DIRECTOR OUT OF OFFICE MESSAGE

Dear Member,

This is simply to let you know that I will be leaving for Singapore on Tuesday 20 July 2010 and will be back in the office on Monday 2 August 2010. This will be to attend the ICEC World Congress 2010 in Singapore, as well as attending some further ICEC and PAQS meetings.

I am pleased to advise that we are expecting a fairly strong South African contingent to be in attendance. I am aware that the following persons have confirmed their attendance:

• Gert Meyer (ASAQS President)
• Prof Rob Pearl
• Prof Tinus Maritz
• Thabo Senyolo
• Myself (there may be others?)

Amongst others, this congress will provide us with the opportunity to effectively market the ICEC World Congress 2012 in Durban, which we will be hosting. We will be armed with vuvuzelas, soccer balls, banners, brochures, handouts, etc to maximize on our marketing drive.

Please be advised that should you wish to contact me by e-mail whilst over there, please use the following personal address:
Egon.Wortmann@gmail.com

The normal office address director@asaqs.co.za will not work over there.

I would also point out that Vusi Mtimkulu will be holding the fort in the ASAQS office during my time away. Any support that you could give him would be appreciated, as he is naturally still settling in and finding his feet.

Regards 

EGON WORTMANN

 IN MEMORIAM

It has sadly come to our attention that our dear friend Mr Francis Y. Addo, from Accra, Ghana, passed away on Monday 12 July 2010.

We became aware of this fact when teh Director received an e-mail on the 16th from a personal secretary from his office. Unfortunately we cannot share any further information as all we know is what was contained in the e-mail.

To those of us that have been involved on AAQS activities over recent times will be aware of the major input and professional involvement that Francis had over the years, both in Ghana as well as on AAQS matters. He was a respected professional in many circles.

On behalf of the AAQS we would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Francis. May our dear Lord give them strength and comfort during this sad time.

May he rest in peace and we pray that God will bless his soul !!

 ANNUAL GOLF DAY - INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

The Gauteng Chapter of the ASAQS has pleasure in inviting you to participate in our popular annual Golf Day. This day has been well attended and supported in the past by many companies, professional consultants, contractors and associates in the construction industry.

All profits from the day are in aid of the Gauteng Chapter of the ASAQS Bursary Fund, which benefits needy students at Universities and Technikons in the Gauteng area.

Venue: Centurion Country Club Date: Tuesday, 21 September 2010 Tee-off: From 11:14 Format: Betterball Stableford Cost:  R2,000.00 per 4-ball (including green fees, half-way house voucher, prizegiving & dinner) Carts (R230/cart) can be directly booked at the Pro Shop on 012 665 9602, however this is for your own account Caddies (R170/caddie including halfway house of R30 and caddie foundation fee of R10, but excludes tips) are available, however this is for own account RSVP: To enter a 4-ball, please complete the appended registration form and fax to (012) 644 1127

We trust that this invitation will receive your favourable consideration, as the success of the day is dependent on your loyal and valuable support. We are only able to accept the first 30 paid up entries. Kindly submit your entries as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Should you consider sponsoring the event please click here.

 NEWS FROM OUR SPONSORS

Lets Cruise has notified us that they have just launched a special 8-day "Romantic castles & golden vines" cruise on the four star Swiss Crystal on the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Germany.

The cruise departs Düsseldorf on the 20th September 2010 and bookings are going fast, so don't wait !!! Click here for a brochure.

 CESA RELAY

CESA would like to take this opportunity to invite you and your family to take part in our 25th Anniversary Relay which will be held on Saturday, 28 August 2010 at the Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort, Hartebeesport Dam. The relay commences at 08h00.

Kindly visit the website for more information and registration.

 PROCSA J.V. SIGNED

The PROCSA Client/Consultant Professional Services Agreement comprises a suite of documents prepared to regulate the terms of engagement between the client and the consultants. It was compiled in the interests of standardisation and good practice in the construction industry on a mandate from the constituent bodies.

The PROCSA JV Agreement was recently signed by representatives of the constituent members.

Back Row (Left to Right) Mr G. Meyer (ASAQS/AAQS), Mr P. Kgole (SABTACO), Mr C. Israelite (ACPM), Mr K. Thamburan (SAPOA), Mr P. Bold (JBCC), Mr I. Alexander (SAIA), Front Row (Left to Right) Mr T. Senyolo (ASAQS/AAQS), Mr G. Pirie (CESA), Mr N. Gopal (SAPOA), Mr R. Maesela (SAPOA), Mr S. Segal (SAIA)

Click here to view the press statement released after the signing ceremony.

Please note that the PROCSA documents are available from all Constituent Members and directly on the PROCSA Website www.procsa.co.za

 MESSAGE FROM THE NEWLY APPOINTED EDUTECH MANAGER

I would like to thank everybody for the warm welcome to the Association, especially my colleagues. To the members, thank you for the welcoming emails and sms's. It surely doesn't feel like I have been here for just two weeks. I am looking forward to working with all of you.

To ensure that our service to you as members of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) is both timely and of the highest quality, I would like to appeal to you to try to always direct your queries to the correct department. Mohlala (example):

• For all your PROFESSIONAL and TECHNICAL queries you can contact me (Vusi Mtimkulu) on edutech@asaqs.co.za
• MEMBERSHIP queries (individual members and/or practices) – Please contact Anusha Rajcoomar on membership@asaqs.co.za
• Queries on MEMBERSHIP FEES (individual members and/or practices) – Please contact Merilda Naicker on administration@asaqs.co.za
• Documentation SALES and GENERAL queries – Please contact Phindi Mahlangu at reception on association@asaqs.co.za
• For FINANCIAL queries – Please contact Renny Moodley on accounts@asaqs.co.za
• And then the final buck always stops at the Executive Director – Please contact Egon Wortmann on director@asaqs.co.za

Telephone contact with the ASAQS may be taken up by phoning (011) 315 4140.

I hope you find the above information useful and I wish you all the best with your future endeavours.

"Phillip, I am here!"

VUSI MTIMKULU

 POLICY ON THE COST OF BANKING CHARGES

... CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH THE RECEIPT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY PAYMENTS

The following policy of the ASAQS has been adopted in terms of the cost of banking charges where members make payments to the ASAQS with foreign currency other than South African Rands (ZAR). This policy has been ratified and adopted by the ASAQS Finance Committee at the meeting held on Thursday 03 June 2010. Please click here to read the policy which states : "Members are advised that all payments to the ASAQS are to be made in South African Rand (ZAR) currency. Where this is absolutely unavoidable, the cost of any bank charges related to foreign currency payments will be for the account of the person making the deposit. ...Should it however be unavoidable for members to make payment in a foreign currency, then the ASAQS is happy to oblige, provided that an additional charge of R175,00 be added to each and every transaction that is processed."

A section will soon be opened in the Library to house all policy documents.

 THE "KENNETH K. HUMPHREYS OUTSTANDING PAPER AWARDS"

Every two years the International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC) calls for nominations for the "Kenneth K. Humphreys Outstanding Paper Award". The successful papers are then presented in person by the entrants at the ICEC World Congress, this year being in Singapore from 24 to 27 July 2010.

Two papers were submitted for consideration from South Africa through the University of Free State from Mr Franre Swanepoel (QS entrant) and Ms Elzane Vlotman (PM entrant). We have recently been advised that both these entrants have unfortunately been unsuccessful. This was conveyed to the Executive Director of the ASAQS in an e-mail dated 14 July 2010 by Dr Peter Smith, ICEC Secretary-General, based in Australia. (click here to read the e-mail)

Whilst this may sadly be the case, the ASAQS nevertheless also wishes to express its thanks to the University of Free State, as well as the two entrants, for having submitted the papers for consideration. We thank you for your efforts and wish you well.

 ASSOCIATION OF ARBITRATORS ANNUAL CPD EVENT

 "CONSTRUCTION CONUNDRUMS"

The Association of Arbitrators annual event at the Durban Country Club will this year be broadcast live via CCN Webinar. This means that you can now attend this popular event from the comfort of your own computer!

Presenters Alastair Hay (Branch Chairman of the Association and prominent Durban construction attorney) and Mike Cowling (highly respected academic and experienced arbitrator) will cover topics such as:

• How will the Consumer Protection Act affect architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and contractors?
• Whose responsibility is erection design and methodology, the client or contractor?
• Can a supplier exclude liability for defective materials?
• Setting aside tenders – the latest from the Supreme Court of Appeal.
• When does an employer have the right to amend an engineer's payment certificate?
• What water is a lower property obliged to accept from an upper neighbour?
• Is the employer liable for harm caused by defective building work by a contractor?
• Tender adjudication – can obvious errors be corrected in the evaluation?

This event is CPD accredited for SACAP and attendees will be awarded 0.2 (CAT 1) CPD points for their attendance. Furthermore, it is suitable for consideration for SACQSP requirements and SAICE accreditation is usually forthcoming for the event.

* Date: 29th July 2010
* Time: 14h30 - 17h30
* Place: Online
* Fee: R100 (non Association of Arbitrators members) / R60 (Association of Arbitrators members)

If you would like to attend this Webinar live from your own computer (all that is needed is your computer, internet connectivity, and sound), please arrange to make payment to the Association of Arbitrators using the below banking details:

* Bank: Standard Bank
* Account Name: COX YEATS TRUST ACCOUNT
* Branch Code: 04-00-26
* Account No: 050113682

Then send your proof of payment, along with your completed registration form to CCN by fax (031 584 7053) or email to Sianne@ccn.org.za. On receipt of both, they will send you a link to enable you to confirm your registration and log into the Webinar on the 29th July 2010.

 COUNCIL EXAMINATIONS – 16th & 17th SEPTEMBER 2010

Application forms and other supporting information are available on the SACQSP website (www.sacqsp.org.za).

The closing date for receipt of applications for admission to the September 2010 examinations is Friday, 20 August 2010

Examinations will be held on 16 and 17 September 2010

Times and venues of the examinations will be published on the SACQSP website.

 DETAILS OF FIRMS UPDATED

We have recently updated the firms in our Search-facility that can be found at the top of this page or in the search area of the website.

Use the drop-down that follows "Looking for a QS?" to select the correct province and browse to find your firm. Then make sure that the details that appear for your firm on the web are correct. If not, send the correct details to Membership at ASAQS and we will correct your information as soon as possible.

 FORUM OF QS PRACTICES

This serves as the Notice and Reminder of the meeting scheduled as follows:

Date  :    Tuesday 17 August 2010
Time :    15h00 to 18h00
Venue : ASAQS Offices, Suite G6, Building 27, Thornhill Office Park, Bekker Road, Midrand.

In preparation for the meeting, attached please find the following documents for your information and records:

Agenda for Meeting No 12 – to follow
Minutes of Meeting No 10 – 23.02.2010 (as amended and approved)
Minutes of Meeting No 11 – 18.05.2010 (draft for approval)
Appendix "A" – Concerns with NEC suite of contracts

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

 WARNING FROM THE NCAQS

The SACQSP and the ASAQS recently received letters, dated 17 February 2010, from the Namibian Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors which stated the following:

The Namibia Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors has taken note of the fact that some of Namibian Registered Architects and Quantity Surveyors sometimes form associations with foreign non-registered Architects and Quantity Surveyors or lend their names to a project to be completed in Namibia, with some or most of the work being performed by a foreign non-registered Architect or Quantity Surveyor.

The arrangement inevitably results in a sharing of work and fees between the registered and non¬registered professionals.

It must be borne in mind that by mentioning "foreign non-registered Architects and Quantity Surveyors", the reference is made to those who are not registered by the Namibia Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors.

Often the bulk of work is performed outside Namibia by the foreign non-registered professionals, but there are instances where such work would also partially be performed in Namibia. Furthermore because foreign (particularly South African) Architects and Quantity Surveyors are not bound by minimum tariff of fees, the association with such non-registered professionals often has the effect of reducing the prescribed minimum fees that the Registered Architects and Quantity Surveyors in Namibia would be required to charge, resulting in the transgression of the Architects' and Quantity Surveyors' Act, 1979 (Act 13 of 1979); and its rules and regulations on the part of the Registered Professionals in Namibia and a competitive advantage for the cooperation.

The letter than proceeds a little further on as follows:

No Architectural or Quantity Surveying Partnership, Association of Company can be established in Namibia unless:

• All its members(Directors) who wish to practice in Namibia are enrolled with the Namibia Institute of Architects of the Institute of Namibian Quantity Surveyors, as the case may be
• All its members (Directors) are registered with the Namibia Council for Architects and Quantity Surveyors
• Have a registered office in Namibia
• Have a registered Architect or Quantity Surveyor in residence thereof
• Have Professional Indemnity Insurance in Namibia
• Is registered for VAT and Tax as a tax payer in Namibia and have proof of Tax Returns
• Its non-Namibian members are in possession of a valid Work Permit of Work Visa in Namibia.

This word of caution is thus extended to all South African QS practices wishing to extend their operations into Namibia. Clearly there are strict requirements of the Namibian authorities that members need to take cognizance of before venturing off into Namibia !! Makes you feel rather welcome, does it not ??

For a full copy of letter from NCAQS dated 17 February 2010, please click here.

 EXPLANATORY NOTE ON THE JBCC2000 EDITIONS 4.1 (2005) & 5.0 (2007)

This brief note, issued by the Executive Director of the ASAQS to explain the fundamental and material differences between the two editions in order to promote the use of the current edition 5.0 rather than staying in the comfort zone of the past.

Click to download

 URGENT NOTICE : JBCC CONTRACT PRICE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS

Members are urgently advised that it has been established that there is an error in the definitions of the "Base Month (Xo)" and "Valuation Month (Xe)" as incorporated in the "CPAP Indices Application Manual" published by the JBCC during May 2005 (Code 2118). What is contained in this publication is only partially correct and this has no doubt resulted in confusion within the profession in terms of which applicable month index is to be used when calculating the applicable escalations.

Please click here to read on

 ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONFERENCE 2012 WELL UNDER WAY

As has already been widely advertised, the ASAQS was granted the privilege to host the ICEC World Congress 2012 in Durban. The conference will be held at the ICC Durban from around 23 to 26 June 2012 and arrangements are already underway to prepare for this important event on the ASAQS calendar. This congress will be hosted by the ASAQS and assisted by the Africa Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS).

Developments to date include the finalisation of the following:

• A Conference Organising Committee has been formed and will comprise of the following persons :
• Professor Rob Pearl (Convenor)
• Professor Basie Verster
• Mr Len Harris
• Mr Egon Wortmann
• A firm of professional conference organisers, Turners Conferences (from Durban), has been appointed to assist with the arrangements.
• Preparations are underway for the ASAQS to present an effective marketing exercise at the ICEC World Congress 2010 in Singapore from 23 to 27 July 2010 to publicise the congress in South Africa.
• All booking arrangements with the ICC Durban have been confirmed, as well as the official support of the City of Durban.
• A dedicated conference website is in development and may soon be viewed on www.icec2012.org.za
• A dedicated e-mail address has also been finalised for any further queries info@icec2012.org.za

To view the First Announcement, which will form the basis of our marketing exercise during the ICEC World Congress 2010 in Singapore from 23 to 27 July 2010, please click here.

Further announcements will follow in due course as further exciting developments unfold. Watch this space !!

 SURVEY CONDUCTED ON PERCEIVED SHORTCOMINGS...

 OF GRADUATE QUANTITY SURVEYORS

A survey is being undertaken to gauge the perceived shortcomings of graduate Quantity Surveyors. Member practices are invited to make comment and to express their views in this regard and to fill in the attached questionnaires for University, as well as University of Technology, graduates in your office.

Please click here to read on

 ASAQS SALARY SURVEY 2010

An annual survey of salaried staff is conducted amongst firms in order to determine the hourly rate for principals, partners, members of close corporations and directors. As such principals are not necessarily allocated a salary, different categories of salaried personnel are used as a basis, with a factor added in order to arrive at an hourly rate.

Please be assured that only the Executive Director of the Association of SA Quantity Surveyors has access to the individual returns, thus absolute confidentiality is assured.

Please click here to read on

 CALL FOR PAPERS FOR THE SACQSP CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 14 & 15TH 2010, EAST LONDON

"THE P8 SUMMIT"
(Procurement, Process, Problems, People, Property, Position, Professionalism and Price)

The SACQSP invite interested parties to submit papers for the Quantity Surveying Conference to be held in East London on the 14th and 15th October 2010.

Please note that the invitation to this conference is extended beyond the quantity surveying profession and departments of the academic institutions and therefore refers to the Built Environment as a whole.

Please click here to read more and to download the call for papers and registration form.

 RECOMMENDED HOURLY RATES 2010 FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Members are advised that the Fees Committee has completed its analysis of the proposed Hourly Rates 2010 to be charged on a time basis by Quantity Surveyors (for the private sector). Please click here to read more.

 RECOMMENDED STUDENT SALARIES 2010

We are pleased to advise that we have now finally reached consensus on the Recommended Student Salaries for 2010, as recommended by the Gauteng Chapter and approved by the ASAQS.

Please click here to read more.

 INVITATION TO ATTEND THE ICEC & PAQS WORLD CONGRESS 2010

An invitation has been extended by Dr Peter Smith, ICEC Secretary-General, to attend the above Congress. Please click here to read more about this exciting congress.

 FULL RANGE OF PROCSA CLIENT/CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT

.... AVAILABLE FROM ASAQS OFFICES

We are pleased to announce that the update of the latest PROCSA Client/Consultant Services Agreement has been released by the PROCSA committee and these are now readily available from the offices of the ASAQS.

In essence the agreement for each specific profession is made up of two parts:
• Terms and Conditions (generic to all professions)
• Annexures A & B (specific to respective professions)
• Matrix (overview of all professions)

Please click here to read more.

 MISSED THE NEWS?

We have archived all news stories from 2008 and 2009 in the News Section. You can also glance back at more recent news by following the links at the bottom of this page.

 WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR CONTRACT DOCUMENTS ?

Following on numerous enquiries from members as to where they can purchase the various and different forms of contract, we have prepared the following easy-to-read schedule that will assist in this regard.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FROM CONTACT DETAILS JBCC CONTRACTS ASAQS 011 315 4140 PROCSA CLIENT/CONSULTANT AGREEMENTS (entire suite of documents) ASAQS 011 315 4140 NEC (New Engineering Contract) SAICE 011 805 5947/8 FIDIC CESA 011 463 2022 GCC (General Conditions of Contract - Civil) SAICE 011 805 5947/8

This schedule can also be downloaded in PDF-format by clicking here.

 ANNOUNCEMENT OF FORTHCOMING CONGRESSES

In order to assist members to plan their diaries this year in terms of forthcoming congresses and conferences they may wish to attend, attached the preliminary dates of some of these congresses for your attention (more details to follow):

Tender Evaluation Seminars
• 27 May 2010 – Westridge, Durban

ASOCSA Conference 2010
• 18 to 20 July 2010 – Southern Sun Elangeni, Durban

ICEC World Congress 2010
• 23 to 27 July 2010 – Singapore
Please click here to register

Green Building Council Convention & Exhibition 2010
• 20 to 23 September 2010 – CTICC, Cape Town

ASAQS/AAQS Conference 2010
• 28 to 29 October 2010
• Cape Town (further details to be advised)

ICEC World Congress 2012
23 to 26 June 2012 – Durban, South Africa

Members are encouraged to plan ahead and to support these conferences/congresses !!

 JOIN ASAQS

Click here to find out more about becoming a member of ASAQS and gaining entry to our Closed Users Group.
Membership forms, fees, etc.

 CHAPTER CHAIRPERSONS

ASAQS have chapters in all the provinces in South Africa - if you need to contact our chapters download their contact details by clicking here.

  SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION NEWS

Please note the following:

• Your e-mail client should be HTML enabled to read this newsletter.
• Subscription to- and cancellation of the Weekend Property and Construction News is fully automated. You will receive an automated e-mail confirming your selected action. This auto-mailing contains a link which you need to click on whilst connected to the Internet. This tells our server that the e-mail address used belongs to you!
• Please unsubscribe from this newsletter when changing your e-mail address by selecting the "Cancel my subscription" button above. Re-subscribe with your new e-mail address.

 USEFUL TOOLS

Use the ASAQS Buddy to find information quickly

Need to remove the password from a PDF document?
Then visit http://www.guapdf.com

 CONTACT ASAQS

The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors
Postal address:
P.O. Box 3527
Halfway House 1685
Physical address:
Suite G6, Building 27
Thornhill Office Park
Bekker Road,
Vorna Valley Ext 21,
MIDRAND
Contact details:
Telephone : 011-3154140
Fax     : 011-3153785
E-mail    : association@asaqs.co.za
Office hours:
08h00 to 17h00

Click here to view a map to our offices

 WE CURRENTLY HAVE VISITORS FROM:

 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 

 PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS

Software by professionals... for professionals

ASAQS SPONSORSHIP

What you get:

• Banner adverts on the ASAQS website (675,000 hits/month on average!)
• A Mini-ad on the ASAQS website and on the Weekend Property and Construction News (4,750 subscribers)
• Preferential exposure of your products and services
• Targeted marketing at only R484.50 (inclusive) per month

Don't wait, we only have a limited number of slots left. Click here to download the sponsorship form or contact Bert van den Heever the ASAQS Webmaster

THE ASAQS WEB SHOP

The ASAQS Webshop is available again for all your documentation needs.

FIND A QS NEAR YOU

Click on the image above to download the 2010 Year Planner.

Install Acrobat Reader so that you can download documents from our site..

Did you miss an article or wish to refresh your memory?

Here are the stories that made the news on the ASAQS website this year.

January
February
March
April
May

For archived stories from previous years please visit our News section.