SA Roofing July 2018 // Issue 102 | Page 10

With infrastructure development on the rise coupled with a growing African population , the continent ’ s 2018 concrete expo addressed the latest trends , technologies , challenges and successes in the built environment .
RESIDENTIAL // COMMERCIAL // INDUSTRIAL
EVENTS

Totally transformative

With infrastructure development on the rise coupled with a growing African population , the continent ’ s 2018 concrete expo addressed the latest trends , technologies , challenges and successes in the built environment .
By Candace Sofianos King

More than 9 500 key public and private stakeholders from across the African continent

descended on the annual African
Construction and Totally Concrete Expo ,
Africa ’ s only multidisciplinary built
environment show focused on buyer and
seller engagements through free-to-attend
content , indoor and outdoor exhibitions
and targeted networking .
Now in its sixth year , the African
Construction and Totally Concrete Expo
was hosted from 16 to 17 May 2018 at
Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand ,
Johannesburg . Featuring over 200
exhibitors from 65 countries displaying the
latest construction products and
innovative solutions across eight
dedicated sectors , this global interactive
expo caters for the entire African
construction , cement and
concrete industries .
Aimed at built industry professionals
including architects , engineers ,
contractors , quantity surveyors ,
government representatives as well as
suppliers of products and services to the
industry , visiting professionals got the
opportunity to attend free learning and
regulatory climate for transformation ,
empowering small- to medium-sized
contractors , women in construction and
other underprivileged groups . “ It is crucial
for these groups to be at the forefront of
the rising opportunities and projects that
Africa offers as it builds smarter cities ,”
said Tracy-Lee Behr , portfolio director for
African Construction and Totally Concrete
Expo 2018 .
Smart cities of tomorrow
With urbanisation set to define the future
African building landscape , the expo
staged the African Smart Cities Summit
which addressed the concept of smart
cities and how this attractive development
model can be adopted by cities across the
African continent .
Co-located with the National African
Federation for the Building Industry ’ s
( NAFBI ) annual conference , the summit
gathered thought leaders , technology
providers and communication integrators
with the aim of delivering the smart
infrastructure and cities needed to support
Africa ’ s growth . “ Smart cities are emerging
as a must for all future urbanisation
strategies across the continent ,”
City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor , Herman Mashaba , opened the keynote address , focusing on transformation and empowerment .
An expansive model of the multi-billion rand Kopanong Gauteng Government Precinct project .
African Construction & Totally Concrete Expo Candace Sofianos King
networking sessions throughout the two-
highlighted Behr .
City – a prime example of how the smart city
day event .
“ Smart Cities offer us the opportunity
concept can be adopted for the future African
Officially launched by the Executive
to take the best of tomorrow ’ s technology
construction sector .
Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Herman
and combine it with the strength of this
In addition to the summit , the African
Mashaba , the opening keynote session
country ’ s workforce , drive and
Construction and Totally Concrete Expo
focused on empowerment and
determination , enabling us to delivery
featured the African Construction Awards
transformation initiatives , with MEC Jacob
cities that are sustainable , liveable and
which celebrates the energised building
Mamabolo from the Gauteng Department
economically empowering for all South
sector in the region . Powered by NAFBI , the
of Infrastructure Development and
Africa ’ s citizens ,” said Devi Paulsen ,
awards recognised key players in the
Skhumbuzo Macozoma , CEO of SANRAL
managing director of Hypenica .
construction sector .
joining the discussion .
During the keynote session , visitors got
The awards categories included a Lifetime
The keynote session shed light on the
a taste of the Rosslyn Hub , a R3-billion key
Achievement Award for Women in Concrete
next steps to create a favourable
project within the Tshwane Automotive
and Construction , a Transformation Award
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JULY 2018