The day has finally arrived when we welcome our MBCC friends and colleagues into our Sika family, a year and a half after the original announcement. Both companies have been waiting in anticipation for this day and are extremely excited to join forces and grow from strength to strength to become a formidable force in our markets.
Our political landscape has not changed, and we still find ourselves in unchartered waters. The threat of a total electricity grid collapse is very real and something we need to prepare ourselves for. In saying that, as a company, we have remained focused and continued to grow, even during these uncertain times. Once again, the first quarter of 2023 saw a double-digit growth on the first quarter of 2022, the second consecutive year having done so.
The start of 2023 saw the introduction of the Index brand into our waterproofing and roofing range. This product has been distributed into the markets for over 20 years and is undoubtedly known to be the premium name in the industry. With the acquisition of MBCC - a leading global supplier of construction chemicals - Sika will be adapting and formulating new technologies for our customers as well as incorporating existing brand names such as Ucrete into our arsenal.
Health and safety, as well as sustainability, remain key focus areas. As such, ALL meetings will begin with a message on health & safety to ensure that this is always a top priority for all employees.
I would once again like to thank all our employees for the concerted effort every one of you has made to ensure our continued growth and success in these trying times. We look forward to welcoming our new MBCC friends to join in with this positive attitude and become part of the Sika spirit.
Usuku seluze lwafika lapho samukela abangani nozakwethu bakwaMBCC kulomndeni wethu wakwa Sika, ngemva konyaka nesigamu kwamenyezelwa isivumelwano. Zombili lezinkampani bezilulangazelele lolusuku lokusebenzisana ukuze sibe yinkunzimalanga kwezezimakethe. Isimo sethu sezepolitiki asikashintshi,namanje sizithola sisemanzini abilayo. Ukusabela ukuphelelwa ugesi ngokuphelele kubonakala sekuyinto engokoqobo nokufanele sizulungiselele yona. Yize kunjalo njengenkampani siqhubeka sibheke ekuzithuthukiseni nasekukhuleni, kulezikhathi ezinzima. Siphindile futhi nakulengxenye yokuqala ka2023 sabona ukukhula kwezezimali uma kuqhathaniswa nengxenye yokuqala ka 2022, lokhu sikwenza iminyaka ilandelana.
Ukuqala kuka 2023 kusilethele ukwethulwa komkhiqizo weIndex ohlwini lwethu lokuvimbela amanzi nophahla. Lomkhiqizo usube sezimakethe iminyaka engaphezu kuka 20 futhi ngokungangabazeki uyigama elinokwethenjwa kulemboni.Ngokusebenzisana noMBCC-inkampani enkulu emhlabeni wonke kwezamakhemikhali okwakha-uSika uzokwengeza ubuciko bezobuchwepheshe kumakhasimende ethu nasemikhiqizweni esizigqaja ngayo efana ne Ucrete.
Ezempilo nokuphepha ngokunjalo nokusimama,kuyizinto esizibeke phambili. Ngokuqhubekayo yonke imihlangano izoqalisa ngomyalezo wezempilo nokuphepha, ukuqinisekisa ukuthi lokhu kuhamba phambili kubo bonke abasebenzi bethu.
Ngizophinde ngibonge kubo bonke abasebenzi bethu ngokuzimisela omunye ngamunye akubonisile ukuqinisekisa ukukhula nempumelelo yethu kulezikhathi ezinzima. Sibheke phambili ekwamukeleni abangani bethu abasha bakwa MBCC ukuzosijoyina sinesimo esihle sengqondo ukuze nabo babe yingxenye yomoya wobumbano kwaSika.
on the 3rd May 2023 at the Sika Gauteng Branch.
n Sika acquires MBCC business generating CHF 2.1 billion net sales in 2022
n Annual synergies expected in the range of CHF 160 – 180 million by 2026
n The combined innovation power of Sika and MBCC will accelerate the sustainable transformation of the whole construction industry
n Sika set to reach sales in excess of CHF 12 billion in 2023
After the successful closing, Sika’s sustainable product portfolio will be further enhanced with MBCC’s innovative technologies. Sika will offer a wide and comprehensive range of solutions to enable the sustainable transformation of the construction industry and help customers reduce their carbon footprint.
‘Together we will grow, together we will innovate, together we will find solutions for our customers, together we will become the innovation champion in this industry. From Day One onwards, there will be only one Sika. Let us experience our amazing Sika Spirit together as one united company.’
– Paul Adamsn We compliment each other
n We are dedicated
n We make the construction industry more sustainable
n We have a joint mission: Building trust
n We care for each other
n We want to grow together
n We listen to each other
When we think of Namibia, most of us will conjure thoughts of hot, dry desert rock, blanketed seasonally by a blast of beautiful flowers. Henties Bay and Swakopmund are two coastal towns that attract a lot of local and international traffic – so their local infrastructure is vital. The Omaruru River bridge was constructed in 1980 and by 1992 comprehensive concrete repairs had to be conducted. 23 years later, due to excessive salt ingress and exposure to the harsh corrosive environment, its structural integrity was compromised to the extent that it necessitated a solution. Between June and August of 2021, Sika Nambia Country Manager, Andre Visser consulted with contractors, Actual Impact Group cc, on the supply of products to upgrade and rehabilitate the Omaruru River bridge, in Henties Bay, and the rail overpass bridge in Swakopmund, both on the MR44.
The project kicked off with major demolition and clearing works conducted by the main contractor. Given the strict project timelines, the 80km distance apart and the need to run concurrently, time proved to be the major challenge to the successful delivery of both projects. Anyone familiar with the skeleton coast and Namib Desert will know that – with any application process – weather will be the major deciding factor of project success. Having to endure dust storms, mist, rain and wind gusts in excess of 60km/h, our dedicated teams worked around the clock to ensure that the necessary quality and completion targets were achieved.
Once the preparation and concrete work – such as piers and abutments - was complete on the sites, Actual Impact Group cc was appointed to supply and install a wide range of products, and to assist with technical advisory services for the duration. While both projects had one or two unique repairs, the range of products and their uses were similar. Sika supplied all the specialist construction chemicals and materials.
Initial bridge repair work was attained with SikaGrout®-212, an easy to use, single component, high strength, shrinkage compensated cementitious grout; and Sika MonoTop®-412 NFG. On both projects, Sikalastic®-152 was applied to all exposed concrete components, which totalled around 4450m2 Sikalastic®-152 is a 2-part, cementitious, polymer modified, flexible, crack-bridging, fibre-reinforced mortar for waterproofing and concrete protection, and can be applied to various types of construction substrates. The expansion joints on both bridges were sealed with Sikadur-Combiflex® SG system
Both Sikadur®-42 ZA and Sikadur®-43 ZA were used under the bridge bearing pads on both sites. The former is a 3-part, moisture tolerant, multi-purpose epoxy grouting system, and the latter a solvent-free, three-component, repair and filling mortar based on a combination of epoxy resins and selected high strength aggregates. After mixing, it forms a trowel-able mortar with good adhesion to cementitious substrates.
About 480 m² of bridge deck and approach slabs at the Swakopmund site, had SikaBit® Pro P-40 PE applied. It is an APP modified, bituminous, torch-applied, waterproofing membrane. SikaBit® PRO P-40-0 PE is reinforced with a dimensionally stable non-woven polyester inlay. The underside has a thin polyethylene burn-off film for effortless application. It can be applied to wood, metal and concrete substrates including over existing bitumen roofing membranes.
Sikaflex®-11 FC+, a 1-part, multipurpose elastic adhesive and joint sealant with very good application properties, and which bonds and seals most construction material substrates, was used on the bridge parapet joints at both sites.
On the general concrete work, Sika AnchorFix®-2+; a solventfree, two-component anchoring adhesive, was used to anchor the concrete balustrades on the bridges. Sika® Antisol® E was used as a concrete curing agent - it is a ready to use spray applied liquid wax emulsion that prevents water loss from the surface of freshly placed concrete. It forms a thin film barrier on the concrete without affecting the normal setting action.
The rehabilitation of the MR44 Omaruru River Bridge and Swakopmund Road over Rail Bridge was named the SANRAL SAICE 2022 National Award Winner for: Most outstanding Civil Engineering Project – International Category; and were also featured in the SAICE Civil Engineering Magazine (Vol 30) March 2022. “We received exceptional service from Andre and his team at Sika Namibia and managed to successfully complete a flagship project with outstanding results – never a bridge too far for Sika.”
Eugene Gouws, Project Manager at Actual Impact Group cc.
At Sika, we are committed to social responsibility and always looking for ways to support local communities. So, when Chris Howes from CHC-SA Concrete Floors (Pty) Ltd, contacted John Zehmke, Sika Eastern Cape Area Sales Manager, to partner with Ironman 4 the Kidz who were seeking partners in their initiative to build a pool for the Khayalethu Child and Youth Centre, we were eager to lend a hand. Ironman 4 the Kidz is a charity that aims to raise awareness for the plight of less fortunate children. By gaining sponsorship for participating in various Ironman challenges, the charity is able to make a real difference in the lives of kids across South Africa.
At the Khayalethu Child and Youth Centre, children between 6 and 21 are given a safe and nurturing home, with physical, emotional, and intellectual support. Many of these kids had previously been in dangerous environments, surrounded by crime, abuse and poverty, and the centre is able to provide all the children in their care with another chance to reach their true potential. With physical support being one of the key focuses of the centre, Ironman 4 the Kidz realised that a new pool would give the children the opportunity to learn a new skill – and, of course, to have fun on hot days.
As this cause is close to our hearts, Sika donated some of the concrete and construction chemicals required for the project, while providing the team with expert support and advice. After consulting with the team, we provided the following solutions:
• Sika® Form Oil, an emulsion-based shutter release agent, was used as a release agent on the steel shutters prior to pouring the concrete.
• Sika® Cemflex® universal waterproofing and bonding agent was used to waterproof between the wall and floor joint.
• SikaTop® Armatec®-110 EpoCem® bonding primer and reinforcement corrosion protection was used as a wet-to-dry bonding agent where required.
• SikaGrout®-212, a high-strength shrinkage compensated cementitious grout, was used to grout around the weir boxes and to do small repairs.
Working together with contractors CHC-SA Concrete Flooring, along with a host of generous individuals and companies, the project was completed in just 25 working days, an incredible achievement by all involved. We would like to make a special mention to Chris Howes and his wife Michelle from CHC-SA Concrete Flooring, without their dedication and hard work, this project would not have been possible. They were the driving force behind this project and their enthusiasm was contagious.
With the newly built pool topped up and ready to go, the kids at Khayalethu are now all able to learn to swim, or to hone their skills. Who knows – maybe one day, they’ll be competing in their very own Ironman challenge!
A big thank you to everyone who was involved in this project. We are extremely proud to have been a part of such a meaningful initiative, and one that will make a big difference in the lives of the kids at Khayalethu Child and Youth Centre.
was held on the 15th February 2023 at the CTICC.
The 10 th March 2023 saw the Sika Gauteng branch hosting a few key members from FH Chamberlain to a day of comprehensive training on Sika’s product range.
On the 2nd March 2023, the KZN team hosted a few local contractors to a day of intensive waterproofing training. The complete waterproofing range was shown with detailed application and tips being demonstrated.
Sika HO has partnered with the Domino Foundation, a registered NPO and PBO with a desire to see individuals and communities within South Africa living in dignity, justice, hope and purpose. Through 8 focused community transformation initiatives, Domino directly impacts the lives of thousands of individuals daily across KwaZulu-Natal.
One of those initiatives being the Nutrition programme. One of the initiatives in the Nutrition programme is the sandwich drive. Sandwiches are delivered to partner schools whose children who would otherwise have no lunch, providing protein packed ‘food for thought’. Schools identify their most vulnerable learners who need nutrition support and distribute these sandwiches discreetly as delivered by the Domino Nutrition Team.
Sika HO took up the challenge to make and package those sandwiches. They made and packaged 500 peanut sandwiches in under 2 hours. Not only was it awesome to be part of this great initiative but great fun was had, and it soon became evident who out of the team was domesticated and those who were not.
Sika’s Ros Bosch has been in touch with Victory Kids centre in PE over a period of time. Victory Kids is a centre for early intervention for children with special social and educational needs. Ros was able to assist them with a generous donation of a variety of Everbuild products that they could use for the children.
JANUARY - MAY 2023
35 YEARS
• Nkosinathi Bulose
• Phillamon Dlamini
25 YEARS
• Aubrey Mabaso
20 YEARS
• Lynn Botha
• Vinotha Naiker
15 YEARS
• Professor Zulu
• Lwazi Myeza
10 YEARS
• Roland Van Der Merwe
• Sphiwe Mchunu
• Kwazi Mkhize
• Nozuko Ndaba
5 YEARS
• Louisa Steenkamp
• Jackie Kgole
• Siziwe Ngcobo
• Nomsa Nhleko
• Sifiso Nzuza
• Siboniso Hlongwane
• Walter Dlamini
Nkosinathi Bulose started his career in January 1988 when Sika was still known as RFK Holdings (Pty) limited. Nkosinathi started off as temporary general worker working a 3-day week. Shortly afterwards in March 1988, he was promoted to a permanent packer position. Due to his diligence and great work ethos, the very next month he was promoted to mixer operator. In 1999 when RFK Holdings (Pty) limited was bought over by Sika, Sika soon promoted him to temporary supervisor for the liquid section and by the end of 1999 he was made permanent, and it still remains his current position. Nkosinathi has played an integral part of the production team always assisting in various initiatives to streamline processes and improve efficiency of the team. Thank you Nkosinathi, for bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team as a valued coach and mentor to many.
Phillamon Dlamini commenced his journey in 1988, when Sika was formally known as RFK Holdings (Pty) limited as a packer for NDC. In 1995 he was promoted to kit assembler. Thereafter, Phillamon was promoted to his current position as a forklift driver. “To work at Sika, it is important to be a disciplined individual that not only respects your peers but the business. Punctuality is important to me and still 35 years later I always remain early for work.” Thanks to Phillamon for years of dedication and for showing the true meaning of the Sika spirit.
Aubrey Mabaso was originally appointed in 1998 in the powder department as an operator. Being young and ambitious, in 2002 he applied for the QC technician position in the lab and to his delight was awarded the position. He was then promoted to his current role as QC supervisor in 2006. Aubrey appreciates the opportunities Sika has afforded him to learn chemistry and to upskill himself as an individual. “It’s good to be a member of the Sika family and that I still enjoy coming to work everyday but most of all, I am grateful for the support from my team and Management.” Aubrey is a hard-working member of the Lab, and we appreciate his work ethic and thank him for his contribution to the team.
We were all saddened with the sudden news of the passing of our beloved colleague and dear friend, Fakier who has been with our company for over 30 years.
Fakier started his career at the original RFK Industrials before it became Sika to becoming one of the most reliable, hardworking sales administrator and jack of all trades where he made sure that the Cape Town Branch ran smoothly in all areas.
‘I was very privileged to have worked with Fakier in Cape Town for a few years and he was one of those people you could call on at any time of the day or night to open the offices for a customer in the event of an emergency. In all his time at Sika, being the front face of the company, not once did I ever receive any complaints about him in any shape or form.
I was extremely fortunate to have been in Cape Town the week prior to the sudden news where I managed to spend some time with Fakier, little knowing that this would be the last time I would see him. In July last year he had a heart attack and received 9 stents and we all hoped and prayed that this would give him a second chance and he would be with us well into his retirement years.’
– Paul Adams
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
SIKA DAY 2023 | 9 JUNE 2023
AT SIKA WE CARE AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER - EVERY DAY, THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL WORK.
WE MAKE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW’S WORLD, FOR OUR EMPLOYEES AND OUR COMMUNITIES.
CONCRETE
WATERPROOFING
SEALING AND BONDING
ENGINEERED REFURBISHMENT
BUILDING FINISHING
WHO WE ARE
INDUSTRY FLOORING
Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. Its more than 27,500 employees generated annual sales of CHF 10.49 billion in 2022.
In South Africa, we provide market-leading solutions for concrete, waterproofing, roofing, flooring, refurbishment, sealing & bonding, and industry, and have manufacturing sites in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
ROOFING