EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
Officially kicking off the expo were dancers from Izinduku Entertainment.
Mayor Herman Mashaba delivering the keynote address.
MEC Jacob Mamabolo speaking about transformative initiatives in the province.
WALKING THE TALK
WITH TRANSFORMATION
By Ntsako Khosa | Photos by Ntsako Khosa
Transforming collaboratively in the industry was one of the highlights at the sixth annual African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo.
The African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo was held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 16 to 17 May 2018. Described as the annual meeting point for all professionals in the construction industry, it featured exhibitors, visitors, keynote sessions, and workshops to deliver just that.
Dedicated zones for concrete; construction; digital construction; mechanical, electrical and plumbing; smart and eco buildings; solar; surfaces and finishes; and tools and equipment were set up throughout the venue, facilitating innovative and the latest trends, news, and products.
Addressing transformation
Delivering the keynote address was City of Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba; member of the executive committee( MEC) in the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo; and South African National
Roads Agency( SANRAL) CEO, Skhumbuzo Macozoma.
The main speakers were accompanied by Xoliswa Daku, chairperson of the social transformation committee at the National Homebuilders Registration Council( NHBRC); Thando Mguli, head of department at the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements; Roy Mnisi, executive director at Master Builders South Africa( MBSA); Robert Semenya, senior projects manager at the Construction Education and Training Authority( CETA); Bafikile Semenya, immediate past president of MBSA; and Victor Radebe, CEO of Mobility Centre for Africa. They each shared their take on transformation and the future potential of African cities. Webster Mfebe, CEO of the South African Forum for Civil Engineering Contractors( SAFCEC), chaired the discussion.
In his speech, Mayor Mashaba unpacked how the City is addressing the influx of citizens seeking their form of gold
in Johannesburg.“ The city is the fastest urbanising region in South Africa. An increased demand on infrastructure will be seen over the next decade,” he said.
There is a multi-targeted programme that the City has introduced, which looks at increasing economic growth by five per cent in 2021; bettering public safety and infrastructure; enhancing financial sustainability; and creating innovative smart cities. According to the mayor, the programme looks at providing services that meet the needs of people.
MEC Mamabolo shared provincial transformation initiatives that will see female contractors, youth contractors, the disabled, and military veterans benefiting.“ It will be non-negotiable to have them on construction sites when you seek partnership with government,” he said. Macozoma shared that the industry is talking about transformation but is engaging differently. He stressed that the industry needs to have one way of engaging and implementing.
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