Musa Shangase has at his core the unwavering belief that every South African deserves a home they can call their own.

Into that understanding is not just a tin or cardboard shanty unable to weather the storms, but the soundness of bricks and mortar that can symbolise the dignity of a nation and the essence of the soul.

Shangase, whose new role as marketing director at Corobrik, incorporates the commercial and marketing director roles, replaces stalwart Peter Kidger on his retirement from the KwaZulu-Natal company after 43 years.

They are large shoes he has to fill, but ones Shangase embraces in the same way he has always embraced challenges and opportunities throughout his life.

A man of influence

He joined the company in July 2013 as national commercial manager, bringing with him his considerable experience in the building and construction industry.

He is currently Deputy President of the Clay Brick Association of Southern Africa and, he had held senior management positions in several companies and been the African Brick MD.

In the past two-and-half years Shangase has secured a host of government and municipal contracts for Corobrik in growing the company’s market share of public sector contracts.

His responsibility has involved influencing key government decision-makers in using clay and concrete masonry as their preferred building materials.

That has also meant encouraging the use of conventional building materials in paving and walling projects.

Paving the way for SA’s success

The brick manufacturer considers the government a key client with the building industry vastly dependent on its approved infrastructure, public buildings and housing upgrades.

Shangase says he wants to see government officials, especially when it comes to affordable and low-cost housing, schools, clinics and other public buildings, using more quality products.

“Replacing bad quality houses and shacks with good quality brick homes means the health, education and employment prospects of disadvantaged people can be significantly improved. That affects the economy and the future of this country,” he says.