The executive board of Wacker
Neuson has announced two managerial
changes for South Africa following the
resignation of regional president: sub-
Saharan Africa, Eugene Brown, who was
with the company for five years, effective
31 May 2017. National Sales Manager
Francois Griesel resigned in April. Brown
will be succeeded by Dennis Vietze, who
joined Wacker Neuson in September 2000,
holding a variety of positions within the
sales organisation before being appointed
director of Market Development at the
company’s production facility in Munich,
Germany in April 2013. Vietze has
extensive experience in management and
possesses a wealth of knowledge on the
company’s products and services.
AfriSam’s recently commissioned a new
cement blending and packing facility in Maseru,
Lesotho, is the first cement manufacturing
facility to be established in the country,
according to SA Construction News. Hailed by
Lesotho Prime Minister Dr Pakalitha Mosisili at
the official opening in February as a ‘significant
milestone’ for the region, the plant has an
annual production capacity of over 200 000t
and can produce specialised products for
large infrastructure projects like the Lesotho
Highlands Water scheme. Milled clinker is railed
from AfriSam’s Ulco facility near Kimberley, and
is beneficiated with pulverised fuel ash (PFA)
from Lethabo power station near Vereeniging.
The plant’s dual batch weighing system allows
for accurate dosing of the milled clinker and
mineral components to predetermined ratios.
The first Builders Box, a multi-purpose
container solution sponsored by PPC and
Prominent Paints, opened its doors in Soweto,
South Africa, in April. Providing quality products,
technical support and practical skills training
to the community, the Builders Box will help to
address a critical skills gap and stimulate the
local township economy. The Builders Box will
assist in the process of township revitalisation,
providing formal building trade skills training for
unemployed youth and local entrepreneurs at the
business support centre. Both PPC and Prominent
Paints will offer training and demonstrations
at the centre. The space will also be available
to other training service providers as required.
Course topics will include everything from basic
budgeting and finance to practical building, and
painting skills and demonstrations.
ASPASA name change reflects
broader representation
Blasting specialists BME
will donate R70 000 to the
Wits University School of
Mining Engineering fund
for supporting historically
disadvantaged students. This
support facility gives qualifying
students access to funds for
basics like meals, transport,
text books and reasonable
accommodation and has helped
to address the drop-out rate
of students arriving without
sufficient resources.
“It is always heartening to
see how the school and its
alumni have over the years
rallied to support students
from underprivileged
backgrounds, so that they
can focus on their studies
in a conducive and enabling
environment,” says BME
marketing manager, Hayley
Wayland. “As BME, we value
the opportunity to play
our role in levelling the
educational playing field
and ensuring the skills our
industry needs.”
“Our thanks go to the
school and all those involved
in ensuring that the funds are
well-