The Forte Secondary School fulfils an important role of educating 2,400 learners. (Image source: Bell Equipment)

Bell Equipment, a South African manufacturer of mining, construction and agricultural equipment, has sponsored the refurbishment of a science laboratory at the Forte Secondary School in Dobsonville, Soweto, under the auspices of the South African Medical and Education Foundation (SAME Foundation)

The facility has now been officially taken into use – following an eight-week refurbishment period – and was marked by a special unveiling ceremony. It marks a happy milestone for Bell Equipment, which committed to getting involved in the project when it was approached by the SAME Foundation, a non-profit organisation which raises funds and manages socio-economic development allocations to improve the health and education environment in South Africa, in 2023. The Foundation has a track-record of completing more than 150 high-impact projects in the last 20 years, investing and positively influencing millions of South Africans.

Tyrone Pols, spokesperson for the SAME Foundation, commented, “We as a foundation were heartened when Bell Equipment showed its eagerness to become involved in this very worthwhile project at the Forte Secondary School. The science laboratory at this school was in a dilapidated state and with Bell Equipment’s generous funding, we could oversee the replacement of the floor, ceiling, windows, doors and security gate as well as several coats of durable paint.

“We could then order new laboratory benches, stools and cupboards before new laboratory equipment applicable to the curriculum was acquired. Advanced technology has been added with a touch-screen white board and digital projector.”

Bruce Ndlela, Bell Equipment’s director: business and public sector development, added, “We as Bell Equipment employ around 4,000 people world-wide and, as we’ve assisted in the refurbishment and equipping of many similar laboratories and centres of learning in South Africa, it shows that we believe in our youth and the potential that they show.”

141 urban roads and 20 rural roads will be constructed

The Enugu State Government has pledged N183bn (approximately US$115mn) for the development of road infrastructure across the state

According to an announcement on the Government website, the approvals were confirmed at the end of the State Exeutive Council meeting and approved funding that will see the construction of 141 roads across Enugu metropolis 20 rural roads across the three senatorial zones of the state. Additional funding was also approved the delivery of 133 more smart schools.

These projects are in furtherance of Governor Peter Mbah’s determination to grow the state’s economy from US$4.4bn to US$30bn, achieve a 0% poverty headcount index as well as position the State as a premier destination for business, investment, and tourism explained Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government.

“Recall that before now, the state’s total budget hovered around N100bn and N120bn with capital expenditure of about N30bn or capital expenditure to budget ratio of about 25 to 35%,” stated Onyia. “However, in keeping with Governor Mbah’s promise to de-risk investments, boost production, and run a lean and prudent government, the governor proposed an unprecedented N521.5bn 2024 budget with a capital expenditure totaling over N400bn, which is an equivalent of capital expenditure to budget ratio of about 80% and recurrent expenditure ratio of about 20%.

“Accordingly, the theme that we took away from Exco today is doubling down. The Government is doubling down on infrastructure. If you recall, we started with 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads last year. Now, the governor and the Executive Council have also approved 141 urban roads and 20 rural roads.”

He continued by noting that although there are fewer rural roads in number, the scale of the work is actually greater – three times those approved for the metropolis in terms of kilometres.

“This is part of the strategies to improve the quality of life in the rural communities and importantly to de-risk investments in agriculture,” continued Onyia. “Outside security, which we are effectively dealing with, the big elephant in the room is to scale-up the production and movement of produce from farmlands to the market. We also understand the need for processing, hence the heavy investments in road infrastructure.”

Genuine Volvo Parts are specifically developed, tested and approved to get the very best results from your Volvo machine. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Using counterfeit or non-genuine parts can seem like a quick money-saving measure, but the long-term consequences can cost you a lot more

Only genuine Volvo parts can deliver the reliable performance you expect from your Volvo excavator, wheel loader, or hauler. Key reasons why it is best to stick to genuine and avoid opting for counterfeit include:

1) Safety risks to people and equipment

Counterfeit parts are a gamble with safety. These parts are not subjected to the same rigorous testing as genuine Volvo components, making them more likely to fail unexpectedly. This puts operators, bystanders, the machine, and the overall jobsite at risk.

A single accident can lead to costly downtime, injuries, and even legal repercussions. When you choose counterfeit parts, you're not just risking your equipment; you're risking lives. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your machine is protected by genuine Volvo parts is invaluable.

2) Loss of productivity and earnings

Your Volvo machine is a precision tool designed to operate at peak performance and genuine Volvo parts are engineered to maintain this reliability and efficiency. Counterfeit parts can compromise your machine's performance in subtle yet critical ways, leading to increased downtime, lower productivity and missed deadlines.

In today’s competitive market, every hour of downtime is costly. By choosing genuine Volvo parts, you're investing in uninterrupted operation and maximising your return on investment.

3) More frequent replacements and expensive repairs

While non-genuine parts might be cheaper to buy upfront, they often lead to more frequent replacements and more expensive repairs as they are not built to last and can cause damage to your machine. For example, the cost of repairs resulting from using counterfeit filters can be up to 100 times more expensive.

Over time, the hidden costs of non-genuine parts far outweigh any initial savings. They are not covered by warranty and may invalidate your overall machine warranty. By choosing genuine Volvo parts, you're making a long-term investment in your equipment's health and your bottom line. Your Volvo machine is a significant asset, and using genuine parts helps preserve its value.

This article is authored by Volvo CE. Click here to learn more about the importance of genuine parts and expert sevice, and click here to contact your local Volvo dealer.

The project sought to address the high accident rate at the old Breidbach intersection and the traffic congestion. (Image source: SANRAL)

The N2 Belstone Interchange and route MR0688 lining Bhisho to Zwelitsha to traffic has opened in South Africa

The announcement was made by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) and marks an end to the project that was begun in September 2021. The workscope included the construction of new interchanges at the Belstone and the Breidbach intersections, construction of a link road from Breidbach towards Sweetwaters outside Zwelitsha, free-flowing interchange at Belstone Bridge, dualling of the MR0688 road Bhisho and reinforcement of the concrete structures with the necessary road works.

“The upgrades to this section of the N2 will result in improved management of traffic flow from Bhisho, Breidbach, Zwelitsha and East London, and improved safety for pedestrians and other non-motorised road users,” commented Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s regional manager for its southern region. “The one loop and off-ramp will present safer access to the N2 and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians.”

A boost for local community

The project was valued at R438mn (approximately US$24mn), with a health proportion being spent on targeted SMMEs. Moreover, SANRAL invested in formal training of 614 locals by accredited training service providers to contribute to the skills development and capacitation of targeted enterprises to ensure they can be self-sufficient beyond the project.

“The benefit to the community goes beyond the new and safer road infrastructure,” continued Peterson. “Through this project, SANRAL was able to create job opportunities for 376 general workers from the local community, with about R106mn spent on wages of targeted labour.”