Opening the way

Founded in 1929, the Colas Group is a world leader in the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure. Its roots in South Africa began to form in the 1930s and since then growth has been driven by a consistent focus on excellence, centred on an investment in human capital.

Transformation and gender equality remain a priority for the organisation. “While there have been many challenges facing the industry over the last few years, the Colas Group remains committed to participating in a better future for South Africa,” says Ricardo Louw, managing director, Colas South Africa. When Thuli Shabangu joined Colas South Africa in 2017 as transformation and skills development manager, she embraced the opportunity to deliver on the company’s mandate to invest in and promote women and people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. At the time, Colas South Africa was registered as a Level 4 BBBEE Contributor.

“My responsibilities include mapping out and implementing an internal and external skills development plan, working with the group’s human resources managers,” Shabangu explains, adding that this ties in with the company’s corporate social investment initiatives. These have two key platforms, namely education and health. “We’ve also focused on supplier development, which includes assisting subcontractors with technical training.”

Engineering bursary programmes are awarded to staff and qualifying external students currently registered at tertiary institutions. Adult basic education, management development programmes, and the mentorship of candidates through to registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa all form part of the mandate. Colas is also committed to creating opportunities for those with disabilities.

“Internally, we encourage and empower our staff to believe in themselves and provide a supportive environment where everyone has an opportunity to grow. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to see people thrive. Their passion and commitment are what make Colas such a great company to work for,” adds Shabangu, who is a registered Economic Empowerment Professional.

The success of her programmes has been a major influencing factor in Colas’ current registration as a Level 1 BBBEE Contributor – a grading it has held for the past two years.

Technical excellence

Those who join Colas experience an exciting and dynamic culture. For Nteseng Ramoraswi, who joined Colas as a technical manager in February 2020, it’s provided her with the opportunity to live her passion for chemistry. For her MSc, Ramoraswi’s

Nteseng Ramoraswi, technical manager

research focused on nano-photocatalytic materials, providing an excellent foundation for a career in asphalt.

Colas’ track record for innovation is well proven and supported by the Campus for Science and Techniques, situated at the company’s global headquarters in Paris.

“A key part of my work focuses on research and development (R&D),” says Ramoraswi. “It’s really exciting to be part of a dedicated team of scientists that analyse, test and produce fit-for-purpose bituminous binder products that provide safe and sustainable solutions for our road networks.”

Colas’ R&D team works with leading roads agencies to perfect the mix designs. These include the widespread trend towards the use of recycled asphalt. “Based on our R&D studies and innovative solutions, we’re able to unlock value in reclaimed materials and add value by creating sustainable responses through recycling,” Ramoraswi continues.

One of the current R&D projects she is involved in is a new bond coat product development. This has not yet reached the trial stage but has the potential to add real value for the roads industry.

“If there’s one overriding aspect about Colas that excites me, I’d say it’s the tremendous diversity of experience and expertise. As a young scientist, I get to learn from the best,” adds Ramoraswi.

Thuli Shabangu, transformation and skills development manager