In the face of a challenging local and worldwide economy, raging unemployment and an ever-evolving political front, one thing is certain – now is the time to ensure every employee and employer in the construction industry stays abreast of the latest industry trends and technology. To continuously upskill and to build their own capacity will pay off to ensure the country’s infrastructure needs are met.

This June, that opportunity comes in the form of the build industry’s biggest calendar event the seventh Annual African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo, which will take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 11 to 13 June 2019.

The expo is conveniently and purposefully co-located with the Pumps, Valves and Pipes Africa Expo as well as the African Smart Cities Summit to attract buyers, sellers and contractors from more than 45 countries, of which 15 are African.

Tracy-Lee Behr, portfolio director of African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo at dmg events, says, “Over the years, the collated expos have become synonymous with learning. Attendees, who are hungry to build their own capacity, can register and attend any of the over 35 free and CPD-accredited workshops taking place over the three days.

“During these sessions, various construction professionals, including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and contractors, can stay abreast of trends and topics such as national building regulations; promoting social and economic objectives through procurement for an inclusive built environment profession; building safety and even an overview of precast concrete in terms of quality and the relation to successful project deliverance.”

Behr explains that opportunities such as these are immensely valuable as Africa has a ballooning young population. “When you provide the opportunity to build, upskill and retain fresh innovative talent, we infuse fresh thinking into the sector. The future construction workforce would need to operate seamlessly in the fourth industrial revolution where the need to build smart cities is a reality. They need to be trained now to fill the jobs created by advancements in technology.”

The event opens with a keynote session by Minister of Energy, Jeff Radebe, who will address South Africa’s energy transition to address structural inequality and achieve goals set out by Agenda 2063. Several private and public sector representatives will share their compelling visions for the future of Africa’s build environment.

Speakers include:

  • Xolile George, CEO of South Africa Local Government Association (SALGA)
  • Aubrey Tshalata, president of the National African Federation for the Building Industry (NAFBI)
  • Economist Rob Jeffrey of Economic Risk
  • Nobenguni Nonkululeko Bogopa, president at the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP)
  • John Matthews, president at Master Builders
  • Njombo Lucky Lekula, MD at PPC RSA Cement and Materials

Click here to register for the African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo workshops, and register here for the Pumps, Valves and Pipes Africa Expo workshops.

For more information, visit: www.africanconstructionexpo.com.