The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will play a central role at the 13th Annual National Building Control Officers (BCO) Convention, that will take place in Hermanus , Hosted in collaboration between the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) and the Overstrand Municipality, the convention is themed “Health, Safety and Sustainability in Building Control.
As a custodian of South Africa’s regulatory framework for building standards, the dtic oversees the administration of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act.
Some functions, such as the provision of technical advice, are delegated to the NRCS, with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) responsible for the development of national standards in support of building regulations, while the implementation of the Act is the responsibility of municipalities.
The Director of Technical Infrastructure at the dtic, Ms Anna-Marie Lotter emphasises the dtic’s role in supporting Building Control Officers (BCOs) and advancing their work across municipalities.
“the dtic is committed to providing BCOs with the necessary framework to effectively implement the National Building Regulations.
This convention is a strategic platform to align municipal efforts and ensure consistent application of building regulations. the dtic’s Forestry Based Industries Sector will champion wood as a valuable and reliable building material, emphasising its environmental benefits as the most environmentally friendly construction material, reducing energy consumption and storing carbon, while also developing the engineered timber industry through the Commercial Forestry Master Plan in collaboration with the sector, she says.
The convention rotates annually among municipalities and provides a platform for BCOs to share knowledge, engage with industry experts, and strengthen the application of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act.
The Act promotes uniformity in building laws, prescribes building standards, and ensures public health and safety in the built environment. As the regulator of the Act, the NRCS works closely with the dtic to monitor, review, and enhance its implementation.
Lotter adds that the dtic recognises the critical role of building control in fostering sustainable development.
“Through initiatives like this convention, we aim to strengthen the professional standing of BCOs, improve regulatory frameworks, and drive innovation that supports a safe, healthy, and sustainable built environment,” she says.
