Page 6 - Buzz Magazine

COllABORATIOn
Making affordable both comfortable and pro table
The affordable housing segment offers Saint-Gobain Sub-Saharan Africa both a great market opportunity and a way to make a signi cant difference where it really matters.
The realisation that he had made a signi cant contribution to a changed life ignited a passion for affordable
housing in Sibusiso Mthembu. Business Development Manager, Isover.
Being part of the Affordable Housing collaboration platform
has reignited his passion to make a signi cant contribution to the sector.
“About ten years ago, when we handed an old lady the keys to her house, which we had been involved in building, I suddenly realised what a
huge difference owning a decent roof over your head can make. It changed how this family would go forward from generation to generation! I felt so privileged to be part of that!”
So, although it has taken a lot
of commitment for Sibusiso and his colleagues from all over Saint-Gobain to add collaboration platform duties to their day jobs, they feel it is more than worth it.
“We are contributing to the dynamic shift in housing in South Africa, making
a tangible contribution. Words of wisdom and gratitude from the granny changed my way of thinking. I now know that whatever we do in this sector, we are not just helping to build houses, we are creating homes!”
Providing solutions
Providing solutions that are systems- driven, linked with skills development, is key to success in this sector.
“We do this by providing systems that offer sustainable solutions and skills development linked to the Saint- Gobain academy.” he said.
Since the government started implementing SANS10400-XA energy e ciency requirements, effective since April 2014, there has been a strong interest in energy e cient systems that are also affordable.
Saint-Gobain’s tailor-made Combi- Pack solution has proven ideal for emerging contractors, as it is systems driven, offers a one-stop solution and meets the legislative requirements. The company has not only come
up with the ideal solution and skills development, it has also invested in research, enterprise development, partnership and advocacy opportunities.
Forging ahead
Following the success of the Combi- Pack project, the Affordable Housing collaboration platform is looking ahead to the SMW project, for which one house was built in Soshanguve and two show houses are earmarked for North West.
Following on from that, the team is also already tackling the Saint-Gobain Full Kit House project, for which a prototype should be concluded and costed by 2017. w
We are contributing
to the dynamic shift in housing in South Africa.
6 | BUZZ | SUMMER 2016