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By Desiree Hlubi, Brand Manager at Sisi Safety Wear 

Notorious for workplace accidents and injuries on the job, construction is a risky business. Between working at heights, operating heavy machinery and hard physical labour, there is a lot of room for things to go wrong. While Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to counter many of the hazards involved in construction, most safety wear is generally designed to fit and protect the male physique. As more women enter the construction, mining and engineering fields there is a growing need to reassess PPE by acknowledging the differences between the male and female anatomy and providing safety wear specifically designed to cater for these differences. The right PPE will not only protect female workers from injury but can save their lives too.  

Safety first, for men and women  

Employers have a duty to ensure a safe working environment. Part of this obligation includes a duty to ensure that PPE provided is fit for purpose, delivering a level of protection that matches the risk at hand.  Accordingly, procurement managers and safety officers have a duty to provide PPE that meets the needs of each and every member of their workforce. Ordering men’s PPE in smaller sizes, or so-called ‘unisex’ PPE is not enough to fulfil this duty. This can only be done by providing PPE that properly caters to the female form so that women enjoy the same benefits as men – the highest level of protection against health and safety risks, without the need to compromise on comfort.  

Physiological differences impact PPE effectiveness 

One of the most effective ways to make previously male-dominated industries more inclusive with immediate effect is to provide the correct PPE for women. Unisex PPE does not suitably fit female workers, but this is not a case of preference in comfort or fit, but rather a safety hazard. In fact, it is such a huge safety concern that it can be said that issuing women with PPE that does not fit correctly is on the same level as not providing any PPE at all.  

Experiencing risk differently 

Where there is a fall risk, such as working at heights, this danger is not the same for men and women. Unlike men, the risk of injury for women does not end when the fall is arrested. The polyester webbing typical to men’s fall arrest harnesses can cause secondary injury to the female wearer when placed below the bust area. This is because it can ride up and over the bust with force at the end of a fall. As such, it is necessary for women working at heights to wear PPE specifically designed for the female bust where the polyester chest strap webbing is replaced with an elasticated webbing that stretches in the event of a fall. This relieves the pressure on the bust area, reducing the risk of secondary injury. Of further importance for female safety is PPE fit. An adjustable chest strap makes provision for well-endowed women to position the strap in a way that provides comfort without unavoidably accentuating or placing strain on physical assets. In this way, fall arrest PPE specifically designed for the physical needs of women can play a major role in enhancing confidence and productivity in the workplace.  

Another example of physiological inadequacy can be seen clearly in safety footwear. Given the differences between the male and female foot, wearing men’s safety footwear isn’t just ineffective for women, it’s a safety hazard. The sizing does not translate, and a woman’s foot inside a man’s shoe will slide and experience side-to-side movement that can cause long term damage through calf and hip injuries.  

Addressing gender equality in PPE 

The limited availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for women is a critical workplace health and safety issue that must urgently be addressed by safety and procurement officers. It should not be treated as an additional administrative burden, but rather as a necessary step in ensuring that every member of the workforce is provided with suitable, fit-for-purpose protective gear. From a procurement perspective, there is simply no excuse to continue overlooking the PPE needs of women in the workplace and where it is not yet freely available, women in the workforce should know that they have the right to request the procurement of personal protective equipment that is designed to tick all the right boxes for their specific physique, ensuring safety without compromising on comfort and fit.  

By Dennis Phillips, National Sales Manager at PFERD–South Africa

As metalworking industries develop, so do associated industries and products. One such industry is abrasive manufacturers, and it is expected that numerous new initiatives and developments will be seen throughout 2023. These are five predictions for the year ahead.

1. More efficient utilisation of resources in the face of load shedding

South Africa’s ongoing electricity crisis will require manufacturing businesses to prioritise the development and training of their workforce as well as the effective allocation and use of available resources, to further improve their overall operational efficiency and productivity.

All indications are that load shedding has already had a negative impact on manufacturers. According to Financial Mail, the local motor manufacturing industry is “bleeding money and jobs because of load shedding.”

A National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (Naacam) study into the effects of load shedding found that the biggest impact is to small and medium component suppliers and if the current high levels of load shedding continue, losses to volumes of assembled vehicles will become commonplace. The study found that 30% of Naacam members had to suspend production at various times between October and December 2022 putting exports and new business opportunities at risk.

2. Continuous research and development

Research and development will be particularly important for abrasive manufacturers in 2023 as it will enable the improvement of existing products and create new tool solutions with enhanced capabilities. The advancement of technology enables abrasive manufacturers to develop modern and ergonomic abrasives that offer improved performance and longevity.

Innovative abrasives can help manufacturers streamline their manufacturing process by reducing the number of processing steps and consumables required for a specific application. By reducing processing steps, not only do manufacturers improve productivity, but occupational health is also improved within the production environment. This is done by reducing an operator’s exposure to noise, dust and vibration.

3. Leveraging experience and expertise

Industry-specific application, equipment, and material knowledge are highly important considerations when manufacturers select a suitable abrasive supplier, especially when they are faced with new challenges or projects.

Sales representatives play a vital role in addressing unique challenges faced by customers. Their expertise and industry specific knowledge can help manufacturers identify and resolve application problems faster by offering tool solutions that meet the customer’s unique requirements.

4. Increased uptake in 4IR technology

The use of robotics and automation in the industrial manufacturing industry will continue to gain traction as a means of improving efficiency, productivity and output. In South Africa, the implementation of this technology is particularly relevant due to the disruption caused by the ongoing electricity crisis to the regular operations of companies. These novel abrasive applications offer several benefits, including:

Increased efficiency:

The integration of automation in the manufacturing process allows machines to handle basic, routine tasks quickly and efficiently, freeing up human resources to focus on higher-value activities that require human expertise, ultimately leading to increased productivity and improved operational efficiency.

Increased precision:

The implementation of programmable automation in manufacturing can improve precision as it enables machines to execute tasks with a high degree of accuracy, making it ideal for producing componentry that have tight tolerances.

Improved safety:

The integration of automation and robotics promotes a safer working environment by reducing the risk of injuries. By allowing machines to perform dangerous tasks or work in hazardous environments, it minimises the exposure of human workers to these risks, thus improving safety in the workplace.

As the technology becomes more widely available and cost-effective, manufacturers will be looking to adopt these applications in order to gain a competitive edge.

5. Reducing costs by using high-performance abrasives

High-performance abrasives are a cost-effective solution for South African manufacturers looking to improve their operational efficiency and reduce costs. The durable nature of these abrasives allows manufacturers to complete tasks with greater speed and accuracy with the added benefit of reducing costs.

With South African manufacturers facing the challenge of loadshedding and subsequent loss of production hours, a range of high-performance abrasives can assist them to be as productive as possible and ensure efficient usage of available resources such as electricity.

About PFERD-South Africa

PFERD has a team of Application Specialists and Technical Sales Advisors who are readily available to evaluate a company’s needs and applications. Through proper testing and analyses, they provide expert guidance on the most cost-effective solution that will meet the customer’s specific requirements.

Through their PFERDAcademy, PFERD provides operators of abrasive products with the necessary training and skills to improve their knowledge and subsequent performance. By equipping the manufacturing industry’s workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge regarding product selection and application suitability, businesses can make the most of their available resources.

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. Experts on the subject say that the new energy in play will be more gentle than the period of high energy and unpredictability noticed specifically in South Africa that we had to deal with last year, the Year of the Tiger.

In the Year of the Rabbit, we are advised to take time out for introspection and reflection, as the rabbit is symbolically linked to peace. And Jonathan H.X Lee, an Asian Studies professor from San Francisco, advises that “people should behave in accordance with this tranquil energy with an intention for long-term success.”

The concepts of tranquillity and long-term success are very much part of the prevailing ethos at Eva-Last, the internationally acclaimed manufacturer of composite building materials. The products themselves have the ultimate aim of tranquillity, relaxation and recreation as their very reason for being, and as for longevity, these composite substitutes for timber in the building materials sector, come with world-leading warranties of up to 30 years in duration.

A new year can definitely inspire a new view on how we approach our lives, and the way we interact with the environment. Creating a quality outdoor living space such as a deck, using Eva-Last bamboo composite, whether as an extension of a patio or an enhancement of a swimming pool area, is certainly a great way to enhance your view and instil a sustainable approach to life.

Constructing the ideal outdoor space or deck is no small undertaking and your vision should be backed up with plenty of research into the subject. Endeavouring to continuously inspire beautiful, functional outdoor living that is guaranteed to last, using Eva-Last composite building materials accommodates an extensive range of applications, meaning there are almost no limitations to the possibilities of your vision. And with practical how-to guides and efficient aftersales support, no matter the application, you’ll find the ideal solution in Eva-Last’s range of composite. 

According to Chinese lore, the rabbit has intellect and cautiousness at the core of its being. “Measure twice, cut once”, is an old saying that is used by traditional craftsmen, applicable to working with various materials. And it may well apply as a general outlook into 2023.

Once you’ve done research on which composite building materials to use to turn your outdoor vision into reality, you’ll clearly understand why Eva-Last is the leader in this space. 

With the versatility and durability of all Eva-Last composite products, available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, in a range of profiles to cater for any specific requirements, be it ease of installation, aesthetic appeal, safety, sustainability or cost-efficiency, each offering is engineered to be the most effective solution available in the market. 

As a low maintenance and highly durable material, there are certainly many reasons to consider using a bamboo-composite product for your new outdoor project, perhaps the most significant being it’s sustainability. It is a fact that by using any of the Eva-Last ranges – Apex, Infinity or Eva-Tech, available in South Africa, you will be playing a big role in curbing deforestation on the planet. Eva-Last proudly acknowledges how many trees it saves with a live tree counter located on the company’s website.

It’s calculated that it takes 20 years for timber plantations to rejuvenate after harvesting, whereas for bamboo that replenishment period is just four years.

What’s more, the polymer used in Eva-Last composite is sourced from recycled plastic waste products, which means by using Eva-Last composite for your project, you are again playing a major role in making our global environment sustainable.

Another huge consideration as far as sustainability is concerned is the fact that Eva-Last composite boards have a much longer life span than traditional timber, not having to use harmful chemicals for timber preservation and preserving natural resources from being used in the inevitable cycle of replacing the timber.  

With the brand’s global success over the last 17 years, bringing to market sustainable and highly efficient composite building materials, all which come standard with industry leading warranties, you’ll find ultimate peace-of-mind as you contemplate life from a lounger, enjoying a new approach in the Year of the Rabbit, with an untrammelled New View.

For more information visit www.eva-last.com

Afrimat’s Nkomati Anthracite mine in Mpumalanga officially opened the newly renovated and extended Steenbok Clinic in Steenbok, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Health and Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.

Stakeholders who attended the event, included the MEC for Health Mpumalanga Province, Ms. Sasekani Manzini, Executive Mayor of Nkomazi Local Municipality, Cllr P.P. Magagula, the Speaker of Nkomazi Local Municipal Council, Cllr. H.V. Nyambi; and Inkosi of the Kwa-Lugedlane Traditional Council, Inkosi Ngomane.

Afrimat Nkomati Anthracite spent R3 800 000.00 to fund the construction of an additional wing and total facility upgrade of the clinic.

The Steenbok Clinic offers primary healthcare to Steenbok residents and surrounding communities and the necessary upgrades form part of Local Economic Development (LED) projects committed to by Afrimat Nkomati Anthracite to address fundamental needs identified specifically by the community.

This forms part of three LED projects, at a combined total of R8 000 000.00:

• Construction of the Mawewe Community Hall in Madadeni – Completed in July 2022
• Steenbok Clinic – Completed in January 2023
• Construction of the Skhwahlane Community Hall in Skhwahlane – Estimated completion in May 2023

Both community centres will serve as venues for training and development initiatives, traditional events, and formal community meetings.

Tsobanang Construction, a local contractor was appointed as the main contractor for the project and Caru Project Management managed the project. Local sub-contractors were also afforded the opportunity to provide services for the project.

To ensure local labour got the opportunity to work on the project, twenty-two people were hired from the local community.

Afrimat is genuinely passionate about South Africa and believes in creating value for its employees, shareholders, and people in the communities where it operates.

With loadshedding, water restrictions and warmer weather, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is encouraging consumers to be more vigilant when making food purchases by examining packaging and labels, and by ensuring that basic food hygiene practices are observed when purchasing and preparing food.  The SABS is constantly reviewing and amending national standards to ensure that South Africans food sources and production processes can meet the minimum requirements of food safety.

“Food and food products spoil faster in warmer and humid conditions, and it is important that everyone be more vigilant regarding food safety. Retailers of food and food products need to ensure that the cold chain from suppliers to stores is in place and maintained until it is sold.  Consumers can continue the cold chain by transporting food in cooler boxes or having it delivered direct to homes.  With rising temperatures and loadshedding, consumers need to be aware of the impact of these elements on the storage of food and the potential of exposure to contamination.,” advises Sadhvir Bissoon, Acting CEO of SABS.

Currently, the global standard for food safety is the Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000).  The FSSC Certification is a complete food, feed and packaging safety certification scheme for the auditing and management of Food Safety Systems (FSMS). The scheme is offered and managed by the Foundation FSSC, recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). 

“It is important that the entire supply chain observes and is certified to comply with the requirements of SANS/ISO 22000. The SABS offers certification for companies and offers testing and verification services to food producers.  In addition, the SABS can certify the refrigeration/cooling units of vehicles that transport food and food products. Our suite of laboratories can identify the nutritional percentage of ingredients, pesticides and chemicals, bacteria, microbes, fungi and any other substance that may be of benefit or harm to consumers,” explains Bissoon.

The SABS offers the following tips:

• If the stores do not have generators or alternative sources of power to ensure that the refrigeration units are functional, rather purchase food that was delivered on the day or ask the store manager for confirmation of ‘fresh’ produce
• Consumers are encouraged to examine packaging, to ensure that expiry dates are visible, packaging is not damaged and that purchases are made from reputable retailers.
• Do not purchase products that do not contain information about ingredients, nutritional information, storage advice, expiry dates, production dates or manufacturing information.  If products should be refrigerated, ensure that the cooling/freezing of the products were not compromised before you purchase them.
• Transport food in cooler boxes that are cold to preserve food for longer periods of time.
• Look for verification, inspection or certification marks on products as products that are subjected to testing and certification offer better peace of mind that the production processes and product complies to SANS/ISO 22000
• Perishable food should be purchased in smaller quantities and used up as soon as possible
• Practice good food hygiene by washing hands regularly when handling food, wash and sanitise work surfaces and food equipment, and cook food well and for long enough.
• When storing and preparing food at home, keep food separately to avoid cross contamination, especially with fresh and perishable items such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy and fresh produce.
• Consumers need to engage their senses when handling food at home, for example if something looks and smells bad – rather throw it out or return it to the store for a refund if it has not been used. 

SABS is a national standards body and does not have the regulatory authority to declare SANS 22000 or any other standard as a mandatory requirement. Our product certification scheme however addresses a recourse process when material non-compliances to the Standard are identified.  SABS works with regulators and other industry bodies to set the requirements or standards for products and processes. 

Bissoon explains that regulators such as the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) and the National Department of Health (NDOH), the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and the environment, have the authority to regulate certain types of food and food products, conduct inspections and when there is a potential health issue, have the power to recall products. SABS encourages regulators to actively participate in our technical committees that develop and publish national standards that seek to improve the quality of life of our citizens.   SABS is also able to offer testing and certification services regarding food safety. The SABS Training Academy offers training in FSSC 22000 and remains a licensed training partner with Foundation FSSC.

Joy! Having enough time and freedom to live your life and enjoy the journey of your story. This includes love, life, family, making memories, friends, community and work.” This is the  newly elected President of SARACCA Dean Munsamy’s idea of success.

Dean Munsamy is the newly appointed president of the South African Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractors Association (SARACCA). Munsamy’s appointment commenced at the end of last year, and is a result of a fruitful career in the HVAC+R industry which began in his early twenties. The newly elected President of SARACCA attributes this appointment to having a vision and working to make his dream a reality.

Upon his new appointment, he expressed gratitude to his late wife, Joelyn Rose Munsamy who “always believed in [him] no matter what challenge [they] faced and his mentor, the late Peter R. Hamilton.

“Peter is a legend in the HVAC+R industry, and he taught me everything I know about our industry. He was my mentor and friend. Sometimes when life got a bit too much, he was there with the right words, help and advice.

“A few years ago, Peter joined me at AIRE-ZA (Pty) Ltd; this made me so proud. Most significantly, I want to thank my wife, Michelle Munsamy and our girls, Dani, Izzy, Abby & Taty, for their love and support in all I do.”

The President of SARACCA reflected on the day he first considered becoming the President of the association after his first SARACCA Kwa-Zulu Natal Branch meeting. 

“As Peter drove to the meeting, I asked what SARACCA was about, and he explained… His response to my interest in SARACCA was, ‘Dean, if you are that passionate about the HVAC industry and want to make sure people are trained then you will one day be President of SARACCA.’

“I was in awe at Peter’s response. I was 21 then, and here’s my boss telling me I’ll be President of my industry. Later that afternoon after the meeting I asked Peter,  ‘Where do I start to become President?’ he replied, ‘Well, you’ve already started; you attended your first branch meeting and wouldn’t shut up, asking so many questions whilst the beer got warm, lol!’ That was Peter. Peter saw it, I dreamt it and worked towards my goal, and today it’s my turn, proudly so, Dean Munsamy, President of SARACCA!”

In his new role, he endeavors to use his 25 years of experience working for the association to tend to the following:

1. Placing SARACCA in the marketplace as an industry authority.
2. Nurturing the strength and presence of SARACCA to members and consumers.
3. Growing membership of SARACCA.
4. Continuing to champion training in all SARACCA regions, ensuring the occupational health and safety risks are observed.
5. Commercial items on Munsamy’s agenda include the following:
6. JBCC contract
7. SEIFSA main agreement – wage rates for general workers
8. SAQCC Gas registrations- addressing practitioners and workers in the industry to comply with industry standards and regulations.

As a family oriented man of God, Munsamy prioritizes his relationships and lending a helping hand. He spends his leisure time with his family watching movies and documentaries; doing charity work; and engaging in storytelling.

To the younger generation with an interest in the HVAC+R industry, Munsamy encourages working smart, continued education and humility, among other antidotes.

“ Always put your hand up to help and take every opportunity to be part of the story and the journey. Don’t just chase money. Work where people care about your growth and where opportunities present themselves. You are your only competition. Be respectful and show respect to others you work with.”

Pupils and students gain essential knowledge by hearing and retaining what the teacher or lecturer says and through conversations in the classroom or lecture room.  If the listening environment is poor, a scholar struggles to learn and retain information, especially those with hearing difficulties. 

Firstly, let’s summarise the benefits of improving classroom acoustics:­­­

• Improved learning for all children – Children can spend more than half of the school day just listening, so good listening conditions are essential for pupils to be fully included in school life.
• Improved learning for pupils with additional learning needs – It is particularly important to have good classroom acoustics for children with hearing impairments and learning difficulties.
• Improved behavior – The surroundings in which children work and learn have a major impact on behavior.
• General listening comfort improves the ability to concentrate – when you are content in an environment your ability to focus is drastically heightened, creating a better learning and teaching atmosphere.
• Reduced teacher absence – Teachers have more throat problems than other professional groups, not helped by having to project their voices over classroom noise in poor listening environments.
• It ensures listening technology is effective – Poor acoustics can be challenging for deaf children because hearing aids cannot cut out background noise.  They amplify all noises in a classroom, not just the teacher’s voice, meaning that a deaf child may miss a lot of the words spoken by their teacher.

There are various ways classroom acoustics can be improved, such as closing windows and doors.  This is not always practical though. Absorption panels reduce echoes and reverberation in a class environment. It improves speech intelligibility and acoustic panels can be fitted to either walls or ceilings. Speak to us about our innovative Fabricmate Absorption Panels, which have a fabric front with a layer of foam beneath that accepts pins for a versatile and modern display option, as well as its absorption properties.  You can choose a range of fabric colors, which is a top trend in classroom redesign. More and more schools are moving away from dull color schemes towards brighter colors to stimulate learning and prevent anxiety. It is important to note that color also affects children differently according to age. Younger children are empowered by bright colors such as yellow, blue, and red. Older children work better in rooms with lighter shades of blue, yellow, and green, which are less stressful and distracting.  This would be a simple and practical way of introducing color and better acoustics!

Another latest trend is reconfigurable classrooms. It provides a more modern instructional approach and meets various needs, such as small-group collaboration, large-group instruction, and individual study. With student collaboration increasing in popularity, schools and universities are moving towards flexible classroom configurations.

­If you invest in a product that has acoustic properties, is mobile, and reconfigurable (such as our Variflex® mobile acoustic partition system), you are never confined to one classroom layout.

According to researcher Peter Barrett of the University of Oxford, “Flexible spaces alter the fundamental dynamics of teaching and learning, giving students more control and responsibility, improving academic engagement, and undermining the typical face-forward orientation of the traditional learning environment.” (Cox, Janelle. “The Flexible Classroom Management Option.”  TeachHub.com,  https://www.teachhub.com/flexible-classroom-management-option.)

Consider subdividing the classroom using mobile acoustic partitions with integrated absorption panels or even integrated magnetic whiteboards or pinboards. Flexible room layouts, no floor track, and two or more areas can be used simultaneously without disrupting each other or a large room can be created with the individual elements being parked neatly to one side or into a niche. This is especially useful if a teacher is absent. Instead of trying to organize a substitute teacher, the two rooms are ‘opened up’ into one and both classes have supervision and the lesson can go on.

Space optimization with acoustic benefits!

In summary: Speech intelligibility in any teaching space can be improved by fitting Fabricmate acoustic panels to either walls or ceilings. Exterior noise from other classrooms and outside activities can be minimized through Variflex® mobile acoustic partitions, Varikust® acoustic doors, and the Glassflex® GF Serene acoustic glass system. Concerning classroom acoustics, a relatively small financial investment may considerably improve the preconditions for successful and enjoyable learning and teaching.

Whether we are aware of it or not, colour impacts constantly on our lives: from the clothes we wear to the cars we drive and the houses we live in, the colours that surround us affect our moods.

In the case of Eva-Last’s range of composite decking, interior flooring and cladding, as an alternative to timber, Eva-Last’s advanced colour ranges by and large follow the hues that one might find in natural timbers.

The over-riding feeling evoked by a wood finish is one of comfort, warmth and an affinity with the environment. The enticing aspect of Eva-Last’s composite bamboo-polymer products is that these offer all the emotional benefits of a wood finish, while over-riding all the negative aspects of maintenance and deterioration associated with genuine timber placement.

“Across our three ranges of decking, for example, we look for colours that match those of different timber species, and to a certain extent, other elements in our natural environment,” explains Shelley Galliver, Eva-Last Marketing Director.

“Likewise, we produce colours that are trending, and at the moment these include greys in darker and lighter shades. These colours also have their foundation in the natural environment. If you let natural timber weather, it slowly turns from brown to grey in colour.”

“From a décor and architectural perspective, with grey being popular at the moment, we logically ensure that within our various ranges we have a grey etched colour that looks much more appealing than natural weathered wood. Other colours in the range follow the lines of natural wood, dark brown textures, tan textures, and the like.”

“What’s interesting is that colours and textures differ from region to region. As an example,  currently in Europe and America, the natural Cedar and Western Red Cedar looks are favourable, which is not necessarily the timber preferences noted in South Africa or Australia,” explains Galliver.

At the heart of this regionalisation of colour choices lies the fact that people are happy to be in an environment that is familiar to them. This is particularly apt when it comes to the wide variety of wood colours. It has been estimated that there are over 100 different varieties of timber used across the globe, and in re-creating a product that is, for all intents and purposes indistinguishable from wood, it is important that the wood colour replicates something that is familiar, so that it blends into its environment.

However, in terms of exploring all the possibilities within the palette of wood hues, architects and designers are constantly exploring new avenues of expression. One of these is to be found in a technology that was discovered over 300 years ago, a process of wood charring, or creating carbonised wood, commonly referred to as Shou Sugi Ban or Yakisugi.

Carbonised wood was developed in a small fishing village in Japan, on the island of Naoshima. The fishermen discovered that by lightly burning the surface of wood, timber was much more resilient to the damage caused by the sea and other elements, as it limited water absorption. Today this “charred appearance” has become extremely sought-after as an architectural theme, denoting solidity and a powerful blend of hi-tech and ancient appeal.

Of course, Eva-Last’s range of composite bamboo-polymer products, overcomes many of the maintenance reasons for charring the timber. Nevertheless, as a cosmetic consideration, the “charred effect” has broad visual appeal in some regions.

Galliver adds, “the carbonised look is very popular right now, particularly in Europe and America, and it is an architectural trend with a lot of momentum. We recently launched a colour called Carbonised Osage, or Carbonised Cedar, which mimics wood that has been charred, a trend that is very big in avant-garde circles.”

While it is important to keep in mind that colour is intricately associated with mood, and consequently with prevailing fashion trends, when investigating building materials, decisions around colour is more likely to be considered within the architectural design of the structure.

“Composite building materials represent a long-term investment. Our Apex range, for example, has a 30-year warranty, and on Infinity there is a 25-year warranty. So it’s not something that you necessarily update according to mood or prevailing trends, as you would do with other décor aspects of a building”, notes Galliver.

“Your colour choice should rather be compatible with architectural aspects of the building, or synergies with the environment where the product is to be located. You can choose to repaint your house or office building every three to five years, according to mood or popular trends. With our products, they are going to be there for a long time. So you would choose what would work in terms of the overall design, appearance and feel of the surrounding environment,” adds Galliver.

When it comes to building materials, it’s clear that colour preference is very much a regional phenomenon, which is why Eva-Last tailors its colour ranges to suit local preferences. By and large, this is dictated by the types of natural timber traditionally used in timber construction around the world, and the popular colours available in Eva-Last collections correspond to those preferred timbers. After all, the key-note behind all Eva-Last’s product ranges is to blend into the natural environment.

For more information visit www.eva-last.com

Epic Outdoor will unveil a solar-powered mega-format DOOH screen on Johannesburg’s N1 Highway in early 2023

Epic Outdoor, a niche media company specialising in the development and marketing of large-format, high-impact static and digital Out Of Home (DOOH) platforms, has announced a new digital billboard site on the N1 highway. The property was specifically designed to accept advertising and at 400m² the international-standard LED will be the largest roadside LED in South Africa, by far.

That’s bigger than two tennis courts!

While the concept is similar to screens in London, New York and Dubai, those billboards target pedestrians predominantly. This is a massive roadside digital LED, on a bespoke building that has a run up of more than 800m. It will be impossible to miss.

The LED screen is able to cater for all modern OOH creative techniques, including deep motion and anamorphic 3D. Additionally, the screen can be segmented into smaller panels allowing for creative use of multiple simultaneous creative displays. This is great for campaigns where brand and product appear together or collaborative campaigns, for example a network provider and a cellular phone company.

All the traditional Out of Home (OOH) metrics are amplified by the combination of the size and positioning of this screen. “It all adds up to a site with incredible impact. The site ticks every single box, it’s unique in the South African context,” says Rene Hedley, Director of Epic Outdoor.

Impact, Hedley explains, is the measure of how quickly or likely the audience is to receive the campaign message. It can be created by relevance, timing, or in this instance by sheer scale of the advertising platform. It is inconceivable that anyone could ignore a screen of this size for the full duration of the 800m+ run up, particularly as this stretch of highway is notorious for routinely being highly congested. The dominance of the site creates the impact, thereby virtually guaranteeing higher campaign awareness.

The problems with the growth of OOH – and the solution

OOH (Out of Home) advertising in South Africa is growing at a rapid rate. Since early 2020 approximately 200 new screens have been installed in SA taking the number of roadside LED’s to just under 500, with most being installed in Gauteng. In 2023 it is set to explode, says Hedley: “You only have to look at what’s happening locally, and the increased adoption in the West – to see how this medium will continue to grow, and grow at an increasing rate within SA.”

Whilst this growth is good for the industry, it raises issues that have up until recently not required attention.

1. With so much competition how do you ensure that your advertising campaign is seen?
2. The ever-increasing frequency of load-shedding, and the consequential impact of screen downtime.

Epic, with the unveiling of South Africa’s largest roadside digital billboard, will have neatly solved both problems at their new high-impact site.

To combat the audience dilution that loadshedding creates, the site will be powered by a large solar farm, installed on the property behind the screen, and providing over 95% of all the screens energy requirements.

This is the first billboard of its type in South Africa to be powered by sustainable energy sources. “The technology used is of the highest quality, and the board is able to operate very efficiently,” says Hedley.

The 830kw of power required per day will be supplied by 270 540-watt panels installed on the large field behind the property. The Solar and battery farm is complete and will supply 95% of all energy needs (the billboard can draw power from Eskom when required). 

Epic’s new site and its enormous screen lives up to the company’s brand name. It is truly epic.

The engineers’ drawings have been approved and construction has begun, says Hedley. Digital installation has begun and N1 motorists will see the face of the building being dismantled and replaced with the new subframe. Once the 40 tech panels have been installed, Epic will begin populating them. Switch-on is scheduled for 1 February 2023.

As the reality of the country’s water crisis hits the millions living in the suburbs of the country’s cities, more South Africans in townhouse and cluster complexes are seeking compact, versatile and unobtrusive water harvesting and storage solutions for limited space.

While South Africans have almost built up a tolerance to load shedding, water outages strike hard at the heart of our homes, affecting every aspect of the running of a household, from cooking, to cleaning and washing. Homes have to rely on water tankers from municipalities and the expense and environmental impact of bottled water.

Harvesting and storing water in tanks gives residents peace of mind during those times, and also allows them to cut back on their water bill and be more climate friendly. While water tanks are traditionally viewed as being for larger homes, there are solutions for those who live in smaller townhouses. 

“One of the trends seen in the real estate market in the last few years is the increasing demand by buyers and renters for off-the-grid and back-up solutions,” said Sebasti Badenhorst, Executive of sales and marketing for JoJo. “There a greater desire to take responsibility in ensuring a consistent supply of water for the home, and also an awareness of being kinder to the environment.

“We are probably best known for our bigger JoJo Tanks, from 5,000-litres to 20,000-litres, but many South Africans simply do not have the space for those, and that was why we produce the Slimline range,” said Badenhorst. “Good things come in small packages, and that’s how we view our Slimline range of water tanks, and particularly our SuperSlim tank product which is ideal for limited spaces. It is a little, but big solution to your needs.”

The 1,000-litre SuperSlim tank is the slimmest of the Slimline entire range. It is perfect for city living, where limited space requires a snug fit into corners and down narrow walkways. It attaches to a wall to keep it secure and is supplied with the basics required for installation. Designed for ease of use, this distinctive tank also has various connection options to ensure seamless installation into your unique setup.

JoJo recently simplified its Slimline range into one standard format that can be kitted out to suit a range of applications. It is the perfect solution for those who want to take the first step towards becoming water smart.

“Townhouses are a significant part of the rental market,” said Badenhorst. “The Slimline range can be installed with some simple DIY, and, if you are renting or selling, it can be removed and taken to your new premises when you move. It’s compact, versatile and provides enough water for a family during those times when they need it most, or to supplement their municipal water usage.”

The SuperSlim comes with a 10-year warranty, is made to the same standards as every JoJo Tank, has distinctive designs on both sides and comes in a variety of colours.