Construction World October 2024

MARKETPLACE

Bell Equipment and SAME Foundation launch REFURBISHED SCIENCE LABORATORY There were many smiling faces and great anticipation at the Forte Secondary School in Dobsonville, Soweto on 7 August 2024 when a newly refurbished science laboratory sponsored by Bell Equipment under the auspices of the South African Medical and Education Foundation (SAME Foundation) was officially taken into use. B ell Equipment, South Africa’s world-renowned

Equipment’s Director: Business and Public Sector Development, urged the learners to set their personal education goals high and reminded them that no goal was too high to attain. “We as Bell Equipment employ around 4 000 people worldwide and, as we’ve assisted in the refurbishment and equipping of many similar laboratories and centres of learning in South Africa, it shows that we believe in our youth and the potential that they show,” he said. All the work to refurbish the laboratory was completed during an eight-week period spanning April and May 2024. Bell Equipment’s donation covered the entire construction, fixtures and equipment expenses. The Forte Secondary School fulfils a vitally important role of educating 2 400 learners from Grade 8 to 12. 

manufacturer of mining, construction, and agricultural equipment had, through its Socio-Economic Development (SED) initiative, committed to getting involved in the project when it was approached by the SAME Foundation during a Mandela Day event, painting a school in Gauteng in 2023. SAME Foundation is a non-profit organisation which raises funds and manages socio-economic development allocations to improve the health and education environment in South Africa. The Foundation boasts a track record of completing well over 150 high-impact projects in the last 20 years, investing hundreds of millions of Rands and positively influencing millions of South Africans. Its sole aim is to improve healthcare and educational facilities in poverty-stricken communities. “We as a foundation were heartened when Bell Equipment showed its

eagerness to become involved in this very worthwhile project at the Forte Secondary School,” says Tyrone Pols, spokesperson for the SAME Foundation. “The science laboratory at this school was in a dilapidated state and with Bell Equipment’s generous funding, we could oversee the replacement of the floor, ceiling, windows, doors and security gate as well as several coats of durable paint. “We could then order new laboratory benches, stools and cupboards before new laboratory equipment applicable to the curriculum was acquired. Advanced technology has been added with a touch screen white board and digital projector.” Speaking during the function to mark the unveiling of the refurbished laboratory, Bruce Ndlela, Bell

P PC Limited, South Africa’s top cement manufacturer, has partnered with Sturdee Energy to construct and manage 10 MW solar plants for PPC’s Slurry and Dwaalboom Plants. This partnership is a step towards decreasing PPC's reliance on traditional energy sources and moving towards a greener future. Sturdee Energy is a prominent developer of renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa, specialising in sustainable renewable energy solutions to promote economic growth and socio-economic development. Ernesto Acosta, PPC's Chief Operating Officer, stated, “ The Power Purchase Agreement with Sturdee Energy is a significant milestone in PPC’s business transformation journey. By utilising solar energy, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also progressing our efforts to rebuild a profitable and sustainable PPC. This partnership reflects PPC's commitment to responsible manufacturing.” This initiative demonstrates PPC's dedication to operating in an environmentally efficient manner while working towards sustainability goals.  PPC PARTNERS WITH STURDEE ENERGY

6 CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2024