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Ms Thoko Didiza, Minister of Public Works (seated, second from right), photographed at the inauguration event with (seated, left to right) Mr Solomon Malebye, Mr Pepi Silinga, Ms Nozi Shabalala, and (back row, left to right) Dr Mohammed Tayob, Ms Khomotso Choma, Mr Phethola Makgathe (outgoing chair), Mr Joe Odhiambo (Manager: Agrèment South Africa), Mr Cannon Noyana, Mr Mike Marler, Ms Ntebo Ngcobo and Mr Sydney Seane |
CSIR Built Environment also hosts a number of agency-type functions on behalf of government and in support of industry. These currently include Agrément South Africa, the Asphalt Academy, and the Technology Transfer Centre.
The Minister of Public Works, Ms Thoko Didiza, on 19 February 2008 visited Agrèment South Africa - a body that certifies non-standardised construction products and is currently managed by CSIR Built Environment - to attend the inauguration of the new Agrèment Board. Ms Didiza discussed the development of a new Agrèment business plan; one that would make the organisation more visible. She also made mention of the possible relocation of Agrèment from the CSIR to the Ministry of Public Works but said that governance as opposed to the actual location of the organisation needed to be revisited.
The Minister said that advocacy of new innovation by providing scientific evidence of its authenticity was critical to changing the mindset of those who were dubious. Ms Didiza posed the question whether Agrèment’s role should be limited to the setting of standards for non-standard products (as opposed to the SABS, which sets standards for conventional products), or whether it should also be involved in innovative processes. She emphasized the need for synergy between the various agencies within the Department of Public Works and the Department of Science and Technology. She concluded by thanking the Board members for their willingness to assume their responsibilities, stating that it was not something to be taken lightly.
Speaking at the event, Joe Odhiambo, manager of Agrèment South Africa, paid tribute to Ms Didiza as an inspiring leader and lauded her efforts to support the organisation.
The new Board comprises:
- Pepi Silinga – CEO, Coega Development Corporation and chair of the Agrèment South Africa Board
- Cannon Noyana – Managing director, Noyana’s Management Consultancy
- Solomon Malebye – Deputy Director-General: Operations, Department of Public Works
- Nozibusiso Shabalala – Director, SA Asphalt
- Khomotso Choma – Managing director, Turnkey Projects
- Ntebo Ngcobo – Company director and civil projects engineer
- Mike Marler – Municipal infrastructure specialist, Development Bank of Southern Africa
- Lethola Moshe – Managing director: Botle Business Consultants
- Sydney Seane – General manager: Mechanical and Materials, SABS
- Edwin Kruger – Bridge network manager: South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)
- Dr Mohammed Tayob – CEO: Ezindaleni Global Holding (Pty) Ltd.
News contributed by: Chiara Lincoln,CSIR Communication |
