CE Discussion Forum
 Shares by Justin Chetty (2010-7-23) QUESTION:
when is it possible to sell our Murray and Roberts shares? | ANSWER:
Dear Justin,
After 18 December 2010, the beneficiaries of the Letsema Bokamoso General Staff Trust will be able to either sell their shares or transfer them into their own brokerage account. We will be communicating to all beneficiaries on this during the last quarter of 2010, so please ensure that you update your contact details with Molebedi, the trust administrators at +27 (0) 86 143 6233 or Molebedi-M&R@boe.co.za
Kind Regards,
Andrew Skudder
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Effects of recession on M&R by Joe J (2010-7-7) QUESTION:
Good day
I am currently working for m&r and based in one of the companies construction sites.
I like staying informed. The media has been reporting about recession and effects of recession.
I would like to know how has the recession affected construction companies.
Do you think recession has been given enough attention or is there exageration by the media?
What are the possibly effects of recession for employees?
Does the company have a strategy on how to deal with effects of recession?
When do you, personally, except to see improvement on the current situation?
Is the end of recession near or the worst is yet to come?
Regards
| ANSWER:
I would not say we are in recession. Rather a short-term cyclical down as we readjust following the global financial crisis and 2010 SWC. It is tough in RSA construction at present but consensus is that we will see market improvement from mid-2011.
We constantly adjust to different market conditions but we cannot create work nor can we tneder work at prices that offer no return at high risk. |
Enterprise Development by Charles Maisel (2010-6-30) QUESTION:
You have done very well on you enterprise development scorecard. However many contractors still struggle to run and manage a business, as business minded people.
See the CAP program a great new initiative ( Contractor apprenticeship program). They have joined with insurers to get guaranteed work for smme's and at the same time mentored. It would be great if M&R could be part of this program too. | ANSWER:
True organisational empowerment does occur through enterprise development. We employ many smme subcontractors. We are manily involved in large projects where our clients do write ASGiSA requirements into our contracts, but give little leeway for meaningful development to take place.
Brian Bruce |
Skills by Nevil Carrington (2010-5-31) QUESTION:
I run a charity where we rehabilitate street kids and we send some of them to a basic skills programme - bricklaying, plastering, plumbing, carpentry etc and I was wondering whether there was some way that M & R would partner with us in offering these kids a learnership opportunity once they have finished their basic skills programme.
Regards
Nevil | ANSWER:
Dear Nevil
Thank you for your inquiry. Im sure your charity makes a meaningful difference and impact in the lives of these children, We commend you for this.
Murray & Roberts CSI funds are allocated to support projects that promote mathematics, science and technology education within secondary schools and as such, we do not offer learnerships through our CSI programme.
Murray & Roberts does however have several subsidiary companies, some of whom may be interested to learn more about your project and the learnership requirements.
I would encourage you to submit detailed information about your charity to csi@murrob.com and we can assess where the information and request should be directed.
I trust that this information will assist you.
Donique de Figueiredo
Group CSI Manager |
Careers by Louwrens Viljoen (2010-5-24) QUESTION:
Mr. Bruce,
1. In your opinion does the type of undergraduate qualification i.e B.Tech vs B.Eng have weight in the decision to promote two persons with the same amount of experience in the Contracting market. It clearly does in the Consulting industry?
2. What is your opinion on consultant tenders? | ANSWER:
Dear Louwrens.
1. The qualification process and structure for BTech vs BEng or BSc(Eng) is very different. The former is geared towards the practical understanding and application of technology, while the latter is founded in the theories of science, technology, mathematics and other elective studies. This difference does present itself in career development, but not as an exclusive rule. The characteristics of the individual are important, including those that caused the choice between the the two options. But earned experience and performance are key differentiators.
2. I have never personally supported consultant tenders. Knowledge through R&D is an elusive goal that is often sacrificed at the altar of lowest cost as a differentiator.
Hope this helps.
Brian Bruce |
Civil engineering by Nicholas Mashifane (2010-5-13) QUESTION:
I would like to know if the company offers the in-service training? I am still at college and left with three subject, registered for exam only. | ANSWER:
Thank you for your interest in Murray & Roberts.
As per our policy, preference for in-service training is given to our current bursary holders.
However you are welcome to contact any of our operating companies directly to see if they are able to accommodate you. The Murray & Roberts company directory can be found online on www.murrob.com at the top right hand corner of the home page.
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Sub-contracting by Lester Domingo (2010-5-11) QUESTION:
Dear Sir
I have submitted a request last year, to try and meet with somebody who can help me become a sub-contractor for M&R. I understand that you could have been winding down and had nothing new. I would wish to respectfully request that I try again. Please point me in the correct direction.
Kind Regards
Lester Domingo | ANSWER:
Hi Lester
Murray & Roberts comprises of more than twenty-five operating companies, each with separate expertise and business requirements.
We recommend that you visit the Murray & Roberts Group Website on www.murrob.com, research which companies would gain from interaction with your company and contact these entities. The Group Company directory can be found on the top right hand corner of the home page.
Thank you
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development by hilda masango (2010-5-11) QUESTION:
Does your company develop women in any projects? If i want to start projects under your company, what are the requirements? | ANSWER:
Dear Hilda
All of our public sector and many of our private sector projects have BEE performance criteria. Each project establishes a bespoke strategy and program to meet its obligations.
I am not certain from your question whether you are looking for employed training or subcontract work. In both instances you need to match your experience and capability with our companies listed through the murrob.com home page.
Regards
Brian Bruce |
bursaries for medical students by sakhile ndlazi (2010-4-29) QUESTION:
I would like to ask if it were possible to be granted a bursary if I am a medical student
| ANSWER:
Hi Sakhile
We do not offer bursaries for medical studies. We offer bursaries in the disciplines of Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Mining Engineering, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.
All applications are done online on our website www.careers.murrob.com. The application process is open from 1 May – 15 August 2010 for 2011 bursaries.
Thank you |
Succession plan by Nate Weisshaar (2010-4-23) QUESTION:
As you approach the “normal” retirement age for executives (63), and looking good I might add, I was wondering if Murray & Roberts has some sort of succession plan in place.
You have done an excellent job in turning the company around since taking the helm, so your stepping down will be very meaningful. Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated. | ANSWER:
We do have a comprehensive succession plan in place. Clearly, this deals with all levels of succession across the Gropup on a regular basis and for the CEO, hopefully not too often.
Thank you for you kind words. I can assure you that both I and my chairman take the matter of succession and sustainability very seriously. And nothing is normal in construction & engineering!
Regards
Brian Bruce |
JV Partnership for India by KRISHNA SRIVASTAVA, M.S.,M.P.A. International Consultant, California, USA (2010-4-19) QUESTION:
Would you be interested in partnering with one of the large infrastruction companies of India with turnover over
$ 3 Billion for a BOT highway project in India? | ANSWER:
Murray & Roberts does not wish to pursue this. |
project in oman by guru k iyer (2010-4-18) QUESTION:
we re located in Sutanate of Oman, we in the feild in various field, now we got huge project in Sultanate of Oman.
we wuld like to tieup with u with this project. if you interested , please call me or mail me.
my no.0096892059919 my name is Guru Iyer. we can arrange sponsership .
thanks
| ANSWER:
good day to you Mr Guru, many thanks for your interest in our group and the possibilty of participating in projects in Oman. However, we already have representaion in the country and JV with the Bahwan group. kind rgds |
part time job by katlego innocent senne (2010-4-16) QUESTION:
i am a student at the university of johannesburg seeking part time employment please help me | ANSWER:
Hi Katlego
Thank you for your enquiry. Murray & Roberts will launch its new recruitment system on 21 April 2010. We urge you to register your CV on this new system for future reference. Our policy however, is to recruit and develop from within the organisation first, prior to opening up vacancies to the external market.
You can also view the Murray & Roberts company directory (www.murrob.com/topnav_com_directory.asp) and make contact with any of our operating entities directly to see what opportunities they have available that would suit your area of interest.
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Road closure along Anderson St. by Michael Mattera (2010-4-13) QUESTION:
Does Murry and Roberts have permission to permanently close two lanes of Anderson Street between Troye and Von Weilligh streets (next to the new ABSA buildings) and on a number of occasions (during rush hour in the mornings) close the entire section of Anderson Street as happened this morning (13/04/2010)? | ANSWER:
Hi Michael
Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
We do have the necessary permits and way leaves required to make construction possible in very challenging circumstances.
Our employees made us aware of the unauthorised closure of Anderson Street yesterday morning, (13 April 2010), by a “direct subcontractor” and we addressed this with the subcontractor and the project managers shortly after the event was brought to our attention.
We apologise for the inconvenience suffered as a result of this non-conformance, but note that the particular contractor involved does not report to Murray & Roberts / Enza Joint Venture and is not within the scope of our control. We noted our concerns with the relevant parties involved and we were assured that this will not be repeated.
We understand that road closures are very frustrating, but these are unavoidable when public safety is at risk. These closures are however not scheduled during peak traffic times and we will ensure that this is being managed.
Thank you again for raising this issue with us.
Ed Jardim
Group Communications Executive
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Request for sponsorship by Kgobane Frans Maloma (2010-4-11) QUESTION:
Hi
I am running a small ice making/manufacturing cc from home. Manufacturing/making ice cubes of about 3kg a bag. Delivering to taverns,garages, ceremonies and other events around the township.I am looking for a sponsorship. I need a bigger ice cubes making/manufacturing machine, ice block making/manufacturing machine, cold storage and a delivery truck.
Joining ventures with me by expanding your business and creating a division of ice making/manufacturing within your group/company would be another option of helping me out as your BEE company.
Yes, i agree, it will be out of your business plan,but what is it that you can do to help me out?
Hoping to hear from you soon, or pass the request through to the decision makers.
Best regards
Frans Maloma
0827950135
malomakg@yahoo.com | ANSWER:
Good morning Frans
Thank you for your e-mail.
Unfortunately we will be unable to assist you. Our key sponsorship focus areas are mathematics, science & technology education, literacy and numeracy education in early childhood development and environmental education. Our sponsorships are focussed on projects that focus on these core areas.
Best of luck with your company.
Thank you
Ed Jardim
Group Commincations
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Applying for a job/in service training by Nkholo Vincent Monyi (2010-3-23) QUESTION:
Dear sir
I have done civil engineering and building construction at the college and completed Nqf level 4 and i also completed my matric with an exemption and now im going to graduate for NQF4 and i have ambitions future.please can you atleast offer me a job in the prescribed facultyplease. | ANSWER:
Hi Nkholo
All vacancies within the Group are advertised at www.careers.murrob.com. Murray & Roberts is about to launch a new eRecruitment system on 21 April 2010. We urge you to register your CV on this new system for future reference.
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Training by Sinethemba Dywili (2010-3-23) QUESTION:
Dear Sir
I am a 20 year old civil engineering student studying towards a National Diploma in the discipline. I woulk like to know if you offer vacancies of some sort to students from colleges who aren't studying towards Bsc or B Tech degrees.
Sincerely
Sinethtemba Dywili | ANSWER:
Dear Sinethemba
All vacancies within the Group are advertised at www.careers.murrob.com. Murray & Roberts is about to launch a new eRecruitment system on 21 April 2010. We urge you to register your CV on this new system for future reference.
Alternatively, you can contact the relevant operating entity company directly. You will find a full list at http://www.murrob.com/contacts_directory.asp
Thank you
Ed Jardim
Group Communications Executive
Murray & Roberts
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PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE REQUEST by MR. FRANCIS EBELEBE (2010-3-17) QUESTION:
Good day
Please I want ask if you may help and direct me on how to contact crane training school in Johannesburg thanks very urgent.
| ANSWER:
Hi Francis
We do carry out tower crane operator training.
The theoretical training is done in-house with assistance from one of our service providers e.g. Indaba Training.
If a candidate is successful in passing his/her theoretical training they then start their practical training by shadowing one of the qualified operators in the plant department on one of the yard tower cranes. The candidate’s progress is monitored and once he/she shows potential and are confident enough, they are then transferred to site where again they will shadow a qualified operator.
When the candidate is deployed to site he/she is also trained to carry out the duties of a banks man. It takes approximately nine months for a candidate to reach a level of competency for which a certificate would be issued by an accredited service provider.
This certificate is valid for two years after which the operator must be re-certified which includes undergoing a medical examination. We however do not carry out mobile crane operator training.
Ed Jardim
Group Communications
Murray & Roberts
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Shut the *** up by Ura Moreons (2010-2-20) QUESTION:
Every time you idiots issue a sens release, the share price tanks by 10%. So do us a favour, either word your sens better instead of putting such a negative spin every time, or rather just shut the *** up! | ANSWER:
Thank you for using our public forum to express your feelings. How would it be if we could conduct our business without disclosure?
The share price is not my primary concern. We are bound by regulations and our own governance principles to full transparency. We stated the facts as they are and will publish our results next week. We put neither negative nor positive spin on anything. We state the facts as we see them. Share prices are not one day events.
Brian Bruce. |
Re: Thanks by Laki Doussis (2010-2-20) QUESTION:
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your response below and for taking the time out to conduct this forum especially in what must be exceptionally trying times for you and management. Hopefully satisfactory and speedy resolution will be achieved in the disputes referred to in your sens.
Regards.
| ANSWER:
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Request for mentorship and development by Musa Buthulezi (2010-2-09) QUESTION:
Mr Bruce I am running a small construction company and have a request to you.In fact I would like Murray & Roberts to adopt my company as one of the companies that you develop to grow and become one of the giants in the fields of construction and Building. | ANSWER:
I have passed this message on to the appropriate people for further action in due course.
Brian Bruce |
Share price by Nevil Carrington (2010-2-08) QUESTION:
Dear Mr Bruce
I have always invested in companies which have a solid foundation and management structure and in most cases that investment over a medium to long term period has proved to be a good one. I invested in Murray & Roberts for those very reasons and yet over the past year M & R share price has dropped by 60 % while the JSE has moved down by 10%. Perhaps you could explain why this has happened. | ANSWER:
Quite simply, we like the rest of our sector, have been downrated by the investor community as a consequence of the global economic crisis. The concern is simple, in a liquidity crisis, governments and private firms do not invest in long-term capital projects and those that are under construction, may suffer working capital squeeze.
Construction is a "lag sector' so we feel the impact later than consumer products or services, for instance. We also emerge later.
We published an announcement yesterday which is about the impact of client liquidity on the risk profile of our business. This in no way reflects poor performance on our part, simply that we find it more difficult to collect our cash flow entitlements.
Regards
Brian Bruce |
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