The ever-evolving role of quantity surveyors in South Africa

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.
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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.

• The ASAQS Turner & Townsend Great Outcomes award: Yolandi de Beer from the University of the Free State. She describes herself as honest, a great talker and a great listener.  She has been the best student during her first and second year.
• The ASAQS Turner & Townsend Future Leaders Award: Anita Ferger from the University of Cape Town. She sees herself as a dedicated and hardworking individual who prides herself in a proactive approach to life.
• ASAQS Gold Medal Award: Mohammad Nuseeb, also from the University of Cape Town. He is fluent in several languages and considers himself to be a confident, technical-minded and focussed professional. The other two finalists, Janita Verwey from the Nelson Mandela University, and Nicole Moss from the University of the Free State, equally share with him a cash prize and the giraffe trophy, which symbolises the fact that they stand head and shoulders above the rest in terms of their academic and extra mural activities.

 

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