Ruwacon

The African construction industry is booming and continues to flourish at an impressive annual rate.

Undoubtedly, despite this upturn in prosperity for the continent overall, South Africa is facing unique challenges of its own, particularly within the construction sector, which has been struggling in recent years due to various economic, political, and social factors.

However, in the face of these challenges, there are positive developments igniting the sector with a sense of optimism for the future of construction across the nation.

Riding the crest of this wave of optimism is Ruwacon, one of South Africa’s leading and top-tier construction firms. Founded in 1999 by its current Managing Director, Pieter Ruthven, the company now boasts over 24 years of success in this vast and ever-shifting industry.

Today, Ruwacon is focused and poised to embrace the South African government’s infrastructure plan, a strategic endeavour designed specifically to invest in diverse sectors, foster job creation, and stimulate economic growth. Moreover, the South African private sector has displayed profound interest in infrastructure ventures spanning renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, residential, and commercial developments.

BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW

Continuously improving by establishing appropriate business objectives and implementing the most effective plans to achieve them, Ruwacon has positioned itself at the helm of the African construction industry. Commercial Director, Reeza Seedat tells us more

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Taylor Green

Reeza Seedat, Commercial Director

TOMORROW

In response to this, Ruwacon has adeptly positioned itself within these focus areas over the years and stands primed for fresh business prospects and exciting development.

PROACTIVE REACTIONS

Ruwacon and its management team continue to be instrumental in taking proactive measures and adapting to the constantly changing environment in which it operates.

“We continue to embrace technology, diversify our service offering, and focus on sustainability, whilst building strong private and public partnerships for the long term,” opens Reeza Seedat, Commercial Director of Ruwacon.

“Our core belief has always been to deliver exceptional projects to our valued clients, develop skills in communities in the areas we operate in and contribute to the growth of the South African economy,” he continues.

AFRICA

OUTLOOK:

COULD YOU PROVIDE US WITH SOME INSIGHT INTO YOUR CAREER AND EXPLAIN HOW YOU BECAME INTERESTED IN THE

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?

Reeza Seedat, Commercial Director: “It’s a privilege and honour to be part of an ever-thriving industry. There will always be a need for constant development throughout our continent. I have always been intrigued by each project’s unique offering and the challenges and pleasures that come with constructing it.

“With 12 years of industry experience to date, I am humbled by the mentorship and opportunities provided to me throughout the years to progress through the ranks. Starting out in 2011 as a graduate in the construction industry, being part of site-based teams and relocating to different projects around South Africa, to now holding a position in office and being involved in Ruwacon’s business development, strategy and risk management has been a major milestone in my career.”

As part of Reeza Seedat’s portfolio of experience, he holds a MBA Degree, Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying and a Certification in Property Development and Investment. Reeza Seedat is a registered Project Management Professional and has a Chartered Professional Quantity Surveyor designation with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to add to his resume.

Ruwacon’s management team has irrefutably committed themselves to practising the vital principles of integrity, respect and transparency. This firm ethos forms the basis for managing all of the company’s core operations, systems and structures - as well as defining Ruwacon’s overarching organisational culture.

In May 2010, Ruwacon transformed its shareholding to become one of the few top-tier construction firms in South Africa with majority black ownership. On top of this, the company currently has a 9GB and 9CE CIBD grading and proudly holds Level 1 B-BBEE status.

It is simultaneously both the vision and mission of Ruwacon to become South Africa’s most preferred contractor, as the company

remains resolutely focused on client satisfaction and quality projects, completed on budget and on time. The company operates in some of the most remote areas across South Africa and most recently ventured into Botswana, to create, build and ensure quality for the future and is involved in a multitude of ambitious projects whilst targeting constant evolution and enhancement.

It is the belief of Ruwacon’s leadership team that a hands-on approach and the company’s regional management structure ensures direct and regular senior intervention at project level. In this way, transformation is driven at the highest standards and Ruwacon strives to ensure that the company forms an integral part of Southern Africa’s growth.

“OUR HISTORY OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND COMMUNITY-CENTRED DEVELOPMENTS IS TESTAMENT TO THE PROFICIENCY IN WHICH RUWACON OPERATES IN THE INDUSTRY”

– REEZA SEEDAT, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, RUWACON

THE ULTIMATE CHOICE THE ULTIMATE CHOICE

OUR STORY

FF Gertse Transport Services was founded by Mr. Floors F Gertse in 2013 after identifying the need for proper transportation between his home town Kenhardt in the Northern Cape and Western Cape. He established a daily route running three to four times a week between the two provinces as was needed. After a short period of time with excellent management he bought several coaches and started working with major companies in the Mining industry transporting their staff from accommodation to the mining sites in the Northern Cape Province.

In 2016 FF Gertse Transport Services started their touring transport department partnering with CoachFairy Transport Services to take the TOURISM TRANSPORTATION industry by storm, running tours across South Africa and into neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

For the past year, FF Gertse Transport Services worked with RUWACON CONSTRUCTION and other smaller contractors on a 20 year Solar Plant Project in the Northern Cape, transporting their staff to and from the site on a daily basis with over 10 coaches, midibuses and minibuses ensuring their staff is on time and ready for work.

In 2020 when the intercity giants closed their doors due to COVID19, FF Gertse Transport Services saw the urgent need and opportunity in this unique situation, and was willing to take the risk to assist South Africans with safe, reliable, and affordable transport between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, and Northern Cape. The core focus of FF Gertse Transport is to be the most reliable, safe, and

cost-effective passenger liner in South Africa to supply transport to all walks of life, or should we say all wheels of life.

BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (BEE)

FF Gertse Transport Services is a 100 percent blackmanaged company and, therefore, subscribes to the strict code of practice regarding BEE procurement. This procurement policy focuses on preferred blackowned businesses with the aim to procure 50 percent of the requirement from emerging BEE companies, including the outsourcing policy.

Ensuring that economic empowerment is the top priority for employees, FF Gertse Transport Services not only promotes reliability and satisfaction for customers, but also to those who work hard on a daily basis.

OUR STAFF

We have experienced drivers who regularly go on training courses to perfect their driving skills, who are skilful in interacting with people, and know how to follow the chain of command.

We believe that happy staff equals happy customers. FF Gertse Transport has a policy to empower, educate, uplift, and equip staff to be their best and do their best, creating better families, communities, and ultimately a South Africa. Our staff are our most valuable asset and we strive to take good care of them.

CUSTOMER AND PARTNERSHIP

For over a decade FF Gertse Transport Services has aimed to evolve passenger transportation in every sector where transport is required.

This has led FF Gertse Transport Services to build

FF Gertse Transport Services provide a comprehensive range of transport services, including:

• Tourism

• Charter

• Intercity

• Shuttles

• Staff Transport

• Every form of passenger transport service thinkable

relationships with other big brands in the transport industry to revolutionise passenger transport in every way possible.

We have direct and/or indirect business relationships with corporate companies, such as Ruwacon, Raubex Construction, Maracof SA, Aries Solar Power, and Ilanga to name just a few. Make FF Gertse Transport Services

“THE ULTIMATE CHOICE” when it comes to your passenger transport needs.

Our fleet ranges from sedans minibuses, midibuses and buses/ coaches up to 85 seaters

Fleet Standard:

• Commuter

• Semi luxury

• Luxury

• Super luxury

FF Gertse Transport Services will transport whoever, to wherever, make us your ultimate choice for passenger transportation in South Africa.

We are ‘‘The Ultimate Choice’’ providing transport for all group sizes, let us take you safely to your destination.

Time-Tested and Reliable Transport

Time-Tested and Reliable Transport

FAIRDINKEM CARRIERS

As a privately owned business established in 2003, our company was founded by its current owner, Floors Gertse with the vision of becoming one of the most prominent commercial truck companies in South Africa.

Focusing on delivering quality service throughout the continent of Africa we succeeded to “SET THE TREND” in the transport logistics industry.

Our reputation has been built around the delivery of services that enhance quality performance and cost efficiency. These services are focused on supplying the highest quality and constantly on time transport that is eco friendly to our environment.

Since the start of Fairdinkem Carriers, the company has flourished into one of the leading Reefer Transport providers in the industry across South Africa. Taking pride in our customer service and reliability and ensuring that our standard of quality is always high to satisfy our clients needs.

Fairdinkem Carriers has gained a reliable and trustworthy reputation built around the delivery of services that enhance quality performance and cost delivery, with these services being focused on the supply of high-quality and timely transport services. Our processes is one of the factors that makes us highly competitive in the logistics market.

OUR FLEET

Our fleet replacement program of every three to five years ensures that our vehicles can service the requirements of our supply chain.

Partnering with high quality brands such as Mercedes SA, Scania, Volvo, Babcock (DAF) , S A Truckbodies/ Hendred, GRW, and other leading brands to deliver only the best possible service to our clients.

BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT (BEE)

Fairdinkem Carriers is a 100 percent black-managed company and, therefore, subscribes to the strict code of practice regarding BEE procurement. This procurement policy focuses on preferred blackowned businesses with the aim to procure 50 percent of the requirement from emerging BEE companies, including the outsourcing policy.

Ensuring that economic empowerment is the top priority for their employees, Fairdinkem Carriers not only promotes reliability and satisfaction for customers, but also to those who work hard on a daily basis.

OUR STAFF

Our most prized possession!

We believe that transfer of knowledge and skills development is vital and important to our organization and must be given priority in order to empower staff and in the same time promote the economic advancement of our communities, cities, and our country “we start small and change big.’’

Fairdinkem Carriers focus on learnership opportunities for employees to gain experience whilst working. Management shares knowledge and skills expertise by working closely with their staff.

CUSTOMERS AND PARTNERSHIPS

Over the past 15 years, Fairdinkem Carriers has been involved in the transport for several large corporations across South Africa.

South Africa Breweries, Spar SA, and Grain Carriers just to name a few.

Fairdinkem Carriers took the responsibility to work with prominent industry leaders to ensure that we are a step ahead for customer satisfaction and experience.

We have worked diligently to commandeer our position at the top of the industry to ensure our clients only get the very best there is to offer.

Fairdinkem has promised and has delivered reliable and safe transport in the industry for over 20 years and promise to only do better.

Fairdinkem Carriers strives to deliver services which:

• Eliminate wasteful and costly tasks

• Deliver on time

• Save money

Workmanship and service is of a constant high quality and standard, including:

• Transport of goods

• Logistic services

Fairdinkham Carriers has the following divisions:

• Crossborders of Southern Africa and neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Zimbabwe

• Contractual in various sectors

CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Ruwacon operates across several divisions of expertise, each fulfilling unique integral purposes to the company’s innovative and world-class projects.

As the organisation comprises multiple divisions such as construction, infrastructure, housing, plant hire and scaffolding, Ruwacon has the key advantage of operating across all fields of the vast construction industry.

Firstly, Ruwacon’s construction division offers multi-disciplinary solutions for building projects in both the public and private sectors.

“The construction division provides elite solutions that are adaptable to the financial considerations of our respectable clients,” affirms Seedat.

This arm of the business undertakes a range of projects for all government departments including, healthcare

facilities, public buildings, schools, prisons, courthouses, museums, military bases, and office buildings amongst others.

“We deliver a tailored approach to our private clients from inception to completion stages of their projects. With this, Ruwacon’s construction division has successfully delivered projects to reputable clients such as Walmart, Shoprite, Motus, Engen, Capitec and ABSA Bank, to name a few,” he adds.

Secondly, Ruwacon’s infrastructure

division has nurtured an extensive record and reputation for delivering projects of the highest quality to its valued clients. The performance of the division has created numerous valuable long-term partnerships with stakeholders involved in both the private and public sectors.

“Our team aligns their technical knowledge, experience and resources, and is driven by our commitment of continuous improvement in construction methods to optimise efficiency and enhance client value.”

“WE CONTINUE TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY, DIVERSIFY OUR SERVICE OFFERING, AND FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY, WHILST BUILDING STRONG PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE LONG TERM”

– REEZA SEEDAT, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, RUWACON

With more than 130 years of experience in the paints and coating industry, Plascon has a proud history and legacy in Africa.

Port

The division focuses on the construction of roads and railways, earthworks, civil and infrastructure, as well as renewable energy initiatives and has completed projects for esteemed clients such as SANRAL, Transnet, Airports Company South Africa, Glencore, Anglo, South32, Scatec and Abengoa among others.

Meanwhile, Ruwacon’s plant division owns an extensive fleet of heavy construction machinery, trucks, equipment, and vehicles, with expert personnel who ensure the optimal use of all company vehicles and machinery used on projects nationwide.

“Our team includes a service component with competent personnel to maintain, service and repair our fleet. Additionally, our plant management team ensures that the fleet is maintained in line with the necessary safety and legislative requirements of the government as well as our clientele,” Seedat tells us.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Considering the current skills shortage in South Africa, Ruwacon is actively pursuing meaningful training initiatives that offer its teams career development and personal empowerment.

“Our efforts are predominantly based on our in-house bursary scheme for the previously disadvantaged members of the community pursuing their studies in construction management, quantity surveying and civil engineering,” Seedat explains.

Furthermore, Ruwacon offers in-service training for building and engineering students who wish to complete their experiential training year. The company’s in-house mentorship opportunities further complement its bursary and workintegrated learning scheme, offering graduates and junior staff members the opportunity to learn first-hand from Ruwacon’s experienced senior staff.

Training programmes such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) are also pursued by the company in an effort to contribute to the upliftment and enrichment of the respective communities in which Ruwacon exists.

Further to these initiatives, Ruwacon continues to aid development and education initiatives within the communities in which it operates in order to facilitate sustainable access to the economy for any beneficiaries.

“It has been an exciting journey thus far and we look forward to what lies ahead for Ruwacon and the future development of Africa.” Seedat finishes.

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