WORDS: DEBBIE HATHWAY :: PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
The 10th edition of Big 5 Construct Southern Africa takes place at the Gallagher Convention Centre from 27 to 29 June 2023, and you’re invited!
Big 5 Construct Southern Africa, the most-significant annual event for the SA construction industry, opens in Midrand on Tuesday, 27 June. Contractors, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, designers, and property developers are invited to register for free access to over 6,000 products and technologies and more than 30 CPD-accredited workshops.
The forum is co-hosted by the National African Federated Building Industry (NAFBI) and co-located with other industry events, including Totally Concrete, the African Smart Cities Summit and the Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards. “The Forum is an open platform for honest engagement, and this year’s theme, ‘the rejuvenation of the built industry’, will bring direction, hope and clarity on issues that the built industry has struggled with over recent years, including corruption, electricity, legislation and regulation, as well as the digitisation of the sector,” says Tracy-Lee Behr, Portfolio Director: Built Environment at dmg events.
Minister Sihle Zikalala
INDUSTRY REFRESH
Minister Sihle Zikalala, the new Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, is among the guest speakers and will focus on the state, rejuvenation and governance of the built industry. Dr Msizi Myeza, CEO of the Council for the Built Environment, SA, will talk about the quality of conduct within built environment professions, progress on transformation and success in protecting the public’s interest. Other discussions range from private sector intentions to take the industry forward to dealing with the so-called construction mafia.
There will also be a panel discussion about the future of the construction sector. Panel list Khulekani Mathe, Deputy CEO of Business Unity South Africa, says, “We have to look at feasible, practical solutions to our problems now to work towards reinstating a thriving construction sector, one that is sustainable and resilient.”
GAME-CHANGING PARTNERSHIP
Big 5 Construct Southern Africa has partnered with Broll Property Group in a groundbreaking collaboration between the construction and commercial real estate industries to tackle local challenges such as the energy crisis. One way to achieve that is by integrating facilities management into the design phase to optimise structures for energy efficiency.
According to the Chief Operating Officer of Broll Integrated Facilities Management, Batabile Sibaca, the partnership allows both sectors to collaborate in game-changing ways.
He explains that in the past, the construction company has built a facility and handed it over to facilities management (FM) to maintain. “There has never been a partnership throughout the whole building process. But what if facilities management tapped into the process during the design phase, and had more engagement with architects, consultants and project managers? If you look at the energy crisis, an FM company could advise on how to incorporate solar and utility systems before a building is constructed. Then you have a structure that you know will meet clients’ needs and be fitted for optimal management from the beginning.”
FUTURE-PROOF AGAINST CHALLENGES
The idea for the partnership came from this year’s event organisers, AmedzoTrading and Projects. “Many construction leaders, such as ourselves, are looking to partner with global property players like Broll to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes [as we navigate difficult times]. This partnership can help the construction industry to tap into new markets, gain access to supply chains, and leverage data-driven insights for making better business decisions,” says Dr Julia Petla, MD of Amedzo Trading and Projects.
This year’s conference is focused on sustainable development and future-proofing the industry amid challenges like the global economic crunch, ongoing concerns about energy supply, and managing the effect of load shedding, etc.
NO BUSINESS IS AN ISLAND
Meanwhile, Mantsikoe Moiloa, Director of Strategy and Consulting at Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL, says this collaboration with Amedzo is also an essential first step toward getting construction and commercial real estate to join forces to advocate around issues that are affecting both sectors.
Success in that endeavour and the ability to create an environment where portfolios continue to operate and remain a good asset class for investment directly impact future pipelines on construction. “Nobody can deliver premium quality by thinking they’re an island. You must open the doors and initiate conversations… So we’re invested in each other’s futures whether we like it or not,” she says.
