EDITOR’S COLUMN
Let’s build and grow together
W
ith relatively less than a year’s
entry into the industry, I find
myself learning new things
everywhere I turn. While putting this issue
together, I’ve learnt that much of the industry
is guided by the country’s GDP. If the
economy doesn’t grow, the industry won’t
either. Justin Jackson from Safintra,
enlightened me to this reality as we sat down
to discuss what to expect for 2018 (page 26).
As we move forward ‘cautiously
optimistic’ seems to crop up again and again
– the industry really excites me, and I feel
there’s so much more to achieve. The pool of
work (and contractors) available may be
getting smaller but it in no way signifies an
industry collapse. What goes up, must come
down and there’s only one way to go when
you’re down. Jaco du Plooy, also from
Safintra, says that tough times force us to
relook at the way we’re working. Tough
encounters take us out of our comfort zone
and the current water shortages experienced
in various parts of the country challenge our
way of thinking and dealing with situations.
Read more about what Du Plooy, and others,
have to say about how water restrictions
affect business on page 22.
On the brighter side, magnificent projects
are still the order of the day! Architects of
Justice (AOJ) did an incredible overhanging
roof at a private game reserve (page 9), that
made my jaw drop. It’s amazing how no
matter the challenges faced on site, great
things can still happen. From visualising the
end product, its clear why many of you are
thrilled by overcoming the daily challenges.
Looking from the outside in, the industry
is nothing short of inspiring. The work you do
is commendable. Don’t be shy to share what
you’re getting up to as I would love to know!
Drop me an email and I will be ready, with my
notebook and recorder, to capture it all.
Keep up the good work.
Ntsako Khosa
Staff writer
[email protected]