberg who immigrated to Israel after fulfilling the ED role at the ASAQS for a decade.  “We are grateful to Larry for his leadership, unquestionable commitment to, and passion for the Quantity Surveying profession,” the association said in a recent statement.

The long and winding road

A registered Professional Quantity Surveyor, Karl started his impressive career in 1987 as a student Quantity Surveyor at Lautenbach & Fairon Quantity Surveyors, in Randburg. From there he took the position of Contractors Quantity Surveyor at Trescon Construction, also a Johannesburg-based firm.

It was after this that the property development bug bit hard and Karl decided to open his own business named Karling Construction. After three years of gaining vital experience in the industry, Karl joined van Vuuren, van der Walt and Visser Quantity Surveyors, in Tzaneen, to complete the requirements to register as a professional Quantity Surveyor.

Six years later, Karl relocated to Pretoria to study further and serve as a pastoral administrator at the Hatfield Christian Church. During his 23 years at the church, he studied B.A. Bible and Theology and later on a Masters in Real Estate. His studies afforded him the opportunity to lecture part-time to BSc Real Estate and BSc Quantity Surveying students at the University of Pretoria as well as fulfill the role of an external examiner.

In March 2015, Karl finally joined the ASAQS and has never looked back.

The lighter side

While his professionalism and detailed approach to his role contributed largely to his appointment as the ASAQS’ new ED, we like to know a bit more about who Karl is outside of that role and asked a few questions to uncover some fun facts about him:

Q: What is the most common misconception about you?

Karl: My age

Q: What did you care about most when you were 10 years old?

Karl: How strong I was

Q: Coffee or tea?

Karl: Coffee

Q: Chocolate or biltong?

Karl: Biltong

Q: Bushveld or beach?

Karl: Beach

Q: Summer or winter?

Karl: Summer

Q: Cats or dogs?

Karl: Dogs

Hopes for the future

Speaking on his aspirations for the profession and the ASAQS going forward, Karl notes that Quantity Surveyors are essential to the built environment because their skill sets are so unique, “In addition to their traditional role, Quantity Surveyors are equipped to apply their skills in a wide range of career options within the industry. This presents an opportunity for widespread influence and leadership,” he adds.

Regarding the ASAQS, Karl reiterated the priority to be the “home” of choice for Quantity Surveyors, “We need to demonstrate a sustainable value proposition maintained through continuously listening, observing, interpreting and adapting.”

About the ASAQS

Inaugurated in 1908, the ASAQS has grown to include quantity surveying professionals active throughout the construction industry in both the private and public sectors.

Through its various programmes and activities, the association remains dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and practice of quantity surveying and related matters. Providing a forum for exchanging knowledge and experiences, ASAQS encourages high levels of competence and integrity among its members.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephné du Toit, stephne@thatpoint.co.za, 084 587 9933, www.atthatpoint.co.za  
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/asaqs
Twitter: @the_ASAQS
Facebook: facebook.com/asaqsza

He wrote: "Global research studies identified poor planning and scheduling as a predominant cause of delay worldwide. What do we do to establish whether a project was indeed delayed by a specific delay event if all we need to rely upon is poor project schedules?

I only realized how many people also grapple with the same question when a published an article on Linkedln, posing the following question: Is it possible to substantiate delays without schedules? In the article, I discussed some methods to address this problem.To my surprise, more than 27000 people read the article.

What was even more surprising was that it initiated a debate between individuals who consider the methods viable and others who fervently opposed it. I decided to share the article with my network to give you the opportunity to see in which camp you find yourself."

Read the article and decide for yourself...

The past year has brought to the fore, the importance of being adequately insured in the event of damage or destruction of fixed property. The damage to buildings arising from the civil unrest in July last year (2021) and the subsequent devastation caused by the floods early this year has resulted in building owners having to deal with the consequences of being under-insured.

Understanding how an insurance claim is processed

Although the above events resulted in claims being lodged with the South African Special Risk Insurance Association (SASRIA) for the former and with the insurance companies for the latter, the principle of being adequately insured is the same. In determining the Claim value to be paid, the calculation applied is the Sum Insured (SI) divided by the Value at Risk (VAR) and the quotient then multiplied by the Repair Estimate (RE) i.e. (SI÷VAR)×RE. The VAR is the estimated amount required to repair or reinstate the buildings to their original condition at prices applicable as at the date when such damage occurred. The SI refers to the amount stated in the policy schedule together with any specified allowances. The RE is the amount calculated to repair or reinstate the buildings inclusive of all costs, fees, and escalation up to the completion date. The VAR and the RE are usually prepared by a professional quantity surveyor on behalf of the insurance company at the time of the claim.

What happens when you are under-insured?

The recent events have shown that there are many instances of building owners being under-insured and hence having a shortfall to reinstate their buildings. Should the VAR be the same or close to the SI, then the pay-out will be relative to the RE. However, should the SI be lower than the VAR then the condition of Average will apply which results in a pay-out shortfall which can sometimes be substantial. Average is applied when the value of the fixed improvements, at the time of damage or destruction, is greater than the insured value. Under such circumstances the insured is responsible for a proportionate share of the loss.

Insuring for the full reinstatement value

The primary objective of property owners is to ensure their buildings and related infrastructure are adequately insured. Accordingly, the sum insured should be based on a replacement (reinstatement) cost valuation that represents the total cost that will be incurred in the event of damage to the extent requiring complete demolition and reconstruction of the fixed improvements. Reinstatement value is based on the principle that, following a loss the amount payable by the insurer shall be the cost of replacing or reinstating the same kind or type of building. The reinstatement value does not relate to market or investment value derived on the basis of potential rental nor any other form of value. Furthermore, it does not include the value of the land. In summary, in deriving an insurance value of fixed improvements the purpose is to provide an estimate of likely costs that may be incurred in total replacement of such fixed improvements arising out of an insurable disaster. The value computed should determine the sum insured that can be claimed against the insurance company. In this regard, the square metre rate of estimating is probably the least reliable and the elemental cost estimating method the most accurate.

Role of the Quantity Surveyor

The professional quantity surveyor is best qualified to advise and prepare a replacement cost valuation. Also known as Chartered Surveyors in other countries, quantity surveyors are responsible for managing all aspects of the contractual and financial side of construction projects.   Therefore, as the expert in quantifying and managing costs on building projects, the quantity surveyor is able to provide a valuation report that clearly shows what the sum insured should be at policy renewal date. Such valuation should include for all aspects of reinstatement including the provision for demolitions and escalation up to completion stage. Often referred to as the accountant in the construction industry with expert knowledge on construction costs and contracts, the quantity surveyor can accurately estimate the building and related costs during the various stages of the project should reinstatement become necessary. A further advantage is the availability of such a professional to represent the insured party should a dispute arise regarding the settlement amount being offered by the insurance company.  

To assist property owners and practitioners, the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) has published a document titled “Guide to Reinstatement Valuations of Fixed Improvements for Insurance Purposes”. The primary objective of the guide is to present a system which sets out principles and a model format for reinstatement valuations for insurance purposes which may be understood by all those involved and to ensure standardization and provide a structured basis for reports. This guide also incorporates international advances in the industry and provides best practice principles to facilitate a better understanding on this subject.

It is mandatory for Professional Quantity Surveyors to be registered with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP). The SACQSP is a statutory body that regulates the quantity surveying profession. Registered quantity surveyors are subject to a mandatory code of conduct to ensure that such registered persons uphold and maintain high standards of professionalism, honesty and integrity.

Understanding the Concept of Escalation in the Sum Insured

The reinstatement value is based on the principle that, following a loss, the amount payable by the insurer shall be the cost of replacing or reinstating the insured property when new. In calculating the reinstatement value, it is assumed that total destruction could occur on the last day of validity of the insurance policy (i.e. on day 365). Accordingly, building cost fluctuations form an integral part of the sum insured.

Prior to computing cost fluctuations during the period of insurance, the valuation must, in the first instance, provide for the total replacement cost applicable at the start of the insurance period in order to accommodate possible loss at that time. The cost comprises current replacement cost (inclusive of demolition costs and all fees as will be required) at the commencement of the insurance period plus escalation allowances during all stages of the reinstatement.

The first stage (pre-reinstatement stage) relates to the period between the damage occurring and the commencement of the reinstatement work. In this instance, industry-based indices are usually applied. Currently, indices provided in the Building Cost Report published by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) are accepted as industry practice for the building sector. The timeline starts from the date of loss up to the decision to proceed with the reinstatement and must account for the insurance assessment period, demolition of existing structures, preparation of new drawings and tender documentation, local authority approval of plans and the evaluation and awarding of the contract. The second stage (reinstatement stage) is the actual reconstruction period during which Contract Price Adjustment Provisions (CPAP) normally apply.

Providing for escalation until the end of the reinstatement period

It is important to consider building cost fluctuations during the insurance period which is normally purchased for a period of one year and renewed annually. If the fixed improvements are valued only at the commencement of the insurance period, by the time the end of that period arrives the fixed improvements would be under-insured due to escalating building costs. It is, therefore, vital that the insured value makes provision for building market escalation during the period of insurance. It is considered good practice to describe the assumptions in terms of the various stages in the programme for reinstatement and the documentation provisions. These stages will include the period from the date of loss to settlement/payment; the pre-contract period (from settlement date to contract commencement) and the building contract period (from contract commencement to completion)

This implies that the building inflation allowance during the insurance period and the building escalation allowance during the reinstatement period (both pre-contact and post-contract) make up the total sum insured. Often the terms inflation and escalation are used inter-changeably to describe these increased costs. Therefore, it should be noted that inflation/escalation extends the policy to include cover during the course of the insurance period to avoid under insurance and to also include cover for the reinstatement thereafter.

Summary

In order to ensure that the property owner is adequately insured, a proper replacement cost valuation should be prepared by a professional quantity surveyor. Such valuation should account for all aspects of reinstatement including, amongst other, the construction costs, provision for demolitions, professional fees, local authority costs, sundries and building cost fluctuations up to completion of the reinstatement. Although Value Added Tax (VAT) is available as an input credit tax in the construction process, the replacement cost should include VAT. Depending on the extent of information available, estimates applying different methodologies can be used.

The insurance industry should work closely with the quantity surveying profession to better inform their clients as to how insurance claims are assessed in the event of partial damage or total destruction to their buildings and related infrastructure.

Prepared by: Dr. Deen Letchmiah

• President of the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP)
• Past Board Member of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS)
• Practicing Registered Quantity Surveyor (Pr.QS)
  

The SACQSP requires the services of a registered Professional Quantity Surveyor to assist with Disciplinary Tribunal hearings, If you meet the below requirements kindly forward your Curriculum Vitae and Letter of Good Standing to Ms Sakhile Nkosi via email on disciplinary@sacqsp.co.za by no later than 16 August 2022.

1. 10+ years PrQS experience
2. Good understanding of Built Environment Acts and SACQSP Code of Professional Conduct
3. Good standing with SACQSP (CPD and annual registration fees)
4. Litigation and arbitration experience (would be beneficial)

Click to download the announcement

ArcelorMittal South Africa, has reviewed their domestic prices for Flat Steel products in line with international price trends and negotiated principles.

Given the recent price trends in the international market and the volatility of the exchange rate, the Base Price for Flat Steel products will be adjusted from 01 August 2022.

Hot Rolled Coil which includes Hot Rolled, "Vastrap", Pickled and Oiled will decrease by R2 500/t.

Hot Rolled Plate will decrease by R1 500/t, Galvanised Coil by R2 500/t and "Chromadek" and Chroma-Prep by R1 500/t.

Click to download the announcement

Most of you will have used Zoom to watch our CPD webinar-series and we hope that this user guide will assist you to become a pro-user.

Zoom Meeting Tips:

Prepare Your Space:
Connect to a meeting from a quiet space with few distractions. If you’re going to be sharing your camera, check your background to make sure that there’s nothing that would distract others. If you’ll be sharing your screen, don’t have unnecessary windows or browser tabs open.
Mute Your Microphone:
When you’re not talking, mute your own microphone so that any unexpected noises from your end don’t disrupt the meeting.
Use Headphones:
When you hear an echo during a meeting, it’s because someone’s microphone is picking up the audio from their speakers and repeating it. Using headphones will prevent this feedback.
Test Your Camera and Microphone Ahead of Time:
You can test both your camera and microphone in the Zoom app’s Settings screen to make sure that both are working properly before joining a meeting. This prevents you from delaying a meeting by setting up your camera and microphone after it starts.
Wires Over Wireless:
Wired connections, for both your computer and audio devices, tend to be more reliable than wireless connections. Connect your computer via ethernet instead of Wi-Fi when possible, and use a headset that connects by USB or audio jack instead of Bluetooth.

Click to download the guide

Anthea Jeffery has drawn on a paper published by the Canadian Centre of Science and Education for part of her submission on behalf of the South African Institute of Race Relations to the parliamentary committee considering the Climate Change Bill.

The paper argues that wind and solar are not cheaper than conventional fuels if the full cost of electricity (FCOE) to society is taken into account. “Full Cost of Electricity (FCOE) and Energy Returns (eROI)” appears in the Journal of Management and Sustainability.

To ensure that energy policy promotes all three of these objectives the paper argues that both the FCOE and the eROI should be taken into account.

The Daily Friend article continues (underlining added to clarify the reasons):

" More commonly used is the levellised cost of electricity (LCOE). This, however, is misleading because it includes only three measures – the costs of building, fuel, and operation. FCOE, by contrast, measures the full costs of renewable energy to society. It is therefore a more comprehensive measure than the LCOE. 

In the first place, there are mining, transportation, investment, and building costs. The mining of lithium and other minerals involves excavation of vast quantities of rock, which necessitates the use of fossil fuels, since wind and solar are too intermittent to be reliable for mining operations. Fossil fuels must also be used for transporting the minerals to wherever wind turbines, solar panels, and storage batteries (“green machines”) are manufactured. 

Secondly, there is the cost of fuels, which is a strength for wind and solar, as they themselves have no fuel costs. 

Thirdly, there are operating and maintenance costs. The paper says onshore wind and solar cost much the same as coal, but that offshore wind is much more expensive. Solar arrays are relatively cheap, however.

Fourth, there is the cost of load balancing, necessary for the very difficult task of stabilizing the grid given the intermittency of wind and solar. 

Fifth comes the cost of storage. Excess energy generated by wind and solar on windy and sunny days must be stored for when there is no wind or sunshine. Using fossil fuels, huge quantities of minerals must be mined and transported for battery manufacture. But the necessary storage technology has yet to be developed. This is a serious obstacle to the greater use of wind and solar, for an efficient electricity system must be able to meet demand at all times.

Sixth is the cost of backup. In the absence of sufficient storage capacity for wind and solar, back-up from conventional fossil fuel and/or nuclear energy is required. As the share of wind and solar energy increases, the use of back-up declines, which means that necessary but expensive back-up will lie idle for an increasing part of the time. This is wasteful. 

Seventh is the cost of emissions. The CO2 emissions from fossil fuels for use in their own right must be calculated. But so must the emissions from all the fossil fuels used for mining, transporting, and manufacturing green machines. 

The eighth factor to be considered is the cost of recycling and other environmental impacts. The paper argues that neither wind blades nor solar panels can be recycled, while the decaying of discarded batteries is environmentally harmful. So, as already noted, is all the mining needed for green machines. 

Ninth is “room costs”, such as land footprint and energy sprawl. Because the intermittency of wind and solar means that they have a low power density, much more space is needed for turbines and solar panels than for conventional power stations. Stephen Davies of the American Institute for Economic Research has pointed out that you get plenty of energy from a small amount of coal or uranium, but that if you wanted to power Los Angeles entirely with solar, you would need to cover an area several times the size of that city with solar panels. Schernikau and his co-writers note that a new solar park in India would need 33 times as much space as a new coal-fired power station to produce the same amount of electricity. 

Number ten is other metrics, such as the energy return on investment (eROI). This refers to the input of energy needed to produce the energy output needed. A high eROI means lower environmental and economic costs, and thus lower prices and higher utility. A low eROI means higher environmental and economic costs, and thus higher prices and lower utility.     

The return on energy invested is highest for nuclear, followed at some distance by coal and gas, with renewables much further behind. “The principle of energy return on investment is at the core of society’s energy efficiency, which is at the core of humanity’s development and survival.”  

Schernikau et al argue that the very low return for wind and solar arises from their intermittency along with their need for backup and storage. Their very low return on energy invested means that they are “a step backward in history in terms of energy efficiency”.

The envisaged dramatic expansion in wind and solar will result in a more fragile and expensive electricity system, with the risk of prolonging the energy crisis that started in the second half of last year. This crisis they attribute to lack of investment in conventional forms of energy, while increased use of wind and solar has been unable to satisfy demand.   

Schernikau and his colleagues also make the point that if solar and wind were truly cheaper, as is frequently claimed, they would not require “trillions of dollars of government funding or subsidies, or laws to enforce their installation”.

South Africa’s construction industry is in crisis: as the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI) stated in April 2022, “the problem of intimidation, extortion and violence on construction sites has reached crisis levels”. The “construction mafias” – as they have been dubbed – who are responsible for this intimidation have become widespread since their first appearance in KwaZulu-Natal.

Today, these groups have become deeply entrenched in the construction sector. In 2020, the South

African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (Safcec) estimated losses due to these disruptions amounted to R40.7-billion nationally.

In the absence of any effective legal recourse and facing the threat of violence, many businesses have had to concede to these mafias’ demands, legitimising and solidifying their role in the industry. This could have disastrous economic effects in the long term for a sector that is already under strain.
((c) Daily Maverick 2022/06/16)

By Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime

Published by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime, this report provides government, businesses, and communities with recommendations on building a comprehensive strategy for dealing with systemic extortion.

"Dubbed the ‘construction mafia’ in the media, these people have organized themselves into groups known as ‘local business forums’ and invaded construction sites across the country, demanding money or a stake in development projects in what can arguably be described as systemic extortion. These activities have been fuelled by the weak response from the state, allowing them to expand their activities. In 2019, at least 183 infrastructure and construction projects worth more than R63 billion had been affected by these disruptions across the country. Since then, invasions have continued at construction sites across South Africa. 

Disrupting the construction extortion economy, particularly in areas where it has taken root, will not be an easy task. However, not addressing it will affect the construction sector and the country, and failure to deal with this type of extortion is also likely to spread such practices to other sectors of the economy.

This report provides government, businesses, and communities with recommendations on building a comprehensive strategy for dealing with systemic extortion and strengthening partnerships between private sector organizations, local communities, civil society organizations, local government, and state actors."

Click to download the report

To read more about the initiatives of this organisation please click here.

The South African road network, valued to be an asset of around R3 trillion, is the arterial system through which the country’s economic lifeblood flows. This is to be celebrated at the upcoming 7^th Regional Conference for Africa, being hosted by the South African Road Federation (SARF) in collaboration with both the International Road Federation and the World Road Association.

To be held from 18 to 20 October in Cape Town, South Africa (at the Cape Town International Convention Centre), the theme is “Connecting Africa through Smart, Safe and Resilient Roads: Stimulating Growth and Trade on the Continent”.

With SARF having successfully produced African Regional Conferences on a regular

Asphalt resurfacing on the R43 between Hermanus and Stanford Western Cape Photo by  Imile van Rhyn  - EFG Engineers

basis since 1988, the event has become an international knowledge-sharing platform held in high regard for innovation and the presentation of best-practice implementation from across the globe. As a result, this South African event is now recognised as the flagship gathering for the Southern African roads sector – the last of which took place in 2018 in Durban, with over 420 delegates attending alongside 35 exhibitors.

“Physical conferences have always provided crucial and unique networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities that we’ve lost over the past few years.  We believe the return this year to a physical venue post-pandemic will mark a pivotal event for our industry worldwide,” says local conference organiser, Basil Jonsson, the Operations Director for SARF.

As a result, a number of prominent international and local keynote speakers have already confirmed, among them World Bank consultant and civil engineer Nazir Alli, a South African who is currently the President of PIARC and formerly the Founding CEO of the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).

Other keynotes confirmed to date include Professor André Roux (Head: Futures Studies Programme, University of Stellenbosch Business School), and Dr Pierre Voges (CEO of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone Company and former CEO of the Mandela Bay Development Agency).

Jonsson also notes that over 114 abstracts have been received for consideration by  the conference technical committee, indicating a strong interest in the event not only from the countries that usually attend (including the UK, the USA, various EU countries as well as those in the Middle East and Africa), but also from Japan, Mexico and New Zealand.

He adds that, as always, strong local support for the event had also already been demonstrated: “To date, 45% of all abstracts submitted have been from South Africa.”

With the final programme to be finalised by the end of June, presentations and speakers would fall under seven key sub themes, namely:

• Determination of roads needs and financing mechanisms
• Preserving Africa’s road assets
• Safe and efficient transport by road
• Innovative practices to optimise road networks
• Roads and the environment
• The role of low volume roads in rural connectivity, and
• Capacity development in the roads sector.

Jonsson believes there will be particular interest both locally and internationally in two of these focus areas, namely road safety and low-volume roads, but notes that the sub themes cover the full scope of the reach of the South African Road Federation. To accommodate the volume of topics and information to be exchanged, each day of the conference will be structured with an overall main session to start, followed by numerous breakaway sessions.

Apart from both the local and international interest in the event, delegates will themselves range across the full spectrum of those involved in the planning and delivery of road networks, including:

• Provincial and local government and roads agencies/authorities
• Civil engineering contractors, consultants and suppliers
• Quantity surveyors involved  in road projects
• Road, bridge and tunnel builders and maintenance contractors
• Traffic planning and management systems companies
• ITS and communication companies
• Road safety specialists and suppliers, and
• Road lighting and signage companies.

ESCA accreditation has been secured by SARF with 1 CPD Point in Category 1 for each of the three days of the conference.

A trade exhibition will once again run alongside the conference, with close to 70 percent of space already booked. Numerous opportunities for sponsors are also available. Early bird registration is currently open until 9 September, with discounts of up to 20 percent for those taking advantage of this. For out-of-town delegates, special accommodation rates have also been secured at a number of Southern Sun Hotels close to the conference venue.

For more information on:

• The 2022 SARF • IRF • PIARC 7^th Regional Conference for Africa, please contact: SBS Conferences & Exhibitions on +27 71 348 1780, email info@sbs.co.za or visit sbs.co.za/sarf2022
• South African Roads Federation, visit sarf.org.za or call +27 11 394 9025/1459