Cover story
The company’s Peninsula Quarry has been supplying the N7 project
Important road projects in KwaZulu-Natal has also brought some relief to contractors and the supply chain
fine-tuned. Those facilities put on care-and-maintenance continue being serviced to allow a prompt return to operation when required. Arrangements were also made with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to fulfil the requirements of the mining licence during this period. “This has ensured that we are focused on our core business and are doing all the right things to succeed in these demanding times,” he says.
these important industry organisations alive,” he says. “It is regrettable, though, as they contribute to the wellbeing of the sector. For instance, there are structures and sub-committees that deal with standards, specifications, monitoring and continuous improvement – all adding considerable value over time.” He notes that, in addition to weak demand, the sector is also seeing considerable cost pressures including those of coal and other fuels. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted global supply chains, pushing up shipping costs by as much as 300% in certain segments. Equipment and chemicals used by construction material companies have become more expensive, and are often not available due to international supply chain bottlenecks.
Industry bodies realign He explains that the state of the industry has also been reflected in the re-alignment of sector bodies, with the Association of Cementitious Materials Producers (ACMP), the Concrete Society of Southern Africa (CSSA) and The Concrete Institute (TCI) merging to form Cement & Concrete SA (CCSA). The Southern African Readymix Association had to close altogether in December 2019 due to financial pressures on members. The Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (ASPASA) has extended its membership to producers of other related commodities. “The simple truth is that if there is not enough work in the market, it becomes very difficult for industry players to keep
AfriSam has always believed in developing skills so that the whole industry could improve
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Concrete Trends Issue 2 2022
Looking ahead With less work available, there are signs of some contractors ‘buying down’ when it comes to readymix, he says. One indicator is the decline in average strength of concrete that AfriSam has been asked by customers to supply over recent years. Bhoora warns against any compromise on quality in the long run, however. “Precision and quality engineering have built up our industry to world class standards, and we must be able to maintain the levels we have achieved,” he says. “AfriSam’s legacy, for instance, has been built on high standards and good systems to ensure quality.” There has also been ongoing investment in people, leading to many former AfriSam managers occupying key positions for other firms in the sector. The company’s approach was always to develop skills so that the whole industry could improve, creating a firm foundation of responsible players to advance sustainable economic development. “Despite the trying conditions, AfriSam is today in a positive space, with a strong board and progressive management team,” he says. “With 88 years of experience behind us, we have our eyes firmly on the 100-year landmark.” Technical facilities remain well maintained in line with its asset management policies, and AfriSam’s people have demonstrated the positive attitude necessary to take the company and industry forward. n
