From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

Sun International has broken ground on a R295-million expansion at its iconic Sun City resort, in the North West. Natasha Odendaal visited the site.

Natasha Odendaal:

In response to rising demand for Sun Vacation Club accommodation, Sun International started the development of the Lefika Villas to boost its capacity, by up to 400 additional guests, within the resort.

The addition of Lefika Villas, which will comprise 58 double-story luxury villas – 48 three-bedroom villas and 10 four-bedroom villas, as well as a recreational area with a resort pool, family restaurant and kid’s play area, will increase the Sun Vacation Club capacity at Sun City from 384 to 442 villas.

Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming:

Natasha Odendaal:

The development of the Lefika Villas, which leaves room for the further development of another 10 four-bedroom units should demand arise, is the first significant expansion at the Sun City resort since the establishment of the Aviary in 2004.

Civils and earthworks started in July and the project is expected to be completed by November 2023.

Sun International development manager Mark Pitchers:

Natasha Odendaal:

The development forms part of Sun International’s proposed multimillion-rand masterplan that includes the potential Phase 2 development, in 2023, of Sun Central, which will be fully dependent on the success of Lefika Villas and driven by demand.

Sun International is continuing with several current upgrade projects at Sun City, which is home to the iconic 327-room Palace of The Lost City Hotel, the 241-room five-star Cascades hotel, the 380-room Cabanas and the Bush Bungalows with 14 chalets, as well as the 340-room four-star Sun City Hotel.

The group embarked on a complete R208-million refurbishment of The Palace of The Lost City, including the installation of a spa and gym, which will be completed in November.

Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming:

Sashnee Moodley:  

Cement producer Afrisam says that its approach to developing extended cement products is key to lowering carbon emissions in the cement industry. Mining Weekly’s Darren Parker visited Afrisam’s slagment production facility to learn more about the company’s methodology and philosophy when it comes to creating more environment-friendly cement products.

Darren Parker:

AfriSam is continuing to push for a reduction of its clinker content in its composite cements as a way of reducing carbon emissions.

As a long-time developer of composite or extended cement products, AfriSam has managed to achieve a notable reduction in its clinker factor while still meeting industry requirements for quality.

Of particular note in this regard is Afrisam’s slagment, which is produced at a dedicated production facility in Vanderbijl Park. Slagment is made using ground granulated blast-furnace slag from nearby steelmaker Arcelor Mittal.

AfriSam cementitious executive Hannes Meyer:

Darren Parker:

Despite Afrisam significantly reducing its carbon emissions on every product line and even adding carbon dioxide emissions labelling on its bags, resulting in an overall decrease in carbon emissions per product, the company has a seen a recent surge in demand for its more carbon-intensive high-clinker content cement product ranges.

AfriSam cementitious executive Hannes Meyer:

Darren Parker:

By reusing waste products from other industries, AfriSam reduces the amount of limestone that it needs to mine and clinker it produce, thereby reducing carbon emissions from those processes, while reducing waste to landfill.

As a result, Meyer believes that it is more important than ever for industry to fully embrace extended cement products.

AfriSam cementitious executive Hannes Meyer:

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.