On behalf of Master Builders SA, I applaud the citizens of South Africa for ensuring that the recent elections proceeded smoothly and efficiently. I also congratulate President Cyril Ramaphosa on his re-election for a second term. Although the ANC took a hard beating and failed to secure a majority in Parliament for the first time since 1994, MBA is optimistic that the Government of National Unity will focus on infrastructure building in order to solve the crucial problems of economic growth and unemployment in our country.
On a sad note, the industry is still mourning the deaths of 33 people in the collapse of the building in George in May. It has since been reported that an engineer linked to the disaster has been placed on precautionary suspension. However, while we do not wish to speculate or point fingers until the investigation has been finalised, the MBSA – as an industry body – would like to know whether inspectors from the Department of Employment & Labour inspectors actually visited the site in question during construction to check that safety measures were adhered to, in terms of the OHS Act of 1993.
By 16 May this year, the JOC/George Municipality
EDITOR' S NOTE
The outcome of the recent elections – and the almost immediate improvement of the rand, once the decision was taken to form a Government of National Unity – offered hope to the construction industry (as well as every other sector in the country) that an administration of shared power, with checks and balances from all parties, will signal the return of foreign investment in South Africa
had reported that the total estimated individuals on site when the disaster occurred were 81. Of these, 62 were rescued, six of whom are still in hospital. However, 33 people were killed (including six females) and 19 individuals remain unaccounted for.
MBSA remains concerned about the protection of employees on construction sites and in this regard, all our regional associations are always available to assist both member and non-member companies with all aspects of construction occupational health and safety.
We again extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all the deceased.
Musa Shangase President: MBSA
and, with it, an upswing in building, which remains the lifeblood of the country.
In that respect, the industry is more than ready to handle renewed vigour. Our cover story features Elton Cranes, a company offering affordable, top-tier service and innovative solutions for both medium- and large-scale projects at an affordable price. We also showcase the impressive initiatives of other stalwart companies doing
world-class work.
Although the crises in service delivery – particularly water –continue, we trust that the new administration will prioritise the upgrading of essential infrastructure. Our feature on maintaining ageing dam infrastructure highlights the crucial need to do so.
We hope this issue reflects our renewed optimism and faith in our industry and our beloved homeland.
For Multiple Clients
STRESS-FREE SERVICE: ELTON CRANES
Meet a company that offers solutions which are professional, reliable and affordable
Any construction company is familiar with the anxiety that comes with finding a crane –either to purchase or hire – which can be relied on to get the job done in the right way, at the right price and with the required expertise.
Elton Cranes makes the entire procedure fun, cost-efficient and stress-free.
Based in Pretoria, the company is only three months old, but has already made inroads into the industry with both its service and its commitment to delivering tailored solutions which do not break the banks of clients. Its high-quality equipment is able to meet the needs of medium- to large-scale projects across various industries and ensure that they are executed to the most stringent safety
standards. It also offers reliable in-house repairs, maintenance and servicing of its cranes, vehicles and equipment so that they remain in optimal condition.
With an experienced staff including qualified riggers, crane operators and bankers, reliable mechanics, vehicle body-builders, technical personnel, dedicated project managers, on-site supervisors and foremen, clients can rest assured that every detail is attended to professionally and correctly.
MAXIMUM VALUE AT THE RIGHT PRICE
The company is committed to offering cost-efficient services and a wide range of options. For example, clients can hire a 25-ton crane mounted on a robust truck chassis for ease of transportation.
Elton Cranes is breaking new ground by offering economically accessible equipment formedium- to large-scale projects, thus enabling an upsurge in construction where it is most needed.
The crane has a telescopic boom which extends to significant lengths for versatile lifting. It is built for durability, using high-quality materials and components to withstand harsh working conditions, and is also equipped with outriggers for enhanced stability and an operating cabin which is ergonomically designed for both control and comfort. Alternatively, they can hire a 25-ton all-terrain mounted crane.
FUTURE-FIT
A 100% black-owned, forwardthinking and innovative company, Elton Cranes provides its services to Gauteng and surrounding provinces. It is committed to continuously improving and adopting the latest technologies in order to remain abreast of developments in its field.
Establishing a solid customer base built on trust is one of the cornerstones of the company’s philosophy. “We aim to build long relationships with our clients, who know that they can expect top-tier
lifting and rigging solutions, as well as impeccable service,” says the company’s founder and CEO Elton Bvumbi.
He adds that safety is always paramount at all levels in the company. “Common sense and personal interest in safety are still the greatest guarantees of safety at work, on the road and at home,” he says. No short cuts or compromises are tolerated at Elton Cranes when it comes to eliminating risks on any level – an attitude honed by his 15 years’ experience in mechanical engineering, where solid, old-school values were deeply entrenched in him, but have not prevented him from breaking entrepreneurial ground for a new generation of clients.
A SOLUTION FOR EVERY CHALLENGE
The company provides a fleet of cranes for rent which are suitable for diverse project scales and requirements. These include mobile, tower and crawler cranes, among others. The rental service
“A 100% BLACK-OWNED, FORWARD-THINKING AND INNOVATIVE COMPANY, ELTON CRANES PROVIDES ITS SERVICES TO GAUTENG AND SURROUNDING PROVINCES.”
is supported by expert advice to ensure that clients get the right crane for their specific requirements.
It also offers the relocation of heavy machinery – a particularly useful service for industries needing to move large equipment from one site to another, or within the same facility.
In addition, it has specialised teams who handle the erection of steel structures and ensure that their framework is securely and safely put in place. This service is essential for large-scale construction projects such as commercial buildings, shopping malls and industrial warehouses.
For projects requiring complex lifting tasks, Elton Cranes’ rigging teams can manage the rigging of heavy loads, always following the utmost safety protocols and ensuring that each lift is executed smoothly.
SERVING REAL NEEDS
Bvumbi explains that one of the company’s primary objectives was to get connected and closer to
its clients. “We come in to deliver the equipment and we then spend time working with the client on site, explaining and guiding them in how to operate the equipment optimally and safely. In that way, we’re in communication with them every day so that by the time we leave their site, they’re able to continue doing what they need to do,” he says.
This strategy also results in a significant reduction of costs which could otherwise be overwhelming, since it enables cash-strapped companies and individuals to embark on projects without incurring years of crippling debt. Bvumbi has applied the same thinking to his other companies, including one in Mpumalanga and – more recently – Elton’s Ready-Mix Concrete (also in Pretoria), which also offers affordable, but topnotch products, support and expert supervision to clients.
It is, he says, part of his vision to improve the lives of struggling communities and – hopefully –create a vanguard of practical, truly empowering social and economic activism which both empowers and uplifts.
“The reality of finding viable revenue streams during the 2020 lockdown, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, was a creative force, delimiting the way I viewed the economy,” he explains. “I learnt valuable lessons about succeeding in difficult markets.”
The company offers top-of-the-range cranes capable of lifting loads of up to 25 tons for an affordable price, as well as expert supervision, maintenance of its equipment and adherence to the utmost safety requirements.
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The Master Builders 2024 Annual Congress, a premier event for South Africa’s construction industry, is scheduled for Friday, 6 September 2024, at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. This year’s congress will centre around the theme “Building Economic Fortitude: The Crucial Role of Construction in SA’s Economic Growth and Renewal”, as the organisation celebrates 120 years of construction excellence.
This year’s theme underscores the pivotal role of the construction sector in bolstering SA’s economic resilience and expansion. Amid ongoing efforts to achieve economic recovery, the construction industry stands out as a key driver of job creation, infrastructure advancement and overall economic stability.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
Constituting a significant portion of SA’s GDP and employing approximately 1,4 million citizens, the
MBSA ANNUAL CONGRESS
construction industry remains vital, despite challenges such as reduced infrastructure spending, project delays and regulatory complexities. Government commitments, including annual investments of around R280 billion in infrastructure, underscore the sector’s critical role in stimulating substantial economic activity.
CONGRESS HIGHLIGHTS
Participants can expect a day of enlightening discussions and presentations by industry leaders and government officials. While specific topics and speakers have yet to be finalised, the congress will explore pressing issues confronting the industry, strategies for overcoming current obstacles and avenues for future growth. The event will facilitate networking, knowledge-sharing and collaboration among construction professionals and stakeholders.
Key reasons to attend:
1. Insightful discourse: Gain valuable insights into the present and future trajectory of the construction sector.
2. Networking opportunities: Forge connections with industry influencers and peers.
3. Strategic updates: Stay abreast of governmental policies and investments shaping the industry.
4. Economic influence: Understand how the construction sector can propel SA’s economic development and foster continued growth.
REGISTRATION
Registration is now open via the MBSA website. Ensure your participation in this significant industry event.
2024 REGIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY COMPETITION WINNERS!
Just a few weeks ago, the MBA North CHS department concluded months of rigorous audits and dedicated efforts as the regional safety competition drew to a close.
The awards form part of broader efforts by MBA North and sponsor, Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM), to improve safety in the construction industry and provide a platform for companies to benchmark their health and safety management systems and implementation against other companies in the region and nationally.
With an impressive turnout
of 67 entries, including 17 principal contractors and three sub-contractors, collectively representing a project value exceeding R13,3 billion, the Safety Competition truly showcased the industry’s commitment to safety excellence. Most projects entered fell into the value range of R40 million-R250 million.
The audit team, which comprised Gerhard Roets, Manie van As and Mbuya Ramabulana, worked tirelessly to ensure that all entrants were equitably assessed and provided a fair opportunity for success in the competition.
Renowned leaders in the construction industry joined the
competition and clinched top spots. Category first-place winners were automatically entered into the MBSA National Safety Competition. Best of luck to them!
As we celebrate the triumphs of the winners, let us also acknowledge the collective commitment and hard work demonstrated by all the participants. Together, we continue to raise the bar for safety standards in our industry.
MBA North is thankful to everyone who participated in this year’s competition and encourages all members and FEM policy-holders to participate in the 2025 competition.
CATEGORIES
CATEGORY A Plant & Storage Yard
Tiber Construction (Pty) Ltd Village Deep Yard
CATEGORY B1 Allied Trades
CATEGORY B2 Manufacturers
CATEGORY C Less than R15m
CATEGORY D R15m to R40m
CATEGORY E R40m to R100m
CATEGORY F R100m to R250m
CATEGORY G R250m to R450m
Form-Scaff Nelspruit
WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd Signage Manufacturing
Concor Construction (Pty) Ltd Menlyn Mall Taxi Facilities
ENZA Construction (Pty) Ltd Africa Data CentreADC 2.5
Tri-Star Construction (Pty) Ltd China Shopping Centre Crown City
GVK-Siya Zama
Building Contractors
Gauteng (Pty) Ltd Bertrams Multipurpose Centre
WBHO /Trencon JV
Barlow Park Residential Phase 2
VIVA Formwork & Scaffolding Jhb (Pty) Ltd
VIVA Yard
Form-Scaff Lordsview
WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd Plant & Services North
PERI Formwork
Scaffolding Engineering (Pty) Ltd Polokwane
Washirika 3 Oaks (Pty) Ltd Bedfordview Residential Development Basonani Group Dewitte Krans Mine Civil Infrastructure
GVK-Siya Zama
Building Contractors Gauteng (Pty) Ltd Devland Shelter
Tri-Star Construction (Pty) Ltd Westcliff FSHJ Phase 2
WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd Parkdene Boulevard
GVK-Siya Zama
Building Contractors Gauteng (Pty) Ltd
ABSA 270 Republic Road
GVK-Siya Zama
Building Contractors
Gauteng (Pty) Ltd
Klipfontein Wellness Centre
ENZA Construction (Pty) Ltd
Sebokeng Ext 28
CATEGORY H R450m to R750m
WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd Teraco JB5
GVK-Siya Zama
Building Contractors
Tiber Construction (Pty) Ltd
Teraco JB4 Phase 2
WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd
WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd
Vantage Data Centre JNB 2
WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd
CATEGORY I R750m plus
Gauteng (Pty) Ltd
Soshanguve Plaza Redevelopment
Formacon (Pty) Ltd
Steyn City Centre Phase 4, 5 & 6
Formacon (Pty) Ltd
GW 176 HO Extension
Formacon (Pty) Ltd
SUB-CONTRACTOR With/Without site establishment
China Shopping Centre Crown City
Westend Office Park Building “E”
Westcliff FSHJ Phase 2: Banquet & Lobby Building
CITY OF CAPE TOWN SHORES UP SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DISTRIBUTION
The City of Cape Town, which is responsible for delivering energy to the 4,8 million residents of the Western Cape, has awarded ABB a three-year contract for a phased retrofit of legacy medium voltage (MV) switchgear within its electrical infrastructure.
The new contract follows the success of an initial 2020 project, which saw more than 400 11kV oil-filled circuit-breakers and over 100 SF6 insulated circuit-breakers replaced with next-generation ABB VD4 vacuum circuit-breakers, safely
disposing of 160kg of potent SF6 gas.
Now the city has teamed up once again with ABB to install additional 12kV VD4 circuit-breakers and ancillary equipment to replace its ageing LMX installations. The devices will clear potentially harmful short-circuit faults in tens of milliseconds, preventing severe damage to electrical infrastructure and minimising the risk of downtime, particularly critical for the
Western Cape during planned load-shedding.
Enhanced safety for operators was also a key consideration, with the installation of a typetested Arc-vent door behind which the racking of the circuitbreakers is completed.
“We’re proud to be a long-term service provider for the City of Cape Town and delighted to be selected to support it on this milestone modernisation project,” says Frans Bouwer, ABB
ABB’s compact VD4-LMT vacuum circuit-breakers are easy and fast to install.
regional manager for the Western Cape.
“Improving the reliability of the power supply is crucial for the Western Cape, but this project goes much further. The city not only invested in an upgrade which would increase the quality and availability of power supply, but also sought a sustainable solution which supported the circular economy.”
Over the past four years, ABB has delivered a range of savings and efficiency gains for the city. By only replacing older legacy circuitbreakers, rather than the entire feeder board and substation, the upgrades were executed with minimal downtime, while avoiding the costs and emissions associated with replacing the entire switchgear.
Not only did the carefully executed retrofit preserve the majority of the city’s existing installed base, but it prevented the use of an estimated 358 400 litres of oil, had like-for-like circuit breakers been used. Furthermore, the project ensured the safe and sustainable disposal of the old SF6 breakers and gases. With 1kg of SF6 having the equivalent greenhouse (or climate change) effect as 23 500kg of CO2, ABB’s full-circle end-of-life service ensured that any risk from SF6 disposal was eliminated.
“Upgrading outdated components is where the largest environmental gains and cost-savings can be made – reducing the total cost of ownership by one-third, substantially extending the life-cycle of installed assets and minimising the need for on-site maintenance and associated transport emissions,” says Bouwer.
“ABB’s collaborative approach, combined with its innovative retrofit solution, has been key in successfully continuing the ongoing modernisation of our electrical infrastructure, ensuring reliable and sustainable energy
“NOW THE CITY HAS TEAMED UP ONCE AGAIN WITH ABB TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL 12KV VD4 CIRCUIT-BREAKERS AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT TO REPLACE ITS AGEING LMX INSTALLATIONS.”
to the region and supporting our strong environmental commitments,” says Patrick O’Halloran, principal professional officer: equipment standards for the City of Cape Town
More than half of the electrical equipment, such as metal switchgear cabinets, steel plates and busbars, can be used for long periods without being replaced if outdated components such as circuit-breakers, relays and internal components are upgraded, regularly monitored and maintained.
ABB’s compact VD4-LMT vacuum circuit-breakers are easy and fast to install. The 12KV range includes 630A, 1 250A and 2 000A circuitbreakers type-tested at 25kA for three seconds. VD4 mechanisms are tested to perform more than 10 000 mechanical operations, delivering increased durability and
CONCOR MOVES INTO HIGHLY TECHNICAL PHASES AT MSIKABA
The band is starting to play louder at the awe-inspiring Msikaba Bridge project, according to Concor’s Laurence Savage, project director of this pioneering structure. The Msikaba Bridge forms part of the N2 Wild Coast project of the SA National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL) and is being constructed by the CME JV, a partnership between Concor and MECSA, both 100% blackowned Grade 9CE South African construction companies.
“The past two years have been
spent completing the four 21 000ton anchor blocks and progressing the elegant bridge pylons on each side of the gorge,” explains Savage. “We’re now entering some exciting, but technically challenging phases.”
The first of these is the poststressing of the anchor blocks, to ensure that the transfer of load exerted by the stay cables is well distributed through the blocks. Embedded 14m deep into each block, the post-stressing is profiled as a large “U” shape to
“THERE ARE 17 INSERTS FOR EACH PYLON; THESE ARE STEEL RINGS WEIGHING 8-10 TONS EACH, WHICH ARE CONCRETED INTO PLACE ONE AFTER THE OTHER UNTIL THE PYLON REACHES A HEIGHT OF ABOUT 122M.”
Once completed, the two pylon spires for the Msikaba Bridge will create two elegant and striking pinnacles.
mobilise the dead mass of the anchor block being pulled up by the stay cable at the top.
Savage highlights that the poststressing option is a modern and efficient strategy that reduces the need for reinforcement steel – which could have congested the blocks and made it difficult for the concrete to fill all the voids. The locally procured posttensioning strand cables at each of the 17 anchor points in each block are stressed up to around 500 tons by a specialist company. The process is expected to take two to three weeks for each anchor point.
“The next major step will be installing pylon inserts into the pylon’s structure as it rises above the 86m mark,” he says. “There are 17 inserts for each pylon; these are steel rings weighing 8-10 tons each, which
are concreted into place one after the other until the pylon reaches a height of about 122m.”
The pylon inserts are used as the anchors from which the cables run as back-stays to the anchor blocks and as fore-stays to the bridge deck. However, Savage notes that not all the inserts have to be in place before the launching of the deck can begin. Careful planning will allow the deck launching –itself a highly technical task – to commence after the first five inserts are installed, which is likely to be in the second half of 2024.
Another demanding aspect of the bridge’s latest phase will be the construction of the ladder deck. As the first steel deck segment of the bridge, the ladder deck is to be cast in concrete into the foundation of the pylon and will be the largest continuous pour on site.
“We’ll cast 700m3 of concrete in a single pour, with a very strong 65MPa mix,” he says. “This will also demand a high density of reinforcement steel, weighing 160 tons.”
The flagship Msikaba Bridge near Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape is now reaching a more technically challenging phase.
AFRISAM UPGRADES COMMUNITY PARK
Leading construction materials company AfriSam recently completed a significant upgrade to the Hillary Community Park in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, transforming it into a vibrant and family-friendly recreational space. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and enhancing the quality of life in the communities in which it operates.
The upgraded park now boasts
“WE’RE THRILLED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE HILLARY COMMUNITY PARK” SAID SENZI MABASO, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL FROM AFRISAM.
a range of new amenities and features that cater to the diverse needs of families and individuals alike. AfriSam installed a sturdy fence around the park, ensuring the safety and security of visitors. In addition, it undertook extensive garden maintenance, revitalising the park’s green spaces and creating a serene environment for relaxation and leisure activities.
One of the highlights of the upgrade is the addition of picnic tables and chairs, providing
AfriSam recently completed a significant upgrade to the Hillary Community Park.
families with a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy outdoor meals and gatherings. These new seating areas are strategically placed throughout the park, offering scenic views and fostering a sense of community engagement.
Recognising the importance of physical fitness, AfriSam also introduced a range of outdoor gym equipment to the park. These state-of-the-art facilities cater to individuals of all ages and fitness levels, encouraging active lifestyles and promoting overall well-being. The new equipment includes cardio machines, strength-training apparatus and stretching areas, enabling visitors to engage in a variety of exercises and workouts.
The company’s commitment to children’s well-being is evident in the expansion of the existing play area. AfriSam enhanced the playground with additional equipment, ensuring that children have a safe and enjoyable space in which to play and explore.
“We’re thrilled to have been able to contribute to the transformation of the Hillary Community Park," said Senzi Mabaso, community development professional from AfriSam. “By creating a family-friendly environment and providing essential amenities, we hope to encourage outdoor activities, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen the sense of
community within Hillary.”
The upgraded park is now open to the public, inviting residents from the surrounding areas to experience the enhanced facilities firsthand. AfriSam’s investment in this project reflects the company’s dedication to sustainable development and its commitment to making a positive impact on the communities in which it operates. This initiative has been made possible through the positive partnership the company has built over the years with its stakeholders, including the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy and the eThekwini municipality.
AfriSam added a range of outdoor gym equipment to the park, which is now open to the public.
CREATING QUALITY JOBS INSTEAD OF INCREASING EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS
The South African government at municipal, provincial and national level can change the state of the nation for the better by supporting employers to pay living wages. So says Ines Meyer, chairperson of the Living Wage SA Network and a professor at the University of Cape Town.
“A living wage can turn the tide of the country’s fortunes, bring peace and stability, promote equality and stimulate economic growth” she says. “Many employers believe that they can’t afford to pay lowestpaid employees decently – it’s
counter-intuitive to them that, in most cases, the commitment to lifting wages at the lowest level increases financial performance. As humans, our decisions are often driven by anxiety more than facts. Government could counter this fear through incentives to those who do pay living wages,” she says.
WHAT IS A LIVING WAGE?
Meyer defines a living wage as sufficient income for an individual and their family to afford the basic necessities of life, have something over for savings and be prepared for life’s emergencies.
“TRUE PEACE CAN ONLY EXIST WHEN ALL SOUTH AFRICANS ARE LIFTED OUT OF POVERTY – AND GOVERNMENT CAN MAKE THAT HAPPEN BY SUPPORTING AND ASSISTING EMPLOYERS EAGER TO ADOPT THE LIVING WAGE CONCEPT.”
This is in stark contrast to the current national minimum wage, which is legislated but does not lift poverty. She also notes that a living wage is more than an amount – it is an approach. Employers should adopt living wages voluntarily as a responsible business practice which promotes an organisation’s financial sustainability and is morally correct at the same time. While it is about affording dignity through fair wages, it needs to be accompanied by treating employees decently in all aspects of their work life.
AN INSTRUMENT OF PEACE
The 1919 Treaty of Versailles, Part XIII, Labour, recognised that universal peace could only be established on the basis of social justice. However, harsh labour conditions that deprive large groups of people of the essentials for their well-being could result
in civil unrest and threaten this peace. We have seen this in South Africa already, with desperate, unemployed people rioting and storming retail outlets for food, furniture, medicines, clothing and other necessities.
Among other solutions, the Versailles Treaty emphasised “the provision of an adequate living wage” as a means to reduce that risk. It is a remedy South Africa needs now.
DRIVEN BY GOVERNMENT
While government need not legislate or enforce employer adoption, it must recognise a living wage as an essential instrument in the preservation of human dignity, social cohesion and civil stability.
It can also play a critical role in promoting and encouraging this initiative through campaigning, support programmes and incentives.
Meyer says the Living Wage SA Network has come up with the following ways in which government could support employers to pay living wages:
• As SA’s single largest employer, lead by example by becoming its foremost living wage employer at national, provincial and municipal levels.
• Leverage the state’s immense purchasing power by preferring contractors who pay living wages, thereby incentivising employers to do the same.
• Encourage employers to embrace a living wage
approach through payroll subsidies, incentive schemes or tax breaks.
• Give special attention to small businesses whose slim profits may dissuade them from offering a living wage by providing extended subsidies, allowances and tax incentives.
• Identify and implement sector-specific initiatives that help special-case employers transition more easily to a living wage scheme.
• Invest in living wage employers through skills development programmes that enhance their productivity, efficiencies and competitiveness.
• Reward organisations that work with living wage employers throughout their supply chain, thereby promoting peer-based auditing.
• Partner with organisations that gather, analyse and disseminate national data that helps employers set a fair living wage in their companies, industries or sectors.
Government actions like these not only alleviate companies’ concerns that they cannot afford living wages, but also create a selfbalancing system that preserves competition across the market.
“True peace can only exist when all South Africans are lifted out of poverty – and government can make that happen by supporting and assisting employers eager to adopt the living wage concept,” says Meyer.
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SPEEDING UP CONCRETE CURING IN COLD WEATHER
South Africa’s colder months can bring headaches for contractors – as well as concrete product manufacturers – if low temperatures slow down the curing of their concrete and disrupt production programmes. However, accelerating admixtures – or accelerators – are available to solve this challenge.
With the country’s generally temperate climate, it is easy to forget that many provinces and neighbouring Lesotho regularly experience sub-zero temperatures, points out Hannes Engelbrecht, Concrete Business Unit director for Domestic and Sub-Saharan Africa at Chryso Southern Africa. Temperatures do not even need to reach freezing point; the concrete hydration process slows down steadily as temperature drops and actually stops when it goes below about 5°C.
A significant amount of current concrete construction – especially for wind turbine bases and foundations for solar photovoltaic infrastructure – is, in fact, taking place in provinces like the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, where temperatures fluctuate widely. Efficient stripping time of formwork is crucial in allowing these projects to meet their stringent deadlines to complete construction and start delivering renewable energy.
“Low temperatures create a range of problems for contractors and concrete product manufacturers,” says Engelbrecht. “Most projects in today’s world need to be delivered on a fast-track basis, so there’s no room for slow concrete curing to hold up the schedule. Similar constraints apply in the manufacture of precast products, where production must simply keep up with customer orders and
Super-plasticisers and accelerators speed up stripping times and save storage space for precast products.
delivery deadlines.”
He highlights that precast product manufacturers can use a combination of superplasticisers and accelerators to speed up their stripping times and reduce the storage space needed for products to cure. Accelerators work during the first 18 hours of the concrete’s curing time to ensure efficient hydration required to depalletise. Should temperatures be lower than freezing point, this makes the concrete strong enough to resist the expansion of water as it
“THIS MEANS THAT THE EARLY STRENGTH OF A CONCRETE MIX WILL BE DELAYED WHEN THERE ARE EXTENDERS ADDED.”
freezes – so that the concrete will not crack.
Patrick Flannigan, technical manager of the Concrete Business Unit at Chryso Southern Africa, explains that there are two categories of accelerator: chloride and non-chloride. While chloridebased accelerators are usually the first choice, they cannot be used if there is steel in the structure or where steel reinforcing is present due to the risk of rust, corrosion and degradation.
“If there’s steel reinforcing in the concrete, then a non-chloride accelerator must be selected,” says Flannigan.
Regarding the use of accelerators in ready-mix concrete that must travel varying distances to site, he points out the accelerator is best applied once the ready-mix has arrived on the customer’s site. After it is added to the concrete in the mixing truck, it needs to be thoroughly mixed for five to 10 minutes before being poured. The admixture gives operators a good 30-40 minutes of workability before the accelerated hydration begins, depending on the type of concrete mix.
Another growing benefit of accelerators has emerged as a result of the global sustainability drive, he says, as
cement producers, contractors and other customers aim to reduce their carbon footprint. This trend has seen the increased use of extenders such as fly-ash and granulated slag in cement.
“The fly-ash and slag only start working once there’s an initial hydration of cement,” he says. “This means that the early strength of a concrete mix will be delayed when there are extenders added.”
The accelerating admixture overcomes this initial delay in the early setting, allowing users to achieve their sustainability goals without compromising on speed of the curing process.
(Below): Hannes Engelbrecht, Concrete Business Unit director for Domestic and Sub-Saharan Africa at Chryso Southern Africa.
Choosing a non-chloride accelerator is essential when steel reinforcement is present in the concrete.
UNDERSTANDING RISK ASSESSMENTS
By Leighton Bennett, PrCHSA, SHE & Risk Management Consultant: Benrisk Consulting
The term “baseline” risk assessment: is not defined in our South African Occupational Health & Safety legislation, so it is not understood or performed at the high level it requires. My preferred definition of a baseline risk assessment is:
• A high-level comprehensive risk assessment performed to identify, analyse and evaluate
a wide range and current status of risks impacting on the enterprise, project or process being assessed.
• Used to established a prioritised risk profile.
• Used, on evaluation, to permit the implementation of suitable risk management measures to mitigate the assessed risks to an acceptable risk appetite level.
A Baseline Risk Assessment (BRA) is legally required to be
performed for construction projects in terms of the 2014 Construction Regulation 5(1) (a). The aim of a BRA is to establish the risks related to the high or strategic levels of a construction project or for a business or an operation, as applicable, to identify, establish and benchmark the types and sizes of potential risks, which do or could have a significant impact on the whole business, project or operation. The BRA could be approached on a site, regional,
national or enterprise-wide basis concerning any facet of the business operations, processes or activities.
The next risk assessment level (down) is the issuebased/job-task steps risk assessment, often called a Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis (HIRA), which focuses on the hazard and exposure risks to people/workers attached to each step of a job activity or process.
The third risk assessment level is called the Continuous Risk Assessment, which is the ongoing duty of management and/or supervision to perform and monitor work activities in order to ensure that the procedures involved are correctly and safely performed by all in the workplace.
The BRA process should be performed considering both the internal and/or external context risks impacting on the business or project. For any business or project to operate effectively, seven critical resources need to be acquired and used, but each of these seven resources is itself “at risk”. So assessing them, using the acronym “PEPMELF”, is a universally applicable and user-friendly brainstorming method, viz:
• People: Risks relating to the employees, clients, contractors, suppliers,
agents, visitors, public, authorities, etc.
• Equipment: Risks relating to the plant, machinery, equipment, PPE, racking, tools, PCs, furniture, etc.
• Process/Procedure/Practices/ Policies: Risks relating to the design, demolition, excavation, construction, height work, stacking, commissioning, safe-work procedures, hazardous substances procedures, manual handling procedures, incident investigation procedures, employment and placement practices, smoking and drugs policy, etc.
• Materials: Risks relating to the rock, soils, design drawings, utilities, steel, concrete, consumables, articles and products, stationery, software, chemicals, hazardous substances and wastes, etc.
• Environment: Risks relating to the site, location, layout, workplaces, macro/microenvironment, the weather, fauna and flora, etc.
• Legal (and legal liability): Risks relating to the compliance (Acts, standards, codes), contracts, occupational health and safety (OHS), reputation, etc.
• Financial: Risks relating to the funding, income, expenditure, cash flow, cost controls, incident losses, risk
financing, etc.
The hazards and exposure risks related to each of these are recorded in a risk assessment spreadsheet, followed by analysing and recording the risk rating score for each risk identified. The analysed/scored outcome of a BRA facilitates a rank-prioritised risk profile to be established and gives the opportunity to apply risk control measures to manage/mitigate the risks to acceptable risk appetite levels, especially where unacceptable or potentially highrisk items were identified and appraised.
This “PEPMELF” BRA technique was published by SA’s Safety First Association (www.safety1st. co.za) in 2006, with a second edition published in 2022. Although the “PEPMELF” BRA technique is not well known in SA, it complies with the requirements of the risk management process published as part of the ISO/ SANS 31000:2009/2018 Risk Management Standard and
“THE TERM 'BASELINE' RISK ASSESSMENT: IS NOT DEFINED IN OUR SOUTH AFRICAN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY LEGISLATION, SO IT IS NOT UNDERSTOOD OR PERFORMED AT THE HIGH LEVEL IT REQUIRES.”
HEALTH AND SAFETY
can also easily be used for risk identification purposes for the ISO/SANS 9001 quality, ISO/ SANS 14001 environmental and now the ISO/SANS 45001 OHS Management System Standards.
The issue-based/job-task steps risk assessment focuses on identifying, analysing and evaluating the risk related to worker-performed tasks. From the Project BRA, the job task of performing roof work is identified as high-risk, so it should have a job-task risk assessment aimed at identifying the related health and safety risks.
Here is an example of a job-task step risk assessment for roof working:
Step 1: Are the workers’ trained in working at heights and do they have valid medical certificates?
Step 2: Have these workers the correct, correctly worn and inspected personal protective and fall protection equipment to work at heights?
Step 3: Is the ladder which will be used for roof access suitably long enough and has it been pre-inspected for this work?
Step 4: Have the weather conditions been considered before accessing the roof (eg wind, wet roof surface, etc)?
Step 5: What is the fall protection plan and will it be communicated to the roof workers?
Step 6: Has a daily safety task instruction meeting been
held with the workers?
Step 7: Has the ladder been erected to 1m above the roof landing height?
Step 8: Will the ladder be safely supported/held for the first climber?
Step 9: Will the ladder be lashed to a suitably strong roof structure member, or will a safety anchor need to be installed for ladder lashing purposes?
Step 10: Will the ladder be climbed using at least the “three points of contact” method or using a safety harness dual lanyard attachment process?
Step 11: Will the roof condition and integrity (loadbearing strength) be assessed by the first climber/supervisor before any other worker is allowed to climb/step onto the roof (eg asbestos/ACM, polycarbonate sheeting, corroded metal sheeting, etc)?
Step 12: Have safety lifelines been pre-installed on the roof or must safety anchors be installed for safety harness attachment purposes?
Step 13: Compare this part of the job-task step risk assessment with the roof work HIRA you may have. Are the actual roof work risks listed in your HIRA? If they are not, are they included in the job-task’s safe working procedure?
Each job-task step risk identified can be risk rating-scored too and have specific risk mitigation measures recorded and applied for each risk step.
Furthermore, the job-task step risk assessment’s steps actually represent the safety working procedure steps required to be considered and documented.
The OHS Act Section 8(2)(b and c) requires employers to perform workplace risk identification assessments and implement risk mitigation measures, while Construction Regulation 9 requires employee-based risk assessments to be performed for construction work project activities.
EMPOWERING WORKERS WITH INCENTIVE SOLUTIONS
In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace safety and employee engagement, the significance of incentivisation cannot be overstated. This is clearly apparent in multiple sectors, where the inherent risks demand constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. “However, traditional incentive programmes often fall short in fostering the desired behaviour and attitude of workers,” says Steve Mallaby, CEO of adumo Payouts.
Mallaby advocates a paradigm
shift in the way companies approach incentivisation, particularly in sectors dominated by blue-collar workers, from construction to mining, manufacturing, engineering and agriculture, as well as oil and gas. “The transformative potential of modernising safety incentive programmes not only enhances workplace safety, but bolsters productivity and fosters a culture of corporate responsibility,” he says.
Mallaby champions the concept
of earned incentives, whereby workers are rewarded based on tangible results tied to clear tasks and milestones. This approach not only aligns incentives with desired outcomes, but empowers workers by providing a transparent framework for compensation. “When workers understand what’s expected of them and how they’ll be rewarded, they’re more likely to prioritise safety behaviour,” he explains.
Moreover, modern incentive
INNOVATION
programmes have a broader societal implication. In an era when companies are increasingly scrutinised for their environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices – and in South Africa, where recklessness and failure to adhere to safety have resulted in a number of fatal accidents in the construction sector in recent months – incentivising workers assumes extra significance. By prioritising the well-being of employees and promoting financial literacy, companies can position themselves as responsible corporate citizens, thereby attracting investors and fostering sustainable growth.
Crucially, adumo Payouts understands that a “one-size-fitsall” approach to incentivisation does not adequately cover the diverse requirements of multiple sectors. Instead, companies must leverage flexible solutions
“THE TRANSFORMATIVE POTENTIAL OF MODERNISING SAFETY INCENTIVE PROGRAMMES NOT ONLY ENHANCES WORKPLACE SAFETY, BUT BOLSTERS PRODUCTIVITY AND FOSTERS A CULTURE OF CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY.”
tailored to the unique needs of their workforce. “We provide such a solution through the adumo payment card system, which not only streamlines the distribution of incentives, but empowers workers to make meaningful financial decisions,” says Mallaby.
By embracing modern incentive schemes, companies demonstrate their commitment to employee welfare, while also tapping into the economic potential of empowered workers. As Mallaby puts it, companies must “stop being stuck in the Dark Ages” and embrace the changing dynamics of the modern consumer market. “Traditionally, companies disbursed grocery vouchers as an incentive. However, this doesn’t make the best use of the opportunity and doesn’t provide the maximum benefit to either the company or the employee,” he says.
Modernising safety incentive programmes is a rallying cry for companies across various industries to prioritise the wellbeing of their workforce. By adopting flexible and transparent incentive schemes, companies can not only enhance workplace safety and productivity, but contribute to broader societal goals of economic empowerment and sustainability. “It generates loyalty and
productivity in your workforce. If your incentive system is up to date, efficient, flexible and adaptable to workers’ requirements, then it’s no problem, for example, to get workers to work on a public holiday because they have peace of mind that they’ll be incentivised properly and have access to those additional funds soonest,” says Mallaby.
An added benefit for companies in terms of marketing is the fact that adumo payment cards can be accordingly branded. This provides both workers and the retail sector with confidence that the cards being used are backed by a reputable company that prioritises the well-being of its workforce.
“A proper incentive scheme contributes to the overall wellbeing of communities, putting money back into the local economy to stimulate growth and development and ensure that blue-collar workers have some cash on hand, especially if they have a lot of historic debt and garnishee orders. This, in turn, contributes to meeting a company’s ESG strategy and facilitating its goals to be a good corporate citizen,” says Mallaby.
Steve Mallaby, CEO of adumo Payouts.
PRODUCTS
uPVC WINDOWS AND DOORS OFFER
SUSTAINABLE ENERGYEFFICIENCY
uPVC technology has been the preferred material for energyefficient and durable windows and door frames for many years, but a high price point made it the realm of high-end projects. New technology from REHAU has changed the value equation radically, bringing the multitude of uPVC benefits within reach of a greater range of projects and homes.
“uPVC combines the benefits of timber and aluminium. By making it affordable, REHAU’s PURELINE range is set to change the way architects specify projects, from single residences to massive
projects,” says Stephan van Niekerk CEO of REHAU Industries South Africa. “uPVC will transform the way South African buildings are designed and built, improving the experience of those who live and work in them.”
Since it is an insulative material, uPVC reduces the amount of heat or cold that gets transferred into a building from the outside. In fact, aluminium frames are highly conductive. In addition, thanks to their innovative construction, uPVC frames are fully watertight, removing one of the most common items on a project snag list and long-term headaches for
the developer, contractor and home-owner alike.
The unique design of the uPVC frames makes it easy for glass of different thicknesses and types to be installed. As a result, double glazing can be easily installed at any time to improve the ability of the window or door to insulate further against the transfer of heat and noise.
An additional sustainability bonus is REHAU’s commitment to the circular economy. At the end of their lifespan, uPVC frames are fully recyclable into new frames or other uPVC products.
A commercial exterior using uPVC materials.
Security remains a key concern for South Africans. uPVC is a steel- or composite-reinforced material and REHAU has leveraged this characteristic to design doors and windows with optional multipoint locks, making them harder to access. REHAU’s unique uPVC design also means that the beading is very difficult to remove. This, in combination with safety glass, improves its security even more.
uPVC is intrinsically a lowmaintenance material – it will not warp or rot and can easily be cleaned using dishwashing liquid. South African conditions are harsh and REHAU has developed a uPVC variant that includes a high percentage of titanium dioxide, ensuring that the frames are not subject to colour changes or degradation due to UV radiation.
“Now that the price differential with aluminium has been all but
eliminated, architects should be preparing to discuss the uPVC option with their clients, secure in the knowledge that this technology will also make the project itself more successful and offer significant long-term benefits in terms of comfort and significantly lower energy usage,” says Van Niekerk.
Jarmila Logie, a long-established architect at Jarmila Logie Associates Architects, has been using REHAU uPVC products for decades and says they have performed extremely well, showing no signs of wear after 30 years. She adds that uPVC’s lack of conductivity makes managing temperatures in a building, both in winter and summer, much easier.
She alludes to studies which show that uPVC windows can save up to 30% more energy than aluminium windows, thanks to
their poor thermal conductivity and superior sealing.
Logie also notes that uPVC windows and doors frequently use multiple point-locking mechanisms to provide a better seal. These mechanisms have the added advantage of greatly enhancing the security they offer – a significant factor for South Africans.
Another important point is colour. The fact that REHAU has developed a paint that can be used on its frames, at an additional cost, means they can be integrated into the overall design much better, says Logie, citing the current trend of black or charcoal frames.
“It was a great pity that uPVC was never properly marketed here in SA, allowing aluminium to establish itself,” she says. “I’m very happy that REHAU has developed a suitable design for the African market and one that’s affordable.”
“UPVC
COMBINES
THE BENEFITS OF TIMBER AND ALUMINIUM.
BY
MAKING
IT AFFORDABLE, REHAU’S PURELINE RANGE IS SET TO CHANGE THE WAY ARCHITECTS SPECIFY PROJECTS, FROM SINGLE RESIDENCES TO MASSIVE PROJECTS.”
SA’S AGEING DAM INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS URGENT MAINTENANCE
decades,” says Dr Frank Denys, technical specialist: dams at leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Zutari. Denys is a member of several reference groups as part of the Water Research Commission, assisting in developing a national implementation strategy for sustainability and grey-green infrastructure.
rehabilitation work, if necessary, every few decades. “Concrete ageing is part of that. If the concrete’s looked after, one can be sure that the rest of the structure is too. Thankfully, there’s no imminent massive threat from an ageing perspective,” stresses Denys.
With the era of large dam-building having peaked in South Africa in the 1970s and many dams reaching their 50th anniversary, there is a growing focus on the correct and timeous maintenance and rehabilitation of the country’s dam infrastructure. Concrete can develop cracks, spalling and other forms of deterioration over time due to exposure to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, movement, moisture and chemical reactions.
“The concrete structures of many dams have undergone a natural ageing process over the
“The era of major dam-building is definitely over in SA,” he says. This is due to the fact that most of the most feasible sites have already been developed. “The ageing concrete on the dams built in that era is cause for concern, but it won’t result in imminent structural failure. There’s no significant risk of multiple dams suddenly failing and the country left with no water.”
That said, concrete dam maintenance issues are not wholly dissimilar to the country’s current power generation and water infrastructure maintenance and development issues. The key is liberal maintenance spread out over time, instead of major
“Every dam is treated as unique with its own set of requirements, so there’s no generic way of fixing them,” he adds. However, there are certain “go-to” solutions that tend to work well, especially related to advances in technology and concrete mixes. “We implement and apply these where the manufacturer or supplier feels it’s appropriate. Time will tell, in terms of the actual performance of the solution, whether newer technologies in the cement and concrete industry endure.”
Regular maintenance is needed to identify signs of distress, such as cracks, spalling or leaks. These inspections detect issues early and prevent further deterioration. Dams also accumulate silt and
debris over time, affecting their storage capacity and functionality. This requires regular dredging and sediment removal.
“Sedimentation build-up is a related, but completely separate, issue. The storage capacity of dams is declining steadily due to this issue, resulting in catchment areas reduced from when these dams were originally planned. That’s being looked at on a national scale by the WRC and the Department of Water and Sanitation. It’s a very challenging issue that’s also a global problem,” says Denys.
Another issue is uncontrolled vegetation growth on dam surfaces, which can lead to cracks and damage. Proper vegetation management is therefore essential. Installing systems such as strain gauges, movement monitors, piezometers and inclinometers can also greatly assist in monitoring dam behaviour and identifying anomalies.
When it comes to refurbishment and rehabilitation challenges, structural repairs may be needed to address concrete cracks, spalling and other defects. Common techniques include epoxy injection, shotcrete application and grouting. Applying protective coatings or cathodic protection systems can also mitigate corrosion of steel reinforcement.
Addressing seepage through the dam body or foundation is critical. Grouting, cut-off walls and drainage systems can manage seepage. Lastly, upgrading instrumentation, emergency response plans and spillway capacity are crucial to ensure dam safety. “Dams are designed to survive multiple decades. If they’re well looked after, they can have centuries-long lifespans. This is vital, as they supply all our major economic centres,” says Denys.
While the major dams have fullyfledged engineering teams to support them, there are many smaller, but no less important, dams which are usually privately or municipally owned and mainly serve smaller towns. There is typically a lack of knowledge and expertise to carry out the necessary maintenance. “These dams are showing their age,” says Denys.
The recent flood and drought cycle in Australia prompted a massive investment in dam refurbishment and upgrading. “We haven’t done that yet in SA, but it’s necessary. We did
obviously have the Day Zero drought in Cape Town. They didn’t end up building a new dam there, probably because most of the most feasible dam sites had already been taken. Instead, they’re looking at innovative technological options like re-using effluent as their major contribution towards water security for the next several decades.
“Other parts of the country will definitely come next. Durban isn’t yet approaching its own Day Zero, but it’s facing some challenging water supply issues over the next decade,” warns Denys. Here it is a combination of dam and water transfer-related infrastructure which has been massively neglected over time. “Again, it’s the maintenance issue. The water transfer infrastructure hasn’t been kept up to date, but it’s also a water supply and availability issue,” he adds.
"'THE ERA OF MAJOR DAMBUILDING IS DEFINITELY OVER IN SA,' HE SAYS. THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT MOST OF THE MOST FEASIBLE SITES HAVE ALREADY BEEN DEVELOPED. 'THE AGEING CONCRETE ON THE DAMS BUILT IN THAT ERA IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN, BUT IT WON’T RESULT IN IMMINENT STRUCTURAL FAILURE.'”
Dr Frank Denys, technical specialist: dams at Zutari.
REMOTE ZITHULELE HOSPITAL GETS AN UPGRADE
Despite South Africa’s immense potential, the country faces considerable challenges that require concerted efforts to catalyse socio-economic development and empower local communities, particularly in the often-overlooked remote regions of the nation.
GVK Siya-Zama, as one of the largest privately-owned
construction companies in SA, is committed to driving this change, with the upgrading of Zithulele District Hospital in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, being a prime example.
According to Peet Meyer, MD of the company’s operations in the Eastern Cape, GVK Siya-Zama’s expertise extends beyond mere construction to stimulating
employment opportunities in the projects it undertakes.
“We’re dedicated to collaborative efforts aimed at uplifting communities, ensuring that our impact transcends mere physical structures and leaves behind lasting positive change,” says Meyer.
Based in the heart of the Wild
The main entrance to the Zithulele District Hospital.
Coast, the Zithulele District Hospital was originally established as a Dutch Reformed Church in the late 1950s, with the clinic facility opening its doors the same year. With a mere 58 functional beds in 2005, which have increased to 146 today, the facility has expanded over the years to meet the growing needs of the community, particularly as more than 14 local clinics and two community health centres refer patients to the hospital.
In response to the demand for expanded services, GVK SiyaZama – in collaboration with local contractors – is currently renovating the hospital. The renovations will feature 157 dedicated in-patient beds, male and female general wards, facilities for obstetric and basic gynaecological in-patient care, paediatric care, an infectious diseases unit, general outpatient services, clinical support services, rehabilitation and sub-acute services, a gateway clinic, staff accommodation and a 24-hour emergency unit.
Additionally, electrical and sewer infrastructure will be upgraded to meet the demands of the new additions to the facility.
Operating in remote areas is not without its challenges, including the sacrifices personnel make by spending extended periods away from home and their loved ones, limited access to water and electricity, a shortage of skilled labour and a lack of accommodation. However, GVK
Siya-Zama has taken proactive steps to overcome these challenges by erecting shortterm accommodation, seeking solutions to remedy supply issues and mentoring contractors and their personnel, for example.
“Besides addressing the healthcare needs of the immediate community and surrounding areas, the renovation of the Zithulele District Hospital has brought with it increased job opportunities, intending to employ 2 000 people throughout the project,” says Meyer.
“Moreover, several local postgraduate built environment students are actively engaged in the project, showcasing exceptional motivation and skill. Their dedication has surpassed our expectations and has prompted us to consider offering permanent employment to three of the individuals.”
With a projected completion timeline of 60 months, the success of the project hinges on three key criteria. These encompass job creation within the area, provision of training and internship opportunities for the local community, and engaging SMMEs to foster economic development and sustainability.
In addition to generating employment opportunities, the project prioritises the creation of jobs specifically tailored for youth aged 18-35, women and individuals with physical disabilities. Training initiatives
“WE’RE DEDICATED TO COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS AIMED AT UPLIFTING COMMUNITIES, ENSURING THAT OUR IMPACT TRANSCENDS MERE PHYSICAL STRUCTURES AND LEAVES BEHIND LASTING POSITIVE CHANGE.”
will encompass technical and skills development programmes and are aimed at enhancing the capabilities of local residents.
Furthermore, the sourcing of SMMEs will predominantly focus on entities within the local King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, followed by those in the OR Tambo District Municipality and the broader Eastern Cape region.
“While operating in a remote part of the country may be challenging, the privilege of being involved in a project that will improve the lives of the community and add to their prosperity far outweighs any burden faced,” says Meyer.
“As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving positive change, fostering sustainable development, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and progress, and uplifting the spirits and aspirations of those involved communities for generations to come.”
MORNINGSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE SETS NEW STANDARDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
As part of its continuing mission to embed sustainability into every facet of its operations, Morningside Shopping Centre has highlighted significant advancements in its environmental strategies. Already recognised for its pioneering green practices, the centre has taken further strides by enhancing its innovative solar power, battery back-up and generator hybrid system, which became fully operational in March 2024.
Located in leafy Sandton, Johannesburg, the centre is a premier retail destination offering a blend of fashion, food and lifestyle options. Owned by shopping centre investor and developer Flanagan & Gerard Property Group
and Grapnel Property Group, it is committed to providing a superior shopping experience while actively pursuing initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future.
CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT OF ALTERNATIVE POWER AND WATER SYSTEMS
The newly-implemented solar power, battery back-up and generator hybrid system represent a pivotal shift from traditional diesel generators to a more comprehensive approach which not only addresses frequent power outages, but significantly reduces diesel consumption, thereby ensuring uninterrupted service and an enhanced experience for tenants and customers.
“By integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, Morningside Shopping Centre is setting a new standard for the industry. Our commitment to sustainability isn’t just about enhancing operational efficiency, but about making a positive impact on the environment and our community,” says Sharon Henry, the centre manager.
The fully synchronised system incorporates 275kW of solar power capacity, two 500kWh batteries and two 500kV diesel generators. The battery system can power the entire shopping centre load for up to two hours, providing a critical buffer during power cuts. This reduces reliance on diesel-
An aerial view of the Morningside Shopping Centre.
powered generators and minimises environmental impact.
As part of its commitment to water conservation, the centre has also expanded its back-up water system, adding 10 new tanks to the 14 existing 5 000-litre tanks. This enhancement ensures a more reliable water supply.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
In addition to managing energy resources, Morningside Shopping Centre has introduced the innovative Neighbour Roots urban farming initiative. A collaborative venture between Flanagan & Gerard Properties and urban farmer Zandile Khumalo, this urban rooftop farm continues to redefine urban agriculture.
Situated on the roof of the shopping centre, the 300m²
farm leverages cutting-edge hydroponic technology, which substitutes traditional soil with water-based, nutrientrich solutions to dramatically reduce water usage by up to 80%. This method not only maximises limited urban space, but enhances the environmental efficiency of the farm. Neighbour Roots provides the centre’s restaurants with fresh, pesticide-free produce. It also places a strong emphasis on community involvement, actively participating in local school programmes and hosting educational initiatives aimed at spreading knowledge about sustainable farming techniques.
Further emphasising the centre’s commitment to sustainability, the introduction of energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the basements and the installation of a third electric vehicle charging station in Gauteng align with broader efforts to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable transportation options.
The shopping centre has enhanced its waste management system by introducing Biobin technology, which converts restaurant waste into compost. This initiative not only reduces landfill waste, but provides an affordable and sustainable waste management option and supports the centre’s landscaping with high-quality compost.
Current landscaping efforts
are focused on including more spekboom, an indigenous plant known for its low water requirements and carbonabsorbing properties. This attractive succulent is an excellent replacement for more water-thirsty plants and is easy to maintain.
Morningside Shopping Centre is proud of its collaboration with the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), which has enabled the integration of the traffic lights at the intersection of Rivonia and Outspan Rds with the centre’s power system, easing traffic congestion during power outages.
“Collaborating with Morningside Shopping Centre allows us to extend the reach of our traffic signal back-up power initiative, which has already seen 40 companies currently powering 113 intersections providing power from their reserves during load-shedding. These collaborations have gone a long way towards improving safety for both pedestrians and motorists, reducing road rage incidents as well as time spent on the roads due to compromised traffic flow. This partnership also demonstrates the potential of collaborations to improve urban living conditions. JRA’s next step is to achieve smart and adaptive traffic signal systems, and we’ll soon be requesting proposals for innovative ideas on smart traffic signal controllers that will propel JRA and the city towards achieving the ideals of being a smart city,” says JRA’s acting CEO Zweli Nyathi.
Sharon Henry, the Morningside Shopping Centre manager.
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NIGERIAN DATA CENTRE GETS INNOVATIVE TRANSFORMER DESIGN
Data centres face specific challenges in countries where the voltage of electricity supply is unstable. With these factors in mind, Trafo Power Solutions has designed and is supplying a custom-engineered, dry-type transformer to a data centre in Nigeria, showing its technical depth of experience in African markets. The transformer can deal with a high level of voltage fluctuations, among other challenges.
According to Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen, the contract followed successful past
engagements with an existing data centre customer – who is now involved in Africa’s most populous state.
“In the context of an unstable power supply, this application required an unusual, but effective solution,” says Claassen. “The challenge is that the voltage of the electrical supply in this area often fluctuates between plus and minus 10% of nominal voltage, so we designed our transformers to include an automatic on-load tap changer [OLTC].”
Further to this, the high level of
total harmonic distortion, related to data centres, necessitated the need to design the transformer according to K-factor 13 to ensure maximum reliability and compensate for the additional heat caused by these harmonics, as well as the associated voltage distortion.
The OLTC is installed on the transformer feet and fully integrated by Trafo Power Solutions. When there are fluctuations in voltage – up or down – this is sensed automatically and the secondary voltage of the transformer is adjusted accordingly
The upgrade of a data centre in Nigeria has called for a customengineered dry-type transformer solution from Trafo Power Solutions.
by the OLTC, which ensures that a stable secondary voltage reaches the data centre’s critical equipment. This specific design will allow the transformer to correct up to 10% under-voltage and up to 10% over-voltage in the power supply in four equal steps.
“It’s important to realise that this level of fluctuation – if not corrected – would be extremely detrimental to electrical infrastructure,” says Claassen. “In fact, some equipment would experience catastrophic failure under these conditions.”
Included in the project scope was also the control and protection of both the transformer and tap-changer – as well as an automatic voltage regulator – making up a complete solution for the customer. The transformer supplied by Trafo Power Solutions is a 2 000kVA unit which will step down the incoming voltage from 11kV to 400V. The company is also responsible for commissioning the solution on site.
“Cooling will be achieved in an air natural configuration, but fans have been included on the transformers to allow them to carry a 25% higher load, if necessary,” says Claassen. “The cooling aspect of the design is important in this context, as the higher harmonics can also lead to raised temperatures in the transformer.”
Trafo Power Solutions includes an electrostatic shield between the primary and secondary windings in this type of design to arrest any stray current that could be caused by the harmonic distortion. He emphasises that there is no room for downtime in the data centre industry, so transformer design must be exacting and the manufacturing must be to the highest industry standards.
“A critical measure of any data centre is its level of uptime, so the customer needs stable voltage to underpin the
reliability of all its infrastructure,” he says.
Claassen adds that the company also offers modular solutions for data centres, an approach with particular benefits, as customers can build up their mediumvoltage infrastructure gradually as their business grows. This facilitates a smooth and costeffective ramp-up of operations, with the modular approach allowing the addition of new capacity without disruption.
“IT’S IMPORTANT TO REALISE THAT THIS LEVEL OF FLUCTUATION – IF NOT CORRECTED –WOULD BE EXTREMELY DETRIMENTAL TO ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.”
(Above): Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen.
CAPTAINS OF CONSTRUCTION
MBA REGIONAL LISTING AND AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Master Builders Association
Boland
Contact: Daniel Uys info@mbaboland.org.za 021 863 3330
Contact: Graham Andrews info@mbanc.org.za 053 832 1762
Master Builders Association
Western Cape
Contact: Mark Fugard info@mbawc.org.za 021 685 2625
Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of SA
Contact: Johan Heyneke reception@aaamsa.co.za 011 805 5002
CAPTAINS OF CONSTRUCTION
RESTORING DIGNITY
Roy Mnisi, Executive Director: Master Builders South Africa (MBSA)
Mnisi is an admitted attorney of the High Court of SA, with more than 15 years postadmission experience. He started his law career in 2002 at Madelein Nel Attorneys and practised at law firm Johan Jacobs & Malcolm Moodie (JJMM) Inc until 2005.
Ines Meyer, chairperson of the Living Wage SA Network and professor of organisational psychology at the University of Cape Town (UCT)
He has worked for the revenue department of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and as the CEO of the Institute of Municipal Finance Officers. He has also served on the boards of the Playhouse Company, the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors, the Water Research Commission, Freedom Park and others.
Meyer holds a research chair under the SA Research Chair Initiative by the National Research Foundation and Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, which focuses on how to create work which is decent and allows sustainable livelihoods. She obtained her PhD at UCT and then worked in a corporate environment and community development before returning to the university in 2009.
Mnisi is a member of the Institute of Directors and of the Legal Practice Council. He currently serves on the boards of the National Home Builders Registration Council, the Joint Building Contracts Committee and the Construction Education and Training Authority.
When asked about the most challenging part of his job, he said “Challenges facing the construction industry have a way of becoming our challenges as industry leaders. When I see companies closing their businesses due to lack of work opportunities and other inhibitors, I feel the pain. When I see employees losing their jobs and livelihoods, I feel challenged at both professional and personal level. You kind of feel you should have done something to help the situation. Dealing with industry challenges such as violence on construction side, non-payment of contractors, declining construction sector are some of the challenges associated with the job.”
“I didn’t know about living wages before I got involved with the research. A colleague from New Zealand introduced me to it and to the idea that we should determine it by assessing how much money individuals need to have choice in life about what matters to them, such as what religion (if any) to follow and how to take care of their health and education, as well as the option of leaving employment if it’s inadequate. Too little money traps people in their current situations. Ultimately, paying living wages is about restoring dignity, which I firmly believe is the key to ensuring that all our lives improve, not just the lives of those who have little,” she says.
In relation to what is the most rewarding part of his job, he reflected on the role of the construction sector and the impact it has on people. He said “Whenever construction work happens, it’s not about the structure, it’s about dreams, hopes and aspirations. I remember when I was a little boy and my parents were planning and eventually built out house, it had some positive impact on me. It brought with it a lot of inspiration. So, whenever a house, school, library nor a road is built, it has a lot of impact on people, and we often don’t pay attention to that part. Being part of an industry body that deals with building industry matters at a national level is a fulfilment of a kind. Dealing with all things aimed at promotion and protecting the industry is the most rewarding part of my job.”
“We started the network – a legal entity independent of UCT – in early 2021. I suspect the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as local and international legislative and policy changes, also made more people realise that the only way to a stable, safe and sustainable SA is through actively building a more equal society. At the network, we advocate and offer assistance so that more employers follow suit.”
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Clay brick is a natural insulator against winter cold, summer heat, humidity and noise. With stylish, timeless appeal and impressive sustainability credentials - the enduring hues and textures of clay brick are low maintenance and look beautiful for a lifetime.
Clay masonry is a natural insulator against summer heat, winter cold, humidity and noise. With timeless appeal, impressive strength and maximum fi re resistance, clay brick looks beautiful for a lifetime.
CBASA represents clay brick & paver manufacturers across Southern Africa and drives inclusive, sustainable practices in the industry. We inspire energy-efficient, contemporary architecture and paving that supports our local producers, builders and architects.
CBASA represents clay brick & paver manufacturers across Southern Africa. We drive inclusive, sustainable practices in the industry while supporting our local producers, builders and architects.
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