NEWSWORTHY
PITCH TAKES SCHOOL
SPORTS TO NEXT LEVEL
Turftech recently installed a multi-
purpose Rhino-Turf sports pitch at
Hermanus Primary School.
For this particular installation the
school decided to partner with
Turftech, a leader in natural and
synthetic turf technology. During
a
four-month
project
period,
Turftech specialists constructed a
3,818m² multi-purpose pitch for
netball and hockey using the UK
designed Rhino-Turf MT15 with a
shockpad and fencing system.
In addition to the superior playing
surface and enhanced aesthetics
associated with Turftech’s pro-
ducts, schools also benefit from
long-term
cost-savings.
Unlike
Concor’s new group CEO Lucas Tseki says the company is battle-hardened by the past few years
and ready to embrace the prospects of 2020 and beyond.
traditional hard courts, this multi-
sports’ facility does not have to
be resurfaced every two to three
years; with the new synthetic
surface only needing upgrading
every 8 to 10 years.
“Modern
school
sports
are
incredibly competitive in nature
and this is beginning at primary
school level.” explained Phillip
Prinsloo,
Sales
Manager
for
Turftech. “For schools to be the
best they have to offer their pupils
the best and this is why so many
schools are opting for Turftech’s
artificial sports surfaces designed
by
our
partners
Rhino-Turf.
Pupils are now able to practice
for much longer hours and – for
hockey
specifically
–
there
is
more consistent ball roll and play,
speeding up the game.”
www.turftech.co.za
10
NEW CONCOR HEAD URGES QUICKER PACE TO
CONSTRUCTION RECOVERY
Concor’s new group CEO Lucas Tseki is confident South Africa’s construction sector is
turning the corner, provided there is no further delay in the adjudication and awarding of
large infrastructure contracts by government agencies.
“Concor has weathered one of the industry’s worst downturns and emerged with a
robust balance sheet to capitalise on our current and future opportunities,” says Tseki. He
says government needs to send the right message by speedily awarding contracts and
putting contractors to work.
“As Concor, we are battle-hardened by the past few years and ready to embrace the
prospects of 2020 and beyond,” he says. “For my part, I am ready to listen, to learn and
to lead.”
The black-owned infrastructure and building construction company, previously Murray
& Roberts Construction, is leveraging over a century of experience to become the leading
player in its segment.
Tseki acknowledges there are many challenges lying ahead for the construction sector.
Not least of these is the rebuilding of trust between key stakeholders including contractors,
government, banks, developers and labour.
“The pressures of a low growth economy have strained relationships between the players in
the industry,” he says. “We must now generate a more collaborative approach that prioritises
continuity and sustainability in how we deliver and maintain the nation’s infrastructure.”
He emphasises that South Africa’s future economic growth relies on sound and ongoing
investment in quality construction projects. Given the poor state of the economy, it is likely
that innovative funding and contractual solutions will be required to pursue the necessary
infrastructural and industrial developments.
“Effective Public-Private-Partnerships (PPPs), for instance, are becoming more vital,”
Tseki says. “These could advance infrastructure development in education, healthcare,
water, transport and other areas, especially where state expenditure cannot keep up.”
He says Concor’s solid track record in project delivery, commercial management and
safety performance equips it to manage complex projects of this kind. He notes that there
is appetite among lenders for innovative project models that are based on sovereign risk,
while contributing to national developmental priorities that will fuel broader growth.
“As a company, Concor’s world-class heritage and proven ability to execute on time and
within budget makes us a valuable partner,” he says. “The country needs the confidence
to move into PPPs, but there is no time to lose.”
Concor is active in both inland and coastal projects, and has a strong presence in SADC.
It has also just been awarded a large ash disposal facility contract at Eskom’s Majuba
Power Station.
News Watch