Late last year, the Auditor General reported that unauthorised expenditure in South Africa had increased by 38% to R2.1-billion, with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure being one of the departments that received the poorest audit results. While the Department is mandated to be the custodian and portfolio manager of the national government’s immovable assets, there are virtually no Quantity Surveyors within many government departments.
​
Zandile Makhathini, Chairperson of the Built Environment Matters Committee on the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), has worked in various roles within government departments for the past twenty years. In 2012, she became the head of an infrastructure programme at the Department of Public Works and in 2015 she was able to appoint a Quantity Surveyor for the first time.

“Before 2015, there weren’t formally appointed Quantity Surveyors at the Department of Public Works. After requesting a special dispensation from HR to appoint a Quantity Surveyor for my projects, I was able to appoint one at an uncompetitive salary. The lack of competitive salaries for Quantity Surveyors is one of the biggest reasons for the lack of professional expertise within the Department. There is currently only one Quantity Surveyor and three candidate Quantity Surveyors who manage the projects that make up the R12-billion budget of the Department,” says Makhathini.

Engineers and construction managers aren’t quantity surveyors
Quantity surveyors are the built environment professionals equipped and trained to manage the complete contractual and financial aspects of construction projects. They provide key oversight and management that helps to ensure that a construction project is completed within its projected budget by pricing/forecasting as well as measuring the value of the work done on-site. Makhathini says that these skills are in short supply within the Department and that built environment professionals who haven’t been trained in cost estimating manage the financials of projects.

“Government departments are at a critical point where they need to recognise that a Quantity Surveyor’s skills are specialised and greatly needed on our projects.  Engineers and construction managers do not have the same skills as professional Quantity Surveyors. As a construction manager, I’m fully aware of my limitations, which is why I’ve appointed a Quantity Surveyor as part of my project team. Instead of expecting engineers and construction managers to excel in cost estimating and cost control, we need to entrust this responsibility to people who have mastered these areas of expertise. Government departments need to make roles for Quantity Surveyors available at competitive salaries so that they can control costs and help us derive value from our building projects and assets,” says Makhathini.
Maphefo Mogodi, Acting Chairperson of the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), says Quantity Surveyors are trained experts that provide an accuracy of estimates that other professionals simply aren’t trained to provide.

“Consultants involved in a project often tell the client that they can do the bill of quantities and they include this task in their fees. Quantity Surveyors are the ones with the nuanced expertise to provide a level of transparency and clarity to the costs that other professions aren’t equipped to offer,” says Mogodi.

Makhathini says that having a Quantity Surveyor on her projects has led to financial and project management benefits.
“Quantity Surveyors can foresee problems before they arise and do cost exercises to advise me on how I can achieve my goal while remaining within budget. During the design phase, they work with the design team and they focus on containing costs throughout the construction phase up until delivery to ensure we get value for money. Without a Quantity Surveyor, it becomes difficult to manage design changes and project costs,” says Makhathini.

Quantity Surveyors can help root out corruption
In September 2019, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Patricia de Lille called for an overhaul of the department’s register after more corruption revelations were uncovered. Despite the department being custodians of over 30 000 pieces of land and more than 81 000 buildings, the values and status of properties are mostly unknown.

While these numbers relate to completed projects, Makhathini says the number of unsubstantiated variation orders on government projects is a symptom of the poor cost control that happens on a project planning and construction level.
“Each and every bill of quantities should be properly accounted for and substantiated. Without costing specialists, government departments will continue to lack control over the numbers, and they will continue to be subjected to abuse by dishonest contractors and consulting companies. When we have Quantity Surveyors working alongside our construction managers, engineers and accountants, we will be able to pinpoint wastage across the entire value chain and root out corruption,” says Makhathini. 

Solving bottlenecks, managing contracts and providing legal input
Quantity Surveyors on projects can help solve bottlenecks on-site and improve project delivery, says Mogodi.
“As most professionals in the built environment know, the government is often a slow payer and this lack of adequate cash flow often leads to delays on construction projects. A Quantity Surveyor is in the position to work with contractors on site, work out what money needs to be paid for the value of the progress that has been made, and move projects forward in a systematic and cost-effective way. Having a Quantity Surveyor keep their pulse on project costs and ironing out issues with the contractor on site can drastically improve project delivery,” says Mogodi.

Besides managing progress on-site and working with contractors, Quantity Surveyors can also assist with contract management before projects go to site and provide the construction expertise that is needed if and when a project ends up in court, adds Makhathini.

“Many times, corporate lawyers are hired to represent government departments during the litigation process, but in some instances these lawyers don’t have experience with the JBCC, FIDIC, or other contracts that government uses for construction projects. These frequent disputes erode profit margins and ultimately affect project delivery. If a Quantity Surveyor is involved in the project since inception, they can ensure that the contract management was handled correctly and provide input to the legal teams who have been appointed for the litigation process. A Quantity Surveyor’s expertise can therefore assist in minimising costs related to project delays and litigation,” says Makhathini.

Minimising waste
When asked how government departments can be convinced of the value that Quantity Surveyors can bring to a project, Mogodi says that the result of a Quantity Surveyor on a project easy to see and quantify: there is no waste.

“Quantity Surveyors are there to assist the contractor in making sure the client gets value for money and that there isn’t wastage on projects. If you don’t employ a Quantity Surveyor on your project, you are losing out. The projects with cost overruns are often the ones where no Quantity Surveyor has been appointed,” says Mogodi.

Larry Feinberg, Executive Director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors, says it is incumbent on the government to recognise the deficiencies in project cost management and that appointing Quantity Surveyors will go a long way in alleviating corruption.

“When Quantity Surveyors are appointed at municipalities and within government structures across South Africa, the mismanagement of funds will be substantially curtailed. While engineers, architects and other built environment professionals can do contract administration bills of quantities, they will never come close to being as meticulous and as accurate as trained Quantity Surveyors. When Quantity Surveyors oversee contractual and accounting budgets, government will be able to get clear cut answers as to why there are cost overruns on projects, which will reflect a better fiscus for our country, and provide government with stringent budget oversight mechanisms and ultimate accountability,” comments Feinberg.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephne du Toit, stephne@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za  
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

The Sandton skyline-defining skyscraper, the Leonardo, is the tallest building in Africa. The R3-billion project, developed by 75 on Maude, a Legacy Group and Nedbank partnership, has already surpassed the former stand-out in Sandton, The Michelangelo. At 233m with 55 floors it also beats the 201m architectural height of the Carlton’s Centre, previously the tallest building in South Africa.
 
Coined as the pinnacle of luxury living in Africa’s richest square mile the Leonardo is intended to symbolise a beacon of hope in a trying economic climate in South Africa. Only local contractors and labour was employed on the project with each individual leaving their own uniquely South African stamp on the building.
 
According to Jamie Hendry, Director at Legacy Development Management, this allows the Leonardo to radiate its own soul. Each visitor will therefore have a unique emotional journey during their time at the Leonardo.
 
“Whether you’re walking through the art-filled public spaces, absorbing the ultimate lifestyle experience on level seven or the magnificent unobstructed views with a drink at the sky bar, the Leonardo will create unforgettable memories for many generations of South Africans.”
 
The Legacy Group is known for its proud South African heritage and its investments in the country’s construction sector during times when others weren’t willing or able to take the same risks.
 
Cost control for a skyline defining project
“Estimating and controlling the cost of developing tall buildings is no easy feat,” says South African Association of Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) member, Steven Schneid from S.M. Schneid Quantity Surveyors.
 
“The initial capital cost estimate – which is vital in calculating the viability of the project at an early stage – could not be calculated based on data and information gathered from smaller projects. The nature of the development demanded detailed measurement on each specific floor. All calculations had to be done manually with more detail, fact-checking and number crunching than the team had ever encountered before.”
 
The Quantity Surveying work started in 2015 with a number of amendments to the initial estimate.
 
“We started by preparing mini bills of quantities for each aspect of work and sent these out for quotes,” says Schneid. “This enabled the team to remain agile in finalising a cost estimate that met the viability requirements of the project.”
 
“The client made it clear at the outset that he wanted a world-class building design that was flexible enough to accommodate future changes. The tendering and negotiation phase demanded a coming together of the project team, contractors and sub-contractors to ensure that the client received the best value for money during a tough time in the South African construction sector,” says Schneid.
 
“Understanding what is important to a client allows a QS to scrutinise costs and replace specified products for equivalent options that are more cost-effective while not sacrificing on quality and standards,” says Schneid.
 
“Steven has been outstanding in all cost control aspects of the project. He has given a huge effort to the project and we have developed a relationship built on mutual trust. We truly value his dedication and effort throughout the project,” says Hendry.
 
Hendry, who is also a Quantity Surveyor, says that Quantity Surveyors and the ASAQS – an organisation dedicated to upholding and elevating the status of Quantity Surveyors – will continue to play an increasingly important role.
 
“Poor economic conditions, combined with all the changes and challenges in the local built environment, means that developers are looking for credible figures, accountability and reliable cost management. Experienced Quantity Surveyors are well-versed to manage this function,” comments Hendry.

ENDS
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephné du Toit, 084 587 9933, stephne@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za  
 
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

Photo: Christelle Bown, President of the ASAQS

​A recent survey by the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) shows that the majority of Quantity Surveyors experience late- or non-payment of contractors on national, provincial and municipal projects. ASAQS President Christelle Bown presented the survey findings during a panel discussion at the 2019 Master Builders Annual Congress, which was held on 9 September in Johannesburg.

“Over 140 ASAQS members participated in the survey, with the majority of respondents saying they experience late and non-payment on government projects. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Patricia de Lille, recently said that her department had paid R106-million in outstanding invoices. While this is a step in the right direction, it is still only a drop in the ocean of the R6-billion of government debt, that needs to be paid to contractors and professionals in the built environment,” says Bown.

The survey also highlighted that the Eastern Cape and Gauteng were the provinces where their members experience the most payment-related problems from government entities.

“The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure isn’t responsible for the entire R6-billion in outstanding payments. Finding the sources of all the outstanding debt and addressing it with the appropriate departments and implementing agents will require a collaborative approach from built environment stakeholders,” says Bown.

Accounting for violence and disruption on projects
Another issue that was addressed during the panel discussion was how Quantity Surveyors should account for the community facilitation and safety measures that are needed to combat the ongoing violence and intimidation that has plagued many infrastructure projects in the country.

There is a provision for a Community Liaison Officer in the bill of quantities for government projects. A possible solution could be the addition of a Social and Community Facilitator consulting role, which would be an additional cost to the client but could potentially minimise the cost of delays and damages from the construction mafia and other illegal activities on project sites,” says Bown.

Closer collaboration needed
On 1 August, the ASAQS and MBSA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work more closely together to address challenges in the local construction sector. The recently held Congress cemented this sentiment, with members of the ASAQS and the MBSA committing to working more closely together in future.

“It is vitally important that the many stakeholders in the built environment continue with their current attitude of sincere and meaningful collaboration. These engagements create a platform that allows us to address the diverse and multi-faceted issues that our industry faces from a position of commonality. By keeping each other informed these stakeholder engagements can prioritise the central issues that are common to us all and simultaneously create action plans that deliver viable and sustainable solutions,” says Bown.
​
She concludes by encouraging ASAQS members to participate in upcoming surveys and she compels other built environment professionals to do the same. “Input from different role players can help shed light on the backlog of outstanding payments for government projects. The ASAQS will continue to contribute to meaningful dialogue surrounding these issues. We endeavour to make a change for the better.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephné du Toit, 084 587 9933, stephne@thatpoint.co.za  
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

Photo caption: Signing of MoU between ASAQS and MBSA Back left: Roy Mnisi - Executive Director of MBSA, Mohau Mphomela Executive Director of MBSA North, Larry Feinberg - Executive Director of the ASAQS, Christelle Bown – New President of the ASAQS Front left: John Matthews - President of MBSA, Yunus Bayat – Outgoing President of the ASAQS
 
The annual Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) Conference was held on 1 August at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. This year’s theme was ‘Shift towards opportunity’ and among the over three hundred delegates was the President of the Master Builders South Africa, John Matthews, President of the South African Institute of Architects, Dr Luyanda Mpahlwa, Stakeholder Director from the MEC office, Boingotlo Nthebe, as well as the Chief Director of Construction Sector Regulation at the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Devon Pillay, among other esteemed guests.
 
In his opening address, ASAQS President Larry Feinberg said that in an ever-shifting world where work is scarce and competition is fierce, the economies that thrive are the ones who continue to adapt and learn, as well as share their knowledge with others.
 
“During my many conversations with Quantity Surveyors, skills development and training is consistently cited as one of the biggest challenges our industry faces. The Association will place sustained emphasis on delivering technical programs that strengthen our profession through education, training and upskilling. The way we do business is changing and the ASAQS continues to work towards ensuring that South African Quantity Surveyors remain world-class by staying ahead of changes in the industry,” said Feinberg.
 
Green buildings outperform the rest
Phil Barttram, MSCI Executive Director, gave a presentation on the ROI of green buildings. “Over the past three years, the Total Return for Green Star Certified Prime and A-Grade buildings has been higher than for non-certified offices driven by consistently better capital growth. This shows that there is perceived lower risk in the future income stream of certified offices.”
 
According to Barttram, Green Star Certified buildings are more popular with tenants and building occupants. “Green buildings have more natural light and are generally more attractive for tenants. These buildings are resilient to increasing vacancies and the reduced perception of risk is underpinned by the lower vacancies and higher net income growth,” said Barttram.
 
Strategically planning the next steps
 
Deshun Deysel, one of South Africa’s leading female high-altitude mountaineers, gave an inspiring keynote presentation at the event. Deysel told attendees that although we can't always control what happens in our external environments, humans have full control over your thoughts.
 
“Your thoughts become your reality, which is why you need to set your mind on the things you can control. In the same way that mountaineers regroup during an expedition, businesses should always go back to basecamp to regroup and strategically plan how they are going to move forward. South Africa is experiencing a basecamp moment. It’s time to regroup, rethink, and strategize the next move,” said Deysel.
 
Dr Luyanda Mpahlwa gave a presentation on the importance of socially inclusive development. “Collaboration between the private and sectors are needed to avoid working in silos. Through collaboration, we will empower ourselves, inspire confidence and be able to contribute to a better future,” said Mpahlwa.
 
During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the ASAQS Outgoing President Yunus Bayat and MBSA President John Matthews. The ASAQS looks forward to continuing its partnership with the MBSA.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephné du Toit, 084 587 9933, stephne@thatpoint.co.za  
 
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

Photo caption: A -Nthabiseng Motlatle, ASAQS Wits Student Chapter Chairperson with Mr Larry Feinberg ED of ASAQS. B: Christelle Bown – President ASAQS
Photo credit: Claire Clarke - Framed by Claire Photography

The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) has appointment Ms. Christelle Bown as its new President.  She is the second ever female president of the ASAQS, following Prof. Gaye le Roux, who was elected to this prestigious position in 2006.
 
Bown’s appointment was announced at the highly successful 2019 ASAQS conference themed Shift towards Opportunity, held at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town on the 1st August 2019 and attended by over 300 delegates.
 
Nthabiseng Motlatle was recently elected as Chairperson of the ASAQS Wits Student Chapter. “It is a great time for young women to enter the Quantity Surveying. We have more women, like the incoming president of the ASAQS, taking up leadership positions than ever before. I am very proud to be a young woman in a position of leadership today and take this role very seriously,” says Nthabiseng.
 
Sticking to the conference theme we asked these two ladies a few questions:
 
Christelle Bown – President ASAQS
Q: What is needed to shift a mindset from focusing on challenges to focusing on opportunities?
A: Different people need different things to cause a shift in mindset. Some need a traumatic personal event and for another a spoken word may suffice. For me, personally, during our recent ASAQS Conference in Cape Town, I realised I must shift my attitude to not only focus on the opportunities but first identify the opportunity(s) in every challenge I may face, daily.

Q: In your opinion, which shifts are necessary in the Quantity Surveying profession to keep it relevant in the long term?
A: If we can all shift our mindset to focus on the opportunities within the challenges, we stay relevant. That said, if I look back on Quantity Surveying from the days when I started out as a Candidate QS to today, the QS profession has made major shifts despite QS’s being labelled as ‘set in our ways’, ‘conservative’, ‘reluctant to embrace changes to procedures which have worked for us for a long time’. We have made shifts and will continue to shift towards opportunities.

Q: If you had the authority to shift one piece of legislation or regulation related to the Quantity Surveyor's role in the built environment, what would it be?
A: Do I only get to change one? I would then choose something which may not result in a higher income stream, but rather fulfilling a need I believe is out there and feel passionate about. I would like to make it mandatory or at least very strongly advised, for the average person who wants to build and/or alter their own residence to appoint a QS. Like they must appoint an Architect to get the plans approved and an Engineer to sign off on the structure, they need a Quantity Surveyor to protect their financial interests.

Q: What shift will you be working towards during your term as ASAQS president?
A: Even better communication with our ASAQS members. There are so many valuable and exciting things currently happening at Board level and our members deserve to know and understand more about exactly what the ASAQS is doing for the profession. I get the comment/question “So, why must I be a member of the ASAQS? What are they actually doing for me?” far too often and want to change this.
 
Nthabiseng Motlatle, ASAQS Wits Student Chapter Chairperson
Q: In your experience, what is the benefit of shifting from an instant gratification mindset to a longer-term focus?
A: For me, everything is about setting goals for yourself and achieving them. The student chapter has always been centered around catering for student members’ academic and professional needs. When we sit down at the beginning of every year to lay down a plan of action for the chapter, it is always with this in mind. It is rewarding when someone comes up to us at the end if an event and thank us for the positive message or guidance we have brought into their lives. This is the exact why this chapter was formed. It is this gratification that fuels us to provide better services in future and one of the reasons that this student chapter has become so successful in a such a short period of time.
 
Q: What positive shifts have you seen in your own life due to your active involvement as an ASAQS member?
A: Before I joined the ASAQS, I was very uncertain about my future in the built environment. I almost missed out on an opportunity to be part of this incredible profession because of my lack of knowledge. When I started attending the events hosted by the Wits student chapter in 2016, my view on this profession changed and I started taking an interest in it. I would do research about the profession and job shadowed quantity surveyors several times, which helped me make an informed decision for my Honours year application. Becoming a member and ultimately, part of the executive committee, has helped sharpen my communication skills, meet and exchange contact details with successful industry giants. My leadership skills have improved immensely. I work for one of the best global infrastructure companies in the world and I owe most of this success to the ASAQS.
 
Q: Did you have to make any mindset and habit shifts to enable you to lead the ASAQS Wits Student Chapter?
A: I was very nervous when I assumed the position of chairperson. My greatest support has come from the various committees within the Wits student chapter. I try to ensure that everyone whom is part of the committee express themselves with every decision that must be taken. I have included both the sub and executive committees in all our decision-making processes and I think this has been the winning formula for the chapter thus far.
 
ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephne du Toit, 084 587 9933, stephne@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za  
 
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors
 

The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), and the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology recently launched the 2019 edition of Green Building in South Africa: Guide to Costs & Trends. It is the second publication following the 1st edition that was issued in 2016. The document provides interesting trends and valuable insights about the influence of green design and construction on both capital and operational costs.
 
“The guide is available in electronic format and it will be of great benefit to the built environment. The thorough, peer-reviewed research and presentation of the results makes it a one-of-a-kind publication on an international level,” says Karl Trusler, Edutech Director at the ASAQS.
 
Challenging the notion of the ‘green cost premium’
With increased awareness and education in the built environment regarding the green building movement, a perception that green building attracts a significant cost premium when compared to conventional construction emerged.  To address this concern, The Cost of Green Building Study Committee was established in 2014. The 2019 edition includes the Committee’s convincing results regarding the business case for green building.
 
“The green cost premium appears to be progressively diminishing over time, largely because of growing maturity in the industry,” says Danie Hoffman, Senior Lecturer at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Construction Economics who is the lead researcher on the project.
 
Size and location matters
The report also confirmed the 2016 finding of a strong negative correlation between green cost premium and construction size. The larger projects managed to achieve a Green Star certification at a much lower average green cost premium when compared to smaller projects.
 
The data however also confirmed that the cost premium for buildings smaller than 5,000m2 has reduced significantly from 9,3% (2009/14 data) to 4,6% (2015/18 data).
 
“Office buildings that were developed for single corporate tenants had initially attracted much higher green cost premiums compared to buildings developed for a multi-tenant mix. Since 2015, this gap has been closed,” says Hoffman.
 
He adds that the business case for a comprehensive investment decision should include both the cost premium of constructing the building and the financial performance of the building in operation.
 
MSCI data confirmed that Green Star certified prime and A-grade offices produced a total return of 11,6% in 2017 versus 8,0% for non-green certified prime and A-grade offices. Better work environments and a lower impact on the environment have led many developers to achieve a significant return on their green building investments. “We hope the report will help guide future real estate decision making towards more sustainable, future-ready buildings in South Africa,” concludes Hoffman.
 
ENDS
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephne du Toit, 084 587 9933, stephne@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za  
 
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

Widespread concern has spread like wildfire across the built environment due to the construction mafia and gang-related activities on project sites. Yunus Bayat from the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) says that a major intervention is needed to protect infrastructure projects, investor confidence, and the safety of professionals in the built environment who are working on project sites.
 
“The Delangokubona Business Forum continues to intimidate foremen, project managers and construction bosses by going onto project sites and demanding a stake in their projects. As professionals working on these projects, we cannot protect ourselves from this type of violent intimidation and we are no match for the AK-47 automatic weapons that they bring with them,” says Bayat.
 
Construction projects worth R25,5bn+ are being violently disrupted and halted
 
On 18 March 2019, the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) issued an urgent plea for action to the Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni. In the letter, the SAFCEC said that it is gravely concerned that construction projects worth a minimum of R25,5bn are being violently disrupted and halted in South Africa.
 
“Armed gangs demanded to be part of the R1,65bn SANRAL Bridge Project in the Eastern Cape. These illegal site disruptions caused AVENG and the European-based Strabag International to pull out of the project, which forms part of the N2 Wild Coast Road Construction project,” says Bayat.
 
While the gang activities were reported to the police and interdicts were obtained, the disruptors were released shortly thereafter. On Wednesday, 13 March 2019, a R2.4bn German oil storage investment project that is being constructed by WBHO in Saldanha, Western Cape, was halted after armed gangs arrived on site.
 
“The project site pictures look like a war zone”
“The gangs demanded to be part of the project and burned the properties to the ground. The pictures of the scene look like footage from a war zone. Again, police were called, but they only arrived hours later and said that the issue had to be handed over to the Paarl police station. Contractors, female engineers, and other staff had to run for their lives into the veld. The response from the South African Police Force simply isn’t good enough anymore,” says Bayat.
 
On Monday, 18 February, the Black Business Council In the Built Environment (BBCBE) issued a letter to Minister General Bheki Cele from the Ministry of Police to request an appointment to discuss the illegal stoppages of construction projects across the country. In the letter, the BBCBE says that their members who are engaged in construction activity are subjected to victimization and work stoppages on a daily basis due to local business forums demanding participation in projects.
 
“The ASAQS is calling on the National Prosecuting Authority and local police services to address the situation. A strong and solid intervention is needed, and it should be seen as a top priority for everyone in the built environment and government,” concludes Bayat.
 
ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephne du Toit, 084 5879933, stephne@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za 
 
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors was recently awarded Associate Member Status of the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors. The PAQS is an international association whose members are fully fledged associations that fall within the Asia Pacific area or border the Pacific Ocean, all of whom represent the Quantity Surveying profession in the Asia and Western Pacific region.
 
Chairman for PAQS, Francis Leung, extended a warm welcome and congratulations to the ASAQS on joining PAQS as an associate member. “PAQS had the privilege of welcoming ASAQS as our Associate Member last November, but our bonding with ASAQS started much earlier.  It had indeed been a progressive, interactive process,” said Leung.
 
Special recognition leads to the amendment of the PAQS constitution
The ASAQS has attended the PAQS Board meetings since its inception 22 years ago with the status of a non-voting Observer Organisation due to South Africa not being a country that falls within the Asia Pacific Area or shares a border with the Pacific Ocean.  At the PAQS Board Meeting of November 2018, member countries unanimously recognised that the ASAQS had steadfastly contributed to the development of PAQS over the years and that special recognition was needed despite South Africa not falling within the geographical region of the PAQS.
 
“With some amendments to the constitution, the PAQS formally welcomed the ASAQS to PAQS, which now has the membership of 15 countries collectively pursuing the interests of over 40,000 professionals and practitioners. ASAQS has been instrumental in introducing PAQS country members to the African practices and markets,” says Leung.
 
Some of the responsibilities that go along with being an Associate Member include uplifting the industry, extending help to other members, and active participation in the various committees and activities on Research, Education and Accreditation, Sustainability, BIM, and International and External Affairs.
 
“The objective of quantity surveying is to optimize value for money for the planning, procurement, delivery and operation of construction and facilities. There is a lot we can do to excel our services and to collaborate with other stakeholders for improving and sustaining the built environment. At an industry level, we are witnessing rapid changes brought about by advancement of technology, sharing economy and the move towards collaborative contracting and early contractors’ involvement,” says Leung.
 
What the change in membership status means for local Quantity Surveyors
Larry Feinberg, Executive Director of the ASAQS, says that while Associate Members carry no voting rights, the change in membership status will allow the ASAQS to be appointed to any of the PAQS working committees and have all rights to PAQS research and documents.
 
“The ASAQS is deeply honoured to be recognised and accepted as the PAQS’s first and only Associate Member. This recognition elevates the status of South African Quantity Surveyors among an internationally recognised group of professionals. The ASAQS will continue to cooperate with strategic partners outside of South Africa’s borders so that our members and our profession will have a strong voice and continue to be considered as key role players on the global playing field, despite South Africa’s remote location,” concludes Feinberg.
 
ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephné du Toit, 084 587 9933, stephne@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za 
 
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors recently released their annual salary survey results for 2018. Over 100 quantity surveying practices, some of which operate in more than one province, participated in this year’s survey, with the salaries of 506 Quantity Surveyors having been analysed.

Are the salaries of QS's declining, or are they leaving the country?
One of the most significant results from this year’s survey is that the number of practising salaried Quantity Surveyors with more than 10 years experience seems to have declined from 28,2% to 21,4%. A knee-jerk reaction could be to attribute this drop in remuneration to the number of experienced Quantity Surveyors leaving the country, but this hypothesis is difficult to prove for a number of reasons.

Tracking emigration rate in South Africa is complex without running a monthly headcount, but a report from Pew Research estimated that at least 900,000 people born in South Africa were living abroad in 2017. By the time of the next national census in 2021, this could easily be over one million people based on current rates.  The exact number of educated and experienced Quantity Surveyors who have left the country over the past year, however, remains unknown. The Quantity Surveying profession has been challenged by a number of changes in the macro environment over the past two years, and this year’s drop in remuneration doesn’t necessarily signify the beginning of a downward trend.

With last year’s annual salary survey, the ASAQS saw a sharp drop in the remuneration of quantity surveyors qualified at university and with more than 10 years experience. That seems to have been corrected in this year's survey.

Salary comparisons by province
According to the median provincial comparison of Quantity Surveyors with 11 – 20 years experience, Quantity Surveyors in the Western Cape receive the highest remuneration (R971,000 per annum), followed by Gauteng (R868,485 per annum) and Limpopo (R769,374 per annum). 

The survey was conducted in March and the remuneration packages of the principles, partners, members of close corporations and directors were excluded from the results. The ASAQS also warns that one should be cautious when comparing figures from one year to the next. The survey suggests trends over longer periods of time and if one compares the 2018 percentage to the 22,0% recorded in 2013 then the balance in experience seems to have remained fairly constant.

Older salary surveys can be downloaded here.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephné du Toit, 084 587 9933, stephne@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za  

For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za 
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

“During 2018 we lobbied for the regulated appointment of quantity surveyors to infrastructure projects,” says Larry Feinberg, Executive Director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

The impact of this was evident in the Mid-term Budget Policy Statement by Finance Minister Mboweni where he included quantity surveyors in the execution unit that will be formed to assist with the problem of poor infrastructure project preparation.

In Minister Tito Mboweni’s words: “Too often‚ government spends money on infrastructure when it could be better and more effectively done by the private sector. The Development Bank of Southern Africa‚ the Government Technical Advisory Centre and the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission will receive R625-million to strengthen project preparation.” 

“Government will establish an execution unit made up of engineers, quantity surveyors, architects and other professionals to ensure that challenges in the Vaal River System and with the Giyani Water project are resolved. The execution unit will also advise government on new delivery and financing models to provide basic services to communities.”

The regulated appointment of a registered Quantity Surveyor is essential for the reduction of irregular and wasteful expenditure. This is turn will help to ensure that public infrastructure spend is applied to the benefit of the greater South African public.

“While we advocate for this change, Quantity Surveyors also have to keep an eye on remaining relevant and offering valuable services in a changing world,” says Feinberg.

Product changes
Self-healing concrete, air-cleaning materials, transparent wood, and graphene are just some of the innovative products that are rapidly moving from being labelled alternative building materials to more mainstream.

While South Africa has not yet adopted many of these materials, no construction professional should wait for someone else to be the first to learn how to work with these materials.

Process changes
Similarly, new techniques in the construction process like additive manufacturing – for example the 3D printing of buildings – also need to be factored into the sustainability and growth strategies of firms and professionals in the South African built environment.

All traditional methodologies must be reviewed with a focus on to the relevancy to the future of designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure and buildings.

“Those that can adapt without being forced to do so will have a distinct advantage over those that wait until proof of concept,” warns Feinberg.

Role changes
Changes to existing methodologies don’t need to be at the extreme edge of technological innovation. Even experimenting in small ways with readily available processes – like Building Information modelling (BIM) – can give construction professionals an edge.

“By rethinking and redefining their traditional roles, professionals in the built environment can help create a secure future for themselves,” says Feinberg. “This security will be built less on the work they’ve already done, and more on how relevant they can remain to their clients’ needs.”

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a financial expert trained specifically in the complexities of construction sector finance, procurement and contract administration. The QS is responsible for ensuring that a client receives value for their money during the viability stage, the construction phase and the entire lifecycle of the building, road, bridge, dam, etc.

This is done by verifying – at various points during the planning and construction phase – that the actual expenditure and project delivery aligns with specified material, approved budgets, and agreed timelines.

Feinberg says that Quantity Surveyors would however do well to think of themselves not just as experts in procurement, building contracts and cost control enabled by meticulous measuring and calculations, but also as governance experts and ethics advisors.

Quantity Surveyors are ideal business advisors, even if the historical foundation of the profession is “number crunching”.

“During 2018 the ASAQS has made solid strides towards enabling QS’s to make additional valuable services available to clients,” says Feinberg. “Courses and standardised documentation on life cycle costing, value management towards savings and operational efficiency, and advice on sustainable building practices, methodologies and materials are just some of the many additions we’ve made to our stable of Continuing Professional Development offering.”

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Stephné du Toit, 084 587 9933, stephne@thatpoint.co.za, www.atthatpoint.co.za  

For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: www.asaqs.co.za 
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors