More than 400 million people in Africa live in urban areas and because of high rural to urban migration rates the number of people living in urban areas will increase from 62% to 70% by the year 2030.

In 2011, the South African government recognised that there was an urgent need to address the revitalisation of South African townships and in response the National Development Plan – Vision 2030 (NDP) was drawn up.

This plan envisaged an approach that promoted the development of capabilities and the creation of opportunities for all South Africans.

Three years on, Corobrik and the Ekurhuleni Municipality are working together on the renewal of Tembisa’s sidewalks, creating a pedestrian environment which will benefit all of Tembisa’s 463 109 (Census 2011) citizens.

Corobrik supplied approximately one million Champagne PA clay pavers to the main contractor, White Haze Building as well as a selection of smaller contractors from Ekurhuleni who were on a municipal mentorship programme.

Although most clay pavers can be laid in a variety of patterns, a lot of consideration was given to the laying pattern of the pavements to make it cost effective and simple for the contractors to lay.

An attractive Herringbone design in a fully interlocking pattern which promotes even load bearing and reduces the possibility for movement of the paving system was considered the best option to suit the needs of Tembisa.

A key feature of the Corobrik Champagne Clay Pavers is their colour fastness – even after a hundred years of baking in the hot African sun they will retain their attractive colour.