Plumbing Africa January 2018 | Page 70

68 LOCAL MANUFACTURING << Continued from page 67 If customers in South Africa preferred local, there would be more local manufacturers. 1 The building regulations in South Africa relating to geysers are SANS 10400-XA and SANS 1307 certification. SANS 10400-XA states that a geyser in a South African household must get 50% of its energy from a renewable source. The regulation thus effectively requires integrated solutions for water heating, such as solar geyser systems and heat pumps. Municipal building inspectors issuing certificates of occupation for buildings are beginning to enforce these regulations for SANS 10400-XA and SANS 1307 certification on new properties. IN THE BLACK In South Africa, transformation adds a layer of complexity. “As a country, we are on a journey to build black industrialists, but those black industrialists will struggle for acceptance in the mainstream market,” Nzimande says. 2 3 “You have to build credibility. To enter the market is extremely hard, especially if you are riding the transformation horse, as you get looked at with suspicion. Your delivery has to be better, initially, just to get acceptance. We are trying to build local manufacturing and at the same time, we are trying to transform industries and make them more competitive.” Absa understood that difficult journey of a black industrialist; hence, their investment in its nationwide logistics to ensure the company can get its products to retail stores anywhere in the country within a set number of days, to meet various service level agreements.    Public sector procurement is also starting to drill down to construction material suppliers’ B-BBEE levels, and not just for the main contractor/developer. More than 60% of a construction project can be materials; however, the B-BBEE levels of materials suppliers were rarely enforced in project procurement. “Public sector procurement officials are beginning to say they want to see the B-BBEE ratings of second-tier material suppliers to projects and contractors. That scenario is increasing and will benefit the development and transformation of local industries,” he says. PA 1. 2. 3. January 2018 Volume 23 I Number 11 The company’s locally made geysers are of better quality than most imported alternatives. Duratherm buys components from local manufacturers and suppliers. Safety is a top priority at Duratherm and all staff are equipped with safety gear. www.plumbingafrica.co.za