In a construction sector often defined by tight margins, competitive pricing, and logistical complexity, few companies manage to carve out a distinct identity as swiftly and effectively as Afri Readymix. Established in 2021 in Rustenburg, this dynamic enterprise has evolved into a fully integrated supplier serving both the mining and general construction industries. With a business philosophy rooted in quality, service excellence, and community upliftment, Afri Readymix is reshaping the narrative of what a modern construction materials supplier can be.
At the helm is Gerhard Maree, founder and managing director, whose two-decade tenure at industry heavyweight AfriSam culminated in retrenchment during the economic upheaval of 2020. Rather than stepping back, Maree seized the moment, negotiating the acquisition of the mothballed AfriSam ready mix plant in Rustenburg- a facility he had previously managed for 15 years. This bold entrepreneurial move marked the genesis of Afri Readymix in March 2021.
From that initial plant, the business expanded rapidly. A second facility was established in Boshoek in 2022, strategically situated near Sun City. The company’s footprint widened further in 2024 with the launch of a third plant in Northam, Limpopo, as well as the opening of Afri Hardware, a retail outlet designed to complement the company’s core concrete offering. The hardware division provides a full range of building materials - from bricks and aggregates to roofing and electrical supplies - allowing the company to position itself as a one-stop shop for the construction industry. This expansion was accompanied by a brand refresh under the slogan “From Concrete to Hardware,” reflecting its evolution from a product-specific supplier to a full-spectrum construction solutions partner.
Today, Afri Readymix operates under the Afri Holdings umbrella, with Maree serving as both CEO and Managing Director. He is supported by fellow shareholders Werner Weiss and Christie van der Mescht, and leads a core team of 40 permanent employees, bolstered by approximately 20 contract workers. With a fleet of 18 company-owned trucks and a further eight operated by subcontractors, the company is well equipped to meet regional demand efficiently and reliably.
Afri Readymix’s client base is impressively diversified. Around 60% of its business serves the mining sector, with major clients including Sibanye Stillwater and Glencore - the latter having entered into a comprehensive supply agreement with the company. The remaining portion is drawn from the cash-on-delivery market, encompassing small contractors, independent builders, and homeowners. This balanced portfolio has enabled the company to build resilience against market fluctuations and cyclical downturns.
Product innovation lies at the heart of Afri Readymix’s value proposition. The company offers more than 300 tailored concrete mix designs, developed in collaboration with Go Consult, a Pretoria-based engineering consultancy. These include high-performance durability mixes for infrastructure projects, self-levelling and high-strength concrete, and fibre-reinforced solutions for underground mining applications. One standout project is the Bakwena N4 upgrade, for which Afri Readymix supplies specialised W-mixes through main contractor Raubex.
Quality control is rigorously maintained through in-house laboratories at each plant, where daily testing ensures the consistency and integrity of every mix. These internal protocols are further validated through monthly audits conducted by Go Consult, ensuring continuous compliance with technical and safety standards.
A key driver of the company’s competitive edge is its embrace of technology. Afri Readymix utilises the Command CE batching system, a sophisticated software platform that enables real-time monitoring, optimised mix design, and precise quality control. These digital systems have brought greater automation and consistency to production, improving both operational efficiency and final product quality. In addition, the company partners with Chryso Southern Africa to incorporate cutting-edge chemical admixtures into its concrete, enhancing strength and durability while reducing environmental impact and production costs.
The company’s operations extend beyond fixed-site production. Its fleet includes mobile batching units capable of servicing large-scale infrastructure developments such as solar farms and remote road projects. These mobile plants improve turnaround times and help minimise environmental degradation by reducing transport distances and associated emissions.
Afri Readymix’s unique positioning as an end-to-end materials supplier is exemplified in projects such as its partnership with Rauco Construction, which is currently building 120 RDP housing units in the region. The company supplies every component of these builds, from concrete and bricks to roof trusses and hardware fittings. “That’s our value proposition - complete convenience without compromising on quality.”
Beyond its commercial achievements, Afri Readymix is deeply committed to social development and community enrichment. The company maintains a long-standing relationship with Môrester Children’s Home, which it has supported since Maree’s tenure at AfriSam. In 2023 alone, the company raised R400 000 for the home through its annual charity golf day. It also sponsors youth sports programmes at local schools including Rustenburg High and Frikkie Meyer High, reflecting a broader commitment to fostering local pride and development.
Strategic sourcing further underpins the company’s sustainability and cost-efficiency goals. By procuring aggregate from Sibanye and Glencore’s rehabilitation stockpiles, Afri Readymix contributes to mine restoration initiatives while reducing its own raw material costs. Its partnership with Sephaku Cement has also proven mutually beneficial, yielding consistent supply and competitive pricing.
Despite the company’s impressive growth trajectory, its leadership remains grounded in caution and pragmatism. Planned expansions into Potchefstroom and Marikana have been placed on hold due to ongoing economic and political uncertainty. “Our focus now is on consolidating operations and sustaining service excellence.”
Afri Readymix’s rise from a single decommissioned plant to a regional powerhouse is a story of resilience, innovation, and strategic vision. In a sector where success is often measured by volume and margins, the company has instead distinguished itself through its commitment to quality, customer service, and social impact. As it continues to evolve, Afri Readymix is not merely supplying materials - it is helping to build communities, relationships, and a lasting legacy.
