International perceptions about Johannesburg change, making it easier to bid to host international events in the city , says executive director of the Sandton Convention Centre, Matifadza Nyazema.

Sandton Convention Centre has proudly notched up two more coveted industry awards in the enviable collection it has gained since it opened its doors. 

“The upsurge in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and the current “building boom” rippling through our country is providing huge opportunities for the Facilities Management (FM) industry and companies need to capitalise on the expert services of this 11 years young industry”

So says Bonang Mohale, CEO of Drake & Scull Facilities Management (DSFM) and key participant in this year’s SAFMA Facilities Management Expo. The FM industry’s services and products will be showcased at the SAFMA Facilities Management Expo, taking place on 22 and 23 August 2007 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

“Outsourcing in general and Facilities Management in particular is recognised as the emerging area for high business impact and increasing shareholder value; commands increasingly high levels of interest at all organizational levels in all industries and in all market segments; senior management is becoming more involved in the Facilities Management outsourcing decisions; etc. Success in the leading FM companies  of today has been achieved through delivering on Customer fundamentals such as predictable and falling unit costs; added value without additional costs; zero risks or surprises; guaranteed results; minimum fixed and maximum variable costs; etc. and the good FM companies have responded by demonstrating through deeds not just an intellectual understanding of issues, among others, that quality and cost reduction are fundamental; asset and risk transfer have a price that must be understood; innovation is a prerequisite; seamless ‘one team’ integration is required; best in class customer service is a must; no performance, no pay, no future; etc.” adds Mohale.
 
The local construction industry is expected to grow at an average rate of 6.41% between 2007 and 2010. According to Statistics SA, the Gauteng province (including Johannesburg and Pretoria) accounts for 38.8% of the value of recorded building plans, with the Western Cape following close behind with 29.8%.

“The demand for facilities management is increasing as the FIFA 2010 World Cup draws nearer, during and long after”, says Mohale. “With new stadiums being built and existing ones being upgraded there are great opportunities for South African companies and especially FM professionals as these “construction marvels” will need to be appropriately designed, professionally project managed and efficiently maintained in a sustainable manner in the way of mechanical engineering equipment, security, cleaning and other services to ensure they robustly stand long after the Soccer World Cup. “

The Government has set aside an estimated R846 billion for infrastructure developments over the period 2006/07 to 2011/12 and the value of the construction industry is forecast to reach R633 billion in 2010 contributing 2.74% to the gross domestic product (GDP). “With the understanding we have gained, we can identify a significant role for facilities management in developing best in class infrastructure”, concludes Mohale.

SAFMA Facilities Management is an exhibition for suppliers and service providers offering assistance in the effective planning, integration and operation of the many different elements which make up the work environment. Now in its second year, the event aims to be the definitive meeting place for all those involved in facilities management, workplace management, occupational health and safety, energy management, security, etc. 

SAFMA Conference
As part of the SAFMA Facilities Management Expo, the SA Facilities Management Association (SAFMA) will host a two-day Conference on “Facilities Management – a strategic enabler”. The Conference will consider issues such as the impact of:
• Accommodation policy and practices on your bottom line
• Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) scheduling on your asset value and productivity
• The workplace and environment on staff and equipment productivity
• Energy and utilities management on your profitability
• Property and facilities management decisions on your balance sheet
• Facilities Management on your image and branding
• Statutory compliance and associated risks on your business

For more information on the conference contact Heidi Gouws at SAFMA on 086 516 3821 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.safma.org.za.

For more information on the SAFMA Facilities Management Expo 2007, please contact Bette McNaughton of Fair Consultants SA on (021) 713 3360 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact Catherine Larkin for any media queries on (011) 789-7327 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In keeping with the worldwide trend for larger conference facilities, the multimillion-rand plans for doubling the International Convention Centre Durban are well under way

Newtown's success is in the hands of the large financial institutions, which need to come to the party to encourage a significant amount of private sector investment in the area.

Gauteng government plans to establish a government precinct in the central business district of Johannesburg, details of which are expected to be released next month.

The second Improvement District in Sandton became operational in mid-November last year. The ‘Sandton Business Improvement District’ (SBID) covers the commercial area of Sandton bounded by Rivonia Road, Sandton and Grayston Drives. Anyone passing through the area can’t help but notice the smartly uniformed and highly visible safety and security officers and cleaning and maintenance personnel as well as a noticeably cleaner environment than previously. The older Sandton Improvement District, the ‘Sandton City Management District’ operates around the predominantly retail area in which Sandton City, Sandton Square, the Sandton Convention Centre and a number of hotels and office buildings are located. Between the two Improvement Districts some 38 safety and security officers (16 on mountain bikes), four rapid response vehicles with six armed officers and 24 cleaning and maintenance workers operate daily. In addition 16 “Ambassadors” attached to the hotels, convention centre and certain buildings dressed in complementary uniforms “bulk up” visible physical presence A smaller crew operate at night.