- 14 Voyager Street, Linbro Business Park, Sandton, South Africa, 2064
- info@gfrpinstitute.co.za
- +27101573777
- +27792450900
Our mission is to uphold and advance quality control standards for the standardisation of material acceptance practices in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) products within the construction sector. We manage certification programmes to ensure compliance with established international standards and conduct regular compliance inspections to maintain quality control across manufacturing processes. This ensures that all products meet essential safety and performance criteria, thereby safeguarding industry integrity.
Additionally, we are committed to enhancing industry skills through training and education, equipping professionals with the necessary expertise to effectively utilise GFRP composites within the construction sector.
The GFRP Institute South Africa aspires to be the preeminent standards authority within the African region, promoting best practices in GFRP composite usage within the construction sector, with the aim of ensuring quality, performance and product reliability across all applications of GFRP composites.
The GFRP Institute South Africa exists to promote the safe, responsible and innovative use of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites within the construction sector throughout the African region. We are driven by a deep commitment to quality, performance and reliability in all applications of GFRP materials.
The GFRP Institute South Africa was formed in 2024 as a professional body dedicated to quality standards and compliance within the industry. The institute was established with the vision of setting a benchmark for South Africa and Africa, aligning local practices with international standards, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global market for the production of GFRP composites. Its primary purpose is to establish and maintain industry-leading standards for GFRP composites, ensuring the manufacturing of and use of these materials adhere to international standards through rigorous certification and inspection programmes.
The Institute focuses on the auditing and accreditation of facilities that are active in the composites manufacturing process and value chain, through plant certification and independent quality assurance testing.
Founder / Director
President / Head of Development
Composite Tech CEO
business development expert
Professor of Construction Project Management at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Professor of Building Materials at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa
Engineer of Record
Nara (PTY) Ltd - AGM Head for GFRP Institute South Africa
Independent Consultant for DPN Consulting
Interested individuals or organisations can engage with the institute through training programmes, partnerships, or by participating in collaborative projects aimed at advancing GFRP usage in construction.
The Institute implements strict quality control measures, conducts regular compliance inspections, and manages comprehensive certification programmes to ensure that all GFRP products meet essential safety and performance criteria. Our certification process will evaluate your product against our established standards. Once approved, you will receive official certification indicating compliance.
You can apply through our online Member Portal, where you’ll submit relevant product information and documentation. After an initial review, we will guide you through the testing and certification steps.
Link to member portal
If a product does not meet the required standards of the GFRP Institute, we will provide a detailed report identifying the areas of non-compliance. Companies can then address these issues and resubmit their product or facility for evaluation.
Yes, certifications can be revoked if periodic inspections or retests show that the product no longer meets the required standards, or if the standards themselves are updated and the product is not recertified.
Our standards are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect advances in technology, materials, and best practices within the construction industry, typically every two to five years.
Yes, the GFRP Institute offers workshops, webinar and on-site training to help manufacturers understand the standards. This ensures their products meets all requirements.
The Institute serves as an unbiased source of technical information, enhancing the understanding and application of GFRP composites, providing training and education to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, while aiming to create a network encompassing the entire composites value chain. This will promote the growth and development of the GFRP composites industry and their associated industrial and technological application, thereby addressing the industry’s need for reliable, high-performance materials.
Working in collaboration with stakeholders, including universities, standards authorities and partners AF Consulting & Associates, GFRP Tech, mechanical production machinery specialists Composite Tech and the US-based FRP Institute, the GFRP Institute South Africa aims to become the regulatory authority on composite manufacturing and advance the adoption of GFRP composites.
The collaborative partnership between GFRP Institute South Africa and the FRP Institute will foster expansion and specified use of composite reinforcement throughout Africa in a responsible way, by promoting design application in accordance with the most proficient codes and standards available.
Beyond creating a level playing field of material acceptance through FRP Institute auditing as well education and training, the tactical plan created between the FRP Institute and the GFRP Institute South Africa will employ robust programmes for design engineers, contractors and the transportation and building sectors. Specification development of QAQC documents and GFRP acceptance practices will be at the forefront of opening doors for many other manufacturing companies to serve the upcoming needs of South Africa and beyond.
The GFRP Institute will collaboratively operate with the FRP Institute to create a defined culture of quality and stewardship for the local industry, creating opportunities for owners and vendors in South Africa.
Allen has worked on a number of large-scale multidisciplinary construction projects in both the public and private sectors successfully completing over 300 projects.
As the visionary Founder and CEO of GFRP Tech, a ground-breaking company transforming the construction industry in South Africa and Africa through the production and supply of advanced Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) products, Allen has over 20 years of experience in construction and engineering. Allen is also the CEO of AF Consulting Engineers & Associates, a professional structural and civil engineering firm,that has played a pivotal role in shaping both commercial and private sector construction throughout the region.
Driven by a passion for finding alternative building solutions, Allen has dedicated his career to improving construction methods in South Africa. His relentless focus on innovation, led him to the discovery of GFRP, a revolutionary material with the potential to transform the industry. Over the course of eight years, he researched and refined the use of GFRP, positioning it as a game-changing solution in construction for South Africa.
Allen’s leadership is defined by his energetic focus, precision and strong belief in the power of collaboration. He is committed to getting things right the first time, ensuring efficiency and quality across all projects. With extensive experience managing large-scale, multidisciplinary construction projects in both the public and private sectors, Allen has delivered top-notch project management, engineering, and consulting services. Recognising the global value and potential of GFRP technology, he strategically pursued partnerships with trusted local and international stakeholders to bring his vision to life. This effort led to the founding of GFRP Tech, a company already making a significant impact in the industry.
Allen’s focus is to introduce innovative learning opportunities through universities across South Africa, to help with research and development in adapting the use of composite materials, leaving a legacy of dedication, innovation and a commitment to shaping the future of construction and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Prior to the FRP Institute, Richard spent two decades working in the USA to develop certification programs for precast concrete manufacturers and serving as a liaison between the precast industry and federal, state and local transportation officials. In addition to developing longstanding relationships with dozens of Departments of Transportation, he has worked with the Federal Highway Administration, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Corps of engineers and many local governments, specifying agencies and engineering firms.
As CEO of the FRP Institute, Richard brings his expertise to his role as President of GFRP Institute of South Africa.
Anton Ocunev is CEO and founder of Composite-Tech, with more than 15 years’ experience in the field. A studious engineer, Anton has registered more than 100 patents for inventions in the mechanical engineering and composites industries. Under Anton’s leadership, Composite-Tech has quickly grown to become a leader in the GFRP rebar production lines manufacturing industry, with global reach and industry-leading technology.
Jaime Sempere Ontenient, born in Spain and raised in the United States, has dedicated his life to the AEC sector. Starting at a young age, Jaime’s career spans from selling construction materials, being a construction superintendent, to becoming a certified general contractor (GCG1505945) in the State of Florida. Over the years, he built and supervised more than 150 structures, gaining extensive experience in project management. Later in his career, Jaime became deeply intrigued by the digital transformation of the AEC industry. He became highly involved in software communities within the sector, advocating for digitization through BIM as a key component in making the industry more sustainable. Driven by a passion for continuous growth, Jaime is dedicated to learning something new every day.
Professor Innocent Musonda holds a PH.D in Engineering Management and qualifications in Construction Management and Civil Engineering. He is a registered Civil Engineer, a professional Construction Manager and a full member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). He has worked in the public and private sector in Botswana, South Africa and Zambia. He is a researcher, invited speaker, founder and director of the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in the Built Environment (CARINBE) at the University Of Johannesburg. He has served as a chairperson of an international conference series on infrastructure development and investment in Africa from its inception in 2014. Prof Musonda is also a roaming scholar at the University of Toronto, Canada, on the Engineering Education for Sustainable Cities in Africa Project (EESC-A).
Professor Riaan Combrinck obtained his BEng, MScEng and PhD at Stellenbosch University between 2005 and 2016. He was appointed as full-time lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering in 2013. He has published internationally and also locally and leads the Unit of Construction Materials (UCM) at Stellenbosch University. The UCM supports postgraduate students and also provides specialist consultant services to industry, especially related to the testing and development of construction materials. His teaching and research interests are construction materials with a special focus on concrete, the second-most used material in the world, next to water. Currently, his research involves the improvement and better utilisation of each of the material constituents used in concrete, namely water, cement, sand, stone and admixtures. Furthermore, research on defects in concrete as well as the aesthetics of concrete is conducted. The main aim of the research is to facilitate higher-quality and longer-lasting concrete structures.
Steve Sotiralis is the MD of Sotiralis Consulting Engineers, which focuses on structural and civil projects with fields of expertise in structural engineering general building and civil engineering works, design of blast resistant structures, post-tensioned slabs, high rise structures, deep basements, foundations, lateral support systems, steel, concrete and timber structures, retaining walls, bridges and other structures. Sotiralis serves as the Engineer of Record on the GFRP Institute board.
Neels van Rensburg is an accomplished business leader with over 20 years of experience in the supply of maintenance spares to the power generation and related industries. As the Director of Nara Pty Ltd, he has been instrumental in optimising procurement processes and ensuring the reliable delivery of critical components that support the efficiency and longevity of industrial operations. His expertise extends to the evolving landscape of sustainable energy, where he is committed to supporting solutions that enhance operational resilience while aligning with environmental responsibility.
With extensive experience in supply chain management, strategic sourcing, and client relationship development, Neels prioritises quality, reliability, and long-term value creation. He is dedicated to advancing industry practices that contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability, recognising the growing importance of responsible resource management in power generation and related sectors.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Neels is a dedicated family man who values the importance of balance between career and personal life. He finds fulfilment in spending quality time with his family, reinforcing the principles of integrity, commitment and leadership both at work and at home.
An avid outdoorsman, Neels has a deep appreciation for nature and enjoys hunting as a pursuit that requires patience, discipline, and strategic thinking – qualities that also shape his leadership approach.
Guided by integrity, innovation, and a results-driven mindset, Neels continues to lead Nara Pty Ltd toward sustained growth and excellence, ensuring that the company remains a trusted partner in both conventional and sustainable energy sectors.
Preven Naicker is an independent consultant for DPN Consulting. He has previously held the position of Director and Chief Operations Officer and Group Executive. Apart from having qualifications in Architecture and Project Management, he is also a registered Professional Senior Architectural Technologist and a Professional Construction Project Manager with 25 years’ experience in the built environment. Preven has a vast knowledge of the built environment with specialisation in respect of property development, property management, airports, commercial and residential projects.
