Page 39 - NHBRC Flipbook

CITY PRESS, 25 MAY, 2014

index

STANDING TALL Lerato Seepe keeps an eye on work at a construction site in Midrand PHOTO: ELIZABETH SEJAKE

Building on Q

opportunity
a big future A

Monde Sontashe from
East London poses
a few questions:

Lerato Seepe started her working life as a teacher in Who is funding the council

besides the government?
Mahikeng. She used her skills to train construction workers Registration Council is a self-funding
The National Home Builders’
and today is the owner of construction company Phehla organisation. Operational funding is
largely drawn from the builder
registration fee and the inspection
Umsebenzi Trading 133, writesSue Grant-Marshall fee. The enrolment fees go towards
the council’s warranty fund, which
provides consumers with cover
against major structural defects for
In the beginning a period of up to five years from
Lerato Seepe’s earliest memories are of the tuck shop her A project in partnership with the date of occupation.
teacher mother ran behind their North West home in Lich-
tenburg. “She always wanted us to be independent. When NHBRC Is there any other income/
I matriculated, I followed in her footsteps,” says Seepe. contribution that the council gets
She attended the Lehurutshe Teachers’ Training to run its activities?
College before obtaining her higher diploma at the Yes, we are working with various
University of Pretoria. building grades. Until recently, mine was low, yet the provincial departments of human
When Seepe turned out to be a terrific fundraiser TIP average construction company won’t enter into a settlements to assist with project
fortheMahikengschoolatwhichshewasteaching, The future is joint venture because they see me as competition.” management of their subsidy project
she realised she had to follow her passion to own for those who learn This is where Tladi came to Seepe’s rescue. “I also developments for which we do
and run a business. She resigned in 2006. needed money because construction is a charge a small project management
“But I started by opening a catering business. today. Patience, capital-intensive business. I had to buy building ma- fee. Also, the council established the
I wasn’t sure what to do. I was all over the place.” perseverance and terials, hire big machinery and pay wages on time.” Eric Molobi Housing Innovation Hub
Part of her learning curve was being accredited endurance are in Soshanguve, which provides
to train construction workers in bricklaying, the keys to materials testing to the market for
carpentry and painting. “I hired qualified builders success Overcoming obstacles a fee.
to do the work while I oversaw the on-the-job training Seepe bravely cashed in her insurance scheme, her sav-
and learnt at the same time.” ings and sold her car. She regards it as fortunate that she’s What is the relationship between
not lost any of her original employees from Mahikeng. the council, consumers and
“You need loyal staff who understand how you work. municipalities, or legislation/
Getting started TALK TO US: I have 20 permanent staff and about 16 temps, depending regulation that governs the same?
As Seepe’s interest grew in construction, she began to projects@ on the work I have. I also have an excellent book-keeper.” The council was established by
subcontract to big companies, doing small jobs even though the Housing Consumers Protection
she initially found the going tough in an all-male industry. citypess.co.za Measures Act. What we do is
“But there were enough men who were eager to assist or tweet Next step governed by this act and its
me as they realised it was a two-way thing. I got the job, Seepe wants to interact more with construction companies regulations. We have a direct
they helped me to get the materials and they taught me.” @City_Press to build up contacts to help grow her business. relationship with consumers in that
Seepe’s break came when she met Rachel Tladi, owner we have a responsibility to protect
of a Krugersdorp construction company, Uvuko Civils. #OppIndex them from poor building practices
“We got to know each other at a workshop for women Dreams and goals and shoddy workmanship.
in construction. She started helping me with joint ventures Seepe wants to develop into an established entity so she Municipalities, and the national and
and I moved to Joburg in 2010, although Mahikeng is still can participate in building offices and shopping malls. provincial departments of human
a strong base for me.” “I also want to empower emerging women contractors. settlements are key stakeholders of
Tladi became Seepe’s mentor and helped her become Look at how I have been helped by Rachel Tladi.” the National Home Builders’
involved in projects that Uvuko was working on. Registration Council. The council
provides quality home inspections to
NHBRC is important… the homes built by the government.
Hurdles “It’s a sector that will help shape the excellence of my . For more details, visit our
“Getting government contracts because they look at your workmanship and will hopefully lead to bigger contracts.” website at www.nhbrc.org.za

There’s an NHBRC office

closer than you think

Accessibility is an important operational point for the NHBRC. Our footprint in all 9 South African
provinces allows us to carry out our core function as the Regulator of the home building environment.
From builder registrations and home inspections to any other matter related to the quality build of new
homes. So whether you are in Mthatha or Musina, our services are closer than you think.

To find your nearest NHBRC office visit www.nhbrc.org.za

Assuring Quality Homes
Toll Free Number: 0800 200 824 / Fraud Hotline: 0800 203 698 / Tel: +27 11 317 0000

@NHBRC NHBRCSA