Nxesi says built environment needs urgent transformation

According to Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi on 24% of the building sector is owned and run by black people and radical transformation is needed to allow the built environment to reflect South Africa's demographics. Image: GCIS

Speaking at the second South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions conference at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Nxesi said he had listed transformation as one of the imperatives for his department for the next five years.

"In my policy statement after the elections earlier this year, I said we need a renewed and sustained programme of action to transform the built environment, construction and properties [sector] to address the slow pace of transformation in this sector. The ownership, management and skills profiles of businesses need to better reflect the demographics of South Africa," he said.

"Black people make up just 24% of the built environment professionals. The application by the Department of Trade and Industry of the long awaited black empowerment codes for small businesses will assist only if there is a speedy implementation and compliance," he said.

Fundamental changes required

Government says the private sector needs to support black professionals and encourage them to enter the building industry by helping them create sustainable businesses. Image: BWI

Nxesi said the Public Works Department will push these transformation initiatives through its own entities including the Construction Industry Development Board, Council for the Built Environment, Charter Council and other stakeholders and will provide support for black and female builders as well as for artisans.

He says a task team will report to him on a quarterly basis mainly with proposals to unlock the barriers to transformation. The team will consult widely with stakeholders in the sector before finalising its programme of action.

Nxesi said Public Works is in the process of professionalising the property division within his department and ensure that the property and construction sectors benefit from government's infrastructure development plan," he said.

They would further promote best practices with regard to procurement and construction project management to ensure quality and value for money and is in the process of recruiting specialists who will be report to him and to the Director-General.

The Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, said the country must invest in producing more professionals in the built environment.

"We need to reach out to schools and provide support to promising learners at both high school and tertiary institutions. We will have to find a way of motivating our young people to come into to this profession, which they see as a sector of boots and hard-hats." she said.