5 Feb 2013

Building & Construction

 


The wages of sin

No business can survive by selling its products for less than it costs to produce those same products. Hence, Agri SA reckons that the just-announced minimum wages for farmworkers will drive farmers to make tough decisions. As Johannes Möller, president of Agri SA says: "The 52% increase in the minimum wage for farmworkers, as announced by the Minister Oliphant ... will have drastic implications for this sector and related industries." It's also as well for farmworkers and Cosatu to realise once and for all, that it is government that sets the minimum wage.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has vowed to strengthen public order policing, and says public order policing in South Africa needs to reflect the ethos of human rights and dignity. Not before time, but it will be an uphill battle, given the somewhat less than stellar record when it comes to police brutality directed at the public, suspects and protesters... Tatane and Marikana spring to mind.

One cannot help but feel that Eskom knows that they will never get the massive hikes they are demanding, but on the basis of go in high and settle for less, the Eskom public hearings kicked off in Gauteng. More than one player pointed out what impact such hikes will have on poverty, investment and a range of other issues, if granted.

Perhaps one of the first things Eskom could do is stop placing ads on TV telling us how great they are and how they care about us.

Chris Moerdyk asks whether there is light at the end of the Telkom tunnel, and points that perhaps... there is... and that is good news for consumers who for decades have been subjected to call and internet costs that are way out of kilter with what is reasonable.

Rod Baker: Content Director

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Building & Construction

Win BIG in the BizBigBucks Competition and celebrate Valentine's Day your way!
[Issued by Bizcommunity] Come on, admit, you'd love R5000 in cash, right? Whisk your true love away for a romantic St Valentine's weekend... or not... Maybe it's that set of golf clubs you saw that need your fingerprints all over them... Well, here's your chance to do just that, and it's so easy... Read more >>  visit press office >>

Dragon Boat Challenge - Have you got what it takes?
[Issued by Corporate Games] This February, 3rd South Africa, Official License Holder of Corporate Games South Africa, is challenging companies to battle it out on the sea for the grand prize of complimentary practice sessions leading up to the Cape Town Corporate Games in June 2013. Read more >>  visit press office >>


Engineering

Conference to showcase South Africa's solar energy debate
South Africa is the third-best solar location globally as it has one of the highest and most stable solar radiations in the world. With 2500 hours of sunshine annually - equalling one third of a year or four entire months including nightly hours - the opportunities for this renewable energy source are vast. Read more >>


Building Materials

SA is selling sub-standard cement say manufacturers
Local cement manufacturers maintain that importers are bringing sub-standard and underweight bags of cement into SA. Read more >>

Selling of retail stocks continues
Retail stocks came under renewed heavy selling pressure on Wednesday (30 January)‚ with some analysts pointing to Cashbuild's trading update as the main trigger behind the sell-off. Read more >>

Hi-tech shacks for better living
[Wilma den Hartigh] A team of researchers from Stellenbosch University's (SU) Sustainability Institute have developed an innovative approach to upgrade housing and improve living conditions in informal settlements. Read more >>


Construction

Internships: The foundations for future success
[Richard Williams] According to the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, thousands of young people graduate every year but most end up sitting at home due to a lack of internship opportunities. "That is why we have been calling on all employers, both public and private, to open their workplace so that our youngsters can be absorbed and acquire real work experience." Read more >>

Green Nedbank keeps getting greener
Nedbank Corporate Property Finance continues to pour money into green buildings after granting a loan to the Improvon Group to buy and install the reticulation on land in Gosforth Business Park, so it can develop the first phase of a warehouse with ancillary offices. Read more >>


Government
Youth wage subsidy jobs plan to go ahead
In a dramatic about turn, the government is set to implement its jobs-for-youth plan despite opposition to it by sections of the ANC and its alliance partners. Read more >>

State to buy more local products
The Manufacturing Circle has welcomed further designations made by the Department of Trade and Industry for public sector procurement. Read more >>

More Government news...


New accounts
  • The Building Centre notches up more exhibitors - more info


People on the move
  • Webster Mfebe takes the helm at SAFCEC - more info


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New Business Development Manager - Engineering - Johannesburg North
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