Introduction to Engineering and Construction Contracts (Online Course)

8 and 9 April 2026 | 11:00 – 15:30

Understanding the intricacies of Construction Law from a
South African perspective

Construction projects can be technically very complex and dynamic and involve a multitude of parties and contracts. Most of these contracts are based on standard forms that are recognised internationally. Due to the unique nature of construction and engineering contracts and the legislative framework regulating these relationships, rights and responsibilities under these contracts have morphed into a separate area of law known as Construction Law.

This online program comprises of three (3) parts, each presented over two days. While each course is independent, allowing you to choose which ones to attend, it is recommended to take all three for a comprehensive understanding. Certification is provided upon completion of each individual course.

About this course
This course introduces fundamental principles of Construction Law from a South African perspective, with a focus on standard form construction contracts like FIDIC, NEC and JBCC. It also provides insight into internationally recognised principles incorporated in South African Construction Law, equipping participants with essential knowledge on contract interpretation, management, and dispute resolution.

This course will include
• Overview of the unique nature of the construction contract.
• Form and interpretation, including understanding how to read the contract documents making up standard form contracts.
• Common law principles underpinning Construction Law.
• Understanding the interplay between various parties to a construction project, and the relevant contract forms for each of them:
• Mainly the relationship between employer, contractor and sub-contractor.
• Understanding the unique role of the project manager as agent of the employer.
• The professional team and related concepts.
• Key principles in Construction Law, including variation orders, scope of work, agency, risk allocation, indemnity, limitation of liability, and penalties.
• Responsibilities and liabilities of the parties.
• The different pricing regimes under construction contracts.
• The complexities of changes to the work and/or programme schedule, including the concept of a right to additional costs.
• Delay, disruption, and acceleration concepts.
• Claims processes and penalties
• Rights of set-off/deduction.
• Dealing with defects.
• Breach and remedies for breach.
• Force majeure difficulties.
• Retention, construction guarantees, and other securities.
• High level overview of dispute resolution regimes and principles.
• High level overview of dispute avoidance.

Presenter
Lize-Meré Ludick
Lize-Meré Ludick is a partner at Bowmans in Johannesburg. She leads a team of specialised construction lawyers with expertise in commercial and litigious matters related to infrastructure and construction projects. Her practice focuses on contentious construction matters arising from standard form construction contracts, including advice on dispute avoidance strategies.

She also advises various clients on renewable energy projects, including the South African Government’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, and other public-private partnership agreements. She is a qualified mediator, an Associate of the Association of Arbitrators, and holds memberships with the International Chamber of Commerce’s Young Arbitration and ADR Forum, the Society of Construction Law, the Construction Adjudication Association of South Africa, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the International Bar Association.

Date
8 & 9 April 2026 | 11:00 – 15:30
Closing date for registrations: 7 April 2026

Note: Kindly note that this course might run over the scheduled time. Please do not arrange any other appointments for at least 30 minutes after the scheduled closing time.

Certification
Attendance at both sessions is mandatory to qualify for a certificate.

Who should register?
• Legal and other professionals looking to improve their knowledge in Construction Law.
• Project managers or any person tasked with drafting, negotiating and managing construction projects, contracts, claims and disputes.
• Employers and contractors who use, or are interested in using, standard form engineering and construction contracts.

Registration

Registration fee categories (including VAT):
Practising legal practitioners and other staff from legal firms: R 1 900 per person.
Non-practising legal practitioners/others: R 2 800 per person.

Banking details

LSSA banking details: Account name: Law Society of South Africa | Bank: FNB Pretoria | Branch code: 251445 | Account no: 6200 9641 079 | Reference: ENG1, Surname, Initials

How to register

Kindly note that registrations are done online. For certification purposes, participants should register individually, using their own email address. This will enable the system to generate a unique username and password for each person.

STEP 1:

Payment should be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) only. You are required to upload the proof of payment (PDF) in step 2 – (Online registration form). Should an invoice be required to effect payment, replace the proof of payment document with a note (Word) requesting an invoice.

STEP 2:
CLICK ON LINK ABOVE

STEP 3:
After submitting your registration, you will receive a system-generated confirmation email.
If you do not receive it, please contact Bettie Lubbe.

For more information about this course contact Bettie Lubbe:
Email: Bettie@LSSALEAD.org.za | Tel No. 012 4414670

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Webinar/Online Course Access Policy

Please read before registering:
Our webinars/online courses are licensed for individual use only. By registering, you agree to the following terms:
• One registration = one attendee. Group viewing or sharing access is not allowed.
• Accessing the webinar using generic or ambiguous identifiers like boardrooms, meeting rooms, or under a firm/Company name is not permitted
• Attendees must join, using their full name as provided during registration
• Sharing access links or allowing others to join under your registration is strictly prohibited. It is a violation of our policy and professional ethics and may result in access being denied or revoked without refund.
Key information
• The LSSA is not liable for payments made into the incorrect bank account.
• The course is presented in English only.
• The course will be delivered via MS Teams. Please install the application before the course begins.
• In line with company policy and copyright laws, recordings and PowerPoint presentations will not be shared and are not included in the course fee. Unauthorized recording or transcription is strictly prohibited.
• Course materials and MS Teams link(s) will be emailed approximately 24 hours before the course.
• Check your junk folder if you do not receive the email.
• If still not received, contact Bettie Lubbe at Bettie@LSSALEAD.org.za.
• Test your link(s) upon receipt.
• Cancellations must be submitted in writing before the course material and link(s) are sent. No cancellations will be accepted thereafter. Non-attendance or late cancellation will result in the forfeit of fees.
• LSSA/LEAD may cancel or postpone a course if there is insufficient demand. In such cases, delegates will be informed and fully refunded.