Building industry takes centre stage at Kouga Local Municipality forum

Kouga – Kouga Local Municipality's Planning and Development Directorate recently hosted a groundbreaking forum to spotlight the building industry.

The event, held in partnership with industry experts, focused on addressing emerging trends, showcasing innovative practices, and elevating town planning and construction standards.

Setting the stage for a more innovative and collaborative future, the forum highlighted the significance of collaboration between the municipality and industry stakeholders in creating a progressive, complaint, and forward-thinking building sector.

Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, welcomed attendees, emphasising the importance of uniting key players in the sector.

“Development is central to the growth and progress in Kouga. I value the contributions of stakeholders despite challenges on our end. Your positive outlook inspires us to improve municipal processes,” said Bornman.

He acknowledged existing issues, including staff constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, while reaffirming the municipality's commitment to simplifying industry interactions.

Bornman also described Kouga Local Municipality as a model for sustainable development in South Africa. “I envision a municipality where businesses thrive, and residents enjoy better lives. However, we can’t achieve this vision alone,” he added.

Lawrence Ramakuwela, Director of Planning and Development, highlighted the forum’s objectives: fostering dialogue on current trends, sharing best practices, and addressing challenges related to building plan submissions.

The event provided a dynamic space for collaboration among architects, engineers, developers, estate agents, and government officials, ensuring compliance with regulations while championing innovation.

Among the distinguished speakers was Advocate Toto Fiduli, Registrar of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), who delivered an address on “Enhancing Building Plans’ Conformity with Building Regulations and Standards.” Fiduli highlighted SACAP’s regulatory requirements and the necessity for improving the quality of building plan submissions.

Dr. Rodney Milford followed with an engaging presentation on “SANS 10400 and the National Building Regulations: A Need for Change.” Rudolf Opperman, a technical specialist in architecture and the National Building Regulations, explored critical aspects in his talks, “Unlocking the Building Legislation” and “Application of the Building Legislation.”

Adding a professional perspective, Jacques Deetlefs offered an overview of collaboration with the Kouga Municipality’s Building Control from the viewpoint of a registered professional. Closing the day’s discussions, Dr. Gillian Adendorff, Director of Adendorff Architects and Interiors, presented an inspiring address, “Charting Your Course Through Foresight,” focusing on visionary planning and industry resilience.

In closing, Ramakuwela emphasised the importance of continued collaboration, proposing the establishment of a representative structure to address industry concerns more effectively. “Let us document the issues, find solutions, and review progress at future forums,” he urged attendees.”