EPWP zooms into advancing emerging contractors
Story by: Lihle Bhengu and Images by: Vusi Shabalala
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Infrastructure sector continues to ensure that projects follow EPWP principles and empower emerging contractors. Public Works hosted an EPWP training workshop for emerging contractors at the eThekwini Region in mid-July.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Director, Mr Clement Luthuli (eThekwini District Manager) welcomed the contractors and guest speakers. In his welcoming remarks he emphasised the importance and effectiveness of working in synergy to achieve a common goal. Nomcebo Mnguni, Assistant Director EPWP eThekwini Region, who was the programme director gave guests a brief outline on the purpose of the day, highlighting the primary objective of deliberating on difficulties faced by emerging contractors.
Emerging contractors have their attention fixed on the guest speaker presentations
The first of the invited guest speakers, Thandeka Mkhize from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), took the floor to enlighten contractors on incentives small businesses can receive (i.e. Small Business Co-operative incentives). The second speaker, Ms Nomusa Ngidi from eThekwini Municipality: Business Support and Markets Unit, spoke on the Contractor Development plan which aims to equip emerging contractors with both soft and technical skills development. The last of the guests was Mr Victor Smith from the Master Builders Association who elaborated on the professional support offered by his organisation if a contractor decides to join the Association such as Health and Safety (Advice and assistance), building services, networking and events, lobbying, promoting of members, tender bulletins and training and workshops. He also spoke about the bursary opportunities the Association offers to the youth with the purpose of addressing scarce skills on the built environment terrain within KwaZulu-Natal.
Above (l to r) Invited guests Ms. Nomusa Ngidi from eThekwini Municipality: Business Support and Mr Victor Smith
from the Master Builders Association delivering their presentations to the contractors
Representing the Department of Public Works was Mr Lindo Shange, a Quantity Surveyor under Professional Services: eThekwini Region. He spoke on common errors made by contractors when bidding for a tender (i.e. pricing, “clumsy” mistakes and rates). Supporting Mr Shange’s presentation was Mr Dickson Adom who also serves under Professional Services at the eThekwini Region. He gave a detailed presentation and examples on how to price correctly and accurately on a bidding document. Speaking on behalf of the Supply Chain Management Directorate was Mrs Matu Khumalo who elaborated on administrative compliance (i.e. financial offers, quality of work and preference points). Safety officer, Mr Sibusiso Khoza was the last speaker of the day. He focused on the importance of having and maintaining a safety file as a contractor.
Above(l to r) Department of Public Works officials Mrs Matu Khumalo, Mrs N,F Lembethe and Mr Lindo Shange were all
given the chance to address the contractors during the training workshop
Each speaker’s presentation was followed by a “question and answer” session which gave the training workshop an interactive approach. Due to time constraints it was agreed that additional training workshops would be organised to ensure that all questions and concerns are attended to.