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<td width="371"><a href="http://www.saace.co.za/insidetrack/november2007/insidetrack_nov.pdf">Download
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<p align="center"><img src="images/section1.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section1"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
The annual SAACE/SAFCEC Conference recently held at the Lord Charles
Hotel in Somerset West in the Cape was a resounding success attended
by prominent decision makers in the Civil and Consulting Engineering
fields brought together under the theme of ‘Beyond 2010
– Shifting Boundaries and Unlocking Potential’. </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Graham
Pirie CEO of SAACE and Henk Langenhoven CEO of SAFCEC commented
in a joint statement, “The success of the conference lay
in both the calibre of the speakers as well as the attendees from
both Associations.” In a survey conducted at the conference
it was found that of the over 200 delegates from the South African
Association of Consulting Engineers (SAACE) and the South African
federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) that attended
the conference 25% were Owners of their organizations with a further
41% Executive Members and 28% Senior Managers.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
conference was preceded on the Sunday by a Golf Day at Erinvale
Golf Course in Somerset West, sponsored by Barloworld Equipment.
The winning team was a team representing CHI Control Components;
Barloworld Equipment and Glenrand MIB.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font color="#333366" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Opening
and Political Journey into the Future</strong></font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
The conference was opened by Glenville Cullum, President of SAFCEC
with the first speaker being Aubrey Mashiqi, Political Analyst,
who gave the conference a fascinating and insightful presentation
on ‘The Political Journey into the Future’. In his
presentation he debated both the succession race for President
of the ANC and the Country and intimated that the impact on economic
policy whichever candidate came to power was unlikely to be significant.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#333366">Fixed
Investments – The Lift Off</font></strong><br>
Cees Bruggemans, Senior Economist from First National Bank then
gave a fascinating presentation on ‘Fixed Investments –
The 'Lift Off' in which he delved into economic history moving
into what can be anticipated in the future. He started his presentation
asking if, as an industry, we are mentally prepared for the shift
into the next decade moving from a low growth to a high growth
era requiring a strong construction sector. The labour market
is being pushed to its maximum in order to maintain the 5% growth
rate that we have experienced in the last 4 years and is expected
into the future. He predicts that we are entering the ‘Greatest
boom of all time’. Of course sustainable growth will not
be without its challenges and he listed the following that may
jeopardize this growth including: Institutional breakdown; nuclear
war; fundamental energy disruption; bird flu/Spanish flu; climate
change; and financial implosion. He states that of course there
will be disruptions during this period but in the shorter term
that we appear to have a clear run and that the world has enormous
momentum to sustain growth well into the future.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">He
noted that the construction industry is operating at maximum capacity
needing time to deliver with 15 to 17% real growth being led by
the Government and Parastatals infrastructure programmes. He believes
that they are building a base to allow the industry to grow at
8% for the next generation after 2010 with general unemployment
continuing to decline.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#333366">A
new Era in Construction – Growth, Capacity and Innovation</font></strong><br>
‘A new Era in Construction – Growth, Capacity and
Innovation’ was presented by retired CEO of Group Five,
Mike Lomas. He started off by stating that the buoyant state of
the industry can be seen by the number of construction companies
listing on the stock exchange with over R100 million invested
in the last few months.<br>
Lomas contested that in an ideal world the construction industry
would have the following best practices in place:</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">•
Best practice in teamwork and innovation<br>
• Structures and responsibilities clearly defined<br>
• Provision of a clear brief by the client<br>
• Selection based on ability and quality and not price<br>
• Transparent procedures based on best value and not cost<br>
• Designs that address health and safety issues<br>
• Risks identified and financially qualified<br>
• All contracts would have an informal non-confrontational
mechanism to manage disputes<br>
• To ensure equitable cash flow for all involved and no
unfair holding of retentions<br>
• All members of the construction team identified and involved
at an early stage<br>
• An overarching sustainability strategy<br>
• Project specifics agreed between Unions and Employers<br>
• All projects injury and accident free</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">He
went on to state that this is in fact not an ideal but already
exists and is the plan currently in place for the upcoming London
Olympics. He contends that it is key that an enjoyable environment
is created for people to work. The key is to get the balance between
risk and potential for shareholders and it is crucial for the
industry that risk is properly priced. ‘Profits are the
rewards for successful risk taking,’ and noted that there
is a worldwide trend to involve contractors earlier in the process.
</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lomas
noted that there is a huge amount of growth opportunity in South
Africa with environmental concern a growing issue. He contends
that 2010 is just a milestone along the way and that industry
is set to grow way beyond 2010 and with all things being equal
there should be at least another 10 to 15 years of growth. The
industry needs to focus on Innovation by implementing: Best Practice;
Off site manufacture; New production processes; Virtual prototyping
for design and manufacturing; Environmentally sustainable construction;
and Preferred employers. He also stated that the construction
industry currently lags other industries with respect to Innovation.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Lomas
states that risk management is crucial, with contractors racing
to get work they must beware of overtrading, learn lessons from
international risk management case studies and he strongly believes
that South Africa should have a Construction Industry Vision and
Strategy, “RSA 2015 - from Transformation to Innovation”.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font color="#333366"><strong>Green
Construction, Challenges and Opportunities</strong></font><br>
‘Green Construction, Challenges and Opportunities’
was presented by Architect Llewellyn van Wyk of the CSIR Built
Environment (Construction) Unit with input from Dr. Rodney Milford
of the CIDB. He stated that there is increasing interest on what
sustainable building construction holds for the industry with
the main issues being: climate change; demand and scarcity of
supply of water, energy and materials; and finally biodiversity
loss. Van Wyk stated the construction industry is responsible
for 40% of the green house gas emissions; 40% of all raw material
taken out of the earth’s crust by weight; and 40% of waste
streams.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">He
stated that the corporate world is becoming more demanding on
how it is performing on these issues although there is also a
belief that, ‘The Sustainable building option conflicts
with profit maximization’. However, van Wyk contests this
and believes that there is a business case for sustainable construction
as we are experiencing increased consumer demand, corporate social
responsibility and legislation in this regard with a number of
government departments focusing on sustainable issues. South Africa
is one of the few countries that have set targets for energy efficiency
improvements through the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME).
Industry is going to be expected to deliver on the targets set
with ESKOM already seeking to reduce electricity demand. The Green
Building Council of SA was launched on the 19 September by SAPOA
and the CIDB is currently working on a sustainable Construction
Strategy as part of their broader strategy.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Van
Wyk stated that the industry can expect legislation, regulation,
codes, policies, guidelines, frameworks, manuals, performance
standards, indicators, measurement, assessment and reports to
be introduced in the near future. He stated that the various associations
need to put guidelines in place to deal with the relevant issues
and assist members to comply with requirements as they arise.
“It is no longer a nice to have”, stated Graham Pirie,
CEO of SAACE and chairman of the session.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font color="#333366"><strong>Computer
Systems Don’t Work</strong></font><br>
Peter Cheney gave an interesting presentation on Computer Systems
and why they don’t work. He stressed that we have to realize
that ultimately computer systems are dependent on people. He also
discussed the tremendous growth in technology and how industry
should embrace it so as to work smarter to counter the current
supply side challenges.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font color="#333366"><strong>Innovation
– Thinking Outside the Box</strong></font><br>
The conference ended with a fascinating presentation by Dr. Kobus
Neethling on ‘Innovation – Thinking Outside the Box’
in which he demonstrated how to initiate and sustain whole brain
creativity as well as how to establish a culture of creativity
personally and within an organization. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Cecil
Rose, President of SAACE closed the conference by thanking the
speakers, participants, sponsors and exhibitors for their contribution
to a very successful and thought-provoking conference.</font></p>
<p> </p>
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<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/section2.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section2"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
The South African Association of Consulting Engineers (SAACE) is
proud to announce the inauguration of its youngest President ever.
Felix Fongoqa takes up the role at a time when the construction
industry is showing strong growth in the context of a healthy and
expanding economy. But this does not come without its challenges,
with capacity utilization running at close to 100% considerable
attention needs to be given to obtaining the necessary skills as
consulting engineering companies are experiencing difficulties in
obtaining skills in all categories including engineers, technologists
and technicians, whether in the PDI category of not.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Fongoqa,
CEO of ILISO Consulting, graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand
with a BSc Engineering degree in 1988 and a Graduate Diploma in
Engineering in 1990. He has over the years worked for many highly
reputable consulting engineering firms in the country. After moving
to Gauteng in 2002 he served on various committees of SAACE in different
capacities including the Young Professional’s Forum (YPF);
Membership; Disciplinary; School of Consulting Engineering; Transformation;
Marketing and Communications; and Finance and Staff. Fongoqa’s
key engineering expertise is in the fields of water engineering
and municipal infrastructure. He has also over the last couple of
years, developed a passion for contract law.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Fongoqa’s
involvement and service to the engineering industry goes back to
his days at University where he served on the South African Institute
of Civil Engineers (SAICE) student chapter at Wits, then as graduate
representative of the Border-Kei branch of SAICE as well as on their
national graduates committee. He has also served in various portfolios
for the South African Black Technical and Allied Careers Organization
(SABTACO). Fongoqa has over the years served on a number of boards
and community-based development organizations including Amatola
Water, Eastern Cape Provincial Housing Board, Mdantsane Community
Development Trust and the Border-Kei Development Forum. He now serves
on the Boards of ILISO Consulting (Pty) Ltd; PRDW (Pty) Ltd; and
Bateman Africa (Pty) Ltd.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Fongoqa
is married to Thandi, and has been blessed with 4 children aged
3 to 17 years old.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Zulch
Lotter (UWP Consulting) has been appointed Deputy President.</font></p>
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<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/section3.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section3"></a><font color="#333366" size="4" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
The 2007 International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC)
Conference held in Singapore was well attended with almost a full
house. This annual event played host to almost 70 member countries
out of a total of 75, with South Africa well represented with 21
delegates at the conference. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">As
usual the conference was preceded by a meeting of directors of member
associations attended by representatives of 24 countries. The main
topic of this meeting centered around ‘Best Practice Association
Management and the role of Directors. Topics included: Achieving
the correct membership mix and service the needs of large and small
firms; Marketing of the Association; and Fundraising. The directors
were then joined by the Presidents of the Associations in order
to share with them the many tools that FIDIC produces to assist
Member Associations and firms as well as listen to the report back
from FIDIC’s regional groupings including the Group of African
Member Associations (GAMA). A point of interest is that coincidentally,
many of the Associations have contemplated a name change to remain
relevant in the current market economy as SAACE is currently in
the process of doing. These changes in the main are to emphasise
the business aspects of consulting engineering entities. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
theme of the conference was ‘Global Services – Enhanced
Partnerships’ with most of the conference sessions being relevant
to the overall theme, however a point of criticism is that there
were too many presentations by International Finance Institutions
(IFI’s) including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World
Bank and the Japanese Bank of International Co-operation. Apart
from this, it was astounding to see the large number of essential
tools that FIDIC produces to assist firms in the marketplace. These
include policy statements, guideline documents and contracts including
the newly created Design - Build – Operate Contract (Gold
Book) that was launched via a dedicated one day workshop at the
conference. Other guides currently under development include: Definition
of Services Guide; Design Documentation Guidelines; and the Construction
Monitoring Guide. SAACE strongly recommends a visit to the FIDIC
website to find out what is available for order via SAACE. In addition,
copies of all the conference presentations are also available at
<font color="#333366"><a href="http://www.fidic.org/conference/2007/talks/">www.fidic.org/conference/2007/talks/</a>.</font>
</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It
is interesting to note that most of the world is in a massive growth
phase centered on infrastructure with the resultant supply/demand
challenges. Lack of skills is the order of the day globally with
the resultant problems relating to delivery as well as inadequate
maintenance and upkeep of infrastructure. Central to this investment
in the developing economies relates to infrastructure provision
as a means of uplifting people out of poverty but the resultant
environmental degradation threatens to reverse any gains. Hence
the need to embrace the concept of sustainable development.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">There
was also a session devoted to sustainable construction, which globally
is moving to centre stage, especially since 40% of energy related
to green house gases are related to buildings. Many countries including
South Africa have set up Green Building Councils to address these
issues and create increased awareness. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
construction boom worldwide has also forced clients to accept new
delivery mechanisms particularly what is termed ‘Relationship
Contracting’ also known as ‘Alliancing “Turnkey”
or Partnering’. Alliancing can also be considered, ‘Partnering
for Profit’. It has become the method of choice in Australia
and while it requires a better understanding of the risk/reward
relationship, it represents a more flexible vehicle overcoming the
negatives of purely price based competition and in dealing with
an uninformed client base. In this regard the World Bank is still
contemplating the role of Quality Based Selection (QBS) in their
procurement methodology as a preferred mechanism to Quality and
Cost Based Selection (QCBS) in the procurement of professional services.
This is as a consequence of poor experience where quality played
a secondary role to cost for services rendered. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It
was stated at the conference that consulting engineering procurement
methodologies should be embedded in a countries overall strategic
innovation system and that brain drain is a consequence of the incorrect
approach where solutions are chosen based purely on price. Best
practice procurement methodologies recognizing VALUE, enhance country
competitiveness and eliminate the tendency towards brain drain.
It was noted that the consulting industry grows fastest in countries
displaying a progressive knowledge economy. It is the role of the
Consultant, the Association and the Government to develop and lead
the agenda particularly where a weak institutional framework exists
in the public sector. The Malaysian methodology relating to the
selection and appointment of consultants was very impressive and
it is considered as no coincidence that Malaysia is number 2 in
the world rankings of competitiveness relating to government Procurement
of Advanced Technology Products. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">In
short, it was demonstrated that there is a definite link between
the use of QBS, a strong consulting industry. There were frequent
references to the modus operandi of Management Consultants who have
mastered the concept of selling solutions and value. Pirie comments
that, “Perhaps we should learn from them rather than denigrating
them”. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Once
again SAACE’s Young Professional Forum (YPF) did South Africa
proud at the conference. Khelane Ndwandwe was tasked with summarizing
a plenary session and our own Young Engineer of the Year, Michele
Kruger was nominated to the International YPF Executive, with Kieren
Brown as her alternate.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Graham
Pirie</font></p>
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<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/section4.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section4"></a></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="images/certificates.jpg" width="300" height="226"></font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em><font color="#666666">Young
Professionals Management Training Program 2007 participants holding
their Certificates</font></em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
The FIDIC Young Professionals Management Training Programme (YPMTP)
is set to start in February 2008. Participants from countries around
the world meet via virtual encounters on the eFIDIC platform to
discuss management topics including: <br>
• Growth and profit <br>
• Market Development: new technologies, cultural changes,
globalisation <br>
• Ownership structures<br>
• Marketing of consulting services <br>
• Organisation and human resources development<br>
• Business integrity </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">These
discussions are continued right up to and including the days leading
up to the 2008 Annual Conference where participants and facilitators
meet in one of the conference hotels to finalize their discussions
and prepare for their “Future Leaders” presentation
at the conference.<br>
</font></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#333366" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><img src="images/presentation.jpg" width="300" height="226"></strong></font></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#666666" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Participants
discuss their final presentation</em></font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
The programme's objective is to engage potential young managers
in the discussion of management issues, in order to develop new
approaches, leadership skills and intercultural understanding and
for them to become acquainted with FIDIC activities through participation
in the annual FIDIC Conference.<br>
Steen Frederiksen is, the programme co-ordinator, and he will be
assisted by a board of mentors including Richard Kell, Ben Novak,
Maxime Mazloum and Bayo Adeola.</font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
</font><font color="#333366" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><img src="images/steen.jpg" width="300" height="225"></strong></font></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#666666" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Steen
Frederiksen, Program facilitator</em></font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
The programme ends with a presentation during the 2008 FIDIC Conference
in Quebec. The presentation is called “Future Leaders Workshop”
and is usually attended by many FIDIC senior members eager to know
about young professionals' ideas on the future of our profession.
</font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
</font><font color="#333366" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><img src="images/leaders.jpg" width="300" height="225"></strong></font></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#666666" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Future
Leaders workshop</em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
Apart from training, the Programme allows delegates to build an
international network of colleagues and an opportunity to make friends.
An alumni network which was recently started can be accessed via
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/">http://www.linkedin.com/</a>.<br>
</font></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#333366" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><img src="images/fun.jpg" width="300" height="225"></strong></font></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#666666" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Participants
having fun</em></font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">You can find
more information about the YPMTP08 on:<br>
<font color="#333366"><a href="http://www1.fidic.org/events/mt/ypmt/">http://www1.fidic.org/events/mt/ypmt/</a></font>
</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Michele Kruger<br>
SAACE YPF</font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center">
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/section5.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section5"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
International Business Development Section (IBDS) of the Association
represented by Manager, Roelof van Tonder, recently embarked on
a mission to Zambia and Tanzania with the costs of the visit covered
by the DTI. Van Tonder comments, “The DTI must be commended
for responding to inputs from the Export Community on how missions
should be structured.” The successful mission focused on project
opportunities in the utility and mining sectors of both countries.
Van Tonder states, “The challenge for the IBDS is to convince
member firms to look beyond the current domestic boom, and to participate
in these missions with a view to securing work beyond 2010.”</font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="images/section5%20pics.jpg" width="750" height="250"></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font color="#333366"><strong>TANZANIA</strong></font></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Tanzania
offers major opportunities to those consulting engineers that are
serious about exporting their services into Africa. There are a
number of reasons for this including:</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">•
Geographic proximity to South Africa<br>
• A very good political relationship between South Africa
and Tanzania<br>
• Major infrastructural developments over a broad spectrum
of disciplines<br>
• Strong mining activity which suits the skills set of South
African service providers.<br>
• Stable democracy.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">While
South Africa has been introduced as a goods and services provider
to Tanzania, it is clear that as a country, we have a long way to
go before we can compete with foreign competitors who are very well
organized, and enjoy substantial support from their governments
to remain active in this market. For the utility portion of the
visit the following are some comments about the clients visited:</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>Tanzania
Electricity Supply Company</strong> (TANESCO) was our first client
visited and they were interested to hear that members of the IBDS
have access to a feasibility study fund at both the DTI and the
International Finance Corporation who indicated that they are planning
investments of more than USD 1 billion over the next 5 years or
so.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Delegates
also attended presentations by the <strong>Tanzanian Department
of Minerals and Energy</strong> and the <strong>National Development
Corporation</strong>. Both entities painted an impressive picture
of infrastructure as well as the mineral and gas exploitation led
expansion programme within the country. Of particular interest to
the delegation was information provided on their Central and Mtwara
Corridor Development programmes with substantial opportunities for
port, rail, road, water and power projects.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
visit to the <strong>Tanzania Ports Authority</strong> (TPA) indicated
that there is a lack of funding with regard to feasibility studies
as well. Since Tanzania has three major freshwater bodies in addition
to a number of ports on its coast, the TPA offers substantial opportunities
for Engineers who are active in this arena. The TPA were, therefore,
very interested in the fact that the DTI has a Feasibility Study
Fund of its own and one with the World Bank’s IFC. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>The
Tanzania Roads Authority</strong> (Tanroads) gave the delegation
a warm welcome with several senior officials attending the discussions
including their Director of Projects and their Director of Procurement.
Their message was similar to many of the client entities, in that
they have major expansion plans, have access to the funds but lack
engineering capacity to execute projects. Roelof van Tonder also
met with a local consultant, NORPLAN. The meeting had two objectives,
the first was to extend a courtesy call on Engineer Exaud Mushi
in his capacity as MD of NORPLAN and as President of the Group of
Africa Member Associations (GAMA), and secondly to find out more
about local business conditions for Consulting Engineers. With regard
to business conditions Mushi confirmed that the market is very active
and that it is good to be an engineer in Tanzania.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">While
the IBDS did not participate in the mine visits it must be noted
that all the mines are situated in the north western part of the
country where there is insufficient supporting infrastructure and
that there are many opportunities for Consulting Engineers. While
many of them might have in-house capabilities to handle certain
projects, they also make use of external service providers. According
to the delegates who went on this part of the Mission they were
well received at all the mines with firm interest in using South
African service providers.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">From
a general procurement perspective it was interesting to note that
in 2004 Tanzania created the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority
(PPRA). It was explained that Tanzania is one of 22 countries that
are participating in a pilot test of the international "Methodology
for Assessment of National Procurement Systems". The purpose
of the methodology is to provide a harmonized tool that developing
countries can use to assess the quality and effectiveness of national
procurement systems. Government/parastatal tenders can be viewed
on this website (<a href="http://www.ppra.go.tz">www.ppra.go.tz</a>)</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><font color="#333366">ZAMBIA</font></strong></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
visit to Zambia was very productive and in view of this the DTI
has agreed to arrange for all key clients visited to come to South
Africa utilizing one of the DTI’s incentive programs. The
clients visited have agreed to improved collaboration on feasibility
studies and information on future projects. The DTI has also approved
financial support for firms who would like to participate in a major
exhibition in the Copperbelt during May 2008.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A
visit to the <strong>Zambia Electricity Supply Commission</strong>
(ZESCO) revealed that they have a number of new generation projects
in the pipeline and that they have created a new department to deal
with these projects. Please consult their website www.zesco.co.zm
for more information.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A
visit to the <strong>Zambia Road Development Agency</strong> (RDA)
confirmed that there is a lack of engineering capacity in the roads
sector in general. The Chief Engineer: Design and the Chief Engineer:
Bridges both confirmed that they are quite willing to share information
regarding new projects. The requirement for local registration of
all foreign engineers who wish to work in Zambia was discussed at
length. In this regard the RDA confirmed that registration can take
place within a month in most cases as the Engineers Registration
Board meets on a monthly basis. The RDA confirmed that they are
willing to assist and would be happy to point engineers in the right
direction.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
The <strong>Copperbelt Energy Corporation</strong> (CEC) is a private
company responsible for supplying energy to the Copperbelt mines.
The company draws supplies from ZESCO, Kafue and the DRC. The power
is then directed through CEC’s privately owned grid to all
the mines in the Copperbelt. Many opportunities to do business with
the CEC exist based on the fact that the CEC will be moving into
power generation in order to meet the expected 50% increase in energy
demand over the next five years. <br>
A meeting was also arranged with George Sitali, who not only serves
on GAMA’s Executive Committee, he is also Deputy President
of the Zambia Engineers Registration Board and as such may be of
great help with the new requirement to register in Zambia. George
confirmed that certain firms in Zambia suffer from a lack of design
capacity and are ready to collaborate with firms in South Africa.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">While
Zambia is well known for its copper production it should be noted
that Zambia is the world's largest cobalt producer, supplying 20%
of the world's cobalt. Zambia moved from the worlds 4th largest
copper producer in the 70’s to the current 11th largest producer.
Despite this decline, copper and cobalt mining still contributes
10% of Zambia's GDP, representing 80% of export earnings. It should
be noted that there are also strong mining development across the
border in the Southern DRC, which will be targeted for future missions.
</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Van
Tonder enthuses that, “The DTI has already agreed to allow
key decision makers to visit South Africa utilizing DTI incentive
schemes, and to assist with follow-up visits to both Zambia and
Tanzania before the end of next year.”</font></p>
</td>
</tr>
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<td><div align="center">
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/section6.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section6"></a></p>
<p align="center"><strong><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
</font></strong></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
question is often asked “What if I train my people, give them
new skills and develop their competencies only to have them leave!”
A simpler question is, “What if you don’t train them
and they stay?” Simply put, incorrectly trained workers may
learn on their own (and often from each other), perhaps incorrectly.
According to the SAACE Management Information Survey (MIS), firms
are spending more than 2.5% of their salary and wage bill on direct
training costs. The rate of training has increased in the last six
months of the year from 17% to 21% and this does not include the
1% CETA levy.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Companies
that have a healthy training culture report many benefits which
include: improved quality; increased productivity; greater flexibility
and responsiveness to change; less wastage; greater staff commitment;
higher staff retention rate and improved morale. Training does not
only involve teaching someone to do their job more productively
but it also facilitates the learning of softer skills such as networking
with other colleagues in the industry, leadership and communication.
</font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We are
all aware that the industry is thriving and some would say that
there is limited or no time for training but there are critical
reasons for providing ongoing focused training.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
most important factor is that all registered engineers have to renew
their registration every 5 years with the Engineering Council of
South Africa. In order to maintain registration they need to accumulate
25 credits which are obtained by participating in CPD courses and
other activities. A minimum of 3 credits are required per year but
additional credits can be carried over to the following years. </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">In
accordance with the Skills Development Act of 1998, every eligible
employer in South Africa registered with SARS for PAYE is liable
to register for the compulsory 1% levy contribution of the total
employer payroll. An employer who makes an application will be refunded
50% of the total of the levies for training their workers. Employers
should also submit training plans (WSP) and a consultation and training
report (ATR) on a yearly basis.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Skills
development is the best way to meet DTI BEE scorecard requirements
(weighting is 20%), and it is the most efficient and cost effective
technique in terms of strategic leveraging of skills development
initiatives. The Construction Industry Charter once implemented,
allows the skills development segment of the scorecard to focus
on total training spend, skills and management training for black
men and women, total learnerships, learnerships for black men and
women as well as designated groups, bursaries for black people and
on mentorship.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
School of Consulting Engineers (SCE) 2008 CPD Training Programme
will provide cost effective training and will commence in February
2008. It will include short courses, seminars, workshops, and skills
programmes designed to build a resource of holistic engineers and
consultants. Topics are selected and courses are developed to meet
the specific requirements of the industry. In addition to its standard
courses, SCE offers in-house courses that are geared to the specific
work needs. </font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Our
approach to training is of a practical nature, it is rich in visual
stimuli and all courses have a high degree of participation. Our
training is not only for consultants but for all who would like
to attend. For more information please visit <font color="#333366"><a href="http://www.saace.co.za">www.saace.co.za</a></font></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center">
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/section7.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section7"></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#333366" size="4" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><br>
May 2-4, 2008<br>
Cape Town, South Africa</strong></font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Join the Dispute
Resolution Board Foundation (DRBF) in Cape Town for the 8th Annual
International Conference. The Conference to be held from the 2nd
to the 4th of May 2008 will be of interest to all involved or interested
in the practical dispute resolution both here in South Africa and
elsewhere in the world. Co-sponsored by ICC, the programme is packed
with informative sessions on the use of Dispute Boards throughout
Africa and other regions, the Multinational Development Bank's perspective
on dispute resolution, and interactive breakout sessions on the
practical application of the process. The conference will span three
mornings, leaving afternoons open for networking or exploring the
many exciting attractions in the region. Saturday night's gala dinner
will be held at Spier Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. A training workshop
is planned in conjunction with the conference on 5 and 6th May 2008,
which will focus on Dispute Boards under the FIDIC MDB Harmonised
Conditions for Construction.</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">For more information
please visit: <font color="#333366"><a href="http://www.drb.org/meetings_conferences.htm">http://www.drb.org/meetings_conferences.htm</a></font></font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Space for this
conference is limited, so make your reservations today!</font></p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center">
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <div align="center">
<p align="center"><img src="images/section8.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section8"></a><font size="4" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong></strong></font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Congratulations
go to Faldi Samaai and his team from Western Cape on being awarded
Branch of the Year. Judging for this award is based on the effectiveness
of the branch committee structure; branch organization; and communication
with local members. The consistency and number of liaison meetings
is also a key factor. Attendance at SAACE Council/Branch meetings
as well as how well the Presidential visit is organized are other
aspects that are taken into account.<br>
</font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="images/cecil&faldi.jpg" width="300" height="284"><br>
</font></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#666666" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Cecil
Rose, SAACE President congratulating Faldi Samaai, Chairman Western
Cape Branch</em></font></p>
</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center">
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/section9.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section9"></a><strong><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br>
</font></strong></p>
<p align="center"><img src="images/Bepmeds%20logo.jpg" width="431" height="168"></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>BEPMEDS
offers all of the ‘Lifestyle Benefits’ that larger medical
schemes offer but has the advantage of being managed by professionals,
for professionals focusing on the particular needs of the Consulting
Industry.</strong> </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The BEPMEDS
Board of Trustees recently launched their 2008 rates and benefits
after “Benefit Design” meetings held with members, brokers
and employers. The scheme is pleased to report that it has made
significant enhancements to areas of exposure that members had voiced
concerns about during the past year. </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Benefits for
2008 include significant annual increases across a wide range of
benefits (i.e. specialized dentistry, prosthesis, oncology and threshold
limits), spread across all the benefit options. </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The scheme is
confident that the rates and benefits for 2008 are still very competitive
and in line with the industry. The Board of Trustees maintains that
BEPMEDS is a scheme aligned for professionals who have, by way of
claims experience, demonstrated the benefit areas that they require
assistance in. </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">BEPMEDS members
also have access to a Lifestyle Programme called MULTIPLY and automatic
access to an International Medical Travel Benefit through Netcare
911. </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The trustees
of BEPMEDS will continue looking at new and innovative ways of keeping
members satisfied while growing the scheme to be a dominant player
in the built environment arena. </font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Zulch Lotter,
Managing Director, UWP Consulting, comments, "We have given
our staff the choice of joining BEPMEDS or other schemes and we
have noticed that staff are freely joining BEPMEDS based on their
high service levels and value for money. From 2008, all new staff
members will be joining BEPMEDS as the scheme is tailored to suit
the specific requirements of our business." </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Francois
Swart, CEO, Bigen Africa, states, "Bigen Africa is proud to
have been a member of BEPMEDS since it's inception. Managers
continually receive positive feedback from our staff on the excellent
service received, as well as the level of benefits provided at rates
that are considerably lower than most of the open schemes.
BEPMEDS with its affordable rates allows us to structure competitive
packages when recruiting staff. The lifestyle benefits provided
in the form of gym memberships etc., are as good, if not better
than any lifestyle benefits currently on offer."</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Arthur Taute,
Managing Director Vela VKE, comments, "BEPMEDS has proved to
be good value for money with service levels equal to other medical
aids." He also believes that Consultants should support BEPMEDS
in order to counter monopolistic practices in the medical aid industry.
</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Gerhard du Plessis,
THM Engineers, Eastern Cape states, “The most important factor
for employer and employee alike are that BEPMEDS is very affordable
and offers excellent benefits, it has been our company’s experience
that if any queries or issues arise, they are dealt with efficiently,
timeously and professionally. We have no hesitation in recommending
BEPMEDS and will remain a loyal supporter of the scheme.”</font></p>
<p><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>For
more information contact Eugene Eakduth, the Fund Manager on Tel:
031 573 4336 or email him on </strong><a href="mailto:eugenee@sovhealth.co.za">eugenee@sovhealth.co.za</a></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center">
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><p align="center"><img src="images/section13.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section13"></a></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#333366" size="4" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong>JOB
SHADOW DAY WINNER CONGRATULATED AT SAACE AGM</strong></font></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><img src="images/Conference%202007.jpg" width="300" height="266"></p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p align="center"><font color="#666666" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Cecil
Rose congratulating David Madisa of the BKS Group, winners
of the SAACE YPF Job Shadow Day competition.</em></font></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p align="center"><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><p align="center"><img src="images/directory.jpg" width="749" height="538"><a name="section10"></a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p align="center"><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p align="center"><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/indaba.jpg" width="749" height="538"><a name="section11"></a></p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><p align="center"><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p align="center"><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p align="center"><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> <p align="center"><img src="images/section12.jpg" width="750" height="80"><a name="section12"></a></p>
<p><img src="images/events.jpg" width="753" height="387"></p></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center">
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
<p><a href="#top"><img src="images/btn_top.gif" width="104" height="20" border="0"></a></p>
<p><img src="images/line.jpg" width="750" height="17"></p>
</div></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div align="center">
<p><font color="#333366" size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="http://www.saace.co.za">www.saace.co.za</a></font></p>
<p><img src="images/saacebottom.jpg" width="750" height="34"></p>
</div></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
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