The Journal of African Business Issue 7

NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO
DELIVER MORE HOUSES
Rali Mampeule’s dedication to exploring
new technology is nicely illustrated by
the fact that he chairs the board of the
University of Johannesburg’s Sustainable
Materials and Construction Technologies
Research Centre.
SMaCT, which was founded in 2021
and has had financial support from the
Mampeule Foundation, is located within
the University of Johannesburg’s School of
Engineering and the Built Environment.
In 2023 SMaCT managed the project that
built a house in a day using 3D printing
technology. In partnership with the main
project sponsor, the National Department
of Science and Innovation, printers were
programmed to deliver successive layers
of concrete into a path that ultimately
delivered a complete house.
Funds from the Mampeule Foundation
are utilised in supporting research and in
enabling deserving to study at SMaCT on bursaries. The donation to this
research institute is consistent with the Foundation’s goal of using 4IR
technologies to address socioeconomic issues and giving young people the
skills to become competent in using the latest machinery.
SAHIF has signed a partnership agreement with the Dutch company that
supplied the machinery that built the house, CyBe Construction.
The earthquakes experienced in the Gauteng Province in 2023 served as
reminder that the type of housing created by 3D-printing technology are
more resilient to seismic activity than houses built using traditional methods.
In June, Rali Mampeule was quoted as saying, “Not only are 3D houses
more affordable and time efficient to build, but we know they are durable
enough to withstand the kinds of seismic forces that surprised us all this week.”
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
In South Africa, SAHIF made a significant statement about its
commitment to a digital future with an investment in MetroFibre
Networx. The fund, which is headed by Rali Mampeule, SAHIF, recently
partnered with Old Mutual and STOA Infra & Energy based in France
to acquire 100% of the share capital in MFN held by Sanlam Private
Equity and African Rainbow Capital, owned by Mr Patrice Motsepe.
As the SAHIF model includes the provision of digital connectivity
within its aim to prepare land for housing, the securing of a stake in an
optical fibre company creates a perfect synergy.
Rali wants the investment not just to make economic sense, but he
wants to see it pay off in terms of improving people’s lives. He told
IOL, “With its dedicated mission to bring quality and affordable fibre
to millions of homes, MetroFibre resonates with our commitment to
uplift communities and bridge the current digital divide.”
The pay-as-you-go model will further enable a far broader reach for
digital connectivity, something that excites Rali.
“This investment is not just about providing capital but is a vote of
confidence in MetroFibre’s ability to innovate and lead in a competitive
and critical sector.”
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