By Louise Woodburn, General Manager at KBC Risk Solutions, a Division of KBC Health & Safety

The original Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act was enacted in 1993, with the purpose of providing for the health and safety of people at work while operating equipment and machinery. While the OSH Act is legally enforceable, and managed by the Department of Labour, the aim of the OHS Amendment Bill is to ensure that businesses have a direct consequence for non-compliance. This will be gazetted and signed into legislation in the first half of 2023. The Bill enforces stricter health and safety requirements for South African businesses, and while it is not law yet, this is coming, and organisations need to be prepared.

The Wits University’s Framework Project run by GVK-Siya Zama is paving the way for young women leaders in construction, with 29-year-old Nonthando Maseko and 32-year-old Deetashree Pillay showing why there are limitless opportunities for the youth, and women. 

At the recent finals of AQUALIBRIUM, the South African Institution of Civil Engineering’s (SAICE’s) water-focused competition for school students, participants and spectators experienced a learning adventure.  Through this annual event, SAICE spreads awareness about the importance of water usage and infrastructure development.

Africa requires creativity and ingenuity, especially during times of crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic.

While South Africa is ranked number one out of the top 10 countries with the highest unemployment rates globally (World Population Review), the Master Builders’ Association, Western Cape notes that there is a shortfall of 40 000 skilled artisans in the country. This shortfall could be addressed if young people stepped up to pursue careers in industries that require skills such as plumbing, building and carpentry.