To achieve the economic growth necessary to tackle South Africa's very high levels of unemployment, it is vital that the public and private sectors collaborate in launching critical infrastructure projects.

However, for this revival to be sustainable, the local cement industry must operate under strict quality accountability measures, says cement producer PPC CEO Matias Cardarelli.

Establishing checks and balances to ensure product quality is essential. Public safety must always be the top priority, and the government must enforce quality standards across all local and international producers.

In terms of market fairness, imported cement must adhere to the same stringent environmental and labour standards as local products.

A carbon tax on local cement producers is worsening their financial situation, but this tax does not apply to imported cement, thereby giving foreign competitors an unfair advantage.

"As a result, importing cement becomes more financially appealing than producing it locally. For imported cement, the government must not only guarantee quality but also ensure it is produced under the same environmental, labour and safety standards required of local producers," he notes.

Similarly, quality tests have revealed substandard quality cement in the market from some blending producers who purchased the original cement from well-known cement companies.

"This represents a public safety risk that should be controlled by the government and the cement companies that supplied the original cement to blenders," he says.

Cardarelli also advocates for the adoption of non-fossil energy sources within the cement industry.

"Transitioning to greener energy options will not only help reduce carbon emissions but will also lower production costs," he explains.

However, achieving this transformation will require a committed partnership between the public and private sectors, he adds.

"After more than a decade of stagnation and minimal infrastructure projects, a new opportunity is on the horizon as both public and private entities recognise the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure development.

"We must break the cycle of stagnation and begin activating projects that can secure a successful future for the cement industry, and for the South African economy as a whole. Collective involvement is crucial. We must work together to create a prosperous and sustainable environment for generations to come," says Cardarelli.