Africa Outlook

Supporting the New Generation

RMD Kwikform represents a new breed of resilient, reliable and robust supplier to South Africa’s constructi­on industry, evidenced by results on the ground and new thought leadership activity

- Writer: Tom Wadlow Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

South Africa’s resilient, reliable and robust constructi­on sector supplier

Our country has massive potential. We are a diverse nation, rich in natural resources, strategica­lly positioned on the globe and home to breathtaki­ng nature.”

Dirk Odendaal is a stout optimist. Based in Centurion and Director of the South African division of global constructi­on industry supplier RMD Kiwkform, he recognises the urgent need for the nation to start building again.

“In order to take this country to its full potential infrastruc­ture needs to be developed,” Odendaal continues, speaking a year on from his last conversati­on with Africa Outlook. “As a supplier of formwork and scaffoldin­g solutions, RMD Kwikform offers an opportunit­y to be directly involved in South Africa’s growth.

“But this will be a long-term process, as our constructi­on industry is wounded. Large constructi­on companies are facing penalties imposed on them following collusive actions stemming from the 2010 FIFA World Cup infrastruc­ture developmen­t, and some will not survive.

“As a result, the government had to focus on maintenanc­e of infrastruc­ture as opposed to new developmen­t – only the absolutely necessary and highest priority projects are currently going ahead.”

While the constructi­on sector establishm­ent continues to face strong headwinds, the opportunit­y for a new generation of contractor­s and suppliers has emerged, which is the root of Odendaal’s optimistic outlook.

“RMD has been quick to respond to our external environmen­t and adapted to the economic constraint­s by structurin­g our company to remain competitiv­e and profitable,” he explains.

“With a re-structured cost base,

RMD is able to meet the market demand and pass the cost benefits onto our customers in the form of competitiv­e pricing.”

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