Cover Story
SA mulling new ways to unlock much-needed rail infrastructure investment
By: Schalk BurgerAmid existing initiatives to achieve the correct rail access pricing to make it economically viable for private rail operators to invest, provide services and help State-owned transport agency Transnet to pay off its debt, the most important aspect of getting rail transport to operate at the... →
First Word
South Africa’s minerals investors need good policy and not just policy certainty
By: Martin CreamerSouth Africa continues to have an enviable metals and minerals endowment but very slow reform and communication at regulatory level is not allowing the return to match the endowment. Good policy is needed and not just policy certainty. Critical minerals represent a massive opportunity but so... →
News & Insight
Automotive Industry Transformation Fund distributes R596m to 67 companies
By: Irma VenterThe Automotive Industry Transformation Fund (AITF) has since its inception in 2020 invested R596-million in 67 companies across the automotive value chain, says CEO Jabu Selumane. “Our goal is to support 90 companies by 2029, and we are well on our way to achieving that.” →
Construction mafia remains a major problem, warns MBA North
By: Irma VenterThe problem posed by the construction mafia on the ground remains a major stumbling block in the recovery of the construction industry, and especially its ability to create more jobs, says Master Builders Association (MBA) North executive director Mohau Mphomela. “The construction mafia remains... →
Engineering group completes two major bespoke projects for international mining client
By: Natasha OdendaalMechanical and industrial engineering firm Duys Engineering Group has successfully completed two large projects on time for Dublin- and London-listed international mining concern Kenmare Resources, which operates the Moma titanium mineral mine in Mozambique. The engineering group manufactured 23... →
Kia unveils its long-awaited one-ton bakkie
By: Irma VenterKorean vehicle manufacturer Kia has lifted the veil on its long-awaited one-ton bakkie, the Tasman. The vehicle, the first of its kind for Kia, had its global premiere at Jeddah International Motor Show, in Saudi Arabia, in October. →
New Just Energy Transition matchmaking platform aiming for R600m in grant disbursements in 2025
By: Terence CreamerA new matchmaking platform to directly link providers of grant funding pledged to South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) with domestic beneficiaries is aiming to ensure the disbursement of at least R600-million in grant funding to 20 projects in 2025 and facilitate... →
NTCSA revises latest TDP considering uptick in expected generation capacity
By: Marleny ArnoldiThe National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) has hosted its inaugural Transmission Development Plan (TDP) briefing since starting commercial operation in July this year, with the 2024 TDP reporting higher required transmission capacity installations compared with the prior TDP, in... →
Public–private collaboration needed to tackle South Africa's infrastructure challenges
By: Tracy HancockSouth Africa faces immense challenges in developing and maintaining the infrastructure it needs to support social and economic growth. From water shortages to the energy crisis, no single entity, be it government or the private sector, can address these issues alone. To overcome these hurdles,... →
South Africa needs significantly more energy supply to support future growth
By: Sabrina JardimSouth Africa will only meet its current energy demand requirement by 2040, according to a report by Standard Bank and Cresco Group. The market assessment of South Africa indicates solar PV nd wind installed capacity, utility and rooftop, will increase from 10 GW this year, to 37 GW by 2030 and 77... →
South Africa to seek rise in yearly climate finance pledge to $1.3tr at COP29
By: Terence CreamerSouth Africa will call for the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance to be set at $1.3-trillion yearly during the upcoming COP29 climate negotiations, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. The NCQG is the finance goal that parties to the Paris... →
South Africans mostly keen on EVs, but infrastructure concerns persist – Ford study
By: Irma VenterMore than 40% of South Africans are considering purchasing an electrified vehicle (EV) in the next five years. This is according to a survey by Ford Motor Company, with most respondents preferring hybrid technology. →
Survey probes how online platforms influence news consumption in South Africa
By: Natasha OdendaalWith the imminent release of the provisional report on the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI), the Competition Commission has revealed the results of a survey that investigated how South Africans engage with news across various online platforms. The Competition Commission embarked... →
UK to back rocket engine technology development in SA
By: Rebecca CampbellThe UK government is providing R2-million to fund a cooperative space propulsion technologies programme between the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the University of Glasgow. The funding is being made available through the UK Department of Science, Innovation and Technology. “The UK... →
Zutari, Mpumalanga roads department launch comprehensive road maintenance management system
By: Creamer Media Reporter The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWR&T) has launched a mature, comprehensive system for road maintenance management, consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory practice Zutari infrastructure asset management director Dr Chris von Holdt has said. The road... →
Editorial Insight
Trading in focus
By: Terence CreamerFew would disagree that aggregators and traders will have an important and increasing role in South Africa’s future electricity market. Even in the current environment, where the industry is still at the early stages of transitioning from its vertically integrated past structure to one where... →
Mining Weekly News
Implats commissions 35 MW solar project, expanded smelter at Zimplats
By: Martin CreamerThe commissioning of the solar project and the enlarged furnace complex at Zimplats has positioned this Zimbabwe platinum group metals (PGM) operation to benefit from improved processing capacity, environmental performance and lower energy costs, Implats CEO Nico Muller reported on Wednesday. The... →
Initial findings of Chile’s green hydrogen valley study ‘very promising’, Anglo reports
By: Martin CreamerThe initial findings of the study to ascertain the feasibility of the development of a green hydrogen valley in Chile’s central zone are “very promising”, Anglo American Chile CEO Patricio Hidalgo reported this week. Speaking during Anglo’s half-yearly sustainability performance update, Hidalgo... →
Toyota and BHP trial first battery electric Hilux
By: Mariaan WebbDiversified mining group BHP has partnered with Toyota Australia to use a battery electric Hilux double cab at the Port Hedland operations, in Western Australia. In the trial, the prototype will be used in a range of applications traditionally performed by diesel-powered light vehicles. →