Infrastructure & Development August 2013 // Issue: 40
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AUGUST 2013
Issue: 40
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 EDITORIAL INTERN: Tanya Paulse tanya@trademax.co.za
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12
16
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
0861 727 663
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SAISC
Advertising:
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Finance
Gail Cupido
8
cover story
0861 727 663
gail@trademax.co.za
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Bricks & Paving
16
Women in construction
20
Bricks & Paving
craig@trademax.co.za
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Steel
SUBSCRIPTIONS & DATA:
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Infrastructure
Luke Perrin
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Bricks & Paving
0861 727 663
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Infrastructure development
29
sahf
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cement & CONCRETE
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Sewage & Reticulation
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cement & CONCRETE
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Events
38
Sewage & Reticulation
40
news
Layout & design: Craig Patterson
luke@trademax.co.za
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
Saluting the fairer sex August is Women’s month and so in this issue we turn our attention to women in construction.
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he emergence of expanded and diversified roles for women in this industry is an increasingly important indicator of economic development in our country and the world. Nowadays, there are many more professional women making their mark as engineers, architects, quantity surveyors and project managers and it is heartening to see more and more women demonstrating tenacity, hard work and prowess to beat the odds and success in a traditionally male-dominated world of construction. At this time, one particular woman in the industry stands out for us. This is Elizabeth O’Leary, Executive Director of Khuthaza, a not-for-profit company that offers services and programmes, mostly for those women involved in the construction and housing industries, with the aim of career and enterprise development. We share with our readers just one of Khuthaza’s many success stories – that of Nomasonto Tshehla, who was selected for the Tiber Bonvec Construction bursary programme. Needless to say, Tshehla is now a Green Star Accredited Professional and a great asset to the South African construction industry. Read more about her story on page 16.
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The empowerment of women stimulates socio-economic development, something that is particularly relevant in Africa, where developing countries could augment this development through improved education, employment and earnings for women. We salute women in construction and applaud their drive to occupy their own space in a traditionally maledominated industry. However, it is our hope that in years to come, we will not require a month, or a day to observe the woman’s role in any sphere, economic, political, or social, or to lament the obvious absence of women in so many important sectors and roles. Rather, we hope that women will be, to all of us, integral, highly important contributors to a more fair, equal and accepting workforce, and acknowledged, for their contributions, on all fronts, to a developing South Africa. Jen Please forward your comments, suggestions and questions to editor@trademax.co.za.
Lafarge Plasterboard for More Durable Cities The Lafarge Gypsum 9mm/12mm Flush Plastered Ceiling System is ideal for high-end residential and commercial ceiling applications, where style and quality is of importance, enabling you to Build Beautiful, Durable Cities from the Inside. • Our 9mm/12mm Lafarge Gypsum Flush Plastered Ceiling consists of a galvanised Lafarge Plaster Screw Up Grid, where main tees are spaced at 1 200mm centres and cross tees spaced at 400mm centres, forming a galvanised grid. • The 9mm/12mm taper-edge Lafarge Plasterboard is fixed onto the grid using 25mm drywall screws, spaced at 150mm centres. • Once installed, joints are taped and jointed with Lafarge Jointing Compound and the surface is plastered with Skim Lite or Skim Stone compound for a perfect finish. • Painting becomes more efficient due to less paint having to be applied to the face of the ivory coloured board. • The 9mm/12mm plasterboard can be curved to offer the desired unique bulkhead shape. Lafarge... Building Better Cities
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SAISC
Light steel frame project enters Steel Awards 2013 St Helena Airport workforce housing village uses light steel frame building St Helena, in the south Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most isolated islands in the world, and its new international airport project represents a historic milestone for the island, as well as for South African construction company, Basil Read, which was awarded the contract to design, build, operate and then transfer the airport, which is estimated to be operational by 2016.
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asil Read appointed George-based SA Steelframe Systems to construct a village on the island for a workforce of 200 to 300 people, who will build the airport. The village includes accommodation, ablution and recreational units, laundries, a gymnasium, security offices, as well as kitchen and dining room units. SA Steelframe Systems explained that light steel frame construction offered the best solution for creating this village on the remote, environmentally sensitive island. “When you consider the combination of reduced time of construction, the lower logistical costs of the modular system and the relative ease of assembly, and, of course, the substantially smaller carbon footprint when compared to more traditional building methods, it made a lot of sense,” said Johan Marais, Owner of SA Steelframe Systems.
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The isolated nature of the island presented the team with its own challenges. Since very little building material is available on the island, all materials had to be shipped via 20 foot containers from either Cape Town or Walvis Bay harbours. All the building materials – with the exception of the Rockcote render and paint system – were sourced in South Africa and delivered to Cape Town or Walvis Bay harbours, and from there shipped to St Helena, which drew praise from SAISC’s Erling. “An aspect of this year’s theme is ‘proudly South African’ and the St Helena airport project shows the power of local ingenuity on a truly international stage,” he said. He added that the work on this groundbreaking project is evidence of the ongoing quality and innovation in local structural steel design and construction.
SAISC
The Steel Awards 2013 will be held simultaneously in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban on 19th September 2013. The main sponsors of the awards are Aveng Trident Steel. Other sponsors are: Macsteel (Table Décor); Cadex SA (Photo Competition); The Association of Steel Tube and Pipe Manufacturers of South Africa (Tubular Award); Stewarts & Lloyds (Light Steel Frame Award) and partner sponsors: ArcelorMittal SA; B&T Steel; Eazi Sales & Service; Genrec Engineering; NJR Steel; Peddinghaus; Tubular Holdings; Vital Engineering.
Project team:
As the team’s submission explained, the scope had an innovative developmental element in the sense that the accommodation units had to be converted into two- and threebedroomed houses after completion of the airport project. This ‘house conversion’ will be made possible with minimal internal changes and the adjustment of a few windows and doors. These houses will then be sold to local residents. The local authorities have been so impressed by the workers' village, that they have approached SA Steelframe Systems to supply costing of the construction of a child-care centre, an extension to a hospital and other housing needs on the island. “The cost savings and speed of erection, coupled with the drive to create ‘thermally efficient’ and ‘environmentally friendly’ buildings, have alerted the islanders to the availability of alternative building technologies like light steel frame building,” the submission explained.
Developer/Owner: Basil Read Architect: Munnik Visser Structural Engineer: DMS Structures Project Manager: SA Steelframe Systems Main Contractor: Basil Read Steelwork Contractor: SA Steelframe Systems Detailers/Detailing Company: SA Steelframe Systems
For more information on the SAISC Steel Awards 2013 please go to www.saisc.co.za.
august 2013
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Finance
A roof overhead - building a secure future for Africa Innovation and collaboration are needed to provide more cheap, sustainable housing and stop the crippling backlog in Africa from getting worse.
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unaway housing prices and unsophisticated mortgage systems are hampering efforts across Africa to house its people: a situation that experts say is preventing many countries from reaping the social and economic benefits that housing security provides. Going beyond a roof overhead, housing creates employment during the development phases, and improves quality of life, social standing, health, financial position, security, social cohesion and access to education. The ABSA housing index shows that in South Africa the average price of small houses has risen from R660 953 in the first quarter of 2011 to R777 343 in the fourth quarter of 2012. In the affordable segment, the price rose from R292 790 in 2009 to R345 388 in 2012. In both cases, there has been a 17% increase. In Kenya, prices increased by roughly 76% between 2008 and 2012.
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According to Allan Kundu at the University of Witwatersrand, such numbers are common across the continent. He says that the concern is two-fold: the fact that housing is central to economies as capital assets contributing to “production, savings, consumption, household income, employment, growth of other markets, social welfare, diversification and investment, and meeting a basic need” and that “the high prices are likely to condemn many people to perpetual squalid living conditions because of the lack of affordability for the majority of citizens.” In trying to address this concern, economies are working to provide housing, but in Africa a massive backlog exists, which Marja Hoek-Smit, director of the Housing Finance programme for Sub-Saharan Africa at the UCT Graduate School of Business and researcher in urban mass-housing at St. Catherine College, Oxford, says has to be prevented from growing.
Finance
“The first step must be to prevent further backlogs and the spread of informal and squatter areas,” she says. “This is far from where we are now. We have to think of measures we have to instate to get massive housing going for at least 70% of the population.” To do this, Hoek-Smit says innovative housing products that take the local social, economic and institutional contexts into account and that are also sound from a business funding, operational and risk management perspective must be developed. “The focus is on getting the private and public sectors to create as much new housing as possible to house new household formation,” she says. “And this cannot be done by only building in the upper, upper-middle income levels in the hopes that housing will filter down to low income levels.” For this to happen, Hoek-Smit says, there is a need for finance at many different levels. Her main focus in her work at St. Catherine’s College is to understand the work and need of equity investors and how they may be enticed to come into investing in African housing; to look at those institutions that provide construction debt loans to developers and what they require to go to scale and minimise risk; to consider rental housing – an area nonexistent in Africa presently, looking at who is going to provide rental investors with rental debt, longer term debt, and not just construction debt; and then understanding how mortgage lending can be expanded rapidly to ensure that developers have the clients that have the mortgage to buy the developed stock. According to Kecia Rust, coordinator of FinMark Trust’s Centre for Affordable Housing Finance in Africa, the mortgage market in Africa is tiny but that means there is a lot of space for growth. The African Development Bank also estimates that 20% of the African population earns more than $20 a day, which is promising if mortgage systems become sufficiently sophisticated to make it more affordable for Africans to own their own home. Rust says that one very interesting option emerging in Africa is housing microfinance.
“We work closely with micro-lenders to see how we can expand their scope so that we can have finance for low income folk,” she says. “There is a need for noncollateralised loans from a variety of schemes to give people that do not have the steady income, employment security, and tenure security needed to secure a loan in the mortgage market to access finance for incremental building and home-improvement.” She says that micro-lenders are increasingly coming to market, but there needs to be regulatory support to take their investments to scale. “The really important thing here is that we need cheaper houses, and we need government, lenders and developers to start having the necessary conversations across the continent to find a way to build cheaper houses in a sustainable way.” Rust says that there is a major need for people in private housing finance institutions, government finance and housing agencies, academic and international development institutions from both emerging markets and established economies to understand all the key issues and concepts in housing finance with respect to different contexts, the design of different housing products available and the business models needed to provide such products effectively and sustainably. “We need to help people in this sector understand the full implications of the innovation taking place in housing finance, and provide them with the insight needed to ensure that creative and sustainable solutions are implemented perfectly in the Sub-Saharan African context,” says Hoek-Smit. “If the system is to be sophisticated enough to eradicate housing problems, then everyone involved, from lenders to developers and even sales, need to be on the same page.” Affordable housing is more than just providing a basic need to the poor, it is about creating a sustainable society that nurtures the growth and development of its people, where the quality of life and access to those things that improve lives is improved, where the population, rather than getting by, actually flourishes. august 2013
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Bricks & Paving
Fast-tracked school in Daveyton
proves worth of facebrick
Almost in the centre of Daveyton, a new school has been constructed in record time, proving that clay facebrick is economical as built and still has a large role to play in the construction of government-funded buildings.
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he Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School, overseen by Peter Manana, the capable and passionate principal, will provide an education and a solid grounding to 1 587 students a year, from Grade R to Grade 7. Daveyton is one of the largest townships in South Africa with a population of over 130 000 in its 14km² radius.
Named after the famed teacher and politician, construction on the Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School began on November 14, 2012, and was completed less than five months later on April 12, 2013. “This is the quickest school that I have ever seen going up,” states Manana, saying that, “Typically a school of this size will take two years to complete.”
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The Department of Education designs prototype schools and architects help with the working drawings and the specification of materials. Designed by Selby Shiba Architects, the school makes extensive use of facebrick, which was specified by the Gauteng Department of Education. Contractor, Joe Manonga from Clear Choice Construction was awarded the contract for the project, and the fact that he was constantly on site supervising the project has been cited as the main reason for the quick, though meticulous construction. The contractor was so involved in the build that he even purchased furniture and mowers to cut the grass of the playing fields as part of his turnkey service. As a result of the success of the completed project, Clear Choice has been awarded a further contract to build a school in Hammanskraal.
Bricks & Paving
Corobrik Village Antique Travertine bricks have been used to one metre high to protect the walls from scuffing. The warm tones of the brickwork are offset by brightly painted classrooms to encourage learning in a pleasant environment.
Four other schools following the same plan and style are being constructed in Palm Ridge, Slovoville, Midrand and Randburg. All were started last year, but the Daveyton school is the first one to be completed. For all the publicity afforded to newer lightweight building techniques, this project has proved that facebrick can more than hold its own in the face of the competition. Moreover, the longevity of facebrick and its minimal maintenance needs were what convinced the Gauteng Department of Education to go with the material. Half a million of Corobrik’s Village Antique Travertine facebricks were used along with over 200 000 clay pavers. The school is built from facebrick to the top of window height on the exterior and to 1.2m inside.
Dharmesh Desai from Bricks for Africa, who supplied the bricks as a distributor of Corobrik products, has a good relationship with both the company and the building contractor, and as a result he was instrumental in specifying Corobrik Cedarberg, Tuscan and Burgundy pavers. Clay facebrick is in many ways synonymous with institutions of learning, and one cannot escape the integrity that brick brings to school construction, be it inside or outside. Large paved courtyards give the pupils a safe and secure place to enjoy their breaks, where single bullnosed bricks are used to create areas for the children to sit in comfort.
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Bricks & Paving
The Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School in Daveyton, Gauteng, has been constructed from Corobrik’s Village Antique Travertine facebricks. The paved parking area has made use of Corobrik Cedarberg pavers.
A notable aspect of the school is that the Grade R facility is separate, providing newcomers to schooling life a protected environment in which to develop. “This wasn’t the case previously in many other schools, and it led to bullying of the younger children,” notes Manana. Apart from the large Grade R subdivision, the single-storey school has been divided into class areas, each with their own walled-in play area, and includes 27 brightly coloured and inviting classrooms, three courtyards, an admin building, which houses the principal and vice principal’s office, a library, computer centre, sick bays, two storerooms, an HOD office and a reception area, as well as a multi-use sports field, which is watered by a borehole on the premises. Covered walkways join the classroom wings with the main building, and throughout the school, top-quality finishes have been used, such as granite tops in the bathrooms, solar geysers to allow learners to enjoy hot showers after playing sport and automatic taps that turn themselves off to save water. The school’s tuck shop has its own kitchen, ensuring that the learners have the benefit of a feeding scheme so that they each receive a nutritious meal at school.
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“We wanted something for the teachers, the pupils and their parents to be proud of,” says Manana. “With the facilities now in place, we can ensure that effective teaching will take place. Through education we are empowering the community with knowledge and skills, keeping the children off the streets and away from the lure of drugs and crime. At Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School we want to give the pupils the kind of education that will allow them to overcome their future challenges without hindrances,” he states. The school has been constructed in a relatively new area of Daveyton where previously no schools were available to cater for the community’s educational needs. In fact, 950 of the learners were accommodated in portable classrooms at the nearby secondary school prior to taking occupation of the new facility. By involving the residents in this growing community, and giving them a sense of ownership of the school, this highly successful project could be a catalyst for positive growth in the area, and the humble facebrick is at the heart of it all.
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Women in construction
Women in construction
Realising the potential of women
in the construction industry
The potential impact of women’s development on the global economy is becoming clear. Research by companies such as Goldman Sachs, Booz and Company and Catalyst point to both current impact and the significant potential of women’s increasing impact on the economy.
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esearch by Catalyst shows that companies with more women board directors outperform companies with the smallest number by 66 per cent in return on invested capital, 53 per cent in return on equity, and 42 per cent in return on sales. La Pietra Coalition, which includes companies such as Ernst & Young, Coca Cola, Accenture and Harvard University, identifies women as the emerging market with the greatest potential for growth over the next decade.
It is also generally acknowledged that investment in women has positive, long-term, socio-economic ripple effects, as women tend to invest their income in the health and education of their families, enabling their children to start off on a stronger footing and higher socio-economic level. Non-profit company, Khuthaza sees incredible potential for women in the construction industry and facilitates career and enterprise development for women, as well as capacity-building in the industry.
POSSIBILITIES THAT CONNECT A CITY AT AFRISAM WE DON’T JUST BUILD BRIDGES, WE DEVELOP SOLUTIONS THAT CREATE POSSIBILITIES. Take our involvement in the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Newtown where we pumped our Flowcrete into the 47m pylons from the bottom upwards - a process never before attempted. The bridge spanning over 8 railway tracks now connects an entire city.
www.afrisam.co.za With the planet as one of our core values, we measure the carbon footprint of each and every one of our operations and products while actively striving to drive down our impact on the environment.
Women in construction
In late 2010, Khuthaza assisted Tiber Bonvec Construction to identify young women for their bursary programme, one of whom was Nomasonto Tshehla. At the time, she was finishing her BSc in Construction Management at Wits University. Subsequently employed by Tiber as a Junior Engineer, Nomasonto soon began to make her mark and her potential was brought to the attention of Tiber’s MD, Fernando Cardoso. She was offered the exciting opportunity to specialise in Green Building and assist the company to gain expertise in the field. It was a significant responsibility, as she had to gain the knowledge, develop the systems and set up the department within Tiber. The company invested in her training through the Green Building Council of South Africa and she was also fortunate to find an excellent mentor. Tiber was involved in a Joint Venture with WBHO and a Green Star Accredited Professional from WBHO, Gideon Van den Berg, took her under his wing and “taught her everything.” But it is all credit to Nomasonto that she seized these opportunities and made the most of them. Always keen to learn, her confidence, a go-getter attitude, and strong emotional intelligence have enabled her to navigate this maledominated industry. At the age of 26, Nomasonto is now a Green Star Accredited Professional and proud of what both she and Tiber are delivering. Although young, she is already looking to give back and share her experiences with younger women entering the industry. Nomasonto attributes much of her successful progress to the solid backing from the company and to learning the importance of ‘people skills’ on a construction site. “We’re very proud of Nomasonto,” says Tiber’s Cardoso. “By supporting her education and providing opportunities to develop her career, we recognise that she adds significant value to our company and the capacity of the industry as a whole.” Nomasonto enjoys being hands-on and having the exposure to various construction sites. Through Tiber Bonvec’s excellent standing in the industry, Nomasonto
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has had the opportunity to work on various Green Star rated projects such as, Sandton’s 115 West Street and 15 Alice Lane, Superpark (Isando) where they are focusing on waste management, and working with Aurecon, who were the Sustainability Consultants on 8 Melville Road (Illovo). Her ambition is to play a more senior role in Project Management with responsibility for all aspects of a project. “We are proud to be associated with Tiber: they are a great company to work with and we are so pleased that they are supporting the development of women in the industry,” comments Elizabeth O’Leary, Executive Director of Khuthaza. “Nomasonto is already an excellent role-model and demonstrates the character and potential of so many women looking to develop careers in the construction industry.” As South Africa looks for opportunities for both economic growth and socio-economic transformation, investing in women and harnessing their potential is an excellent investment in the future.
About Khuthaza Khuthaza facilitates Career and Enterprise Development, primarily for women, in the housing and construction industries. We are a non-profit company with over 10 years of experience in this market. Khuthaza offers a range of programmes and services that support both the emerging and established sectors, with the same goals in mind – transformation, women’s development and capacity building within the industry. Khuthaza has a solid reputation in terms of our ability to delivery, our culture, the quality of our programmes and our relationships in the industry. Please visit www.khuthaza.org.za for further information.
ADDING VALUE THROUGH THE CREATION OF SPACE
Caliber is a Property Development Group which was founded in January 2003. Its main goal is the definitive development of property in the residential and commercial real estate markets. The expertise of its directors facilitate speedy and cost effective delivery of turnkey construction projects in a highly competitive market-place. The strength of the group lies in the extent to which it can provide its client with Value Added Services – from the conceptualisation phase right up to the delivery of the final product.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: T: 012 809 2044
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F: 086 513 5093
| E: info@caliber.co.za
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W: www.caliber.co.za
Bricks & Paving
CBP used in Shovagakula paving project Precast concrete block pavers (CBP) and kerbing have been used to construct safe, attractive and durable pavements in Olievenhoutbosch Ext 36 for both pedestrians and cyclists.
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nown as the City of Tshwane’s Shovagakula (Easy) Paving Project, it is being run over three years in several phases and aims to encourage the use of bicycles in the place of cars for travel within Olievenhoutbosch. Phase 1, which commenced in April and completed by the middle of June, involved the construction of pavements 2.2m wide and 1 600m long using 50mm bevelled pavers, as well as Figure 10 and 12 concrete kerbing supplied by Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA) member, MVA Bricks.
Newly laid pavers at The City of Tshwane’s Shovagakula (Easy) Paving Project in Olievenhoutbosch Ext 36.
Construction involved compacting in-situ material to 90-93%, adding and compacting a 150mm layer of G5 mixed with four percent of cement, and topping that with 20mm of river sand. Once the pavers were laid, they were covered with plaster sand to fill the joints between the pavers. The surface was then swept and compacted to form a very attractive and hard-wearing surface. The terracotta coloured pavements were edged with a header course of charcoal pavers, which were also used for decoration strips at every five metres. The main contractor on Phase 1 was MK Brick and Earthworks, owned and run by Nathaniel Kgobe.
MVA Brick’s Figure 12 kerbing is installed prior to the construction of CBP pavements.
Kgobe says that 35 people were deployed for the execution of Phase 1, 28 of whom were unskilled members of the local community. “We trained them in all aspects of CBP surfacing including the preparation of the sub-base, the actual laying of pavers and the installation of kerbing, and they have acquired skills which they can use on other projects of this nature,” said Kgobe. A header course of charcoal pavers being laid in Olievenhoutbosch Ext 36.
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Steel
Steel lintels
Innovative, high strength and lightweight Steelform SA, supplier of construction products to the domestic, residential and construction markets, has recently launched an innovative addition to its range: the steel lintel.
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teel lintels offer a combination of high strength and light weight, resulting in efficient load-bearing performance and increased productivity on site. The company is currently manufacturing two types of steel lintel, designed for 110mm and 220mm wall thicknesses, and plans to launch more types in the near future. The 220mm wall thickness lintels weigh a mere 2.48 kg/m², while the 110mm wall thickness lintel weighs 1.97 kg/ m². Their light weight makes them very easy to handle, saves money on transport costs, and reduces labour installation costs as well.
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Imagine a 6m lintel carried and lifted into position by one person. The products have been structurally analysed and the structural integrity verified by independent structural engineers. The lintels are manufactured to ISO 9002 and have been accepted by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC). The products should be used in accordance with good building practice and the National Building Regulations. A distinct advantage of the steel lintels is that they extend creativity and freedom in building design through use of curves and clean finishes. Steelform’s production capacity of the steel lintels is in excess of 300 000 linear metres of each lintel per month.
Steel
NEW LIGHT WEIGHT STEEL LINTELS Takes place of 2 concrete lintels U-6 Lintel
Advantages of steel lintels: • Lightweight • Easy to transport • Easy to handle on site • Accurate shapes • No delays in bricklaying • No cracks • No warps • No site or yard wastage Other products manufactured by Steelform in addition to the newly launched steel lintels are permanent steel shuttering made to specification, as well as stair cages, arches, bays, roses, corners, bulkheads, hangers and custom-made goods. Steelform distributes via a nationwide network and welcomes trade enquiries.
T-5 Lintel Light weight steel lintels, staircases, shutters, arches and beam caging
For more information, contact: (t) 0861 STFORM (783676) (e) sales@steelform.co.za (w) www.steelform.co.za
Steelform South Africa august 2013
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Tel: (0)861 STFORM (783 676) Email: sales@steelform.co.za
www.steelform.co.za
Infrastructure
Construction of SA’s largest hydropower station 'on track' The Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme project in the Little Drakensberg has made significant progress since its inception in 2004, steadily surging towards its 2015 completion goal. When up and running, this hydropower station will serve South Africa’s increasing demand for peak energy to meet the demand of a growing industrial sector and a successful rural electrification programme.
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he Braamhoek Joint Venture led by GIBB was appointed for the design and construction supervision of the project. The project, which includes the 40m high RCC Braamhoek Dam and 50m high CFRD Bedford Dam (both completed in 2011), two caverns, four surge tanks, four drainage and ventilation shafts and over 14km of tunnels, is set to be the largest hydropower and tunneling project in Southern Africa. Located in the Drakensberg mountain range between Harrismith and Ladysmith, the Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme aims to generate a capacity of 1 332MW with an energy storage capacity of 21 000MWh (15.8 generating hours).
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According to Colin Logan, Technical Executive of Dams, Hydropower and Underground Works at GIBB, the project is on track with the last stages of excavation currently taking place. “We reached some important milestones in 2012,” says Logan. “In January, we completed the excavation of the Machine Hall. Concrete encasement of the first Draft Tube was completed in August and the first Spiral Case was installed shortly after. In December 2012, the second Spiral Case was transported to the Erection Bay. This is currently being prepared for installation.”
Infrastructure
The first of the four 333MW pump turbine units is expected to be commissioned in the second quarter of 2014, with the remaining units to start commercial operation in 2014 and 2015. “To date, excavation of the Surge Chambers is 76% complete and the Surge Shaft’s concrete lining commenced in January. With regards to progress on other underground structures, work on the installation of the steel linings for the High Pressure Inclined Shafts is 40% complete.
We will use approximately two kilometres of steel lining for the two underground waterways,” says Logan. In total, there are four pumped storage stations in South Africa, which includes Ingula. “We are proud to be an integral part of the largest hydropower and tunneling project in South Africa,” says Logan.
Make your own blocks Build for as little as R98/m2 For more information call +27 (0) 83 228 8036 or visit www.stumlebloc.com
Bricks & Paving
PMSA launches mobile solutions for its African customer base In order to overcome the logistical challenges associated with rough terrain and remote locations in Africa, mobile brick making machines have been launched in the regional market by Pan Mixers South Africa (PMSA), the largest supplier of concrete, brick, block and paving making machinery and technology in Africa.
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MSA marketing and sales manager, Quintin Booysen points out that the company delivered several mobile plants, including a mobile VB1X concrete block making machine in May 2013 to a construction client based in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "As Africa develops and infrastructure is rolled out, the demand for mobile machines in various forms is increasing, and PMSA has identified this trend early."
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The VB1X is capable of producing up to 60 000 stock bricks per day, and Booysen highlights the fact that the mobile version of the machine does not force the owner to invest in a large capital outlay into fixed infrastructure that is typically left behind when a project is complete. "The mobile machine can simply be moved on to the next site, thereby enabling customers to produce high volumes of bricks without constantly investing additional capital, even in the most remote locations," he explains.
Bricks & Paving
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The mobile VB1X block making machine features remote electrohydraulic controls to ensure a trouble-free operation, in addition to a high energy double-shaft directional vibrator with maintenance-free dynamic braking. Booysen notes that the electro-hydraulic operation of the tamper, mould box and feed drawer ensures automatic filling of the mould from the overhead concrete holding bin. "What's more, an automatic hydraulic pallet feeder feeds pallets from the magazine to the moulding head and ejects them onto the take-off conveyor," he continues. Booysen notes that the mobile VB1X block making machine is purpose built for the challenging African terrain and weather conditions. "PMSA is the leading and largest supplier of brick and block making machinery in Africa, and all our equipment is capable of producing high quality end products that meet the SANS standards. Furthermore, PMSA also offers both fixed and mobile machinery with topping feed attachments for paving manufacture that requires SANS 1058 for concrete paving blocks."
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In addition to the VB1X, Booysen adds that PMSA also supplies the RE600, VB1 and UNI Plant block making machines in mobile models. "Development in Africa is taking place at a rapid rate, and as industrialisation continues, I believe that mining, housing and government projects in particular will benefit from the PMSA mobile plant range where high capacity bricks and blocks are required in the most remote of locations." Booysen stresses that the company is able to deliver the highest standards of customer service and quick turnaround time on spares, due to the fact that it has a comprehensive stockholding on-site to eliminate the associated risks of downtime for its clients. “PMSA prides itself on assisting its customers in being successful in every aspect of their business, by consistently delivering on its promises. We always endeavour to ensure that we can source a part that is a non-stock item in the shortest time possible, in order to ensure that customers remain successful, competitive and productive,” he says. What’s more, Booysen points out that PMSA produces all the principal components and assemblies in-house for the range of equipment manufactured by the company. “PMSA reduces its reliance on outside suppliers, as their level of service does not always meet with the company’s high expectations of quality, delivery and turnaround time. By manufacturing our own components, in-house specialists are able to source and address any problems swiftly and effectively,” he concludes.
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Infrastructure development
PPC CEO calls for infrastructure CODESA Ketso Gordhan, CEO of the leading supplier of cement in southern Africa, PPC Ltd., has called for the creation of an infrastructure negotiation body similar to that of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) as a critical step to kickstart implementation of much needed infrastructure development in South Africa. “It is clear that infrastructure bottlenecks by both the public and private sectors need to be addressed, not through agreeing to generic accords but rather through implementable plans with clear roles, responsibilities and deadlines. The methodology is simple. Before 1994 people wanted a democratic South Africa. The National Party and the ANC both raised issues that were preventing them from moving forward in this regard. So, they put together a working group on each of those issues and came back with solutions. All the things that we see today were compromises that emerged from discussions and negotiations,” said Gordhan. Speaking at an International Project Finance Association (IPFA) event in Sandton, Mr Gordhan was adamant that negotiations between the national government and the private sector would substantially increase the number of infrastructure developments completed. “Moves like this are where we can make the most significant impact on our global competitiveness as a country. We continue to score poorly in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitive Index and we have to come to terms with the fact that we cannot boost the competitiveness of our economy, boost sustainable infrastructure growth and boost job creation by doing more than agreeing to the ideals of a plan,” he said. By getting the national government and private sector together in one room, Gordhan said that many problems currently facing the industry would be solved. One of the biggest issues government has is that they believed they overpaid on previous public–private partnerships (PPP). “Let’s use the prison example. Government had a description of the sort of prison it wanted to have; if you had a look at the description it looked like a 5-star hotel. Instead of the private sector coming back and saying that it is not very functional, now we have something that is way too expensive. It costs us around R75,000 a year for one prisoner per year; a pensioner gets R1,200 a month. If you weigh up those two things; here is a guy who has done something wrong so we lock him up.
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Ketso Gordhan, CEO of PPC Ltd. The reality is it is costing us that much money each year, it just doesn’t sound right,” he said. Regarding previous sectors in the PPP arena, Gordhan believes there are three reasons why success has been experienced in the last 15 years. Firstly, it was due to a strong political will to get the job done. “If there is a strong political will to get something done, the chances of success are much higher. We saw that with the Gautrain project; it was because the MEC, Premier and the national government really wanted the project to get done,” he explained. Secondly, the existence of strong officials on projects was crucial. “They knew how to get the decisions through the various mechanisms in government, how to interact with the private sector, and how to get the best advice to make things to happen. A strong official makes a huge difference.” Gordhan believes that the third reason was the combination of all of these and the existence of a very simple transparent process with a clear allocation of risk. “If all these things are present there will be no debates about who should be doing what. Once you have a clearcut mechanism for dealing with the project, the chances of success improve immensely.”
sahf
Conference
Public Private Partnerships International Conference, Exhibition & Housing Awards 15 - 19 September 2013 Southern Sun, Cape Sun, Strand Street, Cape Town
Zou Kota-Fredericks Deputy Minister: National Department of Human Settlements, SA
Mr Xolile George CEO: South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
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ow is the time for the public service to act decisively and implement Public Private Partnerships to a much greater degree in support of the sustainable development of human settlements. With urban areas straining under greater pressure from the rapid growth of informal settlements, local authorities need to implement a range of housing options which can only succeed with joint ventures. “With distressing statistics about rising cost burdens, increasing foreclosure rates, rising unemployment, falling wages, and widespread homelessness, building affordable housing is one of our most pressing social policy problems.” – Nestor M. Davidson and Robin Paul Malloy
Mr Olebogeng Mojaki Strategic Housing Planner: Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Mr Preston Prince Senior Vice President: National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), USA
This four-day accredited, peer reviewed conference will expose delegates to the latest housing information, will focus on ‘Public Private Partnerships’ and will be attended by 400 delegates, including government ministers, provincial and local authority officials, as well as private organisations involved in building a more prosperous South Africa. The conference will highlight the development of housing associations, public services, innovation and green policies, social and rental housing, the built environment, education and training and the Cape Town for World Design Capital 2014 initiative.
PROGRAMME Sun, 15 Sept 2013
• Welcome Cocktail Function and opening of Exhibition
18h00
Mon, 16 Sept 2013
• Official opening of Conference - Speaker Sessions • Wine Tasting of premier South African Wines
09h15 - 17h00 17h00
Tue, 17 Sept 2013
• Conference - Speaker Sessions • African Evening Experience Gala Dinner & Housing Awards - moyo, Spier Wine Estate
09h00 - 16h00 19h00
Wed, 18 Sept 2013
• Conference - Speaker Sessions • Official visit to the Houses of Parliament
09h00 - 13h00 14h00 - 16h00
Thurs, 19 Sept 2013
• Technical Housing Tour of Public and Private Developments
09h00 - 15h00
Contact: events@sahf.org.za; Tel: +27 (0) 21 987 7950; Fax: 086 528 1398
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SAHF Education & Training 4-day introductory human settlements workshop/course Overview SAHF Education & Training offers the opportunity to enrol for an SAHF-accredited four-day Human Settlements Certificate Course for housing professionals, local authority officials and town planning staff. The course is designed to introduce people to the philosophy and benefits of implementing sustainable human settlements and to draw delegates’ attention to two main subjects, namely Land and Housing Development, in particular the development of virgin land and the methods of its continuous upgrading, including the latest designs in green urban layout and mixed land use. The four day workshop/course will include presentations by professionals in the field of Human Settlements. Up-todate information will be presented by the SHRA (Social Housing Regulatory Authority), the NHBRC (National Home Builders Registration Council), a senior project manager from a Metro Council, as well as an emerging contractor. The course lectures are co-ordinated and presented by Dr. Toni Lamont, a qualified Town and Regional Planner and Sociologist with vast experience on the dynamics of Human Settlements Development, with over four decades of tertiary education and housing experience, social consultancy and research.
SAHF Class of 2012.
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The four-day course consists of the following modules: • • • • • • • • • • •
The Housing Act No.107 of 1997 Millennium Development Goals Land Reform Social and Community Rental Policies Municipal Infrastructure Grant Programmes Housing Finance Consumerism National Environmental Management Act Social Impact Assessment Property Associations Act
And more
The course fee covers: • • • • •
Lecture Notes Technical Housing Tour Refreshments Lunch Wine Tasting
Venue: Cape Sun, Strand Street, Cape Town Date: 16 - 19 September 2013 For further information or to register please email education@sahf.org.za or call 021 987 7950.
sahf
SAHF Education & Training 3-day collaborative housing development workshop/course Overview Government everywhere finds it very difficult to achieve real and lasting success in low-income housing without involving communities and other stakeholders in the process. Community-based organisations have also found it difficult to become successful developers without a strong association with government and other sectors. However, the greatest challenge for either party has been to reach out and create the collaborations across sectors that are so essential. Development professionals have been trained to serve their paymasters, not to enable collaborations. Although collaboration is so important it is invariably a last resort, by which time much goodwill and resources have been dissipated. This three-day course explores the nature of successful collaborations, the necessary ingredients, the required processes, the pitfalls to be anticipated and the skills that must be acquired. The course will be interactive and designed to help delegates apply the subject matter to their own circumstances. Day 1: will focus on the principles, possibilities and processes of collaborative development and require delegates to formulate a collaborative process and programme to apply to a project of their choice. Day 2: will concentrate upon the structures, agreements and linkages necessary to accommodate such a collaborative process and will enable delegates to add form and structure to their proposed process. Day 3: will address how process and structure can be integrated, managed and enabled to achieve sustained success. Delegates will receive a pack of documents on registration – mainly strategic design diagrams and tables rather than lengthy texts. The course will be directed at anyone who is responsible for managing, implementing or facilitating constructive responses to low-cost housing issues, or who would like to play such a role. Delegates may therefore come from the public sector (municipalities, provincial departments, housing agencies), civil society (NGOs, community-based organisations or welfare groups) or the private sector (e.g. consultants, project coordinators & facilitators) – the more diverse the better.
Applicants will be required in advance to complete the preliminary section of the Course Evaluation Form by providing reasons for their interest in collaboration and a brief outline of the projects and challenges that they wish to address. This information will be used in three ways: to help inform the nature of the course input; it will be summarised in a directory of all delegates to promote intercommunication; and it will provide each delegate with a baseline from which to complete the Course Evaluation Form at the end of the programme.
Course Presenter Gerry Adlard is a Development Consultant who has facilitated a variety of collaborative responses to the housing needs of the poor since 1984, most notably by coordinating the ‘iSLP’ the state's R1.2 billion flagship integrated development project from 1992 to 2005. He has consulted to provincial and local government, organised business, the United Nations Development Programme in Southern Sudan and the World Bank Institute. In recent years he has focused on the incremental and participative improvement of informal settlements, the creation of partnerships for that purpose and on researching the application of large-scale crosssector collaboration, on which he is compiling a book for publication. He is now devoted to fostering a new generation of development enablers and to the application of collaborative techniques to other spheres of development.
Venue: University of Stellenbosch, Bellville Campus, Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville, Cape Town Date: 9-11 October 2013 The course fee covers lecture notes, refreshments and lunch.
For further information or to register please email education@sahf.org.za or call 021 987 7950.
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Cement & Concrete
100 years of Slurry PPC Ltd., South Africa’s largest producer of cement, celebrates 100 years since the founding of its iconic Slurry cement factory near Mafikeng in the North West Province.
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rom its early beginnings, in 1913, the Slurry factory quickly turned the South African cement industry into a competitive and flourishing market, growing annual cement production from 60 000 tons to 128 000 tons annually. Situated on the borders of old Transvaal, in 1916, the factory produced its first lot of cement and from then on, has been operating at full capacity, breaking production records in quick succession. It is unclear who dubbed the factory ‘Slurry,’ which is the name of the mixed raw materials of the cement industry when the wet manufacturing process is used. But at the time, the name was apt, as the factory utilised a wet process. It was only in the 1950s that PPC changed the cement manufacturing process from a wet to a dry process for which Slurry was altered accordingly – but the name still stuck. General Manager at PPC Slurry, Frikkie Van Zyl said, “Leaders have come and gone, markets have risen and fallen, our products and processes have evolved over time, innovation and cost-saving opportunities have been exploited. Throughout all this, the one constant thing has been the reliability of our incredible team. Day after day (and many a night), the people of Slurry have worked tirelessly to keep the business running. They have cultivated a ‘can-do’ culture that is sustained by teamwork, a sense of ownership and accountability, and taking pride
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in what they do. We do it together, properly, or we don’t do it at all.” “We move with confidence and excitement into the second century and we are mindful of our responsibility and privilege, to build a new link in the Slurry chain – a link that unites our past with future generations of the Slurry family,” he said. PPC Chief Executive Officer, Ketso Gordhan said the company wants to optimise its current operations, and in particular the Slurry, Dwaalboom and De Hoek plants. “Slurry’s expansion process is currently under way and its manufacturing resources and capable team will play a leading role in ensuring we achieve our objectives,” said Gordhan. “By continuously investing in our people and plants, the company has built a strong foundation on which much of our country and region rests. PPC has a truly remarkable history and a proud heritage. For over 120 years this company has used the vision, courage and sheer determination of its leaders and their teams to navigate a course through the nation’s rich, invigorating and, at times, challenging history. Long may our journey continue,” said Gordhan. Follow PPC on Twitter @PPCisCement, like us on www.facebook.com/PPC.Cement and visit us at www.ppc.co.za.
Connect with global property sustainability experts who have chosen to design and build green. The Green Building Council South Africa and the World Green Building Council are collectively powering The Global Green Building Convention 2013 in Cape Town. This premier event gathers the largest network of influencers and key decision makers in the global green building industry.
Reserve your place now.
OE/57526/SA
Contact us on 0861 042 272 or visit www.gbcsa-convention.org.za
Principal Sponsor
Sewage & Reticulation
New extrusion line enables DPI Plastics to produce 630mm PVC pipes
DPI Plastics, a leading manufacturer of water reticulation, drainage and pipe-fitting systems in South Africa, is due to begin production of its new 630mm bore PVC pipes in July 2013, following the final installation of its new Krauss Maffei extrusion line.
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PI Plastics' technical and product manager, Renier Snyman notes that the company identified the need to increase the maximum bore of its PVC pipe range from 500mm to 630mm, following numerous queries from the local market. "After completing a thorough market study in late 2012, we identified significant potential for 630mm PVC pipes in bulk water and sewerage applications, and made the decision to install the new extrusion lineat our Johannesburg factory in early 2013." Snyman highlights the fact that the German-engineered Krauss Maffei extrusion line is capable of producing approximately 22 tons of PVC pipe per day.
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"The extrusion line is expected to be fully installed by mid-July 2013, and this high production volume will provide a cost-effective solution and competitive turnaround times for large scale projects." In the past, DPI Plastics' only solution for large scale projects was to lay two parallel 500mm pipelines. Due to the fact that a 630mm pipeline offers higher outputs, Snyman points out that only one single pipeline is now required. "This ensures substantial savings with regards to materials purchase and transportation costs, and also significantly reduces installation times and associated costs, as a direct result of less material being required," he continues.
Sewage & Reticulation
According to Snyman, the new extrusion line will also open up new avenues of growth for PVC as a competitor in the bulk water, stormwater and sewerage industries - which are currently dominated by materials such as steel and concrete. "PVC is more cost-effective and boasts a longer life expectancy when compared to industry standard steel and concrete." Snyman explains that steel and concrete are often prone to significant corrosion damage over extended periods. "In addition to having superior corrosion resistance properties, PVC is also highly durable, with low frictional resistance and low wave celerity, thereby ensuring resistance to surges," he adds. DPI Plastics will be manufacturing a total of three 630mm PVC piping products using the new Krauss Maffei extrusion line, namely a SANS 966 approved uPVC pipe with pressure ratings up to 9 Bar, a SANS 966 approved mPVC pipe with pressure ratings up to 12 Bar and a SANS 791-approved underground sewerage and drainage pipe, which is available in both standard duty and heavy duty options. In addition to being readily available in South Africa, Snyman indicates that the entire new 630mm PVC piping range will be exported into Africa too. "Our clients in Africa have shown a considerable amount of interest in the 630mm PVC piping range. With continued infrastructural development taking place across the continent, I am confident that the new range can obtain measurable market share within a relatively short period of time." Looking further ahead, Snyman believes that the introduction of the 630mm PVC pipe is essential to the long term sustainability of DPI Plastics. "In a constantly evolving market, it is important to proactively adapt to changes, and by installing the new Krauss Maffei extrusion line, DPI Plastics is not only increasing its output capability, but also exposing itself to new markets. This falls in line with the company's focus to remain recognised as a top quality PVC pipe manufacturer," he concludes.
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cement & concrete
First Sephaku Cement artisans trained prove their mettle Any of those from our first group of qualified artisans, born and bred in the commnities surrounding our plants will be an asset to their employer, says Sephaku Cement Chief Executive Officer, Pieter Fourie.
Chris Van Aswegen, Reliability Engineer at Sephaku Cement together with three of the successful artisans, Ernest Pule, Reginald Thafe and Kealeboga Solomon Mosiane.
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ephaku Cement recently celebrated its first grouping of new artisans, trained through an Artisan Development Programme that is facilitated and fully sponsored by the company. The learners passed rigorous Trade Tests to conclude the two year course, which includes theoretical and workplace experience, making them either specialist fitter and turners or electricians. “We have walked closely with the learners these past years, providing them with funding, mentorship and guidance,” explains Fourie. Despite not having existing cement production operations, Sephaku Cement found an appropriate solution through which to invest in skills development within Lichtenburg and Delmas-based communities. Lafarge agreed to host the learners for theoretical training and during the period the learners spent 14 months working at Exxaro’s Delmas facility, where they completed their experiential training. One of the spinoffs for the artisan learner group was the teamwork that it built up over the qualification period. Now a qualified fitter and turner, Reginald Thafe (25) from Mahikeng in the North West Province had applied for three consecutive years prior to finding the Sephaku Cement programme.
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He says, “We had to work as a team, supporting each other, especially in the on site training that challenged us with real life work experience.” To be an electrician was a dream for Solomon Mosiane (33) from Matile Village. “Sephaku Cement has helped me. If it was not for them I don't know where I would have been,” he says. Ernest Pule from the Bodibe Village was previously a bricklayer who had done his N1 and N2 in Civil Engineering. Now a qualified fitter and turner he notes, “I am something because of Sephaku. They have given us support all the time. It was not easy for us and they have made life easier for me.” These guys, concludes Fourie, have more than just ticked the boxes required in their Trade Tests. "They have mastered a complex set of scarce skills that we need in our developmental economy. To us, they have proved beyond a doubt that training partnerships with people from the communities in which we operate can be very successful.”
Events
Master Builders South Africa Congress 2013
Boost the building industry From 29 September to 1 October 2013, Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) - the leading representative body in the building industry and the national body of the provincial Master Builders Associations and its affiliated members - will be hosting its annual Congress at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in Fourways, Johannesburg.
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he theme for this year’s Congress is ‘Building South Africa: Bridging the gap,’ which aims to address the subjects of transformation, skills, standards and sustainability within the building and construction industry. As SA’s leading construction body, the MBSA Congress brings together role players from different aspects of the industry including industry leaders, built environment professionals, academia, youth and member associations, as well as the public sector. This is an opportunity to exchange information, participate in discussions and gain insight from the speakers and has the aim of facilitating collaboration that will contribute to the development of the industry and the country. “The industry has noted a slight but gradual recovery in 2013, which has contributed to industry confidence and growth, albeit slow. This makes the 2013 Congress an ideal opportunity to address challenges our members’ businesses face, look at ways to enhance skills capacity and review important infrastructure projects and opportunities in South Africa and the rest of the continent,” says MBSA Executive Director, Tumi Dlamini. Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba – whose department and its state-owned entities are responsible for the vast majority of public infrastructure spend – has confirmed that he will be this year’s key note speaker. “Over and above gaining insight from the Minister’s address, the Congress provides a great opportunity to understand local and global best practices, keep up to date with leading and innovative trends, to network with industry members and to see who the top performers are in the Health and Safety Awards,” adds Dlamini.
MBSA Executive Director, Tumi Dlamini.
All members of the building and construction industry are invited to attend the MBSA Congress. For engineers, architects, construction managers, regulators or contractors both large and small the Congress is an important event on the industry calendar to address issues effecting businesses. Construction managers, engineers and architects attending the Congress will gain Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available to companies wishing to support the event and ensure visibility of their brand, products and services to industry players. For more information, please visit www.mbsacongress.co.za.
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Sewage & Reticulation
Minister officially opens emergency pipeline supplied by Incledon Leading fluid conveyance and pumping solutions provider, Incledon has assisted the Msukaligwa Municipality in successfully completing an emergency bulk water supply line, after providing over R7-million worth of pipes to the project, which was officially opened on June 15 by the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa.
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project with 355mm bore high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, manufactured by Aquaflow – a South African market brand leader in the manufacture and supply of a wide range of extruded piping products.
The emergency bulk water pipeline consists of a 350mm diameter bulk gravity feeder main that will provide raw water to the northern water treatment works and southern water treatment works, in order to address the current shortages at Douglas Dam and Willem Brummer Dam. Incledon was contracted in February 2013 to supply the
According to Incledon Civils sales representative, Mac McLaren, HDPE was selected as the material of choice, due to its high impact strength, low friction characteristics and resistance to ultra-violet (UV) radiation. "UV resistance is an especially important benefit for an above ground pipeline that is exposed to the damaging effects of sunshine throughout the course of the day."
he 12km-long above-ground temporary pipeline will connect residents and businesses in the Wesselton, Ermelo and Phumula regions directly to a water purification plant, following months of irregular and insufficient water supply.
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Sewage & Reticulation
McLaren adds that the lightweight properties of HDPE also offer environmental advantages, as more products can be loaded onto a truck, thereby reducing carbon emissions caused by additional journeys. "Due to its light weight, HDPE is also quicker and easier to install than steel, which ensures further savings. The SANS 4427-approved pipes were delivered to the project by Incledon in 9m lengths, and have pressure ratings varying between 10 bar and 16 bar." Molewa notes that the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs is committed to assisting the Msukaligwa Municipality, which falls under the greater Gert Sibande District Municipality, in providing water to the local communities, with a number of interventions implemented in direct response to the water crises in the region. Part of the long-term solution under consideration is a parallel process for the provision of a permanent technical solution to provide water to the Ermelo and Wesselton service area through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant, which is worth approximately R32-million and should be completed by October this year, according to Molewa. “A further R335-million is earmarked for the Msukaligwa Water Supply Scheme for Ermelo, Wesselton and Breyton,” she adds. Having successfully supplied large volumes of piping products to numerous municipalities across South Africa, McLaren is confident of the future outlook for Incledon. “For more than a century, Incledon has been recognised as a preferred supplier to municipalities nationwide, due to the company’s excellent reputation for providing top quality products that are backed-up by unrivalled aftersales support,” he concludes.
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news
MBA North and Khuthaza to expand areas of joint co-operation Master Builders Association North and Khuthaza have agreed to continue and expand its current programme of mutually beneficial co-operation, aimed at fostering the interests of both organisations.
Elizabeth O’Leary, executive director of Khuthaza (centre), pictured at this year’s MBA North AGM with two graduates of Khuthaza training, Rose Tsenase (left), and Maria Sono (right), who now own successful contracting companies.
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ed by executive director, Elizabeth O’Leary, Khuthaza is a non-profit organisation which seeks to encourage and contribute to the development of a transformed and thriving construction industry in which women play a respected and integral role. O’Leary recently briefed the MBA North executive committee on Khuthaza’s operations and areas of mutual co-operation between the two organisations were discussed. She told the committee that Khuthaza aims to prepare women for entrance into the housing and other construction-related professions, to encourage entrepreneurship and support women throughout their career and business life cycles. “Through advocacy, training and support Khuthaza aims to empower women to play a leading role in the housing and construction sectors. Our vision is to create an environment in which women have equal access to opportunities in housing and construction,” she told the meeting. Aspects such as sharing information regarding tenders and database registration, intern opportunities for new contractors at larger companies, and generally working together to facilitate access to experience and work, access to finance, as well as contractual issues were among areas of joint co-operation conceptually raised at the meeting for further discussion and future implementation. O’Leary said through this partnership with MBA North, Khuthaza aims to:
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• Create a mutually beneficial relationship based on regular engagement and communication; • Promote collaborative engagement to create a more enabling environment for contractor development and transformation; • Work together to leverage resources, facilitate industry interaction and promote and deliver Enterprise Development services and support; • Promote best practice and communicate success stories relating to BBBEE and contractor development, including the successes of MBA North members; • Provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge, experience, skills and opportunities; and • Provide the industry with a wider range of opportunities to contribute to transformation and capacity development within the industry. Deon Landmann, MBA North Education, Training and Transformation Manager, says MBA North admires and respects Khuthaza’s efforts in uplifting the role of women in construction, particularly transforming the lives of women from the previously disadvantaged sector. “MBA North – which is also fully committed to transformation – has already co-operated with and assisted Khuthaza in several aspects such as Small Builder Training and Health and Safety. We intend joining forces wherever possible in future to assist Khuthaza which, in turn, will encourage its members to join MBA North,” Landmann stated.
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