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 .
34
JULY 2018