South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) registrar Butcher Matutle has urged the construction industry to be cognisant of the benefits of employing and recognising registered professionals, and “in doing so, remain strong in the resolve towards eliminating incidences of risk and danger on work sites”.
Speaking at a Master Builders KZN Occupational Health and Safety Seminar in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday, he called for “vigilance on all fronts”.
He also encouraged the sector to ensure that it consistently moved towards ethical practices and that all activities emanating from construction and project management environments be underpinned by professional, ethical codes and safety-focused practices.
“It is the responsibility of all professionals to steer clear of risky or unethical practices. These include the incidences of violence that have plagued South Africa by the so-called ‘construction mafia’, which add yet another demanding facet to the management of safety on construction and project management sites.
“The devastating effect of such activity, in addition to eroding our economy, creates a negative image for investors and potential investors,” he added.