InfrAstructure & Development - Trademax Publications

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MBA North and Khuthaza to
expand areas of joint co-operation
Master Builders Association North and Khuthaza have agreed to
continue and expand its current programme of mutually beneficial
co-operation, aimed at fostering the interests of both organisations.
Elizabeth O’Leary, executive director of Khuthaza (centre), pictured at this year’s MBA North AGM with two graduates of Khuthaza
training, Rose Tsenase (left), and Maria Sono (right), who now own successful contracting companies.
Led by executive director, Elizabeth O’Leary, Khuthaza
is a non-profit organisation which seeks to encourage
and contribute to the development of a transformed
and thriving construction industry in which women play a
respected and integral role.
O’Leary recently briefed the MBA North executive
committee on Khuthaza’s operations and areas of mutual
co-operation between the two organisations were
discussed. She told the committee that Khuthaza aims to
prepare women for entrance into the housing and other
construction-related professions, to encourage
entrepreneurship and support women throughout their
career and business life cycles. “Through advocacy,
training and support Khuthaza aims to empower women to
play a leading role in the housing and construction
sectors. Our vision is to create an environment in which
women have equal access to opportunities in housing and
construction,” she told the meeting.
Aspects such as sharing information regarding tenders and
database registration, intern opportunities for new
contractors at larger companies, and generally working
together to facilitate access to experience and work,
access to finance, as well as contractual issues were among
areas of joint co-operation conceptually raised at the
meeting for further discussion and future implementation.
O’Leary said through this partnership with MBA North,
Khuthaza aims to:
• Create a mutually beneficial relationship based on
regular engagement and communication;
• Promote collaborative engagement to create a more
enabling environment for contractor development and
transformation;
• Work together to leverage resources, facilitate
industry interaction and promote and deliver
Enterprise Development services and support;
• Promote best practice and communicate success
stories relating to BBBEE and contractor development,
including the successes of MBA North members;
• Provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge,
experience, skills and opportunities; and
• Provide the industry with a wider range of
opportunities to contribute to transformation and
capacity development within the industry.
Deon Landmann, MBA North Education, Training and
Transformation Manager, says MBA North admires and
respects Khuthaza’s efforts in uplifting the role of women
in construction, particularly transforming the lives of
women from the previously disadvantaged sector. “MBA
North – which is also fully committed to transformation
– has already co-operated with and assisted Khuthaza in
several aspects such as Small Builder Training and Health
and Safety. We intend joining forces wherever possible in
future to assist Khuthaza which, in turn, will encourage its
members to join MBA North,” Landmann stated.
40
august 2013