Glenn Johnson, General Manager Construction Materials at AfriSam, believes it is fundamental for the construction materials industry to develop people. The industry, he says, needs strong technical skills at the core of its operational excellence.

With that in mind, AfriSam has over the years invested significantly in its in-house training initiatives, namely the Engineer-In-Training, Artisan Learnerships, Trainee Works Manager programmes and general operational training. This has recently been expanded with the introduction of the Trainee Operational Managers programme for the readymix business unit.

Engineer-In-Training

Johnson explains that the Engineer-In-Training is a structured training programme for young graduates who have come through AfriSam’s bursary pipeline. “Selected individuals – those who demonstrate the best aptitude for the aggregates and readymix businesses – are integrated into the programme with the aim of developing a pipeline of electrical, civil, mechanical and mining engineers,” he says.

AfriSam has a two-pronged approach to developing its Engineer-In-Training graduates further. They are either given a chance to move into line management or to stay in their chosen technical discipline, be it mechanical or electrical engineering, or a multifunction of the two disciplines.

The Trainee Works Manager programme exposes candidates to all the critical aspects of works management on aggregate operations, including legal training, blasting certificates, financial management and, more importantly, people management amongst others.

The Trainee Operations Manager programme follows the same pattern, but with a specific focus on readymix concrete production, including technical specifications, product application and customer interface. Candidates are also exposed to the financial and operational aspects of the readymix business.

The Artisan Learnership Programme targets candidates who have completed their National Qualification Framework (NQF) courses, be it internal employees (18.1 learners) or external candidates (18.2 learners). “AfriSam has recorded massive success with these programmes,” Johnson says. “To provide context, since 2012, a total of 83 artisans – both 18.1 and 18.2 learners – came through the system.”

Despite the recent challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the continued downturn in the construction sector, Johnson says the company continues to show the resolve to develop people. “I also urge other industry players, who have generally lagged behind, to play their part in developing skills the industry needs, now and well into the future,” he concludes.

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Today, the business serves both local homeowners in Pretoria North, Ga Rankuwa, Soshanguve and broader regions, as well as large developers and construction contractors. Since its inception in 2007, Zenzele has specialised in precast products from concrete pavers and bricks to cladding, kerbs, blocks, and tiles.

‘The backbone of our success is high-quality cement, ensuring consistency in results and colour,’ says Founder and Owner Wendel Krook. ‘Our enduring relationship with AfriSam, who mirrors our dedication to quality, reliability and consistency, plays a significant role in our growth.’

Core principles 

The company’s core principle of delivering a product that is good enough for their own home has attracted a diverse clientele, ranging from local families to large commercial customers. Zenzele Co-Founder Hengelene Krook says, ‘Our loyal customer base is built upon quality, service and the trust that our products will pass the test of time. ‘This commitment to quality extends to Zenzele’s workforce, marked by low staff turnover and retention of skills and experience, ensuring attention to detail in all business aspects. General Manager Jacqueline O&Kelly, Zenzele’s first employee, applauds AfriSam’s support and reliability in meeting Zenzele’s high-quality standards.

Sales and Marketing Representative Tinus Redelinghuys emphasises AfriSam’s vital role in the success of phased construction projects. ‘With AfriSam’s quick service, we maintain a consistent supply of cement, facilitating efficient production and ex-stock deliveries,’says Redelinghuys. AfriSam’s consistent service and high-quality cement, including the 42.5R CEM II High Strength Cement, has notably benefited Zenzele’s inventory management and delivery efficiency.

Wendel Krook comments, ‘AfriSam’s cement consistency and quality allow us to accurately predict our paver supply and promptly deliver to our customers. ‘Praising the partnership, Hengeline Krook says, ‘AfriSam genuinely values our relationship, a sentiment we greatly appreciate as a smaller business. ‘ Adele Wentzel, AfriSam’s Sales Manager Manufacturing for Gauteng, further emphasises the importance of their collaboration. ‘We provide technical support, share information and interact regularly to strengthen our partnership. We are proud to be associated with such a caring and well- respected company.’

Zenzele’s collaboration with AfriSam continues to contribute significantly to its growth and success, underscoring the value of quality and service consistency in the precast product manufacturing sector.

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