Ask Experienced Practitioners | Construction Conundrums | 12 November 2026

CONSTRUCTION CONUNDRUMS
(12 November 2026)

Construction disputes continue to present difficult questions for employers, contractors, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers and legal practitioners.  Can an organ of state reverse its own tender award?  When may a contractor suspend or terminate works due to non-payment?  What are the limits of an adjudicator’s mandate?  How should variation orders be administered under FIDIC and GCC 2015?

ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP

This workshop examines current challenges regularly encountered on construction and infrastructure projects.  Through practical discussion and real-world examples, attendees will gain insights into contract administration, adjudication, procurement disputes and dispute resolution under standard construction contracts.

The following topics will be canvassed:

• Can an Organ of State cancel its own tender award?

• The limits of a mandate: what can an adjudicator actually decide?

• Variation Orders in FIDIC and GCC 2015;

• No payment, no progress. When can a contractor suspend or terminate?

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Contractors;

• Employers;

• Engineers;

• Quantity Surveyors;

• Construction Managers;

• Project Managers;

• Claims Consultants;

• Contract Administrators;

• Legal Practitioners;

• ADR Practitioners (Arbitrators, Adjudicators, Mediators);

• Procurement Professionals;

• Party Representatives.

OUR EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONERS

• Mr Alastair Hay – Life Fellow (FAArb) and KwaZulu-Natal Regional Chair, Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa) NPC;

• Mr Richard Hoal – Associate (AAArb) and Committee Member, Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa) NPC;

• Mr Steve Poorter – Fellow (FAArb) and Committee Member, Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa) NPC;

• Ms Jennifer Smit – Senior Associate, Cox Yeats Attorneys.

DATE

Thursday, 12 November 2026, 14:00 to 17:00 (SAST)

VENUE

Attend online via Zoom or in-person in Umhlanga Ridge, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

COST (Incl. VAT)

AoA Members:  R200.00
Non-members:  R300.00

REGISTER

Expand your skills and knowledge!

Click here to register:

PLACES ARE LIMITED AND EARLY REGISTRATION IS RECOMMENDED.

ENQUIRIES

Contact Miss Michelle Venter (Financial Manager):

Email: michelle@arbitrators.co.za
Tel.: +27 11 884 9164/5

WEBINAR DETAILS

Refer to the Brochure for more information.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
ON THURSDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2026
AT 14:00 VIA ZOOM OR IN-PERSON!

WHAT ATTENDES SAID …

REVIEWS

Mr Braam Auret: “Thank you to the speakers and AoA staff.“

Mr Mervyn Bosworth Smith: “Great to hear the views of experienced practitioners in the contract dispute field.“

Mr Pieter de Klerk: “Examples of current precedent by all presenters are really valuable to shape the future. Special mention – Really enjoyed Mr Steve Poorter‘s perspective on Head Office cost calculation.“

Mr Riaan de Witt: “Excellent as always, thank you.“

Mr Maphaka Dikotla: “This is worth my while.“

Mr Jonathan Ely: “A useful update of the issues discussed.“

Mr Peter Feuilherade: “Great seminar with very useful information and updates. It was also interactive which is important. Very worth the time spent!“

Mr Nigel Haupt: “Always beneficial in terms of remaining relevant.“

Adv Mabel Jansen SC: “Well done.“

Mr Bheki Lembede: “Great line up of speakers!“

Mrs Brigitte Lubbe (Carpenter-Kling): “Very informative.“

Mr Oteng Mamparanyane: “Terrific seminars!  The AI inclusions indicates that the Association is keeping relevant.“

Mr Oteng Mamparanyane: “The wide range of topics equips attendees with broad knowledge that can be used almost straightaway in real life.“

Mr Oteng Mamparanyane: “Best afternoon in the AoA calendar for those involved in construction projects. Topics can be applied immediately following workshop. Brilliant!“

Mr Oteng Mamparanyane: “These Construction Conundrums workshops are massively useful. They plug a lot of gaps that one would otherwise be struggling with. Thank you very much!“

Mr Kehitlhile Masisi: “Keep up the good work you doing in equipping and preparing us for the eventualities in this industry.“

Mr Oarabile Molefe: “Kindly hold more of these workshops.”

Mr Jacob Moloi: “Great presentation by any standard.“

Mr Jones Moloisane: “Excellent presenters who are knowledgeable with the subject matter(s) in terms of construction contracts, especially with reference to practical examples. Keep it up.“

Mr Thabiso Ngozwana: “Well balanced contractual content. Please keep them coming.“

Mr Setuka Nkadimeng: “As always, these workshops are helpful and informative. Keep them coming and well done. Thank you.“

Mr Themba Nyathi: “Great, all professionals in any field should be part of this eye opening initiative.“

Miss Nicole O’Connor: “I really enjoy these workshops! I think I asked previously if these could occur on a more regular basis😊 Also, I would have liked to attend in person today, but can’t drive back to PMB in the dark.“

Adv Amesh Singh: “I am pleased with the workshop. It was extremely informative to me. My knowledge is definitely increased.“

Mr Simon Vilakazi: “The webinar was excellent at keeping us abreast of the recent developments in arbitration. Overall, it was a highly informative and beneficial session for all who participated.“

Mr Andrew Walker: “A very enlightening afternoon.“

Mr Robbie Zamudio: “Very informative session.“