Concrete product manufacturers (CPMs) in South Africa are facing a tightening margin squeeze, with rising input and transport costs set to place further pressure on already constrained operations. According to AfriSam, this environment is forcing manufacturers to re-evaluate how they manage production efficiency, quality control and risk.
While the construction sector has shown early signs of recovery, many CPMs have yet to benefit from increased infrastructure spend. Instead, their exposure to smaller, interest rate-sensitive projects leaves them vulnerable to market fluctuations. At the same time, higher fuel prices are driving up transport costs, further eroding profitability.
“Our CPM customers generally operate on very thin margins and their position looks likely to get more difficult,” Mike McDonald, Manager of AfriSam’s Centre for Product Excellence (CPE), says. “This means there is less room for disruption, breakage or errors in their process – and a greater need for continuous monitoring and quality control.”
McDonald highlights that many manufacturers still rely on broad cost-per-unit metrics which often overlook hidden inefficiencies such as breakages and material wastage. These factors not only impact productivity but can also introduce significant commercial risk if product failures occur after installation.
AfriSam is increasingly working with CPMs to quantify and reduce these inefficiencies, linking improved data tracking directly to mix design optimisation. By refining material combinations and production processes, manufacturers can reduce breakages and build more consistent cost effective operations.
According to Adele Wentzel, Sales Manager Cement Manufacturing Gauteng at AfriSam, the complexity of concrete inputs adds another layer of risk – particularly when cost pressures push manufacturers to consider alternative materials.
“From cement, sand and aggregates to fly ash, slag and admixtures, every component must be carefully assessed for compatibility and performance,” she explains. “Substituting materials to reduce costs can introduce significant variability if not properly evaluated.”
AfriSam’s technical support extends beyond material selection to include production practices such as curing regimes, temperature control and batching accuracy. In some cases, this involves rethinking traditional approaches including reducing reliance on energy-intensive steam curing through more advanced cement systems and admixture strategies.
The company also emphasises the importance of real-time monitoring, using tools to track variables such as temperature and humidity, which can fluctuate significantly and impact product quality.
“Even small inconsistencies, like poor curing room control, can have serious consequences for strength development and production timelines,” McDonald notes.
As cost pressures intensify, AfriSam believes that closer technical collaboration between suppliers and manufacturers will be critical. In a market where differentiation is increasingly difficult, the ability to balance cost, quality and risk could determine long-term sustainability.
“In this challenging environment, CPMs need trusted partners to help them optimise processes and manage complexity,” McDonald concludes. “Those who can do this effectively will be best positioned to remain competitive.”
South Africa’s construction materials sector continues to face significant pressure, but early indicators suggest conditions may gradually improve. In response, AfriSam is focusing on operational resilience, continued investment in its production facilities and strong customer partnerships as the market navigates a slow and uneven recovery.
AfriSam Executive Chairman and CEO Eric Diack says the sector’s outlook remains closely linked to the pace of infrastructure investment across the country. In recent years, constrained public spending, rising input costs and shifting demand patterns have created a challenging environment for construction materials producers.
“The most important issue for our industry remains the level of infrastructure investment,” Diack says. “There are some encouraging developments, particularly in road infrastructure, which show what can happen when investment begins to gain momentum.”
While the market remains subdued, several road infrastructure projects are supporting demand for aggregates and readymix concrete. Work on key routes such as the N3 and N2 in KwaZulu-Natal and the N7 in the Western Cape is contributing to construction activity.
AfriSam’s national footprint of quarries and production plants positions the company well to supply these projects. Although current developments represent only a small portion of South Africa’s substantial infrastructure backlog, they highlight the opportunities that could emerge if infrastructure investment accelerates.
Diack notes that AfriSam has continued to prioritise upkeep on its production facilities to ensure plants remain in strong operating condition.
“Our board has been clear that we cannot compromise on maintaining our plants,” he says. “By continuing to invest, we ensure consistent product quality and remain ready to support customers as construction activity grows.”
Regional variations in construction activity are also evident, with the Western Cape showing stronger momentum than other parts of the country.
“There is clearly more confidence in the Western Cape at present,” Diack says. “Major developments under way in areas such as the Cape Town city bowl and Granger Bay will ultimately translate into increased cement demand.”
Despite these pockets of activity, overall cement volumes remain largely stagnant, notes AfriSam Sales and Marketing Executive Richard Tomes. At the same time, rising input costs continue to place pressure on the sector.
Energy costs remain a key concern for cement producers, with electricity representing one of the largest cost pressures for energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
“Even when national increases appear moderate, the structure of tariffs often results in higher effective increases for large industrial users,” Diack says.
Maintaining strict quality standards remains a non-negotiable priority for AfriSam, Tomes adds, noting that durable infrastructure depends on materials that consistently meet required specifications.
Logistics has also become more complex as the deterioration of South Africa’s rail network forces greater reliance on road transport, increasing both costs and supply chain challenges.
Drawing on more than 90 years of industry experience, AfriSam continues to build on its technical expertise and operational capabilities.
“Our cement business remains at the core of our operations,” says Diack. “When market conditions improve, we will be well positioned to respond.”
A major civil engineering project is reshaping how stormwater is managed close to Cape Town’s northern coastline, protecting residential neighbourhoods and wetlands in the area.
CSV Construction is deep into a substantial upgrade of the Bayside Canal outfall system in Blaauwberg, a critical intervention aimed at curbing flood risk in fast growing suburbs while protecting the sensitive Rietvlei Wetland Reserve. The scale of work demands exceptional volumes of rock and other materials, prompting the contractor to partner with AfriSam as its main supplier.
The canal is a single stormwater outlet for a broad catchment that includes Tableview, West Beach, Parklands and Sunningdale. But with increased development and years of reed encroachment downstream, the infrastructure has struggled to cope.
“This upgrade really broadens the system’s hydraulic capacity,” explains Alex Pospech, Contracts Manager at CSV Construction. “This is critical for preserving the Rietvlei reserve – an important recreational and wildlife resource – while also reducing flood risk in an area that sits very low.”
An important feature of the project is its balance between engineering and ecological considerations. Stormwater entering Rietvlei currently filters through dense reed beds that naturally trap solids and absorb nutrients. The expanded system must honour this natural treatment function, but on a more controlled and higher-capacity basis.
The redesigned outfall therefore includes two primary sedimentation ponds, each about 140 metres long, to allow heavier particles to settle. Downstream, a 460 metre secondary treatment canal slows the water further so that finer sediments can separate out.
“These structures give us a controlled way to manage sediment loads before the water reaches the reeds,” Pospech notes. “It is a more resilient version of what the wetland has been doing on its own.”
After passing through these treatment stages, the flow spills over a weir and into a reed-lined section for nutrient absorption and final polishing. To handle high volume storm events, CSV is also constructing a nearly 600 metre bypass channel along the R27, ensuring major surges can be diverted safely.
The engineering design demands unusually large rock sizes and consistent material availability – requirements that rely on the considerable capacity of AfriSam’s Peninsula Quarry. Ian Trimmel, Territory Sales Manager at AfriSam, says the supply chain has needed careful planning.
“Moving dump rock isn’t simple, as not every truck can handle that kind of load,” Trimmel explains. “We have had to finetune the logistics so the right vehicles can safely collect and deliver what the contractor needs.”
To meet the high demand for gabion stone, AfriSam even set up a dedicated production plant, shifting from the traditional method of hand-selecting stones to an industrial-scale process tailored for this project.
Work on upgrading the canal will continue into 2027, as most work can only be conducted during the dry summer seasons. Once completed, about 45,000 m³ of material – much of it reed-choked sludge – will have been removed using long-reach excavators and articulated dump trucks. The cleared footprint is being stabilised with 12,000 m³ of dump rock, followed by about 20,000 m³ of overburden and nearly 15,000 tonnes of gabion stone baskets lining key sections of the canal.
The strong rally in commodities such as gold, platinum, rhodium and palladium is creating significant windfall opportunities for South Africa to support its economic turnaround.
Speaking at AfriSam’s annual Budget Breakfast event in Sandton in February, Econometrix Chief Economist Dr Azar Jammine said the exceptional surge in commodity prices could have an “absolutely enormous” impact on the South African economy.
This year marks the eighth consecutive year that AfriSam has hosted its Annual Budget Breakdown Breakfast, bringing together key stakeholders from across the construction sector. The value of the event is reflected in the steadily increasing number of attendees each year, highlighting its growing importance as a platform for industry insight and engagement.
Dr Jammine pointed to an estimated inflow of about R350 billion into the country from commodity sales, arriving just as the economy began showing signs of recovery toward the end of last year. This follows a prolonged period during which South Africa lagged behind global growth levels, resulting in a decline in living standards of between 6% and 7% over the past eight years.
He noted that the key opportunity now lies in government directing this windfall toward higher levels of fixed capital formation through targeted investment in infrastructure, thereby creating an environment in which business can thrive.
“If this can be converted into real investment in new exploration and development in the mining sector, the knock-on effects through the rest of the economy could be unbelievable,” he argued.
Dr Jammine highlighted that the third quarter of 2025 saw a modest uptick in fixed investment of 1.1% – the first positive movement in two and a half years. The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement released in November 2025 also indicated that the Government of National Unity was beginning to produce “some positive results,” particularly through its commitment to fiscal discipline.
Higher commodity inflows have also contributed to a stronger rand against the US dollar, helping to reduce inflation to around 3.5%. This supports government’s lower inflation target of 3% and has helped shift inflation expectations downward.
“This has meant that long-term interest rates have declined, resulting in considerable savings for government in terms of interest payments on its debt,” Dr Jammine said.
Improving economic prospects have also been recognised internationally, with ratings agency S&P Global upgrading South Africa’s credit rating for the first time in 16 years.
Turning to the construction sector – which is closely aligned with AfriSam’s core business as a leading construction materials supplier – Dr Jammine reminded the audience that the industry remains under severe pressure due to years of underinvestment in fixed capital.
“Construction, comprising both building and civil engineering, is still about 30% below where it was in 2010,” he said. “By contrast, the agricultural sector is about 70% higher than its 2010 level.”
Employment in construction has also declined, falling by around 5% compared with 2019 levels, making it one of the weakest performing sectors in the economy. Dr Jammine attributed much of the decline in gross fixed capital formation to the deterioration of state-owned enterprises.
“They have seen the decimation of the country’s infrastructure, much of which relates to the era of state capture,” he said. “There has been a rape of our resources to benefit a handful of people interfering with procurement processes and standing in the way of proper service delivery and infrastructure investment.”
This situation is closely linked to crime and corruption, he added, noting that these challenges must be decisively addressed.
While private sector investment “has not been stellar,” Dr Jammine acknowledged that it has at least continued to grow gradually over time.
Reflecting the weak state of the construction industry, the number of residential building plans approved remains subdued, at around 40 to 50% below its peak. However, he believes there are signs that this trend may be reaching a turning point.
“Non-residential building plans passed show an even weaker trend, down about 85% from the peak a decade ago,” he said. “Arguably there was an oversupply in the middle of the last decade, and the Covid-19 pandemic then dealt the sector a further blow.”
Despite these challenges, Dr Jammine noted that renewed investment in infrastructure and mining development would provide an important boost for the construction materials sector, creating opportunities for companies such as AfriSam that play a key role in supplying cement, aggregates and readymix concrete to major infrastructure and development projects.
South Africa is entering a new era of urban growth. Already a predominantly urban country, it is estimated that by 2035 more than 70% of the population will live in towns and cities. This rapid shift presents both opportunities and challenges – opportunities to unlock economic growth and improve quality of life and challenges around housing demand, transport networks, basic services and environmental sustainability.
This is according to Amit Dawneerangen, AfriSam Construction Materials Executive – Sales & Product Technical, who says that for South Africa’s construction sector, this means designing and delivering infrastructure that can handle greater density, withstand climate pressures and reduce environmental impacts.
At the heart of this transformation lies the choice of construction materials. Cement, concrete and aggregates are not just commodities; they are the building blocks of urban life. And in South Africa, AfriSam has emerged as the leader in providing materials that balance quality, durability and sustainability.
Urbanisation’s evolving demands
Urbanisation in South Africa is no longer simply about the expansion of cities into outlying areas. Increasingly, the focus is on densification, making better use of existing urban footprints through renewal, infill and multi-storey development. This shift creates new demands for construction materials.
Mid-rise residential blocks, affordable housing developments and rental stock require concrete that is consistent, reliable and cost effective. Transport corridors such as bridges, bus rapid transit systems and interchanges call for high performance mixes that can endure decades of service under heavy loads. Municipal services – from schools and clinics to water and wastewater treatment plants – must be delivered on time, often within constrained urban sites where logistics and supply certainty are critical.
Cities also face growing environmental stresses. Flooding, storm surges and rising heat are already reshaping infrastructure priorities. Urban resilience now depends on engineered solutions such as permeable pavements to manage stormwater, durable culverts and channels to reduce flood risk and concrete road surfaces designed to handle high temperatures.
Decarbonising the built environment
Globally, there is growing recognition that construction materials – especially cement and concrete – hold the key to reducing embodied carbon in infrastructure. For South Africa, this is particularly relevant, as the country has set ambitious climate targets while facing ongoing energy and water constraints.
AfriSam has been a pioneer in low carbon cement technology, producing blended cements that incorporate supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash and slag. These substitutes reduce the clinker content in cement, directly lowering CO₂ emissions without compromising strength. AfriSam has also embraced performance-based concrete designs, where specifications focus on outcomes like strength and durability rather than rigid cement content. This approach allows for innovation, cost optimisation and carbon reduction in tandem.
“Urban growth and decarbonisation are not competing agendas – they are two sides of the same challenge,” Amit Dawneerangen, Construction Materials Executive: Sales & Product Technical at AfriSam, says. “Our blended cements and engineered concretes are designed to deliver the performance cities need with a measurably lower carbon footprint.”
From affordable housing to wastewater infrastructure, AfriSam’s products demonstrate that sustainable options can also be practical and cost effective. Permeable concretes are being trialled to reduce stormwater run-off in dense precincts, while high durability mixes extend the service life of bridges and marine infrastructure. Each innovation brings South Africa closer to cities that are not only larger, but smarter and more sustainable.
Circularity and resource efficiency
Another crucial component of future urbanisation is circularity. With demand for materials rising, the sector cannot rely indefinitely on virgin resources. AfriSam is leading efforts to recycle returned concrete waste into aggregates for selected applications, reducing landfill pressure and preserving natural stone reserves.
At the quarry and plant level, AfriSam continues to optimise operations to extract more usable product per tonne of raw material. Closed-loop water management systems reduce consumption and safeguard scarce water supplies, while dust control technologies protect surrounding communities and ecosystems.
These efforts show that sustainability is not an add-on but a central requirement for long term urban growth. “The future city will not be built at the expense of the environment. It must balance demand with responsibility and that is what AfriSam is striving to achieve,” Dawneerangen emphasises.
Reliability as a sustainability factor
Urban projects are uniquely complex. Construction in congested spaces, under tight deadlines and with limited access, demands absolute reliability from suppliers. In this context, AfriSam’s national footprint of plants and quarries becomes a sustainability lever in itself.
Every delayed delivery or rejected batch adds wasted fuel, idle machinery time and disrupted schedules. By leveraging digital platforms, AfriSam allows contractors to place orders online, track deliveries in real time and receive automated notifications.
Highly skilled technical teams supported by AfriSam’s Centre of Product Excellence and its SANAS-accredited laboratories underpin the high level of service provided to support contractors by tailoring mixes to specific site conditions.
Further, night time pours and staged logistics reduce disruption in high density areas, ensuring projects proceed smoothly and with minimal impact on surrounding communities.
Reliability is not just about convenience; it is about efficiency and reduced waste across the project lifecycle. For cities with constrained budgets, this translates directly into savings and better value.
Building for resilience and longevity
As municipalities face tightening budgets, long term durability has become more important than ever. AfriSam’s technical experts work closely with engineers to design concretes that resist chloride ingress, sulphate attack and carbonation – factors that typically shorten the lifespan of assets. By mitigating these risks, AfriSam helps ensure that bridges, pavements, culverts and treatment plants last longer, require less maintenance and deliver greater whole-life value.
In road infrastructure, AfriSam continues to refine mixes that resist rutting under heavy axle loads and endure repeated heat cycles. For marine and wastewater facilities, specially formulated binder systems improve resistance to aggressive environments. In emerging technologies, the company is exploring concrete mixes suitable for 3D printing and precast manufacturing, accelerating the delivery of housing and municipal infrastructure with consistent quality.
Inclusive growth and skills development
Urbanisation is also a chance to build a more inclusive construction economy. Through its community investment initiatives, AfriSam invests in the growth of small and medium-sized contractors, providing training in material use, batching discipline and quality control.
By enabling smaller players and expanding skills, AfriSam ensures that urbanisation benefits are more widely shared. This inclusivity is critical in a country where unemployment and inequality remain pressing challenges.
Aligning with policy and planning
The coming decade will shape South Africa’s cities for generations. The challenge is clear – the need to deliver more housing and infrastructure at greater speed, with fewer resources and lower carbon intensity. AfriSam’s strategy rests on three interlinked pillars – advancing low carbon material innovation, ensuring operational excellence and supply reliability and fostering partnerships that build skills and inclusivity.
“Urbanisation is not a future risk, it is today’s reality,” Dawneerangen says. “By combining reliable logistics, advanced materials and transparent performance data, AfriSam is helping South Africa’s cities grow in ways that are economically sound, socially inclusive and environmentally responsible.”
As the demands of urbanisation accelerate, one thing is certain – the future of South Africa’s cities will quite literally be built on AfriSam’s foundations.
AfriSam’s Roadstab Cement continues to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s road infrastructure. As a purpose-designed stabilising cement, it provides engineers and contractors with a dependable high performance solution for improving the strength, durability and longevity of road layers – particularly in challenging local conditions.
Engineered for Performance and Reliability
Developed specifically for road construction applications, AfriSam Roadstab Cement enhances the performance of in-situ materials used in base and sub-base layers. The result is a stable platform with superior load bearing capacity and improved resistance to deformation, ensuring that roads can withstand high traffic volumes and harsh climatic conditions.
According to AfriSam’s Cementitious Executive, Vishal Aniruth, AfriSam Roadstab Cement has been formulated to meet the exacting demands of road layer stabilisation. “It provides superior strength gain and reduced shrinkage cracking, ensuring that the stabilised base layers performs optimally over the road’s design life.”
“The product’s controlled composition ensures predictable setting times and uniform strength development, which helps contractors maintain tight construction schedules without compromising on quality,” he says. “Its versatility across different soil types and project scales has made it a trusted choice for both urban and rural roads across southern Africa.”
Building for Sustainability
Sustainability lies at the core of AfriSam’s product development philosophy, and Roadstab Cement is no exception. It is manufactured using specifically selected clinker replacement materials that significantly reduce its carbon footprint compared to conventional cements, without sacrificing performance.
“By using Roadstab Cement, contractors are not only achieving a cost effective and durable road construction solution, but are also actively reducing the environmental impact of their projects,” he says. “It is a practical example of how innovation in materials can support sustainable infrastructure development.”
Partnering for Quality and Long-Term Value
AfriSam backs its specialised cement range with the country’s most extensive technical support network. Through its laboratory and field services teams, the company assists clients with mix designs, materials testing and quality control to ensure optimal results on site.
“Our customers appreciate that AfriSam is more than just a supplier,” Aniruth adds. “We work alongside them to make sure that every road built with Roadstab Cement achieves its intended performance and durability.”
From national highways to municipal and rural access routes, AfriSam Roadstab Cement continues to underpin critical transport infrastructure across southern Africa. Its proven consistency, ease of use and environmental benefits make it a preferred choice for road projects designed to stand the test of time.
“Reliable roads are essential for economic growth and community connectivity,” Aniruth concludes. “With Roadstab Cement, we are proud to be part of building a stronger and more sustainable future for South Africa.”
AfriSam’s long standing commitment to excellence and innovation in the built environment was once again underscored at the 24th Construction World Best Projects Awards, where several projects using its construction materials were recognised for outstanding achievement.
As one of the event’s founding supporters, AfriSam also sponsors the AfriSam Innovation Award for Sustainable Construction recognising the need to encourage and support sustainability. The company’s continued association reflects its dedication to promoting best practice, sustainability and quality in South Africa’s construction industry.
H&I’s Malmesbury Bypass – Special Mention
Among the recognised projects was the Malmesbury Bypass in the Western Cape, a large-scale infrastructure initiative being constructed by leading regional contractor H&I. The project received a Special Mention for its contribution to strategic infrastructure development under the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, focusing on the Saldanha–Northern Cape Development Corridor.
Commencing in March 2023 and due for completion in January 2026, the project involves 6,7 km of new greenfield road construction, extensive bridges, ramps and an agricultural underpass that will streamline traffic and enhance safety around the town of Malmesbury.
AfriSam has partnered with H&I as a key material supplier, providing a range of aggregates and readymix concrete from its Rheebok quarry north of Malmesbury and Peninsula facility. These have been used for fill and layer works, as well as the construction of five post-tensioned twin rib deck bridges and an agricultural underpass. Approximately 14,000 m³ of readymix concrete were supplied for these structures.
The project’s technical complexity – from extensive cut-and-fill operations in hilly terrain to the crossing of rivers and wetlands – demonstrates the engineering expertise and material quality required for high-performance infrastructure.
Teichmann Structures’ Market Road Bridge, Pietermaritzburg – Special Mention
Another highlight was the continuous concrete pour on the Market Road Bridge in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, which earned a Special Mention for precision planning and execution.
Constructed by Teichmann Structures under Grinaker LTA’s New England Joint Venture for SANRAL, the bridge is part of a major N3 highway upgrade. AfriSam supplied the 1,300 m³ of readymix concrete required for the 103 m bridge deck, delivered in 218 truckloads during a single overnight pour in April 2025.
The pour commenced at 20h00 and concluded in the early hours of the morning, allowing the road to reopen by 06h00 –- all without incidents or delays. This operation stands out for its logistical precision and quality outcome, contributing to one of South Africa’s most important freight corridors.
Concor’s Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 – Highly Commended and Special Mention
AfriSam also celebrated recognition for Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 in Johannesburg, constructed by Concor, which received a Highly Commended Award in the Building Contractors Category and a Special Mention in the AfriSam Innovation Award for Sustainable Construction.
The Oxford Parks development is a benchmark for sustainable urban building, showcasing energy efficiency, responsible material selection and innovative design practices aligned with green building principles. AfriSam’s low carbon cementitious products and concrete solutions played a vital role in achieving the project’s sustainability goals.
A Legacy of Excellence
“AfriSam has supported the Construction World Best Projects Awards from the beginning because we believe in recognising excellence that uplifts the construction industry,” Richard Tomes, AfriSam Sales and Marketing Executive says. “Seeing projects that incorporate our materials being honoured is a source of great pride and proof of the quality and consistency we bring to every partnership.”
For 24 years, the company’s sponsorship of the AfriSam Innovation Award for Sustainable Construction has encouraged forward-thinking approaches to infrastructure and building projects – ensuring that sustainability remains a central pillar of construction in South Africa.
AfriSam is playing a pivotal role in the construction of one of Gauteng’s largest and most technically complex water towers, supplying specially designed readymix concrete to meet both structural and seismic performance requirements. Located near Main Reef Road south of Johannesburg, the 43 metre high water tower will store 3,2 mega litres of water to support the new Goudrand mega city development.
With construction led by M&D Construction and engineering design by SCIP Engineering Group, the project has demanded highly customised concrete solutions from AfriSam. The structure is located in a seismically active zone and required additional reinforcement in the lower section of the shaft to withstand ground acceleration above 0,1g. This called for increased steel density and a concrete mix that could deliver strength, flowability and controlled heat of hydration.
AfriSam’s Product Technical Team Leader, Mduduzi Ndlovu, explains that the concrete mix was developed with a high proportion of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to reduce the heat generated during curing. “The base mix comprised 70% ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBS) and 30% AfriSam High Strength Cement, reducing the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content to just 20%,” says Ndlovu. “Despite the low OPC content, the mix exceeded expectations – achieving the target strength of 51 MPa was achieved in only 28 days in relation to the designed 56 day requirement. ”
The construction process placed high demands on the readymix in terms of both slump control and delivery precision. With over 210 kg of rebar per cubic metre in some sections, AfriSam developed a high slump pump mix for vertical pours, while limiting slump to 130 mm for slanted sections to avoid concrete sliding off shuttering.
Sheldon Temlett, Contracts Manager at M&D Construction, highlights the importance of this mix performance. “With such dense steel and complex geometry, AfriSam’s mix gave us the workability we needed without compromising quality. Their team worked closely with us to adjust slump levels and plan deliveries around our 12 m³/hour pour rate.”
AfriSam Territory Manager Toni Williams adds that logistics were carefully aligned with construction progress to avoid delays or idle time on site. “Coordination was key to supporting M&D’s controlled rise rate of 1 metre per hour, especially as the concrete had to partially set before each formwork lift could proceed.”
Construction of the Main Reef water tower began in September 2024 and is scheduled for completion in April 2026. Once commissioned, it will provide essential water infrastructure to approximately 20,000 homes in the Goudrand housing development – a major project spearheaded by the Gauteng Department of Housing, the City of Johannesburg and Blue Print Housing.
In a construction landscape where cost pressures are rising, AfriSam’s Amit Dawneerangen is raising a red flag cautioning contractors that cutting corners on material quality may appear cost effective in the short term, but it compromises the long term performance and value of infrastructure.
As Executive: Sales & Product Technical at AfriSam, Dawneerangen sees worrying signs of a growing trend – across both public and private sector projects – where the drive to reduce costs is resulting in widespread ‘buying down’ on material quality.
Dawneerangen argues that the foundation of any durable and cost effective infrastructure project lies in the quality of materials used. Cement, aggregates and readymix concrete must meet rigorous standards if structures are to withstand time and usage. “Quality is the basis for longevity in construction projects,” he says. “And yet, there is an increasing appetite for lower quality alternatives that may meet the immediate budget but not the design intent or long term performance requirements.”
Infrastructure investment remains one of the most powerful tools for economic growth, with a proven multiplier effect. But the benefits only materialise if the projects built are sustainable – both structurally and financially.
Dawneerangen points to AfriSam’s own commitment to quality assurance, noting that all its cement products are produced in ISO 9001-certified facilities and conform to SANS 50197 requirements.
On road projects especially, material testing is critical. AfriSam applies globally recognised methodologies such as Los Angeles Abrasion, Polished Stone Value and California Bearing Ratio tests. Its quarries produce a range of products from G1 to G7 for layerworks in line with COTO and other relevant specifications and most also supply stone and crushed sand for asphalt production.
Yet despite the availability of tested compliant materials, Dawneerangen is seeing a shift in specifications that opens the door to lesser products. From an aggregate perspective, the traditional ‘blue’ rock – competent material mined from deeper layers – has always been preferred for its high compressive strength. Increasingly, however, this is being blended with overburden or ‘brown’ material, resulting in downgraded specifications. These blends are being embraced as a cheaper alternative even though they may compromise structural integrity.
The practice has also led to a rise in illegal mining operations where unregulated borrow pits offer free-dig material with minimal processing costs. “There is no drilling or blasting required. It is a quick fix for contractors chasing margins,” says Dawneerangen. “But it undermines legal operators who invest in compliance and quality.”
The same trend is evident in the readymix sector. AfriSam, traditionally known for supplying premium strength concrete upwards of 35 MPa, has seen demand shift below the 30 MPa mark. “The drop in average strength tells its own story. Affordability is driving decisions but at what long term cost?”
Dawneerangen emphasises that using subpar materials often results in hidden costs. Inconsistent properties can lead to rework, premature failure and costly delays. “The right material used in accordance with design specifications eliminates the need for unscheduled corrective work,” he says. “So-called cheap materials can end up being very expensive.”
Working with a reputable supplier, he believes, is non-negotiable. AfriSam’s vertically integrated offering – from quarry to cement plant to readymix site – ensures that quality is consistently monitored throughout the value chain. The company’s SANAS 17025-accredited Centre of Product Excellence collaborates closely with customers to tailor solutions to specific applications, backed by in-house labs and quarterly testing.
Dawneerangen also notes the importance of sourcing aggregate from legally registered quarries recognised by industry bodies like ASPASA, which helps regulate surface mining practices. ASPASA conducts audits and drives continuous improvement through its technical committees, providing vital industry oversight.
Unfortunately, no such structure exists in the readymix industry which, he says, has become highly deregulated. This has created space for opportunistic suppliers who under-yield or engage in questionable practices, often undercutting responsible operators on price while delivering poor product quality.
Ultimately, Dawneerangen’s message is clear. South Africa cannot afford to sacrifice infrastructure integrity for short term savings. “Adherence to quality control guarantees successful execution of projects on time and within budget. With the role that infrastructure plays in our country’s future, we must stop seeing quality as optional. It is the smartest investment we can make.”
In a country building towards a better future, what we put into our infrastructure today determines its value tomorrow. From homes and schools to highways and water systems, South Africa’s development depends on strong lasting foundations and that means choosing quality construction materials from the start. AfriSam’s Sales and Marketing Executive, Richard Tomes, says that quality cement is one of the most unappreciated yet critical components in our built environment.
“It is central to the way we create our modern world and facilitate development, providing a cost effective path to a better future,” Tomes says. This cement, often hidden from sight beneath roads or inside walls, is the glue that binds the country’s progress together.
What sets AfriSam apart is not just the volume of cement it produces but the quality behind every bag. Each product is designed for longevity because early repairs or rebuilds are simply not an option for developing countries. Good cement choices made decades ago are still saving money today by reducing the need for maintenance and freeing up resources for other priorities.
AfriSam’s All Purpose Cement is a standout in its class – engineered to remove confusion in the market and deliver consistent high performance results across structural and residential applications. For the manufacturing sector, AfriSam’s Rapid Hard Cement gives precast and paving producers the speed they need to stay productive, offering high early strength and faster turnaround times. On South Africa’s roads, the company’s RoadStab Cement, a specially formulated cement for stabilising the layers beneath the surface, helping prevent the scourge of potholes.
Large infrastructure demands even more specialised solutions. On projects like the Lesotho Highlands Water scheme and the construction of wind turbine bases, AfriSam’s low-heat cement helped mitigate cracking by carefully managing the heat of hydration during curing. “It is not just about performance – it is about precision,” Tomes says.
That same attention to detail extends to AfriSam’s environmental approach. By incorporating extenders such as fly ash and slag – byproducts from coal and steel production – the company significantly reduces the carbon footprint of its cements. In fact, its average carbon content per kilogram of cement is below the global average. And with low-water-demand options now available, customers can help preserve one of South Africa’s scarcest resources.
But perhaps what matters most is how AfriSam ensures its quality promise reaches customers. Through its bi-annual Voice of Customer survey the company gains real-time insights across the full customer journey, from product selection to final payment. “Just like checking out of a hotel, the final experience can shape the entire perception,” says Tomes. “Our goal is to deliver not only a great product, but a great relationship through remarkable service.”
“In the end, it is simple,” he says. “If you want infrastructure that lasts, start with materials that are built to. What goes into it matters because the future depends on it.”
