02/11/2026
Ever wondered why KZN builds in 76mm drywall but Gauteng builds in 90mm? There’s a great story behind it!
Almost 50 years ago, Charles Allison was the big name in SA ceilings and partitions. He was a bearded Englishman who quoted million-rand jobs on the back of a matchbox. If a client liked the price, he’d have his team build a mock-up overnight, ready for them to see at 8am the next morning. Clients loved it! Charles introduced 90mm drywall in Johannesburg and Pretoria, and it became the standard there.
Two years later, our founder Rodney Gould started Rod Gould Shopfitters in Durban and introduced 76mm drywall. It cost less but performed just as well for sound and fire ratings, and KZN made it its own.
That’s why South Africa has two drywall thicknesses today.
Pelican Systems grew out of that KZN story, and we went on to pioneer prefab doorframes and glazing with doors made to suit. Today we supply them for both 76mm and 90mm systems, wherever you’re building.
Need doorframes, glazing or doors for your next project? Send us a message or call our Durban team on 031 563 7307.
