Infrastructure & Development June 2013 // Issue: 38
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JUNE 2013
Issue: 38
Trademax Publications
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SA Affordable Housing Infrastructure & Development Tel: 0861 727 663 Cell: 082 266 6976 Fax: 0866 991 346 www.trademax.co.za P.O. Box 37053 Chempet 7442 Publisher: Billy Perrin billy@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663 Editor: Jennifer Rees editor@trademax.co.za
CONTENTS
0861 727 663 Advertising: Gail Cupido gail@trademax.co.za
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14
18
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
0861 727 663
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cover story
Layout & design:
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Urban Infrastructure
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Infrastructure
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Energy Efficiency
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Property development
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Rental housing
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sahf
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news
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cement & CONCRETE
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news
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news
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sanitation
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news
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insulation
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cement & CONCRETE
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news
Craig Patterson craig@trademax.co.za SUBSCRIPTIONS & DATA: Celeste Perrin celeste@trademax.co.za 0861 727 663
DISCLAIMER The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of Trademax Publications. Although we have done our best to ensure the accuracy of our content, neither Trademax Publications nor SA Affordable Housing magazine will be held liable for any views expressed or information disseminated in this issue.
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ed’s note
Reason to celebrate Welcome to the June issue of the SA Affordable Housing magazine.
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his issue features a number of sterling property developments, made possible by innovative financing institutions and brings to you the stories of a number of award winners; from that of Ubuhlebethu, a family-owned and run construction company, who have won the award for Best Human Settlement Project, as well as Best Woman Contractor at the Gauteng Govan Mbeki Awards, to that of Nontokozo Mhlungu, a University of Witwatersrand student, who has won the 26th Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year for her work on reimagining a practical space for urban refugees in Johannesburg. Read more about these stories on pages 30 and 24 respectively. This month, we also celebrate Trademax Publications’ 5th anniversary, alongside its flagship title and SA Affordable Housing’s sister publication, the SA Roofing magazine, which is also celebrating its 50th issue. We wish to congratulate Trademax Publications and the SA Roofing magazine for this great milestone and look forward to celebrating our 50th issue next year.
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We are also pleased to learn that the C&CI’s services have been resurrected in the new Concrete Institute, through generous funding of AfriSam, Sephaku and the continued support of Lafarge. Read more about this on page 28. Enjoy the read. Jen Please forward any questions, comments or suggestions to editor@trademax.co.za.
cover story
Southern Gateway – Phases 1, 2 and 3, Polokwane Groundbase Professional Land Services ‘Groundbase.’
Affordable housing
development finance made easy Nurcha’s Affordable Housing Programme provides development finance loans (bridging finance) to reputable private sector developers who provide entry level bonded, densified and GAP housing within South Africa.
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urcha partners with developers who have a proven track record within the affordable housing market, ensuring that a tailor-made solution can be created for any specific development funding needs. The loan is geared depending on the risk profile of the client with the loan period not exceeding 24 months, with an end-unit price parameter under/below R500 000. Nurcha initiates programmes and takes considered risks to ensure a sustainable flow of finance for the construction of low-income and affordable housing. Projects that stand testament to the Nurcha’s core objective to help deliver quality housing are the Southern Gateway, Rosslyn Charter Housing and Gem Valley developments.
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Southern Gateway - Groundbase, rba group Groundbase is part of the RBA Group, developers of the Southern Gateway project, who have a 7-year long relationship with Nurcha. Since its inception in 1997, RBA has built over 6 700 affordable homes in 48 areas. To date, Nurcha has funded RBA on 15 projects which have yielded some 2958 houses. Historically, RBA did not purchase and service land for development, but relied on allocations from land and infrastructure developers (who determine stand prices). To manage the process more cost-effectively and enhance margins, RBA has been acquiring pockets of vacant land through Groundbase as a land development arm since 2006 to establish residential developments.
cover story
Southern Gateway – Phases 1, 2 and 3, Polokwane Groundbase Professional Land Services ‘Groundbase.’
The loan on Phase 1 was for the installation of civil services to 162 stands. The total development consists of 462 stands and the installation of services will be undertaken in three Phases (Phase 1 -162, Phase 2 -150, and Phase 3 -150). Each phase will be completely sold and the loan repaid to Nurcha before the next phase commences and on completion of installation of services to each phase, the construction of the houses will commence. Phase 1 of the development is complete and the construction of houses is under way. RBA are marketing and selling Southern Gateway house packages that average R430 000.
Locality The Southern Gateway development is located in Polokwane, Limpopo Province and is a new and developing suburb located west of the N1, about four hours’ drive north-east of Johannesburg and three hours north-east of Pretoria. The fast developing area is about five minutes to the south of the Polokwane CBD and is opposite the Meropa Casino on the N1 south. Access to the project is from Westernberg, an established suburb in Polokwane. Schools and other amenities are within a 5km radius and the council has also already planned a dedicated transport hub nearby for taxis and buses to enable the public to get around. The property is adjacent to existing houses and to the left is agricultural land, which will be developed in the future. The balance of the Southern Gateway development will be made up of schools, shops, parks and other green open areas. The Southern Gateway development is accessible to existing public transportation, health care facilities, places of worship, schools and sporting facilities and there are more transport nodes planned for the area.
Rosslyn charter housing Development, Cosmopolitan Group The Cosmopolitan Group has been one of Nurcha's clients for the past 11 years and Nurcha is currently funding six of their developments that are at various stages of completion. Featured below are two of these developments; the Rosslyn Charter Housing and Gem Valley developments, two exciting GAP housing projects in the Pretoria area.
Rosslyn Charter Housing Development The total development will consist of 1162 stands split into 5 phases and will be developed over a 4-year period. Nurcha has previously approved the land purchase and the installation of services to Phases 1 and 2 which consist of 252 and 303 stands respectively. The installation of services to Phase 1 is complete and there are 910 stands still to be developed in the subsequent phases. Phase 1 of the development is sold out and pending transfer and sales are now being generated for Phase 2. A total transfer of 252 stands in Phase 1 are expected during July of 2013.
Locality The development is situated just off the R566 which links Ga-Rankuwa to Rosslyn and Pretoria North. On the eastern boundary lies the Rosslyn Industrial Area, which forms the north-western sector of the Greater Tshwane with Magaliesberg to the south, and the major industrial areas of Rosslyn and Ga-Rankuwa to the north. The Platinum Highway (N4) links the region with the N1 lying to the east and Britz/Rustenburg to the west. Rosslyn falls within the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
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Aerial photo of Gem Valley development, Mamelodi.
Gem valley development, Mamelodi, cosmopolitan group The Gem Valley development will consist of 1400 stands, which will be developed over a period of 5 years. Nurcha has previously approved the land purchase and the installation of services to Phase 1 which consists of 173 stands. Phase 2 consists of 210 stands and a further 1 017 stands are still to be developed in the subsequent phases. Phase 1 of the development is sold out and Phase 2 is selling at a steady pace. The average package price of a house will be R350 000 and will cater for entry level bonded housing ‘Gap Housing.’
Rosslyn Charter Housing Development - Show house constructed on site.
Locality The property is situated in Mamelodi, which is an existing established suburb of Pretoria. Gem Valley falls within the Tshwane Municipality and is situated approximately 20 kilometres east of the centre of the City of Tshwane and the nearby Silverton Industrial Park, which provides much needed employment for the booming population of Mamelodi that is estimated at close to a million people.
Mamelodi’s existing commuter linkages (rail and road) make access to the CBD more efficient with a significant reduction in travelling times. Gem Valley falls within the overall development plans of Mamelodi, which will ultimately provide 3 000 new housing units that will house between 8 000 and 11 000 individuals. The Gem Valley project alone will provide 1 400 houses.
The property is bordered by the Magaliesburg Ridge in the south and Pretoria’s eastern suburbs, such as Silverton and the Willows. The total area of Mamelodi is approximately 25 square kilometres.
There are a number of primary and tertiary educational institutions available nearby and pupils are normally bussed to these venues. School sites within Gem Valley have been set aside and will be developed by the Department of Education as densities increase over time.
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cover story
Construction of the floor slabs at the Rosslyn Charter housing development.
The University of Pretoria also operates a campus from Mamelodi, which is situated approximately 10km from the development. The Tshwane Municipality has planned for five future metropolitan growth nodes of which the centre of Mamelodi is one and the nearby area identified adjacent to the intersection of Tsamaya Road and Eerste Fabrieke Station, in the heart of Mamelodi Ext 14, will form the future CBD of Mamelodi. Job opportunities will be created during the construction and although these will not be permanent, this will contribute to combating unemployment and skills transfer in the area. The Gem Valley development is situated a mere kilometre away from the Mahube Maxcity Mall which was a R110 million development completed in 2007 and houses Pick ‘n Pay as the main anchor, with national franchises like Liquor City and KFC and the Banks taking up the rest of the space.
conclusion Nurcha’s commitment to affordable housing development, in line with the government’s mandate to deliver quality sustainable human settlements, is evidenced by the company’s numerous successful partnerships, its regional expansion and an inspiring portfolio. Working in partnership with all role-players in the affordable housing market to maximise the development of sustainable human settlements, Nurcha is at the forefront of stimulating the demand for quality property developments in South Africa, and reflective of its core mandate, Nurcha is dedicated to funding projects that work, not only for the bottom line, but for the health, advancement and dignity of real people.
For more information, contact: (t) 011 214 8700 (e) info@nurcha.co.za (w) www.nurcha.co.za
The existing transport infrastructure of Mamelodi is such that most of the areas can be reached easily. Furthermore the proposed upgrades of roads, railway lines and stations will enhance access and further improve the mobility of the residents.
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Urban Infrastructure
Aurecon launches HUB-id:
integrated approach to strengthening liveability of cities International engineering, management and specialist technical consultancy, Aurecon has launched new smarts and approaches to transport and land-use planning which lead to gains in economic and social sustainability for communities. “The key is to create improved interconnectedness and accessibility for communities, providing more liveable cities. We need to set new standards for quality and integration of public transport and land use,” says Brian Smith, Aurecon Technical Leader, Transport Services. Global urbanisation has put pressure on availability of suitable land and infrastructure spending. This has generated a rethink about how the highest form of integration of transport and land use is achieved to meet short and long term objectives. “Understanding how cities flow and finding sustainable pathways between city centres and suburban developments requires an integrated approach to achieve sustainable transport and land-use outcomes – something Aurecon understands well and is the basis of the HUB-id approach,” says Phil Hendricks, Aurecon Industry Leader, Transport.
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The HUB-id offering comprises a collection of integrated Aurecon services. “The team is already integrated and thinking the same way, so there is no need for the client to make up a team to get the same result. This approach brings savings in cost, time and reduces risk, providing excellence in client service,” adds Hendricks. Through the development of cutting-edge methods, strategies and tools, such as HUB-Trips, a rapid assessment tool, and AureALIS, an agent based simulation tool, Aurecon are measuring, modelling and providing advice on new metrics, such as urban comfort and what makes an interchange a place.
Urban Infrastructure
Alternative Building Solutions at Affordable Prices
“HUB-Trips is a graphical, interactive planning tool that can provide immediate feedback on the benefits, costs and other land-use and transport attributes of options, delivering a robust basis for transit-orientated planning regardless of the urban environment,” says Smith. Global urbanisation, population growth and social trends relating to congestion and climate change have been catalysts for the reconsideration of how people, places and public transport are managed. In response to these problems, Aurecon’s HUB-id philosophy provides unique planning that links transport, land-use planning and property development, to create integrated urban design for communities. “Infrastructure providers have to find a solution for intensified urbanisation while remaining sensitive to the green economy. Historically, urban sprawl has been a response, enabled through the consumption of land, which is no longer a desirable option. A solution is the intensified land use around hubs and connecting those with strong public transport supply,” explains Smith. Through the use of smart assessment tools HUB-id moves away from the traditional and establishes a consolidated approach that links integrated transport planning, transit-orientated development and place-making to cater for individual destination (“id”) and not only the transport mode. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the highest form of integration of transport and land use is achieved. “The philosophy underpinning HUB-id is the integration of economists, transport modellers, engineers, urban designers, and property professionals, and puts people at the centre of design considerations,” explains Hendricks. Hendricks believes making places where people are the central focus redefines best practice in transport and land use integration. Smith adds, “Aurecon’s HUB-id is based on more than conventional land-use and transport planning; it’s about understanding the economic drivers behind where, why and what, then applying fresh thinking, clever technology and approaches to smartly facilitate journey-making and creating attractive urban solutions.”
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infrastructure
City to invest R110 billion in infrastructure The City of Johannesburg is to spend more than R110 billion on the provision of infrastructure over the next 10 years, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Clr Mpho Parks Tau said in his State of the City Address.
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peaking at the Wits University’s School of Education, Tau said that in the 2013/2014 financial year alone, the City would spend R7,3 billion on infrastructure, a 37% increase compared with the current year’s infrastructure spend of R4,6 billion. Expenditure on the maintenance of the current infrastructure would be increased from 2.5% to more than 7% of the city’s annual budget, he said.
As part of the 10-year R110 billion infrastructure expenditure programme, the city is to introduce a highdensity residential development – described as the new 'Corridors of Freedom' – that would not only change Johannesburg’s urban landscape, complete with new transport arteries, but would also represent “a decisive move away from private vehicle use towards public transport, bicycle routes and pedestrian walkways.”
The massive infrastructure spending will result in Johannesburg competing favourably with other major cities on the African continent, where seven of the world’s fastest growing economies are found. Of the R7,3 billion that would be spent on infrastructure in the 2013/2014 financial year, which starts on July 1, R450 million would be channelled into the inner city to address issues such as crime and grime, poor urbanisation, overcrowding and safety.
The Executive Mayor said the new spatial master plan would “transform apartheid settlement patterns and build and vibrant middle-class environment, where everyone can feel safe.”
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infrastructure
In another major announcement, Executive Mayor Tau said that Phase 1B of Rea Vaya bus transit (BRT) system – which runs from Soweto and passes through Noordgesig, New Canada, Pennyville, Bosmont, Coronationville, Newclare, Westbury, Westdene, Melville, Auckland Park and Parktown, linking up with the Central Business District – was expected to become operational in October. The extension of this BRT route has the potential to transport up to 40 000 passengers daily. The trunk route will also be complemented by feeders to places such as Yeoville, Cresta, Florida and Parktown, including Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. Executive Mayor Tau said the third phase of the BRT system, which will link areas such as Alexandra and Ivory Park with Sandton and Rosebank, would be rolled out in 2016.
He said the city’s fight against corruption was beginning to pay off. Since the launch of the anonymous anti-corruption tip-off hotline, the city has seen a dramatic increase in the number of tip-offs received from residents, leading to arrests, conviction and suspension of employees. The city has received 457 complaints since the inception of the service and 23 criminal cases have been opened with the South African Police Service. To date, 16 city employees have been suspended while disciplinary action is being instituted against them, four have resigned, 10 have been arrested and 38 are under investigation. Article courtesy of the City of Johannesburg. For more information, visit www.joburg.org.za.
“The city will be developing concrete plans in the next year to prioritise the development of affordable and inclusive housing options along Rea Vaya’s Phase 1B and Phase 1C routes such as at New Canada, Auckland Park and Marlboro and along roads such as Empire and Louis Botha,” Tau said.
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Energy Efficiency
Energy efficient affordable housing beats the winter electricity blues With winter almost upon us and electricity costs soaring year-on-year, energy efficiency is one of the most practical ways to save. A project by FNB Housing Finance in Cosmo City aimed at bringing down the costs of electricity for affordable housing has shown the benefits of putting sustainable systems in place. “While sustainability projects are often linked to the higher end housing market or businesses, it is in our market, the low end, where savings in electricity costs will make a real impact to customer affordability,” says Marius Marais, CEO of Housing Finance.
“Electricity makes a big dent in South Africans’ disposable income and, in turn, their homes’ affordability. However, it can also be controlled and save money, through diligence,” says Marais. Geysers are the biggest contributor to electricity bills.
Ten Cosmo City households were fitted with solar water heaters and insulation fitted into the foundations, walls and ceilings keep the temperature self-controlled, which on a 40m² property equates to about 700kWh/a (i.e. 40 x 17.3kWh/a = 692kWh/a). For instance, if we assume an average tariff of R1.34 per kWh, then this is an equivalent of R927.28 saving per year. “The units have already almost reached their return on investment, two years after completion,” says Marais. “We hope to roll this pilot project out to all of our affordable housing units in the near future.” Electricity costs have become a large contributor of household spend, with the trend expected to continue as electricity prices are due to rise 8% every year for the next five years. There is already legislation in place determining that all new housing developments are required to have an alternative energy plan on at least 50% of the housing units.
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“If you haven’t installed a solar geyser, there are a few ways in which to save on your geyser bill, by switching it off during the day, when you are at work, and by wrapping the geyser in a blanket or insulating it so that the warmth is not lost,” says Marais. Small changes, such as always turning off the house lights, switching plugs off at the walls, will also help bring down high electricity costs. Electric heat is very expensive and will contribute to a high bill, rather dress warmly and remember to shut all doors to save on heating costs. Prepaid meters are very useful in helping control electricity costs. They are simple to top-up as well. FNB has many different channels to pay for prepaid electricity, online, through eWallet or cellphone banking, without any hassle.
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I N D U S T R I A L
Property development
Calgro M3
Committed to service excellence and quality homes
The steady increase in population numbers, combined with the influx of people from rural to urban areas, is increasingly putting South Africa to the challenge of providing adequate housing to meet demand.
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his task has been the topic of many a parliamentary session, not to mention the people who are affected by an appalling lack of housing. Calgro M3, constantly driving change, has put word to task and brought into being various integrated housing developments across South Africa, with notable projects in Fleurhof and Jabulani CBD in Gauteng, Brandwag and Vista Park in the Free State, Boitekong in the North-West Province and Scottsdene and Belhar in the Western Cape. Calgro M3, a company whose interests rise above profit, undertook these projects with the intention of finding a holistic residential environment for all. The Fleurhof housing development is a substantial project that makes provision for RDP, fully subsidised, social housing, subsidised rental units, as well as GAP, FLISP and affordable housing units. These units are aimed at individuals or families earning up to R15 000 per month, offering a housing solution according to need and financial capacity.
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Calgro M3 assumed a variety of roles including that of developer, land owner, contractor and marketer. Fleurhof forms part of a partnership between Calgro M3, International Housing Solutions (IHS), the City of Johannesburg and FNB. Located off Main Reef Road, SouthWest of Johannesburg, it will eventually consist of 9 558 residential units. The development extends over 291 Ha of land and is already home to 1 200 families. The core driving force behind this development’s success lies in its location. Positioned between Soweto and Johannesburg city, Fleurhof allows generous access to business nodes, eliminating time spent on travelling and, in doing so, increases residents’ disposable income due to lower travelling costs. A number of factors have to be taken into account when undertaking a project of this importance and magnitude. Affordability of end products, creating a platform for breadwinners to reside with their children and families in an aesthetically pleasing environment and accessibility to a good transportation system are a few of the prime considerations.
CALGRO M3... A COMPANY WHOSE INTERESTS RISE ABOVE PROFITS.
Developing with the intention to find a holistic residential environment for all. www.calgrom3.com
0861 C-A-L-G-R-O
Property development
To make provision for the predicted increase in traffic, as well as opening up links to connecting suburbs, Calgro M3 is currently building a dual carriageway connecting Florida and Meadowlands. Plans are in place for the execution of a major sewer upgrade, as well as two water reservoirs to accommodate future demand. A new electrical substation is planned by City Power as part of the Fleurhof Development. A fresh regional link between the new substation and the substation that was prompted by Calgro M3’s Pennyville project; is also under construction and will further strengthen the ‘backbone’ of the supply network in the area. This will release new development land along Main Reef Road that was previously constrained by electrical capacity problems. Close proximity to commercial and transportation nodes translates to less time spent on travelling to and from work for the residents. "Always look at well-located land,” says Derek Steyn, Executive Director, New Business at Calgro M3. “The importance of accessibility resonates in the development's nearness to places of employment and other social amenities,” adds Steyn. Fleurhof will, on completion, provide four mixed-use business centres, seven crèches, five religious sites, two community centres, five schools, 20-30 recreational parks and the extension of Westlake Road linking Soweto with the Northern Suburbs. These are all amenities that constitute a normalised society. Established in 1995, Calgro M3 has come a long way in establishing itself as a respected contender in the South African construction industry. Over this time a wealth of experience and expertise has been accumulated and is employed as a decided competitive advantage.
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Calgro M3 is committed to service excellence and quality homes through the following: • Providing superior building quality • Providing the highest standards of service • Delivering exceptional, sustainable returns to shareholders • Implementing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment • Developing mutually beneficial relationships with government, financial institutions and suppliers The implementation of this mission statement allows Calgro M3 to set the standard for other entities operating in this industry, and finds manifestation in the seamless execution of the Fleurhof project. The expected date of completion of the Fleurhof housing development is set to be in 2016. Another development under way is the Jabulani CBD project in the heart of Soweto, adjacent to the Jabulani Mall and the breathtaking new Jabulani Performing Arts Theatre. Calgro M3’s partners in this are black-owned company, Inkanyeli Projects and IHS. The R1,12-billion project consists of 3 881 units comprising of GAP, FLISP, rental and social housing units all in a multi-storey configuration. Project completion is expected by 2015. Calgro M3 expanded into the Western Cape in 2010 and is now developing the R770 million Scottsdene integrated housing project comprising of 2 247 residential units.
Property development wt4367 pmsa sa affordable housing adver 1-3 n This is delivered through 550 fully-subsidised BNG duplex houses, 340 CRU multi-storey units (subsidised rental units) owned by the City of Cape Town, 1 147 GAP, FLISP and social housing multi-storey units, as well as 210 freestanding affordable housing units. Project completion is expected by 2015. The company is also involved in the R1-billion integrated housing project in Belhar, Cape Town, together with black empowered company, Belhar CBD (Pty) Ltd. This project involves the construction of 3 614 residential units of which no fewer than 940 are earmarked to be social housing units, the supply of approximately 1 000 student accommodation units due to the close proximity to the University of the Western Cape and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, with the remainder of the units to be developed as GAP and bonded housing, aimed at households earning between R7 500 and R15 000 a month. Calgro M3 continued the expansion of its national footprint and was appointed as developer for the refurbishment and construction of some 1 051 social housing units in Brandwag, Bloemfontein, in 2011. Calgro M3 was additionally also awarded in 2012 the R1,65-billion Vista Park Ext 3 project consisting of 5 320 integrated residential units. The construction of the bulk and internal infrastructure is expected to commence towards the end of 2014. Calgro M3’s next operations foray was into Rustenburg in the North West province, late in 2012 when it was awarded a project to develop 3 451 residential units in the Boitekong Ext 16 Integrated Development in Rustenburg. The R746-million Boitekong Ext 16 Integrated Development is a mayoral project that focusses on the residential housing needs expressed by the Rustenburg Local Municipality. This development is earmarked to be a fully integrated residential township, situated approximately 3km from the Rustenburg CBD. It is well positioned adjacent to the Boitekong shopping mall, which serves neighbouring townships within Boitekong. This township will consist of a range of housing options catering for all economic groups. The project will provide 1 285 Social Housing, 600 fully subsidized, 980 City Rental and 289 freestanding bonded units. Construction is expected to commence in June 2013 and should be completed during 2016. Calgro M3’s project pipeline, including the abovementioned projects, is currently in excess of R12 billion. As a conscientious developer supporting sustainability, Calgro M3 is implementing various green initiatives such as heat pumps, solar water heaters, improved insulation and grey water reticulation, amongst others, for the various types of housing units. In addition to this residential recycling projects are constantly initiated along with self-sufficient food gardening and other urban greening initiatives. For more information, visit www.calgrom3.com or email derek@calgrom3.com.
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Rental housing
GPF geared to support rental housing market Housing is one of the backbones of economic stability and is fundamental to the growth of any kind of sustainable society. Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF) CEO, Kutoane Kutoane, says, "There will always be a demand for rental housing, which is essentially the first rung on the property ladder for many a young person or family."
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overnment, in particular, appreciates the need to provide rental housing for its citizens. It is crucial that people don't stay in this rental housing market forever; once they are able to access ownership opportunity, they need to move on to the next rung in order to provide room for others to gain a foothold on the property ladder. "In Gauteng, as in the rest of South Africa, there is a great need for rental housing, and we would welcome all possible partners in realising this need. Not only is there money to be made from rental housing, but from a social and moral perspective it's also the right thing to do," says Kutoane. GPF was launched 11 years ago, with a focus on facilitating social housing development for household income of less than R7 500 (in 2002 prices) and in response to market needs, it has subsequently expanded its mandate to mobilise and facilitate funding for housing development for households earning less than R15 000 per month. Says Kutoane, "GPF assists private rental housing developers to procure finance at most favourable terms in order to develop affordable, quality accommodation that is well managed for the target market. GPF's modus operandi in the affordable housing rental market is one of risk sharing and co-funding." A senior funder provides the greater portion of the development facility, with GPF then topping up the facility with a further 20-30 percent subordinated debt funding, with a loan term of up to 20 years. The developer is expected to contribute 10 percent, sometimes more, depending on the cashflows. There are special dispensations on equity contributions for empowerment projects with a minimum of 2.5 percent equity by the client. "The rental income of the project needs to cover the loan amount, but if it doesn't then the developer will be expected to contribute additional equity," explains Kutoane.
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Kutoane Kutoane, CEO, Gauteng Partnership Fund (GPF).
Rental housing
Since its inception in 2002, GPF's Rental Housing Fund has facilitated the development of some 24,000 rental housing units. "Our interest rates are very affordable compared with those of other mezzanine funders, and our 20-year term, as opposed to the 10-year terms of commercial bank loans, makes a considerable difference to a developer's cash flow over the course of the project," says Kutoane. GPF is particularly thorough in performing the basic feasibility on projects by checking the developer's business plan and in ensuring that the area the developer's project is aimed at is affordable for potential tenants, as well as by doing a due diligence and acquiring comparative information from other rental housing developments in the area and on their baddebt ratios. "GPF will only consider projects with an economic number of units and a total project value of not more than R250million, determined on the basis of our internal capital requirements," says Kutoane. What is crucial about rental projects is that the developer must demonstrate to GPF that they either have the capabilities to deliver an affordable product within time and budget and/or that the professional team contracted has the expertise and experience to deliver the product," says Kutoane.
For more information, contact: (t) 011 685 6600 (e) info@gpf.org.za (w) www.gpf.org.za
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sahf
SAHF International Housing Conference and Exhibition 15-19 September 2013
"Public Private Partnerships"
Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been identified as one of the main options for facilitating infrastructure development and service delivery in South Africa. In April 1997, the South African Cabinet approved the appointment of an inter-departmental task team to develop a package of policy, legislative and institutional reforms to create an enabling environment for PPPs. "This is what PPPs are about. The public gets better, more cost-effective services, the private sector gets new business opportunities. Both are in the interests of the nation," says Minister Trevor Manuel. “First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all attending the SAHF Conference in the beautiful, world-class City of Cape Town. Housing is dependent on public-private partnerships in many ways.
• The roles of public and private sector and how, over the last 30 years, the two sectors have worked together to improve and deliver homes for affordable housing. This will specifically include the use of stock transfers, mergers and swaps. • The delivery, management and maintenance of homes with examples of best practice with particular reference to the increasing focus on service delivery and customer satisfaction.
We rely on private construction companies to build the houses which we Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela pay for. We rely on financial MEC for Human Settlements institutions to provide loans Provincial Government of the for home buyers, and we Western Cape rely on educational institutions to build capacity both within government, and among our service providers. Housing is clearly done better together, and it’s my wish that the learning and contacts developed from this conference will build and strengthen public-private partnerships in the housing sector, raising the bar in service delivery for our people.”
Ian Beckett, Director of Development & Property for Gallions Housing Association will address the subject of the evolution of affordable housing in the UK. The session will be split in to three sections that will cover the following: Ian Beckett Director of Development & Property Gallions Housing Association
• Scene setting: Exploring the history of housing from the philanthropic industrialist of the 19th Century to the present time.
Despite delivering a significant number of houses in the country, the government struggles with severe capacity constraints, which tend to hamper service delivery and hinder progress of government’s aim of providing its citizens with shelter, as well as integrated and sustainable human settlements. Lungi Mbanga Business Development Manager Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd
The use of Public Private Partnerships in addressing this public sector constraint has been widely touted as a way of building and transferring infrastructure management capacity in a municipality. However, the successful implementation of such programmes still requires a significant amount of public sector capacity. Specifically, the public sector needs to be properly capacitated and skilled in engaging with sophisticated private counter-parties. Drawing on literature review and selected interviews, this paper, presented by Lungi Mbanga, Aurecon SA (Pty) Ltd, will investigate this institutional component of PPP-based housing development in South Africa. The paper will both identify current constraints, and propose amendments to the current institutional landscape, based on insights gleaned from international best-practice.
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SAHF
Cement-based masonry units are one of the most popular building blocks used in low-cost housing. It is relatively cheap and is easy to use. The possibility, however, exists to introduce natural fibres in the mixture to reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing of the building units. The addition Prof. Billy Boshoff of fibres could reduce the Associate Professor: amount of cement required, Department of Civil Engineering thus not only reducing the Stellenbosch University environmental impact, but also reducing the cost. The cultivation of these fibres could also have a positive impact on agriculture. Possible fibres include sisal, coir and hemp. This is an on-going research initiative and requires further investigation before natural fibre reinforced cement-based material can be used. This paper, presented by Prof Billy Boshoff, Department of Civil Engineering, Stellenbosch University, presents results of tests on cement-based masonry units reinforced with sisal fibres. The tests include compressive strength, water absorption and dimensional stability. The results were also compared with the mixes with added condensed silica fume to increase the durability. It was found that the fibres increased the dimensional stability significantly, but the strength, however, decreased with an increased dosage of fibres. The fibres had no influence on the water absorption but did reduce the density, hence improving the insulation properties.
Housing backlog in South African Housing rhetoric, which refers to the persistent shortfall in housing delivery, seems to have come to stay, despite various government interventions to overcome its occurrence. The initial Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) of 1994, the Breaking Judith Ojo-Aromokudu New Ground (BNG) initiative Lecturer of 2003, Redefinition of the School of Built Environment Housing Department to Howard College Department of Human University of KwaZulu Natal Settlements 2009, do not seem to have impacted much on the reports of the persistent backlog. This paper, presented by Judith Ojo-Aromokudu, Howard College, University of KwaZulu Natal, analyses the trajectory of housing backlog in post-apartheid South Africa, making linkages with the subsidy selection criteria which seem to have an exponential effect on housing demand. The paper unpacks each subsidy selection criteria, outlining the impact on the perpetually increasing housing backlog. The paper concludes by suggesting Policy interventions worth considering in overcoming the persistent housing backlog towards improving human settlements in South African. The conference will include over 40 speakers who are specialists in their field.
For more information, contact: (t) +27 (0) 21 987 7950 (t) +27 (0) 21 987 2585 (e) sahousing@sahf.org.za (w) www.sahf.org.za
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TM
DESCRIPTION
SIZE
QUANTITY 20
Suspended Grid Main Tee
3 600mm
Suspended Grid Cross Tee
1 200mm
60
Suspended Cross Tee
600mm
60
Plaster Grid Main Tee
3 600mm
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1 200mm
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news
University of the Witwatersrand Student, Nontokozo Nhlungu Wins 2012 Corobrik Architectural Student Award University of the Witwatersrand Student, Nontokozo Mhlungu has clinched the prestigious national Corobrik Architectural Student Award for 2012, beating finalists from seven other universities around South Africa to the winning post.
Nontokozo Mhlungu from the University of the Witwatersrand is the winner of the 26th Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year. Her entry is entitled, ‘Hillside Sanctuary is a reception centre for urban refugees in Johannesburg.’
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n her thesis entitled, ‘Hillside Sanctuary: Reception centre for the urban refugee,’ Mhlungu explored a refugee’s survival strategies in Johannesburg.
She believes refugee camps are an example of ‘post crisis’ rehabilitative systems, which vainly attempt to restore stability in a state of disaster. With so many refugees arriving in Johannesburg, she questioned whether the city had made sufficient provision for sheltering and protecting refugees particularly should there be further xenophobic turmoil in the townships. Her research took into account facilities offered by refugee aid and religious organisations and how this type of accommodation differed from typical rural and urban settlements.
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“By understanding these fundamental parallels, a premise is formed for the development of a unique and prototypical urban refugee centre located in Hillbrow at the heart of Johannesburg’s eclectic foreign national communities,” she said. The centre presented in her thesis comprises emergency relief facilities, rehabilitative programmes and transitional accommodation all encompassed within a spiritual, yet nondenominational Christian church establishment. This highlights the ‘curative’ relationship between spirituality, architecture and the user.
news The panel of judges, architects Heather Dodd, Sindile Ngonyama and Peter Rich, said Mhlungu’s thesis is a scheme that explores the spiritual, existential and practical needs of the refugee in Johannesburg. As spokesperson for the judges, Peter Rich says, “it is a mature spatial exploration of a difficult site that is resolved with a very clean concept. As a final resolution, it’s an architecture that is enabling, it has a pleasure of use and it’s opened to adaption.” “Good research and a well prepared entry that was clearly presented explained how she arrived at the concept.” As the judges felt two more entries deserved commendation, highly commended certificates were awarded to Jarryd Murray from the University of Johannesburg and Norbert Koch from the University of Pretoria. Speaking after the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, Corobrik managing director, Dirk Meyer, said it had been particularly difficult to select a winner for the 26th Corobrik Student Awards, due to the high standard or work that was entered. However, dominant issues that had emerged included environmental preservation, sustainability and cultural and social challenges which, together, indicated that the architects of tomorrow were rapidly moving towards embracing a whole new dynamic – responsible architecture. “Sustainable and responsible architecture is the way forward and this is reflected in all the students’ entries this year. This project, in particular, showed an innate understanding of challenges that are faced in a complex contemporary urban environment and represents a courageous effort to take architecture beyond the present day discourse,” he said. Meyer said that, throughout, students had echoed Corobrik’s commitment to addressing cultural, sustainability and environmental issues. Not only was the company developing products that could improve both the quality and functionality of entry level housing in South Africa, but also adopting eco-friendly business practices in line with international best practice. SABS 14001 Environmental Management certification and investment in proven technologies would continue to drive the process, as would progress in Corobrik’s mission to convert more of its facilities from coal to cleaner burning natural gas as a firing fuel. Mhlungu’s supervisor at the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Architecture and Planning, Hilton Judin, described her thesis as “a poetic spiritual project that still takes account of a real context and community faced with complex hardships.” He pointed out that a landscape had been transformed into a building, park and platform to meet both daily and emergency needs of growing immigrant communities in the inner city.”
“Nontokozo has shown both design and social sensitivity, exploring an extremely topical architectural issue that is under-recognised. Her poetic spatial expression does not come at the expense of pressing social tasks faced currently by architects in the city,” he observed. Mhlungu said that the idea for her thesis evolved from her interest in the fate of refugees following xenophobic attacks in early 2008. The Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg opened its doors to hundreds of desperate people, many of whom were Zimbabweans, and ultimately ended up embroiled in a law suit. She said that she had initially gone to the church to investigate how it could be transformed into a refugee centre but had soon realised that the structure posed a number of problems. She had instead decided on another place in Hillbrow. Mhlungu’s greatest challenge was collecting the data required for her thesis which entailed persuading people to talk to her. Suspicious that she was either a journalist or a government official looking to deport them, many were extremely defensive, she said. From a design perspective, she said that she had chosen a site that was not level which required using terraces and locating some facilities underground. The overall objective was to make the centre both safe and accessible – characteristics which could be seen to be contradictory. Nevertheless, she believes that she achieved a compromise that would enable refugees to have easy access to the centre whilst still feeling sheltered and secure. Mhlungu was selected as the top architectural student at the University of the Witwatersrand at the end of 2012, receiving a R7 000 prize from Corobrik. Winning the national award means an additional prize of R50 000. According to Mhlungu, winning the regional and national awards has been the highlight of a very positive and rewarding experience. “The publicity I have received has opened a lot of doors for me and helped me to see architecture in a whole new light. This was not just a project. I have also realised that people want to see architects doing things for their communities.” Looking forward, Judin said that future challenges facing graduates such as Mhlungu included a shortage of public space, housing and resources, as well as issues surrounding sustainability. “It will be difficult for them to gain support for their ideas and to practice with scarce resources that are mainly being fed into private, not public projects,” he said. Nevertheless, he is confident that once they have acquired the technical proficiencies and skills needed to juggle some of the conflicting forces after a few years of practical experience, the architects of the future will rise to the many challenges that they will inevitably face. For additional information on all finalists please visit www.greenisthenewgold.co.za or www.corobrik.co.za.
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cement & concrete
Cement producers preserve C&CI services by establishing The Concrete Institute Three of South Africa’s leading cement producers have stepped in to fund the establishment of a new company to preserve the vital education, and consulting services previously provided by the Cement & Concrete Institute (C&CI).
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friSam, Lafarge and Sephaku are now financing the operations of The Concrete Institute, which, from 2 May this year, started providing most of the major services previously provided by the C&CI, which closed down at the end of April 2013 following the withdrawal of funding. Bryan Perrie, former MD of the C&CI, is in charge of The Concrete Institute, a non-profit company with a number of key members of the C&CI staff retained. The Concrete Institute will offer vital concrete technology services to the construction industry, including: • • • •
Education and Training Information Centre Consulting Publications
With regard to Education and Training, Perrie said all the courses listed in the C&CI’s School of Concrete Technology 2013 Training Programme are still being offered. “We are, in fact, hoping to expand the curriculum by including even more courses. The Concrete Institute has also taken over the responsibility for running the comprehensive and highly respected Advanced Concrete Technology course, which was under way when C&CI closed,” Perrie stated. The Concrete Institute is currently also offering a free advisory service, as well as chargeable consulting services, including on-site visits by technical staff.
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The Concrete Institute will continue to offer a comprehensive Information Centre. The Centre, equipped with top specialists and state-of-the-art computerised systems, is one of the largest and most respected sources of information on concrete in the southern hemisphere. The Concrete Institute will also distribute the wide range of C&CI publications. “There was widespread dismay within the building and construction industries when the C&CI was forced to close doors. With the new support of new cement producer, Sephaku, as well as AfriSam and Lafarge’s continuing support, we are now confident that the Concrete Institute will continue to provide the services which made the C&CI an industry icon over the past 75 years,” Perrie added. “The new Institute also aims to play a wider role and work more closely with, and provide assistance to, other building and construction bodies and establish reciprocal working arrangements with these organisations.” The Concrete Institute operates from Block D - Lone Creek, Waterfall Park, Bekker Street in Midrand. It can be reached on telephone (011 315 0300) or fax (011 315 8180). Details of the new website and email addresses will be announced shortly.
news
Provincial Department of Human Settlements scoops prestigious housing award The Provincial Department of Human Settlements recently received recognition for their efforts in the Social Housing sector.
Proudly showing off the award are Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela (seated, front row) flanked by acting HOD Ray Rughubar and Director of Affordable Housing, Kahmiela August. Standing in the back row are officials from the Directorate: Affordable Housing (left to right: Zandile Damba, Denise Nefdt, Fatima Daniels, Anwar Swartz, Megan Cookson, Gadija Salie, and Lameez White).
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he Department’s Directorate: Affordable Housing was awarded ‘The Leading Social Housing Province 2013’ at a ceremony hosted by the Social Housing Institute in Durban on the 18th of April. The award was attributed to the general support provided by the Department to the Social Housing sector, which includes support to the Social Housing Institutions (SHIs), Municipalities, National Department of Human Settlements (NDoHS), the Social Housing Regulatory Authority, Private Entities and the Financial Sectors. It was also in recognition of the Province’s understanding of the Social Housing Programme and product. When the Social Housing Programme was initially introduced in 2008, the Province had two fully accredited institutions. By 2012 it increased to five and this year there are six Social Housing Institutions. These institutions are allowed to develop Social Housing Programmes and benefit from the Capital Restructuring Grant administered by the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA). The Province has, over the years, through the Social Housing Provincial Steering Committee, provided extensive support to the SHIs. In December 2013 the Province entered into an agreement with the SHRA, as required by the Social Housing Act.
The agreement entitles the Province to assistance and support on different levels from the SHRA to deliver in the Social Housing sector. Asked what the award means for the Department, the Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, Bonginkosi Madikizela responded, “It shows we’re on the right track in terms of diversifying the types of programmes we manage, more so in social housing. While I’m happy for the recognition this award brings, there is still a lot that needs to be done. We need to increase budgets and the number of programmes contributing to our fiscus. The work undertaken in this area, however, has contributed significantly in providing housing opportunities for previously disadvantaged people.” Director of Affordable Housing, Kahmiela August further stated, “Social Housing provides opportunities for previously disadvantaged persons to live in areas like Bothasig or Milnerton for a rental starting at R680 per month. This human settlement tool truly contributes toward racial and economic integration and allows previously disadvantaged families access to real social and economic opportunities. It is an honour to receive the award, as it recognizes the effort our Province is making to address the challenges of integrating our communities.”
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news
KwaThema: Award-winning Housing Project by Ubuhlebethu.
Mutual empowerment: the positive
ripple effects of enterprise development According to a Finmark Trust study, 90% of all new jobs in South Africa between 1985 and 2005 were created by small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs). Due to the nature of the industry, construction has a higher multiplier effect on job creation than many other industries, making its impact on the country’s infrastructure development, and thus its GDP growth potential, significant.
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ne example of how industry stakeholders are collaborating to create jobs through Enterprise Development, as incentivised through the Construction Code for Black Economic Empowerment, is the mutually beneficial relationship between Khuthaza, a non-profit company that facilitates career and business development, primarily for women, in the construction industry, Bentel Associates International, an architecture firm, and Ubuhlebethu, a family-owned and managed construction company.
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Nono Ledwaba-Mweli, a Medical Doctor by profession, now Ubuhlebethu’s Chief Operating Officer, decided to enter the construction industry and join the family business in 2009. By the end of 2011 she had completed all three of Khuthaza’s eight-month Contractor Development Certificate Programmes. Her mother, Qondi Ledwaba had completed Khuthaza’s Accredited National Construction Contractor Programme in 2004 and her father, Abe Ledwaba, is an Architect.
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Ubuhlebethu has also come to Khuthaza to recruit skilled and able professionals, and recently hired a young female graduate as a quantity surveyor. The positive and cooperative relationship between the two companies remains reciprocal. Over the past year, Khuthaza was able to provide direct support to Ubuhlebethu through an Enterprise Development relationship programme facilitated for Bentel, an internationally renowned architectural firm.
Govan Mbeki Awards: Qondi Ledwaba and Bongani Malaza from Ubuhlebethu receive award.
Ubuhlebethu has grown steadily over the years and is now one of only a few 100% Black Women Owned companies to have gained a high-level Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grading where they are now registered at 7GB PE, 7CE PE and 5SE PE. Ubuhlebethu’s recent projects include low-income housing at KwaThema (370 houses) ,117 double-storey houses at the Inxiweni Residential Project, Prasa’s Kwaggastroom railway station, a Community Health Centre in Tweefontein Mpumalanga, Wilberforce College, a Football of Hope Centre in Alexandra, the renovation of Prasa’s Head Office, and renovations of the Malapalama Combined School and Mareleng Primary School in Mpumalanga. Their family culture drives their business culture and they have always been committed to sharing with others who are developing careers and business in the industry. Ledwaba-Mweli is committed to giving back to society in various ways. She and her colleagues freely share knowledge and time to develop others in the industry. Over the years people from Ubuhlebethu’s team have spoken at or hosted numerous sessions for Khuthaza students and have invited those in Contractor Development programmes to gain experience and understanding by visiting and working on Ubuhlebethu project sites. In addition, Ubuhlebethu invests in the future capacity of the construction industry by providing numerous opportunities for local employment. The company regularly employs smaller, local subcontractors on their projects; in the last financial year, Ubuhlebethu spent roughly R12 million on women-owned contractors and suppliers alone.
Through the Bentel Enterprise Development programme, Khuthaza has worked closely with Nono Ledwaba-Mweli and Bongani Malaza, Corporate Affairs Manager, on three main areas: supporting their growth strategy, access to development finance, and training to increase their internal skills capacity. Khuthaza also introduced Ubuhlebethu to colleagues in the industry with whom they can network and share advice, thus facilitating greater knowledge sharing and collaboration. The value the company has gained through these Enterprise Development initiatives has no doubt played a role in Ubuhlebethu’s success. On 11 April this year, the company won two awards at the Gauteng Govan Mbeki Awards: one in the Best Human Settlement Project category for their work on 370 low-income houses in KwaThema, and the other for Best Woman Contractor. They had previously received Best Woman Contractor for 2012. “Ubuhlebethu is proud to have achieved this honour and thank all those who have helped us in our journey to where we stand today. We appreciate in particular the business development support we have received from Khuthaza over the years, and the past year through the Bentel Enterprise Development relationship,” said Ledwaba-Mweli. “It’s a win-win situation for us, as we are also able to provide opportunities to the smaller contractors and young professionals Khuthaza works with.” Thelma Hadjigeorghi, Bentel’s Financial Director added, “Bentel is extremely proud of our relationship with Khuthaza, as they are committed to adding value to the industry through Enterprise Development. It is also great to see Ubuhlebethu sharing with others in turn.” It is clear that Enterprise Development partnerships such as these can indeed have a positive and galvanising impact on both individuals and the industry and will add value to communities and our country’s infrastructure for years to come. Visit www.khuthaza.org.za for further information.
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sanitation
UK company launches new sanitation solutions The UK’s largest garden building manufacturer, Dunster House Ltd, has announced that it is targeting the African marketplace to become a supplier in the near future of their unique sanitation solutions. “Without the need for water, our composting toilets offer a sustainable solution for many rural or remote locations where sewer and water connection is too expensive or unavailable,” he said. The toilet has been designed to separate waste to allow for users to collect it for potential recyclable purposes if the correct procedures are followed. Two waste collection bins are provided underneath the toilet, which can be swapped to allow for the drying process once the first bin is full. Urine can be diverted into a separate container or into a soak-away in the ground outside of the building. Chris added that ‘Urine is high in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which, if diluted correctly, could be used as a valuable fertilizer supplement whilst growing plants, whereas faeces, if dried for a significant period of time to eliminate pathogens, can be reused.”
“We believe that with the right distribution network, we could bring our unique off-grid solutions to the African marketplace in order to contribute to providing sanitation and energy solutions, which are sustainable and eco friendly,” said company director, Chris Murphy. Dunster House Ltd, based in the UK, has designed the ‘Eco Compost Toilets’ as an alternative option that can allow the users to recycle waste for use in compost or as plant fertilizers. The ‘Eco-Composting Toilets’ are timber built outhouses with a urine diversion system to enable the collection and storage of waste for future use. Company director, Chris Murphy explained that there are a variety of potential uses and locations where a waterless toilet can be implemented and offer a sanitation solution.
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Dunster House are providing 12v off-grid solar lighting with aluminium bulb holders and a battery box in order to help to create a comfortable interior for use throughout the day. Once connected to a battery, which is not supplied, the 15 Watt solar PV panel can charge the battery during reasonable radiation levels for use at night. Included with the off-grid solar lighting are a variety of fixtures such as a urinal, a hand wash basin, and a unique toilet lid with a rubber seal, to minimize odours inside the timber outbuilding. With factories, distribution and manufacturing sites in the UK, Estonia, Hungary and Poland, Dunster House Ltd is an international company with a growing export division reflecting the company’s expansion. The company is currently searching for experienced trade partners with widespread network capabilities with whom they could partner. For more information regarding the company’s Eco Composting Toilets and export opportunities visit www.dunsterhouse.com or contact export@dunsterhouse.co.uk.
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news
Lounge and dining room.
DPI Plastics donates materials to
first shack-to-house conversion project DPI Plastic, a leading manufacturer of water reticulation, drainage and pipefitting systems in South Africa, has played an important role in improving the living conditions of residents of informal settlements, after donating PVC building pipes and fittings to the first ever shack-to-house conversion project in Kayamandi, Western Cape.
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he test phase of the Kayamandi project, which was completed in March 2013, involved the conversion of a 23m2 wooden shack into a solid 46m² doublestorey home made entirely from sand bag eco bricks built by 16 off-the-street Kayamandi residents who were trained and supervised by an engineer from the Africa Responds Clearly Eco Homes team. The project's test subject, Norie Lungisa, who lived in the cramped and uncomfortable conditions of her shack with her two children for more than ten years, is delighted with her new and improved eco brick home, which was officially handed over to her on March 14, 2013. Cape Town-based construction materials supplier PennyPinchers approached 16 of its most trusted
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suppliers, including DPI Plastics, to assist the Kayamandi project with various donations. As a socially responsible corporate citizen, DPI Plastics places a strong emphasis on supporting community development projects, notes the company's marketing manager, Martine Goodchild. She says, "DPI Plastics is committed to supporting projects that aim to uplift the living standards of fellow South Africans, especially with regards to adequate housing. The Kayamandi project supports DPI Plastics' vision of building a better tomorrow, not only by providing residents with better housing facilities, but also by creating employment and skills development opportunities for locals. We also encourage the use of ‘green’ building materials which aim for energy efficiency within the home.”
news Africa Responds Clearly Eco Homes spokesman, Grahame Tomes highlights the fact that the new eco home is comprised of two upstairs bedrooms, in addition to an open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area and a bathroom. "It is our plan to help the Lungisa family with the added benefit of receiving running water and a sewerage connection from the relevant authorities once the authorities are able to generate enough budget to help the Residents of Zone 14, Kayamandi.” Tomes explains that the Kayamandi eco house is built utilising the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) certified eco brick/eco beam building system, which employs eco bricks and eco beams that are plastered and painted. "All eco brick houses are built with eco bricks that are 300mm x 300mm in size. The net result of such wide bricks is a home which is cool in summer and warm in winter," he continues. According to Tomes, eco brick homes address a number of serious challenges that are currently facing the South African affordable housing industry. "The 300 mm thick walls provide a natural barrier to the harsh South African sun – even in temperatures exceeding 40 °C. The issues of rising damp, rain and even flooding are entirely eliminated with eco brick houses, as water cannot rise through sand. Instead, it is forced back downwards into the earth."
Shack exterior.
The original shack.
Tomes points out that the construction of eco brick homes also empowers communities. "Residents are provided with employment and skills development, while playing an important role in developing their community. Under this scheme, we are able to employ approximately 1 000 people per community over a three week period. During this time, we train them and equip them with the necessary skills to build around 120 high quality eco brick/eco beam homes per month, in each respective community," he adds. Another distinct advantage of eco brick houses is a reduction in overall costs, when compared to cement block houses. "The current Government subsidy of R84 000 for first time home buyers is sufficient to build a 50m2 eco brick or eco beam double storey house. All the tests completed by the CSIR, the SABS and the NHBRC show that eco brick houses offer better performance specifications than those built with cement bricks and blocks or even steel structured houses," says Tomes. Despite their initial reservations, Tomes indicates that all 48 members of the Loyola Street Committee, where the transformed shack is located, are queuing up to have their shack homes replaced too. "The building of this first ever shack replacement double-storey home has been an overwhelming success, and would not have been possible without the support of all of our generous donors. We offer our sincere thanks to them all." For more information about DPI Plastics, contact: Martine Goodchild (t) 021 957 5600 (e) mgoodchild@dpiplastics.co.za (w) www.dpiplastics.co.za
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insulation
From cold rooms to classrooms IDS diversifies its product offering
In 2004 Tiaan Maritz and Ray Olsen combined their considerable experience in the insulated panel and door manufacturing industry to establish IDS (Insulated Door Systems).
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DS specializes in the design, manufacture and installation of cold freezer rooms, controlled atmosphere rooms, poultry breeding rooms, industrial warehousing, insulation of refrigerated vehicles all with various types of doors and IBR sheeting. Identifying a demand for competitively priced cold rooms they initially focused on securing a substantial share of this market, in addition to manufacturing their innovative insulated doors. To be able to offer quality at competitive prices, thereby ensuring customers’ satisfaction, IDS chose from day one to fully manufacture all its products inhouse.
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IDS produces its own polystyrene insulation on the company premises under the brand of their own in-house company, IPM (Independent Polystyrene Manufacturers). The polystyrene insulation is produced both for the company’s use and for supply to others. IPM manufactures varying densities of quality expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks of 6.0 x 1.2 x 1.0 metres, utilizing the latest technology. These are then cut to suit customers’ specific requirements.
insulation
Polystyrene blocks are cut to the exact size and thickness after which the choice of cladding is bonded to the panels. Panels have interlocking rolled profiles and are matched to ensure a perfect fit. IDS insulated panels are of a core construction with a choice of polystyrene, polyurethane or rock-wool (fire resistant) insulation. Panel cladding is in either Chromadek coated steel, galvanized sheet or stainless steel. With a serious backlog in housing delivery in South Africa, the dynamic product offering of IDS could easily be used to help bridge the housing gap and classroom shortfall in an alternative, but proven way. The company has built its own classroom on its premises, a structure which on a hot or cold day, stands testament to the excellent insulating properties of its EPS panel system. IDS undertakes to respond promptly to inquiries with competitive offers, followed by the successful and timeous execution of contracts to specification and on time. For more information visit our website: www.ids.za.org
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cement & concrete
PMSA officially opens its innovative concrete showroom Pan Mixers South Africa (PMSA), the largest supplier of concrete, brick, block and paving making machinery and technology in Africa, is officially opening its cutting-edge showroom, following 18 months of tireless and dedicated work.
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he two-storey 700m² showroom, which will also house a sales and marketing office and training facility in order to fully highlight the endless creative possibilities that concrete offers in modern day construction, is officially open to the general public. PMSA sales and marketing manager, Quintin Booysen believes that the company is setting a trend in the local industry through the construction of the entire building which is, in itself, the most fundamental aspect of the showroom. "The modern, minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing building is constructed almost entirely out of concrete, and in so doing, dispels the common misconception that concrete is a cold, grey and ugly material suited mostly for industrial purposes."
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The showroom flooring is completed with HTC Superfloor, which is an easy-to-maintain polished concrete flooring system that provides the highest shine to the floor surface, by making use of a range of HTC floor grinding machines and accessories. Booysen notes that PMSA has gone one step further by using HTC Superfloor to polish a number of concrete pull-up structural concrete walling panels, which make up the showroom walls and main reception staircase. “A polishing and grinding machine weighs up to 300kg and would be impossible to run against a wall. Another option would be to use a hand-held grinding tool. However, that would not ensure a precision finish. PMSA improvised by polishing the precast concrete panels using the HTC Superfloor system, before pulling them up by making use of a tilt-up method,” he continues.
cement & concrete These panels are being used both for structural and display purposes to highlight the potential beauty of precast concrete, by simply polishing or adding colour aggregates to it. Booysen adds, “Our main objective is to show architects, engineers and contractors that a polished precast panel can serve as a stylish and modern finish in a home, office or shopping environment while being a structural element.� In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, Booysen points out that the PMSA showroom is also environmentally friendly and requires minimal maintenance and energy in its daily usage. "Polished concrete provides further benefits that include ease of cleaning due to a smooth surface, and a reduction in lighting bills, due to the fact that the panels reflect more light into the building." According to Booysen, concrete flooring can have a lower installation and lifetime cost, when compared to traditional products, such as epoxy flooring and tiling. "What's more, the entire building is fitted with acoustic and thermal insulation ceilingsto ensure that the structure is kept cool in the summer and warm in the winter, thereby further reducing energy costs and unnecessary energy wastage." Booysen adds that the showroom will also play a major role in highlighting the capabilities of PMSA's full range of quality concrete equipment and associated technology, as well as the technical support and after sales service capabilities of the company as a whole. "Customers will also be provided with a value added service offering as they have the opportunity to touch and feel what is on offer, in addition to being able to directly interact with our various sales engineers, who are each specialists in their specific product lines," he continues. "By having all divisions centralised in one location, we can ensure that we provide a comprehensive customer service offering on-site, where clients and their employees will be trained in various fields, ranging from the application and usage of products, to operator safety and machine maintenance." The concept of the showroom was first dreamt up by PMSA management in mid-2010, with construction beginning approximately one year later. "A lot of thought and effort was put into the concept of the showroom before construction began. Using a limited budget, we have created a magnificent structure that has been well and truly worth all of the effort that everybody has put in. Having finally achieved our goal, I am confident that we will inspire various contractors, engineers and architects to make more efficient use of coloured, decorative and polished concrete in the future," Booysen concludes. For more information, visit www.pmsa.com.
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Department of Public Works urged to enforce PRECCA Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) welcomes the Department of Public Works actions to eradicate corruption, but it is of the view that there needs to be an awareness that corruption is an activity perpetuated by criminals, and as such, totally unacceptable within the public sector.
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ESA is making a clarion call that the department needs to automatically enforce the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act (PRECCA) and lay criminal charges against employees reasonably suspected of corruption. Disciplinary hearings, although required in terms of the Constitution and legislation, are a ‘soft option’ for Government and are ineffective in that the disciplinary process is easily abused and can be drawn out through postponements, unavailability of witnesses, illness or other factors. “The officials administering the disciplinary process are often relatively inexperienced and untrained in the process, and are often at the mercy of union officials who are well experienced and trained in the process. Employees often escape the disciplinary process by resigning before the initiation of an inquiry into the offence,” says CESA CEO, Graham Pirie. He adds that CESA would like to see the Department taking stronger action in its war against corruption by increasing the transparency of its procurement process by regularly publishing on its website full details of its tender awards in terms of construction contractors, built environment professionals and other service providers. Publishing the outcome of successful prosecutions against officials and service providers and blacklisting guilty service providers (and officials) as well as taking steps to prevent the re-employment / transfer of guilty officials within the three tiers of Government will be welcomed. Pirie points out that it is imperative to ensure continuity and standardization of procurement processes and documentation across the disparate National and Provincial departments of Public Works. “For its part CESA will continue with and strengthen its efforts to ensure the integrity of its member firms, as well as legally challenging irregular public procurement practice by clients wherever these may occur, utilising funding from its newly created ‘War Chest.’”
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CESA CEO, Graham Pirie.
ELEMATIC SA PTY LTD Tel: +27 (0) 11 423 2700
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Fax: +27 (0) 11 423 2717
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PO Box 17261 Benoni West, 1503 www.elematic.co.za
Email: info@elematic.co.za