Akhani August

AKHANI
TO BUILD
August 2018
Volume 2, Issue 1
The CEO of NHBRC, Mr Mziwonke Dlabantu answers questions at the engagement
THE NHBRC CEO STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
On Tuesday 24 July, the NHBRC CEO hosted over 200 builders as part of his
national stakeholder engagement roadshows. The objectives of these engagements is to is to
engage with our stakeholders to gain a thorough understanding of their needs for
a better stakeholder experience by assessing the issues that are material to them
and the level of their impact on them and the NHBRC.
This is the second installment of stakeholder roadshows which started in
Cape Town in 2017. The Gauteng leg of the roadshow took place at the Focus
Rooms in Sunninghill”
The stakeholder engagement was impactful. It was very enlightening to hear from
the NHBRC team about where the organisation is heading and what strides it is
trying to achieve, “said Happy-David Sehloho, Managing Director of Sema Services.
DID YOU KNOW : The oldest documented dwelling in South Africa is the
Schroder House (De Post Huys) in Stellenbosch completed in 1673 which was a
signal blockhouse built as an observation post controlling False Bay making it
345 years old!
Special Interest Articles:
• Appointment of new NHBRC
board 4
• Enforcement against rogue
builders 6
• Ask Brenda the builder 7
Individual
Highlights:
The NHBRC
Women’s
Roundtable 2
Totally Concrete
Expo 3
Tshwane Housing
Investment Indaba
5

THE NHBRC WOMENS ROUNDTABLE
HEADLINE
On Thursday 26 April 2018, the National
disabilities) through procurement, training
Home Builders Registration Council NHBRC
held a women's roundtable at the Birchwood
Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre as
part of its efforts to show its commitment to
transformation in the human settlements
and built environment sector.
The roundtable was held following the
and development, as well as employment
opportunities. The panel consisted of built
environment associations who addressed
issues that relate to the advancement of
equal opportunities for women in the human
settlements value chain. It was a platform to
continue the debate on the socio-economic
launch of the NHBRC’s Transformation transformation of the industry. The
Charter, launched in March 2017 aimed at
empowering designated groups (i.e. women,
youth, military veterans and people with
roundtable is a precursor to the Human
Settlements Women Indaba to be held in
August.
From 3-5 May 2018, the NHBRC took part in
the Architecture ZA 2018 (AZA 18) at
various venues in Pretoria. This event is
presented and hosted by the South African
Institute of Architects (SAIA), and co-hosted
by the University of Pretoria (UP). Under the
theme WeTheCity: Memory and Resilience,
the programme focused on issues of design
and practice concerning environmental
potential, cultural heritage and human
settlements.
As a key stakeholder and active participant
in the architectural space, the NHBRC was
represented by the Eric Molobi Centre of
Innovation, led by Thihangwi Mudau
alongside Vusi Hartley.
The NHBRC presented on regulating
the housing industry. “It is important that
we highlight the importance of this
regulation which is something that is
always lacking at these platforms –
where Architects are still not quiet au
fait with the regulation creating synergy
between the two entities”, said Mudau.
News anchor Ali Paine moderates the mornings discussions
THANK YOU FOR COMPLETING THE SURVEY
Thank you for taking the time to complete our annual
stakeholder survey. We truly value the information you have
provided. Your responses will contribute to our analyses of
the texts and suggest new lines of approach to your NHBRC
experience. We will share with you the insights and solutions
in moving forward!
South African professional architects and
other cultural producers will share
experiences and perspectives with cuttingedge
international practices from around the
world, which will be attended by members
of the public, students, designers, urban
thinkers, economists, engineers, quantity
surveyors, artists and planning specialists.
STAY IN TOUCH

The NHBRC cements its role in transformation
From 16-17 May the NHBRC
participated in this year’s African
Construction and Totally Concrete
Expo (ACTCE) held at the Gallagher
Convention Centre in Midrand,
Johannesburg. The ACTCE is Africa’s
only multidisciplinary built environment
show focusing on stakeholder
engagements through free-to-attend
content, indoor and outdoor exhibitions
and targeted networking. It caters for
the entire African construction, cement
and concrete industries. The NHBRC
participated in a variety of
engagements available to at the event which included the keynote session
represented by NHBRC Council Member and Social Transformation
Committee Chairperson Miss Xoliswa who was a panelist under the theme
of transformation within the construction industry. Coupled with the key
note session the NHBRC conducted transformation workshops hosted by
STEP Manager, Mr Zweli Magano and was also part of the interactive
show as one of 200 exhibitors from 65 countries, displaying their products
and service offerings across eight dedicated sectors. In line with its Social
Transformation and Empowerment Programme (STEP), the NHBRC
handed over the transformation award at the Women in Construction and
the National African Federation for the Building Industry's awards.
“These engagements continue to demonstrate the NHBRCs commitment
to transformation beyond the boardroom,” said Magano.
Panel discussion (from left to right): Skhumbuzo Macozoma, (CEO, SANRAL);Webster Mfebe, (CEO, South
African Forum for Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC)); Thando Mguli, Head of Department, Western Cape
Department of Human Settlements); Roy Mnisi, (Executive Director, Master Builders South Africa (MBSA));
Bafikile Simelane, (Immediate Past President, Master Builders South Africa (MBSA)); Xoliswa Daku,
(Chairperson, Social Transformation and Empowerment Committee, NHBRC); Victor Radebe, (CEO, Mobility
Centre for Africa); Robert Semenya, (Senior Projects Manager, Construction Education and Training Authority)

TSHWANE HOUSING INVESTMENT INDABA 2018
South Africa is facing the enormous challenge of providing affordable housing at a pace which keeps up with demand. The
speed of delivery for the affordable housing is a point of contention. Addressing this issue was the Executive Mayor, Solly
Msimanga, who will delivered the key note address.
On Friday 18 May 2018, the City of Tshwane hosted a Housing Investment Indaba under the theme : “forging partnerships for
sustainable human settlements development”. The main objective of the Indaba was to demonstrate to the private sector the
City’s intention to partner with the private sector on large scale housing and human settlements projects and to explore
relationships with different stakeholders in the construction industry. The gathering was an opportunity for the City to share
with property developers and financial institutions implementation-ready capital projects within the City.
Guest speakers included James Aiello, Senior Advisor with the Government Technical Advisory Centre at National Treasury,
André du Plessis, a qualified Town Planner with 25 years’ experience in the local authority planning environment and
Sibusiso Buthelezi an alumni of the University of the Western Cape having majored in Anthropology and Economics.
Limpopo Pensioner Home
A Limpopo pensioner Hendrik
Johannes Venter was thrilled on
Thursday when the Minister of
Human Settlements Nomaindiya
Mfeketo presented him a new house
in Seshego Township, Polokwane.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW NHBRC COUNCIL
MEMBERS
The Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Nomaindia Mfeketo, MP – as the Shareholder Representative
has appointed new NHBRC Coucnil Members with effect from 03 August until 31 July 2021.
Below are the names of our new Council Members.
1) Mr Enoch Godongwana – Chairperson
2) Ms Mampe Kotsi
3) Mr Mziwonke Jacobs
4) Ms Bongiwe Duba
5) Mr Unathi Hoyana
6) Mr Makabate Choeu
7) Mr Roy Mnisi
8) Ms Noluthando Molao
9) Mr Roseberry Sonto
10) Ms Nthabiseng Tsenase
11) Mr Gilbert Myeza
12) Mr David Mapikitla
13) Mr Goolam Manack
14) Mr Siphamandla Kumkani
15) Mr Mziwonke Dlabantu ( Executive Director & CEO )
Venter (71) was one of at least 100
people who have taken occupation
of their houses in extension 106 as
part of housing project spearheaded
by the Department of Human
Settlements in the area. About 1 790
other . residents were also presented
with title deeds for their new homes.
Speaking on the doorsteps of his
new house, an elated Venter said
receiving the keys to the new house
marked an end of a 14-year long
wait since he first applied for a
Government subsidised house in
2004. This was just three years after
the death of his wife. He previously
lived in a shack on the outskirts of
Polokwane.
“This is a really great day for me. I
am very excited you will not believe.
It is good to see so many people
coming here to celebrate with me. I
am
grateful to God and I am feeling so
special because now I have a place
of my own where I can stay and
sleep properly. Sometimes I slept on
the street but last night I didn’t sleep
because I was so excited that today
I will be sleeping here,” said Venter.

THE NHBRC MOBILE OFFICE KEEPS MOVING
Our Mobile Office is currently in Limpopo and North West to assist housing consumers and homebuilders.
These mobile office visits are aimed at ensuring that the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) as the
housing regulator is able to support housing consumers and homebuilders who are unable to access its products and
services in the main urban centers.
The NHBRC team is deployed to assist and attend to consumer complaints, housing consumer awareness on rights and
obligations, builder registration and renewals, home enrolments, technical assistance as well as training of homebuilders.
The mobile office can also accept payments and print registration and enrolment certificates.
This visits are also an opportunity for housing consumers who wish to build or buy a new home to also check the status of
their homebuilder, enrolment of their homes and learn about their rights and responsibilities as they embark on this
important
milestone.
The NHBRC Mobile Office can be reached at the venues:
WESTERN CAPE
Date
Event/Venue
12 – 13 September Cape Construction Expo
2018 - expo
SUN Exhibits
Grand West Casino,
Goodwood
Cape Town
14 – 28 September
2018
excl. Saturdays and
Sundays
Athlone Civic Centre,
Klipfontein Road
Athlone
Cape Town
KWAZULU NATAL
Date
Event/Venue
10-14 September Okhahlamba Municipality
2018
17-19 September Umzumbe Municipality
2018
20-21 September Impendle Municipality
2018
25-28 September Jozini Municipality, Indumo
2018
Library
Members of the community make use of the NHBRC mobile office unit’s services

WIELDING THE ENFORCEMENT STICK AGAINST ROGUE
BUILDERS
The housing regulator has also opened 122 criminal cases against home builders who have contravened the Housing
Consumers Protection Measures Act 95 of 1998 (HCPMA) in its efforts to tackle misconduct in the industry in the current
financial year. This includes offences such as carrying on the business of building homes without having registered and
non-enrolment of homes which is in contravention of the HCPMA which requires everyone in the business of building homes
to register with the NHBRC and that all new homes must be enrolled (or registered) with the NHBRC 15 days prior to
construction.
NHBRC’s CEO Mziwonke Dlabantu, says that the NHBRC has
forged relations with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and
South African Police Services (SAPS) through the Office of the
Civilian Secretariat for Police to train the stakeholders on the
legislative framework and to explore various initiatives to ensure
successful prosecution of these matters. This follows challenges
with the prosecution of ‘rogue’ builders in the industry due to lack of
knowledge about the Act
“Our mandate as the housing watchdog requires us to take a stand
against non-compliance with the Act in order to protect housing consumers and to this extent, the NHBRC will continue to
engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and enforcement of the Act,” said Dlabantu.
Over and above this, the NHBRC suspended 211 and prosecuted 506 home builders/contractors and/or developers who
transgressed the building regulations. This include offences that relate to failure to rectify major structural defects, failure to
rectify workmanship related defects, failure to enrol home and contravening the code of conduct for home builders.
Builder suspensions were recorded as follows: Gauteng (70), Western Cape (66), KwaZulu-Natal (29), Limpopo (16),
Mpumalanga (16), North West (5), Eastern Cape (3), Free State (3) and Northern Cape (3).
The NHBRC has the powers to suspend a registered home builder’s registration or refuse to enrol such home builder’s
homes for the period that it deems necessary to investigate the matter or until the registered home builder has complied
with the relevant provisions of the Act.
Prosecution cases recorded include: KwaZulu-Natal (141), Gauteng (106), Western Cape (84), Limpopo (44), Mpumalanga
(39), North West (35), Eastern Cape (28), Free State (26) and Northern Cape (3).
The Act also empowers the NHBRC’s Disciplinary Committee, after following due process, to impose withdrawal of
registration of a home builder; a fine not exceeding R25 000.00 or a warning in instances where a home builder has been
found guilty.

Ask Brenda by emailing thenhbrc@nhbrc.org.za with the subject line : BUZA
BUZA UBRENDA
ASK BRENDA
Sanibonani! My name is Brenda
the Builder. As citizens, we have
rights, but with those come
obligations. I am here to assist
you in realising your rights as a
housing consumer and
understanding the NHBRCs
mandate.
Why register?
Dear Brenda
I’ve been building homes for many
years in my village and surrounds.
I hear that I must register with the
NHBRC. Why must I register - What
are the benefits?
Titus Buthelezi, Mathibestad
Roof leaking
Dear Brenda
I have been occupying my house for over six
months, I have noticed that there is a leakage in
the roof. How do I go about reporting this and to
who?
Thembi Mkhwanazi, Temba
Dear Thembi
Thank you for getting in touch with us. When you move
into a house, you need to compile a three month snag
list (plug, door handles, window/s/ pane ect.) In
addition to that the NHBRC has a warranty cover
which covers your house for 1 year roof leak
and 5 year major structural defects. If you need
further information please contact our Tshwane office
for further guidance.
Dear Titus
Thank you for getting in touch.
Any person in the business of
building homes is required by law to
be registered with the NHBRC and
renew their membership annually.
The benefits of registering are:
Compliance with the act
Recognition by financial
institutions as an accredited
homebuilder
Access to the NHBRCs mediation
services
Access to the NHBRCs training
programmes and other building
resources

SPRING CLEANING TIPS
Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning your home. You owe it to yourself and family to enjoy a clean
that’s more than dirt-deep. Think allergen-deep. And spring cleaning isn’t something to dread—just follow our easy spring
cleaning tips and tricks.
Before you tackle your home, check out our tips for spring cleaning your house below to make sure you don’t miss a spot. Once
you’re ready to get cleaning, use our tips as a guide:
1. Make a schedule: Scope out your home - What areas need the most work? Where do you skip during routine cleaning?.
2. De-clutter: Studies have shown that a disorganized home adds to your stress level.
3. Always work from the bottom:When you think about how to spring clean your home, it’s important to start from the ceiling
down.
4. Use a vacuum cleaner : It’s one of the best spring cleaning supplies you can arm yourself with.
5. W alls and W indows Need Love too: People almost always think to clean their floors, but they
typically forget about walls and windows.
6. Think Green W hen You Spring Clean: You want to start spring off on a clean note, so don’t expose
yourself to chemicals and toxins.
7. Don’t Be Scared of the Kitchen and Bathroom: No longer fear cleaning your bathroom! You’ll get
through it.
8. Don’t Forget About Your Air: Replacing furnace and filters is one of the most important and
overlooked parts of spring cleaning., you can also consider getting an air purifier .
9. Spring Cleaning Safety : Cleaning will more than likely unsettle all the winter dust on furniture and
fixtures. If you suffer from allergies or are using heavy -duty cleaners, be sure to read the labels.
10. Let Spring Cleaning Set a New Tone: If your space feels dark and heavy, you can mak e small
changes to help make it light and fresh fo r spring.
Source: Sylvane

COMPANY DETAILS
The National Homebuilders Registration Council
27 Leeukop Road
Sunninghill
Johannesburg
2191
TEL: 011 317 0000
TOLL FREE HOTLINE: 0800 200 824
FRAUD HOTLINE: 0800 203 698
www.nhbrc.org.za
Email: thenhbrc@nhbrc.org.za
EDITORIAL DETAILS
Editor in Chief: Tshepo Nkosi (tsheponk@nhbrc.org.za)
Editor: Portia Sebulela (portias@nhbrc.org.za)
Contributors: Molebogeng Taunyane
Sylvane
The Department of Human Settlements
Nkululeko Buthelezi
The NHBRC is an agency of the Department of Human Settlements