Known for its beautiful landscape, rich culture, exotic animals, and friendly communities, South Africa is a tourist gem. The country has grown and developed rapidly over the last century and thanks to the concrete mixer, the cities and suburbs have been able to accommodate the large influx of people.

 

At BS Power, we know how important concrete mixers are for creating cities and other concrete structures. In South Africa, there are plenty of unique buildings, reflecting the rich architectural heritage and cultural diversity. Read further as we explore the notable concrete structures in South Africa.

 

Concrete Mixer: Orlando Towers

 

When the demand for electricity began to rise at a speed which could not be met by the existing City Generating Station in Johannesburg, the planning of the construction of Soweto’s Orlando power station began in 1935. The building of the concrete assets began in 1939 by two engineers, Mertz and McLellan, but was delayed for a good 15 plus minus years due to the outbreak of the Second World War. The last phase of construction was completed in 1955 and the coal plant successfully ran for over five decades until 1998, when it was decommissioned.

 

Just before the two thirty-three story towers retired from their energy producing jobs, they received an iconic makeover. The plain buildings were a sight for sore eyes, however, after their flamboyant paint job, the towers became a reflection of the cultural renaissance of the Soweto community. The atmosphere of Soweto is communicated through the fun art, displaying the urban culture, history and heritage, techno-savvy population, and the social amenities of the town. The images of the towers show beautifully painted symbolism of soccer, music, fashion, and historical figures.

 

In 2006, the two thirty-three story towers were transformed from a decommissioned power station site into a business and entertainment centre, housing one of the worlds coolest bungee jumps! After being lifted over ninety metres into the air, adrenaline junkies can walk across a narrow bridge between the two towers, enjoying a beautiful view of Soweto as well as a thrilling experience. From the top of the towers, visitors can bungee jump, abseil, free fall, and power swing, making it a go-to destination for adventurers.

 

Unfortunately, in 2014, disaster struck Soweto. The Orlando Towers collapsed suddenly, claiming a life and leading to several other injuries. The two towers were neglected by authorities, leading to theft of the structural steel- the key ingredient that keeps a building intact. The thieves were oblivious to the fact that they were digging their own graves; literally. Some of them were caught in the rubble while doing their deed.

 

Today the Orlando Towers have been repaired, secured, and tightened up for the continuation of the extreme sporting projects. Soweto’s main attraction is back and better than ever. The collapse of the towers was a tragic incident which communicated the importance of proper building and maintenance of concrete structures. The towers were made using concrete mixers, like those sold at BS Power, and although they were structurally sound, the lack of repairs and upkeep by the state led to the sudden collapse of them.

 

Concrete Mixer: Moses Mabhida Stadium

 

When Durban authorities decided to build the spectacular new football stadium, it was intended to become a world-wide recognised landmark. The unique stadium was supposed to be flexible enough to host a variety of events, including football for 50,000 people and athletic events for up to 80,000 people- the minimum for an Olympic opening ceremony, which was one of Durban’s aspirations apart from the 2010 World Cup.

 

The large concrete structure features a spectacular arch, supporting the roof of the stadium. This iconic arch allows people to either catch a quick cable car ride or climb up it, giving access to an amazing panoramic view of the city of Durban. Another attraction is the world’s largest king swing, hanging under the stadium’s arch. This fun feature lets extreme sport enthusiasts fall about 100 metres and swing a 220 metre arc.

 

The iconic stadium was under construction for well over three years, costing the country a whopping $3.4 billion. The elaborate venue was built with the intent of hosting a number of events, however after the 2010 FIFA tournament, there have been no settled tenants despite numerous attempts at relocating nearby rugby clubs to the venue.

 

The Moses Mabhida Stadium’s structure, including its seating areas, concourses, and the arch itself, were predominantly constructed using reinforced concrete. Concrete was chosen thanks to its durability, strength, and versatility, allowing the stadium to withstand the rigours that comes with hosting major sporting events. The prominent landmark continues to be a legacy for the city of Durban thanks to its interesting architecture and role in hosting various sporting events, concrete, and cultural events.

 

Concrete Mixer: South African Union Buildings

 

Housing the offices of the president of South Africa, the Union Buildings form the official seat of the South African government and are considered a national heritage site. These special structures, which were completed in 1913, are extremely important in South African political life and are an iconic landmark of Pretoria and South Africa.

 

The architecture of the Union Buildings incorporates the English monumental style of both the English and Italian Renaissance and is considered to be a South African architectural masterpiece. Made from 152 million cubic feet of freestone, 67,000 cubic metres of concrete, 6,000 cubic feet of granite, 40,000 bags of cement, and 14 million bricks, this monument took 1265 artisans, workmen, and labourers around 3 years to complete. During their construction, modern building equipment was used, like cement mixers, to help the job go faster.

 

The buildings have a length of 285 metres and have a semi-circular shape, with two wings at the sides, representing the union of the formerly divided people: the Boer Republics of ZAR and the Orange Free State, as well as the Cape Colony and the Natal Colony. The two identical wings, called the east and west wing, as well as the twin-domed towers, were built to represent two languages: English and Afrikaans. The inner court was built and designed to symbolise the Union of South Africa. The buildings are divided into three sections of the left offices, the amphitheatre, and the right offices.

 

Various official functions, ceremonies, and events are held at the Pretoria Union Buildings, including important government meetings, diplomatic gatherings, state functions, and presidential addresses. They are also open to the public for tours and visits, allowing South African citizens and tourists to appreciate their historical significance and architectural beauty.

 

 

Cement Mixer: Nelson Mandela Bridge

 

Located in the busy city of Johannesburg, the Nelson Mandela Bridge is the fourth of bridges that run across the railway lines west of Johannesburg Park Station. Costing R38 million to build, the bridge was completed in 2003 and was made to link two business areas of Braamfontein and Newtown. Named after the legendary Nelson Mandela, the bridge gives recognition to him for uniting South Africa’s society, just as the bridge provides unity and linkage.

 

Constructed over forty-two railway lines, without disturbing traffic, the 284 metre long bridge has two pylons which are forty-two and twenty-seven metres high respectively and have no support pillars. Engineers who built the bridge tried to keep it as light as possible, making it out of structural steel and concrete. The bridge has two lanes and pedestrian walkways on either side.

 

The Nelson Mandela Bridge played a crucial role in helping to renew the urbanisation and develop inner Johannesburg. It improves connectivity and promotes economic growth by giving access to different parts of the city. It has become a symbol of Johannesburg’s transformation and attracts plenty of tourists thanks to its symbolism and architecture.

 

Concrete Mixer: Silo District at the V&A Waterfront

 

Thanks to the refurbishment of the historic grain silos, which was once the tallest building in Cape Town, the grain silo complex now contains the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). The museum building itself is a piece of art, decorated with striking colourful glass windows that were inserted into the original concrete. The Zeits Museum contains the largest collection of contemporary African art in Africa and features several other international exhibitions which are regularly updated. Along with extravagant art, the Zeitz MOCAA Food serves divine food, which is decorated and served as art itself. The museum is a must-see and receives plenty of attention, which is no surprise.

 

Along with Zeits art and fine dining, the Silo District contains a Lindt Chocolate Studio where you can make your own chocolate and learn about Lindt. The Yard features various Indian-Mediterranean style dining as well as several other items for sale, such as jewellery, clothes, and local skincare products. Lounge poolside at the Red Roof Bar and enjoy the spectacular view of the harbour and Table Mountain or consider dining at the luxury Silo Hotel which features a gorgeous rooftop bar, contemporary cafe, and a relaxed cocktail lounge.

 

The Mercedes Benz Zoetrope is another feature of the Silo District that must be experienced. The large solar-powered, interactive design piece engages the viewer, taking them on a journey of life and movement through sound, imagery, and space. The Zoetrope is a free experience that is popular amongst the public.

 

The original Silo District was built to support the agricultural industry, playing a crucial role in storing and handling grain. The silos are made of concrete and were built during the 20th century, spurring urban development in the surrounding areas. The silos were a great storage solution for grain and allowed extra crop to be kept and released as needed. Overall, the Silo District played a vital role in the region’s economy and development.

 

 

Concrete Mixer: BS Commercial Power

 

Located in Cape Town, we at BS Power Supplies are a leading supplier of high-performance equipment for professional use. Take a look at the range of tools we have, helping you complete projects in areas of construction, agriculture, forestry, and several other applications. We stock products from the following suppliers and plan on expanding:

 

• Baumax
• Stihl
• Husqvarna
• Briggs and Stratton
• Honda

 

Our cement and concrete mixers feature trustworthy Baumax and Honda engines, and have drum volumes of either 500L, 400L, and 360L. Our concrete mixer range is well suited to contractors and rental companies and have a quick mix cycle. Each concrete mixer has a ring gear cover, semi solid wheels, and an enclosed engine cabin to ensure operator safety. The chassis is made from channel iron and folded metal, with an ultra-durable three mm drum bottom.

 

Take a look at our website guide for more information about concrete mixers or contact us. Browse our online store and see what other pieces of equipment you may need for your building and construction project.