Civil Engineering April 2021 | Vol 29 No 3

Civil Engineering April 2021 49 The single non-profit entity was established through an extensive and thorough process of engage- ment with various stakeholders to consolidate The Concrete Institute, Concrete Society of Southern Africa, and the Association of Cementitious Material Producers. The body will create long-term shared value and industry growth in South Africa through driving col- laboration, skills development, in- novation, and the highest standards in sustainable cement and concrete materials and products. Bryan Perrie, CEO of CCSA, states that the new industry body has been mandated to promote and support the industry, to drive growth and deliver shared value through a unified platform for ce- ment and concrete. “At a time where many con- flicting and ambiguous messages are shared readily on various platforms, and with the proliferation of substandard products and services, the need for authoritative engagement with all stakeholders is critical,” Perrie adds. INDUSTRY & MEMBER BENEFITS A new and inclusive membership model will make the portfolio of services offered by CCSA available to individuals or corporates, either for free or at members’ discounted rates. These services include courses presented by the School of Concrete Technology, access to the Information Centre, attendance at technical events and webinars, publica- tions, and hyperlinked listings on various electronic sources, to name a few. CCSA, through its members, will create the opportunity to build a healthier future through a network of influencers. Working with industry role players to develop the value propositions of cement and concrete is one of the identified objectives of CCSA. Other goals include to promote the value creation story of the cement and concrete industry in South Africa, supporting research as a means of increasing the ongoing expertise base, and the promotion of industry standards and audit compliance among members and industry role players. On a more practical level, CCSA will grow industry expertise and build capacity by developing and offering courses, seminars, and training materials. The provision of information, research, advisory and on-site technical consulting services will be another offering available to members. CCSA’s dedicated focus on committees will ensure that all relevant areas are addressed with expertise through consultation. The committee structures will empower members to guide and shape many of the services. The branch committees of the erstwhile Concrete Society of Southern Africa will be retained to ensure that CCSA will have concrete ambassadors in various regions. “We are excited about the future of the cement and concrete industry in South Africa. The staff of CCSA are ready to discuss membership options and benefits. We are poised to add value and unlock opportunities for all members, and the industry at large,” concludes Perrie. Contact Hanlie Turner Business Development Manager, CCSA hanlie.turner@cemcon-sa.org.za +27 (0)11 315 0300 www.cemcon-sa.org.za Cement & Concrete SA to drive the industry to new heights Cement & Concrete SA (CCSA) , the new consolidated body for the cement and concrete industry, is open for business and set to take the lead on all matters relating to cement and concrete in South Africa. The new industry body has been mandated to promote and support the industry, to drive growth and deliver shared value through a unified platform for cement and concrete. Bryan Perrie, CEO of Cement & Concrete SA