Mbatha Walters & Simpson construction cost management

In the 70s and 80s the management of people within an organisation was dealt with by the “Personnel Department”, whose role was largely limited to recruitment, payroll and benefits.


In the 80s and 90s there was a growing realisation that people management had a more significant role to play and the concept of “Strategic Human Resources” emerged. The Personnel Department became known as the “Human Resources (HR) Department, and its role was expanded to include learning and development, organisational design and the development of “total remuneration” packages which included benefits, share options and bonuses, serving as a central point of communication for employee health and engagement. Heads of HR were recognised as critical contributors to business strategy and execution, and HR became seen as more than a business function.

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While strategic HR remains a focus today, the concept of talent management has evolved as a means to tackle a new set of strategic issues, some of which include:
  • Developing managers and leaders better to reinforce culture, instil values and create a sustainable “leadership pipeline”;
  • Identifying competency gaps quickly to enable the delivery of training, e-learning, or development programmes to fill these gaps;
  • Managing people in a consistent and measurable way so that everyone is aligned, held accountable and paid fairly;
  • Identifying successors to key positions throughout the organisation to ensure that the organisation is highly flexible and responsive; and
  • Providing learning that is relevant, flexible, convenient and timely.

Today talent management provides a more integrated and direct approach to the collaboration between HR, performance enhancement and business management in real-time.


Within our own organisation, it is with delight that I introduce to you and welcome the following three newcomers:

Mr Roland Böhmer, who recently joined the company in the capacity of QS Consultant in the Durban office, will extend his role as acting Office Manager in Pietermaritzburg from 1 May 2017.

Roland brings with him an impressive and well-rounded record in the quantity surveying profession which spans over 37 years in all sectors of the built environment.

Roland looks forward to getting to know all of you, both old and new, and I’m sure given the opportunity you will also like to know more about him.

Thabo Litlhakanyane is a new Junior Quantity Surveyor starting out at MW&S. He brings with him a passion for construction and finance, an eagerness and willingness to learn, grow and mature into the construction cost management profession.

Dianne Radloff is the new Executive PA in my office.

PMR.Africa Diamond Arrow Award

PMR.Africa

have once again conducted an annual survey on quantity surveying practices in South Africa.

Respondents for the survey which included Architects, Consulting Engineers, Construction Companies and Property Developers, were requested to rate quantity surveying practices on a list of attributes which included budget/cost control, commitment, co-operation, responsiveness and timeous completion.

After receiving numerous awards over the years, including Diamond, Gold and Bronze Arrow, at the breakfast hosted on the 8th May, MWS achieved first place in the category of medium-sized quantity surveying firms, and were awarded the prestigious Diamond Arrow Award. The Diamond Arrow Award was first awarded to MWS in 2002, then again in 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2011.

The management of MWS acknowledge that this and previous awards are only possible through the continued efforts and contribution of each employee who form the members of team MWS, and this achievement is in recognition of your efforts and support.

Well done to each of you and thank you for making this possible.