The Master Builders South Africa’s (MBSA’s) 109th Annual Congress, set to take place in Port Elizabeth from September 21 to 23, will discuss ways of increasing investment, particularly in residential and public-sector buildings such as schools and medical facilities.
“The construction sector, particularly the building industry, is crucial for creating jobs, as it is not overly reliant on skilled or highly skilled workers, with about 74% of the formal workforce in the sector classified as either semiskilled or unskilled,” notes MBSA executive director Tumi Dlamini.
She adds that, of the total economy, this percentage is about 40%. Any increase in activity levels in the construction sector can, therefore, translate fairly quickly into higher employment, since a lack of skills is not a formidable constraint on the sector, as might be the case with other sectors.
Moreover, Dlamini points out that increased activity levels and, hence, employment in the construction sector, can have sub- stantial multiplier effects throughout the economy.
Meanwhile, MBSA highlights that UK-based University of Reading professor Roger Flanagan will address the congress and provide some insight into ‘the race to the future’. This will add an international perspective to the growth of South Africa’s building industry and the strategic role that the industry can play in the development of a country.
“With his insight on building industries in various developmental States worldwide, South Africa will gain much insight on how other developing countries have managed to drive economic growth through the construction sector,” Dlamini states.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Professor John Smallwood will discuss issues regarding the prevention of accidents in construction, which will be significant, as the construction sector continues to grapple with the collapse of various buildings, such as Tongaat Mall, in KwaZulu-Natal.
Economist Dr Azar Jammine will highlight some of the challenges facing South Africa’s economic prospects in the longer term.
D
elegates will also have the opportunity to participate in breakaway sessions
.