Walter Sisulu Local Municipality Partners with NHBRC to Empower Local Contractors

Story: Sinazo Bonongo | Photo: Sinazo Bonongo

In efforts to empower local contractors and prepare them for future housing projects, the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality recently collaborated with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) to host a Registration and Renewal Drive in Maletswai and James Calata. The initiative aimed to train and equip local contractors with the necessary skills and certification required to participate in housing developments that will be spearheaded by the Department of Human Settlements in the area. NHBRC registration is a critical requirement for service providers wishing to engage in these government-funded housing projects, ensuring compliance with building standards and the protection of housing consumers. The NHBRC team lead by Abongile Ntloko conducted extensive training sessions in both Maletswai and James Calata, engaging a total of 38 contractors—23 from James Calata and 15 from Maletswai. The sessions were well received, with enthusiastic participation from attendees who recognized the value of becoming NHBRC-certified.

Significantly, the assessments were conducted using the new NHBRC registration system, with Walter Sisulu Local Municipality becoming the first municipality in the country to utilize this upgraded platform. The new system promises improved efficiency and transparency in the registration process. The training concluded with encouraging results, as the majority of the participants successfully passed the assessments, positioning them to take part in the upcoming housing initiatives. This effort not only enhances local capacity but also contributes to job creation and sustainable economic development in the area.

Walter Sisulu Local Municipality applauds the efforts of the NHBRC and all the participants, and remains committed to supporting local contractors through skills development and access to opportunities.