REGULARS: PERSONALITY PROFILE
Truss talk with Kalahari
SA Roofing caught up with Kalahari Bruwer, managing partner and co-
owner of Rooftek, to learn more about this roofing construction pro.
By Candace Sofianos King
I grew up in the Northern Cape where I
went to a normal primary school in
Kakamas and then my secondary education
took place at a technical high school in
Upington. Thereafter I conducted my
National Service. I boast 27 plus years in
the industry, of which 20 are in the
roof-related sector.
Q How did you enter the
construction sector?
I started working for a Western Cape
property developer in 1992 where I was
fortunate to have been exposed to building,
civils, finishing and more. My most valuable
experience was the opportunity to have
worked with old tradesmen of various
trades – they were hard, but fair. I also had
a brief stint in construction in the UK. Upon
my return I found myself building RDP
houses in the Free State, and then in 1998 a
small roof truss manufacturing concern
became available.
Q What attracted you to the
roofing industry?
When the concern became available,
interest rates were about 24%, but the
commercial banks were not as tight as
nowadays. Having been in the building
industry working up country, wanting to get
back to the Cape, I saw this as the
opportunity. Rooftek then opened its doors
on 1 October 1998. I’m thankful for the
opportunities, people and ideas that came
across my path.
Q Greatest achievements so far?
Personally, having had the opportunity to
sell during the best time in my career in
early 2008. Rooftek’s achievements revolve
around team effort – we have been the
winner of the Institute for Timber
Construction South Africa’s (ITC-SA)
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JAN - FEB 2019
CLADDING // CONCRETE // INSULATION // STEEL // THATCH // TIMBER // TRANSLUCENT // WATERPROOFING // COMPONENTS
Western Cape Category One award five out
of nine times now. We were also awarded
the ITC-SA Gold award for Vergelegen
Shopping Centre and received nomination
for the 2009 National Southern African
Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) Steel
Awards for a 22m clear span, cement tile
roof. In 2018, we were recognised again at
the National Steel Awards for the Mediclinic
Stellenbosch project. Our most prestigious
achievement ever is our association with
the industry for 20 years.
Q Thoughts on the current
state of the industry?
The industry is buoyant but challenging. As
we all know, we have different challenges
than the rest of the world, so we as Rooftek
must stay focused and strife to out-service
our competitors and be innovative with
new ideas. Currently the major challenge is
skills, skills, skills! South Africa, and the rest
of the world, is struggling with a shortage of
skilled people.
Q What is the favourite part of
your job?
I enjoy working with lumber and creating
roof structures that might never have been
done in South Africa before. Turning a client
or architect’s ideas and dreams into reality
is a favourite part of my day.
Q What is your work
philosophy?
Straight, honest business – the only
shortcut is to do it right the first time. Key
personal and business traits include
discipline, attitude, accountability and
pride in workmanship and everything you
do. Lastly, upholding Rooftek’s relationship
with clients and suppliers.
Q How do you see your future?
The future is what we make of it – stay
focused, humble and never forget where
Q Please share your
background.
Kalahari Bruwer, managing partner and
co-owner of Rooftek.
The future is what
“ we make
of it – stay
focused, humble and
never forget where you
came from. ”
you came from. I would like to hand over
Rooftek to a team that share the same
values that we have had since the
beginning. Finally, I would like to thank the
building industry, especially the Western
Cape, for trusting Rooftek with the roof
over your heads.
www.saroofing.co.za