• AFRICAN BUZZ
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO EMERGE STRONGER AFTER COVID-19
The global pandemic has led many of the industry ’ s top performers to re-strategise their future paths and realign them with the new normal that is slowly emerging from the Covid-19 ashes .
As the country enters the third wave , it is becoming painfully obvious that there will be no return to the old ways any time soon , and that new business models will need to be developed to keep the industry and the country afloat in the medium and long term .
This is according to Nico Pienaar of surface mining industry association , ASPASA , whose members supply the majority of raw materials used in everyday construction and whose businesses have also been severely affected by the pandemic .
Minerals mined and worked by its members include sand , stone , limestone for cement , dimension stone , clay , ash , and a host of other materials used in construction .
Pienaar says that some of the highlights to emerge from the pandemic include :
• The unlocking of several high-profile government infrastructure projects including large-scale road , rail harbours and other building contracts
• A renewed focus of training and access to a host of training courses on digital platforms
• Strong upsurge in the use of technology and social media to communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• More professional dealings between parties involved in construction projects with an emphasis on terms and conditions of contracts and tighter specifications for the supply of quality products and services
• Better financial management of projects to ensure timeous payments and safeguard cashflows throughout the entire construction supply chain
• The adoption of new strategies that take into consideration the changed landscape of the South African economy
• Automation of processes in the processing and manufacture of construction materials
He says these are just some of the measures that are being taken across the industry to ensure the survival of the sector , as well as develop required infrastructure .
Close communication between companies and clients as well as Government and all the industry bodies will be required to ensure all role-players remain updated and are aware of future requirements for upcoming and ongoing projects .
“ As long as there is constant communication between role-players and everyone knows what is required from their business , industry , suppliers , and customers , then we can all work together to rebuild the industry and uphold the economy .
Cooperation and communication can ensure that resources within the industry are preserved and so ensure the success of future projects .
4 • African Mining • September 2021
“ In addition , there will undoubtedly be a strong rebound in the industry once we have the pandemic under control and then we need to be ready to supply all the materials and services that will be required to enable the swelling project numbers to be completed on time . Those companies that have planned for this eventuality will be the ones that will benefit the most ,” says Pienaar .
Pienaar concludes that the construction and surface mining industries are among the biggest employers in the country and that the future success of the industry is a national prerogative – we simply must succeed !
Aspasa , Nico Pienaar , Tel : ( 011 ) 791 3327 , Fax : 086 647 8034 , Email : nico @ aspasa . co . za , Web : www . aspasa . co . za
ACT NOW TO STAMP OUT CRIME
Mine management need to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to crime if they are to prevent its spread and escalation to more serious crimes in future .
This warning from surface mining industry association , ASPASA , comes after recent news of two mining firm directors murdered in separate incidents in what appears to be organised hits .
This at a time when further reports of mine invasions , racketeering , intimidation , robberies , theft , and other serious crimes currently threatened to bring the industry to its knees . The theft of diesel is also a major concern .
To bring a stop to the growing scourge of crime ASPASA director , Nico Pienaar , says swift and immediate action needs to be taken wherever crimes are reported and no matter how small or trivial these may seem .
He warns that small crimes often have more serious intent and may embolden criminals to escalate tactics . They may also serve as a test of a company ’ s defences in a precursor to criminal syndicates making their moves .
It has been noted that criminal gangs are well organised and in many ways the police are not properly equipped to handle them .
Report crime There are several steps that should be taken immediately including reporting the crime to the South African Police Services , mine security and all industry stakeholders , including ASPASA , in the event of serious crimes such as threats made by ‘ activists ’, racketeering , or robberies , to find elaborative solutions .
“ Reporting a crime is the first step in solving it and gives police and the industry valuable information to determine trends , identify underlying issues and make plans to prevent further incidents in future .
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ( DMRE ) also needs to be informed through its regional structures and must be formally tasked with assistance to find solutions and intervene where necessary . www . africanmining . co . za