News
Identification of engineering works regulations released
The Government Gazette No 44333 containing the Identification of Engineering Work Regulations was published in March 2021. The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) will consult stakeholders and create awareness around the legislation and ensure that the engineering industry progressively moves towards compliance. The gazetted Identification of Engineering Work and the enabling provisions enshrined in the Engineering Professions Act (EPA)
Designated roof erectors keep the roofs Above our heads
The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) receives several inquiries from people who want to become Certified Roof Erectors each month. Erik Söderlund, the General Manager of the ITC-SA, says he is pleased because it indicates that South Africa’s builders are increasingly aware of the need to comply with SANS 10400, the Code of Practice for the Application of
What is a professional designation?
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) recognises the Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) as the Professional Body representing the Engineered Timber Roof Truss Sector in South Africa. It allows the ITC-SA to accredit five SAQA recognised Professional Designations: Certified Roof Erector Certified Roof Inspector Certified Roof Truss Designer Certified Roof Fabricator Accredited Timber Engineer. Each Designation symbolises special
Winning with connected construction
Every day, around the world, more than 200,000 people are moving into cities. Cities need to expand. Yet, only 25% of the infrastructure we’ll need in 2050 exists today. As a result, (E&C) industry must snowball at around 3% per year through 2021. However, profitability and margins in the industry continue to be low. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)
“Megacities” developing in Gauteng
By 2030 Gauteng will have two huge new cities, socially diverse, digitally connected and ecologically responsible and sustainable. That’s if the provincial government delivers on its plans for the west (Lanseria to Hartbeespoort Dam) and in the south, where Vaal River City will stretch from Vereeniging to Sasolburg in the Free State. It has pledged to release 10,000 serviced stands
Short term boost for construction
The citizens of South Africa are still reeling, and the costs are escalating in the aftermath of the recent unrest, looting and wanton destruction of essential strategic, transport, job and investment creating infrastructure. On a slightly positive note, the SA Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) and Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) association believe the construction industry may receive a
Is graded SA Pine the best structural wood in the world?
By Dr Brand Wessels, University of Stellenbosch Yes, it is true. South Africa’s pine plantations are the source of the best structural timber in the world. From 01 August 2021, sawmills producing structural timber must implement a continuous quality control grading system using the SANS 1783 specifications to underscore this fact. This process means our northern hemisphere colleagues are wrong
Positive feedback from future roof inspectors
Future roof inspectors enjoyed the three-day Roof Inspector’s Course presented by Petrus Smidt in June in Cape Town. The course content is approved by the ITC and allows the attendees to claim ECSA CPD points. Smidt, is a professional engineer and member of the Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA). He has vast experience in the engineered timber roofing
Building material manufacturers confident, building sector cautious
After slipping to 27 in 1Q2021, the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index increased to 39 in 2Q2021. Even though this is the highest index level since 1Q2018, more than 60% of respondents are dissatisfied with current business conditions. “There is a key distinction between when the index was last at this level and now,” says Siphamandla Mkhwanazi, property economist at FNB.
The ITC-SA is a Non-Statutory Professional Body. What does that mean?
It is midway through the year and a good time to pause and reflect on the past six months and see whether your business is on track to achieve its mission and vision. Performance reviews form part of this process, with “professional” conduct often used as a performance descriptor. The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) is “recognised by
