A technology exhibition by UJ civil engineering students and academics demonstrates a state-of-the-art 3D printing construction system, at the Innovative Building Technologies Summit in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
The technology enables the rapid construction of housing structures with reduced material waste, lower labour intensity and shorter build times, while maintaining structural integrity and design flexibility.
Beyond its technological novelty, 3D printing represents a transformative opportunity for housing delivery in South Africa.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said more than 2.5 million families are on Government’s waiting list for houses.
He also said it is estimated that by 2050, nearly eight out of every ten South Africans will live in cities.
Many will live in informal settlements.
“If we continue to build in the old way – on the same land, with the same vulnerabilities, using the same methods – then we are not solving the housing challenge. We must make a change. We must embrace the tide of technological progress to future-proof human settlements” said Ramaphosa.
Also in attendance were Premier Panyaza Lesufi of Gauteng and Thembi Simelane, Minister of Human Settlements as well as Thandi Mahambehlala, the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements.
The event, which ends on Wednesday, is attended by government, the building and construction industry, academia, investors and civil society.
Picture: UJ