At Sika, we are committed to social responsibility and always looking for ways to support local communities. So, when Chris Howes from CHC-SA Concrete Floors (Pty) Ltd, contacted John Zehmke, Sika Eastern Cape Area Sales Manager, to partner with Ironman 4 the Kidz who were seeking partners in their initiative to build a pool for the Khayalethu Child and Youth Centre, we were eager to lend a hand.

Ironman 4 the Kidz is a charity that aims to raise awareness for the plight of less fortunate children. By gaining sponsorship for participating in various Ironman challenges, the charity is able to make a real difference in the lives of kids across South Africa. 

At the Khayalethu Child and Youth Centre, children between 6 and 21 are given a safe and nurturing home, with physical, emotional, and intellectual support. Many of these kids had previously been in dangerous environments, surrounded by crime, abuse and poverty, and the centre is able to provide all the children in their care with another chance to reach their true potential.

With physical support being one of the key focuses of the centre, Ironman 4 the Kidz realised that a new pool would give the children the opportunity to learn a new skill – and, of course, to have fun on hot days.

As this cause is close to our hearts, Sika donated some of the concrete and construction chemicals required for the project, while providing the team with expert support and advice. After consulting with the team, we provided the following solutions:

•              Sika® Form Oil, an emulsion-based shutter release agent, was used as a release agent on the steel shutters prior to pouring the concrete

•              Sika® Cemflex® universal waterproofing and bonding agent was used to waterproof between the wall and floor joint

•              SikaTop® Armatec®-110 EpoCem® bonding primer and reinforcement corrosion protection was used as a wet-to-dry bonding agent where required

•              SikaGrout®-212, a high-strength shrinkage compensated cementitious grout, was used to grout around the weir boxes and to do small repairs

Working together with contractors CHC-SA Concrete Flooring, along with a host of generous individuals and companies, the project was completed in just 25 working days, an incredible achievement by all involved. We would like to make a special mention to Chris Howes and his wife Michelle from CHC-SA Concrete Flooring, without their dedication and hard work, this project would not have been possible. They were the driving force behind this project and their enthusiasm was contagious.

With the newly built pool topped up and ready to go, the kids at Khayalethu are now all able to learn to swim, or to hone their skills. Who knows – maybe one day, they’ll be competing in their very own Ironman challenge!

A big thank you to everyone who was involved in this project. We are extremely proud to have been a part of such a meaningful initiative, and one that will make a big difference in the lives of the kids at Khayalethu Child and Youth Centre.