Prawa, MBA North join forces to introduce standards in roofing industry

Image source: Pikist.com

JJ Conradie, executive chair at Prawa, says: “The start of the rainy season on the Highveld is a good time to drive home the message that it does not pay to take shortcuts when it comes to roofing and waterproofing. During tough economic times like the present, people can be tempted to go with the cheapest option, and then later find that sub-standard materials were used and there is no accountability.”

Conradie says thousands of people are active in the industry – participants range from handymen right up to industrial and commercial applicators dealing with sophisticated applications in the industrial, commercial and domestic sectors. While some contractors specialise in this area, others offer a range of construction services of which waterproofing and roof repair are just two.

Professional standards can create jobs and gain trust

Boitumelo Thipe, marketing and business development manager at MBA North, says: “The alliance with Prawa is welcome because it brings an important sector within the construction industry into the fold. Setting professional standards and providing training opportunities are essential ingredients in creating a professional industry that is able to gain the trust of the public and provide sustainable jobs.”

“MBA North and Prawa can play a massive role in improving the industry’s skills and thus open up new opportunities, which is something our country desperately needs.”

Upskilling the industry

Prawa has teamed up with Roofing Academy, which offers Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) accredited training for waterproofing up to NQF Level 2. Experienced roofers will also be able to gain certification through recognition of prior learning.

“Skilled and accredited staff are more motivated and take more of a pride in their work – a great bonus for both their employers and clients. They are also better positioned to build careers rather than simply do jobs,” says Conradie.

Prawa arranged a sub-committee that will work towards setting up a minimum standard for the industry. The sub-committee is made up of current industry players:

• Browns Proofing
  
• Blakmar
  
• African Rope Access
  
• Peche Roofing
  
• WNS Waterproofing
  
• JBC Roof Cover
  
• Dusty Moon Construction