Construction World December 2021

Some of Crown Publications' staff who assist with Best Projects (from left): Wilhelm du Plessis (Editor – Construction World ), Karen Grant (Publisher – Crown Publications), Erna Oosthuizen (Advertising Manager – Construction World ), Karen Smith (Web Manager – Crown Publications) and Shaun Smith (Digital Administrator – Crown Publications).

COMMENT

Early in November ConstructionWorld hosted the 20 th edition of its Best Projects Awards. This issue features the winners and entries and as such reflects the diversity and depth of the South African construction industry. It is a highlight for the brand as it celebrates excellence – despite the current economic state.

Looking ahead to 2022 While this issue is testament to the expertise, experience and depth of the South African construction industry over the past year, many and complex challenges for the industry exist. The economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic compounded the already existing depressed industry as it led to further delays, suspension and cancellation of various projects – locally and internationally. However, according to Aon’s 2021 Global Risk Management Survey, “The top 10 risks facing the construction industry” the impact of the pandemic is diverging. Commercial construction activities that thrived during the pandemic (distribution, healthcare, etc.) have stayed buoyant and the study says that they have even accelerated. At the same time construction activity for industries such as hospitality and retail

is yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. These sectors are still directly impacted by the pandemic. Over and above these challenges, the report states that there is a serious risk of material shortages that may be caused by the fact that the pandemic has caused limitations on movement. At the same time the pace of recovery is uncertain and this has led to investors holding back. According to Tshepo Mofubetsoana, Aon South Africa’s Senior Broker in its Construction, Engineering and Renewable Energy Division, industry in South Africa is entering a 'K-shaped' recovery to the pandemic. Such a recovery is when different parts of the economy recover at different rates, times, or magnitudes after a recession.

This depth and diversity is reflected in many of the comments we received from attendees. Sheldon Temlett, Contract Manager for Quantibuild, who won the Civil Engineering category, said “It is nights like these that remind us that our industry is still robust.” Maxine Nel, Head of Corporate Communications at AfriSam (who has been the main sponsor of Best Projects for 20 years) said, “Congratulations on a great awards ceremony and for promoting the best our industry has to offer.” Best Projects has become an integral part of Construction World’s brand. Over the last 20 years it has developed from a fledgling award to being a relevant, anticipated and eagerly awaited event on the calendar. I would like to thank the entrants, judges, sponsors and those at Crown Publications who help with the execution of the awards project.

Wilhelm du Plessis Editor

@ConstWorldSA

www.facebook.com/construction-worldmagazinesa

EDITOR & DEPUTY PUBLISHER Wilhelm du Plessis constr@crown.co.za ADVERTISING MANAGER Erna Oosthuizen ernao@crown.co.za LAYOUT & GRAPHIC ARTIST Katlego Montsho CIRCULATION Karen Smith

PUBLISHER Karen Grant PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Crown Publications P O Box 140

TOTAL CIRCULATION: (Third Quarter '21) 13 041

BEDFORDVIEW, 2008 Tel: 27 11-622-4770

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. PRINTED BY Tandym Cape

www.constructionworldmagazine.co.za

2 20 th Best Project Awards 2021