Architects talk spatial planning - Book Launches - Art Exhibits

SA architects echoes the call on bureaucracy jam in property development

The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) has decided to add emphasis to last week’s call by the South African Property Owners Association’s (SAPOA) for the Minister of Rural Development and Land Affairs, Gugile Nkwinti, to invoke his discretionary powers to expedite spatial planning.

While matters relating to the property development have remained topical in South Africa a lot of work still needs to be undertaken in the housing development sector. “SAIA supports SAPOA’s appeal and any other initiatives which would help unblock barriers to development which, in turn, would lead to faster, more efficient processing of development applications”, said Sindile Ngonyama, the SAIA President.

The massive infrastructure development target which is set by the government could only be achieved in the event that unnecessary bureaucracy is particularly avoided where it relates to property development. “We urge the honourable Minister to take heed of the call in order to facilitate the approval process for applications and indeed appeals in the property development arena”, said Obert Chakarisa, the SAIA Chief Executive Officer.

SAIA is a national body of professional architects as well as corporate architectural firms. In addition, with a total of 11 regional affiliates, The Institute is also the voice of architects in the SADC region.

Article by +Lauren Immelman 

Book Launch 

Thursday 11 September , 5.30 for 6.00 pm

Ex-Durban novelist , Marguerite Poland , will launch her latest novel , The Keeper , at Adams Books Musgrave Centre . Written in the exquisite , haunting prose for which Marguerite Poland is renowned , The Keeper published by Penguin Books (R235.00) , is the story of two generations of lighthouse keepers – men obsessed by their duty to the light – and the wives who accompany them into a life of frightening isolation . The only other community on the desolate island are the guano workers , confined with the lighthouse keepers , yet rigidly separated .

The shimmering tensions and injustices endured for so long by the guano workers erupt into a single act of violence , at the same time as lighthouse keeper Hannes Harker’s wife Aletta’s past secrets erupt into the present . Marguerite Poland was a featured author at the recent KZN Midlands Literary Festival . We hope you can join us Thurs 11 Sept 6.00 pm for a rare public appearance by one of South Africa’s most treasured writers . Please rsvp to this e-mail or sms Cedric 082 873 2702 

Exhibitions At artSPACE durban 

(A Bernice Stott Sculpture - Just one of the artworks on display.) 

For details of the exhibit visit: http://artspacedurban.blogspot.com/