Concor Builds World Class Data Centre for Orange Botswana

Construction of the new Data Centre for Orange Botswana is well underway, with this fast track construction project being undertaken by Concor Buildings set to deliver the Tier III Data Centre before the end of 2019.

The Orange Botswana facility, situated in the Botswana Innovation Hub and Technology Park in Gaborone, will be a central point of connectivity for national and international networking and will provide data services to customers in the region.

Brian Carter, operations director at Concor Buildings, says that with an established track record of delivering quality projects including the recently completed Energy Centre at Bank of Botswana, the company offered the requisite expertise and access to resources including skilled local personnel.

Concor has been active in Botswana for more than 50 years and constructed many buildings in Gaborone and Francistown. This includes I-Towers 1 and 2, the De Beers Global Sightholder Sales Complex, the Bank of Botswana Cash Handling Centre and the FNB Head Office as well as infrastructure for Debswana’s Jwaneng Diamond Mine.

The data centre comprises two plant yards, built on either side of the main data hall, to provide concurrently maintainable and fully redundant electrical and mechanical systems to the data centre. The main MEP plant supplying the data hall and other auxiliary facilities are due for installation.

The data centre itself comprises data space – live and future – with electrical rooms on either side facilitating the feeding of the data centre from two sources. Services within the centre include access control, an integrated fire monitoring and alarm system with fire suppression, data trays, air conditioning units, plumbing and drainage and the complete low voltage and medium voltage electrical installation.

The plant yards which feed the electrical rooms are equipped with standby diesel generators, diesel storage tanks and air-cooled outdoor condensers.

External works include the construction of a guard house, parking with carports, bulk diesel and transformer yards, paving, landscaping and perimeter fencing.

Carter says that allowance has been made for future phased expansion in data space and electrical rooms as well in vertical extension.

“While the structure is a standard concrete frame with brick fill, the external walls are cavity walls with an internal vapour barrier. This construction will significantly reduce the building’s mechanical and electrical loads making it more energy efficient and ensuring a stable environment for the data hall,” he says.

In line with Concor Buildings’ operating strategy, Major Incident Prevention (MIP) and Visible Felt Leadership (VFL) programmes are in place on the project. Ongoing safety awareness and risk assessment is further facilitated by a full-time safety officer on the project.

Areas that have received special focus include working at height and activities which need to be conducted in and around the open exterior services excavations on site. These include data sleeves, electrical sleeves, diesel sleeves, fire and plumbing installations and manholes. In addition to this, access to finishes below the 1,2 metre access floor need to take priority.

While the use of local labour was not a prerequisite on the project, some 95% of the on-site people, including employees and subcontractors, are local. Carter says ongoing skills development forms a part of Concor’s commitment to the country and the company’s sustainability model.

The Orange Botswana Data Centre is scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2019. The centre is expected to cover 81% of the population with 2G network capability, 62% with 3G and 45% with 4G.

Once completed by Concor Buildings, the Orange Botswana Data Centre will be a central point of connectivity for national and international networking.

Work in progress on the main entrance to the Orange Data Centre in Botswana.

One of two 600 kVA diesel generator sets in Plant Yard B.

Plant Yard A in the foreground with the carpark in the background, with layer works and curbing underway.

South elevation showing downpipes and the first coat of paint applied with preparation work for next coat complete.

UPS switchgear in position on 1,2 metre raised access flooring awaiting final termination of cables.

Passageway to electrical rooms which house UPS, battery and LV equipment.

Plant Yard A with the second 600 kVA diesel genset on the left with the outdoor condensate units in the background. Installation of gas piping to indoor Down Blow Units to the data space underway.

Contact information

Concor Buildings

www.concor.co.za

Kehumile Puwani

Company Secretary & Compliance Manager

Advocate Kehumile Puwani (Jantjies) is a distinguished legal professional specialising in commercial, corporate governance and regulatory law. She obtained her LLB from North-West University and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Compliance Management and various advanced certificates in Board Governance, Anti-Money Laundering Control and Board Leadership. With a proven track record as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa, Kehumile has provided legal counsel on litigation, corporate governance, and compliance matters. Her previous roles include Company Secretary and Legal Counsel for Bell Equipment Sales Limited, Head of Compliance for New National Assurance Limited, and Legal Executive for Abacus Life and Abacus Insurance Limited. She is also a certified Professional Director (PD SA) from the Directors Association of South Africa and an active member of the Institute of Directors South Africa.

Thirosha Govender

Group Legal Manager

Thirosha Govender is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa and has been specializing in construction law for more than a decade. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Media Communication), Bachelor of Laws and a Master’s in Maritime Law, along with several professional development courses, including the Public Finance Management Act, Insurance&Risk Management, & Intellectual Property Law. She is a member of the Institute of Directors South Africa & Women in Mining Business SA. Thirosha’s diverse skill set & expertise are: stakeholder management, legal drafting and review of contracts, legal research, corporate governance, compliance training & dispute resolution. Notable achievements in her career include her appointment as an Executive Member of the South African Women Lawyers Association (SAWLA,CT,2007); selection for Brightest Young Minds (BYM) which recognized her as one of the top 100 students in the country. She received an Academic & Leadership Scholarship from British American Tobacco. Thirosha is committed towards educating people and created a Know Your Rights Campaign at Concor.

Marius Koen

Divisional Managing Director: Concor Infrastructure & Mining Services

Marius Koen is a civil engineer with 28 years of experience in construction and infrastructure development. He holds a B.Eng (Civil) degree from the University of Stellenbosch. Marius has extensive expertise in Dam, Roads, Bridges, Harbor, Rail and Mining Infrastructure construction, having served in various roles including Engineer, Site Agent, Contracts Manager, and Contracts Director. He was appointed as Divisional Managing Director for Concor Infrastructure in 2024, after serving as Contracts Director since 2011. His career highlights include appointments at Group Five, Concor Roads & Earthworks and Murray & Roberts Infrastructure, overseeing projects valued between R300 million and R2 billion. His professional portfolio with Concor include the Ngqura Container Terminal Phase 2, Ngqura Port Rail Link, Coega-Colchester Roads and Bridge, and SWEP Rail Deviation, among others. High levels of proficiency and expertise in construction management, estimating, business development and client engagement distinguish Marius as a leader in his field.

Chirsto Schoeman

Divisional Managing Director: Concor Building

Christo Schoeman is a seasoned civil engineer with over three decades of experience, registered as a Professional Engineer with the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) since 1993. He also served on the council of the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) from 2011 to 2020. Christo has held influential positions in leading construction firms, including his recent roles as Director and Operations Executive at Concor from 2020 to 2024, and Senior Executive for Strategic Projects from 2017 to 2020. His notable achievements include serving as Operational Director for the Medupi Power Station Joint Venture from 2012 to 2024, as well as holding the position of Managing Director at Aveng Grinaker-LTA Civil Engineering (2011-2012) and General Manager at Karrena Africa (2000-2011). Christo’s expertise encompasses strategic, financial, and operational leadership, business and project development, stakeholder engagement, and a comprehensive understanding of engineering processes, ranging from intern Engineer to Contracts Director.

Ian Simpson

Group Executive: Commercial & Risk

Ian Simpson is a highly skilled Commercial Executive with over 20 years’ experience in commercial, legal and risk management roles within the construction and mining sectors. He is an Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa (non-practising) and a member of the Association of Arbitrators (Southern Africa), having completed specialist certifications in both Arbitration and Construction Law.  Ian combines strong legal and commercial insights with practical industry and on-site project experience, offering a comprehensive understanding of contractual strategy, dispute resolution and commercial risk management. His key competencies include strategy development, contract negotiation and administration, commercial claims and disputes, litigation, project controls and leading teams in complex and high-pressure environments. He has held senior positions at major industry players, including Senior Commercial Manager at Murray & Roberts Buildings (2010–2016), Group Legal & Risk Executive at Concor (2016–2020) and Commercial Executive at Moolmans Mining Contractors (2021–2023).  Ian holds an LLB and an Advanced Diploma in Labour Law from the University of Johannesburg and has completed leadership and industry-focused programmes through GIBS and the University of Cape Town. 

Jethro Masike

Group Executive: HR & HSE

Jethro Masike is a skilled IR and HR professional with a National Diploma obtained in 1999. He began his career as a Payroll Administrator and HR Officer from 1999 to 2003, before transitioning to industrial relations at Peter Mellor (Pty) Ltd in 2004. In 2009, he joined Concor Civils as an IR Officer. With extensive expertise in policy implementation, workforce planning, recruitment, industrial relations, dispute resolution and operations, Jethro has held various executive positions, including HR Executive and HR Director for Concor Opencast Mining and subsequently, Group Director HR & HSE. Jethro is responsible for formulating and executing the Group HR strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, fostering a positive work environment and managing employee relations. He serves as an advisor to the CEO, focused on reputation and stakeholder management, organizational culture, workplace health and safety and leveraging related metrics to support the achievement of business objectives.

Unathi Magwentshu

Chief Financial Officer

Unathi Magwentshu has over 20 years of experience across Corporate and Investment Banking, Development Finance, Energy, and the Petroleum sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honours from the University of Natal and qualified as a CA in 2004. She is highly regarded for her expertise in strategy development, financial planning, risk management, optimizing financial performance, investor relations, managing complex transactions, and providing mentorship to staff. Unathi began her career at Deloitte, honing her skills for five years before advancing into senior roles at two of South Africa’s top five banks. She later served as CFO of circa R11 billion petroleum business, before moving to successfully lead a debt restructuring assignment in the Telecoms Infrastructure sector. She has also served as a board member and Audit & Risk committee member on the boards of various companies.

Jerome Govender

Chief Executive Officer

Jerome Govender has more than 30 years’ experience in the construction, infrastructure development, and mining services sectors. A commercially astute and results-driven business leader, Jerome has proven himself in managing mergers and acquisitions, executing turnaround strategies, and leading business transformation initiatives in both South Africa and abroad. He has held key leadership positions, including as Chief Executive of Bombela Concessions Company-Gautrain (2007 to 2012), Murray & Roberts Construction African & Middle East (2012 to 2017), Cross Yara Partnership Melbourne Metro (2018 to 2019) and Moolmans Mining Contractors (2019 to 2023), before joining Concor in September 2023. Notable achievements include transforming Murray & Roberts Construction and Moolmans Mining from loss leaders to profit makers during his tenure as CEO. Additionally, he successfully managed the delivery of the USD 3.2 billion Gautrain Rapid Rail project during the crucial 5-year development period.

Lwazi Koyana

Independent Non-executive Director

Lwazi Koyana is a qualified chartered accountant with over 20 years of experience in investment management and corporate finance. He is also the founder and managing director of Nations Capital Advisors (Pty) Ltd. He currently serves as an Independent Non-executive Director for the Spar Group Ltd, is a member on the Rhodes University Council and holds the position of Chairperson at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Previously, Lwazi served as an Independent Chairperson of the Audit & Risk Committee for the South African Qualifications Authority, an Independent Non-executive Director for AFGRI Ltd, SecureData, Mineworkers Investment Company (Pty) LTD and the W&RSETA. Lwazi is a member of Concor’s Audit & Risk Committee as well as the Remuneration Committee.

Tebogo Maoto

Non-executive Director

Tebogo Maoto is a finance and business restructuring professional holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance from the North West University, PGDip Project Management from Stellenbosch Business School, a Certified Rescue Analyst Certificate from the University of Pretoria, and also a Business Rescue Law Certificate from the University of South Africa. He is a licensed Senior Business Rescue Practitioner with the CIPC. Additionally, he is a member of the South African Restructuring & Insolvency Practitioners Association (SARIPA) and the International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL). The SARIPA awarded Tebogo the designation Business Restructuring Professional. Tebogo is a member of Concor’s Audit & Risk and Social & Ethics Committees and holds other directorships.

Phahlani Mkhombo

Non-executive Director

Phahlani Mkhombo is the Founder and Managing Director of Genesis Corporate Solutions. He is an admitted attorney and is a seasoned transaction advisor. Phahlani has over 20 years of experience in business restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, business rescue, corporate finance, project finance, public-private partnerships (PPPs), deal structuring, corporate governance, legal and insolvency in both the private and public sectors. He is a registered Senior Business Rescue Practitioner (BRP) with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and is licensed to take on business rescue appointments. He is actively involved in advising clients and lenders on assignments for distressed businesses. Phahlani is a member of Concor’s Remuneration Committee.

Thulani Sithole

Non-executive Director

A seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in engineering and business management, Thulani Sithole began his career at Sasol and has since held positions in various companies across multiple industries. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA) and currently serves as the Executive Director of MANI Industries. Additionally, Thulani has contributed to several boards, including City Power and Freedom Park. Thulani serves as the Chair of Concor’s Audit & Risk Committee and is also a member of the Social & Ethics Committee.

Jerome Govender

Executive Director (Group CEO)

Jerome Govender has more than 30 years’ experience in the construction, infrastructure development, and mining services sectors. A commercially astute and results-driven business leader, Jerome has proven himself in managing mergers and acquisitions, executing turnaround strategies, and leading business transformation initiatives in both South Africa and abroad. He has held key leadership positions, including as Chief Executive of Bombela Concessions Company-Gautrain (2007 to 2012), Murray & Roberts Construction African & Middle East (2012 to 2017), Cross Yara Partnership Melbourne Metro (2018 to 2019) and Moolmans Mining Contractors (2019 to 2023), before joining Concor in September 2023. Notable achievements include transforming Murray & Roberts Construction and Moolmans Mining from loss leaders to profit makers during his tenure as CEO. Additionally, he successfully managed the delivery of the USD 3.2 billion Gautrain Rapid Rail project during the crucial 5-year development period.

Nazir Alli

Board Chairperson

Nazir Alli possesses over 45 years of experience as a distinguished civil engineer in the public and private sectors. As the founding CEO of the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) in post-apartheid South Africa, he is a globally recognized leader in public-private partnerships (PPPs), change management, and institutional transformation. His continued service on numerous private and public sector boards, including as the President of the World Road Association (PIARC), is a testament to his enduring impact and influence.

Notice for public interest

Fraudulent tender notices & purchase orders

Concor is aware of fraudulent tender notices and purchase orders being circulated in the Company’s name. The templates and stationery being used, which includes our branding, are very similar to our official templates thus making them look credible. We urge legitimate suppliers and potential contractors to be cautious and to contact Concor directly on 011 590 5500 to verify all suspicious tender notices and purchase order. You can also report suspicious tenders, purchase orders or recruitment notices via the Concor Tip-offs Anonymous line on 0800 733 734.