RICHARDS BAY, on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 the KZN Public Works and Infrastructure Department is hosting the uMhlathuze leg of its Contractors Imbizo where local contractors have gathered at the uMhlathuze Civic Centre.  This event takes place under the Build KZN Better banner and is the first leg with others to take place across the province of KwaZulu-Natal in the coming weeks.

The aim of the event is to bring KZN Public Works and Infrastructure officials, professionals, financial stakeholders, SARS, CIDB, EPWP, youth and people with disabilities officials under one roof to educate and engage openly. Previously contractors have been faced with several challenges and obstacles which relate to payment’s, grading, project completion, tender and bid documentations, among others, that have led to mounting frustration, with some leading a protest at the doorstep of the department.

Various officials have delivered comprehensive presentations, reflecting the well thought out programmer offering of the Contractors Imbizo event.  Aspects covered in this afternoon’s presentations speak to the qualification and grading criteria, as well the legal framework for procurement in the public sector.  SCM processes, SARS compliance and legislation were also under the spotlight.

Delegates gathered in Richards Bay were also taken through plans to review the Contractor Development Policy, as per progress of the contractor’s development programme. Plans to further increase women participation within the construction sector were also unpacked followed by a community empowerment outlook.

Following this the floor was opened to all contractors were given the opportunity to engage all officials present and seek clarity on several issues affecting their ability to get involved and make a difference towards building KZN better.