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South Africa’s dire need to address poverty and unemployment could be solved with the implementation of an Infrastructure Marshal Plan, which would focus on growing and rebuilding essential infrastructure that creates much needed employment, dignity and hope for the future. The big question is: how can we build resilient infrastructure for rural South Africa?

This was the essential message presented to delegates by Shawn Gama, CEO of Zimile Consulting Engineers, at the 13^th Rural Development Conference for Africa, which recently took place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Gama’s solution is an engineering driven, ‘eat the elephant’ approach that should begin with life sustaining projects. Citing Greenpeace’s “Water Crisis In South Africa” article from 2022, he states that about 19% of rural South Africa lacks access to reliable water supply and 33% do not have basic sanitation services. “Let’s not even get into the need for sustainable housing, roads, health care facilities, bridges and so much more!” he said.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are an imperative for South Africa, Gama stressed, and added that we need to ask ourselves the following – how do we:

1. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all?
2. Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation?
3. Work together to develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and climate resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all?
4. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable?

The country’s National Development Plan for 2030 highlights that South Africa needs to create more employment, decent work, and sustainable livelihoods to improve the living standards and ensure the dignified existence for all South Africans.

Gama explained that this can be achieved through unlocking infrastructure spend and building sustainable infrastructure that lasts for generations to come.

“The drive to develop urban infrastructure as the key for economic growth, should not be at the expense of ignoring development of rural areas. Rural infrastructure development has not been fully realised. So how do we get it right?” Gama asked his audience a critical question.

He further indicated the need for the reduction and the management of rural to urban migration. Gama highlighted that as a result of inadequate economic opportunities in rural areas, rural to urban migration has resulted in 67.85% of the total South African population living in urban areas and cities in 2021. This is according to a research expert from Statista.

Eight ways out of the poverty trap

Gama has proposed the following solutions:

1. Vigorously drive the elimination of corruption within government and the private sector.
2. Projects should focus on quality more than costs.
3. Leverage the power of innovation and technology in delivering cost effective projects.
4. Vigorously drive the professionalisation of the Public Sector.
5. Drive community engagement as priority in project implementation from concept stages until completion.
6. Building sustainable and smart infrastructure.
7. Improve procurement processes by removing red tapes and shortening the turnaround times to appoint service providers.
8. Partnering with reliable consulting engineering firms.

The role of a consulting engineer is key to delivery, Gama said.“Consulting engineers play a pivotal role in designing, developing and delivering the infrastructure that supports our lives and propels our economies forward. They possess a unique set of skills that enable them to tackle complex challenges and find sustainable solutions. Their expertise goes beyond technical knowledge; it encompasses creativity, critical thinking, project management, and effective communication.”

Over the past 10 years, Zimile has worked on numerous projects in rural areas, delivering impactful results that have transformed communities.

This past year alone, the company was involved in over 27 projects covering various disciplines, such as water, roads, stormwater, and project management. “Throughout our journey, we have consistently prioritized community engagement as a fundamental element of project management and implementation.”

Gama concluded: “By partnering with reliable consulting engineering firms, who share these values, as a country we can overcome the challenges that hinder progress and drive positive change in our society. So to all the stakeholders here, together, we can forge a path toward sustainable development and progress.”

For the first time ever, two vanguards of South African creativity — Design Joburg and 100% Design Africa — are coming together for one must-see showcase of the future of South African design, interiors, architecture, art and culture.

Running simultaneously alongside Decorex Joburg from 3 to 6 August 2023, 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg will provide showgoers with a chance to discover new design possibilities in one curated space. One entry ticket grants access to all three shows, which will take place across four levels of the Sandton Convention Centre.

The combined 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg hall, located on Level 2, is brought to life with show partner Sanlam Private Wealth. The collocation of the shows grants guests access to an unparalleled display of product design, furniture, textiles, graphic design, art and fashion from over 60 dynamic brands.

Get a glimpse of what to expect from this remarkable shared exhibition.

The brightest young designers

The South African design industry wouldn’t be what it is today without the scores of up-and-coming designers who are constantly shaping the future of the industry.

Stand-out young talents who are exhibiting in the shared 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg hall include Thabo Kopele, Khwebula Arts and Siyababa Atelier.South African Fashion Week 2020 Scouting Menswear finalist Thabo Kopele will display a collection of his latest fashion pieces at the Rising Talent stand, while Sipho Khwebula Twala of Khwebula Arts will showcase the adventurous carpentry that is the hallmark of his artistic furniture pieces. African avant-garde fashion designer Siyabonga Mtshali will exhibit Siyababa Atelier’s elevated luxury pieces.

Setting the scene for the exhibition as a whole is an exciting entrance feature created in collaboration with a number of brands and curated by Clout/SA. Also courtesy of Clout/SA is a presentation of pieces by emerging South African talent. This includes Kalki Ceramics, winner of Nando’s Hot Young Designer Talent Search in 2022. The Durban-based bespoke ceramic studio run by Nindya Bucktowar and Nikhil Tricam will exhibit its winning Cactus server.

Stylish sofas, chairs and more

Designer furniture is undoubtedly one of the most prominent features of the combined 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg hall, with over 10 brands showing off their take on the latest trends for home and office. Expect stands from leading local and international exhibitors such as Roche Bobbois, Entrawood, Stripped Collective, Studio Delta, Organic Empire, KARE and more.

Peruse the Sofa Company’s Scandi-inspired sofas, armchairs, daybeds and sleeper couches before moving to the nearby LIM stand for locally manufactured minimalist furniture and homeware. 

Unearthing new design talent

Alongside a display of some of the hottest furniture, rugs, accessories and lighting from around the globe, importers of luxury European lighting and furniture CRÉMA will unveil their exciting new Light On design competition.

Students and designers from South Africa are invited to showcase their creativity by submitting an innovative table lamp design for a chance to see their lamp come to life and win R20 000. A panel of esteemed judges, including a member of the Decorex committee, will select one winner from nationwide entries to be manufactured and sold by CRÉMA Design. Find out more about the competition, which will run until 3 November 2023, at the CRÉMA stand.

Treasured textiles

Visitors can immerse themselves in the extraordinary world of textiles, appreciating their beauty and cultural significance, and the remarkable skill that goes into their creation.

Using felted wool, local textile designer Ronel Jordaan creates stunning tactile designs inspired by forms and textures found in nature. Explore rock cushions, pebble carpets, dreadlock cushions and more at her stand.

The Keiskamma Art Project, based in Hamburg, Eastern Cape, produces major textile artworks in aid of archiving the rural Eastern Cape’s collective memory and the preservation of oral history. There will be a special curated display on show, created in collaboration with Clout/SA.

The future of design

Following the Future of Design’s debut at Decorex Cape Town in June 2023, a fresh lineup of speakers and exhibitors will ignite conversation in Joburg. Taking place on an even grander scale, this talks studio and related exhibition space is one of the main features of the combined Design Joburg/100% Design Africa hall.

Attendees will be able to access a range of free talks by industry experts, collaborative workshops, live demonstrations, and interactive physical and digital displays that tackle the future of creativity and innovation.

The lineup of all-star speakers includes Candice Erasmus, the founder of Connect Everything Collective, an independent media space and agency capturing the zeitgeist of South Africa’s creative arts community.

Art on show

The Candice Berman Gallery will present works by leading South African contemporary artists, including Robert Hodgins, Sam Nhlengethwa, Nkosinathi Thomas Ngulube, Zolile Phetshane and John Vusi Mfupi.

The newly opened Johannesburg-based USURPA Gallery, the first fine-art NFT gallery in South Africa, will follow its Decorex Cape Town debut with a stand featuring digital artworks by local artists such as Seth Pimental and Naledi Modupi on futuristic Samsung Frame technology.

Multi-award-winning ceramicists Andile Dyalvane and Zizipho Poswa’s studio Imiso Ceramics will also present hand-crafted, collectible, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Show times:

Thursday 3 August 10h00-18h00

Friday 4 August 10h00-18h00

Saturday 5 August 10h00-18h00

Sunday 6 August 10h00-17h00

Venue:

Sandton Convention Centre , 161 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton 2196.

Parking

Ample parking is available for visitors at both Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City parking lots which offer easy access to the Sandton Convention Centre. For those who would like to skip searching for a parking space, e-hailing options are easily accessible.

In the lead-up to the weekend…

The trade-focused Joburg Decor & Design Week kicks off the week on 31 July with a comprehensive city-wide programme of events that culminates in 100% Design Africa, Design Joburg and Decorex Joburg.

For more information visit www.decorex.co.za. For regular updates follow @100percentdesignafrica on Instagram and Facebook, and @designjoburg on Instagram and Facebook.

During its three decades of existence, Decorex has become the most anticipated design, decor and lifestyle show in South Africa, offering a platform for businesses to sell to and connect with the general public. It has also, over this period, encouraged creatives to reimagine their effect on the environment and find innovative modes of production that better respect the planet. This year’s 30^th-anniversary show will shine an even brighter spotlight on sustainability, with plans to create a prototype of a light-footprint exhibition stand and exhibit a medley of chairs made using low-impact methods. 

In The State of the Industry Report released by Decorex at the end of 2022, for which it interviewed various players in the local decor, design and interiors industry, the message was clear: creative professionals are increasingly being influenced by sustainability in their businesses, with key focus areas being recycled materials, and local production and sourcing to reduce their carbon footprint. Design companies are recognising their role in positively shaping people’s choices by educating them about conscious consumption. “This is us saying, as an industry, that we’re no longer going to let change happen to us,” says Bielle Bellingham, Creative Director of Decorex Africa. “We’re going to choose the change that we’d like to happen.”

We’ve rounded up seven of the exhibitors who will bring their sustainable vision to Decorex 2023. 

No waste

Re-Create by Incanda is a range of design-driven products crafted from offcut materials that come from Incanda’s furniture-manufacturing factory. Leftover pieces of leather, fabric, wood and steel are developed into functional items such as tissue-box covers, placemats, laptop stands and more, reducing the waste that would normally go to landfill.

@incanda_re_create

Natural materials

LTT Fragrances was started by three friends who began experimenting with budget-friendly scents for the home. By creating hand-poured scented candles from pure soy wax, they discovered that nature is the greatest purveyor of materials. Using natural soybeans and only the finest fragrance oils, they manufacture candles that burn clearer, last longer and hold more fragrance than those containing chemicals. 

@lttfragrances

Hand crafted

A far cry from mass-produced surface coverings, Akashic Tiles’s modern and vintage-style ceramic tiles are individually crafted by hand in its Knysna studio. Whether glazed in colour or left as raw terracotta clay, each statement-making tile has the personal imprint of an artisan.  

@akashic_tiles

Chemical-free

Staying abreast with the times, Plascon’s range of eco-conscious paints include Africa’s first roof paints that are entirely free of APEO chemicals, Velvaglo water-based paints that reduce the negative impact on human and environmental well-being, and a paint with air-purifying technology. Look out for Plascon’s black buckets – they are made from up to 70% upcycled material.

@plasconsa

Long lasting

Bloom Space has dedicated its business to the floral artform of ‘forever flowers’, aka preserved flora. Where fresh cuts require constant watering and sometimes only last a few days, dried blooms and foliage require no maintenance, offering a colourful sustainable alternative that includes everything from pampas to hydrangeas.

@bloomspace_za

Locally sourced

“How we create matters” is one of Entrawood’s business slogans. That’s why the office-furniture company ensures that at least 90% of the raw materials used to produce its desks, chairs, storage, screen dividers and more come from South Africa, with everything manufactured locally at its factory in Harrismith. 

@entrawood

Environmentally conscious

Producing some of the world’s leading surface solutions, Spanish company Cosentino maintains a strong philosophy around sustainability. The Cosentino Industrial Park, where its factories are situated, has a water-recovery plant, uses solar energy and has developed a greenbelt around the property to protect the surrounding natural environment.

@cosentinosouthafrica

Decorex Cape Town, 22-25 June, CTICC

Decorex Joburg, 3-6 August, Sandton Convention Centre

Decorex Africa, along with its partner shows 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg, will host the first-ever Decor and Design Week in both CT and JHB in the week leading up to the shows.

For more information, ticket sales and media enquiries and downloads, visit Decorex, 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg. For regular updates follow @decorexafrica on Instagram and Facebook, @100percentdesignafrica on Instagram and  Facebook and @designjoburg on Instagram and Facebook.

Proudly South African has for 21 years sounded a clarion call to all the citizens of the nation to come together and join the pursuit of stimulating local procurement through influencing consumers to buy local and stimulate job creation within our country. It is through this shared passion of localisation that we as a campaign are honoured to announce that Macsteel, the steel giant that boasts over 100 years of being in the steel industry has joined the Buy Local movement as one of our newest members and has committed to help create jobs by driving localised steel use.  

With the unemployment rate in South Africa at a staggering rate of 32.7% and youth unemployment at an excess of 45.3%, meaning that 2 in 3 youths are unemployed, this calls for aggressive action. The numbers paint a dreary picture for the country and almost make it seem as if the nation does not have any hope to turn this discouraging situation around. However, true to the nature of South Africans, there is almost always a rainbow after a storm.  

Macsteel is the proverbial rainbow that exists within the steel sector. The company’s tagline “Pursuing Reinvention” rings especially true for two reinvented business units within the group Macsteel Express and Harvey Eco Tile – on their journey to enhance job creation by diversifying their product ranges and driving entrepreneurship through providing working capital and competitive steel prices, to boost businesses to grow and remain sustainable. 

“Since the establishment of Macsteel in 1904, the steel giant has proven itself to be a tried and trusted player in the steel industry, with a rich history of manufacturing, merchandising, and distributing steel and value-added steel products. Macsteel boasts a network of over 40 service centres, branches, and warehouses and a whopping workforce of almost 3000 people, Macsteel walks the talk in creating jobs for communities within Southern Africa. Macsteel also currently sources 85% of its steel products locally and has all its production done locally,” says Mike Benfield, CEO of Macsteel. 

This of course, is great news considering that the steel sector represents 1.5% of the country’s GDP and that iron and steel is one of our country’s top ten exports. South Africa’s investment promotion agency Invest SA says that in 2022 South Africa exported iron and steel to the value of US $6.58 billion. For every 1 000 tons of steel produced locally, it adds R9.2million to the GDP; provides three jobs directly and three indirectly; enables domestic procurement spend of R5.3 million, of which half a million rands is spent with SMMEs; and gives rise to products that contribute to industrialisation. This gives us a clearer picture of the importance our iron and steel sector within the context of job creation and potential alleviation of poverty and unemployment in our country.  

Said Eustace Mashimbye, CEO of Proudly SA, “We are proud of the commitment Macsteel has made to the localisation movement and to helping combat the rife unemployment that takes away the dignity of our people, perpetuating social ills in our communities and pushing youth into dangerous lifestyles of crime and drug use. We urge other businesses to follow in their footsteps and to ringfence substantial amounts of their budget for local products only. That is how we can make a change in our economic landscape. It takes a communal effort to effect change within our society, and as role players of our country’s economy, not one of us can afford to not make an effort to turn the tide on our country’s unemployment challenges. We simply have no choice but to buy local to create jobs, concludes Mashimbye.”

For more information on Proudly South African, visit www.proudlysa.co.za

Under the brand Purform®, Sika is launching a newly developed polyurethane sealant technology. The new technology enhances the superiority of polyurethane regarding strength and durability and impresses through a very low monomer content. The latter enables Sika to manufacture more sustainable products that will meet future environmental and health regulations.

With the new Purform® polyurethane technology, Sika set another milestone in terms of sustainable product development. The innovation enables Sika to substantially lower the monomeric di-isocyanate content in its products and to create solutions with content below 0.1%. Thus, Sika meets the new European Union REACH regulation valid as of 2023, which is the regulation adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment. With the Purform® technology, users can benefit from the unique performance of polyurethane at the lowest exposure and the highest level of work safety.

As of 2021, Purform® technology will be inside Sika’s most trusted brands, Sikaflex®, SikaBond®, SikaTack®, and SikaFloor®.

Sikaflex® Purform® MEANS PERFORMANCE: Sika has control of the whole polyurethane product manufacturing process, right through from the pre-polymers to the ready to use products. The new Sikaflex® Purform® polyurethane, through its simplicity and purity, gives our engineers the ability and scope for the development of products with all the performance you will need to meet the challenges of tomorrow today, such as more durable sealants and adhesives that can contribute to energy saving, lower fuel consumption and that are safe to apply.

Sikaflex® Purform® IS PURE: Purform® is “pure” because it starts at the very roots of polyurethane technology and gives us the additional controls to engineer even more perfect and pure pre-polymers products for many different applications. These new Sikaflex® Purform® pre-polymers therefore also allow the formulation of new products, with even better performance, whilst reducing the monomeric di-isocyanate levels, below the new thresholds required by REACH.

With this new technology Sika is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow with more durable sealants and adhesives with this new improved technology available in our professional favorites the Sikaflex® 11FC and Sikaflex® PRO 3.

Sikaflex® PRO-3 Purform® has all the pieces for reliable and durable sealing for multipurpose floor and civil engineering joint sealing. Sikaflex® PRO-3 Purform® offers superior mechanical properties combined with excellent weatherability and chemical resistance to master the daily movement and environmental impacts for years.

Sikaflex®-11 FC+ has Longer life: Higher resistance to hot and humid conditions and Less impact due to its ultra-low monomeric diisocyanate content.

With both these trusted products having the Next generation Sika polyurethane polymer – Sikaflex Purform it is ready faster as it has Rapid buildup of hardness and strength, also at lower temperature Polyurethane is the first choice for long lasting, reliable sealing and bonding withstanding even the most adverse conditions.

This makes Sikaflex® products with Purform® ready and competitive for the future. Sika polyurethane technology already provides the best set of performance criteria for most sealing and bonding applications. With Sikaflex® Purform® polyurethane technology the competitor’s main criticism of PU technology is now obsolete, and the direction is set for a completely new range of high-performance polyurethane products with ultra-low monomer content. Ready today, designed for tomorrow!

Prefabricated deployment, a construction process where building components are pre-built off-site in a controlled factory environment, is rapidly gaining popularity due to its many advantages over traditional on-site construction. Companies like TurnKey Modular are pioneering new fabrication methods for off-site construction and have extensive experience offering diverse prefabricated deployment solutions underpinned by technical innovation and a client-centric focus.

Recently, TurnKey Modular was tasked with designing and constructing a prefabricated solution for Sasol South Africa’s coarse ash dump project. The project required two modular structures, one of which is an 86-tonne building that is 8.5 meters wide by 20 meters long. “In terms of weight and area, it’s probably the biggest unit that we’ve done,” says Darrin Day, TurnKey Modular Operations Manager. The building holds both medium voltage and low voltage switching equipment, switching panels, DCDVs, and battery tripping units ACDB. Additionally, it has a segregated fire and explosion-resistant battery room to ensure optimal safety, as the oil and gas industry has stringent regulations which need to be adhered to. For instance, batteries in the room need to be “intrinsic safe”, which means that should there be a spark or flame, it’s all kept within an enclosure that won’t ignite any gases that may occur in the battery room. This is the third unit of its type designed by Turnkey Modular for Sasol South Africa.

What also sets TurnKey Modular apart is its commitment to safety consciousness. The company conducts meticulous route surveys and uses engineering expertise to ensure that big loads are transported safely. For instance, on the CAD project, a D9 dozer was riding behind the truck just in case it began sliding. This level of safety consciousness was also evident in the design of the buildings, which were carefully assessed after being assembled in a fully operational state inside TurnKey Modular headquarters in Germiston, Johannesburg.

The beauty of off-site construction is that the buildings on-site in Secunda look exactly how they looked on the Turnkey Modular floor. “We stood it in the shop with all that handrails, walkways, legs, everything,” adds Day. Before being loaded onto the truck, all the small components were removed and then sent separately on a truck. The substation is fully operational and tested before leaving the factory, and the only thing that needs to go in when it gets to site is the cables that go in and out.

Prefabricated deployment is the future of construction, and companies like TurnKey Modular are leading the way. They redefine what’s possible for off-site construction and ensure that every project they undertake is done with the utmost safety and precision. The CAD Project is an excellent example of their technical innovation and client-centric approach, and it’s no wonder that they’re quickly becoming the go-to company for off-site construction solutions in South Africa.

South Africa’s power grid has been a topic of concern for many years, with load shedding and power outages being a common occurrence. This has led many homeowners and businesses to consider going off the grid and finding alternative sources of energy. One such alternative is gas, and with the help of a registered gas practitioner, it is possible to safely remove your home or business from Eskom’s grid.

Using gas as an alternative source of energy has many benefits, including cost-effectiveness and reduced carbon emissions. It is important to note, however, that gas must be handled with care and that compliance with safety regulations is crucial. This is where a registered gas practitioner comes in.

A registered gas practitioner is a professional who is trained and qualified to work with gas systems. They can provide advice on the best gas systems for your home or business, install and maintain gas systems, and ensure that your gas system is compliant with safety regulations.

When using gas as a lifeline, it is important to ensure that your gas system is compliant with safety regulations. This includes regular maintenance and servicing of the system to ensure that it is functioning properly. It is also important to have an Electronic Certificate of Compliance (CoC). The paper book CoC is being phased out and will no longer be valid from April 1^st 2023, and an updated CoC is required every time there is repair, maintenance, or servicing done on gas systems.

While gas is an excellent alternative source of energy, it is not the only option out there. Other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can also be used to go off the grid depending on your business or home needs. However, gas is often the primary focus due to its accessibility, established and well-regulated industry in South Africa plus its ease of use. Gas systems are often easier to implement immediately versus the high costs of solar power solutions that can take much longer to save up for.

In conclusion, going off the grid is a viable option for homeowners and businesses in South Africa who are tired of dealing with load shedding and power outages. By using a registered gas practitioner, it is possible to safely remove your home or business from Eskom’s grid and use gas as an alternative source of energy. Compliance with safety regulations is crucial, and a CoC is required. Visit the SAQCC Gas website to find a local registered gas practitioner. The South African Qualification and Certification Committee for Gas (SAQCC Gas) is an integral part of the system that ensures safe gas installation and use in South Africa. It provides training and certification for gas practitioners and oversees compliance with safety regulations.

The construction market in Southern Africa demonstrates a strong resilience, paving the way for industry growth amidst a range of opportunities and challenges. Notably, infrastructure investment in South Africa is witnessing favorable developments with a substantial allocation of R2.6 billion being made for human settlement development over the upcoming three years in the Western Cape, along with an additional R100 million dedicated to enhancing the City’s strategic economic assets and informal trading infrastructure. These noteworthy initiatives represent a glimpse into the multitude of ongoing projects and innovative ideas across the region.

To discover more about these opportunities and the trends that could boost the industry, Big 5 Construct Southern Africa, now in its tenth year, continues to promote progress towards growing a strong, transparent, and transformed construction sector. “The event unites industry professionals, experts, and stakeholders in the built environment to exchange knowledge, showcase innovative solutions, and foster collaboration,” says Tracy-Lee Behr, Portfolio Director: Built Environment at dmg events. 

Taking place from 27-29 June 2023, Big 5 Construct Southern Africa offers contractors, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, designers, and property developers free and easy access to over 6000 products and technologies and 30 CPD accredited workshops, through partnership with the South African Institute of Building Design (SAIBD) and South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE). 

A broad selection of topics will be available covering key themes from architecture to real estate, concrete to green and smart construction and trends relevant to contractors. From reducing carbon in geotechnical construction, to learning about the benefits of quality assurance through product testing, there will be a lot of insight available. Discover how best to encourage the youth to join the industry, boosting job creation and innovation as bright minds bring about bright ideas.

Andiswa Xozwa, Managing Director of Okuhle Project Management says women deserve better representation in the industry and will be sharing practical solutions such as investing in women-owned businesses and creating a positive and diverse working environment across construction.

New to the programme this year is the Real Estate Talks. Broll Property Group CEO, Malcolm Horne will open discussions, setting the scene on real estate alongside Sean Berowsky, Broll’s Head of Capital Markets. Included in panel discussion topics, the intersection of opportunities in real estate, construction and technology, where PropTech solutions will be debated.  Surviving an (alleged) property crisis also gives rise to opportunities, which will be explored and moderated by Broll Integrated Facilities Management Chief Operations Officer, Batabile Sibaca. “The difficult economic realities require creating thinking and looking ahead with a sustainable lens, and real estate allows for plenty of green innovation,” Sibaca says.

Also on the agenda are African Smart Homes.  In the age of smart cities, the internet of things, big data and inter-connectivity, a smart home should be much more accessible, and has great potential on a continent like Africa[1]. Exploring this in greater detail, Dave Britany of Switch Smart will uncover the options available from quick improvements to entirely controlling a property remotely through a secure app.

Sustainability and growth are high on the agenda across this and co-located events this year. The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa Stakeholders Engagement Forum, hosted in partnership with NAFBI returns alongside Totally Concrete, the African Smart Cities Summit and the Big 5 Southern Africa Construction Impact Awards.

According to Frost & Sullivan Africa Partner and CEO, Hendrik Malan, who will be on the judging panel of the Awards, the South African construction industry is on an upwards trajectory. As of January, projects worth R232 billion were under construction, amidst activity by SANRAL awarding 323 tenders to the value of R59 billion by the close of its 2022/2023 financial year. SMMEs and communities stand to benefit through large-scale job creation, skills development, and poverty relief, and to counter a lack of technical- and project management resources, Infrastructure South Africa has allocated R600 million towards project preparation, specifically for rural and under-resourced areas.

“These are all excellent developments that filter through to the industry at large, inspiring further growth and innovation,” Malan says.

“These events provide a platform to explore issues, solutions and new opportunities across Southern Africa’s construction market, while recognising the resilience, adaptability and possibilities ahead,” Behr concludes.

Register to attend Big 5 Construct Southern Africa and co-located events here: https://www.thebig5constructsouthernafrica.com

Home improvements and even DIY for those who are capable, have never been simpler than with Eva-Last’s range of bamboo composite building materials.

Get all decked out this month with some DIY tips to help you make light work of your next home makeover project:

1. Choose composite

Aside from saving our precious trees, there’s a reason the pros are choosing composites over natural materials – they are engineered to outperform traditional timber when it comes to installation, maintenance and upkeep. No more sanding, varnishing, painting or pesticides!

Composites are fast becoming the go-to material for the green building industry, offering affordable alternatives to traditional raw materials that are more effective and longer lasting.

Natural fibres such as bamboo, coconut, coir or jute have been used as a reinforcing material in building for centuries. Their natural density, elasticity and strength is enhanced by combining them with recycled plastic polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE).

Eva-Last use bamboo fibres together with recycled plastic polymer compounds to produce advanced sustainable building products that require little-to-no maintenance and are not subject to degradation when exposed to the elements. These hybrid materials are ideal for decks, walkways, or stairways, and also cladding for exterior and interior walls.

Not only do Eva-Last composites look the part, they also provide superior performance characteristics including slip, scratch, stain, fade and moisture resistance. The inherent tensile strength and flexibility of the bamboo fibres ensures dimensional stability while the extruded polymer enhances the biological resistance to pests and susceptibility to UV damage.

Finally, the extrusion process allows for protective capping in realistic tones and textures that maintain their colour fastness over the lengthy lifetime of the product.

• Do your homework

Read the installation guides and watch the installation videos, all available on Eva-Last’s website, to ensure you have a good understanding of what is required prior to starting your project.

Before you start construction, select the product most suitable for your project or that meets your designed outcome, design your layout, calculate your required materials, as well as fasteners and accessories, that may be required to ensure you have everything to complete the project.

Be sure that any sub-structure is level and secure and consult a professional for expert advice if required, especially around load serviceability.

• Composite materials and systems make DIY simple

Eva-Last’s comprehensive collection of deck profiles, fascia boards, railing kits, cladding systems and composite fasteners work together to complete any project from A-Z with minimum fuss and maximum convenience.

Whether it’s a pool or entertainment deck, cladded feature wall or a staggered staircase, Eva-Last’s integrated selection of bamboo composites are suitable for straight-forward to complicated applications.

The Eva-Lastrange of bamboo composite decking available in Pioneer, Apex, Infinity and Eva-tech technology options, come in various fashionable fade-resistant colours. To secure a neat finish, complete the look with Hulk fasteners colour-matching top fixing screws and hidden clip systems.

Be sure to use the recommended Hulk fasteners when installing Eva-Last products, to ensure the fasteners last as long as the composite products do.

To finish and secure your deck or stairway, make use of Eva-Last’s railing system. The smart, efficient railing system offers safe and highly durable posts, banisters and balusters, as well as glass or stainless steel cable options, that can be mixed-‘n-matched to suit your desired look.

Whether you’re looking to erect a deck, build a staircase or give your home’s façade a facelift, Eva-Last’s comprehensive collection of bamboo composite decking, cladding and railing ranges offer durable, low maintenance solutions just for you.

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on 23 June, leading consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Zutari highlights the achievements of four exceptional women. Held under the banner of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), INWED celebrates its 10^th year in 2023, yet again be promoting the amazing work being carried out by women engineers across the globe.

Tshegofatso Sibambato, Professional Civil Engineer, Project Leader, and Design Engineer at Zutari

Tshegofatso completed her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a professionally registered civil engineer in the built environment market, with a particular specialisation in land development.

Tshegofatso was inspired to study engineering because she loves seeing the fruit of her labours come alive by building civil infrastructure. “Engineering elements are all around us, and I wanted to be a part of building our country by implementing infrastructure services. Service delivery remains a huge concern for most communities within South Africa. This speaks to our vast opportunities as engineers to implement projects to provide these services. This is how I see myself making a difference within the industry that I find myself in,” she highlights.

Her message to girls wanting to embark on a similar career is to find mentors in the engineering space: “It is important to create networks of individuals who have your best interests at heart and will help you succeed; mentors fulfil this role incredibly. Look for opportunities to expose yourself to the work environment, either through working during vacation time or over weekends if possible. Find ways of equipping yourself with skills and experience that will help you stand out when you eventually join the workforce.”

Tshegofatso adds: “Do not be afraid of the industry because you feel it is male-dominated. Efforts are constantly being made for the engineering industry to transform. Many women continue to excel in the industry and have paved the way for others to have better experiences than they did. Diversity brings strength and, because of that, more women are needed in the industry to make the right moves. There are many roles that one can fulfil as an engineer; you need to find the one which best suits you.”

Mary-Anne Fechter, Environmentally Sustainable Design Consultant at Zutari

Mary-Anne studied civil engineering at the University of Pretoria. After her studies, she worked as a graduate civil engineer, focusing mainly on urban road design. With an interest in sustainability and natural resources, she completed a Master’s in Spatial Development and Natural Resource Management at the Technical University of Dresden in Germany.

Due to this combination of civil engineering and natural science, she understands and has experience in the impact that the built environment has on natural resources and how to integrate sustainability and resiliency into the planning, construction and operations of buildings and other infrastructure. Mary-Anne works as an Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) consultant at Zutari.

“Engineers are taught to think critically, collaborate and provide solutions,” says Mary-Anne. “Society is facing various challenges, ranging from biodiversity loss and impacts of climate change to inadequate infrastructure to provide for people’s basic needs. Engineering is crucial to tackle these problems and provide appropriate solutions. This way, engineering improves the quality of life of communities worldwide. Engineering is an exciting and ever-changing space. You learn to think critically and creatively to solve problems. It is a challenging, yet rewarding and impactful, journey.”

Thandazo Shabalala, Built Environment Unit, Zutari

Thandazo obtained a National Diploma in Civil Engineering from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2007. She is a South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) member and a registered candidate engineering technician with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). She has gained valuable experience working in civil infrastructure projects, including supplying and upgrading water and sanitation infrastructure for municipalities.

Thandazo is currently a Senior Civil Technician specialising in the design and construction supervision of water and sanitation projects. She works under the multidisciplinary Built Environment team, which specialises in designing and delivering land infrastructure projects.

“A career in engineering allows you to change lives and make a difference in your community by solving problems and designing what really matter,” says Thandazo. “It is a fact that men dominate the civil engineering world,” she notes.

Also, many people may say this field is not for women due to the challenges faced at construction sites. However, women are extremely resilient. Building and designing infrastructure makes a difference in our communities and people’s lives by ensuring people have access to potable water and adequate sewerage.

Belinda Selkirk, Technical Director, Built Environment, Zutari

Belinda has a Diploma in Project Design focusing on building engineering, as well as a Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety. The Institute of Fire Engineers has awarded her her GiFireE Credentials. She has been fortunate enough to have worked on many projects both locally and internationally, from shopping malls to mixed-use developments, residential and hotel developments and industrial and medical facilities.

“I never started out as a lead fire engineer. My first job was as a draughtsperson, but hard work and perseverance paid off. Decide what you want and lay out a clear path to get to where you want to be. If you come across a setback, take a moment, reflect, and try a different way to get there. Working in the engineering environment is an exciting space. There is room for all types of people with different skillsets. Find what you enjoy and use that to direct your career trajectory,” says Belinda.

Her message is simply that the only obstacle in your path is yourself. INWED is an opportunity to give all women a voice to be heard. “By sharing our experiences and how we have overcome hurdles, we create awareness about the unseen issues that women experience,” concludes Belinda.