Smart technology, green construction and the newest trends in concrete are some of the key focuses at The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa 2022 (previously known as the African Construction Expo). This year’s in-person event has kicked off and is running until 9 June at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg and co-locates with the African Smart Cities Summit and the Totally Concrete Expo.
While external research reveals Southern Africa as the region experiencing the largest increase in construction projects on the continent, Tracy-Lee Behr, Portfolio Director: Built Environment at event host dmg events says that ongoing global shocks require the construction industry to effectively manage supply chain risk and disruption to capital projects in order to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
“It is now more important than ever for industry buyers to access innovative, cost effective and sustainable solutions. And at the same time, construction sellers need to ensure they can get in front of government and private project owners in order to find suitable financiers for their sustainable infrastructure projects.”
As the only multi-disciplinary show within the built environment focusing on buyer and seller engagements through collaborative content and face-to-face interactions under one roof, Behr says it is a must-attend event for all construction industry professionals. Attendees at the show typically range from small contractors to architects, quantity surveyors and property developers to government officials.
The trade show is free to attend and opens daily at 09:00. A full programme of CPD-accredited workshops aims to keep professionals up to date with latest industry trends and specifications, while a separate youth symposium delivers panel discussions on the importance of joining a professional built environment body as a job seeker and work-preparedness.
Njombo Lekula, PPC Cement’s Managing Director (South Africa) says: “The Big 5 Construct Southern Africa provides public and private sectors with a platform to address pertinent issues that are not only key to the construction industry, but more so to the development of South Africa. It provides like-minded stakeholders with an opportunity to come together with purpose and leave with implementable solutions to some of the challenges facing our industry and the country at large.”
As a sponsor of the African Smart Cities Summit, The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is showcasing its current initiatives, including the development of the Smart Cities Programme of four metros. Presenting at the Summit, Patrick Ntsime, Acting Head: Metros, Intermediate Cities & Water Boards at DBSA will address the rationale behind the moving of municipalities towards a smart city approach, and best practices to achieve sustainable development.
“We are looking forward to building new networks and creating greater awareness of services, technology and funding solutions to enable more efficient and smarter service delivery in Southern Africa,” says Ntsime.
