Durban, 22 April 2025 – Maccaferri Africa, in collaboration with the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Durban Branch, hosted a dynamic and insightful event aimed at fostering knowledge exchange among professionals, students, and industry leaders.

Site Visit to Maccaferri Africa’s Tongaat Facility

The day commenced with an engaging site visit to Maccaferri Africa’s Tongaat factory, a pivotal hub for the company’s operations in South Africa. The facility offers a comprehensive view of Maccaferri’s manufacturing processes, including the production of double twist mesh gabions, the innovative Reno Mattress Plus Unit with X-Ties, and a diverse range of geosynthetic products. Over 20 participants gained firsthand insights into the production techniques, the application of the latest polymeric coating (Polimac) on wires, and the stringent quality and safety standards upheld throughout the manufacturing process.

Technical Presentation at SAICE Durban Branch Meeting

Following the site visit, Maccaferri Africa presented a technical session during the SAICE Durban Branch Meeting, attended by over 70 participants in person and an additional 120 joining remotely. Led by Mr. Devan Govender, Engineering Solutions Manager – Africa at Maccaferri, the session delved into innovative approaches for addressing soil erosion challenges across land and water courses. Mr. Govender’s expert facilitation sparked lively discussions and the exchange of pioneering ideas, underscoring the importance of collaborative problem-solving in civil engineering.

Networking Opportunities for Industry Professionals

The event further facilitated three dedicated networking sessions, providing attendees with invaluable opportunities to forge meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships within the industry. These interactions emphasized the significance of collaboration in advancing civil engineering practices and fostering professional growth.

Maccaferri’s Commitment to Engineering Excellence

As a global leader in gabion retaining structures, Maccaferri has expanded its offerings over the past 30 years to include engineered solutions such as reinforced soil structures, coastal protection, rockfall mitigation, erosion control, landfill, and tailings dams. With nearly 140 years of experience, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for clients worldwide, providing versatile, cost-effective, and environmentally sound solutions.

Ongoing Professional Development Initiatives

Maccaferri Africa remains dedicated to fostering innovation, education, and industry partnerships that drive meaningful progress in engineering. The success of this event marks another milestone in creating opportunities for emerging professionals to learn, connect, and contribute to the future of the industry. In line with this commitment, Maccaferri continues to offer free Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited webinars held each month, supporting the ongoing education and development of professionals in the field.

For media & webinar inquiries, please contact:

Nadeena Le’Tang

Senior Marketing Manager: Africa

Direct: 011 010 0658  |  Mobile:  +27(0) 83 657 7033

Email: [email protected]