Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
13 April 2025 | 14:45 CAT

Keybrick in action at a low-cost. (Image – Facebook)

A collaboration between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and SMMEs is breaking new ground in addressing South Africa’s housing crisis—quite literally. Through a partnership with USIT and Keybricks, the team has developed an environmentally friendly, low-cost RDP house constructed using a unique, Lego-like “Keybrick”.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, CSIR’s Aubrey Muswena explained, “The house is being prototyped to test if the block—and by extension, the house—is fit for purpose. These bricks reduce virgin material input, and no cement is needed between layers.” Made from 70% recycled material, including glass waste and construction rubble, these bricks are pressure-formed, significantly reducing water usage and cement content.

Unlike conventional bricks, the Keybricks interlock tightly, ensuring durability even under force. Muswena recounted an incident where a worker attempted to dislodge a brick by kicking a wall. “He couldn’t move a single brick. With the roof on, the vertical pressure just locked everything into place,” he noted.

This innovation not only targets the housing backlog but also promotes job creation. Glass bottles collected across KwaZulu-Natal, often stored in bulk bags, are not recycled as assumed. “There’s a misconception that this glass is being reused. It isn’t. But with our project, it will be,” Muswena explained.

Moreover, the system requires minimal skill to erect. “We put up an RDP house from foundation to roof in just seven days—with one person doing it,” he said. The bricks also feature internal cavities that allow concrete and rebar to be added for additional reinforcement, making them suitable for retaining walls and paving too.

Still undergoing certification with Agrément South Africa, the Keybrick holds promise to reshape not only how RDP houses are built but also who builds them—bringing green innovation and economic potential to communities that need it most.

Further parts of the interview are expected to reveal how this initiative could transform waste management and informal employment across the country.

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam International with Annisa Essack and Aubrey Muswena here.