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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.
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
02 When to make a call to arms
04 The House of the Big Arch –A case study in clay brick
06 Western Cape appoints new Executive Director
06 Life membership bestowed on Neels du Toit Heunis
08 MBA Northern Cape: More than a century of essential services to the built environment
10 Optimism a key building block at Congress 2022
16 Major piling contract for apartment block foundations
18 Construction momentum builds at Richmond Park, Cape Town
19 Engineering opportunity
20 PV installers must be electrical contractors
22
The real value of Limpopo’s new ring road
24 Action against methanol
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26 Scaffolding safety
29 Earth-moving women
30 Building alterations and the new energy regulations
32 Building to an environmental management plan
34 Rebuilding the construction transport and equipment industry
38 Safe demolition
PROJECTS
40 Med-techengineers deliver quality automotive hangar
42 A guide to corrosion protection during construction delays
45 Covid-19: From preparation and response to recovery and preservation
46 Meet Roekeya Bardien
48 BRAND SUPPORTERS
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How much, exactly, are we intended to accept? How many lost billions is too many lost billions? Besides, we talk in trillions now. As if that were enough, we must declare ourselves gaslit to a degree never before contemplated. The thieves politicking away our chances of even the must humble off futures do so with gross audacity, while in complete denial of their own chances of survival.
Has the time come? The end of the capitalist markets, which are the opposite of free, must surely be marked by the 1% of us holding 96%
of the planet’s wealth. Surely. The 3% left over are simply a trick of the game: if they can you can. False.
We must and will keep on working. But we have to take up arms against the corruption, the greed and the pretence. The evidence is in and the solution can only be a radical one. Not violent arms, but truthful ones. I think it is time we started talking so that we can start building in the way we are meant to.
Nicholas McDiarmid: editor
• Tel: + 27 11 822 2320
• Fax: + 27 11 822 2354
• e-mail: cindy@ashak.co.za
A home that disappears into the landscape; that sits among the rocks, trees and birds; that offers animals, plants and humans equal opportunity to find shelter; that treats the bushveld with its deserved respect. A home ideal for the use of clay brick.
WHAT CLAY BRICK MAKES POSSIBLE Architecture collective Frankie Pappas has hidden the 3.3m-wide House of the Big Arch within the bushveld nature reserve in the north of South Africa.As the house was located an hour-and-a-half's drive from the nearest town, the collective decided to make it an off-grid home – not connected to water or electricity networks. Clay brick is the ideal choice as its dense mass provides natural insulation from temperature extremes.
Frankie Pappas designed the home so that it would be enveloped by the surrounding forest and sit within the canopies of the existing trees. The house's long, thin shape was determined by the location of the trees so that not even one of them had to be felled during its construction.
FRANKIE PAPPAS House of the Big Arch, Waterberg mountains Breath-taking of the Big Arch by design firm Frankie Pappas. Located in a nature reserve, the landscape take centre stage. It was constructed using glass and aluminium, the surrounding sandstone, that steals the show – proof that stock brick“THE UNUSUAL FORM OF THE SKINNY HOUSE IS A DIRECT RESULT OF ITS UNIQUE LOCATION WITHIN A NATURE RESERVE, SURROUNDED BY FOREST, ALONGSIDE SANDSTONE CLIFFS.”
of the Big Arch by design firm Frankie Pappas. Located in a nature reserve, the home aims to fade into the landscape take centre stage. It was constructed using glass and aluminium, but it’s the rough stock the surrounding sandstone, that steals the show – proof that stock brick can be exceedingly beautiful.
spatial sequence – and sits about 4m above the forest floor.
The entire house is off-the-grid – completely and utterly. Water from the roofs is collected and filtered through the forest, while
black and greywater is stored and processed before being filtered by the undergrowth.
Energy is harvested by 16m2 of solar panels, but the way it is utilised is even more important. The architec ture's structural materials work within
its environment to minimise energy requirements and maximise comfort.
The use of clay brick is of extreme importance as well, due its thermal properties that make it particularly suitable for this environment. Sourcing the best materials also takes advantage of its lifetime qualities.
Clay brick has a lifetime of 80-100 years, depending on the weather and application. Throughout their use, bricks require significantly little maintenance, which decreases the total embodied energy required during their life-cycle. Their thermal properties are equally enduring and, when embedded in a build ing’s architecture design, can massively reduce its functional energy consumption.
STORY_Facebrick_SUBBED.indd 183 PAPPAS House of the Big Arch, Waterberg mountains Breath-taking brick inspiration comes from the House by design firm Frankie Pappas. Located in a nature reserve, the home aims to fade into its background, letting take centre stage. It was constructed using glass and aluminium, but it’s the rough stock brick, selected to match sandstone, that steals the show – proof that stock brick can be exceedingly beautiful. frankiepappas.com
Master Builders Western Cape (MBAWC) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new executive director in the person of Roekeya Bardien, who took over the reins from Allen Bodill on 1 September 2022. Bodill’s contract expired at the end of June and he has been consulting to the association in recent months while the recruitment process for his successor was being finalised.
Bardien graduated from the former University of Port Elizabeth (now the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
University) with a BSc (QS) in 1990. She has over 30 years of construction surveying experience and has also served as a lecturer at both the University of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
She has held a directorship in a contracting company and has also been a construction manager and a project manager during her career. She joined the MBAWC executive committee in 2017 and has served on a number of the association’s
standing committees. She has also held various committee and board positions in non-profit organisations in both her personal and professional capacities.
The association welcomes her and wishes her well at a time when the industry is facing significant challenges.
It was with great pride and appreciation that the MBA bestowed life membership of the association on Cornelius (Neels) Du Toit Heunis at the MBA annual dinner in Port Elizabeth recently.
Asked whether he would consider presenting a tribute to Heunis, MBA past president Hilton Wait said “It's not even something to think about, as it isn't often in one’s life that one gets the opportunity to pay a tribute to a man of the calibre of Neels.” After
attending school in Grahamstown (now Makhanda), Heunis studied at the University of the Orange Free State in Bloemfontein and graduated with a BSc in quantity surveying (cum laude) in 1974.
A LEGACY OF SERVICE
He has been involved in MBA for over three decades representing the Grahamstown area on the MBA’s regional executive committee and the Building Industry Industrial/Bargaining Council. He also sat on the executive council of the association since 1995 and has served fewer than three terms as president of the association (1997, 2010 and 2018). “This alone demonstrates the commitment that he's had to the industry and to our organisation. If there's something that Neels is passionate about, then it's the MBA and what it stands for,” said Wait. It is also remarkable to note that life membership of the MBA has only been bestowed on 22 members over the past 124 years of its existence and that the only two of those were Grahamstown members. In fact, they were none other than Heunis's father, Neels Heunis Snr (CC Heunis) and his uncle Bobby Heunis (JA Heunis).
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Although the Northern Cape Master Builders Association only held its 78th annual meeting on 27 July 2022, it is more than 100 years old, having been formed in 1904. It is the oldest organisation of its kind in South Africa.
A century down the line, the association still strives to deliver the highest standards in building services not only to Kimberley, but to the larger Northern Cape area.
The primary objective of the MBA is to ensure that members maintain high standards in building and construction. This ultimately ensures a high level of professionalism and guarantees successful projects for their respective clients in all aspects of the building process.
The association also plays an active role in industrial relations, such as the drawing up and adaptation of building contract laws, safety procedures and skills training in this field.
We also aim to support national building standards by creating a sustainable and democratic building industry in the greater Kimberley area.
The executive council for the next
term of office remains the same, as no new nominations were received.
Graham Andrews of Mac’s Electrical remains the president of the association for the next term of office. He stated that the past year had not been a good one for the building industry in the Northern Cape. Most building projects, such as the sports complex, living units and main campus of Sol Plaatje University, had been done by contractors out of town. Numerous new schools and school upgrades, which had been put out for tender by the Department of Education, had also been awarded to contractors from other regions.
The downturn has brought lingering challenges to the sector and securing training opportunities is a serious and ongoing difficulty. This makes MBA Northern Cape’s role more important than ever.
The executive committee members for the new term of office are:
Graham Andrews Mac’s Electrical (President)
Keith van Rensburg Denver Construction (Senior vice-president)
Eddie du Toit Tswela Construction (Junior vice-president)
Dudley Dally Dudley Dally Construction Management Kobus Duvenhage Kobus Duvenhage Bouers
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The Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) Congress 2022 ended on a high note recently with an all-round mood of optimism and commitment to a flourishing construction and building industry by the association and all industry players.
Held for this first time in two years due to the pandemic, the 117th congress was hosted by Master Builders Association KwaZulu-Natal at The Capital, Zimbali and attended by more than 200 delegates representing the MBSA and its associated member branches around the country, as well as other industryrelated entities.
The event was officially opened by outgoing MBSA president Vic Naidoo. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, head of investment and infrastructure in the Office of the President of SA.
“Reconstructing South Africa” served as the key theme this year, with panel discussions focusing on information integration, perspectives, numbers and needs from across the built environment. Top CEOs, public sector leaders, community leaders and – most importantly – the builders themselves took advantage of the numerous forums, which were specially geared to deal with today’s unprecedented dynamics.
Musa Shangase, director of Corobrik, was appointed as the new MBSA president and Sam Ngcongo, CEO of Damcom (Dambuza Community Development), as MBSA vice president and MBA president KZN.
MBSA is a federation of registered employer associations representing contractors and employers in the construction industry and is regulated in terms of Section 107 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. The federation’s nine Master Builders Associations and three affiliate associations represent more than 4 000 contractors and employers in the industry.
(Below from left): Musa Shangase, MBSA president; Sam Ngcongo, MBSA vice president and outgoing MBSA president, Vic Naidoo.
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Creating Concrete Possibilities
Gauteng Piling has secured a major contract to provide extensive foundation piling for the Grand Central Towers apartment block which, with ground floor and nine storeys, will become a lofty landmark in Midrand.
Keoatlaretse Tema, contract manager for Gauteng Piling, who is in charge of the project, says 302 piles will be required for the new high-rise structure, which will incorporate 990 social housing walk-up units. The apartment block, near Grand Central Airport, is being developed by Bridgeport, with Tri-Star Construction as the main contractor.
“The site is roughly triangular and covers 1 259ha. The property’s bounded to the east by Diagonal Street, to the south by Exchange Street and on the north and west by Market Street,” says Tema.
In providing the piles with an average depth of 5m, Gauteng Piling encountered shallow rock 200-900mm below ground surface, which will require specialist drilling. “However, Gauteng Piling provided a piling rig to conduct a pre-piling geotechnical investigation, so we were aware of and prepared for the shallow rock on a portion of the site,” adds Tema.
The diameter of the 302 piles being installed for the apartment block by Gauteng Piling varies from 650-1 150mm. Steel reinforcement cages 500mm-1m in diameter are being installed to support the piles. Gauteng Piling also has to install four additional piles per crane to secure the three tower cranes being used by Tri-Star for the construction.
Tema says that apart from the shallow rock, the main challenge for the Grand Central Towers project is the casting of column starter bars into the piles. “No pile caps will be installed, so we’re working closely with the steel-fixing crew from Tri-Star Construction to ensure the starter bars are in place before the piling concrete’s poured,” she explains.
Gauteng Piling, which is using three rigs for this contract, was founded in 1996 by building industry veteran Nico Maas. He still heads the company, which – over the past 26 years – has completed over 1 800 piling contracts. Among the high-profile ones it handled were the massive Mall of Africa in Midrand, Greenstone Mall in Edenvale, Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort and Alex Junction in Alexandra.
Cell:
Cell:
Richmond Park is a hive of construction activity, with four landmark developments in progress and more on the way, reports leading South African property developer and investor Atterbury, which is developing the multi-billion-rand project for the property’s shareholders.
“There’s tremendous momen tum on site at Richmond Park at the moment. It also has a strong development pipeline that carries through to next year and will keep the site busy for some time,” says Arno du Plessis, Atterbury’s West ern Cape development manager.
The development of Takealot’s new pick-up point of 6 700m² at Richmond Park, which includes expansion opportunities with the potential to grow to 17 000m², was completed and opened to the public early in April 2022.
Sustainable technology company Rubicon’s new 7 500m² warehouse and 2 300m² offices and showroom have recently been completed. The company is now fully operational in its new Western Cape headquarters.
Additionally, Atterbury developed a 24 000m² Takealot distribution centre in Richmond Park. Takealot has commenced with its fit-out of this strategically located centre.
Moreover, two separate site acquisitions were recently completed in Richmond Park. The Austen Dundas Property Group acquired a site to develop a fourmidi-unit, Harvest Park, where each
Cape and inland routes. The West ern Cape’s R270 million refinery interchange upgrade, which is wid ening the Plattekloof Road bridge over the N7, is due for completion in February 2024. The new dual-car riageway bridge and pedestrian bridge will significantly improve the area’s east-west traffic flows.
unit will be approximately 1 000m². These can be combined to accommodate larger clients. West Property Fund also acquired a site at Richmond Park to establish a facility for an existing client, the Zest WEG Group.
One of its many drawcards is ex ceptional transport access, which will soon be improved even further. Richmond Park enjoys easy access from the N1 and N7 highways, efficiently linking to the logistics infrastructure across the Western
With its 28-year track record of delivering excellent, tailormade development solutions in South Africa and internationally, Atterbury is known for fashioning developments that create a positive experience for all stakeholders.
Above and beyond the commercial building work underway, it is currently adding the first phase of a grassy park and playground alongside Richmond Park. The green recreation area is intended to be a quality lifestyle amenity for families from the neighbouring Richwood residential community.
A new programme aims to empow er the youth as they enter the work environment by providing practi cal work experience and valuable skills. There are various learner ships, including engineering and business administration, running for 12 months, with the potential to permanently employ at least one student from the programme.
FACING HURDLES TOGETHER Zimile Consulting Engineers, in partnership with the Mpileng Group, have entered a strategic partnership and contracted eight students to participate in their first learnership programme.
Shawn Gama, CEO of Zimile Consulting Engineers, encourages businesses to employ more young people, if they have the capacity to do so. “Young people are eager to learn; they put much effort into their work. The hurdle they face after completing their formal and higher education is the experience gap,” he says.
Gama says youth must be enabled to close the gap in practical work experience that they urgently need. Statistics SA indicates that in the
first quarter of 2022, unemployment for young graduates aged 15-24 declined from 40,3% to 32,6%, while for those aged 25-34, it increased by 6,9% to 22,4%.
A SHARED PRIORITY Gama advocates that both the private sector and the government have a responsibility to address youth unemployment. “As a business, we want to contribute to society by empowering the youth and we believe that the private sector needs to help the government create opportunities for young people to start participating in the economy,” he says.
Gama explains that the company needed a partner to develop new ideas and solutions which can help it contribute to society.
“Mpileng was the perfect partner to add value to this learnership programme. It enhances the programme by providing the necessary work skills training as well, such as training in business administration,” he says.
“This means that when students come to our facilities, they already have some basic experience, which makes their transition to the professional work environment easier and helps them deal with the requirements of the real working world, with further guidance and training from our team at Zimile. It’s important to use the Sector Education and Training Authority’s resources to provide a platform that will expose young professionals to the relevant disciplines.”
Gama is confident that through this programme, the eight young professionals will gain the necessary work experience, grow and possibly make management decisions in time. “We’re optimistic that this programme will continue successfully year after year,” he says.
(Above): Members of Zimile Consulting Engineers, the Mpileng Group and successful candidates of the learnership programme.
Mark Mfikoe, national director, ECA (SA), says that photovoltaic (PV) installations are electrical installations, and like any other electrical installation work, they are the domain of the electrical contracting industry.
“Any contractor doing PV installation work, from installing solar panels to the actual energising of the building, must be an electrical contractor who's registered in terms of the Electrical Installation Regulations (2009) and must either be a licensed electrician or must employ one as a contracting firm in his full-time employ,” he explains.
The Electrical Installation Regulations define “electrical installation” as “machinery, in or on any premises, that is used for the transmission of electrical energy from a point of control to a point of consumption anywhere on the premises, including any article that
forms part of such an installation, irrespective of whether or not it is part of the electrical circuit”.
“All new solar installations require the supervision and general control of an installation electrician (IE) or master installation electrician (MIE) and only an IE and an MIE can issue a certificate of compliance for a solar installation,” says Mfikoe.
“No solar installation may be used by any end-user without it having been inspected and certified as safe by an IE or an MIE,” he stresses,“ and there's no qualification other than an IE or MIE that allows a person to do so.”
He adds that it is important to note that a licensed single-phase tester cannot work with DC and may not sign off DC installations, including PV and three-phase installations, nor issue a certificate of compliance for solar installations.
“Any ‘card’ issued by PV training providers is for supplementary training only and isn't a qualification to do PV work. The Electrical Regulations in the OHS Act are clear about who may work in that environment and the only qualifying card is one that proves registration as an electrical contractor with the Department of Employment and Labour.
“It's illegal for anyone else to install PV,” says Mfikoe.
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Shortly after Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula officially opened a R640 million ring road project in Limpopo, there is jubilation in the small towns of Musina and Makhado. The project created over 275 full-time jobs for locals at a cost of R28 million and a further R51 million went to local subcontractors.
Residents are hoping for economic spin-offs between South Africa and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries.
Many residents hope it will also create more travel and tourism opportunities, as the unemployment rate in the two towns has escalated since the advent of Covid-19 in 2019.
“The opening of this road means more cars will pass through our communities,” says Freddy Mandiwana of Nancefield. “That means we'll have more spaza shops for motorists, car washes, places to display artwork and many other business opportunities.”
Gladys Mashau, who is also from Nancefield, says she is hoping to open a food shop that will sell both South African and Zimbabwean dishes to travellers.
“I know Africans love goat meat, chicken soup and bush meat. “I intend to buy from the many hunters around the border
post and sell the meat to my customers,” she says.
During the official handover of the project, Mbalula said roads were SA's greatest public asset.
“This road will facilitate better mobility and help the movement of goods, services and people in and around Musina. It will also be instrumental in facilitating greater economic activities between SA and neighbouring countries,” said the minister, who was flanked by Limpopo MEC for Roads and Infrastructure Nkakareng Rakgoale and senior officials from the SA National Roads Agency.
Mbalula said the road project had also provided economic opportu nities in communities and for small, medium and micro enterprises.
The question was, though, for how long? ”We can no longer be grateful for short term bouts in the boxing ring of hope,” he said
INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN THAT NEVER BEAR OUT
“The National Development Plan has instructed all government departments to invest in a strong economic network infrastructure designed to support the country’s medium and long-term growth plan in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth by 2030,” he added
Rakgoale said that not only was the construction of the road likely to bring economic spin-offs to the province, but it would also relieve congestion in Musina. Motorists pass through town from SA en route to the SADC countries.
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Increasing reports of deaths from drinking home-brewed alcohol spiked with methanol have again shown how urgently the govern ment should implement legislation against the use of methanol in paint thinners, says Tara Benn, executive director of the SA Paint Manufactur ing Association (SAPMA).
Benn says SAPMA has tried for many years to have the retail sales of methanol and its use in paint thinners banned.
“The government should take note of the devastating loss of life experienced throughout the world by methanol – and it’s undoubtedly also happening here. Although still unconfirmed, it was identified as a possible cause of the deaths of 21 teenagers at a bar in East London recently. Methanol was found in all their bodies.
“Many people probably also died locally from such lethal liquor during the Covid-19 lockdown, when alcohol sales were banned.
We know that several people died after a Cape Town house party. It’s rampant all over the world. In Europe, methanol-laced alcohol has been killing hundreds annually in countries such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia and Poland. Costa Rica and Ecuador also have thriving tainted alcohol industries,” says Benn.
Because methanol deaths are often misdiagnosed as the result
of excessive drinking, SAPMA believes that many people assume it is an alternative to alcohol. Home brews laced with lethal methanol are still being widely produced countrywide by locals who cannot afford to buy liquor.
“The fact that bottles of methanol, in the form of lacquer paint thinners, are widely available from retail outlets should be of grave concern to the government,” says Benn. “Because methanol’s less expensive and more readily available than ethanol, fraudsters use it instead of ethanol in homemade alcohol. SAPMA is also concerned that children could accidentally drink a garage-stored DIY product such as lacquer thinner, which sometimes contains up to 32% methanol.”
Benn says that the Department of Health announced years ago
that methanol had undergone the necessary socio-economic impact assessment study and legislation for its banning was with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation for approval. “This gave SAPMA hope that methanol would soon be eradicated from South African retail shelves – but we’re still awaiting any meaningful action. At this year’s SAPMA annual general meeting, it was confirmed and ratified that the association and its members fully support the regulation of methanol and will be part of the task team helping to regulate the use of methanol within the coatings sector,” she adds.
SAPMA prohibits the unmarked use of methanol in its code of ethics and labelling. Clearly warning that a product contains methanol is compul sory for SAPMA members.
Cheerfully for the construction clients we’re proud to call partners here at NSDV, the South African government has proven to have as great a penchant for NEC 3/4 contracts as we do. While they can present unique challenges –the contracts, that is – working alongside people who know them backwards is your surest bet if saving costs, time and undue stress appeals.
Our familiarity with governmental infrastructure roll-out processes has also proven to be a significant plus for clients looking to ensure their operations are implemented as expeditiously as possible… and speaking of expeditious: we’re so anxious for you to start benefitting ASAP that we’ve developed a free NEC3/4 for Newbies tip series.
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(Left): Securing scaffolding with wrap-around mesh.
By Neil Enslin, head: occupational health and safety, MBA KZNScaffolding is an essential and highly risk-filled component of most building projects and its safe implementation is vital.
All scaffolding work must be overseen by a scaffold supervisor. A supervisor, scaffold erector, scaffold inspector and team leader must be competent and fully trained to ensure safe scaffolding on site. These appointments must be made in writing using an appropriate appointment form.
The scaffold inspector must conduct scaffold inspections weekly, as well as after inclement weather and alterations. These reports must be recorded and kept up to date in the register.
There are four main types of scaffolding:
• Access system scaffolding.
• Free-standing scaffolding.
• Mobile scaffolding.
• Suspended scaffolding.
ACCESS SYSTEM SCAFFOLDING The following requirements need to be adhered to when assembling access scaffolding:
1. The foundation of the access scaffolding must be firm, stable and visible.
2. The base jacks must be firmly placed on sole boards and spaced correctly, according to the design.
3. The area surrounding the scaffolding must be clear of material and rubble.
4. The scaffolding must have adequate bracing to ensure that the structure is stable without any backward, forward or sideways movement.
5. The working platforms that are being used should have sufficient platform boards to cover the entire platform.
6. The platform boards must be in good condition and secured correctly and there must be no open gaps on the platform for workers, materials or tools to fall through.
Objects falling from heights can seriously harm or even kill workers below and can also damage property. The edges of working platforms must be protected with toe boards and adequate double handrails. Toe boards are used to prevent materials, tools and equipment from being kicked off or falling from the platform.
Stairs found on access scaffolding must have correctly secured and positioned handrails. Only access ladders that are secured and posi tioned on the inside of the access scaffolding should be used. The platforms to which these access ladders lead need to be fitted with trapdoors which should be closed at all times. It is recommended that ladders be placed away from other trapdoor openings.
Scaffolding tags are signs which indicate whether the scaffolding is safe to use. These tags include “Sufficient”, “Safe” or “Unsafe” and should be strategically posi tioned on the scaffolding. The date and time of the last inspection must be recorded on the reverse of the scaffolding tag.
Access scaffolding must always be tied back into the structure, as per the design specifications.
correctly secured bracing, as per the design criteria. This will prevent it from having any backward, forward or sideways movement.
In addition:
• Ladders leading to higher scaffolding levels must be placed away from each other.
• Platforms must have trapdoors in place and these should always be kept closed
• “Safe” or “Unsafe” signs must be placed on the scaffolding. The reverse of the scaffolding tag should include information such as the date and time of the last inspection. The scaffold inspector is responsible for the inspection and recording of this information.
•
All access scaffolding must comply with the:
• Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Act and regulations.
• SANS 10085.
• Specific design criteria.
A free-standing scaffold should be erected on a foundation that is firm, stable, adequate for the load and constructed at a reasonable level.
The area directly under the scaffolding, as well as the surrounding area, must be inspected to ensure that it is clear of material and rubble.
Reinforce the free-standing scaffolding with sufficient and
A scaffold can become very unstable if the height to base ratio exceeds 3:1. This means that a scaffold can never be higher than three times its narrowest base side.
• The scaffolding must at all times comply with the OHS Act and regulations, SANS 10085 and the design criteria.
Due to the nature of mobile scaffolding, it is very important that it only be used on sound and stable bases, or where the floor conditions are appropriate. Mobile scaffolding follows the same principles and requirements as free-standing and access scaffolding with regard to bracing, platform boards, handrails, toe boards, access ladders and trapdoors.
It is crucial to check that:
• There is adequate bracing installed.
• There are sufficient platform boards in place.
• The edges are protected with toe boards and adequate double handrails.
In addition:
• An adequate number of access ladders must be positioned and secured correctly.
• Working platforms accessed by ladders must have trapdoors installed and these must be closed after use.
• All ladders must be positioned away from trapdoor openings.
• The scaffolding tag must be checked before using a scaffold to determine whether it is safe. The wheels or swivels must be in good condition, fitted in position and suitable for the job.
The brakes should be inspected to ensure that they are in good condition. This is important, as mobile scaffolding should never move or be moved while persons are still on it. They must all get off before it is repositioned to avoid any uncontrollable situations.
Before using mobile scaffolding, it is essential to ensure that it is reasonably level and stable and that its height is no more than three times the narrowest base side.
The installation and use of mobile scaffolding must comply with the OHS Act and regulations, SANS 10085 and the design criteria.
Suspended scaffolding requires adequate outrigging, as well as suitable components that are secured and correctly positioned. Platform handrails must be of a substantial and correct height, secured and installed around all edges of the scaffolding.
A valid test certificate must be avail able on site for the corresponding suspended scaffolding.
Swing scaffolding also requires adequate outrigging which must comply with the scaffolding design. The condition of the steel wire ropes must be checked and any potential defects identified.
Winches, cable attachments and brakes must all be checked to ensure that they are in good working condition and the corresponding test certificate must be available. Electrical controls on the scaffolding must be accessible
and functional at all times and all cables must be protected and in good condition.
Both suspended and swing scaffolding must comply with the OHS Act and regulations, SANS 10085 and the design criteria.
All other scaffolds fall under the special scaffolding category. The following requirements must be met when erecting special scaffolding:
1. The cantilever, jib and trussout must be installed as per the design.
2. The scaffolding material must be in good condition and adequate for the design.
3. There must be suitable, sufficient and substantial access to and from the scaffolding.
Sources:
• SANS 10085.
• Construction Regulations 2014.
(Above): Swing scaffolding safety is all about outrigging.It is self-evident that any industry not benefitting from the value women bring to the world is an industry operating at half-capacity. Half-speed means half-efficient.
CASE Construction is not a halfmeasure enterprise and two of its most powerful women have insights into the construction equipment industry which make a practical difference, playing a major role in shaping the future of the company in South Africa.
Brigitte Huggo is an area sales manager at CASE Construction’s Isando branch and looks after parts of Gauteng, as well as the North West region.
“Everyone has a passion and mine is for yellow metal machines,” she says.
“I think my love for construction equipment started when I was five. While I was growing up, my dad used to work in material handling. I always played with small-scale models which he received from various suppliers.
“Being able to work for an amazing company like CASE Construction drives me to do more and do better. We’re a dynamic team with many years of combined experience and we support each other. It’s always good to look up to someone and have a mentor in the industry who guides you. Mine is branch manager Warren Alexander, who’s an inspiring
leader with vast knowledge of the industry – I’ve learnt a great deal from him.
“Every machine handover is a proud moment for me, but one that stands out was when I delivered 15 machines to one client at one time – that was a real milestone in my career.
“There are parts of my job that are very enjoyable, like meeting many people from different walks of life and handing over a premium machine with which I know customers will be happy.
“I’m very positive and excited about the future of women in the construction industry, especially because they’re now given more opportunities to work in a man’s world and are grabbing those opportunities with both hands,” says Huggo.
Jenny McAlister works in CASE Construction’s workshop, troubleshooting machines while also managing service quotes. She began her construction career in 2015 and joined the CASE Construction team in 2019.
“My brother introduced me to the construction industry many years ago and now we share the same passion. Every day holds a new challenge – there’s never a dull moment. From the beginning, I’ve had a passion for CASE machines and the knowledge I’ve been able
to acquire over the past two years, while working on the technical and equipment side of the industry, has been truly broadening. In one’s career, one needs to be inspired and in my case, interacting with clients and solving their problems successfully is what inspires me daily,” says McAlister.
“I believe women in the construction industry will soon take over because when we’re passionate about something, we go all out to ensure it’s a success. The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is that persistence overcomes resistance. I’d encourage any woman wanting to pursue a career in construction to make it her business to learn everything she can about the machines she’s working with. She should ask questions and mine the knowledge of the professionals around her.”
According to the National Building Regulations, if you build onto an existing home, you will have to submit your plans and comply with the “new” building regulations, including Part XA, which deals with energy usage.
The National Building Regulations are not retroactive in their application. Therefore, if you are altering or adding to a building, you will not have to ensure that the entire building complies with the new regulations that have been imposed since the building was erected.
This can be of particular interest to people who are concerned about the implications of the new energy-efficiency legislature and regulations. However, if you need plans for any additions or alterations, you will have to ensure that the new section of the building complies.
According to Part A of SANS 10400: General Principles and Requirements, when an application is made to make alterations or additions to any building, the plans have to be approved by the Building Regulations and Standards Act.
The general principles and requirements involved in making alterations and additions to buildings are as follows:
The alteration must comply with the requirements of the Act, but “consequent changes to any other part of the building which would be necessary in order to make such other part comply with the requirements of the Act shall not be required – unless, in the opinion of the local authority, such consequent changes are necessary to ensure the health or safety of persons using the building in the altered form”.
The addition must comply with the requirements of the Act, “but no changes to the original building shall be required unless the addition:
(Above): Hazardous materials like asbestos require careful planning and disposal. (Above): Look out for compliance incongruity with old regulations when working on older buildings, as in replacing ceiling boards and the like.1. Will affect the structural strength or stability of the original building;
2. Will render any existing escape route from the original building less effective; or
3. Will affect the health of persons using the original building”.
Problems might arise when alterations or additions are made to buildings that were erected in compliance with earlier building by-laws.
In these cases, the local authority might decide to treat the new portion as a separate part of the building. When this happens, the alterations will have to comply with the National Building Regulations, without having an effect on the original portion of the building.
While the above does not happen often, the local authority will decide to which extent the unaltered part of the building should comply with the National Building Regulations. Generally, they are stricter when it comes to fire regulations and escape route requirements, but that does not affect dwelling houses or residential buildings.
When it comes to making alterations to older buildings, the primary concern is the health and safety of
the people using them. However, any decisions about alterations should be made within the context of what is practical and economically sound in an old building.
If the owner of the building cannot alter it in a way that will suit their purpose, at a cost which will enable them to have a reasonable economic return, they will probably
not alter the building at all. This could lead to the perpetuation of a situation that is potentially dangerous. However, it is still in compliance with old by-laws, making it perfectly legal.
In these situations, making certain changes that are practical and economically sound could improve the building significantly.
(Above): Dry walls require the same safety compliance attention as load-bearing ones, especially regarding the safe choice of materials and positioning in relation to electrical and water reticulation systems. (Above): Attention to safety and preparation when installing new materials in older structures is essential.“WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING ALTERATIONS TO OLDER BUILDINGS, THE PRIMARY CONCERN IS THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE USING THEM.”
Built by leading black-owned contractor Concor, the new Ikusasa building in Johannesburg can now boast world-class status in green building standards. Part of Rosebank’s Oxford Parks precinct, Ikusasa has been certified by the Green Building Council SA (GBCSA) as worthy of SixStar Green Star SA Office V1.1 Design Certification. This reflects
its outstanding environmental performance, including its energyand water-efficiency.
Built by Concor in just 12 months, Ikusasa is a pioneer in sustainable building standards. The Six-Star Green Star SA Office V1.1 Design Certification from the GBCSA is considered to be world leadership
status. In both its construction and operation, Ikusasa reduces water use, energy consumption, process waste and pollution. The building is occupied by blue-chip company Anglo American’s Global Shared Services, which recently recognised Concor by giving it a Certificate Award of Excellence.
(Above): The new Ikusasa building in Johannesburg can now boast world-class status in green building standards.
Earning this accolade required Concor to apply its client’s sustainable designs and its own stringent quality systems. Among its construction procedures, for instance, it conducted a hazardous materials survey on the site before demolishing existing buildings. The company ensured the responsible removal and disposal of any asbestos, lead or polychlorinated biphenyls found on the site.
Concor applied a stringent environmental management plan, in line with its ISO 14001 accreditation. It also put in place a rigorous waste management plan which saw 70% of demolition and construction waste being re-used or recycled, rather than going to landfill. Waste was separated at source, preventing contamination between different waste streams so that the waste could be recycled more cost-effectively. Together with the Hazardous Waste Management Survey, Concor was able to uphold critical environmental standards.
The building’s environmental performance includes conserving water and energy. Water-efficiency has been optimised by using options such as low-flow tap fittings and dual-flush toilets, as well as water sub-metering for irrigation and bathrooms. Waterwise irrigation methods and smart sensors cut plant irrigation by half. Air is used in the heating, ventilation and cooling system,
rather than water, further reducing consumption.
To achieve a Green Star SA NetZero Carbon Level 1 score, Ikusasa generates all the energy required by the base building. This is achieved by harnessing renewable energy with a solar photovoltaic generation system on the roof.
Energy-efficiency is enhanced through sub-metering, which tracks the main areas of consumption. Where energy use exceeds 100kVA, it is metered separately. This allows users to benchmark usage targets and apply strategies to reduce energy consumption.
(Right): Ikusasa has just been certified by the GBCSA as worthy of Six-Star Green Star SA Office V1.1 Design Certification.
(Below): The Ikusasa building in the Oxford Parks precinct in Rosebank achieved six stars from the GBCSA.
The construction industry uses millions of tonnes of materials and generates large quantities of waste. Moving these volumes of materials and waste requires large numbers of loaded vehicle transits, making it an intrinsic feature of the logistics sector. Currently the logistics of construction materials delivery and waste removal operate as separate businesses, lacking the co-ordination to optimise efficiencies. Far from being a criticism, it is one of many areas within the construction transport and equipment sectors that offer great potential for economic advantages.
In addition to this, every contractor is feeling the pressure to manage the costs of their heavy equipment needs. In this article, we look at logistical opportunities as well as second-hand/rebuilt vehicles and equipment.
KH Plant is one of only a few companies in South Africa specialising in rebuilding construction equipment. Focusing on the Caterpillar brand’s line of earth-moving equipment and graders, owner/director Klaus Haiml is in the happy position of being able to report robust and stable growth before, during and since the pandemic. “We're able to both supply rebuilt equipment and rebuild existing equipment for clients,” he notes.
From rebuilding a grader from top to bottom, and reselling it to local and neighbouring markets, to working with a customer on a partial rebuild, the company offers a product that fits squarely into the medium-sized construction contractor category. “The difference between servicing and rebuilding construction equipment is really that of the complete replacement of the parts and the technologies,” explains Haiml. This can mean anything from just the hydraulics to the entire power train.
It also means offering the market the equipment it needs to function
consistently at half the price of new machines. There is also the robustness to rebuild equipment that seems particularly helpful to regional conditions. “We do find the engine design of older model equipment to be more robust than newer models and capable of handling the greater variances in fuel quality that typify our markets,” explains Haiml.
”These more robust machines are also better able to handle the relative tough handling of our sites.“
(Above): From function to impact, construction equipment is driven by highly regional dynamics.
(Below): Encompassing everything hydraulics to cab technologies, vehicle and equipment rebuilds span a wide range of applications.
(Left): From rebuilding construction vehicles to transporting materials and waste, advantages and opportunities are in abundance for small and medium contractors.
Of real importance is also the role played by tough earthmoving equipment in the move to sustainability in local construction: keeping existing equipment working. There is simply not much impact to be gained in managing this type of machinery’s emissions. Rather, it lies in how it is transported, used and re-used, not to mention the reduction of the intrinsic C0 2 introduced by brand-new machines that rebuilds already accomplish.
This brings us to the next major opportunity in construction transport worth investigating for small to medium-sized contractors: logistics.
Construction logistics stands out among other freight operations for both the large quantities of materials it uses and the large quantities of waste it generates. It is fundamentally different from other freight services in that apart from requiring large quantities of material, it also generates appreciable levels of waste.
There is therefore potential for reducing empty running by
construction trucks through back-loading waste to points of disposal, re-use, recycling or reclamation.Back-loading, which is one of the reverse logistics processes, is important for returning products that are damaged, obsolete or worn out and those unacceptable to buyers. Back-loading is also associated with utilising spare capacity in the supply chain to increase return on truck investment.
As professor of construction management at Nelson Mandela University, Winston Shakantu, explains: “Utilisation of reverse logistics in a construction context could improve vehicle utilisation
(Above): Some construction materials require highly specialised transport solutions, such as a mixer chassis.
(Below, left): The high volume of materials and waste flowing to and from construction sites is an area of optimisation rich with opportunity.
and reduce vehicular movements, while simultaneously improving the service being provided to customers. In other words, there appears to be a major scope for reducing wastes related to unnecessary movement, conveyance and unnecessary motion in the process.”
The efficiency of any transport operation is dependent on the degree to which vehicle capacity is utilised on the forward and return trips. Efficiency requirements create the logistical challenges of finding back-loads for returning vehicles. In the absence of backloads, vehicles travel empty on the return journey.
The majority of construction materials suppliers use their own dedicated vehicles to make deliveries to various customers’ locations. The common practice is that adjacent construction sites do not synchronise their activities
and contribute to congestion in the road transport system. Additionally, material delivery traffic does not back-haul waste from sites to points of disposal. This results in an associated increase in vehicular traffic, as additional vehicles need to be made available to remove waste from sites. A consequence of this is that construction materials delivery vehicles, when travelling to or leaving a construction site, move full in one direction and empty in the other direction, respectively. The opposite is true for construction waste removal vehicles. Shakantu sees a significant opportunity to utilise
the concept of reverse logistics to achieve process optimisation.
Co-ordinating the logistics of construction projects in SA represents a major departure from current logistics practices in the construction industry that are characterised by disparate efforts with limited or no coordination between organisations. For instance, the method most commonly used to deliver materials to construction sites is that of dedicated single use, for example, cement-carrying vehicles from a manufacturer to the point
of consumption on site. Materials such as wooden frames, readymixed concrete, plasterboard and brick are also delivered in a similar way by dedicated vehicles.
In part, the reduction of construction waste in general, allied to increasing levels of onsite recycling, has helped efforts to reduce vehicle transits. There is also a growing interest within the construction industry in adopting reverse logistics systems as a means of underpinning efforts to recycle and manage waste more effectively, capitalising on both the economic and environmental advantages.
Shakantu points out that the most efficient reverse logistics solutions merge efficient forward and reverse flows into a single process of reducing, managing and disposing of waste. “It should start at the source of the materials, as the environmental impact of construction begins when the materials are first harvested for trees, or mined for metals, crushed stone, sand, gravel and gypsum,” he says. “How they're extracted and how much is exploited can affect the surrounding environment, including the condition of soils, streams and forests.”
The co-ordination, vehicle supply and service offerings utilise the best vehicles already on the road, the introduction of new and rebuilt vehicles and the skills and technologies already being used in other industries. And for the right contractors, this represents one the greatest opportunities in the South African built environment tod ay.
(Above): The question posed by this image in SA is: will it be empty on its return trip?“THE EFFICIENCY OF ANY TRANSPORT OPERATION IS DEPENDENT ON THE DEGREE TO WHICH VEHICLE CAPACITY IS UTILISED ON THE FORWARD AND RETURN TRIPS.”
Health and safety should always be an integral part of demolition work. To conduct safe demolition work, a competent person must be appointed in writing to supervise and control all activities. In addition, the correct equipment should be used and the necessary precautions taken. This has saved countless lives over the years. Adherence to the following guidelines will increase safety when performing demolition work:
Employees should be trained in all aspects of work, regardless of their speciality or area of demolition. Each employee should be properly trained in how to use each piece of equipment and should have attained the necessary competency. It is also important for every employee to know what protective equipment to wear during the demolition process.
(Top): Removal of rubble, debris and recyclable materials requires detailed planning, in compliance with all relevant regulations.
(Above): Securing the perimeter is an exact science.
During the demolition, a competent person must check the integrity of the structure at intervals determined in the method
statement. Structural integrity is an engineering field which helps to ensure that a structure or structural component is fit for purpose under normal operational conditions and is safe even when conditions exceed those of the original design. The method statement provides instructions for performing a particular task safely. This person must prevent roofs or other parts of the structure from being overloaded with debris or material. They must ensure that the structure does not collapse when parts of the framing and supports are removed or when reinforced concrete is cut.
The assigned competent person is responsible for checking the structural integrity during all demolition work. This is important, as structures and landmass can become very unstable during the process. Furthermore, falling debris on a demolition site can seriously harm or kill workers.
The demolition site must be adequately guarded and fenced to prevent unauthorised entry. Sufficient warning signs should be placed on the fence to warn people of danger.
All services such as electricity, wa ter and gas must be located and rendered safe before commenc ing the demolition work. Catch platforms or nets must be erected above entrances or passageways and work must be fenced off to protect the safety of all people.
Extra care must be taken when dealing with a demolition that
involves explosives. In this case, a method statement should be developed by a competent person in accordance with the applicable explosive legislation. The supervisor must ensure that explosives are used in strict accordance with this statement.
Only a competent individual who has been appointed in writing may use explosives for the demolition work. Inspections of the demolition work must be carried out as per the method statement and the structural integrity register, which outlines the sequence in which portions of a building should be demolished. The method
statement and structural integrity register should always be kept up to date.
REMOVING DEBRIS Waste and debris should be removed from a location which is significantly higher than ground level using a suitably constructed chute that is rigidly secured. When demolition work involves the removal of asbestos, the contractor must ensure that the removal is done according to the Asbestos Amendment Regulations. If lead is present, then all work involving it must be conducted as per these regulations.
Finally, all demolition work must be conducted in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable regulations and method statements.
Sources:
• Safebuild DVD scripts.
• Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
• Construction Regulations 2014.
• MBSA OHS Audit System.
(Above): Internal demolition works require specialist contracting safety protocols up and down the contract line.“THE EFFICIENCY OF ANY TRANSPORT OPERATION IS DEPENDENT ON THE DEGREE TO WHICH VEHICLE CAPACITY IS UTILISED ON THE FORWARD AND RETURN TRIPS.”
Multi-disciplinary engineering consulting firm Med-TechEngineers was awarded a tender for constructing an automotive hangar at an educational facility in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. The facility required an additional workshop for automotive hangars within its campus to accommodate the increase in students at the campus workshop.
Med-TechEngineers MD Gift Mphe fu says the project scope of work for the company covered an array
of engineering services, such as the provision of electrical engineer ing, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, quantity surveying and project management.
“The project’s capital cost amounted to R8 million and construction started in March 2017 and was completed at the end of March this year. We had to overcome many challenges during the project by addressing each hurdle professionally,” he adds.
One of the challenges experienced was that as members of the project team left due to natural attrition, new ones joined the project, creating inconsistency and continuity within the team. “To overcome this obstacle, we ensured that the team consisted of experienced and professional individuals at all times who knew the importance of effective communication within a team setting. We ensured that everyone remained focused, motivated and enthusiastic during the project to uplift the team’s spirit. This was pivotal to ensuring the project’s success,” says Mphefu.
During the project’s peak, MedTechEngineers employed 15 people as part of the project team, contributing to the employment drive desperately needed in the South African labour sector. “In addition, we outsourced specialised work to service providers, which included rational fire design, land surveying, geotechnical investigations and occupational health and safety planning,” explains Mphefu.
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Construction delays are common and often unpredictable. Weather, budget constraints, material delays, community issues and leadership changes are all factors that can interrupt the original timeline of a construction project. And South Africa has more than its fair share of obstacles, including the infamous construction mafia.
Unfortunately, delaying a project does not mean the elements of nature stand still. One of the serious problems of construction delays is that materials left out in the open may begin to deteriorate through corrosion. These guidelines are itended to help you to avoid some of these common corrosion problems.
(Below): Cleaning up oil seepage and spills has advanced immensely using biotechnology.
(Above): Protecting and treating materials and incomplete structures during delays is an art form that requires the appropriate products.
(Left): From rusted rebar in-situ to rebar and other materials left waiting during delays, protective coatings and construction film can safeguard your site.
When a construction delay hits, some building materials and tools are almost inevitably left out in the open. Piles of unprotected rebar are a common sight. Even worse, half-finished concrete structures with partially installed, partially exposed rebar present a special challenge for structural preservation. Tools and various other steel building materials may also be left outside at risk of weathering.
TEL: 021 865 2070
E-MAIL: sales@cabrico.co.za
TEL: 012 480 2120
E-MAIL: nova@novabrick.co.za
TEL: 083 628 5749
E-MAIL: colin@malelanestene.net
TEL: 013 241 2302
E-MAIL: sales2@lutzkiegroup.co.za
TEL: 012 460 2211
E-MAIL: sales@rosema.co.za
TEL: 016 428 7300
E-MAIL: ronel@ocon.co.za
MCI® CorShield® is an outstanding protective coating for new and partially installed reinforcing metal. It can be sprayed on and left to cure into a soft, nontacky film that eventually hardens and provides short- to medium-term protection against corrosion in unsheltered outdoor environments.
Other steel building materials lying out in the open can be wrapped in Construction Film for protection. The advantages of MCI® construction film go beyond the simple physical barrier benefits of using a tarp because the film creates a molecular corrosioninhibiting layer on enclosed metal surfaces. Construction film is good for protecting tools or equipment, especially those in harsh coastal environments at higher risk of attack from airborne chlorides.
Anything can happen during a construction delay. Even a site left perfectly pristine and orderly may be dishevelled and dirty when the job starts up again. Oil may have leaked or spilt onto new concrete surfaces and has to be cleaned up before applying a coating system or a waterproofing membrane
to finish the project. There are excellent cleaners/degreasers that make use of biodegradable surfactants and good bacteria to tackle grease stains. The longer these products are left with such products on them, the more time micro-organisms in the cleaning solutions will have to digest the grease compounds in the stain. Theoretically, this means the stain will get cleaner as time goes on (the product can be left for one hour or overnight, if needed). The components work in synergy: cleaning agents lift and disperse the waste, while enzymes and micro-organisms digest hydrocarbons and other organic wastes, respectively.
When the issue is rebar rust from lack of protection during the delay, CorrVerter® MCI® Rust Primer can be used to passivate any visible corrosion on unused or partially exposed steel reinforcements. Workers should also examine partially built reinforced concrete structures for signs of corrosion. If any are found, they should seek to mitigate the problem by treating the concrete with a surface-applied corrosion inhibitor.
Whatever the reason, construction delays are sure to happen. Howev er, they should not be allowed to destroy sound construction materi als or deteriorate partially finished structures. Following the preced ing guidelines can go a long way towards preventing corrosion and minimising damage and loss that could otherwise occur during a construction delay.
(Right): Clearing up oil leaks from seepages during construction delays need not be stressful with the right poducts. (Above): The right methods and tools can save a construction materials in new and interesting ways.
The Covid-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare service provision. The shortage of equipment, facilities and supplies to handle its spread necessitated rapid response as communities, businesses and economies were tested on almost every possible front. As the dust settles, it is vital that we consider the lessons learnt and the opportunities to preserve what was built in the healthcare arena.
During the pandemic, a number of interventions were put in place to promote the best possible outcome for communities to survive, together. Across Africa and around the world, large openspace venues were repurposed to manage the surge in infections in the face of immense uncertainty.
WSP’s healthcare experts were among those who helped clients prepare and respond in the short and medium term, while planning for every possible scenario in the long term.
As we look back now, perhaps the most important lesson for all of us in healthcare service provision was that it is possible to reach communities in which infrastructure tends to be lacking. If you have a clear idea of the necessary services and a good plan for delivering them, rural communities need not be left without access to primary care.
Testing facilities that are focused on prevalent, yet treatable diseases such as malaria can go a long way towards enabling basic, first-response care where it is needed.
In many rural communities, illnesses that need not be lifethreatening are not addressed early enough because of patients’ lack of access to care and advice.
By the time patients are able to travel long distances to the nearest hospital, their conditions have likely deteriorated to a dangerous level. Can we therefore apply the lessons of Covid-19 and establish testing centres and medical care facilities for known illnesses in these communities, thus enabling timely treatment?
CRITICAL TRENDS: DIGITALISATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Another important lesson is that in remote communities, functional facilities are better than stateof-the-art ones when there is no alternative. As built environment professionals, we must help our clients find the balance between leveraging on trends in digitalisation and sustainability to ensure cost-effective facilities which are purpose-built to meet the community’s needs.
Smaller satellite and rural facilities which are also being developed will help close the gaps within the overall healthcare ecosystem.
Finally, we have learnt much about planning in the face of uncertainty. We have also had to think about how to design for the eventuality of a pandemic in our current hospitals and building designs. For example, for some projects, we have designed a “pandemic mode” into the mechanical services to ensure the building is future-proofed.
Coming through a pandemic has shifted the designer mindset into considering the adaptability of current solutions. The client is also more open to understanding how their facilities can be futureproofed, even in cases where this involves a slight cost increase or additional system control measures.
Boland
Contact: Daniel Uys E-mail: info@mbaboland.org.za Tel: 021 863 3330
East Cape
Contact: Greg Steele E-mail: ecmba@global.co.za Tel: 041 365 1835
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
Appointed executive director of MBA Western Cape on 1 September, Roekeya Bardien is a seasoned construction surveyor with 30 years’ contracting experience in a career which started in the contract surveying and management spheres.
Her academic career further broadened her exposure within the built environment. “As a lecturer and external consultant at the University of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula University of Technology, I ventured into project management, gaining valuable knowledge and insights into this critical discipline,” explains Bardien.
“The expertise, proficiency and professionalism gained over this 30-year period in the construction industry have guided me to deliver exceptional service and management guidance in multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary environments of complex teams,” she continues.
Bardien’s unique integration of skills, abilities, knowledge and network is underpinned by her resilient drive towards solutions. These qualities are as valuable in her professional environment as they are to her community work: “I’ve been privileged to work with numerous non-profit organisations and the various board and committee positions I’ve held have given expression to my passion for community service, while deeply enriching my own development,” she says.
2012-2022
Garlandale Rondebosch East Residents’ Association, Executive Committee Member, Secretary of Committee Ward 60 Committee Member
2007-2019
South African National Zakah Fund: Port Elizabeth Office (Advisory Committee Member; Executive Committee Member, Vice-Chairperson; Head of Bursary Panel).
2006-2007
Gelvan Park Old-Age Home and Frail Care Centre, Executive Committee Member, Interim Treasurer.
A durable, sustainable structure can only be achieved by thinking in terms of systems rather than products, which is why the MAPEI building line is extended by introducing new, cutting-edge systems and materials with the aim of supplying solutions for every type of problem encountered on site.
With over 80 years experience in the industry and backed by our established world class R&D infrastructure & resources, the MAPEI Building Line has been developed to meet the most stringent requirements and provide the most advanced protection for any concrete, on any site worldwide.
AFRISAM www.afrisam.co.za Debbie.harvey@za.afrisam.com
011 670 5941
A SHAK CONSTRUCTION www.ashak.co.za cindy@ashak.co.za 011 822 2320
CABRICO BRICK CO www.cabrico.co.za sales@cabrico.co.za 021 865 2070
CLAYBRICK ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA www.claybrick.org mariana@claybrick.org.za 011 805 4206
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (ECASA)
www.ecasa.co.za Erika.vanzyl@ecasa.co.za 011 392 000
FEDERALE STENE www.federalestene.co.za sales2@lutzkiegroup.co.za
013 241 2302
ISIKHOVA MARKETING
ww w.isikhova.co.za lames@isikhova.co.za 011 883 4627
LEROY MERLIN www.leroymerlin.co.za prinershen.kamiah@leroymerlin.co.za 010 493 8000
MALELANE STENE www.malelanestene.co.za colin@malelanestene.net 083 628 5749
MAPEI www.mapei.com j.lewis@mapei.co.za 011 552 8476
CLAY BRICK MANUFACTURING www.novabrick.co.za nova@novabrick.co.za 012 480 2120
NSDV www.nsdv.co.za staude@nsdv.co.za 010 880 2385
OCON BRICK
www.ocon.co.za ronel@ocon.co.za 016 428 7300
PPC www.ppc.co.za Andile.Dube@ppc.co.za 011 386 9554
ROSEMA BRICKS www.rosema.co.za sales@rosema.co.za 012 460 2211
SWARTLAND INVESTMENTS (PTY) LTD www.swartland.co.za arno.geldenhuys@swartland.co.za 0860 110 2425
www.technicalfinishes.com yolande@technicalfinishes.com 031 705 7733
For 130 years we’ve cemented our legacy as a reliable and supportive Pan-African industry partner, with a range of hard working, 100% local, 100% premium quality products.
Today, our products remain as proudly South African and unshakeable, as the people who use them.
Thank you, Mzansi!
