![]() The quantity surveyor of today is far more than simply a “brick counter”. Their role is to keep a close eye on project finances and contractual relationships. “They make sure that the financial position of construction projects is accurately reported and controlled effectively,” Keith Skinner, President of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), said at the association’s recent Virtual Presidential Tour and Awards Ceremony. The profession is anything but stagnant and has been evolving at a rapid pace. Yet, the core principles have remained the same. “The quantity surveyor of today remains professional and unwavering in their approach to project governance,” he told ASAQS members during the virtual event. Referring to a Google search of the definition of a quantity surveyor who is described as a person who calculates the amount of material needed for building work, and how much it is going to cost, Skinner noted this may be the case of an average quantity surveyor in other countries, but certainly not locally. The True Role of Quantity Surveyors In South Africa the definition of a “construction cost consultant” or a “commercial manager” defines the role of our quantity surveyors far better in terms of the service they offer. “We are often associated with the construction or real estate sectors. However, we operate across different sectors. We have developed and delivered some of the best mining quantity surveyors in the world, and they find themselves in high demand.” He referred to the PwC annual mining report that highlighted the fact that the sector contributed 6.7% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year and 7.6% this year. The sector created and sustained more than 1.6 million jobs last year and 2.3 million this year. “We have come from measuring brick walls to being involved in projects for a new mine shaft, a mine lift installation, or a new ship or units for Arctic expeditions. We should not just consider ourselves old fashioned brick counters.” Remaining Agile Larry Feinberg, executive director who has been with the ASAQS for ten years, said the association strives to maintain the highest professional standards, ensure ethical conduct and integrity in the profession; and to advance the common interest of the members. The key strategic objectives over the next three years are to ensure that the association remains agile and that it strengthens its brand and industry standing. “Over the past decade we have been flexing our muscles, weighing-in and having our professions voice heard, and taking “positions” on industry specific matters unapologetically when the situation demands this. Our association has also taken appropriate criticism over the last decade and responded with the necessary action or correction when required,” he added. EduTech has created a custom-made Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program which ensured that our members stayed on top of their game, despite Covid-19 restrictions. The program offered 20 webinars equating to 66 CPD hours. Members were able to take their pick from this “incredible value proposition” for a once-off fee of R750.00 compared to the average cost of over R400 per CPD hour in the preceding years, said Feinberg. Awards Karl Trusler, the association’s EduTech director, also announced the winners of the three annual awards that recognise the achievement of top quantity surveyor students.
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SACAP and SACPCMP Clarify Routes to Registration for Building Inspectors & Building Control Officers in South Africa
Gauteng, November 2021: In this joint statement, the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) would like to clarify any confusion caused as a result of the registration categories/disciplines developed recently by the two councils. SACAP and the SACPCMP have come together to release a joint statement that details the registration categories, ensuring that Built Environment professionals have a clear understanding of the roles, requirements and routes to registration for each discipline. Prior to the development of the registration categories, months of industry-related research pertaining to Building Inspectors’ scope of work and responsibilities was undertaken by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC). In December 2019, the SACPCMP officially launched two registration categories for Building Inspectors and these were carefully developed by an SACPCMP-led task team comprising of representatives of Government, Academia and the Public Sector. Coinciding with the launch and the finalisation of Building Inspector registration, SACAP also developed and launched the registration of Building Inspectors and Building Control Officers (BCOs). This caused confusion within the industry which further developed during a set of roadshows that were undertaken across the country where prospective Building Inspector applicants noted their uncertainty in terms of where to register, and with which professional body. In order to clarify the confusion, a meeting chaired by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) resolved that SACAP would register only Building Control Officers, while the SACPCMP would register Building Inspectors under the categories mentioned herein. Who should Register as a Building Control Officer? Any person appointed in terms of section 5 (1) of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act 103 of 1977 (as amended). SACAP Route to Registration (Building Control Officer): Step 1 Submission of the online application (Certified copies ID/Passport, Proof of appointment and qualifications. Up to date CV and payment of application fee. Step 2 SACAP assessment of the application (registration is based on qualification/experience/ Knowledge and capability) Step 3 Compliance with continuing professional development Registration as a Building Control Officer can be done via SACAP’s website, www.sacapsa.com Who should Register as a Building Inspector? The SACPCMP officially launched two registration categories for Building Inspectors: • Professional Building Inspector (PrBInsp) • Certified Building Inspector (CBInsp) The above-mentioned categories would apply to all Building Inspectors, whether they perform regulated inspections or whether they work in/or with National, Provincial or Local Government departments, or with the NHBRC – Professional Building Inspectors register via the SACPCMP. SACPCMP Route to Registration (Building Inspector) Step 1 Submit online application Pay application fee Step 2 Screen / validate / identify registration route Step 3 Pay examination fee, write exam / obtain positive outcome Step 4 PrBinsp: Peer review interview / positive outcome / pay registration and annual fee - designation awarded Registration as a Building Inspector can be done via the SACPCMP’s registration portal, https://mybi.sacpcmp.org.za/ ENDS SACAP Media Enquiries: Ntokozo Masango: Stakeholder Relations Manager Email: [email protected]SACPCMP Media Enquiries: Natasha van der Berg: Stakeholder Relations and Communications Email: [email protected] About SACAP The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) is the official regulator for the architectural profession with over 10 000 registered architectural candidates and professionals. For more information, visit www.sacapsa.com About the SACPCMP The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) is empowered by section18 of Act No.48 of 2000 to certify, register and regulate the Project and Construction Management Professions. For more information on the SACPCMP, visit www.sacpcmp.org.za. |
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