NEWSWATCH
THE LATEST NEWS AND PRODUCTS FROM THE BUILDING INDUSTRY
NEWSWORTHY
NEXT-GEN SCISSOR LIFT
South African access equipment specialist Concord Access Solutions( CAS) has launched the Genie Next-Gen slab scissor lift, a revolutionary step forward in lift design, performance and aesthetics. The new machines introduce major improvements such as a 30 % increase in runtime and efficiency, 70 % fewer hydraulic hoses and fittings, and up to 35 % savings in maintenance costs.“ These new lifts mark a key milestone in the evolution of electric slab scissor lifts,” says Marcus Gartside, Sales Manager at CAS.“ While internal changes and technological enhancements have continued over the years, the overall appearance of these lifts has remained the same across manufacturers, until now.” With advancements made over the past few years such as moving from hydraulic drive motors to DC electric drive, and then to the game-changing E-Drive range( AC motors) still retained, the new range brings a host of additional new benefits. Formerly known as Goscor Access Solutions, CAS operates a fleet of more than 1,000 access equipment units with working heights ranging from 6m to 57m. In addition to equipment sales across Africa – reaching as far north as Nigeria, Ethiopia, the DRC and Kenya – CAS offers a rental fleet across Southern African Development Community( SADC) countries. www. concordeaccesssolutions. com
BOOGERTMAN + PARTNERS HONOURED WITH FIVE WINS AT THE 2025 BIG 5 SOUTH AFRICA IMPACT AWARDS
Boogertman + Partners was recognised with five major accolades – including the coveted Architecture Firm of the Year – at the 2025 Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards. The awards were announced at a gala dinner on 20 June at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, concluding this year’ s Big 5 Construct South Africa, the country’ s largest construction exhibition, held from 18 to 20 June.
Celebrating excellence and innovation across the built environment, the Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards honour the people, projects and practices shaping the future of the industry. Judged by an independent panel of leading experts from across the sector, the awards recognise the highest standards in architecture, engineering, sustainability and development. Boogertman + Partners was named a finalist in seven of the 12 categories and emerged as a winner in five:
• Architecture Firm of the Year
• Commercial Project of the Year – Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, Centurion
• Residential Project of the Year – The One, Stellenbosch
• Retrofit Project of the Year – The Woods Shopping Centre
• Environmental Excellence Award – Thaba Eco Village & Lifestyle Centre
This achievement adds to the firm’ s growing portfolio of more than 100 local and international awards over the past decade – a testament to the dedication of its team and the strength of its partnerships with clients, collaborators and consultants.
“ We are deeply honoured by this recognition from Big 5 South Africa,” says Bob van Bebber, director at Boogertman + Partners.“ Congratulations to all the nominees and winners whose work continues to elevate our industry. We share these awards with our clients, who trust us with their vision, and with our teams who deliver award-winning projects with creativity, rigour and purpose. These awards reinforce our commitment to designing inclusive, responsible and world-class spaces that respond to the real needs of people and place.”
The firm’ s success at the 2025 Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards underscores its leadership in delivering innovative, human-centred design across a diverse and balanced portfolio, while addressing the complex economic, social and environmental challenges of the built environment.
6 News Watch