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1 . The use of quality ready-mix concrete and doing concrete right the first time ensures that structures do not have to be rebuilt due to shoddy materials .
2 . Concrete is the most used construction material globally .
Sarma
Robyn Grimsley ( RG ): Give us a little information about yourself and your background . Johan van Wyk ( JvW ): I studied civil engineering at the Central University of Technology ( CUT ) and , of course , advanced concrete technology at the then Concrete and Cement Institute ( today The Concrete Institute ). After obtaining my civil engineering diploma , I was a lecturer for 10 years at CUT , following which I moved to Lafarge , then WR Grace and BASF . In addition to being director of Sarma , I am currently also the chairperson of the Inland Branch of the Concrete Society .
RG : When did you join Sarma , and how did that come about ? JvW : I joined Sarma in May 2013 . Sarma had nearly closed shop before that , but the members decided that a dedicated person needed to be appointed as general manager of Sarma . This brought new focus to Sarma and , I ’ m proud to say , the ready-mix industry .
RG : Tell us about Sarma and its role in the industry . JvW : Sarma represents all the reputable ready-mix companies , and is responsible for promoting the ready-mix industry and establishing ready-mix as the preferred construction material . In brief , Sarma ’ s purpose is to set standards and guidelines with regard to environmental , safety , and quality issues .
First and foremost , we are for quality concrete , and we are there for our members to ensure that they do it right the first time . We assist plants with their health , safety and environmental concerns , as well as with their road transport and the quality of their product . To do this , we run two audits each year : an announced audit by an external auditor , and a possible unannounced audit , which we introduced to make sure that the audits are not simply window-dressing .
Sarma ’ s mission is to represent industry interests , promote the use of ready-mix concrete , and act as a forum for our members . Our aims address what we see as the primary needs of the industry . We aim to advance industry technology through research and participation ; to encourage the development of industry standards promoting the use of ready-mix concrete ; to disseminate information on current and prospective uses of ready-mix concrete to our members ; to interact with stakeholders and interested parties at all levels ; and to promote ready-mix concrete as the construction material of choice .
We have also launched an insurance scheme for Sarma members where we insure trucks as well as the concrete against failure . This is a unique insurance for Sarma members only , where in the past insurance would only replace the concrete if failure did occur ; we now insure the full structure on
the back of the audits and the good quality that our members give to the industry .
We were able to bring the premiums down quite substantially , specifically because Sarma members have stringent quality assurance methods in place . It ’ s exactly the same with the truck insurance . Because of the road transport policies and specifications that we have in place and which Sarma members are audited on , that insurance is now much more affordable — typically , about 25 % of the premiums that were previously charged .
RG : You were recently promoted from general manager to director of Sarma . How will this change your duties and focus over the next year ? JvW : I don ’ t think there will be an immediate change in duties , but there will be even more focus on making quality ready-mix concrete the construction material of choice . We will focus on bringing additional concrete knowledge to the industry .
RG : What is the role of Sarma in South Africa ’ s construction industry ? JvW : Sarma has set itself the goal to grow the ready-mix industry through training , education , and increasing awareness of the quality of ready-mix concrete . The use of quality ready-mix concrete and doing concrete right the first time will ensure that structures will not have to be rebuilt due
34 _ QUARRY SA | March 2017