SA Affordable Housing May - June 2019 // Issue: 76 | Page 4

EDITOR’S COLUMN Alternatives, alternatives – everywhere With yet another round of load shedding under our belt, on the back of another fuel price hike, the uncertainty while everyone waits for the outcome of the elections, every cent in the affordable housing sector is under scrutiny. And change is afoot. W hether we like it or not, change is here. Current circumstances and where technology takes us forces us to re-think how we operate, how we communicate, which products we choose and how we get through the working week. As someone recently said to me – now is the time leaders (in public and private sectors) need to think ahead to plan for disruptive industries and transformation that leads us to a change in mindset which we can no longer sidestep. Alternative technology in every form is all around us and, if we are honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that it’s just better, more advanced, better suited and importantly more sustainable. Whether it’s a new building technique, modular system, alternative energy solution, sanitary system or recycling – every aspect of our existence is rapidly changing. Long gone are the times when development would take years between new innovations or products. Concrete is changing from the base; new blocks and bricks are being developed that are light-weight, easier to work with and transport; timber and steel modular components are already on our doorsteps and are delivered as complete housing units; advancement in heating and gas has made technology easily accessible and affordable for the market; toilets have been developed that use only two litres of water; and our prior waste products are repurposed into useful products for every industry. When chatting to a local manufacturer recently, they told me that it is better for companies to grow and develop their products to incorporate change and the direction of the markets. This way you will [hopefully] keep your clients, rather than loose them to another company that embraces the latest technology. Your short-term loss by accepting new technology is a long-term gain through continued relationships and sustainability – which is what the world requires. With all of these developments across all sectors, is it not time to embrace change? In this issue, we feature Light Steel Frame building, advancements in water heating technology and amendments to SANS 10400 regarding insulation. We continue our industry matters column from the Banking Association and we also have a controversial article on when an erf is regarded as a ‘registered erf’ which typically has large cost implications for developers. We look at Joburg’s Jewel City redevelopment project and profile Katleho Mallela from Anquet Construction. I hope you find this issue valuable and, as always, I welcome your feedback be it positive or negative. Your opinion matters so please get in touch. If you wish to promote a new product or technology for the industry or showcase one of your projects, drop me an email. Ben [email protected] SEND US YOUR NEWS, EVENTS OR PROJECTS EMAIL: [email protected] | CALL: [phone] MAY - JUNE 2019 www.saaffordablehousing.co.za