Celebrating its 90th year during such challenging times for construction in South Africa certainly highlights AfriSam’s legacy of resilience and its commitment to Africa’s development, according to Construction Materials KZN Regional Manager of Operations, Theolan Govender.

“Our success over the years demonstrates not only our world class standing but equally how we respond to the changing needs of our customers and the broader community – in good times and hard times,” says Govender. “We are proud that our contribution ranges from the highest quality construction materials through to affordable solutions for emerging contractors, as well as targeted social responsibility and sponsorship initiatives that build cohesion in our society.”

AfriSam’s legacy began in 1934 as the Anglovaal Portland Cement Company, South Africa’s second cement company. Importantly, though, it was the first to diversify its offerings into other construction materials. This included readymix concrete through the company Pioneer Concrete and aggregate stone through Hippo Quarries. The evolution of the business saw its name change to Anglo Alpha 1937 and Alpha Ltd in 1996.

Global Attention
“Steady growth made us one of the largest suppliers of construction materials for many years, also delivering cement to our southern African neighbours,” he says. “Our standing in the industry meant that we attracted the interest of global players when our economy opened up with the advent of democracy in 1994.”


This led to the company becoming part of Holcim, the world’s largest cement producer. Even then, AfriSam had built a world class foundation, with its Ulco cement plant ranking as the third best performing operation in the global Holcim group. The AfriSam brand itself was born after an historic Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) transaction in 2008.

“The company could already boast some of the world’s best expertise in the sector, being involved in mega-projects such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project in the 1980s and 1990s,” he says. “This investment in skills has been a pillar of AfriSam’s success and longevity, and remains a focus for us even during economic downturns.”

Iconic Structures
As a result, AfriSam has been associated with some of South Africa’s most iconic structures – signifying its direct contribution to the infrastructure on which the country’s growth has been built. These include King Shaka Airport, Spring Grove Dam and, most recently, the upgrade of the N3 highway.


“This has earned us the most trusted name in South Africa’s readymix space,” Govender argues. “What is significant about this today is that the larger contractors have been forced to slim down in recent years – so they often do not have their own concrete technologists in-house.”

This makes its biggest customers increasingly reliant on AfriSam’s technical expertise in cement and concrete, which is vital for ensuring compliance with project specifications so that structures last for their full expected lifespan and beyond. Succession, training and upgrading of skills take place continuously alongside research and development in the knowledge that future economic growth depends upon it.

Support in Tough Times
Reflecting on the ways that AfriSam develops and adapts its product range to suit the times, Govender points to the company’s ability to serve customers and the country when the economic climate is tough.


“It is perhaps especially in times like now, when there has been sustained pressure on the economy and livelihoods, that companies like AfriSam need to prove their mettle,” he says. “For instance, our R&D has produced cost effective concrete solutions like Starmix, which is ideally suited for the building industry. It can, however, also be ordered in small quantities, making it ideal for the residential builder as well.”

In a country beset by housing shortages, urban migration and unemployment, this allows small building works to continue as a basic step in uplifting people’s lives.

“Most importantly, this work can carry on without compromising quality, and still prioritising our commitment to a lower carbon footprint for the generations that will follow us,” he emphasises. “This goes hand-in-hand with the support we provide to emerging and small builders through training and knowledge sharing.”

Cohesion and Unity
Beyond the worksite, AfriSam’s long history has also been characterised by its social responsibility, aimed at supporting the broader community in their efforts to create a better future. Sport has always been central to social cohesion. “We were proud to be a partner to the Springbok rugby team as they prepared for – and finally won – the latest Rugby World Cup in France,” Govender says, highlighting how success builds the national psyche and the confidence of citizens in the future. The range of other investments includes youth employment initiatives and various community activities.


Looking Ahead
Looking ahead at projects that signify better times ahead, Govender notes that AfriSam will be contributing to two of the projects in the latest phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project – the Polihali Dam and the 34 km transfer tunnel.


“As a responsible construction materials producer, we comply with Social and Labour Plan regulations, but our vision and actions go well beyond that,” concludes Govender. “With our 90 years in business, we exemplify the value of stable businesses that actively develop skills and sustain jobs, retaining the groundwork on which the economy can grow.”