Opportunity Issue 104

Building better
this time around
Infrastructure is a popular word again. After the 2010 FIFA World Cup the construction,
property and engineering sectors were bullish about the prospects and everywhere there
was talk of how cranes would soon dominate the South African landscape. It didn’t happen.
Several well-known brand names in the construction industry are no more as a result.
But now there is a suggestion that things are getting better. More building plans were
passed in 2022 and the effects of national government’s 10-year, R2.2-trillion infrastructure plan
covering nearly 300 projects will be felt by many subsectors.
The establishment in 2020 of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), a programme within the Ministry
of Public Works and Infrastructure, is an indication of the government’s seriousness. A recent
example of the work of ISA was the hosting of the South African Green Hydrogen Summit.
In this issue
In Opportunity 104, engineers, contractors and infrastructure share the spotlight with mining,
energy, climate change issues, tourism and skills development. A story of three entrepreneurs
who overcame the odds provides an inspiring final chapter.
Two lawyers from Webber Wentzel provide advice for engineers or contractors who might
be in legal jeopardy because of global supply-chain problems. Can a contractor protect himself
against the situation where a ship is held up in Shanghai with his materials on it?
With tourists starting to arrive back in South Africa after the long “lockdown stayaway”, two
industry leaders share their views. The return of the events industry is covered in an interview
with dmg events Portfolio Director Tracy-Lee Behr but infrastructure is also raised because one
of her key events is the Big 5 Construct, which takes place in several locations across South Africa.
An insight into the possible effects of upgrades at the Kruger National Park on surrounding
communities is provided by Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel.
The Project Management Institute notes that foreign direct investment increases in countries
with good skill levels and asks where the world is going to get the project managers it needs
to manage economic growth.
A speech by Higher Education Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, on the occasion of
the opening of the WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA) National Competition, is reproduced because
of its focus on the matching of the training that is provided in South Africa’s colleges with the jobs
that are available and need to be filled in the workplace. The gap between these two things needs
to be filled, otherwise unemployment and a shortage of skilled labour will persist.
Exxaro Financial Director Riaan Koppeschaar lays out the path to sustainability in the era of
climate change for a company that used to be known only for its coal mining. He notes that the
company has invested in wind power and is preparing the path for a range of global climate
scenarios that range from “contained” to “slipping out of control”. The company is aiming to be
carbon neutral by 2050.
Climate change underpins the argument made by the Energy team from Wärtsilä, who argue
that optimising energy storage and thermal balancing are the way to go for South Africa.
Also related to climate change, Mannie Ramos Jnr, of Abeco, outlines some of the do’s and
don’ts when planning for sustainable water provision for big buildings such as shopping centres.
Costs can be considerably reduced and every bit helps in saving the planet if certain key
steps are taken.
Finally, three entrepreneurs share their inspiring stories of overcoming some hard shocks
on the way to recovery and finding a new path to business success. All of them are members
of the Entrepreneurs Organization and give credit to the body and its members for providing
support in tough times.
John Young, Editor
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