Company Announcement - The durability and aesthetic qualities clay face brick are renowned for are some of the reasons government departments keep turning to Corobrik for the construction of affordable housing. Mmakwena Elizabeth Mothiba and her family are the latest recipients of a house in Ga-Mmamabolo, Polokwane, constructed using 5 220 of Corobrik’s Coro Jem face bricks. “Clay face brick in construction is constantly being recognised for its sustainable qualities,” explained Musa Shangase, Corobrik’s Commercial Director. “It is immensely durable and low maintenance which means future costs are lowered, something that has to be considered when building affordable housing.”
 
The Coro Jem bricks, which are double the size of regular bricks, also have thermal benefits that will prove useful particularly in helping keep interiors cool in the long summer months. “Cost effective as built, low life cycle costs are assured with the thermal efficiencies supporting low cooling and heating energy usage”, explained Shangase. “Add to that the intrinsic noise and fire resistance qualities of fired clay brick and residents can live with a comforting sense of security and privacy.” “Being a homeowner is important, but we also feel that people should be proud of their homes,” said Shangase. “Clay brick houses are the recognised benchmark for best investment value and quality living in South Africa and Corobrik’s aspirational range adds a further element to the homeowner’s sense of satisfaction and wellbeing.”
 
Isaac Choshi from the manager’s office of the executive mayor of Polokwane, explained that the elderly Mmakwena Mothiba was selected by the local ward councillor for the house donation because of her dire circumstances. “She has five children and four grandchildren, is unemployed and living in a mud shack,” said Choshi. “She has been living in the shack for about eight years.” Choshi said that although she is on the list for an RDP house, the municipality decided to approach Corobrik in an attempt to build a house for her sooner if possible.
 
Commenting on the three-bedroom house, Mothibe said she was “very happy”. “It is a very beautiful house and my family are all happy,” said the delighted homeowner. Although some of her older children do have jobs, Mothiba often has to care for her younger children and grandchildren so she said the space was really needed.
 
Caption: 
Miss Elizabeth Mothiba, beneficiary of a new house built from Corobrik CoroJem face bricks thanks those present.
 
Seated from left to right Councillor M.Mamabolo, Councillor C. Mathiba, Harrison Mashabela  Corobrik Factory Manager, Chief M. Mamabolo, Executive Mayor Polokwane Municipality Thandi Nkadimeng and Speaker of Polokwane Municipality N. Mothiba.