Minister of science and technology in South Africa, Naledi Pandor chats with Cyril Attwell in charge of concrete and research managing at Murray and Roberts to comment on the company’s work and research grant.
Pandor says she is pleased with Murray and Robert’s innovation and success thus far, is why it was considered for such a fund.
“We are so happy when we meet companies such as Murray and Roberts, which have really devoted attention to developing innovative products, as well as products that respond to our significant infrastructural needs in South Africa,” explains Pandor.
Attwell gives some insight to the company’s innovative technology.
“Our technology has altered slightly, this technology is applied in a similar manor overseas, but they are using 30% to 33% of commercial chemicals and activators, so it is rather heavy on the pricing. This makes it generally four to five times more expensive than the general price of concrete. At Transnet City Deep, we actually reduced that to 4% activator, a commercial rate activator, and in doing that it reduced the cost of concrete by about 35%”
Pandor further comments on waste factors and as well the overriding strategy around waste.
“I think we need dedicated attention to how waste might be converted to good use in terms of the objectives of the country. We have planned a strategy called the ‘RDI strategy’, which will look at these aspects, because we really believe that this is a neglected area,” says Pandor.
She stresses how determined and willing the department is in relations to investment research and more.
“I am absolutely committed to ensuring that my department (science and technology) partners with the private sectors that are committed to greater investment in research in development, but that are also really focused on ensuring that the research and development is not esoteric and that is actually has a pragmatic aspect to it and that the products that come out of the investments that private sectors are making, are products that can actually contribute to achieving our national development goals.”
