Private train operators could access Transnet's rail network by April 2025, says business development exec

State-owned Transnet Group chief business development officer Yolisa Kani has said calls for applications for private train operators wanting to access the freight rail network are likely to open... 

Data, monitoring needed as water tariff increases threaten to become core business cost

Beyond the challenges to water security presented by population growth, urbanisation, poor infrastructure and water treatment, companies must start measuring their water use throughout their... 

City Power installs long-awaited new 88/11 kV substation in Eldorado Park

Johannesburg utility City Power opened the 88/11 kV Eldorado Park substation on September 3. The new substation, which has been eagerly awaited by the communities since 2015, has four 45 MVA... 

Rare specimen from space precipitates broad research collaboration

The fall of a meteorite in Nqweba, in the Eastern Cape, and the collection of a fragment has led to a joint team of researchers and astronomers affiliated with the Astronomical Society of South... 

Lufthansa launches direct Munich to Johannesburg route

German airline Lufthansa waved off the first flight from OR Tambo International Airport, with one of the airline's new Airbus A350-900's landing at 06:45 and then departing at 08:20 for Munich on... 

Nedbank CIB, SA REIT Association to launch sustainability guide

Financial services firm Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) and industry organisation the South African Real Estate Investment Trust Association (SA REIT) have formed a strategic... 

Good progress on air quality frameworks, but implementation needed

South Africa has a robust framework to manage air quality, as well as regulations and standards that serve as a yardstick for measuring and monitoring harmful emissions. The country also follows... 

South Africa is losing its trade competitiveness edge

Enormous investments are being made in ports, rail and transport logistics in Southern Africa, as well as more broadly in Africa, including by international companies and consortia. "Global... 

Regional integration to make products more competitive, but many challenges remain for Africa

Better transport and trade infrastructure across Africa will make it quicker and cheaper to transport goods, while lower tariff and non-tariff barriers will reduce the cost of goods and increase... 

CSIR showcases locally developed compostable, bio-based plastic products

As part of Women's Month, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials principal researcher Dr Maya John has showcased some of the... 

Woolworths to invest further R17.5m in renewable energy

Retail group Woolworths will make a further R17.5-million worth of investments in renewable-energy projects, which are projected to have a payback period of four to five years. The investment... 

Survey shows renewable energy product affordability is a challenge for SMEs

Consumers and businesses believe there are many competitors in the renewable energy products market, but affordability may be a potential barrier to accessing renewable-energy solutions, which may... 

Interruptions, natural disasters, fire and blackouts the main renewable energy sector risks

The main risk facing companies in the renewable-energy sector in Africa and the Middle East is business interruption, which remains the foremost risk, with 63% of respondents to financial services... 

Uneca discusses reforms to address SOE debt challenges to Africa's growth

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Uneca) hosted high-level discussions about tackling the growing challenges of State-owned enterprise (SOE) debt in Africa, highlighting the vital... 

JRA appointing a new contractor for Lilian Ngoyi street rehabilitation

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is appointing a new contractor to undertake the rehabilitation of Lilian Ngoyi street, after having terminated the contract of the previous contractor Step Up... 

Free State Agriculture highlights crime along Lesotho border to Free State MECs

Agriculture organisation Free State Agriculture (FSA) met with members of the executive council (MECs) in the province to highlight increasing crime affecting communities and farmers on the border... 

AI can help with local data beneficiation, boosting local enterprises

Businesses can use their own data in AI systems to understand their business challenges in new ways and with greater accuracy, which will help them to make different decisions. The use of AI... 

JDA starts renovations and upgrades to Murray Park Library

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has started with upgrades to the Murray Park Library, in Malvern, Johannesburg, which opened in 1957 and has served as a cornerstone of knowledge and... 

A balanced AI governance framework can develop as technology advances

While there remain unknown risks and benefits from the use of AI for economies and societies, there is a need to start regulating the use of AI and this will require a balanced approach that can... 

RFP for TNPA solar plant in East London

State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has published a request for proposals (RFP) for the development of a 3 MW solar power plant at the Port of East London. 

Research shows South African Reit payout ratios on par with international peers

The average payout ratio of South African Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) was 75.6% in 2023 and is expected to reach 78.4% this year. This compares well with the global average payout ratio... 

OptiPower, Coxabengoa JV awarded R1.2bn solar contract for mining company

Energy infrastructure project delivery company OptiPower, which is a trading division of engineering and contracting company Murray & Roberts (M&R), has, in a joint venture (JV) with Spanish energy... 

National Minimum Wage Commission invites inputs for 2025 determination

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) Commission is inviting stakeholders with an interest in the NMW to make a representation of possible adjustments in the policy instrument. The commission is... 

Five arrested for heavy fuel oil theft at Camden power station

Four employees of State-owned utility Eskom and a contractor security guard have been arrested in connection with the theft of heavy fuel oil valued at R500 000 from Camden power station, in... 

Engineer invents manhole protector grid as an early warning system to prevent sewage spills

Civil engineer Chris Nganga Kimaru has developed a manhole protector grid (MPG) solution that uses GSM and Sigfox-enabled Internet of Things sensors and gateways to continuously monitor sewage flow... 

NYDA partners with ALX to develop youth digital and entrepreneurial skills

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has partnered with technology training and career development company ALX to equip South Africa’s youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills. The... 

Mergence provides R160m funding to Solarise Africa for C&I energy solutions

Mergence Investment Managers has entered into a strategic funding partnership with solar energy company Solarise Africa, providing R160-million in investment to be used to advance the deployment of... 

WEG Africa builds substation E-house facility for Sasol's Upstream PSA project in Moz

Electrical equipment manufacturer WEG Africa has completed a large substation E-house solution, which includes distribution transformers and a diesel generator set, for energy and chemicals company... 

Risk from Mpox to travellers in SADC remains low – tourism organisation

The risk of Mpox transmission in Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries remains lower than in many traveller source markets, and typical tourist activities do not put travellers at... 

AMEA signs 300 MW wind project PPA with Ethiopia

Renewable-energy company AMEA Power has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) and an implementation agreement with utility Ethiopian Electric Power for the development and operation of a 300 MW... 

Wits' renovated Flower Hall shortlisted for World Architecture Festival award

The new Flower Hall Examination and Test Centre, on the University of the Witwatersrand's (Wits') Campus West, has been shortlisted in the Creative Reuse category for the World Architecture... 

BLSA calls for the justice dept to immediately provide all Zondo Commission evidence to NPA

Business organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) has called for the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to provide full and complete... 

After third round of municipal wage negotiations, parties to consider 6% wage increase

The South African Local Government Association (Salga) and organised labour have concluded a third round of salary and wage negotiations, with the facilitators’ proposal of a 6% wage increase now... 

CSIR researchers develop plastic pollution tools, policy considerations for South Africa

Researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have unveiled findings from research they have been conducting into ways to reduce plastic pollution, which includes an... 

Sustainable SME funding platform seeks to grow circular economy

Green small business funding digital platform Hloolo aims to close the gap between the funding needs of green and sustainable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and green finance available... 

Open Access Energy secures $750 000 from Factor E Ventures

Grid- and energy-optimisation software company Open Access Energy (OAE) has secured a $750 000 investment from technology innovations venture capital firm Factor E Ventures. The funding marks the... 

Five new tugboats to be added to Durban port operations this week – TNPA

State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has added five new tugboats that are aimed at improving shipping efficiencies at the Port of Durban, as part of its R1-billion investment... 

Mpact acquires equity stake in Africa Tanks, sells Versapak business

Paper and plastics packaging and recycling business Mpact has acquired a strategic equity shareholding in vertical tank manufacturer Africa Tanks to mitigate against drought, watershedding and... 

Wind tower factory boosting Jeffreys Bay

Wind energy company Nordex Energy South Africa, which is building a new wind turbine concrete tower factory in Jeffreys Bay, says the ongoing construction is benefitting the region. “The... 

CSIR showcases locally developed compostable, bio-based plastic products

As part of Women's Month, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Centre for Nanostructures and Advanced Materials principal researcher Dr Maya John has showcased some of the...