Local cement and construction materials manufacturer AfriSam hosted 60 small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) from different communities surrounding its Jukskei and Eikenhof quarries, both in Gauteng, for a one-day training session.

The event, named ‘Correct use of cement in concrete, plaster and mortar applications’, took place in September.

AfriSam asserts that the training programme is important for SMMEs as correct use of cement in construction projects has the potential to improve profitability and deliver quality structures for the SMME construction company.

The training was held at the AfriSam Business Development Centre in Roodepoort.

This training forms part of the company’s Enterprise and Supplier Development support programme provided to SMMEs.

The skills and services offered by the AfriSam Business Development Centre are meant to empower previously disadvantaged businesses by equipping the owners with knowledge and expertise to improve how they render products and services for various construction projects.

“With this training, we hope that small businesses can get better value out of the materials they purchase and deliver greater quality and be able to compete with big companies for bigger projects,” says AfriSam community development manager Betty Masinge.

Concrete construction specialist Greengate Projects director Percy Baloyi says he now understands the different cement types, strengths, uses and mixing ratios.

He adds the company specialises in construction of concrete columns, slabs, installation of staircases, building of houses and other structures.

Additionally, he plans to use the knowledge to manufacture quality bricks and slabs to pave the dusty roads in his hometown.

AfriSam technical trainer Leslie Mchunu facilitated the training which focused on the correct mix and use of cement, concrete, plaster, and mortar applications to achieve superior quality in construction projects.

Building construction and civil works company Molete Projects and Services founder Peter Molete says he has been attending various AfriSam training programmes since 2019.

He has undergone several courses and strongly believes in the company’s slogan “Creating Concrete Possibilities” because of how he has been empowered, enabling him and his business to gain worthy opportunities.

“When I started my business, I had limited skills, no funds, no mentor, all I had was a dream,” he says.

He adds that he has gained invaluable knowledge and expertise through the AfriSam training programmes, and his skill set now ranges from corporate branding, marketing and financial management to brick laying, paving, plastering and now the correct use of cement in concrete, plaster and mortar applications.

Female-owned trading company NTN Magoda General Trading founder Thabisile Jabu Magoda believes that her new skill set will enable her company to build better, stronger lasting structures and has put her in a better position to compete and perform in a previously male-dominated environment/industry.

At the end of the programme SMMEs received certificates to prove that they have basic knowledge about cement, aggregates, and ready mix.

Based on performance, a few will be selected to develop accredited learning through industry body the Cement and Concrete Institute of South Africa, fully funded by AfriSam.