Nafbi secretary-general Aubrey Tshalata said at a meeting in Johannesburg yesterday that the call for the construction charter was in line with developments in other sectors of the economy. For example, the energy and mining sectors had initiated empowerment charters.

'Our goal is to participate in the transformation of the industry, which is seen to be relegating small black contractors to the periphery of the industry and (they are) being taken advantage of by the bigger construction companies,' he said.

Nafbi is an affiliate of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce with nearly 4500 members in the building and construction industry nationwide.

Tshalata said there were rising levels of exploitation of small contractors by big construction firms. 'We will do whatever we can to assist the small players in the industry.' He said there was a need to have a code of conduct within the industry, which should be adhered to by all interested parties.

'This will protect the smaller players from unscrupulous companies that would want to take advantage through uncompetitive pricing, subcontracting and procedures (relating to) the bidding process.'

Tshalata said the organisation would also look at skills development in the industry. The intention was to partner the sector education and training authority and other agencies keen in assisting the development of skills among black contractors.

'This will help small black contractors to understand issues that include the running of a construction business, pricing policies in the industry and cash flow management,' he said.

Nafbi also planned to co-operate with the labour department on an educational campaign to do with the health and safety regulations in the industry. All black builders and construction associations and organisations should merge

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