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Kganyago sees South African inflation dip creating policy space

By: Bloomberg 10th October 2024 South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said inflation could fall below 4% in coming months, creating more room for action after officials cut interest rates in September. ‘We expect the next two or three prints; that they could have a three handle on them and that provides policy... →

Steenhuisen vows more targeted approach to resolving food security challenge

By: Marleny Arnoldi 10th October 2024 About 20-million South Africans, or 63% of households, are food insecure, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen revealed at the unveiling of the results of the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (NFNSS) on October 9 The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development... →

Broad recognition of need for, benefits of, metals industry's transition to a low-carbon pathway, but funding limited

By: Schalk Burger 10th October 2024 Representatives of South Africa's metals and engineering industry and government have emphasised the need to transition the industry to a low-carbon pathway and discussed the benefits this would bring in terms of competitiveness and sustainability. There is, however, also acknowledgement that... →

DFFE international governance and resource mobilisation chief policy adviser Stuart Mangold; Danish Industries project lead Clara Halvorsen; Danish Industry ESG and sustainability senior adviser Dr Vibeke Huge Rehfeld; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Narend Singh; and Danish Industry CBAM expert Anna Ipsen Nielson

Court blocks top Africa port deal as Maersk contests award

By: Bloomberg 9th October 2024 A South African court temporarily blocked a deal between the nation’s state-owned logistics firm and a company owned by Filipino billionaire Enrique Razon to expand and run sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest container port after AP Moller-Maersk challenged the award. Maersk unit APM Terminals was among... →

Cost-competitiveness to underpin surge in global renewables roll-out to 2030 - IEA

By: Terence Creamer 9th October 2024 Led by solar PV, renewables are poised to transform electricity systems across the globe this decade, with the world on course to add more than 5 500 GW by 2030, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA’s) ‘Renewables 2024’ report states. Such additions would increase global renewable electricity... →

IEA executive director Fatih Birol

Commission approves acquisition of DCT 2 SPV

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 8th October 2024 The Competition Commission has approved the proposed transaction whereby International Container Terminal Services (ICTS) intends to acquire Durban Container Terminal (DCT) 2 Special Purpose Vehicle, with conditions. The acquiring firm is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and the... →

$21bn increase in off-grid solar investment needed to facilitate universal energy access

By: Darren Parker 8th October 2024 A $21-billion increase over current investment levels is required to realise the off-grid potential of solar power to contribute to universal energy access, according to the latest ‘Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report’ (MTR) 2024, published on October 8 by the World Bank’s Energy Sector... →

Opinion: Non-profit gas aggregation imperative for South Africa

8th October 2024 In this opinion article, Industrial Gas Users’ Association of Southern Africa CEO Jaco Human makes the case for pursuing gas aggregation on a non-profit basis, while also urging Eskom and Sasol to collaborate with industry in crafting a solution that is in the national interest. →

Industrial Gas Users’ Association of Southern Africa CEO Jaco Human

South African antitrust body faults grocers over high food costs

By: Bloomberg 8th October 2024 South African food producers and retailers have been slow to pass on the effects of declining cost pressures to cash-strapped consumers, an issue that may warrant further investigation, the nation’s antitrust agency said. Cost pressures are easing because of an end to rolling power outages, the... →

Township Retail Investment Summit 2024 held to highlight township retail potential

By: Schalk Burger 7th October 2024 The Township Retail Investment Summit (TRIS) 2024 event, held at Alex Mall, in Gauteng, highlighted the rising importance of township retail as a key driver for the country’s economic future. Sponsored by financial services firm Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) and hosted by real... →

Ramokgopa convinced ‘sweet spot’ will be found to unlock Independent Power Transmission projects

By: Terence Creamer 7th October 2024 Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has expressed confidence that government and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) are close to finding the “sweet spot” that will facilitate the integration of private Independent Power Transmission (IPT) projects. Such... →

Eskom Holdings chair Mteto Nyati, NTCSA chair Priscillah Mabelane and Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa joins hand in front of a new ceremonial statue displaying a handshake, unveiled during the official launch of NTCSA on October 7

NTCSA chairperson Priscillah Mabelane speaks with Engineering News Editor Terence Creamer about the role of the new State-owned grid company, its immediate priorities, and the approach NTCSA could take to Independent Power Transmission projects. Recording and Editing: Shadwyn Dickinson. Recorded: 7.10.2024

South Africa’s emissions to peak in 2024, reach decade low in 2030 – report

By: Darren Parker 7th October 2024 South Africa’s overall emissions will reach their peak this year and will be followed by a downward trend that will culminate in the lowest emissions this decade in 2030, the draft first 'Biennial Transparency Report' (BTR) shows. The BTR, which was published by Forestry, Fisheries and the... →

South African, Botswana Ministers vow to simplify trade

By: Marleny Arnoldi 7th October 2024 The governments of South Africa and Botswana have committed to strengthening economic ties between the two countries and reducing barriers that impede the free flow of goods. During a meeting between Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi and Botswana Trade and Industry... →

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi and Botswana Trade and Industry Minister Mmusi Kgafela

Mavuso lauds Operation Vulindlela progress with Transnet

By: Marleny Arnoldi 7th October 2024 As government continues to drive structural reforms through Operation Vulindlela, Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso says in her latest newsletter that private sector participation continues to strengthen. She highlights a major recent milestone of Operation Vulindlela having been... →

South Africa’s reindustrialisation requires collaboration between multiple sectors

By: Darren Parker 4th October 2024 To achieve reindustrialisation in South Africa, collaboration across industries is crucial, Kearney metals and mining global lead Igor Hulak said during the second day of the Joburg Indaba, in Johannesburg, on October 3. He emphasised that reindustrialisation "cannot be done only by one industry... →

Seifsa president sees new political climate as opportunity to revive metals sector

By: Terence Creamer 4th October 2024 Steel and Engineering Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) president Elias Monage has described the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) as an opportunity to revive the metals and engineering sector by fixing the basics and raising infrastructure spend. In an address... →

Steel and Engineering Federation of Southern Africa president Elias Monage

South Africa fires up diesel turbines to keep power cuts at bay

By: Bloomberg 4th October 2024 Eskom has been using diesel-fuelled auxiliary turbines extensively to stave off power cuts in South Africa following delays in restoring some generation capacity. The utility fired up the units after 2 685 megawatts of capacity failed to return to service on September 23 as planned, Eskom said in... →

Govt, business set 3% growth target for 2025

By: Creamer Media Reporter 4th October 2024 Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the partnership previously formed between government and business to tackle loadshedding and other crises; the launch of a second phase of this partnership and the areas of focus; and some of the potential risks to this partnership. →

Govt, business set 3% growth target for 2025

Protests should not come at the cost of economic stability, Busa says as Cosatu strike looms

By: Thabi Shomolekae 3rd October 2024 Business Unity South Africa (Busa) expressed concern over the planned October 7 nationwide protest by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), saying recurring protests, using “outdated” National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) certificates, place undue strain on... →

R273m govt-funded Orion tank farm in Gqeberha unveiled

By: Darren Parker 3rd October 2024 The Orion Engineered Carbons (OEC) tank farm project, in Zone 7 of the Coega Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, has officially been unveiled. Trade, Industry and Competition chief director of infrastructure Justice Ngwenya, who addressed the official launch, said the... →

Opinion: Danish-South African energy cooperation to unleash just energy transition in grid-ready regions

3rd October 2024 South Africa has some of the best resources for wind and solar energy in the world. However, the country battles with grid constraints in areas with higher wind speeds, and little renewable-energy deployment in areas with available grid. The Danish-South African energy cooperation addresses these... →

South Africa business activity accelerates in Sept as inflation eases, S&P PMI shows

By: Reuters 3rd October 2024 South Africa's private sector saw an uptick in growth in September, driven by a rise in business activity and a significant cooling of inflationary pressures, a survey by S&P Global showed on Thursday. The S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) climbed to 51.0 in September from... →

Phillips says Transnet not yet on track to meet 193Mt rail ‘stretch target’

By: Terence Creamer 2nd October 2024 Meeting the 193-million-ton rail stretch target set under the newly launched second phase of the partnership between business and government would require a significant amount of work and collaboration, Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips has acknowledged. Speaking at the Joburg Indaba a day after the... →

A Transnet Freight Rail train on the Sishen-Saldanha iron-ore corridor

South Africa nominates Bajabulile Tshabalala for AfDB president

By: Schalk Burger 2nd October 2024 South Africa’s Cabinet formally endorsed development finance institution the African Development Bank (AfDB) senior VP Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala as its nominee for the role of president of the AfDB in August, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced. In line with the AfDB’s rules and... →

South African CEOs see ‘green shoots’ as economic mood improves

By: Bloomberg 2nd October 2024 Sentiment about South Africa has improved since the formation of a coalition government but the nation needs to be cautious about complacency, according to chief executive officers at two of the nation’s biggest financial-services companies. While “the sentiment has changed,” not very much has... →

Photo by Donna Slater
Discovery CEO Adrian Gore

Gauteng province planning to convert six hostels into 2 000 family units – Kubayi

By: Schalk Burger 2nd October 2024 The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements is undertaking detailed planning for the eradication and conversion of six hostels owned by the provincial department to 2 000 family units, Human Settlements Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi said in a written response to questions in the National Council of... →

Sanral's management of some provincial roads ensures lower costs for users – Creecy

By: Schalk Burger 2nd October 2024 Road users are benefiting from lower fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, as well as lower costs for the repair or replacement of vehicle parts and cargo damaged while driving on provincial roads that have not been adequately maintained. These economic benefits stem from the transfer of certain... →

Transnet Academy forms railway education partnership with UCT, UP

By: Schalk Burger 2nd October 2024 The State-owned Transnet Academy has concluded a five-year partnership agreement with the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Pretoria (UP), which will help it to enhance technical capacity, develop reliable safety standards and deliver superior customer service. The Faculty of... →

Low-emission hydrogen project approvals double, but demand and cost uncertainties weigh

By: Terence Creamer 2nd October 2024 A new International Energy Agency (IEA) report shows that the number of low-emission hydrogen projects to have advanced to a final investment decision (FID) stage doubled over the last 12 months, representing yearly production of 3.4-million tonnes. These FIDs are split between green-hydrogen... →

South Africa’s reforms in spotlight as nation woos investors

By: Bloomberg 2nd October 2024 South Africa will need to expedite reforms that can boost economic growth to sustain investor inflows that have flooded in since the formation of a coalition government, according to the world’s largest investment banks. Since the African National Congress aligned with business-friendly parties... →

Deputy President Paul Mashatile

South African rand softens, global markets focus on Middle East tensions

By: Reuters 2nd October 2024 The South African rand weakened slightly against a stable dollar in early trade on Wednesday, as markets worried about rising tensions in the Middle East. At 0803 GMT, the rand traded at 17.3975 against the dollar, about 0.1% softer than its previous close. →

TNPA issues request for information for multipurpose terminal at Mossel Bay

By: Darren Parker 2nd October 2024 State-owned Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has initiated a request for information (RFI) process for a multipurpose terminal (MPT) at the Port of Mossel Bay’s Quay 4 precinct, in the Western Cape. The RFI calls on interested parties to submit proposals to design, develop, finance,... →

Port of Mossel Bay

Growth target of 3% set for 2025 as business and government relaunch partnership under GNU

By: Terence Creamer 1st October 2024 A second phase of the partnership launched between government and business to tackle South Africa’s electricity, logistics and crime crises has been launched under the Government of National Unity (GNU), with an immediate goal of raising growth to over 3% from 2025. Speaking at the launch in... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the relaunch of the partnership between government and business at the IDC's offices in Johannesburg

Impact of US election outcomes on global climate change efforts ‘overblown’, Olver says

By: Darren Parker 1st October 2024 Fears around what the outcome of the upcoming US Presidential elections will mean for the green energy transition and fight against climate change are somewhat overblown, Presidential Climate Commission executive director Crispian Olver has said. “We're all on tenterhooks for the outcome of the... →

Presidential Climate Commission executive director Crispian Olver

Deputy environment minister stresses the importance of PPPs in sustainability initiatives

By: Sabrina Jardim 1st October 2024 With climate change, resource scarcity and socioeconomic disparities facing South Africa, adopting sustainable practices can help reduce carbon footprints, conserve natural resources and create healthier, more resilient communities, said Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister... →

Nersa committee recommends licensing of four more traders, batting away Eskom objections

By: Terence Creamer 1st October 2024 The electricity subcommittee of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has recommended the approval of four more electricity trading licences, dismissing the objections raised by Eskom’s distribution division during hearings in July. The recommendation that GreenCo Power Services,... →

South Africa courts UK investors to fund infrastructure plans

By: Bloomberg 1st October 2024 South Africa’s infrastructure development agency has restructured its pipeline of planned projects to make them more attractive to the private sector as state officials court investors in the UK. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is leading a ministerial delegation on a weeklong roadshow to London,... →

Deputy President Paul Mashatile

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