ON THE COVER:
In October 2025, GEOCIV Group proudly marks a major milestone in its journey: the establishment of its new Cape Town base in Joostenbergvlakte Kraaifontein. Perfectly positioned just off the N1 and only 12 kilometres from the site earmarked for the future Winelands International Airport, this new yard and office facility underscores GEOCIV’s commitment to serving the Western Cape with innovation, precision and excellence.
From slip to grip: Franki Africa secures the Kloof Road slope
High above Cape Town’s glittering Atlantic seaboard lies Nettleton Road, one of the most sought-after addresses in South Africa. Its sweeping views of Clifton and the Twelve Apostles are matched by some of the country’s most valuable real estate. But beneath this luxury lies a persistent challenge: steep, weathered slopes prone to instability when heavy rains strike.
Coastal protections increase as sea levels rise
People in coastal regions have always had to protect their coasts from the forces of the sea. Whether from the tides, from the surf, from recurring storms or from erosion caused by heavy rainfall events. In recent years, the effects of climate change have been added to this list: extreme weather and steadily rising sea levels increase these problems today and will do so in the future.
The vast coast of Africa has become a area of concern given that a large number of the population lives within 100 km of the coast with valuable assets being located right on the coast. Furthermore, the economic influence of the coast and harbours around Africa, being at risk, is of high value and requires protection.
The future is built on foam
Other earthen fills have largely dominated the construction industry for ages. The familiar, and inexpensive nature of these materials has made them the preferred option for the construction industry over the years.
However, since their characteristics can vary depending on their excavation source and can thus change according to factors like weather and availability these conventional fills are significantly unpredictable, which has led the industry to seek more stable and sustainable alternatives.
Once a lightweight curiosity in the construction world, geofoam a block form of closed-cell Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) - has become a sophisticated, essential tool for modern civil engineering. Its story is a quiet revolution, transforming how we approach construction. Geofoam is no longer just a fill-in; it is a foundational, cost-effective, and surprisingly sustainable solution to some of the industry's most persistent challenges.