Timber iQ February - March 2018 // Issue: 36 | Page 62

CONTRIBUTORS - TALKING TIMBER
Continued from page 58
Never has there been a more urgent
time to push the good message of
timber construction.
Doing so will translate to lower quality end products which
will collectively do harm to the reputation of the timber
construction industry.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
While timber builders invest in high quality building materials for
their construction projects despite a tough economy, it makes
sense to execute their projects with the same high-quality
craftsmanship as before. Be sure to maintain the quality of labour
and workmanship in line with your company values so you can
continue to deliver high quality projects and help to uphold not
only your reputation, but that of the sector.
GET RECOGNISED
60 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018 //
The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) is South
Africa’s professional body for the engineered timber construction
industry, covering roofing, decking and timber frame building. The
institute plays a pivotal role in driving marketing and education
for timber construction and works tirelessly to ensure standards in
the industry are upheld and constantly improved.
As a result, this benefits the industry and assists consumers
in making the best and most informed decisions when it comes
to having their timber structure manufactured, erected
and inspected.
It makes sense, then, that any timber frame builder looking to
build a reputable and sustainable timber construction business
that is externally accredited, apply for – and maintain –
membership with the ITC-SA. The membership category of ‘Timber
Frame Builder’ at the ITC-SA is a South African Qualifications
Authority (SAQA) approved designation and, as such, a timber
frame builder whose membership application to the institute has
been approved can enjoy professional recognition in their trade.
A certified timber frame builder’s competence is assessed in
terms of an academic component, practical or workplace
experience as well as a board exam or similar assessment of
competence before membership is awarded. The timber frame
builder must attain sufficient Continuous Professional
Development (CPD) points each year, be in good standing with the
institute and abide by its code of conduct.
This not only places the builder in another league of quality
construction but affiliates the business with a SAQA-accredited
professional body that has the industry’s best interests at heart –
on a continual basis. With the bottom line in mind and with
assurance for the consumer, membership also makes excellent
business sense.
South Africans have a special penchant for finding humour in
difficulty, toughing out the hard times and thriving once more.
While we don’t know exactly what 2018 will hold for us, we do
have control over how we tackle the year’s challenges and savour
the victories. Here’s to a prosperous year – let us make it so.
Werner Slabbert Jnr from Eco Log Homes.
ABOUT WERNER SLABBERT
Slabbert began his career in the technical
field of Information Technology through
which he discovered a passion for sales and
business development. He has spent the past
six years growing the market share of Eco Log
Homes, which is an award-winning
international, NHBRC and ITC-SA registered
construction company, of which he is now the
managing director.
Slabbert is passionate about quality timber
construction and contributing towards
upholding high standards in the industry. He
believes that quality timber construction has
a pivotal role to play in the future of
construction in South Africa and would like to
see South Africans join the growing
international trend towards a sustainable,
greener future in housing.