It is estimated that by 2035 more than 70% of South Africa’s population will live in towns and cities. This rapid urbanisation and concomitant demand for affordable housing presents opportunities for the construction sector to provide cement, concrete and aggregates that balance quality, durability and sustainability, says AfriSam construction materials executive: sales and product technical Amit Dawneerangen.

Dawneerangen explains that mid-rise residential blocks, affordable housing developments and rental stock require concrete that is consistent, reliable and cost effective, while 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.

Ensuring that urban developments are resilient to growing environmental stresses such flooding, storm surges and rising heat require 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. In addition, 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 asserts that it has pioneered low carbon cement technology, producing blended cements that incorporate supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag. These substitutes are designed to reduce the clinker content in cement, lowering CO₂ emissions without compromising strength. AfriSam says it has also engineered performance-based concrete designs, where specifications focus on outcomes such as strength and durability rather than rigid cement content.

“Urban growth and decarbonisation are not competing agendas - they are two sides of the same challenge,” says Dawneerangen. “Our blended cements and engineered concretes are designed to deliver the performance cities need with a measurably lower carbon footprint.”

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. The company also highlights its efforts to recycle returned concrete waste into aggregates for selected applications, aimed at reducing landfill pressure and preserving natural stone reserves.

In addition, interventions such as closed-loop water management systems help to reduce consumption and safeguard scarce water supplies, while dust control technologies protect surrounding communities and ecosystems.

In road infrastructure, the company says it 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 are designed to improve resistance to aggressive environments. The company is also exploring concrete mixes suitable for 3D printing and precast manufacturing.

“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,” concludes Dawneerangen.