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CONSULTING ENGINEERS
BIG ENOUGH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE
- Moses Marole (Chairman - BVi Group)
51% BLACK-OWNED LEVEL 1 B-BBEE
DECEMBER 2016
52% BLACK-OWNED LEVEL 1 B-BBEEThe BVi Board and Management are delighted to announce the achievement of yet another milestone on the eve of BVi’s half a century celebration in June 2017.
BVi is once again leading the engineering industry, by announcing a 52% majority black-owned shareholding, thereby assisting us in achieving our procurement goals as a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor. This is a significant milestone for the BVi Group, and a step forward in the engineering industry in which majority black ownership remains rare.
We see this as another step in increasing our commercial competitiveness in the market, thereby underlining our commitment to meaningful transformation. In addition, by increasing black individual shareholding and that of the BVi Trust, we also create more opportunities for career growth and development within the BVi Group. BVi continues to execute and intensify our transformation policy by building on our reputation of a highly professional, cost-effective, empowered service provider.
Moses Marole Chairman, BVi Group
ASSMANG IRON ORE , BEESHOEK MINE
BVi Gauteng and Upington were appointed by
Assmang Iron Ore, Beeshoek Mine to perform
a visual audit of certain steel structures and
civil works at Beeshoek North and South
Mines in the Northern Cape. The team
consisted of E. Scheepers (Pr Eng), P. van Dyk,
M. Malan and T. Bosman.
The North Mine previously supplied all of
Assmang’s iron ore output since 1964. A series
of large-scale infrastructure projects had
maximised efficiency and productivity on site,
which included a full washing and screening
plant, as well as a jig plant to beneficiate off-
grade ore. Assmang commissioned Beeshoek
South Mine in 1999.
The various structural elements were each allocated a condition category ranging from 0 to 5 (0 signifying excellent condition and 5 little to no useful residual strength), followed by a priority level recommending the required remedial action.
Other common observed issues included faulty connections, removed and modified structural members, excessive spillage, missing grout below baseplates, vehicular and equipment impact damage, and general damage to walkways.
The combined inspections of Beeshoek North and South Mines covered over 51 conveyors, plant and buildings, and were completed between 11 and 14 April 2016.
WIND ENERGY FACIL IT I ES , DE AAR
Wind Energy Facilities, De Aar
Where there is a road, there is BVi Roads and Rail - even to the
middle of the country, at a wind energy facility (WEF) in De Aar.
BVi is assisting the client, Murray & Roberts Infrastructure, with
the planning and geometric design of the internal road network,
which serves as access from the major roads to the 67 newly
constructed wind turbines. Technical assistance is also provided with
the foundation design.
PRO JECTS
Steel fixing at the wind turbine foundation
National Route 11, Section 4
SANRAL awarded the above project to BVi in October 2015.
The existing road was rehabilitated and partially realigned in 2008,
but showed signs of premature failure, which required investigation
and repair. BVi completed the assessment and design phases of the
contract, and prepared tender documentation for the proposed
repair work. The BVi supervision team consists of Philip Dyason (RE),
Lucky Mnisi (ARE) and Gert Saayman (Senior Materials Technician).
They are assisted by two SANRAL students, Siyabonga Dludla and
Mnyamezeli Mazibuko. The value of the project is R33.8 million, and is
due to be completed towards the end of April 2017.
NATIONAL ROUTES
PROJECTS
National Road 3 from Key Ridge to Hammarsdale
National Route 11 between Kwaggasnek and Volksrust
National Road 3
This project, located on the N3 National Route between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, is the largest roads project in the history of BVi Consulting Engineers. The essence of the project is the upgrading of the existing section of roadway from a six-lane dual carriageway to a 10-lane facility, as well as the realignment of the section to improve the level of service and road user cost.
The project is part of the larger upgrade initiative of the N3 corridor, which plays a major role in freight transport between Durban and Johannesburg. With these two cities being the largest economic hubs in South Africa, there is a serious need to provide well-functioning transport infrastructure between them.
Sterkspruit Valley Viaducts, Key Ridge to Hammarsdale
BVi Western Cape has been appointed by SANRAL for the detail design and construction monitoring of the realignment of the N3 from Key Ridge to Hammarsdale. This critical portion of road suffers from heavy delays and congestion, and this partial realignment forms part of the N3 capacity upgrade, while increasing road safety to users.
Our appointment includes the construction of two new viaducts, each with a separate southbound and northbound carriageway of 22.3m in width, carrying 5 lanes of traffic in both directions. The interesting and challenging aspects of designing both of these structures will be the 22.3m carriageway width, the construction sequences accommodating the current N3 alignment, and the foundation conditions of the site.
Project Director: Leon Pienaar Technical Director: Chris Lourens Project Engineer: Jade Adams
STERKSpRUIT VALLEY V IADUCTS
Some interesting quantities that are part of the site conditions and the construction estimate:
The current Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) is 8 200 vpd.
The current Average Annual Daily Truck Traffic (AADTT) is 2 800 vpd (±35%).
Mass earthworks quantity ±300 000m³ that will need to be moved.
2.4ha of concrete will be cast for the formalisation of a truck stop area.
12 months into the Construction Phase of 27 months:
(Es t imated const r uc t ion va lue) (Consu l t ing se r v i ces appo intment)
Length o f the pro jec t between const r uc t ion l im i t s
R400 000 000 R33 900 000
12.4km
FACTS AND STATS
This project, located on the N1 National
Route approximately 100km north of
Bloemfontein, was the largest road project
in the history of BVi Consulting Engineers
at the time of the award. The essence of
the project is the upgrading of the existing
section of roadway from a 2-lane highway
to a 4-lane divided dual carriageway facility.
Construction started in January 2016 and is
scheduled to be completed by the end of
March 2018. The appointed Contractor is
WBHO Construction.
REHAB IL ITAT ION AND UpGRADING OF NATIONAL ROUTE 1 , WINBURG
Between Winburg Interchange and the Winburg Station
ST EL IZABETH HOSp ITAL RESOURCES CENTRE , LUS IK I S IK I
PROJECTS
pRASA 3KV OVERHEAD ELECTR IC AL EqUIpMENT STRUCTURES
Replacement in Cape Town Area
BVi Western Cape has been appointed by PRASA for the detail design and construction monitoring of the replacement of foundations, structures and small part steel for its 3kV lines that are in need of replacement.
The project is divided into 5 Phases, spread out across 20km of railway tracks between various stations in the Cape Town area. The phasing is based on commuter volumes on the railway system and extent of corrosive decay of the steelwork observed on site.
Various types of structures at typical 67m spacing along the rail tracks suspend the electrical wires for the trains.
Our appointment includes the survey of the existing infrastructure to identify the structures due for replacement.
The structures were rated on a scale of five to zero - five being very good, with zero being extremely bad. Structures with a rating of 2 or lower were allocated for replacement on more than 500 locations spread out over the 20km of railway track.
A contractor from Gauteng was appointed on a 2 year contract to the value of R80m to replace the structures.The contractor fabricates the steelwork in Gauteng and galvanises and paints the steelwork with a duplex paint system. All the steelwork is then transported by truck to Cape Town for erection under permit conditions at night. Work started in July 2016 and is planned for completion in July 2018.
Site Engineer: Azuradeen Tolker Project Engineer: Johan de Lange
Camdekon Engineering was involved with the
design and bulk earthworks and structural elements,
which included reinforced concrete retaining walls
and structural steel elements. The Civil engineering
services included roads, water supply infrastructure
and sewers. The hospital resources centre building
will be used for training and lecturing, and will be
linked to the tertiary educational facility in Mthatha.
Project value: R97 million.
New 1.5m long M36 galvanised anchor bolts for new foundations
PROJECTS
WALTER S I SULU UNIVERS ITY
The project comprised academic and student
accommodation facilities for clinical departments,
consisting of 20 tutorial rooms for 10 student groups, 10
lecture rooms for 50 student groups, 2 lecture rooms for
200 students, library and information services, research
laboratory, student common room, cafeteria, ablution
facilities, maintenance block, staff offices for 20 departments,
and student accommodation for 600 students.
Project value: R80 million.
NATIONAL ENGL ISH L ITERARY MUSEUM GRAHAMSTOWN
Design, construction supervision and
quality control of a new National
English Literary Museum, including
exhibition venues, archives, libraries,
auditorium, theatre, offices, etc. The
design is based on GBSA Green Star 4
rating specifications. The engineering
works include a civil infrastructure
portal and RC framed buildings, soil
nailing and tanking.
Project value: R130 million.
PROJECTS
REHAB IL ITAT ION AND
UpGRADING OF NATIONAL
ROUTE 1 , WINBURG
CENTURY C ITY ACHIEVES GREEN STAR RAT ING
PROJECTS
The mixed use Century City Square development, which was developed by the Rabie Property Group at a cost of R1billion, has been awarded a 4-Star Green Star - Custom Mixed Use Design rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa. This is the first development in the Western Cape to be awarded this Custom Mixed Use tool, and only the second in the country.
Century City Square consists of a Conference Centre with a total capacity of 1 900 people over 20 venues, a 125 room hotel, 15 000 square metres of offices, 51 apartments, showrooms and restaurants, all set around a public open square. The entire development is set over a super basement and this, together with a structured parking garage, provides undercover parking for 1 330 cars.
Basil Nair and Associates were appointed for the HVAC design of the Conference Centre, offices and parking basements.
Underfloor Heating in Food Trading Area
Underfloor heating is the most comfortable form of heating. It is unobtrusive, economical, safe, hygienic and virtually maintenance-free. It offers the best long-term method of heating a building because it uses low-temperature water.
Woolworths have embarked on sustainable energy solutions for their stores. Woolworths Table Bay Mall is the first store to have underfloor heating done by BVi, and is one of many more to follow.
BVi has designed the underfloor heating system to keep the food trading area room temperature at 20°C and floor temperature at 24°C.
WOOLWORTHS TABLE B AY MALL
PROJECTS
TOWARDS THE DEVELOpMENT OF GREY WATER RES I STANT ASpHALT
The Grey Water study began in 2014 when it was noted that asphalt surfacing in informal settlements deteriorated faster than expected. The client body consisted of Sabita and the City of Cape Town. BVi Consulting Engineers formed part of the study group and were appointed as project managers under the leadership of Mr Andre Greyling. The study was located on Mew Way in Khayelitsha, a mixed informal settlement in Cape Town. Initial investigations, reported on in December 2014, revealed significant deterioration of the asphalt surfacing close to stand pipes and areas where grey water is present. An assumption was made that grey water was the reason for the deterioration of the asphalt layers, as it contains surfactants that originate from detergents and are responsible for reducing the surface tension between a solid and a liquid or two liquids. As a short-term solution, the study group had to identify gradings and
binder combinations for improving the grey water resistance of the
asphalt surfacing in grey water areas. This study included two phases
of laboratory testing.
Trial sections were constructed along Mew Way in 2014. Recent
monitoring of these trial sections included a visual inspection, as well
as rut and riding quality measurements. Riding quality measurements
indicated coarser texture near stand pipes; however, it may be too
early to directly correlate the texture to the impact of grey water. The
outcome of trial section monitoring currently confirms the outcome
of laboratory testing; however, it was recommended by the study
group that visual assessments are carried out at least every 6 months
and mechanical measurements every year for a 2-year period to
monitor the condition of trial sections in areas of grey water exposure.
The Grey Water study provided significant insight on improving the grey water resistance of asphalt. Based on the outcome of this study, various recommendations were formulated. One of these recommendations included incorporating a catalogue pavement structure design consisting of moisture insensitive base and sub-base layers for areas exposed to grey water.
The successful outcome on this study does only address the short-term strategy and solutions identified at the start. The need for a complete rethink of the township road, sewer and storm water design strategy and the continued education of residents in areas experiencing grey water damage should continue, in parallel with the implementation of the asphalt and pavement design solution.
p ILOT SAB ITA ASpHALT COMpET IT ION
BVi Consulting Engineers presented the idea of an asphalt briquette competition - similar to the existing concrete cube competition run at many universities - to Sabita in 2015. The proposal was met with enthusiasm, and in May 2016 the idea was put into practice at Stellenbosch University, with the assistance of Much Asphalt.
The competition was open to the 4th year civil engineering students. This project was aimed at introducing civil engineering students to bitumen and asphalt, and students were tasked to produce asphalt briquettes superior in tensile strength to that of their fellow classmates. The competition was deemed a great success by Sabita, the sponsors and the University, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the students. We believe we have started something that can be implemented at universities across the country - this will not only benefit graduates, but also the industry as a whole. Discussions are currently underway to implement the competition in other institutions of higher learning in the Western Cape.
Premature failing of asphalt surfacingMMLS3 accelerated pavement trafficking
ADDIT IONAL pROjECTS
PROJECTS
LUB IS I WATER TREATMENT WORKS , ENGCOBO
The project comprised the full scope of design of civil and structural elements of a water
treatment works, including 8.4km of 350mm diameter steel pumping mains and 1.2km of 350mm
diameter PVC pumping mains.
Project value: R156 million.
NCORA WATER TREATMENT WORKS , COF IMVAB A
The full scope of the project comprised the design of civil and structural elements of a water
treatment works, including a 6 million litre per day water treatment plant, pre-sedimentation, dosing
facility, and pressure filtration system, as well as 300mm diameter steel and PVC pumping main.
Project value: R63.7 million.
GREATER MB IZANA WATER SUppLY
Phase 1A - Contract No. 1 - Connector Mains and Reservoirs and Reticulation: full scope of
service. The project comprised the construction of 6 reservoirs and 2 elevated tanks, plus 26km
of reticulation.
Project value: R23 million.
BV I IN MOZAMBIqUE
Z INTAVA 4 STOREY ApARTMENT BLOCKS SUpERV IS ION BVi Mozambique - the construction of 6 buildings of 4 storeys each, consisting of 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom apartment blocks. The project commenced in July 2016, and will run for 18 months. The project is currently 20% complete.
NOSSO B ANCO NAMpULA BRANCHBVi Mozambique supervised the refurbishment works for the NOSSO BANCO branch in Nampula. The project started in April 2016 and ran for 5 months.
STAFF NEWS
Pieter Roussouw Malcolm du Plessis Michael van Niekerk Dirk van der Merwe Andrew Geel
John Hodgson Ulrich Schoeman Jaco Viljoen Jaco van der Merwe Gideon van den Berg
WE WELCOME OUR NEW ASSOCIATES FOR 2016
THE SpR INGBOK OFF ICE
These engineers registered with ECSA as Professional
Engineers in the space of one week during October
2016. From left to right: Winston Cloete (Civil), Enrico van
Jaarsveld (Electrical), Erena Myburgh-Koegelenberg (Civil),
Padwald Jonker (Civil). A special thanks to their mentors,
Maritz Myburgh, Niel Maritz, Gert Meiring, Chris Botha and
Martine Burger, for the support and mentorship through
their careers in grooming these professionals.
Road and Rail Department did a lot of travelling in 2016
402 FL GHTS
Stefanio Redivo (02:59)
Nicolaas van Aardt (03:59)
Keegan Noemdo (04:42)
Bevan von Willingh (05:18)
CAPE TOWN CYCLE TOUR47
78at the start of 2016
staff members
awesome employees
70 tendered on 70 Sanral Tenders
18 tenders left, one in the running
THE C ApE TOWN OFF ICE
NEW STAFFBELOW, FROM LEFT TO R IGHT
Bianca Schloms, Engineer I always have breakfast in a jam jar.
Thinus pretorious
Mbongeni Maswamyanyi, Technical Assistant Cannot spend a day without playing. Also a part-time DJ.
john Hodgson, Associate, Pavement & Materials Engineer I am a bit of a petrolhead and have a collection of 40 Ferrari and Mercedes Benz models (1:18 scale, unfortunately). I also own a cat with no hair!
Richard Adendorff, Technical Assistant/Superhuman Seasoned Lip Lapa professional. Volunteer at National Sea Rescue Institute. Shares same name as the guy who calculated “How much wood a woodchuck could chuck...”
ABOVE , FROM LEFT TO R IGHT
Zanele Maweyi, Office Administrator I am a very bubbly person if you get to know me. Also love travelling and eish! the best in the dance floor.
Marais Nel, Engineer I enjoy wine touring and spending time in the outdoors, hiking and mountain biking.
Kholwani J. Dube, Engineer I think I am the ony person who doesn’t like Game of Thrones. My nickname is ‘Kay Jay’ or ‘KJ’.
Darren Kelly, Technical Assistant I love running for no reason. Gym is life, boet, and I love eating.
Letlhogonolo Moabi, Student I love travelling, dancing (sbojwa, pantsula, crump), music, braaimaster.
STAFF NEWS
CONGRATULAT IONS !
1. David Ahlschlager, Pr Tech
2. Charl de Klerk, Pr Eng
3. Hans Cilliers, Pr Eng
4. Emil Bekker, Pr Tech
5. Jaco van der Merwe, Pr Eng
6. Walter Smith, Pr Tech
7. Gert Stephanus Maritz, Pr Tech
8. Zikhona Dakuse, Pr Techni Eng Registration NQF 7 LIC (Labour Intensive Construction Methods)
Hearty congratulations to the following staff members on their exceptional achievements.
9. M Steyn, Pr Techni Eng Registration
10. M Vava, NQF 7 LIC (Labour Intensive Construction Methods)
11. Douw van Riel, NQF 7 LIC (Labour Intensive Construction Methods)
12. Nico Strydom, Pr Eng
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 9 10
11 128
BY B IANC A SCHLOMS For those of you who don’t know, I am one of the new additions to the Road and Rail team. I am part of a graduate programme with the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works. They have seconded me to BVi to complete my training and gain experience until my registration as a professional engineer. From the office statistics, it might be a more comprehensive training and experience than the Department anticipates.
The BVi family has really welcomed me and made me feel part of the team. From what I have heard from my fellow graduates on the DTPW programme (who have been seconded to other engineering firms), although BVi might not be the best in tug-of-war, we definitely have the best ‘gees’ and family-feel in the office. So, thank you to everyone who makes it so rare and awesome! Happy Holidays!
BY jACOBUS HENNINGA warm greeting to all my fellow BVi employees! I am based in the Cape Town Roads office, and I‘ve just spent the past six months working in Uruguay by assisting and training the local contractors in the execution of foamed bitumen stabilisation as part of our co-operation with Loudon International.
The project was commissioned by the Department of Roads, under the Ministry of Public Works (Direccíon Nacional de Vialidad). Loudon performed the design by providing guidance to the local contractor, Hernández & González, one of the biggest road construction firms in Uruguay. The work was performed on Route 3, starting approximately 150km north of Montevideo, for 35km towards the small agricultural town of Trinidad, located in the Flores region.
The scope of work consisted of recycling 210mm of existing base layer and reclaimed asphaltic product (RA), recycled to BSM1 specification through the addition of 2.2% foamed bitumen and 1% cement by utilising one of the Wirtgen WR240 recycling machines. Thereafter, it was surfaced with a 40mm layer of medium grade hot mix asphalt.
The biggest challenge was the constant hawk-eyes needed to ensure that the contractor executed the project to specification, as that aspect was not enforced as strictly as it is in South Africa. The language barrier also created some interesting situations, as my fluency in Español isn’t exceptional.
We’re looking forward to performing many similar projects all over the world!
BY LEE -ANN pETERSON Just over a year ago, I decided to venture on my own, and established Built Environment Solutions Consulting (Pty) Ltd (BESC), offering consulting services in roads, stormwater and traffic design. My technical experience allowed me to sell a broad range of services, but I needed business, marketing and networking skills. Navigating through these obstacles became the vehicle that set me on an exciting personal and professional development path. Through a supportive network, I entered a short-term contract with BVi Consulting Engineers Western Cape (Pty) Ltd, providing design services, while forming part of their Enterprise Development Programme.
From a technical viewpoint, I’ve come to appreciate different approaches to design, and have developed a deep respect for the research and development work done by many people in the industry. Knowing and understanding all the literature available is key to the development of innovative engineering solutions. From a business perspective, the saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” is true. The encouraging environment, professionalism and dynamic teamwork seen in the BVi corporate culture is impressive. Everyone plays a role, and I’ve been privileged to witness this interaction. Working with BVi has been a highlight for me. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many dedicated and enthusiastic civil engineers, both junior and senior. It makes me look forward to the rest of my journey at BVi, the future of the industry and the important contribution by BVi.
As an engineer, the betterment of society will always be at the forefront of the vision I have for myself and my company. The Enterprise Development Programme serves as a tool and forms part of an assisted learning curve to achieve this. I’m still at the inception stage of my enterprise development, and I look forward to many more lessons from the experienced team at BVi.
WORK ING AT BV I
BY LETLHOGONOLO MOABI I started doing my in-service training on 03 May 2016 and that was when I met my new ‘family’. My first day in the office was scary, as it was my first time being exposed to a work environment, but the calming, friendly faces of my colleagues helped me settle in fast. As a student trainee with the 3rd best view in the Roads Department, I learnt and gained knowledge of how the roads industry works, and also experienced working in an office environment with the best boss in the world. Coming a long way from Pretoria, I didn’t know what to expect, but the time I’ve spent working at BVi has been a nice experience, and the journey continues. Ke a leboga... Dankie!
BY S INDISWA MBUNGEI joined BVi Consulting Engineers in May this year. The Department of Public Works has a programme for built environment graduates called Young Professional Programme, where they appoint persons with qualifications in Built Environment to train them to obtain Professional Registration with the relevant councils, but it is not in a position to provide all or part of the required training. I was seconded to BVi to get the required experience that’s going to help me register as professional with ECSA.
Thank you, BVi, for the warm welcome, I am really excited to be part of the family. Even though I’m not there yet, I’m grateful for the experience I’ve gained so far, it’s very helpful.
SOCIAL FUN
Months come, months go.
Until November, then you can let it grow.
Boys and ladies look up in awe,
To the upper lip line, thinner than a straw.
They grow it thick, they grow it thin,
Some accessorise it around the chin.
If patience is what it takes to make a man,
BVi’s boys all form part of that plan.
We start by looking like a little bit vile,
But end up making the whole world smile.
“It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all.” These inspiring words from a world renowned, beloved leader, the late Nelson
Mandela, will always remind us of our responsibility to make a difference. On 18 July
2016, the administration staff undertook beach cleaning and painting of the boardwalk
at Port Nolloth. The BVi Engineering Services of Springbok provided a braai afterwards.
This event was also attended by a group of representatives from other municipalities
in the Namakwa District. On Mandela Day, BVi donated scarves, beanies, meals,
groceries and other goodies to the children at Faith Day Care Centre. Faith Day
Care, in Mamelodi Township was started in 2007 and has grown rapidly ever since.
There are currently 100 children between the ages of 3 months and Grade 0.
The school provides the children with one meal a day and relies on donations
to function.
SL IppER DAY 2016Slipper Day was celebrated on 05 August. This is one of the biggest fundraising events of the Reach For A Dream Foundation. It enables the Foundation to raise a substantial amount towards fulfilling worthwhile projects and making the dreams of people living with life-limiting illnesses come true.
The BVi staff joined in the spirit of the day and wore their slippers at work - there was a wide variety of shapes and styles to be seen!
NELSON MANDELA DAY 2016
TOp pERFORMERS FOR 2015/2016 Congratulations to our top performers:
Most Profitable DC: Gideon Fourie. Best Growth by DC: André Greyling.
Largest Profit by DC: André Greyling.
Special Award for maintaining B-BBEE rating and legal compliance: Stefan de Meillon.
Most Profitable Office: Camdekon - East London. Highest Profit & Growth: Western Cape.
Farewell and best wishes to our senior long-standing partner in BVi, Ben Grobler, who retired this year.
F EEDB ACK FROM AGM
STAFF SHARE SCHEME We have implemented a Share Scheme for Associate employees in order to include a broad sense of ownership between the senior employees in BVi, with 15 employees being offered the opportunity to purchase shares. BVi now have a total of 45 employee/shareholders, making BVi an owner-managed company and creating a pool of future leaders.
FUTURE We continue to build on our history and remain innovative and responsive to change in providing sustainable, cost-effective engineering solutions to our clients - “Big enough to make a difference, small enough to care”.
MERGERS
Mergers proved to be an effective way to assist BVi in its growth strategy. The mergers with Civtech, Camdekon and Basil Nair resulted in BVi increasing it’s geographical footprint, furthermore expanding our skills base and enlarging our client base. An estimated 24,315 people are employed in 537 firms in the private consulting engineering industry in South Africa. In terms of staff numbers, BVi’s rating is as follows:
2012 - 18TH LARGEST F IRM
2016 - 13TH LARGEST F IRM
BV I I S THE 2ND LARGEST BLACK-OWNED COMPANy IN SOUTH AFR IC A .
Deon Govender KZN Branch Well done to Deon Govender who has been appointed as the Durban Office Manager, replacing Dave Smith.
V IS ION 18Since its inception in 1967, BVi’s business ethos is client focussed, based on quality and impeccable service delivery across a multi-disciplinary engineering base. Based on this solid foundation, BVi is continuing with our V18 process of re-organising and stimulating growth, even in an ever-changing and tough economic climate.
In order to improve our efficiency and function better as a national unit, BVi have appointed a team of three COOs (Chief Operating Officers). The functions of the three COOs are to co-ordinate BVi’s operations by specifically focusing on:
• National Client Care, National Opportunities and National Tenders
• Operational Standards
• National Systems
• Co-operation and Integration
Wishing our new COOs all the bestHennie Maas, Leon Pienaar, Maritz Myburgh
Chris Lourens Managing Director, BVi Group
INNOCENT UNTIL pROVEN pRESENT - Richard Adendorff
The annual Imbizo hosted by SANRAL for their clients encourages networking and fun. This year was my first time, and there was no way that I would miss this opportunity. I was on the planning committee, and the theme was ‘Water is life’, so naturally I assumed there would be liquid at this event. My responsibilities included organising the spitbraai, making a themed plate of food to woo the judges, and building a ‘hydration station’. With the big day around the corner and all our plans set, we headed for the supply stores.
SANRAL IMB IZO
What a wonderful way to say ‘Happy Holidays’ and wish your colleagues well over the festive season.
BV I GAUTENG CELEBRATES SECRET SANTA
Informal chatter filled the air as we acquired various necessities - buckets, umbrellas and all sorts of items related to water. We had our ‘hydration station’ in place, and the braai was set for the palate-pleasing potjie, all while everyone took part in games ranging from inter-departmental cricket, to rope pull, monkey runs, and some rather strange act called ‘the turtle walk’.
For the themed meal, a strategic and precise concoction of bacon, lamb ribs, bacon, vegetables, with a generous amount of sweet wine, was combined to produce the awe-inspiring ‘Waterblommetjie Bredie’ potjie. Due to scarcity, the main ingredient was missing, and I had to send Marais to the Klapmuts intersection to get it, while I watched the pot. A good two hours later, Marais arrived back empty-handed, with his face as white as snow. Apparently a local seller had told him he was out of waterblommetjies, but knew where they could get some. Marais drove the man to a nearby area with a dam and, as it turned out, they were trespassing on private property. Luck was against them, as the owner arrived and told Marais that he was laying a charge of theft and trespassing against him. Fortunately, Marais was able to persuade the man to let him go, but the thought of a Masters in Engineering degree and a criminal record was understandably a disturbing thought.
After the near life-changing incident, the day proceeded smoothly.
The meat came off the spit and was swiftly gobbled up by the
‘well-hydrated’ attendees. As the time passed and all the formalities
were finished, informal activities were becoming more and more
apparent. Slowly but surely, people started to pull ninja moves in
an attempt to avoid the inevitable ‘laaste een’. Around this time,
somebody discovered the cloud juice being offered by Cape Otto
Signs. It looked and felt as if we were trapped in an orbit, as we
made our trips to the generous cloud people.
Night was fast approaching as the final few remained. I had felt
my phone vibrate numerous times and was sure that each time I
checked my clock I was supposed to have left already. After much
deliberation, Klaasie and I managed to escape in our getaway vehicle.
A strange voice bellowed from behind us, none other than a certain
radio presenter. After a brief public relations session and another 15
minutes explaining how late we were, he wished us on our way and
we rode off into the sunset. I never made it to the plans I had for
that evening, but those that weren’t there would never understand,
and those that were would deny it to the end. To this day, my better
half must accept that I am innocent until proven present!
Soon-to-be Mr & Mrs McGeorge
WISHING YOU A JOYOUS FESTIVE SEASON
AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
Next year BVi will reach yet another great milestone, when we will be celebrating our
50th Anniversary. May we all unite in celebrating BVi’s longevity and continued success.
Soon-to-be Mr & Mrs Gryffenberg
Mr & Mrs BothaMr & Mrs Pretorius
ENGAGEMENTS AND MARR IAGES
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Recommended