It is now easier than ever to manage the purchase of construction materials from AfriSam, but the whole customer experience is much deeper than just this moment in the relationship.

“We have built our business around our customers, ensuring that they are buying not just our products but peace of mind and long-term cost effectiveness,” says Richard Tomes, AfriSam Sales and Marketing Executive. “Beyond the products themselves, customers are also benefiting from our depth of technical expertise and support – while also joining our quest to create a better society.”

Tomes highlights that AfriSam’s digital platform ClickToGo streamlines the customer experience when purchasing products online. It provides a seamless process from enquiries and quotes, through order placement and technical advice, to payments and delivery tracking.

“At the same time, we know that customers often need to speak directly to an informed and responsible employee, who will deal with their query – however complex,” he says. “Automated systems can’t always do that, so we have a contact centre manned by experienced people, and they work from a centralised office – not from home – that is well resourced for optimal responsiveness.”

He emphasises, though, that the whole customer experience rests upon decades of innovation and a market leading expertise that underpins the success of customers’ projects – whether large or small. Serving the growing DIY and small builder market, for instance, AfriSam’s quality All Purpose Cement ensures strength and longevity in a diverse range of applications.

“For those segments where the risk of selecting an inappropriate cement category is high, our All Purpose Cement gives users the best results across various applications,” he says. “This is becoming more important as more and more cement is sold from retailers, often to relatively inexperienced users.”

Tomes points out that there is significant risk involved when people make poor or uninformed purchasing decisions about critical building material like cement. The BBC has reported that the Nigerian capital Lagos experiences a building collapse every two weeks on average, with substandard or inappropriate building material being a common factor. 

“We also see tragic consequences from unsafe food in South Africa, and we should recognise that products like cement also require informed purchasing decisions,” he says. “We are proud that we can assure people of our guaranteed quality, so that they can build safe and durable buildings.” 

At the same time as it serves inexperienced users, AfriSam is well known for its leading edge skills and facilities, on which large and medium-sized contractors often rely for technical advice, bespoke concrete mixes and specialised support. Its reputation for reliability also means that quality is consistent and deliveries are on time, keeping projects on track and on budget.

“This capability gives our customers the comfort that project risks are being effectively mitigated, to deliver structures that are safe and long-lasting,” says Tomes. “It also ensures value for money, as quality materials in construction will avoid unbudgeted expenditure on repairs and maintenance.”

As a responsible company investing continuously in skills and community development, AfriSam’s commitment to a ‘positive African future’ includes maintaining and nurturing critical expertise for construction to thrive. 

“As a BBBEE Level 2 contributor, we actively pursue transformation goals for our company, the sector and the country,” he says. “This ensures that the economic growth we facilitate is inclusive and supports future livelihoods for all.”

AfriSam High Strength Cement has become the benchmark in the South African construction industry, providing unmatched strength and durability that cater to both large-scale projects and intricate construction needs. This premium product is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern construction, offering a multitude of benefits that enhance the quality and longevity of structures.

This versatile product is designed for a wide range of applications, and is particularly suited for the construction of high-rise buildings, bridges and other infrastructure projects that require exceptional strength and resilience. Its superior compressive strength makes it ideal for load-bearing structures, ensuring stability and safety over extended periods. Additionally, this cement is perfect for use in precast concrete products, where consistency and reliability are paramount.

One of the key advantages of AfriSam High Strength Cement is its enhanced durability. Structures built with this cement are better equipped to withstand environmental stresses such as extreme weather conditions, chemical exposure and mechanical wear and tear. This results in longer lasting constructions that require less maintenance and repair, ultimately leading to significant cost savings over the lifespan of the structures.

The cement’s rapid strength development is another noteworthy benefit. Projects using AfriSam High Strength Cement can achieve faster turnaround times, as the cement reaches its optimal strength more quickly than standard cement types. This efficiency not only accelerates construction schedules but also reduces labour costs and minimises the potential for project delays.

AfriSam High Strength Cement boasts excellent workability, allowing for easier handling and application. This facilitates smoother and more precise construction processes, contributing to higher quality finishes and reduced wastage. The cement’s compatibility with various admixtures further enhances its versatility, enabling it to be tailored to specific project requirements and environmental conditions.

Sustainability is a core value at AfriSam, and its High Strength Cement reflects this commitment. The product is manufactured using environmentally responsible practices, minimising its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable construction. By choosing AfriSam High Strength Cement, builders and developers are contributing to a more sustainable future while benefiting from a product that delivers exceptional performance.

AfriSam and Rumdel Construction were honoured at the Construction World Best Projects 2024 Awards for their collaborative work on a landmark upgrade to the N3 highway in KwaZulu-Natal. Announced as the winner in the Civil Engineering Contractors category, the entry also secured a Highly Commended in the Specialist Contractors or Suppliers Award, and a Highly Commended in the AfriSam Innovation Award got Sustainable Construction.

This 4.6 km project between Ashburton and Lynnfield Park highlights the critical role AfriSam’s high quality construction materials played in delivering a durable future-ready infrastructure solution, setting new standards in road building for South Africa.

A cornerstone of the project was the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology on a large scale, coupled with labour-enhanced methods to bolster local employment. AfriSam’s ability to supply over 50,000 cubic metres of readymix concrete from its Umlaas Road batching plant near Pietermaritzburg proved instrumental in achieving the project’s ambitious quality and durability goals. The concrete mix was specifically designed to meet stringent standards, ensuring the road’s resilience and longevity under the new Committee of Transport Officials (COTO) specifications.

This upgrade from jointed concrete pavement (JCP) to CRCP required not only a complete overhaul of existing structures but also the highest levels of material reliability and performance. AfriSam delivered on this need with consistency, ensuring each batch met rigorous standards for compressive and flexural strength. The readymix contained AfriSam’s 42.5R composite cement, which also adheres to the project’s environmental targets by integrating recycled content and optimising water usage. AfriSam’s commitment to sustainability was further evident in its recycling of on-site concrete, used as an interlayer beneath the CRCP, minimising material waste and reducing the environmental footprint.

In addition to high quality materials, AfriSam implemented extensive quality control measures. These included the use of chilled water for concrete mixing during high ambient temperatures, ensuring that the material retained its workability and strength. AfriSam’s early-warning testing system provided continuous monitoring, reinforcing the company’s dedication to quality and risk management.

The project also brought substantial social benefits to the community. By incorporating labour-intensive methods in the CRCP placement, the project provided employment for over 680 local workers, with five subcontractors dedicated to the CRCP work alone. 

The N3 highway project stands as a testament to how quality construction materials, combined with community-focused practices, can achieve outstanding results. Through AfriSam’s leading-edge readymix solutions and sustainable practices, the project serves as a model for South Africa’s road infrastructure development, balancing technical excellence with environmental and social responsibility.

AfriSam Starmix®, a premium readymix concrete solution, answers the need for high quality, reliable and efficient building materials. Available from leading construction materials company, AfriSam, this product is designed to cater to a wide range of construction applications.

This versatile, high performance readymix concrete combines the finest raw materials with advanced technology to ensure superior quality and consistency. It is specifically formulated to meet the stringent demands of modern construction projects, offering unmatched durability, workability and strength.

One of the standout features of AfriSam Starmix® is its exceptional workability. The mix is designed to flow easily and settle smoothly, making it ideal for a variety of applications.  This improved workability also reduces the time and effort required for placement, ultimately speeding up the construction process.

AfriSam Starmix® is engineered to provide outstanding durability and strength, ensuring that structures built with this concrete can withstand the test of time and harsh environmental conditions. 

Another key advantage of AfriSam Starmix® is its versatility. The product is highly adaptable and can be customised to meet specific project requirements. 

AfriSam is committed to sustainable practices, and Starmix® is no exception. The product is designed with environmental considerations in mind, incorporating eco-friendly materials and production methods that minimise the carbon footprint. This aligns with AfriSam’s broader commitment to sustainability and responsible construction.

AfriSam not only provides a superior product but also offers exceptional customer support and service. The company’s team of experts is available to assist with mix design, technical advice and on-site support to ensure that every project runs smoothly and efficiently.

AfriSam, a leading construction materials company, has reaffirmed its dedication to the sustainable development of the communities surrounding its operations with the completion of the Verulam Community Hall. This initiative not only showcases AfriSam’s commitment to social responsibility but also highlights its support for local small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and the creation of employment opportunities for community members.

The Verulam Community Hall, constructed by a local SMME, stands as a testament to AfriSam’s ongoing efforts to uplift and empower the communities in which it operates. The hall, which has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the community, features a fully equipped kitchen and modern ablution facilities, ensuring a comfortable and functional space for various community activities.

In line with AfriSam’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Verulam Community Hall incorporates several eco-friendly features. A water tank has been installed to collect rainwater, promoting water conservation and reducing reliance on municipal resources. Additionally, the hall’s surroundings have been enhanced with the installation of paving, providing a safe and accessible area for community members, and a dedicated parking area has been provided to accommodate visitors.

By engaging a local SMME for the construction of the Verulam Community Hall, AfriSam has not only contributed to the economic growth of the community but has also fostered skills development and job creation. The project has provided employment opportunities for local community members, empowering them to contribute to the development of their own community and improve their livelihoods.

Commenting on the completion of the Verulam Community Hall, AfriSam’s Community Development Professional, Senzi Mabaso, stated, “We are proud to have partnered with a local SMME for this project, as it aligns with our commitment to supporting local businesses and uplifting the communities in which we operate. The Verulam Community Hall will serve as a hub for various community activities, fostering social cohesion and providing a space for personal and collective growth.”

AfriSam remains dedicated to its sustainable development initiatives, continuously seeking opportunities to make a positive impact on the communities it serves. The completion of the Verulam Community Hall is a testament to AfriSam’s commitment to creating concrete possibilities for all.

Manufacturing concrete products is an industry segment that faces its own special demands, and AfriSam’s 90 years of experience allows it to take some of the weight of these challenges off its customers.

“Some of the country’s leading concrete product manufacturers (CPMs) have been our customers for over 40 years,” says Adele Wentzel, Sales Manager Cement Manufacturing Gauteng at AfriSam. “Relationships like these give us real insight into their daily concerns, and how we can add value to their operations.”

With its need for efficient production lines and quick cycle times, the CPM segment relies extensively on AfriSam’s Rapid Hard (52,5R) cement and its High Strength (42,5R) cement. Concrete products need to be removed from moulds as quickly as possible, and in most cases there are stringent demands on quality, finish and strength.

“While many customers have applications that need our ‘Rolls Royce’ product – the Rapid Hard cement – there are also segments where their concrete products are better suited to other classes of cement,” explains Wentzel. “Whatever the application, though, customers rely on the AfriSam service team to ensure they receive the right cement and the optimal mix to achieve the best results.”

Among current priorities in the CPM segment is to reduce energy consumption – as steam curing is generally energy intensive. A key resource for AfriSam customers is its Centre for Product Excellence (CPE), which helps find innovative and cost effective solutions. 

“The CPE’s depth of expertise – backed up by sophisticated testing and laboratory infrastructure – means there are specialists available in the field of concrete products,” she says. “One of our initiatives has been a collaboration with a leading admixture provider, combining our skills and products with theirs to find ways to reduce costs for customers.”

These initiatives include focused interventions for customers to achieve strategic improvements in their operational efficiency, she notes. 

“Our ability to provide these value-adds stems from the trust we’ve built over many years within the CPM segment through sustained relationships,” she emphasises. “Throughout the years, we have practically demonstrated our contribution to customers’ businesses, providing a tangible contribution cementing the necessary trust.”

This trust is a vital foundation for a segment faced with varying levels of loadshedding, as CPMs rely heavily on electricity supply for curing concrete products. 

“With our flexibility, responsiveness and qualified specialist advice, we help customers to manage operational uncertainties while still ensuring the highest quality of product,” she says. 

Started in 1934 as only the second cement manufacturer in South Africa, AfriSam has built a 90year legacy of quality and expertise that ranks with the world’s best. 

According to Richard Tomes, Sales & Marketing Executive at AfriSam, this success is driven as much by its technical performance and service, as by remaining relevant and true to the communities it serves. Tomes highlights the leading role taken by AfriSam in driving product quality alongside rising sustainability concerns to reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, the company plays a broader role in strengthening livelihoods and cohesion in the economies and communities in which it operates.

AfriSam’s 90 years began as Anglovaal Portland Cement Company, diversifying early into readymix concrete and aggregate production as Anglo Alpha. Its more recent history saw the business acquired by the global leader in cement, Holcim, before returning to local ownership. He points to the world class skills and infrastructure within the business, an example of which was its Ulco cement factory being ranked as third-best performer in the Holcim group during its time in that stable.

“To reach 90 years old in a sector like construction really demands a constant commitment to being ahead of the game, and to delivering leading edge solutions at the highest level,” he says. This allowed AfriSam to play a central role over the years in iconic structures from Johannesburg’s 50-storey Carlton Centre in the 1970s to the Gautrain in the lead up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The company is today arguably the most trusted name in South Africa’s readymix industry, having retained and enhanced its institutional skills base in concrete technology. This has been vital for the beleaguered local construction sector, where the right-sizing of most large contractors has left them with fewer in-house resources on this front. 

“Our many years in business has taught us more about our broader responsibility, where we are also proud to play an active role as a responsible corporate citizen,” he says. “This ranges from our leading efforts in making cement production more sustainable, to supporting initiatives that build communities and promote social cohesion.”

AfriSam was the first cement manufacturer to launch a ‘green’ cement, through the scientific addition of cementitious extenders to reduce the content of energy-intensive clinker – while not compromising quality or performance. Through its continuous investment in research and development, it has taken South Africa to the forefront of cement technology related to the use of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and pulverised fly ash as extenders. 

Returning to AfriSam’s positive local economic impact over the decades, Tomes highlights the key role played by its cement, concrete and aggregate experts in building the country’s infrastructure to its current levels. 

“Irrespective of economic cycles and other disruptions, we consider it essential to maintain and sharpen our expertise and industrial capacity in service of Africa’s development,” he explains. “Even if economies stagnate for long periods, they can recover if there is a core of critical skills to build the necessary infrastructure.”

In this way, he says, AfriSam is creating the opportunities for communities to build livelihoods, especially in an environment where housing shortages are common. Alongside its leading edge technology, for instance, is its quality Starmix readymix solution – a cost effective product suited for the residential builder, which can be ordered in small quantities.

“We recognise the value of sport in improving lives and attitudes, so have over the years partnered with teams from Orlando Pirates to the Springboks,” says Tomes. “Youth entrepreneurship is another important focus for us, to inspire and empower future generations.”

Taking an unconventional route into the construction sector, EB Construction’s Ben Wagner has built a solid contracting business that serves residential, commercial and industrial clients. Partnering with responsive and trustworthy firms like construction materials specialist AfriSam has been one of his secrets of success.

Wagner studied mechanical engineering and started his career in the motor trade. However, his work took the direction of building planning and management, and he soon developed a strong interest and skill set in construction. With his entrepreneurial flair, it wasn’t long before he decided to go his own way, and started out in what he describes as handyman work.

“When my wife and I started a family, I didn’t want to be boxed into a job that demanded long days that would not allow me to be part of my children’s growing up,” he explains. “I needed to be more in control of my time and destiny, and I started EB Construction to give me that.”

The jobs started off small, he says, but soon grew to include substantial home renovations and new builds. Much of the early insurance-related work dealt with fire-damaged homes, which usually involved extensive demolition and reconstruction. He also operated a plumbing team that would deal with issues like burst geysers and the resultant damage.

“Within about three years, I was able to move out of insurance work and take on my own residential, commercial and industrial projects,” he said. A meeting with AfriSam Sales Manager Adele Wentzel opened up an important supply link for cement and concrete. He acknowledges that any business in construction is highly sensitive to the cost of its inputs, but explains that this cost cannot be reduced to the simple price of products.

“As EB Construction moved into larger residential, commercial and civils projects, we went beyond purchasing AfriSam’s bagged cement and into procuring readymix and other construction materials,” says Wagner. “Our projects became more complex, and this meant stricter timeframes and an even closer focus on quality – to mitigate project risk.”

He notes that his company had built its reputation on its attention to detail and on the lasting quality of its workmanship. From its base in Johannesburg, its footprint of projects grew quickly to include working on buildings and infrastructure in quite remote areas of the country.

“It soon became clear that not many of AfriSam’s competitors could meet the high level of its service, as well as the breadth of products and solutions,” he says. “Our larger projects – especially those located some distance from the main urban centres – needed close collaboration combined with flexibility, while not compromising on quality.”

The relationship grew on the strength of the two companies’ shared commitment to the highest standards – whether in service, materials or final construction. Wagner highlights how much a contractor relies on supply partners’ ability to communicate and plan well – as well as to adapt plans when necessary.

“We are often in unusual situations which require both the contractor and supplier to go the extra mile,” he says. “Building in a sensitive wildlife area, for instance, would require readymix deliveries to meet certain unexpected conditions; AfriSam accommodates these in its stride, right from the call centre through to management and truck drivers.”

AfriSam’s depth of expertise – including its Centre of Product Excellence – and its choice of solutions for different applications, has also made a valuable contribution to EB Construction’s growing volume of contracts. At a recent project in the rural hospitality industry, the work included demolition, infrastructure, construction and structural engineering.

“We built the roads with interlocking pavers, so made use of AfriSam’s Roadstab stabilising cement in the sub-base, as well as AfriSam’s StarBuild 32 5N and AfriSam’s All Purpose Cement 42,5N for grouting on the paving,” he says. “AfriSam was also able to supply the readymix for the culverts and bases, and for the off-shutter concrete structure for a wedding venue.”

In addition, this project included a large steel structure over a dam, which required numerous large concrete plinths. AfriSam supplied about 36 m³ of readymix for each plinth, despite the considerable distance to the site. Wagner says he could also rely on the quality of AfriSam readymix, so there were never any issues when engineers required density tests, for example.

Wentzel emphasises that working with EB Construction has been positive for various reasons, including the regular communication during projects, and the feedback they constantly provide.

“Our long working relationship with EB Construction is a good example of how we position our business,” she says. “Good working partnerships are built on trust, which we develop over years of meeting our promises.”

AfriSam Roadstab Cement is a specialised, high quality composite cement engineered specifically for road stabilisation tasks. Available from leading construction materials supplier, AfriSam, this cement is designed to optimise the properties of soils used in road construction, notably by reducing their plasticity and enhancing their strength and stability. 

The formulation of AfriSam Roadstab Cement aims to address the vital requirements of road construction projects by ensuring the durability and stability of road bases. The unique composition contributes to its efficacy, particularly in working with challenging soil types like clay. This addition not only improves the workability of the cement in various soil conditions but also facilitates easier handling and application during the construction process. 

Stabilisation using cement also improves the properties of granular materials. When cementitious material is mixed with granular material in predetermined portions and is adequately mixed, compacted and cured, a bound material with significant strength is the result.

An important advantage of AfriSam Roadstab Cement is its extended open working times as it provides ample time for the proper placement and compaction of materials. This type of flexibility in the construction timeline is crucial for achieving optimal results in soil stabilisation, ensuring that the stabilised layers meet the required standards for strength and durability.

Tailored to meet the demanding needs of road stabilisation, AfriSam Roadstab Cement offers superior performance across a wide spectrum of road material types. Its consistent quality and ability to reduce soil plasticity make it an essential component for constructing durable and stable roads. 

By enhancing the strength and stability of road bases, AfriSam Roadstab Cement plays a critical role in the longevity and reliability of road infrastructure.

AfriSam All Purpose Cement is recognised as a fundamental component in various construction applications, embodying versatility, reliability, quality and affordability. This premium product is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of construction projects from large-scale commercial and infrastructure developments to smaller residential and DIY projects. 

Ease of use and the ability to produce consistently excellent results make AfriSam All Purpose Cement a preferred choice among construction professionals. Manufactured in AfriSam’s state-of-the-art facilities, where quality management systems of the highest standard are a priority, the cement complies fully with the SANS 50197 specification for common cements. Its constant monitoring and maintenance of composition ensure it delivers high quality performance within the 42,5N MPa strength class.

The addition of fly ash and slag, where indicated, to this specially developed cement improves the overall workability of concrete as fly ash introduces microscopic spheres that effectively reduce the water demand of mortars and plasters. This makes the mix not only more cohesive but also enhances its ease of application. The improvement in texture and consistency ensures a superior bond in plaster applications, attributed to the increased stickiness of the mix. Consequently, this leads to a more efficient application process and results in smoother, more durable finishes in construction projects.

The unique composition of AfriSam All Purpose Cement addresses the industry’s need for a cement that reduces heat hydration in mass concrete works and enhances concrete’s resistance to chemical attacks including sulphate, chloride and exposure to soft water. 

The use of AfriSam All Purpose Cement in projects also significantly improves resistance to alkali-aggregate reactions and decreases the permeability of concrete in water-retaining structures, contributing to the sustainability and longevity of these projects.

AfriSam All Purpose Cement is suitable for a wide range of applications, from structural concrete and residential projects to brick and block making, as well as plaster mortar and shotcrete.