Quarry Southern Africa March 2017 | Page 7

southern AFRICA news
PPC subsidiary Ulula Ash partnered with Eskom to donate two high-technology mobile science labs to Sibongamandla Secondary and Kriel High School in Mpumalanga , South Africa . The self-sufficient mobile labs incorporate the technology and science equipment required for the physics and chemistry experiments covered in the high school syllabus , and will be used to teach science to grade 9 , 10 and 11 learners at the schools . The handover forms part of a greater countrywide drive by PPC , which aims to impact over 8 500 learners through the initiative , potentially opening up the career paths of South Africa ’ s next generation of engineers , scientists and technicians .
South Africa ’ s Department of Trade and
Industry ( dti ) has set aside R216-million to upgrade the infrastructure of five industrial parks located in the Limpopo , Gauteng , North West , and Free State provinces so they can contribute to stimulating industrial development , economic growth , and job creation . The first phase of the revitalisation of Nkowankowa , Ekandustria , Bodirelo , Phuthaditjhaba , and Garankuwa industrial parks follows the approval of their budgets late last year . The dti is applying a holistic approach to the revitalisation initiative to ensure that enterprises based there participate in the mainstream economy to achieve the National Development Plan ( NDP ) and Industrial Policy Development Plan ( IPDP ) objectives .

Belabela Quarries funds new building for Botswana school

Babcock has appointed David Vaughan as the new managing director – equipment , effective 1 November 2016 . Vaughan , who has been in the industry since 1979 and joined Babcock as a regional general manager in 2005 , previously held the position of sales director . Babcock ’ s equipment business manages the exclusive distribution and support of leading international equipment brands in southern Africa , including Volvo construction equipment , Terex Trucks , Tadano and Sennebogen cranes , Winget concrete handling equipment , and SDLG construction equipment . Vaughan worked extensively in machine sales for various companies before joining Babcock . “ I have a single goal in mind , and that is to focus on customer service ,” says Vaughan .
Belabela Quarries has funded a new building for reception-grade children at Matebele Primary School in Botswana ’ s Kgatleng District near the capital Gaborone .
The quarry , started in 2003 , was acquired by Raubex company B & E International in 2015 , and sales have grown following investment in plant , equipment , and skills . It is now the largest quarry in Botswana , with a production of 70 000 tonnes of aggregate per month . It serves all the major building and civil contractors in the Gaborone area , as well as brick manufacturers and readymix
concrete suppliers . Speaking at the official opening of the reception block in January , Botswana ’ s minister of Basic Education , the Honourable Doctor Unity Dow , highlighted the importance of preschool facilities in government schools . “ In other countries , by the time kids sit their final exams in primary school they would have had nine years of schooling and preparation , including preschool ,” says Dr Dow . “ In Botswana it is only seven years . This puts our kids at a disadvantage in an increasingly globally competitive environment .”
She says the new block , sponsored by Belabela Quarries , will also ultimately help to improve the pass rate at the school .
Blackie Marole , local non-executive director of Belabela Quarries , says the quarry ’ s growth has allowed it to consolidate and expand its corporate social responsibility . “ Belabela is now in a position to contribute more significantly to the community ,” Marole says . “ We trust that the reception block will improve the academic performance of the local kids for generations to come .”
Babcock
David Vaughan is Babcock ’ s new managing director – equipment , as of 1 November 2016 .
All the stone produced at Belabela complies with Botswana Bureau of Standards requirements — as well as those of the South African Bureau of Standards — for road , rail , and building construction .
Belabela Quarries
Belabela Quarries
From left : Matlho J Kgosi ( director Belabela Quarries ), Redemption Mosala ( finance manager Belabela Quarries ), Hon . Dr Minister Unity Dow ( Minister of Basic Education ), Dewald Janse van Rensburg ( director Belabela Quarries ), Blackie Marole ( director Belabela Quarries ), and Mrs Mokgadi ( school principal ).
Early childhood education in Botswana has received a welcome boost in the Kgatleng District near the capital Gaborone , with Belabela Quarries ’ funding of a new building for reception-grade children at Matebele Primary School .
QUARRY SA | march 2017 _ 5