Over the past 80 years Master Builders Association (MBA) Greater Boland has set the pace and standard in the local building industry. On Thursday 30 October it was time to celebrate this memorable milestone in style and honour those members who had supported MBA for decades.
The glamorous gathering of MBA members took place at the Cumberland Hotel in Worcester and paid homage to its members who ensured the organisation’s growth over the years.
The roots of the MBA Greater Boland date back to 22 September 1944, when local contractors shared vision of forming a regional association. The MBA Greater Boland was formally established on 2 October 1945, with its own constitution and committee.
Over eight decades MBA Greater Boland has seen 21 presidents lead the association, with three – Paul de Wet, Rainer Wippich and Dougie Phillips – going on to serve on the national board of Master Builders South Africa and becoming life members of MBA Greater Boland. This reflects the strong leadership and influence this region has contributed to the industry.
More than 70 towns and 15 municipalities in the Western Cape are represented by MBA Greater Boland. Its mission remains unchanged: to protect, promote and support their members, whether they are big or small, while upholding quality and leadership within the construction sector.
Through its affiliation with Master Builders South Africa, it offers national expertise and local support, covering areas such as contracts, labour relations, dispute resolution, safety training, skills development and industry networking.
In essence, MBA Greater Boland exists to build safer workplaces, stronger businesses and better communities across the greater Boland region. Safety is the foundation of every structure, and for MBA Greater Boland it is more than a principle; it is a promise. For 80 years the association has stood firm on that foundation, supporting its members, shaping industry standards and ensuring every project contributed to a safer, stronger future for all.
In the evening De Wet, Wippich and Phillips were honoured as life members of the MBA Greater Boland. This is the highest honour that the association can bestow on their members. It is not just a title, nor is it tied to a position. The honour is bestowed only on members whose service, influence and leadership have left a lasting legacy in the organisation.
It symbolises years of dedication, mentorship, loyalty and exemplary service to the building industry and the community the association serves.
De Wet served as president of the MBA Greater Boland committee from 1986 until 1993, a remarkable time of seven years of unwavering leadership.
His involvement with the Building Industry Bargaining Council (BIBC) stretches over a period of twelve years, during which he also served as chairman in 1994.
De Wet represented the association for seven years on a national level on the MBSA Presidents Council and served as a pension fund trustee. Under De Wet’s leadership the foundation was laid for strong relationships, established traditions and a culture of collaboration – pillars on which the association today still firmly stands.
Wippich served as president over two terms, from 1994 to 1997 and again from 1998 to 2001, altogether six years of exemplary leadership. His service, however, reached much further. Wippich was a member of the BIBC from 1994 until 2003 and served as its chairman for three years. His insight and strategic approach left a lasting impression on the bargaining framework. Wippich also served as trustee of the pension fund. He served the association with pride at national level, six years of which as a MBSA councillor. The structures and partnerships that were established during his involvement still serve the association today.
Daniël (Dougie) Phillips is a name synonymous with dedication and integrity. He served as president for the first time from 2001 until 2004 and again from 2008 until 2010. He was elected again from 2011 until 2012 as well as from 2015 until 2016. This brings the total time Phillips spent as president of the MBA Greater Boland to 12 years, an exceptional achievement. From 1997 until currently he has served as a councillor of the BIBC, a remarkable 28 uninterrupted years of service.
Phillips was also chairman of the council for two separate terms, altogether five years. He has been a trustee of the pension fund since 1997.
On a national level Phillips served as a MBSA councillor for 18 years, where his insight as treasurer and mentor guided the association through several financial and structural transitions. His legacy is clearly visible in the growth and progress of the MBA Greater Boland’s infrastructure and functioning.
