Jolinde Construction cc was formed by David Jonathan Burch during December 1990. David held the vision that in the fast changing social and economic environment developing then, the time was right for him to pursue the next stage of his professional career, having cut his teeth first at Model Development Company (Pty) Ltd and thereafter at Murray & Roberts (Pty) Ltd.
Seized by his vision he formed a construction company from the garage at his residence in Fairways, a suburb close to Wynberg, Cape Town. From these modest beginnings he steadily expanded the business by taking progressively larger contracts. His experience gained while employed by a conglomerate (which was then, and still is, the largest listed construction company in the Western Cape) was carefully integrated with his drive for client satisfaction. Thus he set about developing the growth and esteem of his business in the community. Contracts then were mostly for residential construction projects with the occasional commercial development. These origins permitted the business to develop the expertise and a reputation as a residential developer of note, which continues to this day. Though commercial contracts now constitute the major portion of work undertaken, the Corporation is still regularly approached, and undertakes, significant residential construction.
A question often asked is the origin of the name Jolinde Construction. Jolinde is an anagram of the first names of the children borne of his marriage to Carol Burch. They are Deidre, Jody, and Lindsay. Happily Deidre and Jody are now employed in the business in key portfolios (refer organogram), while Lindsay is occupied with more onerous responsibilities such as completing his schooling and playing rugby.
Committed To Building A Quality Product
In time, the business outgrew the original premises and was then relocated during 1996 to its present site in Lipton Road, Wynberg. These premises are shared with a sister Corporation, ABE Painters CC, also owned and managed by the Burch’s and a minority member. ABE Painters CC is a strategic partner in many construction contracts as the painting work is often awarded to it. The synergies arising from this co-operation contributes to significant benefits for both businesses.
The growth of Jolinde also made it an attractive target as a black empowerment business. The government-driven insistence that the ownership of and benefits generated by the economy be spread more equitably between all population groups had spurred the imperative to source credible business partners. The last five to ten years have witnessed an increasing resort to Equity and Joint Venture agreements between large corporates and black-owned or black-controlled businesses to give effect to government policy. In consequence, Jolinde was approached by several major construction companies to participate in prestigious developments. These developments are included in the completed contracts list. These joint ventures are also ongoing.
In line with an unprecedented growth in construction activity in the Western Cape, Jolinde is now contracted to the largest development it has undertaken as an independent. The Royal Ascot housing development entails the construction of 202 housing units in three phases, with completion scheduled for April 2006. In addition, several multi-million contracts are simultaneously undertaken. These new contracts have moved Jolinde into its next serious growth spurt, while also presenting it with new challenges. These challenges are being met head-on by beefing up the management team, with a consequent stronger and more streamlined management approach.
From an initial staff complement of 5 in 1990, the business now employs approximately 100 site and administrative staff. The entire staff complement comprises persons from the Coloured and African population groups. In this way, the Corporation contributes to the alleviation of an acute unemployment situation afflicting these groups. Wherever possible, employment is offered to persons in poverty-stricken circumstances. The Corporation also is very responsive to community needs, and regularly supports or subsidises community upliftment initiatives, especially sports events. A strong morale permeates the workforce, attributable in the main to a strong person-centred management ethos. This includes monitoring stringent adherence to a personal and site safety protocol. To this end the Occupational Health and Safety portfolio has been elevated and resourced to impress a culture of vigilance and caution in the workforce.
The Corporation pursues a vigorous affirmative procurement policy. This entails contracting black subcontractors or purchasing materials from block-owned businesses as far as possible. Fair and competitive, but not cut-throat, pricing agreements are concluded with goods and services suppliers, to permit reasonable development of the small business sector.
The learning curve has been steep, but exciting. With the expertise it now commands the business is poised to seize upon ambitious developments in the belief that it can do justice to its credo, “Committed To Building A Quality Product”
