The Civil Engineering Contractor April 2019 | Page 33

PROFILE
control. In terms of our company,
building a world-class, capital-
intensive demolition company in
a politically volatile developing
country will always be a challenge
to be overcome,” suggests
Brinkmann.
It is a pushing-the-boundaries
attitude that has seen him take on and
conquer some of the most demanding
projects in the world, as illustrated
by its latest World Demolition Award.
“Demolition provides a continuous
challenge — every project is
approached with the aim of increasing
safety, production, and cost-efficiency.
At this stage in life, every day is an
accomplishment to be grateful for.
“The highlight of my career so far
is the recognition that came from
back-to-back wins in the 2017 and
2018 World Demolition Awards. To
be recognised on an international
platform, in two different categories
www.civilsonline.co.za
for two consecutive years, by friends,
peers, and colleagues from across
the world, is an achievement that
cannot be topped. We are extremely
humbled and grateful for this
recognition, and feel enthused to
continue in this spirit of hard work
and excellence.”
He considers Jet Demolition’s
work on large water-retaining
dams to be some of the most
important projects the business has
undertaken. These projects called
for highly controlled, cautious,
partial demolition of large dams
for rehabilitation and enlargement
projects. “We developed new
blasting techniques to retain the
structural stability of the dams,
while ensuring that there was no
wasted effort. We have done dams
similar to the likes of Hazelmere and
Midmar, and look forward to other
challenging work of this nature.”
Industry uncertainty
“Unfortunately, ‘dire straights’ is what
immediately comes to mind when
discussing the future of construction
in South Africa. The industry is very
much in intensive care at the moment.
In five years’ time, I believe we will be
in a phase of good economic growth,
with a strong prospect of growth in
the civil industry. I strongly believe
the Fourth Industrial Revolution will
heavily impact on our industry, with
increased mechanisation under digital
control. In turn, technology must
always be driven by man, resulting
in new and exciting skills to be
developed in years to come.
“I believe that working in a bricks-
and-mortar, hands-on industry holds
great opportunity, and is a deeply
satisfying technical occupation. Step
away from the gadgets, go outside, and
experience life to the full,” he urges
tomorrow’s contract engineers. nn
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