SIKABEAT May 2011 · Sika Plastiment BV-40 will be incorporated for normal applications. This versatile and economical concrete plasticiser with set retarding

SITUATED on the outskirts of George, the project kicked off in July 2010 with the aim of erecting the first 90 houses before the end of 2010, and thereafter 90 houses per month from February 2011. Another goal is to achieve 70% local labour on the project and to date, 100% of the labour has been local.

Each house requires 6.6 concrete cubes per floor, of which 0.4% Sika Plastiment BV-40 will be incorporated for normal applications. This versatile and economical concrete plasticiser with set retarding properties is a water reducing and retarding concrete admixture. It is used wherever high quality structural concrete is required and can be particularly useful where exposed surfaces are important, laying conditions are difficult, poor quality aggregates are found, or in areas with high temperatures. Sika Plastiment BV-40 offers improved workability without increased water and reduced water without loss of workability. It helps to increase and improve surface finish strengths, reduces shrinkage and creep, and enables increased

setting times at high temperatures. As it is chloride-free, it does not attack the reinforcement.

It is certain that with Sika's robust Plastiment BV-40 included in their flooring foundations, these houses will see many grateful families enjoying the stability of a happy home life, far into the future.

Pacaltsdorp in the Cape is the site for a low cost housing development undertaken by main contractors Seakay Engineering, with T&T Concrete the official supplier of 25 MPA Concrete and Mortar to the project. T&T Concrete specified Sika Plastiment BV-40 for use in the ready-made concrete slabs, as this high performance admixture will ensure a better quality floor - and thus a longer-lasting life span - for the 904 houses that will make up the estate.

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Up-to-date news and views of Sika South Africa staff, customers and suppliers

SIKABEAT2 8 T H E D I T I O N

Global News

MD Speaks

Our MD Speaks – Sika Beat May 2011 IT is very hard to believe we have reached the end of the first Quarter of 2011. As expected, at the start of the year, we were all well aware of the tough market conditions that our industry would face in 2011. However, all staff have risen to the occasion, tightening their belts and putting in the extra effort that is required in times like this.

All four BUs have continued to focus on the various markets and application fields, and I am certain that the positive and energetic launches within and to the market will pay

off in the long run. Service and technical back up to our customers has always been a No. 1 focus for Sika but now more than ever, we will continue to forge and develop strong alliances and relationships with all customers; in so doing we will achieve our corporate goal of being the strongest No. 1 in all 4 BUs.

I would once again like to thank all employees for the effort and commitment shown in the 1st Quarter of this year, it is noted and appreciated by management.

I - MD YETHU IYAKHULUMA – Sika Beat May 2011 AKUKHOLAKALI neze ukuthi sesifike ekupheleni kwesigamu sokuqala sonyaka ka 2011. Njengoba bekulindelekile, ngasekuqaleni kwalonyaka, sonke besiqonda kahle ngezinselelo nezingqinamba imboni yethu ebizobhekana nazo kulonyaka ka 2011.Nakuba kunjalo, bonke abasebenzi ngokubambisana nokuzimisela babophe izinkalo zabo ngogqozi ngenhloso yokubhekana nezimo ezinjalo.

Ama BU womane aqhubekile nokubhekana nezimakethe ezahlukahlukene lapho kusetshenziswa khona imikhiqizo, angingabazi ukuthi ugqozi nomfutho abawufake kuphenjwa lezizimakethe zizothela izithelo ezinhle ekuhambeni kwesikhathi.

Ukunakekelwa kwezidingo nezinsiza zamakhasimende ethu kubaluleke nangaphezulu kwakuqala, futhi sizimisele ukuqhubeka nokwakha siphinde siqinise ubudlelwane obuhle namakhasimende ethu, ngokwenzenjalo siyoqiniseka ukuthi injongo yethu enkulu yokuba ngo ngqa phambili iyophumelela kuwo womane ama BU. Ngithanda ukuphinda ngibonge bonke abasebenzi ngokusebenza ngenkulu intshisekelo ngesigamu sokuqala sonyaka ka 2011, ngithi egameni labaphathi kuyabonakala futhi kuyancomeka.

Sika Experience – platform for career start and social media SIKA introduced the ‘Sika Experience’ initiative in 2010, offering young people interested in sustainable projects, to enter a competition to win one of 18 places to experience Sika. The Sika Experience program is aimed at students and career starters as an introduction to the varied world of Sika and provides deeper insights into the Group’s work and projects. As well as offering preliminary professional experience to ambitious students, Sika aims to attract the best talents to the company in order to be equipped for future challenges. The platform also provides information on sustainability initiatives launched by Sika and links Sika to social media. The young people chosen to experience Sika, share their first taste of professional life with a wider public by posting blog entries about their experiences on a dedicated Internet website.

The goalsThe main goal is to strengthen Sika’s image and its brand as well as position Sika as an attractive employer and to be ready for the talent wars in the near future. With Sika Experience we have a tool that makes students and young professionals talk about us and our expertise. To reach this target group we must undoubtedly be active in Social Media. Next to these most important goals there are other goals we want to reach.

South African WinnerGeoff du Toit from Cape Town won one of these 18 global placements. A civil engineer working on the construction of a water treatment works in Paarl, Geoff is passionate about water and all facets of the water cycle. With a background in both civil and process engineering and employed by a large engineering consultancy specialising in Water Treatment Infrastructure, Geoff’s short term goal is to get the best possible experience within the water engineering industry, and ultimately become a technical leader in his field.

Geoff had the opportunity to visit Europe over 14 days to observe Sika AG’s activities to preserve water (research online). Each of the 18 winners was

asked to write an essay on their impressions and observations during their visit, with special emphasis on Sika’s sustainable efforts. Geoff’s essay, which won the award for best essay, includes some of the following (edited) observations: “…One conversation I clearly remember was with Hans-Rudi Beer who managed to explain a lot about Swiss culture. He explained that due to Switzerland’s geographical position and lack of raw resources the country had become tourism and service orientated. He illustrated this by showing how businesses in Switzerland had remained competitive and relevant in a changing global environment where other nations had struggled, arguing that the Swiss listen to their clients to understand their requirements and then work with them to select, tailor and apply the most suitable product. This was contrasted to other nationalities who would preferentially provide their products based on what they perceived the needs of their clients to be, invariably providing a less satisfactory solution.”

“…Due to the current pre-occupation with climate change and CO2 emissions it is logical that the major CO2 emitters will come under fire. This has certainly been the case with the concrete industry, in which the SIKA brand is lumped. As a result I was impressed to see how this has been used as an opportunity for the brand to assert itself as one with a conscience demonstrating the ways SIKA products can be used to reduce the CO2 emissions per unit concrete. Concrete remains our most versatile and cost effective construction medium, as there is no economical replacement for it yet. Concrete can be viewed as a necessary evil and SIKA a company striving to minimise its impacts.”

As winner of the best essay Geoff was presented with a book voucher and the opportunity to nominate a charitable organisation in his country to which Sika AG would make a sizeable donation of US$10,000.00. Geoff chose the Ikamva Labantu non-profit organisation to receive this donation, which has been made on behalf of Sika South Africa, and requested that the funds be used for projects on Economic Improvement and Food Security. Ikamva Labantu (‘the Future of our Nation’) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that is currently involved in over 1000 projects working with and assisting various sectors of the population including children, youth, families, senior citizens and the physically challenged. These projects work through local communities in order for them to become self-sufficient in areas such as health-care, education and skills development, food security and community infrastructure.

Link to Sika Experience: http://experience.sika.com

Paul Adams MD, Sika South Africa

SIKABEATUp-to-date news and views of Sika South Africa staff, customers and suppliers 2

Sika Cares

Elevating foundations at Focus on iThemba FOCUS on iThemba was founded in 2003 by Danie van den Heever, who recognised the devastating effects that millions of HIV/AIDS orphans would have on their local communities. He established iThemba cluster foster care model, targeting KwaZulu-Natal (which has the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS in South Africa), earning the attention of UNICEF and recognition from the South African government as a ‘Best Practice Model’. IThemba is a place of HOPE, where vulnerable children are nurtured in foster homes, each headed by a committed married couple. An independent school, the iThemba Academy, has been established on the campus where children enjoy an individualised educational programme and are encouraged to achieve.

In January Bronwyn Peacock, Sika’s Marketing manager visited iThemba’s premises which house their foster homes, offices and school. She offered Sika’s support by sponsoring of improvements to their building environments through product donation. “iThemba needed flooring, waterproofing and basic maintenance of the building. On my site visit, Mike Loubser, who takes care of the maintenance of the premises, showed me the new classrooms which needed serious attention to the floors.” Said Bronwyn. Sika, as part of their social responsibility programme, and in conjunction with CLF (Concrete Laser Flooring) has undertaken this project, which will comprise the construction and renovation of some 300m2 of floors.

On the 14 April, Sika staff officially ‘handed’ over the new floors at Focus on iThemba and to show their appreciation, the children had made beautiful ‘Thank you’ pictures to decorate the walls. A big thank you goes to Nadine Wright, Manager of Donar Relations, for ensuring that the project ran smoothly, and to Lance Howarth from CLF for ensuring that the floors were professionally applied. We anticipate a mutually rewarding, ongoing relationship with the staff and school children at Focus on iThemba.


Sika in Action

ISO 18001 sets new Sika standards ACHIEVING the OHSAS 18001 for Occupational Health and Safety Standards is no mean feat and Sika has implemented an extensive set of principles and protocols to meet these rigorous rules. Sika was awarded this certificate on the 23 March 2011 and the Production and Laboratory teams undertook many of the grueling, behind-the-scenes tasks to ensure that correct procedures were accurately implemented and followed by Sika staff.

Sika was awarded the ISO 19001, Quality Management Standards, and ISO 14001, Environmental Management Standard, certificates in 2000 and 2002 respectfully. All works instructions were implemented to ensure procedures for these standards are followed, and strict instructions are adhered to in order to pass the bi-annual audits and maintain our status. Many companies have managed to obtain ISO standards for Quality and Environmental Management but there are only about 150 companies in South Africa that are OHSAS 18001 certified. OHSAS standards are initiated to ensure the safety of staff and visitors on site, due to the nature of chemical and mechanical production undertaken at Sika. We recognise that it will take attention to detail and hard work to ensure that all necessary procedures remain in place to improve the quality of productions and procedures within the company and encourage every member of staff to make an effort in this regard.

The formal hand over of the ISO 18001 certification by the SABS will be imminent in the coming weeks. We look forward to making the certification of Occupational Health and Safety Management system official by displaying the certificate proudly. We will all have to work together to ensure that the standards are kept at all times and that Sika remains a safe place for its employees.

Sika - World Cup CricketTHE Cricket World Cup tournament was the ideal promotional theme for the predominantly male customers of Builders Warehouse (BW). Using the new BW Tite range, as well as BW H2O Tite products, a combined promotion was rolled out in ten BW stores for the duration of this global sporting event.

In the front section of each of the participating stores, customised cricket pitches and stadia were constructed using 100x H20 Tite products, 30x new Tite products (Brick Tite, Bitumen Tite and Slurry Tite), and 30x old Tite products (Damp Tite and Fibre Tite). Fibre Tite green was used to paint the board a shade of grass green for the pitch and the white Fibre Tite was used to paint the white cricket pitch lines. Most of the stores allowed huge displays, “going as high as store specs, but any higher and the product would have fallen on customers!” according to one of the Reps. “Builders Warehouse staff were very helpful with building the pitch and some even organised ‘flood’ lights’ to be erected to portray a real World Cup Stadium.” The promotion created a buzz amongst die-hard cricket fans and DIY enthusiasts.

Four eager Sika reps worked as a team, securing this promotion with Builder’s Warehouse and setting up displays in all the stores, they were: Roselien Bosch, Raj Naidoo, Wayne Myburgh and Herman van Rensburg. Thanks for going the extra mile!


Sika in Action

Sika sponsors CIOB Golf Day EVERY year the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) holds a fundraising Golf Day to raise money for student bursaries, prizes and industry awards. This annual event provides the institute with a special occasion at which to promote the industry and offers a platform for affiliated companies to promote their businesses. The CIOB golf day is looked forward to as an opportunity for networking, team building and client entertaining – all in aid of a good cause.

This year the event fell on the 24th March and was held at Royal Durban Golf Club. As always there was a good turn out from customers and competitors alike, making it perfect for a spot of networking within the industry; after all some rugged competition is healthy in business.

Right up front as always, Sika sponsored the second tee on the course, which was manned by our small, yet vibey marketing department, Bronwyn and Nadine. Drinks and snacks were served at the Sika pit stop, making sure that no players went thirsty when playing off tee number 2. Additionally, a Sika golf towel was given to the player with the longest drive on the first hole for each four ball, a much-appreciated bonus early in the competition.

It was an eventful and successful day out, made even more rewarding when our four ball consisting of Shaun Saxby, Warren McDaniel, Mark Griesel and customer Bradley Naidoo from Group 5, was placed in 7th position overall, winning themselves a Maglite torch each. Congrats to the guys!

Builder's Warehouse strengthens bond with Sika BUILDERS Warehouse and Sika have formed a strong alliance over the years, with the popular retailer introducing their house range, which is made up of Sika products. H2O Tite, Damp Tite and Fibre Tite are all existing products in the Builders Warehouse own-name brand. Sika has now expanded the Builders Warehouse range to offer an entire waterproofing solution available in the Builders Warehouse own-name packaging. February 2011 saw the launch of Builders Warehouse Brick Tite, Bitumen Tite, and Slurry Tite; the equivalent to Sika BlackSeal-Brick, BlackSeal-Lastic, and SikaSeal Waterproofing Slurry. The end of 2010 has seen the success of the Sika BlackSeal range and we have no doubt that 2011 will offer the same successes with the new Builders Warehouse 'Tite' range.

Dakota Build-It welcomes Sika backIT has been a long while since Sika has had a dedicated presence in the Bethlehem and Harrismith region, and this has resulted in a lack of Sika branding in the local market. Sika’s new regional rep, Herman van Rensburg went the extra mile to reverse the situation. He attended the Dakota Build-It trade show in November, along with Raj Naidoo and Wayne Myburgh, and followed up with a sales proposal, which was met with a small order. Then after a flooding disaster struck the Bethlehem store, resulting in 90% stock loss, Herman came to the rescue. “Due to their empty shelves there was an opportunity to stock Sika’s entire range in the store and, after some wily negotiations with the manager and buyer of both stores, they gave us a full order for Bethlehem!” Since then Raj, Roselien Bosch and Wayne Myburgh have given training seminars in Harrismith, with Herman joining them for training in Bethlehem. Obviously impressed with the standards of the training and quality of Sika, they agreed to stock the whole range in Harrismith as well. Well-done to Herman and his support team, this shows what we can do when we pull together!


Sika Events

Sika hosts Sikalastic 800 series Road Show with Rodcol THE Sikalastic 800 Series Road Show took place at the ZCBF (Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation) Business Park in Richards Bay. Sika, as product suppliers, and Rodcol, as specialist applicators, co-hosted this informative event.

Our guest speaker was Tad Bass, from Nukote in New Zealand, who gave a presentation on the properties of the Sikalastic 800 series and discussed some international case studies, before giving a product demonstration in the ZCBF grounds. Mark Griesel had built various structures with different surfaces to illustrate the versatility of Sikalastic 800 series and its ability to cover projects of all shapes and sizes. Representatives from Rodcol were on site to perform the application whilst Tad explained the process. There was a great response to the demonstration, and plenty of interaction from the audience.

After the presentation and demonstrations everyone tucked into a delicious spread of snacks and beverages, which was followed by a buffet of lamb on the spit, salads and desserts, all sponsored by Rodcol and Sika. It was a very successful event, enjoyed and valued by all who attended. Special thanks goes to the Rodcol team of Ernst Loser and Walter Muhl, and the Sika KZN team, Mark Griesel and Warren McDaniel for their thorough planning and brilliant execution of the Road Show.Sika sponsors SARMA

Conference THE SARMA (Southern Africa Readymix Association) 2011 conference was held at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg from the 7th to 8th March. Being the largest gathering of readymix operators in the country, it was attended by all notable suppliers and customers in the cement manufacturers’ industry. The focus this year was on Readymix concrete and its future, as SARMA’s vision is: "To make readymix concrete the construction material of choice in Southern Africa".

Following the Aspasa/SARMA AGM on the 7th March, pre-drinks and dinner were held at Tribes restaurant at Emperors Palace. Sika sponsored the pre-drinks event, which was a great way to break the ice and get everyone relaxed after a day of business talk. Sika’s delegates circulated the room, networking and chatting to as many guests as possible, thereby endorsing Sika’s professional reputation even further.

The following day was the SARMA conference during which prominent industry leaders addressed the audience of about 80 delegates, presenting the latest updates on industry issues. As a main sponsor, Sika took the conference by storm and made an impact by erecting a two-metre high wall banner alongside the projector screen at the front of the venue, clearly visible by all attendees. Sika banners were also assembled at the entrance and surrounding the registration desk. Sika-branded 3-D triangles printed with "Admixture technology" information were filled with Lindt chocolate balls and positioned at each place. The room was completely dominated by the Sika colours of yellow and red.

As the Sika concrete business unit is an emerging competitor in the market place, our goal was to alert customers and potential customers to our superior quality product ranges by bringing about brand awareness at this auspicious event. Nadine Thurtell, Sika marketing coordinator, who attended the SARMA conference was pleased to report that, “Several comments overheard were that Sika was causing quite a stir in the market by going all out at this conference!” A successful result indeed!


Sika stands out at CSSA Durability Road Show IN February 2011, the Concrete Society of SA (CSSA) held a Concrete Durability road show covering four regions - Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Johannesburg – and Sika was a proud sponsor at each of these events. In Cape Town and Port Elizabeth Sika was responsible for the corporate displays, lending visual impact to the venues with our colourful and informative banners. In Durban and Johannesburg Sika sponsored nametags for the delegates, each one strategically displaying our yellow and red logo. There was a good turn out at each region, Cape Town with 80, Port Elizabeth with 65, Durban with 65 and Johannesburg had 120. Delegates included competitors, customers and potential customers of Sika, so we made sure we were there in force - by personally networking and professionally displaying our brand.

The road show included several respected speakers who gave presentations on pertinent topics to concrete and durability. Some of these were:Overview, philosophy and link to revisions of SANS 10100 by Bryan Perrie; The Client’s perspective by Edwin Kruger; Durability index results: use of the spreadsheets and interpretation by Mark Alexander; Constructing for durability by George Evans; Material proportioning and supply for durability by Amit Dawneerangen; Execution of durability index tests by Bruce Raath; and Standardization of durability index tests by Santie Gouws.

Sika Events


Sika’s Innovative Solutions

Sika’s world class floors satisfy K&F Industries SIKA’S innovative range of flooring products was top of mind when K&F Industries’ factory floor needed resurfacing. As a food manufacturer of biscuits, K&F has to comply with the global standards of companies such as Cadbury and Nestle, as well as the governing board for export of foodstuff. The manufacturer therefore requires a highly aesthetic floor, which conforms to health regulations, and is easily cleaned and maintained.

Hennie Wepener from Contract Control Measures confidently specified products from Sika’s high performance flooring range, and Flooring Contractors, Krochem undertook the project. Before application started, Sika conducted pull-off tests on the concrete to determine the strengths of the surface. These tests failed which necessitated the contractor removing the old screeds and replacing them with a screed of sufficiently high quality and strength to receive the Sika system.

Sikafloor-155W-N ZA (32 x 5lt) was applied directly onto the newly laid screed as a primer before the Sikafloor-81 EpoCem. Sikafloor-81 EpoCem (230 x

18.5kg) was used as a moisture barrier under the epoxy system to follow. Sikafloor-156ZA (9 x 18.2lt) was then applied to the cured Sikafloor-81 Epocem. Following this, Sikafloor-261 ZA (60 x 29,6lt) was applied as a 2mm self-smoothing topcoat.

K&F Industries confidently resumed manufacturing operations confident that their factory floor was produced to Sika’s stringent, world-class standards, ensuring the highest quality surface, which will last for many years to come.

WHEN the floor of Unilever’s newly built 25,000m2 premises in River Horse Valley in Durban needed strengthening in a hurry, the project engineers turned to Sika, leading supplier of flooring materials to the construction industry. Major cracks had appeared in the concrete slab of the building, which was in a poor condition but could not be re-poured. The project engineers, Sutherland Associates, specified Sika CarboDur Plates as the solution. The architects were Elphick Proome Architects and the contractor, Sealcon Systems.

The job at hand was to strengthen the slab, to brace around the concrete pillars, and to ensure the slab was suitably strong as the flooring had to be fit for heavy machinery. Also, it needed to act as external reinforcement once bonded. However, the task was met with a major design challenge: the engineers specified S812/120 strips but the delivery time would take two weeks and the client could not afford the delay. This meant that the engineers would have to re-design it using S512/80 strips, which were ex-stock. They had just two weeks to complete the work, starting 7 December 2010.

Sika supplied CarboDur S512 x 520m, Sikadur-30 (x 40 6kg kits), Sikadur-31CF (x 8 15lt kits) and Colma Cleaner (x 5). For this particular purpose, Sikadur-31 CF did not need a primer thus it saved time, as well as provided high strength adhesion, high initial and ultimate mechanical strength, and good chemical resistance. Sikadur-30 adhesive was applied to the cleaned CarboDur strip, and was then applied to the prepared substrate to form a thin layer. The CarboDur plate was applied to the concrete surface and a rubber roller was used to ensure the strip was pressed into the adhesive until the material was forced out either side. To prepare the surface, substrate was grit blasted to ensure the substrate was clean and free from laitance, grease, oils and coatings. Once a good, open surface was achieved, the substrate was repaired and leveled using Sikadur-31CF. The strips were then wiped clean with Colma Cleaner and allowed to flash off.

With the expertise of a local engineer who was on site to supervise the preparation and application, the re-design went smoothly and was completed on time. The applicator was Sika trained, so there were no last-minute crises. Despite the tight turnaround time, the job was successfully delivered, guaranteed by Sika’s reliability.



Kwanobuhle Reservoir is Sika-proofedAS the construction of the new Kwanobuhle Reservoir in Port Elizabeth reached the waterproofing stage, it was not surprising that Sika’s world-renowned sealing products were specified. The contractor, MCS, was briefed that the requirements of the project were to waterproof the internal joints of the reservoir and prevent the unit from leaking, using a proven high quality system. Sika is relied upon for its innovation and consistency in the field of construction, especially when it comes to the sealing of large structures such as this reservoir. The project got underway in January 2011, with MCS choosing Sika’s high performance Sikadur Combiflex System and Sikadur 31-CF.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality had devised a new reservoir design that eliminated the need to seal a 90º wall-floor joint, by introducing a raised kicker, thus making the joint flush and a lot easier to seal, as well as eliminating unwanted risks. The Sikadur-Combiflex System was used to seal the reservoir joints and Sikadur-31 CF (35 x 15lt kits) was applied as an adhesive for Sikadur Combiflex bandage (1280m). Sika’s products are sure to stand the test of time at Kwanobuhle Reservoir, proving Sika to be the preferred choice for waterproofing large structures.

Sikaflex secures SA’s first 3D Billboard A new concept in billboard branding was recently made possible with Sikaflex-292. Adrap Advertising Technologies provides products, concepts and designs for the branding and advertising industry. Last year, PPC (Pretoria Portland Cement), South Africa’s largest supplier of high-grade cement, briefed Adrap on providing an innovative and fresh concept for their large silo branding.

The brief included the following criteria:• No drilling, no framework or anchoring points on the silo structure for the

branding application.• The application had to withstand wind in excess of 100km and all

weather conditions.• The branding had to make a visual impact from a distance.• The application must enhance the 3D graphics of PPC brand image.

The graphic was applied directly to the mould by using a heat shrink method; the vinyl is specifically designed for direct outdoor, rough surface application. The graphic image was turned into a virtual 3D object by applying an extreme lightweight custom mould under the vinyl and heating the vinyl over the mould. The challenge for the ADRAP team was applying the mould directly onto the curved silo structure without drilling anchoring points.

Sikaflex-292 was recommended for this application for its high strength, non-sag properties, low shrinkage percentage and high tear propagation resistance.Surface preparation was done with Sika Cleaner 205. PPC has allowed Sika to fly a two-metre windsock on the branded silo for a five-year period, which will be maintained by ADRAP for the duration. Sikaflex has exceeded ADRAP expectations on this project.



Sika’s High Performance triumphs at Gelvandale StadiumSIKA'S high performance Sikadur-Combiflex System was a much-applauded triumph for the ailing Gelvandale Stadium, situated in northern Port Elizabeth. Constructed in the mid-1960s, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality decided to refurbish the stadium last year with a view to providing a world-class training facility for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Transformed into a multi purpose sports arena featuring a cycle track, athletics track, swimming pool, and soccer and rugby pitch, the long-term advantages of this modern sports facility would also benefit the local community of this previously disadvantaged area.

Sikadur-Combiflex System seals the dealTHE main challenge facing BNM Architects and Contractors, SBT Construction, was the existing precast seating. This revealed 30mm chamfered recesses, which had been filled with a non-shrink grout, disallowing for movement caused by loads. After the first rains the electrical control room was flooded as a result of the non-movement of the pre-cast seating. Although already over their allocated budget, the engineers appealed to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality for an increase in order to complete the job. Without hesitation the Sikadur-Combiflex System was specified for its renowned efficacy when used for construction, expansion and connection joints and cracks. Initially the vertical joints were filled with Sikaflex-11 FC, creating a PU band at the vertical and horizontal junction, and producing a flat surface prior to application of the bandage to prevent hard, sharp edges or lips, which might cause the bandage to tear. Following this, more than 2,000m of Combiflex tape, (cut to 75mm width) was applied to the chamfered recess between the seats, using Sikadur-31CF as an adhesive. This combination would enable the joints movement of more than 25%, crucial when loaded with spectators crowding the stadium at high profile sporting events.

Complex ApplicationAs a complex and thorough joint sealing procedure, application of the Sika Combiflex system requires a qualified contractor and therefore MCS (Multi Contract Specialists), were appointed. This urgent project was completed in just over two weeks, with two weeks to spare before the start of the 2010 Soccer World Cup – making the timeous accomplishment an even bigger victory.

Speedy Floors for LR PlasticsWHEN quality flooring was required for a new ablution area in a building extension at the LR Plastics premises in Mobeni, Durban, the contractor specified Sika, leading supplier of flooring materials to the construction industry. Time was of the essence, as the work had to be completed in December, traditionally a busy time for the client. Sealcon Systems, sub-contracted to main contractor Stefanutti Stocks, had only one week to finish the preparation and application of the floor coating for an area of around 350m2 which proved to be something of a challenge.

High Performance GuaranteedDUE to the short completion time, Sika's high performance products and systems were selected for the ablution flooring. Sikafloor-20N PurCem (6 kits), a coloured polyurethane modified cement and aggregate screed suitable for floors subject to heavy loading, abrasion and chemical exposure, was applied inside the showers to a thickness of 6mm. Sikafloor-21N PurCem (121 kits) was applied at a thickness of 4mm in all other areas of the ablution block, including the toilet and change room. This medium-to-heavy-duty self-smoothing polyurethane screed provides smooth, flat and decorative wearing surfaces. Sikafloor-29N PurCem (41 kits) was used for the covings around the floor area. Four kits of Sikafloor-156ZA, a low viscosity, two-part epoxy resin for priming concrete substrates, cement screeds and epoxy mortars, were also used in the process.

High Temperatures no hindrance to SikaThe high temperatures experienced in Durban that week during the application meant that the contractor had to apply the coating within a shorter time span, as higher temperatures reduce the curing time of the product. Thanks to the quick setting times of the Sika products chosen, as well as the expertise and efficiency of the contractors, the job was completed within the specified time span, proving once more that Sika can be relied upon to get the job done in most challenging circumstances.


Sika People

Sharrief SeboaSHARRIEF is Sika’s Chief Chemist, working in the laboratory at Head Office in Durban. He was born and bred in Cape Town, where he attended Elsies River High School and furthered his studies at Stellenbosch University. As a high achiever, he obtained his BSC degree, honours, masters and then his PhD in Polymer Science. Before joining the Sika team Sharrief worked at Cray Valley Resins Structural unit as Senior Development Chemist. Sharrief has one daughter named Muniera Seboa. His hobbies are fishing, cricket, camping, movies and spending time with family and friends. We all wish Sharrief a long and fulfilling career at Sika.

Jerry Sikulume JERRY recently joined Sika’s permanent staff as a concrete lab assistant in the concrete laboratory at Head Office. Born in 1970, he grew up in Durban and in the Eastern Cape (Flagstaff). Jerry is married to a beautiful lady, Constance Nonyameko, and they have three children – Fezeka, Kwanele and Nondumiso. He started his career at Amanzimtoti General Motors, before moving to an educational centre, Kip Mc Grath at Pahla, Amanzimtoti. Jerry first joined Sika as a temp in 2005, working in the powder section of the factory. He then transferred to the Quality Control lab and later to the concrete laboratory where he is currently working. Jerry is a born again Christian who enjoys playing rugby and karate. You’ve earned your stripes - great to have you on board as a permanent team member Jerry! Life motto: “Perseverance is the mother of success.”

Jacobus PretoriusJACOBUS has recently joined Sika as a technical sales consultant for contractors and is based at the Gauteng branch. An “adventurous, fun-seeking, 26-year-old Johannesburger hailing from the wild western regions of the city, he recently graduated as a Civil Engineer, obtaining his degree from the University of Johannesburg at the end of 2010. Jacobus is very excited and motivated to contribute to the vibrant work environment offered at Sika and hopes to make himself a valuable asset to the company. We look forward to watching you achieve great success at Sika Jacobus! Life Motto: “Fail to prepare and prepare to fail.”

It’s a baby boom at Sika!

Builder's Warehouse strengthens bond with Sika BUILDERS Warehouse and Sika have formed a strong alliance over the years, with the popular retailer introducing their house range, which is made up of Sika products. H2O Tite, Damp Tite and Fibre Tite are all existing products in the Builders Warehouse own-name brand. Sika has now expanded the Builders Warehouse range to offer an entire waterproofing solution available in the Builders Warehouse own-name packaging. February 2011 saw the launch of Builders Warehouse Brick Tite, Bitumen Tite, and Slurry Tite; the equivalent to Sika BlackSeal-Brick, BlackSeal-Lastic, and SikaSeal Waterproofing Slurry. The end of 2010 has seen the success of the Sika BlackSeal range and we have no doubt that 2011 will offer the same successes with the new Builders Warehouse 'Tite' range.

Kevin Kimbrey KEVIN Kimbrey, Regional Manager W.C. and Free State, and his wife Anja welcomed Liam Arvid Kimbrey into their world on 31st January 2011. He weighed in at 3.02 kg and measured 51cm in length, complete with all ten fingers and toes, and the other bits that should be there. Mom and son are doing well and at eight weeks old Liam is already 5.4 kg and 58cm tall! According to Kevin, “He’s growing like a weed!”

Suraya KoobairON 18th October 2010, Suraya Koobair, Receptionist at Sika in Cape Town branch, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl weighing in at a healthy 3.26kgs. Suraya and her husband Tariq named their new baby Zahra and are enjoying parenthood with little Zahra. Suraya says she is most appreciative of all the support she received from her colleagues at Sika.

Erica Van HeerdenERICA Van Heerden, Sika Distribution Sales Representative in Cape Town, gave birth to a baby girl weighing just 2.365 kg on 25th August 2010. Erica and husband Heinrich have called their eager little baby, who was born pre-maturely at 36 weeks, Lirah Milan. Lirah is seven months old and already has three bottom teeth. Mom and dad are delighted with their new bundle of joy.

Eliya wins againFAME at last – Sika Gauteng's, Eliya Mogoboya on the cover of Runner’s World! Eliya has done it again, winning a gold medal in the Wally Hayward race in Centurion earlier this month, by being placed third overall with a time of 2hrs 28mins for the 42.2km race. We are glad to see you are putting your sponsored shoes to the test Eliya - you have made Sika proud! Congratulations Eliya!


Sika Cities


Sika South Africa has grown dramatically over the years and our head office has more than doubled its production and warehouse space since moving to Westmead 14 years ago. In 2008 Sika significantly improved productivity by building a brand new warehouse, enabling the factory to increase production for the growing demand of Sika products. These aerial pictures illustrate just how vast Sika's expansion has been over recent years. Watch this space!

The Sky’s the limit for Sika

Documents

SIKABEAT May 2011 · Sika Plastiment BV-40 will be incorporated for normal applications. This versatile and economical concrete plasticiser with set retarding