Akhani January

AKHANI
TO BUILD
December 2018
Volume 3, Issue 1
Mr Thihangwi Mudau hands over the house to the 12 year old beneficiary
IBT HOUSE HANDED OVER TO CHILD HEADED
FAMILY IN THABAZIMBI
On Monday, 10 December 2018, the Limpopo MEC of COGHSTA, Mr Jerry Ndou joined the NHBRC
and its sponsor to hand over a house to a child-headed family in Thabazimbi. The family is headed by
a 12-year old girl who also looks after her mentally retarded brother and uncle. High Point Trading 263
CC - a 100% black female-owned Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) company sponsored and
built the 5-roomed house. The house was built within a period of three weeks which illustrates the
speed and cost savviness of constructing IBT’s compared to the conventional brick and mortar.
During construction more than 82% of the youth in Thabazimbi were employed to build the house in
order to alleviate the high unemployment rate in the community. The NHBRC supports approved IBT
system developers who embark on community initiatives by showcasing their innovative systems in
order to ensure that those who are destitute, living with disabilities and child-headed families are
provided with a sustainable home. This forms part of the NHBRC’s corporate responsibility and
mandate that seeks to promote and raise awareness about IBTs in South Africa.
DID YOU KNOW : In November 2018, The Department of Human Settlements
celebrated the delivery of 4.7 million housing opportunities since 1994
by launching three social housing projects worth R300 million in Bellair, south
of Durban city, meant to bring beneficiaries closer to work opportunities.
Special Interest
Articles:
• IBT House handover 1
• The NHBRC carries out
its STEP Mandate 4
• Buza uBongani 7
Individual
Highlights:
EC Women
training 2
New
appointment in
Gauteng 2

THE MEC OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS VISITS
THE NHBRC
EC Women benefit from
technical training
As part of women month activities, the
NHBRC Eastern Cape Training Department
On 29 October 2018,the MEC of
Human Settlements in Gauteng, Mr
Uhuru Moiloa visited the NHBRC
Head-Office to meet with the CEO of
NHBRC Mr. Mziwonke Dlabantu as
part of a joint collaborative effort
between his department and the
NHBRC.
Among key issues that were
discussed included the following;
Abandoned CRU projects and
structural assessments
Innovative Building
Technology Guidelines
Illegal invasions and hijacking
of houses, budget pressures
and proposed solutions
Possible corrective response to
houses built on wetlands and
defects
Outstanding debt to the
NHBRC
Incubation programme
Unsigned MOU
Utilisation of Engineers from
NHBRC on departmental
projects.
in partnership with Senqu Local Municipality
hosted three-day women in construction
technical training workshop at Sterkspruit,
Bhunga Hall from 22-24 August 2018.The
main purpose of the workshop was to equip
women-owned home builders with technical
standards and compliance skills in
preparation of the roll out of the formal
training programme. About 25 registered
women-owned home builders from Joe
Gqabi District municipalities attended the
session.The training focuses on house
construction stages such as type of soils,
foundations, super structure, roof and
finishing, practical completion and ,
occupational health and safety.
One of the attendees, Nomzi Ngulube from
Ponama Construction said the training was
beneficial to her company as she is currently
involved in a local human settlements
project.“I have learnt new things about
house construction especially about the new
FLTR: Ms Nurse Chavalala (Regional Manager : Inland), Mr Uhuru Moiloa ( MEC of Human Settlements in
Gauteng), Mr. Mziwonke Dlabantu (CEO:NHBRC), Ms Matilda Gasela (HOD : Gauteng Human Settlements)
APPOINTMENT REGIONAL MANAGER : INLAND
It is with great pleasure to announce that Ms. Nurse Chavalala has been
appointed as Regional Manager: Inland with effect from the 1 st of December
2018. We hereby congratulate her and wish her all of the best in her
professional endeavours and her continued service to the NHBRC. As Regional
Manager: Inland, she will be responsible for the following amongst other things:
Provision of regional operational and strategic leadership to the NHBRC’s
Inland Regional office;
- Ensuring customer service centricity in all the operations of the region;
- Execution of the NHBRC’s strategy throughout the region and manage
relationships between the region’s relevant provincial offices,
stakeholders, customers and home building entities;
- Develop the regional strategy that must be implemented within the
approved parameters and policies.
We thank you in advance for your support to her as she sets out in her new
professional journey.
home building manual. As a subcontractor,
the knowledge I have gained from this
training programme will improve the quality
of BNG houses that I am currently building in
Sterkspruit.”
Nurse Chavalala: Newly appointed
Regional Manager : Inland

Govan Mbeki Awards Honours Struggle Heroes
More than 1000 delegates from all the
country’s nine provinces will converged on
30 November at East London International
Convention Centre to attend the 2018
Govan Mbeki Awards. Named after the
struggle icon, Govan Mbeki, the Awards
honour excellence in the human
settlements delivery. They acknowledge
the role played by provinces,
municipalities, developers in in delivering
quality houses and creating sustainable
human settlements. The 2018 Awards
come as the country recently reached a
milestone of having delivered over 4.7
million housing opportunities since 1994.
Following a rigorous and independent evaluation process, finalists competed in 17
categories that included among others, the Best Upgraded Informal Settlements,
the Best Integrated Human Settlements, the Best Woman Contractor, Youth
Contractor, and the Best Province in Human Settlements Delivery. Human
Settlements Minister Nomaindiya Mfeketo bestowed the Life-Time Achievement
Awards to Albertina Sisulu; Mathew Goniwe; Fort Calata; Sicelo Mhlawuli; Sparrow
Mkonto; Qaqawuli Godolozi; Sipho Hashe; and Champion Galela for the role they
played in the struggle for a free South Africa. The Awards were preceded by a Golf
Challenge in the morning of Friday, 30 th of November 2018, whose proceeds would
go towards building a house for 61-year-old Ms Thobeka Daniso. The Buffalo City
Municipality, through a council resolution, approved the project and is currently
seized with internal processes to make sure Daniso has a house. Minister Mfeketo,
the MEC for Human Settlements in the Eastern Cape, the Executive Mayor of
Buffalo City Municipality will also handover to struggle veteran Mrs Nothemba
Fazzie, a house in Duncan Village which its construction was initiated by President
Ramaphosa in January 8 this year.
Some category winners at the East London Convention Centre on the night of the 2018 Govan Mbeki Awards

50 YOUTH FROM MADIBA’S BIRTHPLACE RECIEVES
BRICKLAYING CERTIFICATES
As part of Nelson Mandela Centenary celebrations, the NHBRC in partnership with the Eastern Cape
Department of Human Settlements handed over certificates to 50 unemployed youth that were trained in
bricklaying in the rural villages of Qunu and Mqekezwni. The event held at Qunu Thusong Centre on 25
September 2018, was attended by MEC for the Department of Human Settlements Hon Mlungisi Mvoko, local
councillors from King Sabata Dalidyebo Municipality and members of the Mvezo Traditional Council. The training
programme consists of female learners 60 % and 40 was part of the NHBRC’s youth in construction accredited
skills development programmes. The youth also benefited from NYDA in Life Skills training programme.The
NHBRC youth in construction training seeks to develop a pool of skilled youth in the human settlements sector in
a bid to improve their employability and participation in the local construction projects. The training programmes
are conducted by registered facilitators with Construction Seta and modules are accredited NQF levels.
NHBRC Training Consultant responsible for Eastern Cape, Nomthandazo Mkwanzazi said the youth from
Madiba’s birthplace will be placed in the local human settlement flagship project to gain much- needed practical
experience. “An agreement was made with the local councillors, municipality and contractor that all of them
(youth) will be placed in a Qunu Site and Mvezo site where a human settlement flagship project- Mandela 400
first phase is currently under construction, “she said. One of the trainees, Pumeza Khohliwe said she was
hopeful that the training programme will help them to get jobs.
.
The jubilant youth holding their certificates outside Qunu Post Office, EC
THE NHBRC CARRIES OUT ITS STEP MANDATE
On 01 October 2018 the NHBRC in Mpumalanga in partnership with Thembisile Hani Local
Municipality trained 27 people living with disabilities with Occupational Health and Safety
Training. This is part of a number of initiatives that will be rolled-out nationwide aimed at
empowering and upskilling people living with disabilities as mandated by STEP. Following
their successful completion of the training, the local municipality has pledged to place the
participants on a priority list and appoint them on upcoming construction projects with
pertinence to their recently acquired skills.This initiative culminated into a joyous
graduation ceremony delegates from the municipality, NHBRC and families of some of the
graduates were in attendance to witness this proud moment.
Gradution Ceremony in
Polokwane
On Thursday, 18 October 2018,
the Department of Human
Settlements, Limpopo Province,
the NHBRC and SAWIC held a
graduation ceremony in
Polokwane, at the Protea Hotel
Landmark, Limpopo.
The NHBRC Centre for Research
and Innovation recently trained 150
learners from November 2017 until
August 2018 District in the
following courses:
- Health and Safety
- Home Building Technical
Skills
- Construction Management
The learners have since registered
with the NHBRC as the Registered
Home Builders during the inception
of the programme.
COGHSTA Limpopo, the NHBRC
and SAWIC partnered to ensure a
successful training programme.
Stay tuned for upcoming
graduation ceremonies in all
provinces.

THE NHBRC MOBILE OFFICE rolls into 2019
Our 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.
These 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 in the following provinces to kick off 2019:
2019
Date
Event/Venue
07-30 January Limpopo
04-28 February Mpumalanga
18 February-22 March KwaZuluNatal
04-22 March Eastern Cape
Updates on venues in the provinces will be communicated on our social media platforms and regional print media
EASTERN CAPE WELCOMES NEW PROVINCIAL MANAGER
The NHBRC would like to welcome Ernest Sonnenberg as the new provincial manager in
the Eastern Cape. Ernest is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in
management and stakeholder engagement. He has 12 years’ experience as a business
manager at Sonnenberg Transport where he was responsible for the overall operation of
the business between 1994 till 2006; he continued to serve in an advisory capacity till
2011. He has a further 12 years’ experience in local government, 7 years as a member
of the executive of the Council of the City of Cape Town, where he was responsible for
Human Settlement development between 2011 and 2013 and then for Utility Services
(previously referred to as trade services) till the end of 2016. Utility Services included the
departments of Solid Waste, Electricity and Water and Sanitation. In 2107, he was
appointed as a director for the newly established Area Base Service Delivery Directorate
(ABSD). The purpose of the new directorate was to enhance transversal management
and improve customer centricity.
He is educated in both Public and Business Administration with an Advanced Diploma in
Public Administration from the University of the Western Cape and a Master of Business
Administration (MBA) from Stellenbosch University.
He however believes that soft skills contribute significantly to the success of an organization. To this extend his experience
and understanding of stakeholders, communities and their dynamics, will allow him to successfully engage with them to the
benefit of all concerned.

BUZA UBONGANI
ASK BONGANI
Sanibonani! My name is
Bongani 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.
IBT’s
Dear Bongani
What re IBTs and what is their
relevance?
Godfrey Pooe, Rustenburg
Dear Godfrey
The NHBRC has taken the position
that the term innovative building
technology (IBT) is more inclusive of
all innovation in artefacts or
processes. IBTs can provide
solutions to relevant challenges in
both the public and private sector.
Some benefits of using IBTs in
housing projects as compared to
conventional construction methods,
include cost savings, improved rate
of construction, lower maintenance,
improved energy efficiency, water
savings, less wastage, improved
embodied energy and social
acceptability.
NHBRC Involvement
Dear Bongani
I would like to use my bonus pay out to build my parents a home. Does this mean that I have
to involve the NHBRC?
Unity Kgoanana, Seshego
Dear Unity
Building a new home is a key milestone in anyone’s life. The Act requires all home builders to enrol every new
home with the NHBRC at least 15 days prior to construction. The enrolment of a new home is the first step in the
protection of a housing consumers’ right, as provided by the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act, 1998.
IN addition, any person in the business of building is required by law to be registered with the NHBRC. So make
sure your chosen homebuilder is registered with the NHBRC before building
Ask Bongani by emailing thenhbrc@nhbrc.org.za with the subject line : BUZA
UBONGANI

MAKING YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTION STICK
It can be daunting when your list of New Year’s Resolutions is as long as your holiday shopping list. In addition to the post-holiday slump,
not being able to keep your resolutions by February, March or even late January may increase your anxiety. When your holiday
decorations are packed up and stored away, the frustration of an unused gym membership or other reminders of failed resolutions can
make the later winter months feel hopeless.
However, it is important to remember that the New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes. It is a time for
people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes. “Setting small, attainable goals throughout
the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1 can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” says psychologist Lynn
Bufka, PhD. “Remember, it is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important
and working toward it, one step at a time.”
By making your resolutions realistic, there is a greater chance that you will keep them throughout the year, incorporating healthy
behavior into your everyday life. APA offers these tips when thinking about a News Year’s resolution:
1. Start small
Make resolutions that you think you can keep. If, for example, your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four
days a week at the gym instead of seven. If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy,
like fruit or yogurt, instead of seeing your diet as a form of punishment.
2. Change one behavior at a time
Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time. Thus, replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time.
Don’t get overwhelmed and think that you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, work toward changing one thing at a
time.
3. Talk about it
Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as a workout class
at your gym or a group of coworkers quitting smoking. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your
journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating.
4. Don’t beat yourself up
Perfection is unattainable. Remember that minor missteps when reaching your goals are completely normal and OK. Don’t give
up completely because you ate a brownie and broke your diet, or skipped the gym for a week because you were busy.
Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.
5. Ask for support
Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen strengthens your resilience and ability to manage stress caused by
your resolution. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help.
Psychologists are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies as to
how to adjust your goals so that they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional
issues.
Source: APA

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
Hastings Moeng
Vuk’uzenzele
The Department of Human Settlements
Busiswa Mlandu
Nkululeko Buthelezi