SA Builder (SAB) • November 2022

FROM THE EDITOR

to build

with Musa Shangase

MBSA NEWS

safety on construction sites

network is your net worth: getting the most out of association membership

Westown urban development breaks ground

MBA REGIONAL PROFILE

Getting to know the East Cape Master Builders Association

INDUSTRY NEWS

Flexible pricing in renewable energy projects: how to strike a balance

Higher-efficiency electric motors will drive down energy consumption

Inspiring SAISC Steel Awards 2022

HDPE pipes for Polokwane waste water treatment plant

CESA Infrastructure Indaba 2022: procurement crisis impacting service delivery

of mortar mix important for sustainability

winning in construction

South African Builder is the official journal of Master Builders South Africa, established in 1923. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Master Builders South Africa. SA Builder is a registered trademark of Master Builders South Africa. Any use of this trademark without the express and written approval of Master Builders South Africa is prohibited. No material contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the publisher. SA Builder © 2022. All rights reserved.

PUBLISHER

Isikhova Media (Pty) Ltd 10th Floor, Metal Box, 25 Owl Street, Milpark, Johannesburg, South Africa

Tel: +27 11 883 4627

/www.isikhova.co.za

CONTRIBUTIONS

Master Builders South Africa Tel: +27 11 205 9000 E-mail: editor@sabuilder.co.za www.masterbuilders.org.za

AND CREDITS

FEATURES

Personal protective equipment –the right footing

The sustainability economy: why are we so behind?

Future-proofed with brick

Plugging into the right electrical contractor

Demolition robot wars

Pulling down construction silos key to digital transformation

Foundational knowledge BUILDER’S VIEW

Achieving net zero and the role of carbon tax

Uganda’s waste opportunities

CAPTAINS OF CONSTRUCTION

Meet Refilwe Lesufi

Publishing Director/ Editor-in-chief: Jason Aarons E-mail: jason@isikhova.co.za

Editor: Nicholas McDiarmid E-mail: nicholas@isikhova.co.za

Director: Brand Strategy: Jenny Justus Tel: 083 450 6052 E-mail: jenny@isikhova.co.za

Managing Director: Imraan Mahomed E-mail: imraan@isikhova.co.za

Creative Director: Joanne Brook E-mail: joanne@isikhova.co.za

Operations Director: Thuli Majola E-mail: thuli@isikhova.co.za

Copy Editor: Anne Phillips

Advertising sales: Tel: +27 11 883 4627 Mobile: 072 383 3203 / 083 450 6052

PLANNING TO BUILD

As we all continue to adjust to the ongoing stream of challenges thrown up by loadshedding, project constraints, lower margins and environmental realities (to cite more general issues), we know there are certain realities that we can depend on. We will survive, we will grow and we are learning. It is never foolish to be tenacious.

The disciplines required through this period can be looked upon in a positive light, as they reflect many trends filtering through global best practice in business and project management. LEAN, for example, might be a project acronym, but South Africans understand its implementation as a survival adaption, rather than as remnants from a pricy training seminar. Training our sights on effective

business survival strategies is always a winner, and builders know that there are always better ways of solving a problem.

SA Builder continues its drive to seek out winning alternatives to business as usual, from more effective equipment, plant and vehicle solutions to finding methods and materials cut to this new cloth. Now is the time to consider the unconsidered; to try out out new things. We also encourage everyone to network more than ever before. Opportunities generally come from unexpected sources and resources are everywhere to be found. Partners, friends, associates and mentors should be put firmly at the top of your survival strategy.

Nicholas McDiarmid: editor

Western

Cell: +27 (0)83 505 1819 Office: +27 (0)21 535 4455

Nathan

Cell: +27 (0)72 778 3449 Office: +27 (0)11 822 7242

KwaZulu-Natal

Yvette

+27 (0)83 524 3879

+27 (0) 31 705 7733

Eastern

Cell: +27 (0)83 452 4031 Office: +27 (0)41 451 3944

INTERVIEW WITH MUSA SHANGASE

Musa Shangase was inaugurated as the new president of Master Builders SA (MBSA) on 9 September 2022 at this year’s congress held in KwaZulu-Natal. He talked to SA Builder about the seemingly uncharted road facing the construction sector and the economy as a whole, as well as his plans for expediting the recovery ahead

With Shangase having been a director of Corobrik for nearly nine years now, it is difficult to imagine a more qualified candidate to guide the MBSA and its members through what can only be described as a uniquely challenging economic landscape. He has a long history with the association and was elected president of MBA North in 2017.

SA Builder: Congratulations on your inauguration; you are uniquely positioned to understand the work of the association and what makes it so effective for its members and the industry. What are the most important factors for members to keep in mind at this critical juncture for the sector?

MS: MBSA is the umbrella body for all the regional Master

Builders Associations (MBAs) and specialised affiliate members. It utilises the power and cohesion of this united voice to effectively represent the best interests of our industry on key national bodies and lobbies national government on legislative and policy issues.

You have mentioned the importance of your relationships in the sector in tackling challenges. What are the priority issues for your plan of action?

A workable solution to the prob lem of the so-called “construction mafia” is the most urgent priority. We must provide as much assis tance to the Department of Public

Works as possible to unblock its project pipeline, while using our influence and leveraging our alliances to put enough muscle behind the Finance Minister’s Infrastructure Budget and get it endorsed by National Treasury. Then we need to build consensus throughout the MBAs on employ ment equity targets and timelines, and engage the Department of Employment & Labour in getting them implemented.

What needs to change in the industry’s public and private sectors, both singly and jointly, to establish the co-operative partnership which can achieve the levels of activity required of a growth economy?

Private-public partnerships are key to the success of our country’s economy and our industry. Privatesector technology and innovation need to be aligned and combined with public-sector incentives to complete works and projects on time and within budget. We need to stop the financial haemorrhage characteristic of the very initiatives intended to stimulate growth.

We’d like to see the public sector sharing risk with the private sector, especially in matters of procurement and on-time payments. The sole point of this model of partnership is to unlock the development of industrial processes, products and services beyond the capacity of either party acting alone. It’s a symbiotic partnership for the national benefit

“I ALWAYS TRY TO RECOGNIZE AND DEFINE FEAR AS IT COMES UP, BECAUSE THEN I CAN DEAL WITH THE FEAR, INSTEAD OF ALLOWING THE FEAR TO DEFINE HOW I ACT.”

and it’s time for a mutual vision, with both parties on the same side.

What should members be doing right now to both steer their businesses through this rocky time and positively effect the changes we need to see as a whole?

On balance, I’d say that while there are grounds for optimism, contractors must be very cautious going forward. The industry’s made some recovery from the dip experienced during the lockdowns: from June 2020 to May 2021, the monthly average value for building plans registered was R6,3 billion. It was R9 billion for the June 2021-June 2022 period. However, reports are being made of commercial building activity slowing down, decreasing the likelihood of a full recovery from the 2020 lockdowns this year.

Reflecting on your own journey, what actions and attitudes have worked for you, both personally and professionally, when facing particularly difficult challenges?

I accept my life for what it is in the here and now. Acceptance can be fleeting, but it normally helps me let go of stress, anxiety and fear. When I face a particular challenge, I take a step away from my feelings and make a plan. While it’s important to still acknowledge my feelings, I want my actions and decisions to be objective

I regard the taking of action to be one of the biggest steps in over coming challenges. A big part of whatever I’m facing probably feels so challenging due to underlying fear. I always try to recognise and define fear as it comes up, because then I can deal with it, rather than allowing it to define how I act.

Ultimately, I tend to exist in my comfort zones, so when something new happens or presents itself, it can appear hard to deal with. Practising gratitude also allows me to reframe my definition of a challenge

You’ve referred to the wonderful resilience in the sector. Are

there developments from within government to keep up the motivation and inspiration we all need at this time?

In May 2020, Cabinet approved the establishment of Infrastructure SA (ISA), a programme under Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Patricia de Lille. Prof Kgosientso Ramokgopa heads the ISA and advised the MBSA Congress that R2,2 trillion had been put aside for this 10-year programme.

The ISA incorporates several mandates from bodies like the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission Technical Team and the broader public institution framework for delivery of public infrastructure. This single point of entry for accelerated infrastructure investment, with a particular focus on both publicand private-sector catalytic social and economic infrastructure projects, is overseen by De Lille, representing the executive and reporting to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

What do you most enjoy about the work you do and the sector itself?

I came across this passage written by Jennifer Younes, a senior product marketing specialist: “Construction is a phenomenal industry to be in. There are new and unique opportunities each day and the industry’s constantly challenging the status quo with technological advancements. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of building incredible projects and positively impacting communities.” I subscribe to her thinking.

PRIORITISING SAFETY ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

Statistics published by the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) reveal that 6 423 workplace accidents requiring medical attention were reported in 2021. Of these, 56 resulted in fatalities. In addition, the report indicates that 11 761 days were lost in 2021 as a result of employees being injured and five people were permanently disabled.

In light of this, the Master Builders’ Association Western Cape (MBAWC) urges its members, employers and employees in the construction industry to prioritise safety both on and off site at all times with a view to eliminating accidents.

A CLEAR IMPERATIVE

Deon Bester, health and safety manager at the MBAWC, believes that the FEM figures are concerning. “Not only is any death, injury or disablement unacceptable, but the downtime that occurs as a result of accidents impacts the overall delivery of projects,” he says.

“This is why employers and employees need to work together when it comes to health and safety compliance. The Occupational Health and Safety Act states that all employees have the right to work in a safe environment, but with that comes the responsibility of complying with the health and safety standards that have been put in place.”

RISK PREVALENCE

A closer look at the most common accidents that occur within the construction industry reveals that motor accidents are among the largest contributors to the issue.

“This is a very difficult area to control, but people who make use of company transport, especially those being transported in open vehicles, must know the rules of the road. These employees shouldn’t allow themselves to be transported in unsafe modes of transport. Employers operating

these vehicles should always ensure that they abide by the requirements of the National Road Traffic Act, as well as the requirements of section 23 of the construction regulations,” says Bester.

FROM TRAINING TO ADHERENCE

While many contractors and employers invest significantly in training their staff in health and safety compliance, it is up to all parties to ensure adherence to the safety learnings and on-site measures.

The MBAWC offers assistance to its members to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. “We believe that nobody should lose their life while at work, which is why we offer advice on how our members can ensure that safety is constantly prioritised – both on and off site,” says Bester.

“NOT ONLY IS ANY DEATH, INJURY OR DISABLEMENT UNACCEPTABLE, BUT THE DOWNTIME THAT OCCURS AS A RESULT OF ACCIDENTS IMPACTS THE OVERALL DELIVERY OF PROJECTS.”

Ndia

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP

During periods of high economic activity, businesses tend to subscribe to various publications and services. Challenging economic conditions often cause businesses to reduce nonessential expenditure. Some of the first items to be considered expendable are subscriptions. Not all subscriptions are the same and this article seeks to explore the value of association memberships.

PROFESSIONALISM

AND CREDIBILITY

Firstly, membership of respected

organisations is an indication of the value that you attach to yourself and the service that you provide. Members of respected organisa tions are governed by a code of conduct and can be held account able to agreed-upon standards. This fact gives peace of mind to prospective clients. It is noted that funders also prefer contributing to businesses that are members of respected organisations. Your membership of an association with good brand exposure sends a message that you are serious about the service that you offer.

REPRESENTATION

It is not always possible to represent your business on all platforms that impact your business. Recognised membership organisations establish capabilities to lobby on behalf of their membership with government, suppliers and other key stakeholders.

NETWORKING

The value of meaningful networking cannot be overstated

in the business context. Wellestablished and respected organisations have a broadly represented membership and are capable of bringing together a diverse range of entities and stakeholders that can positively impact business prospects. The ability to bring business entities together with prospective private and public clients and those with information for the success of your business is internal to a value proposition of a membership organisation. Social media networking has its place, but it cannot replace the opportunities afforded by local networking.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

A membership organisation should recognise the value of education and training and invest in the development of such programmes. Development events such as workshops and webinars are offered and valuable content for the benefit of their membership is provided.

RECOGNITION

To be recognised by your peers for outstanding work and excellence shines a positive light on your business and has the potential of exposure to clients who seek service providers with proven excellence. Wellestablished and recognised

(Above): Nothing compares with networking when it comes broadening the scope of opportunity.

membership organisations see value in hosting and sponsoring industry initiatives in their quest for brand exposure and partnering with relevant stakeholders.

REFLECTION

When negative economic conditions force you to rethink membership subscriptions, remember the benefits provided by your respected and industryleading membership association.

CONCLUSION

Master Builders KwaZulu-Natal exists to represent the interests of members and provide them with specialist support services to assist in the successful running

of their businesses. It prides itself on being the voice of the KZN construction industry, representing the interests of its members through effective lobbying and advocacy, promoting best practices, skills development and construction excellence by providing relevant services and a diverse range of business solutions. In this way, it creates an empowering and enabling environment for the sustainability of the construction industry.

The association is further involved in a range of activities and services which complement its core operations.

These include:

• Building and contractual advice and assistance.

• Occupational health and safety consulting.

• Mediation and dispute resolution.

• Fund administration.

• Conference facilities.

• Café Indaba.

• Print studio.

• Occupational health clinic.

• Property portfolio.

• Training academy.

• Recruitment agency.

• Business support consultancy. Contact your membership manager to ensure your continued and enhanced utilisation of the association’s services.

WESTOWN URBAN DEVELOPMENT

BREAKS GROUND

By Victor Smith, membership manager: MBA KwaZulu-Natal

The breaking of ground on the first phase of the Ntshongweni Urban Development, known as Westown, is the start of a long-awaited stimulus of the eThekwini economy.

The development, which covers over 2 000ha of land, will include a retail and urban core precinct and a significant residential area. Associated social facilities, as well as commercial, logistics and recreational components, will be developed in phases. It is an integrated human settlement development conceptualised by Tongaat-Hulett Developments, a company responsible for numerous high-profile projects including Umhlanga Ridge, Zimbali Coastal Resort and Riverhorse Valley.

“The R30 billion development is a nine-phase urban mixed-use project that aims to create a new

economic hub in the region,” says Mxolisi Kaunda, the mayor of eThekwini.

JOB CREATION AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The development will be a catalyst for job creation and further invest ment. It is being developed by the Fundementum Property Group in partnership with eThekwini Munici pality and Tongaat-Hulett.

The Westown component is phase 1A of the project and is valued at R2,5 billion. Phase 1 will be completed in the third quarter of 2024. R200 million will be allocated to local suppliers and 8 000 jobs will be created.

According to Carlos Correia, CEO of the Fundementum Property Group, tender calls have gone out for the first key infrastructure components.

Infrastructure development will be the first priority for developers,

with the first phase focusing on upgrading Kassier Road to a two-lane road with medians and sidewalks. This upgrade has been awarded to Stefanutti Stocks and engineering consultants SMEC South Africa. Work began in September 2022 and will take place in tandem with the construction of a 45 000m2 shopping centre.

(Above): The Ethekwini Municipality is working with numerous partners on the development of an ambitious mixed-use development project.

(Top): Aerial view of a similarly specified mixed-use development in the USA.

GETTING TO KNOW THE EAST CAPE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

The first inaugural meeting of master builders in Port Elizabeth was held on 8 January 1898 at 8pm on a Saturday. The meeting was called by Jass Williams by circular and advertisement to master builders and contractors “for the purpose of discussing the advisability of establishing a Master Builders‘ and Contractors‘ Association in this town” (Port Elizabeth). That first meeting was attended by some 16 contractors and L Mackay was unanimously elected to the chair. Williams became the association's first secretary. A number of meetings were held in that year which laid the foundations of the association.

During 1982 the association amalgamated with the Master Builders' Associations of East London, Southern Cape, Queenstown, King William's Town and Grahamstown to form the Master Builders' and Allied Trades Association, East Cape.

On the eve of its centenary and with the advent of the new Labour Relations Act, the association resolved to revert back to its former name with one slight variation: the East Cape Master Builders' and Allied Industries Association (East Cape MBA).

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Qualified skills development facilitators assist companies to

become self-sufficient in the development of their training plans (workplace skills plans) and the implementation thereof, as well as reporting to the Construction Education Training Authority (CETA) on previous training being done.

Skills development facilitators engage with our member companies in order to achieve the vision of developing a skilled and motivated construction workforce whose skills are recognised and valued in order to improve competitiveness, employment creation and a sustainable skills base across the entire sector.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

The East Cape MBA has secured funding from the CETA to financially assist companies who would like to indenture their employees for apprenticeships in any designated trade such as plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying and plastering, painting and decorating, and other critical artisan skills.

HEALTH AND SAFETY SERVICES

• Members receive a free audit every year.

• Weekly or monthly audits with detailed reports for a minimal fee.

• Compiling of Health and Safety Files and other Safety documents.

• Assisting sub-contractors with health and safety files.

• Monthly sub-contractor audits on behalf of the principal contractor.

• Free general site visits and assistance.

• Safety workshops.

• Regular safety legislation updates and articles in the weekly bulletin.

(Above): Greg Steele, executive director: East Cape MBA.

FLEXIBLE PRICING IN RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS: HOW TO STRIKE A BALANCE

By Megan Jarvis and Tyron Theessen, partners at Webber Wentzel

Volatile input costs pose a threat to the viability of developers of renewable energy projects, which may require offtakers to be more flexible in contract negotiations.

Soaring costs of commodities and energy have resulted in an unprecedented level of cost uncertainty in the inputs needed for developing renewable energy projects. Cost uncertainty is compounded by the logistical woes being faced by developers in South Africa and elsewhere. Even where component parts are available, they may not be at a cost that is recoverable in terms of the contracts in place with buyers or sustainable for suppliers.

RISING COSTS

According to the International Energy Agency in its Renewable Energy Market Update 2022 released in May this year, prices of raw materials and freight costs for renewable energy projects have been rising since the beginning of 2021. By March 2022, it

(Above): Megan Jarvis and Tyron Theessen, partners at Webber Wentzel.

(Top): At this time of slim margins, the financial details of any commercial agreement need great care.

stated: “The price of PV-grade polysilicon more than quadrupled, steel increased by 50%, copper rose by 70%, aluminium doubled and freight costs rose almost five-fold. The reversal of the long-term trend of decreasing costs is reflected in the higher prices of wind turbines and PV modules as manufacturers pass through increased equipment costs. Compared with 2020, we estimate that the overall investment costs of new utility-scale PV and onshore wind plants are 1525% higher in 2022.”

DEALS DELAYED

These cost increases have further compounded difficulties, initially arising from pending litigation, in closing projects bid under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Procurement Programme (which was gazetted on 7 July 2020). Similar issues may be faced if other programmes are delayed and could apply equally where private offtaker deals suffer from their own delays.

In this uncertain environment, where fixed pricing on long-lead items cannot always be secured, developers may be unable to sell power at the prices they bid and still make a profit. The same phenomenon affects other privatesector power projects underway, such as those being developed to supply renewable energy to offtakers in the mining and other industries, where the developer has undertaken to supply power at a certain agreed price. The client, in turn, has budgeted for that price and may also have limited room for cost escalations.

BUILDING COST ESCALATIONS INTO CONTRACTS

Many contracts may have prudently allowed for an annual escalation in tariffs of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus a certain percentage, or in line with a formula for certain items. However, although the CPI may be a measure of the shifting costs of a basket of goods, the composition of capital costs in renewable energy projects is not reflected by that basket. The CPI is also not an immediate measure of international commodity fluctuations, so cost escalations

linked to it will deliver little comfort if project development timeframes are more limited than the realised effect on the basket.

Even though buyers of power may be sympathetic to these cost pressures (since they are being felt broadly across many industries), a buyer cannot be expected to give a developer a blank cheque. On the other hand, a developer would be hard-pressed to continue with an uneconomic project and it is not in the client’s interests if the developer of the project goes into business rescue and work is suspended indefinitely – which

that are currently being negotiated. These include clauses allowing cost price adjustments that are based on industry-specific formulae. Invariably, a level of risk will have to be assumed by the buyer in agreeing to flexible pricing, but this may be mitigated by allowing for re-pricing of components at specified thresholds, termination for convenience provisions and other commercial arrangements where this risk is shared and managed.

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

When a contract is already in place, the developer and client would need to consider the terms and may need to discuss, and possibly renegotiate, terms to ensure a via ble project. This may not be possi ble and such discussions may not go well. However, in the absence of a commercial compromise, there is a real risk of the developer repudi ating the uneconomic arrangement or being run into insolvency. The same considerations will apply between the developer and its contractors and further down the procurement chain.

has happened on more than one renewable project. Similarly, suppliers and original equipment manufacturers, whose costing is more directly affected by these fluctuating input costs, cannot necessarily absorb this risk and certainly cannot do so indefinitely without being pushed into uneconomic arrangements.

To take some of the guesswork out of making provision for these uncertain costs, pre-emptive clauses can be built into contracts

Affected parties may also find some relief in taking out forward cover, but this may only be available on certain items, such as steel.

The key is to conclude a commercial arrangement that is fair to all parties. It needs to balance the interests of all project participants and adequately manage the risk. In this environment, some flexibility must be considered, as fixed positions will invariably lead to at least one party being compromised and likely litigation.

“IN THIS UNCERTAIN ENVIRONMENT, WHERE FIXED PRICING ON LONG-LEAD ITEMS CANNOT ALWAYS BE SECURED, DEVELOPERS MAY BE UNABLE TO SELL POWER AT THE PRICES THEY BID AND STILL MAKE A PROFIT.”

HIGHER-EFFICIENCY ELECTRIC MOTORS WILL

DRIVE DOWN ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The adoption of new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for electric motors in South Africa will provide significant energy savings and, in doing so, alleviate pressure on the country’s electricity supply crisis, while improving operational competitiveness.

NATIONAL ENERGYSAVING POTENTIAL Entitled Cost-Benefit Analysis to Introduce MEPS for Electric Motors in SA, the report found that national electricity demand could potentially be reduced by as much as 0,25% in 2023, should the inefficient IE1 motors be replaced with more efficiently rated IE3 ones. IE3 electric motor units have a premium efficiency rating of 94,2%, with potential energysavings of 15-16%.

SA’s economy depends on energyintensive industries such as mining, chemicals, agriculture, iron and cement-making. These industries all run electric motors for extended periods, even up to 17 hours a day. The CBA’s study revealed that about 32 companies in these sectors consume about 40% of the country’s electrical energy.

COLLECTIVE ACTION

It is therefore imperative that the country adopts MEPS and energy labels which are supported by government bestpractice awareness programmes. Collectively, these actions will

accelerate the transition to more efficient motor system applications.

BARRIER TO EFFICIENCY

The repair of motors and the preused sales sector were identified as barriers to the government’s energy-efficiency efforts. Standard and labelling programme do not typically regulate the second-hand market. This significantly slows down the pace at which standard and labelling policy objectives can be achieved.

Some South African distributors are already making the shift towards IE3 electric motor units and support the government’s intention to forge ahead with the new efficiency standards programme, which is now long overdue.

ABSENCE OF RATING

In line with international standards, the report recommends that the DMRE proceed in implementing MEPS for level IE3 electric motors in the 0,75-375kW range for two-, four-, six- and eight-pole motors.

(Below): The trade in used motors is having a negative impact on many industries in SA.

In its research, it considered the Urban-Econ Feasibility Study of 2019 to help reach its conclusions. This study suggested that 200 000 electric motor units are sold each year in SA, with at least 69% of them in the 0,75-11kW size range. Of these, 40-50% have no stated energy rating, suggesting that they are the most inefficient motors available on the market.

Eskom’s own integrated annual report for the year also finds that more efficient MEPS will have the potential to reduce electricity demand by 0,25% in 2023. This will increase as older electric motors are replaced with the newer IE3 models over time.

BENEFITS CONCLUSIVE

The CBA report concludes that if the electric motor MEPS programme is effective, it should offer meaningful electricity savings which will directly benefit Eskom. It will not only assist the power utility with its current supply challenge, but improve the competitiveness of SA’s industrial base by reducing load-shedding risks and operational costs.

PERI OUTPERFORMS IN MBA NATIONAL SAFETY AWARDS

PERI Bloemfontein's safety audit won first place in the regional and national health and safety competitions to take the award. The PERI team attended the annual Master Builders Association congress hosted in KwaZulu Natal to receive their trophy.

PERI has long established safety as its value: ‘Acting safe and staying safe’.

IMPOSSIBLE PROJECTS MADE POSSIBLE PERI SA has taken on the most daunting construction challenges in high-profile projects around South Africa, making possible seemingly impossible structural manoeuvres involving record weights, record heights, and record times. Innovating extraordinary systems, like the VARIO GT 24 wall formwork system, DOMINO Walling System, HANDSET Alpha panel formwork, and the PERI MULTIFLEX and QUICKSTAGE systems.

FORMWORK SCAFFOLDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING PIONEERS

Combined with expertise, experience, and training, the company has lifted, hoisted, fitted, and created the structural walls, the load-bearing columns and beams; and the girders at new heights and under previously uncharted conditions.

Without PERI’s pioneering achievements, many nowiconic buildings and infrastructures would likely not have achieved their ambitious designs.

The PD 5 shoring system's simple design features only six components with integrated locks that enable it to perform to its fullest potential. This easy shoring solution is suited for building and infrastructure projects, offering simple assembly and disassembly for slab, beam, and light bridge formwork. It also has adjustable height configurations, which can be done quickly and continuously.

WITH RELABLE FLEXIBILITY

HAS THE ANSWER

INSPIRING SAISC STEEL AWARDS 2022

Innovation, ingenuity and a sense of community within the steel construction industry were showcased on the evening of 13 October, when participants across the local steel value chain gathered to attend the highlight of the annual steel industry calendar – the 2022 Steel Awards, presented by the Southern African Institute for Steel Construction (SAISC) and held at Emperor’s Palace, Gauteng.

This event, which demonstrates excellence in the use of steel in construction, was the first in-person Steel Awards held since 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2022 awards very effectively highlighted how the local steel sector has triumphed over adversity in the past two years, as well as showcasing a typically South African “cando” approach to the challenges endured during this time.

The annual SAISC Steel Awards provide an opportunity for stakeholders across the industry

- including engineers, fabricators, designers, architects, processors, merchants and fabricatorsto present their work and be honoured for their outstanding achievements. The eveningknown in the steel sector as the “Oscars of the steel industry” – was an elegant gala-style gathering with a “red carpet” feel and a growth-related theme this year of ‘green shoots’.

THE STEEL AWARDS CATEGORY WINNERS

Automotive

• Ford Package E - as part of a R3 billion investment by vehicle manufacturer Ford, an automotive assembly plant was erected in Rosslyn, Pretoria as part of the company’s highvolume export programme. The project used extensive steel supplies and comprised a 12 400m² warehouse, 14,6m in height. The project was completed ahead of schedule, despite the Covid-19 pandemic and related supply challenges.

Agri-Industrial

• Woodridge Packhouse - this project presents an interesting form, clever use of natural light and a design which allows for natural ventilation, therefore saving on energy costs.

Mining

• Benguela Gem Treatment Plant – this project not only won the Mining category but the 2022 Steel Awards overall.

Residential

• House Vingos - the innovative use of steel - combined with all the other elements of construction - delivers a statement piece of architecture and a warm, welcoming family home.

Sports Facilities

• KES Aquatic Centre - while retaining the heritage component of the previous swimming pool complex, the roof structure is of particular interest: an apex running diagonally across the structure, requiring meticulous attention to ensure leak-proof sealing.

Sculptural/Architectural

• Eastgate Solar Trees - in addition to its aestheticallypleasing design and how this cleverly reflects a renewable energy focus, the access to the site during the construction phase was challenging, making for a complicated installation process.

Light Steel Frame (LSF) Building

• Jubilee Hospital - at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the innovative use of light steel framing in this field hospital in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, allowed for the addition of a significant number of hospital beds to increase existing capacity, using this speedy construction methodology.

Metal Cladding and Roofing

• KES Aquatic Centre - this project won both the Metal

Cladding and Roofing, and the Sports Facilities categories.

Tubular Steel

• Babanango Travellers Camp - this innovative tourist accommodation is situated within the Babanango game reserve in northern KZN. A number of interesting technical details included reconciling complex issues regarding the use of different materials of construction and geometrical factors, to achieve the project’s architectural objective: roofing reflecting shapes used in traditional African shields.

Community Enrichment

• Gary Kirsten Sports Centre Khayelitsha - featuring ease of construction and sustainable materials, this structure also has the capacity to extend, if need be.

Regional Awards

• Best Project GautengHouse Vingos.

• Best Project Western Cape - Benguela Gem Treatment Plant.

• Best Project Eastern CapeWoodridge Packhouse.

• Best Project LimpopoFresh-mark Polokwane.

• Best Project KwaZulu-NatalBabanango Travellers Camp.

• Best Export Project - New Biox Plant in Zimbabwe.

Best Project Limpopo: The project, carried out for the Freshmark distribution centre in Polokwane, made use of particularly innovative cladding: atypical of a warehouse building and technically challenging to achieve. The result was aesthetically pleasing, with a design element of curved bullnoses from roof to cladding.

Best Export Project: Biological oxidation (“biox”) is a technology that ensures the optimal processing of high-sulphur gold ore, thereby increasing the achievable gold recovery. This technically challenging structural framing project entailed detailing, fabricating and constructing a gold processing biox plant. The primary objective thereof was to provide access to the various areas of the biox plant – and to its piping support system.

“THE 2022 AWARDS VERY EFFECTIVELY HIGHLIGHTED HOW THE LOCAL STEEL SECTOR HAS TRIUMPHED OVER ADVERSITY IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.“

ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION FOR ENTRY-LEVEL FORMWORK SYSTEMS

PERI has introduced the HANDSET Alpha as a robust and economical formwork system for crane-independent applications. It is a universal formwork system for walls, foundations, and columns. The system has an efficient profile consisting of a low number of sophisticated components and

multifunctional panels that take handling to an intuitive level. This streamlined, integrated portfolio minimises the need for on-site training and requires just two people to assemble the system, with no crane required.

The high-quality steel and powdercoated panels make HANDSET Alpha particularly durable and reduce maintenance costs.

The design minimises loose system parts by integrating features like brace connectors and handles into the profile, as well as the amount of timber required. The high allowable concrete pressure of 60 kN/m² for walls and up to 75 kN/m² for columns reduces the margin for error and allows you to concrete faster.

HANDSET Alpha

efficiency and Intuitive handling

HANDSET Alpha

You can ensure a cleaner construction site as you reduce the number of different systems needed on hand with the multipurpose features of the PERI HANDSET ALPHA. Meaning you can move from multiple columns and wall sizes to foundations and retaining walls, all with one product. You can be sure that site workers will assuredly keep up as few components and intuitive handling make the HANDSET ALPHA easy to use across all levels of experience, saving you on excessive training costs.

Formwork

19KM HDPE PIPES FOR POLOKWANE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Waste water treatment plants play a crucial role in the removal of contaminants from waste water and sewage in order for its conversion into an effluent that can be returned to the water cycle in an environmentally friendly way or can be reclaimed for other purposes. It is a critical process in the supply of safe water to local communities.

The project, which was sub-divided into three phases, is based in the Seshego area in Polokwane. It was initiated to upgrade the existing sewerage system, to meet the increased requirements of the Seshego local communities. Each phase of the project had a separate starting point with a common joining at a single point.

Rocla regional sales manager Andrew Kruger says: “The project was commissioned by the Polokwane Municipality to upgrade a now outdated sewerage system

which no longer met the local community’s requirements in the Seshego area of Polokwane. We worked closely with site contractor Safcrete Construction so that the quality of the pipes would be to the standard required and delivery scheduling would be as seamless as possible.

“The pipes were 2,5m silica rolling joint pipe, comprising a 3mm sacrificial layer. Five sizes of pipe were required, namely 900mm, 1 000mm, 1 200mm, 1 400mm and 1 500mm, which if placed end-to-end, would mean that the HDPE piping was over 19 km. The placement of each pipe required the insertion of a rubber ring and the welding of a “capping strip” on the inside of each individual joint to ensure proper sealant,” says Kruger.

“In order for our Polokwane factory to manufacture the various sizes of pipes and the required quantities, Rocla Polokwane underwent

an overhaul in terms of the manufacturing sections needed to accommodate the upgraded equipment. We also made use of special vertical cast moulds which were required for use with the insertion of the sacrificial layer within the pipes. It was these changes that enabled us to meet the quantities of HDPE pipes required for the Polokwane Waste Water Treatment Plant, projects as they allowed us to increase our production schedules and deliver to site timeously.”

Concrete pipe with a cast-in HDPE lining has all the advantages of a strong, rigid pipe that keeps its shape, as well as those of a plastic pipe that is inert to acid attack. It is the best pipe for large-diameter gravity pipelines in almost any conditions. Standard HDPE lining is light green and 3mm thick. Different colours and thicknesses can be supplied.

CESA INFRASTRUCTURE INDABA 2022

PROCUREMENT CRISIS IMPACTING SERVICE DELIVERY

The second day of the Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) Annual Infrastructure Indaba kicked off with discussions centering largely on procurement and public infrastructure projects, engineering capability and technology, and water security. A strong message carried through across both conference days focused on the serious impact of the procurement crisis and the crucial need for the implementation of a capable infrastructure project pipeline for the sustainability of the industry, as well as the impact on the economic recovery of the country.

PROCUREMENT AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

The session entitled “Procurement and Public Infrastructure Projects” included the presentations “Building a Capable Industry and State: A Holistic Anti-Corruption Approach”, presented by Julian Rumbelow, co-founder and director at GIACC-SA, “A Fresh Approach to the Procurement of Public Infrastructure Projects” by Ivor Chipkin, Government and Public Policy, “Implementing an Integrated Strategy for the Reconstruction, Growth and Development of the Construction Industry” by Bongani Dladla, CEO of the CIDB and “A Global Approach: Procurement Magnifying the Impact of Consulting Engineers on Projects

and Societal Needs” by Malani Padayachee-Saman, consulting engineer at MPAMOT.

“We have a huge procurement crisis,” said Chipkin. “We’ve lost control, with the consulting engineering industry bearing

the brunt of the chaotic consequences. We need to push it forward by depoliticising, professionalising and bringing transparency to the public service. Pressure needs to be put on the government to reform.”

INJURING INDUSTRY AND THE DISASTROUS COST OF CORRUPTION

Dlada presented several challenges affecting the construction sector. “We’re facing the severe consequences of unemployment and without meaningful transformation, the construction sector isn’t

(Above): Malani Padayachee-Saman, MPAMOT; Julien Rumbelow, GIACC-SA; Ivor Chipkin, GAPP; Bongani Dladla, CIDB.

“WE NEED TO BUILD AN ANTI-CORRUPTION CULTURE IN SA THROUGH TRAINING AND VARIOUS INTERVENTIONS, PUTTING IN MEASURES THAT MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE.”

sustainable. Tender cancellations are a major issue. We need more punitive measures, as it’s killing businesses. In addition, the longer we delay projects, the more they cost,” he stated. He also called for the implementation of a capable infrastructure project pipeline as being critical for the sustainability of the construction industry.

Padayachee-Sanab discussed global trends, including the climate crisis, socio-economic risks, the debt crisis, supply chain bottlenecks and issues of diversity and inclusivity. “We need to have strategic alliances with both the public and private sectors in dealing with issues of procurement,” she said. In relation to the current skills crisis in the country, she added that the challenge was to keep professional engineering skills within SA.

SAVING LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Other key insights offered by the presenters included: “Service delivery, particularly related to infrastructure, is the major challenge for all municipalities, due to numerous issues including lack of technical capacity, procurement processes causing delays, underfunding and lack of maintenance with massive infrastructure backlogs.”

“SALGA has created a detailed plan of priorities for a digital future focused on smart solutions related to infrastructure and revenue management strategies. We’d like to change the narrative of municipalities focusing on driving key priorities that include

procurement and funding to reconfigure for technology and innovation.”

“Don’t let technology take the engineer out of engineering. We need to use technology to enhance our work, not replace it.”

RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

In the session focused on water security, facilitated by Uzair Osman, YFP deputy chairperson from Bosch Projects, panellists included Dr Sean Phillips, director-general: NWS, Prof Mbangiseni Nepfumbada, codirector: Joint Research Center – Water, Environmental Science & Technology (JRC-WEST) and Andi Rweqane of Royal HaskoningDHV.

“Water scarcity is now one of the leading challenges for sustainable development,” said Rweqane. She discussed “smart water” and the need to optimise and automate

designs through the use of digital twins for the future.

In closing, CESA CEO Chris Campbell said that discussions over the two-day conference had inspired thinking about approaching infrastructure development from an entire lifecycle perspective. CESA president Olu Soluade concluded the event by presenting resolutions which were developed over the course of the indaba.

(Below): Ivor Chipkin of GAPP, Julian Rumbelow of GIACC-SA, Gift Mphefu of Med-Tech Engineer, Bongani Dladla of the CIDB, Malani PadayacheeSaman of MPAMOT and Olu Soluade, CESA president.

“SERVICE DELIVERY, PARTICULARLY RELATED TO INFRASTRUCTURE, IS THE MAJOR CHALLENGE FOR MUNICIPALITIES.”

QUALITY OF MORTAR MIX IMPORTANT

FOR SUSTAINABILITY

The quality of the mortar invariably determines the durability of any new structure, says Matthews Magwaza, lecturer at Cement & Concrete SA’s School of Concrete Technology.

“Mortar binds bricks and blocks together to give strength and stability to a wall and in developing countries, where contractors tend to produce their own mortar rather than factory-purchase it, the importance of correctly produced mortar is extremely important to ensure sustainable structures,” he states.

Magwaza says freshly mixed mortar must be soft and plastic so that it spreads easily and makes good contact without becoming too strong. Mortar that is

too strong may crack and is wasteful and expensive. “The proportion of each material in the mix should suit the type of work being done. In general terms, the classes of mortar commonly used in South Africa are Class I for high-strength structural units such as multi-storey load-bearing buildings

“THE PROPORTION OF EACH MATERIAL IN THE MIX SHOULD SUIT THE TYPE OF WORK BEING DONE.”

or reinforced masonry and Class II mortar for normal load-bearing applications, as well as parapets, balustrades, retaining structures, free-standing and garden walls, as well as walls exposed to possible severe dampness.”

Magwaza says the preferred cement types for quality mortars are:

• Common cement complying with SANS 50197-1; and

• Masonry cement complying with SANS 50413-1; strength class 22,5X.

“The addition of lime in the mortar mix is optional. Lime should be used if the sand lacks fine material or is single-sized, as such sands tend to produce mortar with poor workability unless lime is included in the mix. Lime also helps the fresh mortar to retain water when it's placed against dry masonry units and helps to prevent cracking of the hardened mortar. Use only building lime complying with SANS 523 and don't use quick-lime, lime

wash or agricultural lime. Lime should also never be used with masonry cement.

“The sand in the mix mustn't contain organic material produced by animal or plant activities, nor particles retained on a sieve of nominal aperture size 5mm. When 2,5kg of cement is mixed with 12,5 kg of air-dry sand, the mixture won't require more than 3 litres of water to be added to reach a consistency suitable for the laying of masonry units. When mixed with the cement in accordance with the mix proportions, the sand must have workability suitable for the laying of masonry units. Sands which require the addition of more than 3 litres of water to reach a consistency suitable for the laying of masonry units can in some instances be blended with a coarse sand for compliance. The proportion of the blended sand can be determined by trials. Some pit sands are suitable. River, dune and beach sands are often too uniform in size or too fine to give

good results without being blend ed with another suitable sand.

“When it comes to batching, a 65-litre builder’s wheelbarrow is a convenient measure for large batches. Steel drums of 20- or 25-litre capacity and buckets are useful for small batches.

“Mixing should be done on a clean, hard surface such as a smooth concrete floor or a steel sheet. Small batches may be mixed in a wheelbarrow provided that the volume of the batch is no more than half the capacity of the barrow. Sand and cement, and lime if used, should be mixed dry until the colour of the mix is uniform. Then add water in small quantities, mixing after each addition, until the mix is soft and plastic,” he explains.

Magwaza says if mortar is left in the sun before being used, it should be covered with plastic sheeting or a wet sack. Mortar that has stiffened so much that it is impossible to restore workability without adding more water should be discarded.

“Mortar mustn't be used after it's started to set, which usually occurs about two hours after it's been mixed. Don't use too thick a layer of mortar between bricks or blocks; this is wasteful and may lead to cracking,” he cautions.

For more information, including strength requirements and mix proportions recommended by Cement & Concrete SA, download the CCSA free leaflet on MORTARS at www.cemcon-sa.org.za or tel: 011 315 0300.

WOMEN WINNING IN CONSTRUCTION

The Construction Industry Devel opment Board (CIDB) hosted the prestigious Empowerment and Recognition of Women in Con struction (ERWIC) Awards on 24 August 2022. This year’s awards had 12 categories that recognised companies and individuals who support the gender transforma tion, development, and mentor ship of women in the construction industry.

The ceremony was attended by the Department of Infrastructure and Public Work’s Deputy Minister Noxolo Kiviet, who in her impassioned keynote address congratulated the nominees and winners, and stated that

the event held during Women’s Month celebrated the strength, dedication and resilience of women dedicated to building the country. “These awards should always stand as the clarion call for gender transformation within the construction sector, showcasing the strength of women and serving as a vision of what women can achieve when given the necessary support,” she said.

CEO of the CIDB, Bongani Dladla stated: “The ERWIC Awards were developed by the CIDB to celebrate and encourage the development of women in the construction industry. He explained that the competition

at the ERWIC Awards had always been fierce and this year was no different. “The winners are all welldeserved and stand out in their respective categories,” he said.

THE WINNERS

The winner for Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Grade 1 was Boitsholo Trading and Projects CC for its Coega Feltex Trim Factory Pretoria project. Coming in at second place was Sbonzin Trading for its Upgrading of Gravel Roads to Surface Roads, including the associated Stormwater project.

Winning the Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Grade 2 –4 was Tumagole Trading Enterprise

for the Renovations of the City of Johannesburg Recreation Centre project. In second place was Magiya Women’s Developers for its Construction of Stormwater in the Mhluzi Ward 25 project, while third place was awarded to Letsogo Trading Enterprise for its Upgrading of the Hans Coetzee Road project.

The Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Grade 5 – 6 was Mam pumi Trading for its Buhlebuyeta Primary School (Refurbishment of 13 classrooms) project. In second place was the Philcorn Group for the Electrification of Driekoppies, Makaung, Malepetleke, Ngha lalume project.

The Project Delivery Excellence of the Year – Grade 7 upwards was Oakantswe Construction & Projects for the Nellmapius Ext 22 (erf 1223 & 12224) project. In second place was the Motheo Construction Group for the new Graaff-Reinet TVET College project.

The Rural Project of the Year award winner went to Kgothatso Electrical for the Electrification of 50 Households in the Boikhutsong Village project. The second place was awarded to Africa Hlahla Investments for Upgrading of Arlington Access Road project, while third place went to Quantum

Leap Investments 656 (Pty) Ltd for the Imvani 145 Low-Cost Housing project.

The Mentoring Entity of the Year was awarded to Thabomeleng Construction Group. In second place was Masoko Construction CC and third place was awarded to Kgothatso Electrical.

The first-place winner for Transformation Entity of the Year went to Thabomeleng Construction Group, while KNM Projects was awarded second place.

The Innovative Entity of the Year was awarded to Bashoeshoe Investments and Projects, second place went to Siphumelele Business Enterprice and the third-place award went to the Thabomeleng Construction Group.

The Business Resilience of the Year (Covid-19) was awarded to Quantum Leap Investments 656 (Pty) Ltd, while Moshiki and Letsogo Trading Enterprise awarded second and third place respectively.

The exciting Youth-Owned Women Construction Entity of the Year award was given to Yibanathi Mtirara from Magz Projects (Pty) Ltd, while second and third place were awarded to Mpumelelo

Angel Lekhuleni from Mpumistone Projects and Kgothatso Matsogo from Kgothatso Electrical.

The Women-owned Construction Entity of the Year award went to Malebogo Lobelo from Lobelo Building Contractors, while Lynette Mazibuko from Lenda Construction & Supply Services and Mafani Nelly Dasheka from Quantum Leap Investments 656 (Pty) Ltd came in a close second and third place.

Itumeleng Mohoang from the Thabomeleng Construction Group won the Women Mentor of the Year award.

The Exceptional Woman in Construction Contributor of the Year award went to Itumeleng Mohoang from the Thabomeleng Construction Group. In second place was Mafani Nelly Dasheka from Quantum Leap Investments 656 (Pty) Ltd, while third place was awarded to Faith Tshepiso Mabena from Nokhanya Services (Pty) Ltd. The awards concluded with the prestigious Chairman’s Award that went to Portia Tau Sekati.

Dladla indicated that the ERWIC Awards were a resounding suc cess, with the quality of entrants improving yearly. The quality of projects delivered, proven leadership through mentorship programmes, the resilience of some construction companies and the winners of the awards of the coveted women-owned Construc tion Company of the Year showed the intent and purpose that the awards aimed to celebrate – that women belonged and thrived in the construction industry.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT –THE RIGHT FOOTING

By Dr Anette Thompson, specialist podiatrist at SISI Safety Wear

The culture of “zero harm” is about much more than preventing workplace accidents. Holistically speaking, it is about nurturing a workforce who are adequately equipped, properly educated and know that workplace safety does not end when their shift is over. It includes personal health, safety and well-being, and extends around the clock.

As awareness increases of the importance of having the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), it is important for individuals to acknowledge that health and safety requires more than wearing the gear on site, particularly when it comes to footcare. For workers who are on their feet all day, foot health is critical. While employers have an obligation to provide the correct PPE footwear for the job, workers also have a responsibility to ensure their own personal foot health.

AWARENESS IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS SAFETY

There are many ways to educate the workforce on foot health. Effective teaching methods include workshops and presentations from experts, in which workers are exposed to common foot ailments and how to prevent them.

Posters in washrooms and change rooms about how to practise good foot hygiene are also useful ways of teaching footcare. In mining, particularly, where working conditions can be hot, humid and sweaty, foot hygiene is extremely important. It includes proper and thorough washing and drying of feet once safety footwear has been removed. In caring for the feet properly, the skin barrier is properly maintained and in this regard, it must be noted that when moisturising the feet, it is unnecessary to apply lotion between the toes. If skin is dry and flaky, this is often an indication of another ailment such as eczema

and will require medical attention. Cracks or fissures in the skin barrier of the feet must not be ignored and if heels are dry, it is necessary to use heel balm specially formulated for footcare.

HYGIENE INSIDE AND OUT Hygiene also extends to the footwear itself. Workers need to understand that cleanliness inside boots is just as important in preventing bacterial, fungal and viral infections. This includes regularly wiping out boots with a damp cloth and a 10% bleach solution to eliminate bacteria and odour. Ultraviolet light from the sun is also effective for eliminating fungus and bacteria. Workers should leave their inner soles and boots in direct sunlight to dry after cleaning. Proper hygiene requires individuals to wear flip-flops in communal washing areas such as showers, as these are places where bacteria and fungus generally thrive and are easily transmitted. Ingrown toenails are a common ailment and should not be addressed without proper medical intervention, as there could be an underlying infection that requires attention.

SWEAT HAPPENS

While there are many different types of safety shoes and boots, all designed to prevent injury from hazards that cannot always be prevented, the importance of correct socks is severely underestimated. PPE footwear manufacturers are paying attention to the role of socks in foot health and designing socks that are fit for purpose. The inside of a work boot can be very sweaty, since feet sweat 200-250ml of water vapour every day as part of the body’s normal thermoregulatory function. It is therefore necessary to choose the correct socks. Workers should never wear their work footwear without socks, as this is extremely unhygienic, not to mention uncomfortable.

Almost as bad as not wearing socks at all are all-nylon ones, which act like plastic bags on the feet, increasing temperature and perspiration. For socks to be effective, they need to contain approximately 70% natural fibres to adequately absorb sweat, while 30% consists of man-made fibres to help draw moisture away from the skin. For workers who sweat excessively, the 72-hour anti-perspirant available at most

supermarkets can be sprayed onto the soles of their feet before putting on socks. With regular use, the antiperspirant reduces the size of the sweat glands, but does not block them.

FOOT HEALTH IS PROACTIVE CARE

Human beings have a tendency to ignore problems and hope they will resolve themselves. When it comes to feet, however, it is vital to address symptoms of ailments immediately. Workers should not be embarrassed to visit the on-site clinic, as these healthcare practitioners have been trained to assist and have likely already seen it all, or will refer workers to a foot health professional such as a podiatrist.

Protective clothing and footwear care must include effective management of bacteria and fungi, as well as personal hygiene

PROTECT YOUR FEET, PROTECT YOUR LIVELIHOOD Any compromise in foot health can be extremely detrimental to an individual’s ability to perform their job. This puts their livelihood at risk. While people in labour-intensive industries such as mining do work with their hands, one cannot overlook the importance of the feet. Accordingly, it is critical for construction organisations to do more than supply the correct footwear. They need to educate their workforce on the importance of footcare and how to achieve and maintain foot health, particularly in challenging underground working conditions.

“HUMAN BEINGS HAVE A TENDENCY TO IGNORE PROBLEMS AND HOPE THEY WILL RESOLVE THEMSELVES.”

THE SUSTAINABILITY ECONOMY: WHY ARE WE SO BEHIND?

By Brondwyn Douglas, senior ESG officer: Spear Capital

The UK shooting past its record high daytime temperature in July was a powerful reminder that the effects of climate change will not be felt in the distant future, but are with us here and now. There have been many of these powerful reminders in 2022.

PASSING MILESTONES

Whether it is the wildfires raging across Europe, the floods that ravaged parts of Australia and South Africa earlier this year or the mega-drought which has enveloped the south-western areas of North America, the signs are now too glaring to ignore.

Acknowledging the problem and addressing it, however, are two different things. There has been much discussion about the net-zero commitments made by some of the world’s biggest governments, as well as the fact that the combined assets of companies committed to achieving net-zero emissions had risen to US$130 trillion by the end of 2021.

However, in the quest for a netzero world, is Africa being left behind? Is it getting the support it needs not only to develop sustainably, but to live with the effects of the climate catastrophe?

ADDRESSING SIGNIFICANT VULNERABILITIES

Africa is, after all, disproportionately affected by climate change, with rising global temperatures already triggering food insecurity, poverty and displacement across the continent. There will be other impacts too, including the destruction of heritage sites and a rise in conflict.

In many ways, the continent is suffering from the actions of others, particularly in the developed world. Africa itself is only responsible for less than 3% of global CO2 emissions. Despite that, and despite the fact that

large parts of the continent still have a lot of ground to make up when it comes to growth and development, Africa is under massive pressure to reduce its own emissions.

FUNDING A LEVERAGE: CARROT OR STICK?

In fact, as an article in Foreign Policy points out, some richworld nations have gone as far as leveraging development aid and threatening to cut off finance in order to push African countries into adopting climate change mitigation strategies. At surface level, it is possible to understand why the rich world is putting this kind of pressure on the continent.

Having seen the rapid economic rise of China, India and other large emerging markets result in matching increases in carbon emissions, it fears that the same will happen in Africa. That, too, makes a modicum of sense. While population growth in other parts of the world is plateauing or even shrinking, it is still accelerating across the continent. In fact, 2020 research showed that the world’s 15 fastest-growing cities were all in Africa.

LOW DEVELOPMENT LEVELS AND LEAST EMISSIONS

The trouble is that both of those views ignore a few realities. The first is that the continent is starting from such a low energy usage base (with the notable exception of SA, which has the world’s most polluting power company in the shape of Eskom) that, even on the continent’s accelerated growth path, its contribution to global emissions is likely to remain lower

than that of the developed world for some time to come.

The second is that Africa has a long history of adopting innovations without needing all the preceding stages other countries experienced. The story of how the continent “leapfrogged” fixed-line telephony with mobile phones is well known, as is its embrace of mobile money. Less well-known is how it has used those innovations to embrace things like off-grid solar power.

As countries across the developed world try to figure out how to change their power systems from one-way, centralised grids to smart, two-way ones, many parts of Africa have the chance to take such an approach from the beginning.

LEAP-FROG DEVELOPMENT

FROM THE GROUND UP Africa, in other words, needs different ways of thinking to

guarantee a greener future. To our mind, that looks like investment in the companies which are already making a difference on the ground, fostering development and advancing sustainability.

These companies understand the realities of the markets in which they operate and are in a much better position to push Africa towards sustainable development and even net-zero emissions than paternalistic handouts and punitive threats.

While limiting the effects of the climate catastrophe is and should be a global effort, it should not be informed by misconceptions that Africa represents some kind of existential climate threat. In fact, with the right investments in the right places, it might just offer models that the rest of the world can follow.

“IN MANY WAYS, THE CONTINENT IS SUFFERING FROM THE ACTIONS OF OTHERS, PARTICULARLY IN THE DEVELOPED WORLD.”

(Above): Africa’s development status means it contributes less than 3% of global emissions, a huge advantage when it comes to leap-frogging sustainable development technologies.

FUTURE-PROOFED WITH BRICK

Face-brick and paving from Corobrik played a prominent role in the future-proofed design of the new state-of-the-art Waterkloof Hills Combined School in Rustenburg, North West. The 11 500 m2 project was built by Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat) in partnership with the North West Department of Education (NWDoE). Mzansi Wealth was the lead consultant and project manager.

The Waterkloof Hills Combined School was officially opened by Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga and Minerals & Energy

Minister Gwede Mantashe in a high-profile unveiling ceremony on 5 August.

“Face-brick is durable, longlasting and keeps its appearance for an extended period. In addition, there is the benefit of no maintenance, which is important

in the context of a school,” comments Floris van der Walt from Olivehill Architects.

The school can accommodate 2 155 pupils, with 1 280 pupils in the primary school (with four streams) and 875 pupils in the secondary school (with five streams). A feature of the school is that there are 32 “smart” classrooms equipped for remote learning and teaching.

DURABILITY OF BRICK: BEYOND FACE VALUE

A total of 180 000 Onyx Satin FBX and 480 000 Ruby Light FBS face-bricks, 27 000

Nutmeg pavers and 110 000 plaster bricks for the internal walls were supplied from Corobrik’s Midrand and Springs factories, according to Gary Westwood, sales manager for Mpumalanga, North West and Botswana.

A key requirement from RBPlat and NWDoE was durability. This resulted in choosing face-brick for all high contact and hightraffic areas. For example, in the classrooms themselves, only the front and back walls are plastered brick to cater for the necessary internal services, while all the side walls are face-brick.

Face-brick was a natural choice in terms of its price point and aes thetic contribution. The architects

opted for the combination of Onyx Satin face-brick, a dark brown high-end product, contrast ed against the lighter orange Ruby Light face-brick.

Westwood says that Onyx Satin is the “Rolls-Royce” of Corobrik’s face-bricks, used extensively for detailed highlighting work. “Onyx Satin is a simply stunning facebrick that we used in very specific focus areas and feature walls,” he adds.

THE AESTHETIC PROPERTIES

Commenting on the thoughtful design that went into the project, Van der Walt says simply that

even a school building can be inspirational and, in turn, inspire its eventual end users. “Even though we had a limited budget, face-brick allowed us to heighten the aesthetic appeal of the project and also to future-proof it.”

Westwood says that Corobrik’s collaboration with Olivehill Architects on this project is typical of the extra mile it goes for its architectural clients. Its business development team discussed various options for the

school, with husband-and-wife design team Floris and Irma van der Walt eventually selecting their final combination based on various samples.

Full-size sample walls were then built on-site to give the architects a better impression of the end product in terms of quality, sizing and colour. Corobrik also supplied a bricklayer trainer to train local bricklayers, thereby assisting with skills development and empowering local communities.

“Not only does this translate into better quality at the end of the day, but it means a project in which all stakeholders can take pride,” says Westwood.

“FULL-SIZE SAMPLE WALLS WERE THEN BUILT ON-SITE TO GIVE THE ARCHITECTS A BETTER IMPRESSION OF THE END PRODUCT IN TERMS OF QUALITY, SIZING AND COLOUR.”

PLUGGING INTO THE RIGHT ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

By ECA member Juan Beyneveldt, MD, Atom Electrical

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing an electrical contractor to do work for you, whether it is at your house or in a business or industrial environment.The rules and regulations must be understood in order to appoint a registered electrical contractor, who is the only electrician authorised to issue certificates of compliance.

THE SHOCKING TRUTH

Employing an unregistered electrician is not only illegal, but could also lead to trauma and major loss in the blink of an eye… a burnt-down house due to an electrical fault; the death of a child by electrical shock; a compensation claim from a worker who was injured on duty… and it does not end there. In recent times, insurance companies have put certain measures in place and will not cover certain electrical (and other) claims if certain criteria are not met.

The most important thing to do before instructing any person who claims to be an electrical contractor to do any electrical work anywhere is to ascertain whether that contractor is legally registered as an electrical contractor.

It is also important to understand some of the legislation that compels you to use a registered electrical contractor and what work the contractor may undertake according to the type of registration.

UNCROSSING THE LEGAL WIRES

Let us begin by answering the question: “What is an electrical installation?”

As per the Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR) in the Occupational Health & Safety Act, 1993 (Act No 85 of 1993), “electrical installation means any machinery, in or on any premises, used for the transmission of electricity

from a point of control to a point of consumption anywhere on the premises, including any article forming part of such an electrical installation, irrespective of whether or not it is part of the electrical circuit”.

This includes photovoltaic (PV) systems, generator systems and battery back-up systems, which are seen as part of the electrical installation. It excludes:

• Any machinery of the supplier related to the supply of electricity on the premises.

(Above): Pilot Crushtec carries a range of genuine OEM parts that are reliable, improve efficiency and ensure the safety of equipment and the Lokotrack® ST4.10™ mobile screen is built for the toughest environments and large-scale tonnage.

“IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE LEGISLATION THAT COMPELS YOU TO USE A REGISTERED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR.”

This refers to electricity meters, ripple relays, Eskom power plants or, in the case of farms, transformers.There are a few more exclusions that are not related to this article, which can be found in the above-mentioned regulations.

The same regulations describe you – the user, lessor or lessee, as the case may be – as responsible for the electrical installation and therefore also accountable. This is why it is of utmost importance that property owners (or users) ensure that only registered electrical contractors work on the installation. The EIR states: “No person may do electrical installation work as an electrical contractor unless that person has been registered as an electrical contractor in terms of these regulations.“

DO NOT GET SHORTED

It also says that the electrical contractor should be a registered person or employ a registered person on a full-time basis. A registered person is someone who

(Above): Qualified electrical contractors are essential to avoiding all kinds of shocks, including legal liability.

is registered by the Department of Employment & Labour as:

• A single-phase tester,

• An installation electrician or

• A master installation electrician

When you need electrical work done, knowing which electrician to use, based on the limitations according to their type of registration, is also important.

Before allowing any electrical contractor to do work at your premises, ask the contractor to provide you with a document from

the Department of Employment & Labour which confirms his/ her registration as an electrical contractor, as well as the type of registration they have obtained. This document not only declares that the contractor is legally registered, but also provides you with the information of when the registration expires and the identity of the registered person in that company.

THE POWER OF PAPERWORK

The next thing you should ensure is that the registered person who signs the certificate of compliance for an electrical installation has personally inspected that installa tion. The electrical contractor can not do an inspection on behalf of the person signing the certificate.

In these times of load-shedding, many people are considering installing a back-up system, whether it is a generator, an inverter with batteries or solar panels, but before you allow any person to do an installation, it is imperative to ask that person for proof that they are registered as an electrical contractor with the Department of Employment & Labour.

The regulations are in place to protect people and their homes. Remember, it is your legal respon sibility to ensure that you appoint a registered electrical contractor who may issue a certificate of com pliance for the work undertaken. It is your responsibility to obtain this certificate and the contractors’ responsibility to issue it.

(Left): Electrical installations range from highly complex systems to standard domestic wiring and must be compliant.

DEMOLITION ROBOT WARS

If you want effective and powerful machines that allow you to get your demolition work done faster and safely, look no further than the new range of demolition robots from Husqvarna Construction. According to Lionel Zietsman, the company’s national sales manag er, while its four new DXR models offer an average 20% power in crease, improving operator safety was its foremost priority. “The new machines have functionality that optimises available power in a way that allows work to continue at high power levels, even if the task may be tougher due to the circumstances – in warm environ ments, for example,” he says.

He adds that in addition, a longdistance remote connection protects the user from any potential risks. “Our new DXR models are third party-certified in terms of safety. An all-new, remote-controlled unit makes precision operation easier than ever and enables the user to work in challenging areas with a range of up to 100m.”

The new unit also enables an improved overview of machine status that contributes to increased uptime and productivity. With various multi-tools and factory-installed packages available, productivity and areas of application can be quickly enhanced. The new range has also been engineered to facilitate easier trouble-shooting, thus reducing downtime even further.

“Achieving high-quality, fast results is literally in the user’s hands. More than ever, these new machines are an extension of the operator, increasing power and offering improved control over the factors that define how successful the job will be,” says Zietsman.

The new range offers six knockout benefits:

1. Special applications

Thanks to its wide range of attachments, a DXR is suitable for a wide number of tasks such as delining, dismantling, cleaning or even skid-loader work.

2. Hazardous areas

A DXR robot can help to overcome hazardous environments. The risk of collapse, smoke, dust, heat or vibrations is no longer a real issue,

as the operator is able to perform the job from a distance.

3. Partial or precise demolition A Husqvarna DXR is the ideal machine for the demolition of partial structures such as pipes, staircases and ceilings, where high precision is needed to avoid damaging the remaining structures.

4. Confined, hard-to-reach areas Thanks to its smart, compact design, the DXR machine can easily manoeuvre through small openings or be lowered into narrow shafts to perform tasks efficiently.

5. Demolition in sensitive areas With its direct exhaust-free electric motor, low weight and compact dimensions, the DXR is ideal for dismantling work indoors, or in sensitive areas such as hospitals, hotels or laboratories.

6. Precision at your fingertips Users will love the easy-to-use joysticks with a convenient thumb switch, superior control due to

immediate responsiveness and multiple operator patterns for precision targeting.

“We understand that demolition work can be hot, uncomfortable and demanding, so during the development of our new DXR range, the focus has been on how we can make every working day safer, easier and more productive for the user. We believe the results speak for themselves and that demolition and construction professionals will appreciate the new intelligent tech, smooth operation and high levels of performance the new DXR range delivers,” says Zietsman.

Husqvarna Construction Products is a market-leading brand in the light construction equipment business. For further information on its range of machines, diamond tools and services for concrete sawing and drilling, concrete surfaces and floors, as well as remote demolition, visit: http://www.husqvarnacp.com.

PULLING DOWN CONSTRUCTION SILOS

KEY TO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Digital transformation of the con struction industry in South Africa is slow, with the sector ranked 18 out of 19, beating only agriculture as the least transformed industry. Margins in the industry are 1-5%, lagging behind the rest of the economy. Surely this represents a case for change?

RIB CCS Enterprise sales manager

Quimby Bunce says there is no shortage of technology used in construction. “While there are plenty of software programs and technology used to support construction, this doesn’t mean the industry’s digitally transformed.

“A shortcoming in construction, particularly in SA, is its ‘toolsfor-trades’ approach, where all players within a project’s life-cycle are served by particular tools in support of the roles they fulfil. In other words, project managers, architects, estimators and others each have their own tools that don’t necessarily talk to each other,” he says.

PEOPLE, PROCESSES, DATA

Bunce explains that the real essence of digital transformation rests on three factors – people, processes and data – and how they operate together. “The use of

technology in a ‘tools-for-trades’ fashion leads to failure in all three areas, because data ends up in silos associated with each of those applications, ultimately leading to a breakdown in construction processes.”

This breakdown is evidenced by the industry’s productivity challenges, including its inevitable time and budget overruns, rework and materials wastage. “A McKinsey survey found that 80% of projects are over budget and most take 20% longer to be completed than initially anticipated, with 30% of work performed being rework.

INNOVATION

In fact, the construction industry has almost flat-lined in productivity terms for about one-quarter of a century, with growth of a mere 1%. Even more damning, it’s scarcely more than one-quarter of where construction’s sister industry, manufacturing, sits as a leader in transformation,” adds Bunce.

INTEGRATION: THE MISSING PIECE

The missing piece, he says, is integration. “What’s important is how all players on a project interact. For example, once the architects have completed the design phase, how are those outputs passed on to the next people in line?

Data normally loses its richness when it exits one system and enters another. It also loses its fidelity at every point of human intervention, which becomes problematic for the overall construction process.

“Digital transformation in construction is about how all players integrate their roles across the construction process and preserve data, so that when people have a job to do, the data they require to do the job arrives on time, can be trusted and can live on beyond the project to support what comes next – maintenance of the asset. The end-user then has access to information about how the infrastructure was built, the materials used, the names of subcontractors and the warrantees that apply.”

A DIGITAL SYMPHONY

So how can everyone working on construction projects sing from the same hymn sheet? More importantly, how can all of the data

come together in one common environment in support of all roles?

Instead of site managers working from 2D drawings taped to their site office walls, they should be able to access digital versions (and their updates) in real-time in a common data environment, dramatically reducing the 30% rework that occurs in the industry.

Bunce says that while time and cost are easy metrics to sink one’s teeth into, creating a common data environment requires investment.

“In SA, not many people are willing to stick their heads above the parapet. In Europe, on the other hand, the end customers –especially large, public-sector ones – have begun driving change in this area. They’re looking for better information and more predictability around timelines and cost when it comes to their projects.”

A FULL SCORE

This, in turn, has driven the adoption of the emerging ISO 19650, which provides an industry standard for the adoption of building information modelling (BIM), the most prevalent common data environment, which is centred around the 3D models that emerge from the design phase.

Bunce says 3D models can be fully detailed or somewhat detailed.

“In SA, these models are mostly somewhat detailed, with the aim of selling the architectural vision – it’s what I call ‘Hollywood BIM’. With a standard like ISO 19650, the models become much richer and form the core of the data that’s preserved around a project,” he notes.

Once other people such as quantity surveyors and estimators start looking at the model, additional information can be linked back to it, resulting in the accumulation of metadata in relation to the project. In addition, users can simulate the building process and run scenarios without creating a situation where they are learning while they build.

“This scenario allows for better planning and project control. All of the associated trades’ information is linked back to the model. This

(Above): RIB CCS Enterprise sales manager Quimby Bunce.

(Above): The more integrated the information, the more complete the digital transformation puzzle.

is how technology can be used in a concerted way to support digital transformation and enhance the way construction companies operate,” says Bunce.

THE THREE PILLARS

He uses the analogy of a threelegged stool. “The important part of the stool is the surface, which is supported by the three legs. A good digital platform brings the three pillars – people, process and asso ciated data – together in a way that adds value for everyone involved.”

He points to BCG’s Performance and Innovation Are the Rewards of Digital Transformation, which underlines six key factors that underpin successful digital transformation journeys, where construction companies achieve an average operating profit increase of about 21%. They include:

1) An integrated strategy with clear transformation goals. This involves strategy formulation that moves out of the boardroom to embrace large-scale, participative processes to draw insights from all roles in the organisation.

(Below): The three crucial factors are people, process and associated data.

2) Leadership commitment. There needs to be strong leader ship involvement at senior levels to ensure that any innovation adopt ed by the business is integrated into one cohesive framework for the entire organisation.

3) The deployment of highcalibre talent. This refers specifically to people with high technological proficiency.

4) An agile governance mindset. This is the opposite of the bureaucratic mindset, which is still prevalent in most construction

companies and is a preoccupation with innovating and delivering increasing levels of customer value.

5) Effective monitoring of progress. This involves setting targets based on processes and outcomes, as well as ensuring that sufficient data is taken into account to be able to measure whether improvements have been made.

6) Business-led modular technology and data platform. This is about adopting technologies that play well in the sandbox with other technologies.

Bunce believes that a transformative approach is evidenced by collaborative teams, well-defined workflows and centralised accountable data. “A unified platform will provide the vertical capabilities to support the needs of a diverse set of roles, support collaboration across roles and drive consistency using digital workflows that capture best practice,” he says.

(Above): The construction industry is notably broken into silos, whereas the real power of technology lies in its opposite: integration.

FOUNDATIONAL

KNOWLEDGE

By Nico Maas, Gauteng Piling

In any construction project, the stability of the building is almost entirely dependent on its foundations, making them the single most important part of the construction.

Deciding which approach to take requires an understanding

of the type of terrain on which the site is being built, the dimensions and architectural challenges faced by the design of the building itself and, of course, how the building is intended to be used.

SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

Shallow foundations transfer a structure’s loads to the earth, ensuring that its loads are kept as near to the surface as possible. Shallow foundations include individual and isolated footing, strip foundations and raft or mat foundations.

Individual and isolated footing foundations transfer loads to the underground material through a central or singular column. Whereas “foundation” describes the part of a sub-structure that makes actual contact with the earth to bear the load of the structure, “footing” describes a unit on the actual foundation that can either be deep or shallow.

Strip foundations aim to spread the weight of a loadbearing wall so that the extended surface area goes across the entire wall, across a continuous level or even in steps.

Raft or mat foundations seek to reduce the amount of stress that a structure puts on the soil beneath it. It does this by using a slab that extends beneath the entire structure of a building to distribute its load more effectively when directing it to the ground. The fact that it rests on the soil, as opposed to being

trenched into it, makes this a prime example of a shallow foundation.

Deep foundations differ from shallow ones in that, while they also transfer the weight of a structure to the ground, they go further down into the sub-surface of the soil. The most popular forms of deep foundations include piled foundations and drilled shafts or caissons.

PILED FOUNDATIONS

Whenever the design of a structure includes a weak, shallow-bearing stratum, there is a need for a foundation that goes deeper into the strata to improve the support it offers the structure. This is very often the case with high-rise buildings, but is not mutually exclusive to them. Piled foundations are installed into the earth to provide this additional loadbearing capacity. These types of foundations transfer the load of the structure down to reach the layers of high-density rock beneath the soil in order to provide enough capacity for load-bearing to the building.

DRILLED SHAFTS OR CAISSONS

This type of foundation includes drilling deep shafts into the ground and filling them with concrete and re

(Above, from top): Horizontal piling at a residential sinkhole and pilling excavation with steel rebar.

(Above): Nico Maas.

TECHNICAL

inforcing steel to create deep foundation solutions that can support structures with large axial and lateral loads.

DRILLING FOR DEEP FOUNDATIONS

A number of approaches to drilling can be used to create deep foundations, including Kelly drilling, continuous flight auger drilling, double-rotary drilling, full-displacement drilling, grab-drilling, air injection drilling and down-the-hole drilling.

Kelly drilling is the most commonly used one, where piles with a particularly diameter are installed. This approach is well suited to almost any type of soil and terrain. It relies on rotary drilling tools and a telescopic drill rod (called a Kelly bar) and offers improved drilling speed as its main benefit. It also offers a cost-effective approach, compared with other types of drilling.

Continuous flight auger drilling is also a type of rotary drilling which is widely used for installing deep foundations in construction tasks, particularly in sandy conditions near the coast. Quieter and quicker, it makes use of auger flights that support the structure of the hole’s wall to prevent it from collapsing. Soil is loosened and removed on a continual basis to gradually create the cavity in preparation for concrete or grout to be pumped into it to form the pile.

Double-rotary drilling adds continuous casing to auger drilling, providing a fairly efficient and effective approach to producing cast-in-place piles. It is ideal for heaving clays, gravel formations, boulders and cobbles.

Full-displacement drilling adapts continuous flight auger drilling, replacing a continuous auger with a casing as the displacement body. It is used in the production of cast-in-place piles. Spoil material is minimised, making it valuable when working with contaminated soils.

Grab-drilling was done as long as 5 000 years ago, but the appropriate drill bit was officially invented in 1861 and is still widely in use. The soil is loosened by cutting or impact-driving. This is a popular approach for producing cast-in-place piles with a relatively large diameter, or where boulders are present.

Reverse circulation air injection drilling is generally reserved for projects with difficult soil conditions. Different methods including grab-drilling, followed by

hydraulic pumping, which are often needed to flush the space between the hole and the drill rod. Typically used for drilling boreholes, it can be used for piling as an efficient approach and offers greater accuracy during the drilling process.

Down-the-hole drilling sees a hammer fitted to the lower end of the drill rod, using compressed air to drive it into the ground, simultaneously rotating and impacting. Loosened cuttings are brought to the surface by a flushing current. It is particularly well suited for the challenge of hard and rocky terrain and is inherently energy-efficient.

FINDING THE RIGHT DRILLING CONTRACTOR Taking a methodical approach to securing the right drilling contractor for each project is essential. Investigating these key qualities will add untold value over the full duration of the construction period and the lifetime of the building.

Experience: The experience of the contractor counts at every level – efficiency, accuracy and dependability – which is why it is the first thing that should be scrutinised. What one pays for in experience will be saved many times over and is well worth the investment.

Fleet: The condition and variety of the fleet speak to the quality and range of services. Avoid any contractor who does not have everything needed to complete the job.

Reputation: A contractor with consistently favourable reviews can be forgiven the occasional bad ones (some clients just cannot be satisfied!). However, a company with a consistently low rating should be avoided.

(Above): Piling in progress at Fourways Mall, Johannesburg.

ACHIEVING NET ZERO AND THE ROLE OF CARBON TAX

By Nirvasha Singh-Nogueira, partner, Carryn Alexander, partner and Amanda Nkwanyana, associate, all of Webber Wentzel

A reduction in carbon emissions is integral to South Africa's global commitment to achieve net zero. The South African government strategically introduced carbon tax to combat global warming by encouraging a low-carbon economy. The structure of the carbon tax legislation incentivises compliance to convert to green sooner rather than later – particularly those sectors that are typically heavy carbon emitters.

The extractive industry is SA's primary energy supplier. While coal has been Eskom's main resource (making

(Right): Nirvasha Singh-Nogueira, Carryn Alexander and Amanda Nkwanyana.

up 75% of the country's energy supply), its negative environmental, climate and social impacts can no longer be overlooked. Great strides have been made by certain industry leaders to move to clean energy by using hydrogenpowered vehicles as part of their mining equipment. Mining in a more environmentally friendly manner will undoubtedly result in a reduction in carbon emissions and carbon tax liability. However, these projects are notably capitalintensive and will take some time to implement.

In response to SA's energy deficit crisis, the South African government has also taken steps to quickly prioritise the acceleration of renewable energy programmes to generate more electricity and ease the demands on Eskom. This urgent focus by the government forces the extractive industry not only to consider switching to environmentally friendly production processes, but also to re-look at the minerals mined in the country.

The new global clean energy economy has made way for industrial opportunities in strategic alternative minerals such as platinum, vanadium, titanium, cobalt, copper, manganese, chromium and lithium. The exploration of these alternatives will lead to a reduction in emissions and pollution levels, which will

also lead to a reduction in carbon footprint and thus a reduction in a business's carbon tax liability.

GET CARBON TAX WORKING FOR YOU

Carbon tax was introduced in a phased manner, starting with a relatively modest rate, together with transitional support and exemptions. Currently, companies are entitled to carbon tax allowances of up to 95% to assist financially in transitioning their

tCO2e in 2030. Additional shortterm tax relief was introduced by government through the energy-efficiency savings tax incentive, which provides a tax deduction equivalent to the monetary value of actual energy efficiency savings (kWh) achieved, subject to a certificate of approval issued by the SA National Energy Development Institute. It is proposed that this incentive be available until 1 January 2026 for relief from the proposed higher carbon tax margin to encourage companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help stimulate new energy-efficient practices and industries during this period. Companies must rapidly take advantage of this temporary relief by transforming their activities through investments in energy efficiency, renewables and other low-carbon measures with the aim of reducing their carbon footprint.

EARLY ADOPTERS GET THE WINS

operations to low-carbon and cleaner technologies. However, these allowances will not remain for all three phases. In the 2022 budget, the government announced its intention to ramp up the carbon price and strengthen the price signals to promote behaviour changes over the short, medium and long term. It proposed increases in the carbon tax rate for the 20232025 tax periods by a minimum of US$1, increasing gradually to US$20 in 2026 and at least US$30/

Investing in low-carbon energy sources will help to fulfil any business's ESG obligations. Commitment to ESG principles is important for many reasons –including attracting investors and talent. ESG-focused investments can also reduce your carbon tax liability – and the savings are greater for early adopters.

While paying extra tax is inevi tably resented, monitoring and controlling carbon emissions is more than just a tax obligation. It is fundamental to everyone's com mitment to achieving SA's sustain ability through a low-carbon and circular economy.

(Left): Investing early in low-carbon energy sources is the best strategy on all fronts.

(Above): Including SA's large contribution, Africa is responsible for less than 4% of global emissions.

“INVESTING IN LOW-CARBON ENERGY SOURCES WILL HELP TO FULFIL ANY BUSINESS'S ESG OBLIGATIONS.”

UGANDA’S WASTE OPPORTUNITIES

Uganda’s Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) is implementing a robust solid waste-management plan for its growing national and commercial capital and their neighbouring authorities, taking a regional and collective approach. As a new system, the potentials for recycling, repurposing and carbon reduction are being positively exploited.

Bringing together a multi-national team, Richard Emery, a JG Afrika technical director and manager of municipal infrastructure and integrated waste management (IWM), and the JG Afrika specialist team including Dr Jefrey Pilusa (JG Afrika organic waste specialist and process engineer), are collaborating with the greater team who have been deployed to work on this project.

A CLIMATE FOR CHANGE

“The GKMA is facing very similar waste-management challenges that South African cities do and it has a comparable society, although it appears to be

slightly more consumer-orientated.

A key difference, however, is that the GKMA has limited technical capacity required to implement its vast academic knowledge and real understanding of international trends and technologies. This is compared with SA's more engineered-managed systems, which we aim to help GKMA implement to better manage solid waste diversion and systems in the area. The project will also assist GKMA in honouring its commitment to reducing carbon emissions as articulated in the Kampala Climate Change Action Strategy, a key instrument which it uses to help mainstream climate change response in all city services,” Emery says.

RESOURCES, MATERIALS AND ENERGY PRODUCTION

Currently in the concept engineering design phase, the project focuses on diverting solid waste away from the Kiteezi landfill and allowing businesses and investors to benefit from some of these recovered materials, while in the interim consideration is towards establishing a methane gas-to-energy plant of at least 2MW in capacity on site due to the high-organic content of the waste stream.

(Below): Kiteezi landfill is located in Nangabo subcounty in Wakiso district and is Uganda’s largest and main landfill.

“ABOUT 14,5HA IN SIZE WITH ITS HIGHEST END RISING UP TO 10M, IT IS PARTIALLY LINED AND FEATURES A LEACHATETREATMENT PLANT THAT IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING AS OPTIMALLY AS IT SHOULD BE AND AS DESIGNED.”

Kiteezi landfill is located in Nangabo sub-county in Wakiso district and is Uganda’s largest and main landfill. About 14,5ha in size with its highest end rising up to 10m, it is partially lined and features a leachate-treatment plant that is no longer functioning as optimally as it should be and as designed. There are hundreds of informal waste-pickers who earn a livelihood collecting papers, containers and plastic at Kiteezi landfill for recycling purposes. The inorganic waste, consisting mainly of paper and plastic, is compiled in very large bags that are rolled to collection trucks. This recovered material is then transported to various areas in the GKMA where it is re-used.

BANKING ON WASTE

Through this project, Uganda is also attempting to keep pace with the global trend of better managing residual materials. “The landfilling of these materials is harmful to the environment and causes serious health problems.

Many countries are, thus, at the cusp of ensuring that all organic waste is diverted from landfills. In SA, for example, the Western Cape provincial government aims to completely eliminate organic waste from its landfills by 2027. This is a very ambitious target that could be emulated in other areas of the country via novel IWM projects,” says Pilusa.

Uganda already has many bankable projects that are attracting further private investors and grant funding. This project is especially enticing considering the significant demand for IWM in the city and the potential wealth to unlock through recycling, reclaiming and renewable energy.

(Above): The project is being done under the Cities and Infrastructure for Growth programme funded by UKAid and implemented by Cardno International Development. JG Afrika was appointed to provide technical and specialised services.

(Above): Kampala is fast running out of space for waste landfills. This suburb is an example of the new reality of urbanisation.

(Left): Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, is seeking to optimise the new levels of waste emerging from its growing population density.

AFRISAM www.afrisam.co.za debbie.harvey@za.afrisam.com

SUPPORTERS

www.bosch.africa

MASTER BUILDERS

TECHNICAL FINISHES SA www.technicalfinishes.com yolande@technicalfinishes.com 031 705 7733

www.technicrete.co.za info@technicrete.co.za

674 6900

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING www.womenofintelligence.co.za amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.za

2501

MBA REGIONAL LISTING AND AFFILIATE MEMBERS

Master Builders Association Boland

Contact: Daniel Uys E-mail: info@mbaboland.org.za Tel: 021 863 3330

Master Builders Association East Cape

Contact: Greg Steele E-mail: ecmba@global.co.za Tel: 041 365 1835

Master Builders Association Free State

Contact: Stephan Claassen E-mail: admin@mbafs.co.za Tel: 057 352 6269

Master Builders Association North Contact: Mohau Mphomela E-mail: info@mbanorth.co.za Tel: 011 805 6611

Master Builders Association KwaZulu-Natal

Contact: Vikashnee Harbhajan E-mail: info@masterbuilders.co.za Tel: 031 266 7070

Master Builders Association Greater Boland

Contact: Duane Phillips E-mail: info@mbagreaterboland.org.za Tel: 023 342 6964

Master Builders Association Northern Cape

Contact: Graham Andrews E-mail: info@mbanc.org.za Tel: 053 832 1762

Master Builders Association Western Cape

Contact: Roekeya Bardien E-mail: info@mbawc.org.za Tel: 021 685 2625

Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of SA

Contact: Johan Heyneke E-mail: reception@aaamsa.co.za Tel: 011 805 5002

SA Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Contractors’ Association

Contact: Barney Richardson E-mail: saracca@icon.co.za

Tel: 011 622 3890

CAPTAINS OF CONSTRUCTION

Refilwe Lesufi, Pr Eng Msc MD: Prana Consulting

Refilwe Lesufi is the founding owner of Prana Consulting, a 100% women-owned, Level 1 BBBEE civil engineering consulting firm which has been in operation since 2011.

She holds a MSc (Civil) degree from Wits University and is a registered professional civil engineer with 20 years of experience in geotechnical investigations for dolomitic and non-dolomitic areas and in pavement engineering. Her experience includes construction management for a range of privateand public-sector projects. She is also involved in the development and commercialisation of off-grid water and sanitation solutions.

She is a board member for Consulting Engineers SA (CESA) as well as chairperson of the Transformation and Development Committee. She is a co-opted member at the SA Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) executive board, a fellow member and the 2020 chairperson for the SAICE Johannesburg Branch.

Passionate about the urgent need for the empowerment of women in construction –notably contractors – Lesufi believes in mentorship, networking, research-based ongoing development and embracing technology to stay competitively relevant.

MBA WESTERN CAPE AGM

AWARDING EXCELLENCE AND THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY