Overview

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the General Conditions of Contract for Construction Works, Fourth Edition, 2025 published by the South African Institution of Civil Engineering.

The course covers foundational principles of the standard form of construction contract in South African construction law and practice. Its robust framework for managing contractual relationships between Employers and Contractors is set out. Participants will examine how this standard form of construction contract balances risks between the parties to the contract, and how it facilitates dispute resolution, making it a reliable tool for complex projects.

Designed for professionals in the built environment such as engineers, architects, quantity surveyors and other individuals, the course sets out how a construction contract supports re­ measurement contracts with bills of quantities and how it aligns with other permitted standard forms of construction contracts. Real-world examples, including court judgments from actual disputes enrich the theoretical foundation and provide practical insights into legal precedents and best practices in contract administration on a construction site.

Why Should an Individual Attend?

• Gain legal insight: Unlock essential knowledge of the legislative framework governing construction contracts, including health and safety obligations, ensuring compliance from start to finish.
• Understand contract authority: Grasp the powers, responsibilities, and interdependent roles of Contractor, Employer’s Agent, and Employer, strengthening your leadership and collaboration on site.
• Master contract procedures: Confidently manage payments, variation orders, instructions, claims, and inflation adjustments with precision.
• Develop dispute resolution skills: Learn how mechanisms function in practice, empowering you to handle conflict proactively and professionally.

Outcomes

At the end of this course, delegates will be able to:

• Recognize legislative requirements: Understand the legal framework, including health and safety obligations.
• Clarify party roles: Gain insight into the powers, obligations, privileges, and duties of Contractors, Employer’s Agents, and Employers.
• Apply contract procedures: Confidently manage payments, variation orders, instructions, claims, inflation, and more.
• Navigate dispute resolution: Master how dispute resolution mechanisms operate in practice to minimize conflict.

Program Outline

• Fundamental concepts of contract law
• Legislative requirements for a construction contract
• Components of a construction contract
• The various professions under the Council for the Built Environment
• Conditions of Contract which cover the following aspects:
  • Definitions
  • Basis of the contract
  • Employer's Agent
  • Contractor
  • Time
  • Payment
  • Quality
  • Risk
  • Termination
  • Claims and Disputes

Who Should Attend?

• Engineers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Construction Managers, Consulting Engineers, Environmental specialists,
• Lawyers, Advocates, Legal Counsel, Arbitrators, Adjudicators, Mediators,
• Contractors, Subcontractors,
• Construction Health and Safety Practitioners, Quality Managers,
• Executives, Senior Management, Professional Indemnity Insurers,
• Middle Management and Administrative Staff,
• Designers and Support Staff