NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO
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.” 12
AFFORDABLE HOUSING THE MAMPEULE FOUNDATION The Mampeule Foundation, a dynamic non-profit organisation in Africa, was established in 2019 by Rali and Makentse Mampeule. Their mission is to fuel opportunities and empower Africans in global health, education and innovation. The Foundation has supported 90 tertiary students since 2016, five community organisations and more than 300 people have participated in Property Masterclasses with experts, in addition to 25 real estate entrepreneurs receiving continuing property education. A family tragedy motivated the Mampeule family to make a global commitment to be the founding donor of The Global Surgery Foundation (GSF). The mission of the GSF is to facilitate the development of surgical, obstetrical and anaesthesia care systems. These systems will ensure universal access to emergency and essential surgical care that is safe, timely and affordable. We commit to supporting the Global Surgery Foundation over the next four years, as we work towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Foundation commits to supporting disadvantaged communities across South Africa and recognises the challenges our founders faced growing up in the township of Daveyton. The Foundation provides bursaries for students to attend tertiary institutions across South Africa. In 2023, 10 Mampeule Foundation bursaries were available for undergraduate students in Gauteng studying real estate. Harvard graduate Rali Mampeule is Chairman of the Mampeule Foundation, sits on the board of MFN, serves as the Chairman of SMaCT Research Centre at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and is a Councillor at the Global Surgery Foundation Transition High-Level Council based in Geneva, Switzerland. 13
