2015 MBSA Congress speakers to focus on sustainability in Africa

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The MBSA Congress will provide an opportunity for national and African representatives to come together and discuss the latest trends, opportunities and challenges faced by the building industry. The speakers will share relevant information and insight into many aspects of the industry that will stimulate debate and discussion.

Some of the speakers scheduled to address delegates will include Max Du Preez, Jabu Mabusa, Ernst van Dyk, Simon Gear and Dr Rodney Milford.

Max du Preez

Max du Preez is one of South Africa's foremost journalists and political analysts. After beginning a career in journalism he soon became disenchanted by the South African media's blatant political bias and abandoned his work in the mainstream media.
In 1988 he founded Vrye Weekblad, the first Afrikaans-language, anti-apartheid newspaper. He later launched the television programmes Special Report and Special Assignment. Du Preez has authored several books and is currently a syndicated political columnist, public speaker and documentary filmmaker. He will be looking at building sustainability in Africa from a political perspective.

Jabulane Mabuza

Former deputy chairman of Tsogo Sun Holdings, Jabulane (Jabu) Mabuza, is the current chairman of the Casino Association of South Africa (CASA), president of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), chairman of Telkom SA SOC Limited and executive chairman of Sphere Holdings. He has presented several papers locally and internationally on black economic empowerment investment in South Africa, small and medium enterprise development and the role of business in transition. Among his many accolades, Mabuza has been recognised for his contribution to transformation, job creation and the economy as well as for his involvement in the tourism sector. He will be exploring the congress theme from a business angle.

Ernst van Dyk

Ernst van Dyk was born with congenital absence of both legs. Despite this, he demonstrated an affinity for all sports codes from an early age and was encouraged by his parents to participate in various activities. Van Dyk - an accomplished swimmer, wheelchair racer and handcyclist - competed in the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics and has won nine consecutive Boston Marathons, amongst others. He aims to win the Boston Marathon ten times and one day, complete an Iron Man challenge in under nine hours.
Despite all his sporting successes, he insists that one of his biggest personal accomplishments was being the first person with a disability to graduate with a degree in Sports Science from Stellenbosch University. Van Dyk is a motivational speaker and an ambassador for both the International Paralympics Committee and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

Simon Gear

Environmental and science correspondent for Primedia Broadcasting and the anchor presenter for 50/50 on SABC 2, Simon Gear is an air quality and climate change specialist who has worked on a wide range of private and government projects in South Africa. As a professional speaker and MC, he focuses on various environmental and climate change related topics. Gear thoroughly enjoys bringing his passion for science and the environment to the fore at functions.

Dr Rodney Milford

Dr Rodney Milford is the programme manager; Construction Industry Performance at the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb). He previously served as director of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Knowledge Services and director of CSIR Building and Construction Technology (Boutek). Milford obtained his qualifications in civil engineering through the University of the Witwatersrand and internationally at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, the University of London and the University of Illinois. In addition to a distinguished working career at the CSIR, he was seconded to the University of Pretoria as Managing Director of Research Enterprises. In his current role, he is responsible for monitoring the performance of the construction industry, the development and implementation of the cidb's Contractor Recognition Scheme, Project Assessment Scheme, Register of Professional Service Providers and skills strategy for the industry. At the congress, Milford will be unpacking the cidb's Best Practice Contractor Recognition Scheme.

Congress coinciding with BAUMA Conexpo

According to MBSA CEO Pierre Fourie, "We are very excited not only to be celebrating our 110th Congress but to hear from these and other exciting speakers about how we, as an industry, can contribute to building sustainability in the industry, country and continent."

This year's MBSA Congress will coincide with the BAUMA Conexpo - the international trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines and construction vehicles. Over 800 exhibitors from around the world are expected to take part in Africa's largest trade fair for the construction machinery and mining industry.

All members of the building and construction industry are invited to attend the MBSA Congress. For engineers, architects, construction managers, regulators or contractors both large and small the congress is an important event to address key issues. Construction managers, engineers, quantity surveyors and architects attending the congress will gain Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points.

For more information about this year's MBSA Congress, go to www.mbsa.org.za.