Action-driven 2-day Intelligence, Forensics and Prosecution workshop, facilitating investigations and prosecutions of crimes within and against the mining industry and other related sectors.
Speakers include FIC, DPCI, NPA, ISS and SAPS who will share their expert “know-how” in packaging evidence to ensure higher prosecution rates and strengthen collaboration between enforcement entities and private security stakeholders.
Johannesburg, South Africa – 10 September 2024 – Smarter Mobility Africa summit, the leading platform for innovation and advancement in the Africa’s mobility sector, is thrilled to announce our esteemed partners and sponsors who are joining us for the upcoming summit.
2-4 October 2024 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and thought-provoking speakers to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in African mobility. Our partners and sponsors play a vital role in driving innovation and shaping the future of transportation on the continent.
Our esteemed partners include:
Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport: Host Partner
Our generous sponsors include:
Bolt: Green Fleets Stage Sponsor
Visa: Expanding Public Transport Stage Sponsor
IDC: SMA summit Gold Sponsor
Gibela: Rail Stage Sponsor
Gautrain: Platinum & Delegate Bag Partner
GIZ: Gold Partner
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA): Silver Sponsor
InDrive: Women in Mobility Breakfast
Circular Energy: Silver Sponsor
With the support of our partners and sponsors, Smarter Mobility Africa summit is committed to delivering an exceptional summit that will inspire and empower Africa’s mobility community. We look forward to welcoming you to this groundbreaking event.
About Smarter Mobility Africa:
Smarter Mobility Africa summit focuses on creating innovative settings that bring together key stakeholders and decision-makers in an environment where real conversations and connections can happen.
We bring people and organizations together with information, knowledge and expertise to reach the next level of growth and influence in their industry. For more information visit: https://wearevuka.com/mobility/sma-summit/programme/
With more than 1.5 tons of steel and a design that encompasses 17 buildings, the International Fresh Produce Market (IFPM) built for the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) will make a big impact on the agricultural sector in the province.
As of April 2024, site progress achieved was reportedly 97% (The Citizen), and the 29 000m² floor area will soon be put to use trading the province’s produce. Enza Construction, a wholly owned subsidiary of Crowie Holdings, was the main contractor on the project, and Orbic Architects designed the market.
The IFPM is in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), less than 10km from the Central Business District. It is situated within the Maputo Development Corridor (MDC), linking Mpumalanga, Gauteng Province and the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone with the deepwater Port of Maputo in Mozambique.
Agri-hubs throughout the province, led by co-operatives, will be encouraged to supply produce to the IFPM which will give them direct access to new markets and opportunities. In this way, small-scale growers will be better incorporated into the mainstream economy.
Mpumalanga cultivates predominantly tropical and subtropical crops and vegetables such as avocados, bananas, citrus, ginger, granadillas, guavas, litchis, macadamia nuts, mangoes, papayas and pineapples.
Agri-hubs throughout the province, led by co-operatives, will be encouraged to supply produce to the IFPM which will give them direct access to new markets and opportunities.
Among the facilities that the market will offer are open trading halls for fruit and vegetables, a meat, fish and flower market, cold storage, ripening facilities and pallet handling, processing facilities, an export hall and bulk-breaking facilities for retail outlets. Linked services such as customs, transport and logistics, banks and restaurants will support the main activities of the IFPM.
More agricultural infrastructure in the form of an agro-processing facility is planned for the area near the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) and private investors are being approached.
The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, a new body set up to promote the green economy, has published a series of briefing documents on opportunities in various sectors. The Cluster has representatives from government, business and the academic world. With coal mining and coal-fired power stations likely to play a reduced role in the future, Mpumalanga is looking to its other abundant resources for economic growth. The Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism has initiated the Agency to look for increased opportunities in the green economy.
In the Sustainable Agriculture briefing, the Agency identifies investment opportunities in five broad categories within the province:
renewable energy applications
regenerative agriculture
controlled environment agriculture
smart farming
agri-waste management
The South African macadamia industry produced 83 556 tons in 2023, a better crop result than 2022 and much better than the 53 000 tons achieved in 2021. Fully 97% of the crop is exported. Thousands of new trees are being planted every year. In 2022, Mpumalanga was responsible for 37% of the country’s 6 235 new hectares. There are more than 65 000 hectares planted to macadamias in the country. Sophisticated machinery is increasingly being used and data usage is becoming vital for sustainability.
Avocados are not as widespread, but the planting of 800 new hectares annually suggests that global markets are responding well to farms in Mpumalanga and elsewhere. The website of the South African Avocado Growers Association lists 25 companies that export the fruit.
Mpumalanga accounts for about 21% of South Africa’s citrus production and a third of its export volumes, with Valencias being the province’s most popular varietal and Mbombela being the centre of the sector.
Litchis, mangoes and bananas also thrive in the province. Hazyview is an important source of bananas, with 20% of South Africa’s production originating there.
Phez’ Komkhono Mlimi is a provincial government assistance programme providing mechanisation and input support to small-scale and new farmers. Since its inception, the programme has overseen the cultivation of 199 169ha of land and 12 720 food gardens. In the five years to 2024, 37 733 farmers benefitted from the programme, of which 22 505 are women.
Beefing up exports
A major decision for South Africa’s beef exporters was announced in 2024; Saudi Arabia agreed to import again after a long break. Exports for the month of January 2024 represented a seven-year high of 3 225 tons.
Many kinds of cattle thrive in Mpumalanga, including the Ankole breed. Credit: Ntaba Nyoni Cattle Farm
Several factors conspired to keep exports down in the years before 2024, but the conditions to grow the market are very favourable. South Africa has achieved the remarkable feat of switching from being a net importer of beef to an exporter and the beef sector is well segmented with excellent infrastructure all along the value chain.
One of the country’s biggest beef producers and traders, Karan Beef, runs an abattoir in Balfour and in the neighbouring Gauteng province, the company’s Heidelberg farm feedlot is, at 2 330ha, the largest in the world.
The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Land and Environmental Affairs is supporting livestock farmers through the Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme (MESP). Applicants can receive four kinds of livestock, including up to four bulls and 100 heifers for commercial farmers who meet the criteria. In the smallholder category the limit is one bull and 25 heifers whereas communal farmers are entitled to one bull only.
An indication of the suitability of the province for a variety of cattle breeds can be gleaned from the fact that Ntaba Nyoni Cattle runs studs for five breeds, Ankole, Boran, Bonsmara, Nguni and Wagyu. The 5 100ha farm, located near Badplaas, is owned by current South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Founded in 1998 by Pamela Kebine Motlhabi, Tshebedisano boasts a founder with extensive experience in burial societies, funerals, financial management and banking. Pamela Kebine Motlhabi’s tenure as an executive member of the Gauteng and Soweto Funeral Undertakers Association from 2001 – 2007 underscores her leadership in the field.
Pamela was awarded Business Woman of Soweto in 2011 and received the ROCCI Business Woman award from First National Bank in 2011. She also received an award and a painting on behalf of Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 2013.
At Tshebedisano, we are proud of our highly skilled team, committed to delivering services of the utmost quality. Our offerings include a comprehensive guarantee covering both materials and labour, complemented by a diligent maintenance program. Our objective is to provide clients with a seamless, all-encompassing service experience.
Over the past 26 years, Tshebedisano has organised funerals for prominent individuals not only within South Africa but also in neighbouring countries. Our range of services include transportation such as hearses and family cars, provision of coffins, crockery, tents and chairs.
We assist in obtaining death certificates from the Department of Home Affairs, offer undertaker services, provide grave equipment, produce funeral pamphlets upon request, manage grave bookings, and oversee the respectful handling and preservation of the deceased in our mortuary facilities.
The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) Chief Executive Officer, Odwa Mtati, says there is a need for an Oceans Economy Strategy which will encourage further growth, investment, job creation and enhance competitiveness within the sector. Speaking at the Oceans Economy conference held on 22 May 2024, Mtati said collaboration and partnerships are key to the success of implementation of such a strategy.
“Key national strategies have been developed to support the sector: the Industrial Action Plan, Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP), Operation Phakisa (Oceans Economy), Provincial Oceans Economy Frameworks and the draft Oceans Economy Masterplan. From its 2014 launch, Operation Phakisa has provided a blueprint for the development of an overarching oceans economy strategy. Taking into account trends and developments globally and locally, the Masterplan is expected to encourage further sector growth, investment, job creation and enhance competitiveness within SA’s oceans economy based on social compacting,” said Mtati.
Odwa Mtati, CEO of SAIMI.
In a well-received presentation, Mtati said collaboration and partnerships were key to the success of the implementation of the proposed Oceans Economy Masterplan. SAIMI, whose role is implementing interventions to bridge the skills gaps in the maritime sector by facilitating coordination between industry, educators, training providers and government entities, has a network of partnerships and works in collaboration with various organisations. These include maritime companies, research institutions, training providers, international maritime organisations, local NGOs, community groups, industry experts and academic leaders.
Mtati mentioned technological advances, environmental sustainability, global trade shifts, infrastructure development, education, training and workforce dynamics, including regulatory changes and changes in economic environment as the seven key drivers of change for the Oceans Economy.
“These drivers,” said Mtati, “among others, collectively impact on the future of the sector leading towards greater efficiency, technological adaptation and sustainability.” With some of its initiatives already fully operational and some in various stages of implementation, SAIMI has paved a path, and continues to do so, for the successful implementation of Operation Phakisa (Oceans Economy) through the mandate drawn from the national Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to coordinate the education and skills development work streams. The outcomes are tangible.
Some of the major initiatives undertaken by SAIMI are:
The creation of a maritime skills knowledge base which has culminated in skills audits in various sectors such as aquaculture, small harbour, marine manufacturing, oil and gas, marine protection and oceans governance, fisheries and marine transport. This will culminate in the development of a framework for the supply and demand for skills in the maritime sector.
The promotion of maritime research and innovation which has resulted in the creation of a marine research and knowledge management roadmap. The roadmap has paved the way leading to research in marine information technology, maritime indigenous knowledge systems, oil and gas alternative energy, ocean governance, maritime economics and the promotion of small enterprises participating in the Oceans Economy.
Skills, education and training coordination which has given rise to the setting up of the National Seafarer Development Programme to promote seafarer development in the country, supporting maritime qualification and curriculum development, supporting the accreditation process of aquaculture demonstration centres, as well as the training of skippers, small-scale fisheries, Local Economic Development officials and traditional leaders.
SAIMI manages the National Seafarer Development Programme (NSDP), which is funded by the National Skills Fund.
Capacity building: maritime bursary schemes and post-doc grants were introduced, capacitation of TVET colleges to offer maritime qualifications and emerging researchers have also been given support.
Maritime advocacy: work done includes the definition and measurement of the size of the Oceans Economy, maritime awareness programmes, the promotion of the Oceans Economy programmes in coastal cities.
Fairtrade Africa certified products on display at the Change Day event.
As the world faces escalating environmental challenges and growing inequalities, the demand for ethical markets has never been more urgent. Fairtrade Africa’s Change Day hosted on Wednesday, 28 August 2024, themed ‘Navigating a Fairer Future: Harnessing Global Market Dynamics for Ethical and Sustainable Growth’, addressed this pressing need head-on.
This landmark event held at The President Hotel in Cape Town, with a virtual option available for international participants, brought together Fairtrade-certified producers, commercial partners, industry experts, and media from all corners of the world to explore how we can collectively drive the growth of ethical markets.
Change Day brought together leading retailers, wine, cocoa, and coffee producers, trade justice advocates, climate activists, politicians, and development experts for a day of keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions. The aim was to empower stakeholders to leverage global market dynamics for more sustainable growth.
Mr. Isaac Tongolaat, Executive Director, Fairtrade Africa.
Addressing the urgency of evolving ethical markets
The rapid globalisation of trade has brought both opportunities and challenges, especially for producers in the Global South. The growth of ethical markets is crucial in ensuring that these farmers and producers receive fair compensation, work under humane conditions, and contribute to our environment sustainably.
As traditional market structures struggle to keep pace with the needs of millennial and Gen-Z consumers who demand equity and transparency, Fairtrade emerges as a crucial solution – promoting fairness from farm to store shelf.
“Sustainable change is not just an option; it’s a necessity. With climate change, resource depletion, and social inequities threatening the future of our planet, it’s imperative that we rethink how we do business,” comments Isaac Tongolaat, Executive Director at Fairtrade Africa.
This year’s Change Day delved into actionable strategies that align with the global push for sustainability, addressing topics like value addition, e-commerce, and evolving market regulations as well as finding more attractive ways to entice younger people into farming and ensuring the sector’s long-term economic and environmental sustainability. The discussions highlighted the role of women and youth in driving these changes, showcasing success stories that prove sustainable growth is achievable.
Paul Colditz, Commercial Director, Fairtrade Africa, South Africa.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with leading industry figures who shared their insights on navigating the complexities of today’s global markets, from understanding emerging trends to adapting to new regulations. The event also provided a platform for producers to share their perspectives on expanding their reach in an ever-evolving market landscape.
The dialogue, knowledge, and strategies shared at Fairtrade Africa’s Change Day represent a positive step toward shaping the future of ethical and sustainable trade, ensuring it becomes the norm rather than the exception.
For more information please visit www.fairtradeafrica.net or contact s.ndlovu@fairtradeafrica.net
The Bellville Business Expo is back for its second annual run, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Originally set for August, the event has been rescheduled to 17 and 18 October 2024, offering local businesses and working professionals an extended opportunity to explore growth avenues and expand their networks.
From established business looking to scale or entrepreneurs eager to break into new markets, the 2024 Bellville Business Expo is the ultimate gateway to business and networking opportunities. Held at the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre Arena, this event is more than just an exhibition; it’s a platform where local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from Bellville and surrounding areas can showcase their products and services while unlocking new business potentials.
What’s in store for attendees
The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) ensures a focus on economic development in one of the region’s key investment areas and the expo is designed to foster connections that matter. Attendees can expect to engage with buyers, financial and funding providers, and business development experts, all while exploring a diverse range of industries, from technology and finance to hospitality and retail.
“The City of Cape Town recognises that SMMEs are at the very heart of employment growth and innovation. We know that access to a network of funders, clients and skills resources is one of the most important aspects of helping businesses to grow their operations and that is why we are proud to support the GTP in hosting the 2024 Bellville Business Expo. Last year’s event was a great success and helped turn the spotlight on a variety of local businesses. This year, we are expecting an even bigger expo!” said Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.
This year, the 2024 Bellville Connect Level Up Business series will also make its debut, offering participants a chance to compete, gain exposure, and access the resources they need to propel their businesses forward. This series is all about empowerment, providing tools and knowledge to help businesses not just survive but thrive in a competitive marketplace.
“Last year’s Bellville Business Expo was a resounding success, with 300 businesses and industry leaders coming together to share insights, forge new partnerships, and explore growth opportunities. The event attracted prestigious sponsors such as Sanlam, TUF, and Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, solidifying its reputation as a leading business gathering, and we anticipate similar high-calibre support in 2024. Several businesses also walked away with growth packages, mentorship partnerships, and branding prizes totalling R142,000 and the stakes are even higher this year, with potential rewards even greater,” commented Warren Hewitt, Chief Executive Officer at the Greater Tygerberg Partnership.
It’s not too late to join the Bellville Business Community
Don’t miss out on the chance to level up your business and your knowledge. By attending the 2024 Bellville Business Expo, you’ll not only gain access to a vibrant business community but also join Bellville Connect — a valuable platform designed to help you grow your business and network. This is more than an event; it’s an investment in your business’s future.
By Felix Spies, Founder of Siyafunda Education Foundation
Introduction
In an era where technology touches every aspect of our lives, the lines between technical and non-technical fields are increasingly blurred. No matter your career path, whether in business, healthcare, education, or the arts, a fundamental understanding of coding and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) literacy has become indispensable. This article explores why coding and STEM skills are essential, even if you don’t plan to work in tech, and how they empower individuals to navigate and thrive in a technology-driven world.
The integration of technology in all careers
The pervasive influence of technology has transformed industries across the board. Whether it’s precision farming in agriculture, data analytics in finance, or digital marketing in retail, technology is now a core component of virtually every profession. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, over 50% of current work activities could be automated using existing technologies. This means that regardless of your field, having a grasp of coding and STEM literacy is crucial for staying relevant and competitive.
In South Africa, for example, the integration of technology into traditional industries like mining and manufacturing has necessitated a workforce that is not only familiar with these tools but also capable of leveraging them for improved efficiency and innovation. Globally, this trend is mirrored in the rapid adoption of digital tools across sectors, making coding and STEM skills increasingly valuable in non-tech fields.
Coding as a bridge to understanding and applying STEM concepts
At its core, coding is about problem-solving. It teaches logical thinking, structured approaches to challenges, and a methodical way of working—skills that are directly transferable to any field. For instance, in the healthcare industry, coding can be used to create algorithms that improve patient care through better data management and analysis. Even in the arts, coding can be employed to develop interactive digital media or manage large-scale creative projects efficiently.
Beyond problem-solving, coding fosters critical engagement with technology. It enables individuals to not just use digital tools but also understand and optimize them for specific tasks. This level of engagement is particularly important in STEM fields, where the ability to critically assess and adapt technology can lead to significant innovations. For example, in environmental science, coding can be used to model climate change scenarios, helping researchers make more informed decisions.
The intersection of coding, STEM, and interdisciplinary applications
The true power of coding and STEM literacy lies in their interdisciplinary applications. In fields like business and management, coding can streamline operations, enhance financial analysis, and support strategic planning. A 2022 report by Harvard Business Review highlighted how businesses that incorporate coding into their decision-making processes can better harness the power of data to drive growth and innovation.
In the humanities and social sciences, coding and STEM concepts are increasingly being used to analyze large datasets, conduct complex research, and create new forms of digital media. For example, social scientists use coding to analyze social media trends, while historians might employ data visualization techniques to present historical data in more accessible ways. These applications demonstrate that coding and STEM literacy are not confined to traditional tech roles but are invaluable across a wide range of disciplines.
Preparing for the future: Lifelong learning and technological adaptability
As technology continues to evolve, so too must the skills of the workforce. Coding and STEM literacy provide a foundation for lifelong learning, equipping individuals with the tools they need to adapt to new technologies and changing job roles. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to learn and apply new skills quickly is a key determinant of career success.
This adaptability is particularly important in the context of South Africa’s evolving job market, where youth unemployment remains a significant challenge. By investing in coding and STEM education, the country can cultivate a workforce that is not only skilled but also versatile, capable of thriving in a variety of industries. Globally, this adaptability is echoed in the increasing demand for workers who can seamlessly transition between roles, driven by a deep understanding of both technology and STEM concepts.
Siyafunda Education Foundation’s role in promoting coding and STEM literacy
The Siyafunda Education Foundation (SEF) has been at the forefront of promoting coding and STEM literacy among South African youth. Through various programs, SEF has empowered students with the skills needed to excel in a technology-driven world, regardless of their career aspirations. These initiatives have not only improved educational outcomes but also helped bridge the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern workforce.
SEF’s efforts align with global development goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability, SEF is preparing the next generation of workers to meet the challenges of the future head-on. The success stories emerging from SEF’s programs underscore the transformative power of combining coding with STEM education, creating opportunities for students across a broad spectrum of fields.
Conclusion
In today’s interconnected and technology-driven world, coding and STEM literacy are no longer optional—they are essential skills for success in any career. Whether you’re planning to work in healthcare, business, the arts, or any other field, understanding coding and engaging critically with STEM concepts will equip you with the tools you need to innovate, adapt, and thrive. As technology continues to shape the future, those who embrace these skills will be well-positioned to lead in any industry.
The development of small businesses can help to fight unemployment in South Africa, which has soared to a record 33.5%, according to data recently released by Statistics South Africa. Recognising this and reflecting the group’s commitment to helping SMMEs (small, medium and micro enterprises) to flourish, Absa will once again host the annual Absa Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Expo and Absa Smart Supplier Conference in Gauteng.
Kgalaletso Tlhoaele, head of Enterprise Development at Absa Group
Taking place on 10 and 11 September 2024 in Midrand, these are South Africa’s largest and longest standing events aimed at connecting local suppliers to corporate supply chains and educating and uplifting small businesses. They form part of the 18th annual Smart Procurement World Indaba. More than 200 SMMEs will showcase their products and services at the expo.
At the conference, senior buyers will outline the various processes that are essential to access their markets. Business experts will be available at an SMME Helpdesk to answer pressing questions and help small businesses to address challenges and identify opportunities.
The event also features an SMME Clinic offering training and networking assistance. Supplier MatchUp sessions will give SMMEs a chance for one-on-one interactions in which to ask buyers questions about their processes and to make themselves known. The buyers will benefit, too, by having the opportunity to build their base of competent, reliable SMME suppliers.
An open day on 11 September 2024 will enable all visitors to attend the event’s knowledge hub session and reap the benefits of business-to-business networking.
The not to be missed sessions at this year’s conference include the compelling opening keynote by Steven Sajja, co-founder and technology partner at Bora Growth Partners. He will examine the state of the South African business landscape and share his insights and advice on how small businesses can overcome the current challenges and leverage opportunities.
Strategies for small businesses to successfully access market opportunities will be explored by a panel of experts in one of the important panel discussions. The panelists who will share their experience and expertise are Preshan Rambridge and Michal Pillay from Absa Group, Brad Watridge from Hot Mustard Africa, Este Pretorius from Boost Sales and Lemoen Marketing’s Berdine Smit. The discussion, moderated by Elmarie Goosen, founder of The Clinic with Purpose, will include tips for successful networking, marketing and building relationships with potential clients.
“The Absa Enterprise and Supplier Development Expo in partnership with Smart Procurement World reinforces our dedication to leveraging smart procurement practices in an effort to create an inclusive economy and is aligned with our strategy to be a force for good in everything that we do,” comments Kgalaletso Tlhoaele, head of Enterprise Development at Absa Group.
“We see financial inclusion as an opportunity for substantial impact and believe that by bringing all the key players in the procurement ecosystem together, we can open windows of opportunity for SMMEs and other beneficiaries to connect with corporate buyers, service providers that facilitate access to markets and potential partners,” he states.
Smart Procurement chief operating officer Debbie Tagg urges all SMMEs to attend the Absa ESD Expo and Absa Smart Supplier Conference. She stresses that these events also offer a vital opportunity for corporates to support, empower and connect with small businesses, for their own benefit and for the country and economy. “South Africa’s Small Business Development Department is committed to reform that will drive small business growth. Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has said that her department will ‘direct its energies to reforms that unlock the potential of SMMEs’. However, accessing markets and sustainable contracts remains a critical challenge for small suppliers and businesses in South Africa.
“Absa, in partnership with Smart Procurement World, aims to address this and ensure that SMMEs have the skills, knowledge and connections to access their markets and contribute to economic growth as proficient, corporate ready suppliers.”
Tagg notes that there has been an upward turn in buying trends this year. “With the difficult years that followed the pandemic behind them, SMMEs are re-engaging and showing a positive appetite for market opportunities. We need to accelerate the development of small businesses now and leverage their power to fight unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth,” she concludes.
This year’s Absa ESD Expo and Smart Supplier Conference event partners are Afrimat, BP, GEMS, Maskew Miller Learning, NTT Data, PPECB, Proudly SA, Sasol, Siemens and Gauteng Treasury.
The lift at Graskop Gorge is proving a great attraction. Credit: Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA)
A regional overview of Mpumalanga Province
By John Young
The general elections of 2024 prompted reflections in many spheres on three decades since the first democratic elections were held. In March 2024, Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane’s State of the Province address listed many consequential changes that have occurred in Mpumalanga in that timeframe:
Population increased from 3.3-million to 5.1-million
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew from R46-billion to R530-billion
Off very low levels, 87% of households have access to piped clean water
93% have access to adequate sanitation
More than 94% of residents have access to electricity
Mtsweni-Tsipane, who was succeeded as provincial premier by fellow ANC member Mandla Ndlovu, was elected by the government of national unity (GNU) as the new chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
More change is coming to the province in the next 30 years. Mpumalanga is often thought of as the Coal Province or the Power Station Province. These are fair assessments, given the number of coal mines and coal-fired power stations the province hosts. Of course, Mpumalanga is also the province where six of the nine gates are located that allow access to the Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s greatest tourism assets.
Stainless steel, gold, chemicals, dairy and beef, agriculture in many varieties, huge forestry plantations and processing plants – these are also distinctive characteristics of the “Place of the Rising Sun”.
The sun is a great source of energy, but for Mpumalanga, it is wind power that is in full flow.
Wind power
The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) published a “Winter Energy Outlook” in May 2024 in which it noted that South Africa now has wind power capacity of 2GW, potentially powering approximately 3.6-million households annually.
Two major projects, one in Mpumalanga and one on behalf of companies that will use green power in the province, are highlighted in the SAWEA document: Seriti Green’s Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm in Mpumalanga, which will generate 155MW as part of the project’s initial phase of a broader 900MW renewable energy cluster, and the Impofu cluster of wind farms in the Eastern Cape which will generate a combined 336MW to supply two major industrial companies, Sasol and Air Liquide. These projects bring a combined 491MW and R13.5-billion investment.
The country’s wind project development pipeline currently stands at 32GW, and with Mpumalanga now joining the ranks of provinces offering wind farms, that pipeline is sure to grow. These and other renewable energy projects will not only provide power but also help the province and the country along the road to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly economy.
In pursuit of that goal, the Provincial Government of Mpumalanga has established the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency to bring together government, academia and industry to create the environment for businesses to develop in a green economy.
The Cluster, an initiative of the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism with the support of GreenCape and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has joined the International Cleantech Network, a group that has 15 000 businesses affiliated to it across the globe.
National utility Eskom is also moving into the new era, partly through a process whereby the entity will be broken into three more competitive units, but more immediately through the announcement of 18 winning bids from independent power producers (IPPs) for renewable projects on Eskom land, 4 000ha of which the utility has made available for this first phase. Eskom owns 36 000ha in the province. A total of 1 800MW will become available to the grid and it will be cheaper to transmit because the solar or wind plants will be right next to the existing Eskom transmission lines.
A Mine Water Coordinating Body (MWCB) has successfully been launched to help manage the after-effects of the closure of mines and power stations. The bad results of one such water leakage are dealt with in the Mining Overview.
Many of Mpumalanga’s coal-fired power stations are either in the process of being closed or will shortly be shut down and the same is true of some coal mines that have reached the end of their lives. Eskom, together with mining houses Exxaro, Glencore and Thungela Resources, formed the MWCB to address environmental and socio-economic challenges that might arise.
Issues such as water also fall under the ambit of a broader mine-industry related coalition known as the Impact Catalyst which has been launched in Mpumalanga.
The University of Mpumalanga’s reputation grows as its campus and its programmes expand. It will make a greater contribution to the province’s economy in years to come. Credit: UMP
Investment options
Several infrastructure investment projects in the tourism sector have been put forward by the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA).
There is a special focus on BRICS countries and the province has welcomed more than one new flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport since 2022, including Safair and the tourist division of Lufthansa, Eurowings Discover.
The TRILAND partnership with Eswatini and Mozambique is another avenue, as is the collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal, Eswatini, Mozambique and the Seychelles.
MEGA is an equity investor in several Mpumalanga concerns, including Afrimat, Highveld Fruit Packers, Kangwane Anthracite, Loopspruit Winery and Tekwane Lemon Farm.
In the Nkangala District Municipality, a public-private partnership is due to deliver a hotel and conference centre in the town of Middelburg in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality. This follows the opening of a Safari Hotel by Radisson in Hoedspruit, on the edge of the Kruger National Park.
Elsewhere, mining and timber companies are making large investments in increased production or in extending the life of mines.
A major concern for provincial planners is to diversify the economy and to grow the manufacturing sector. The Mpumalanga Economic Growth and Development Path (MEGDP) identifies beneficiation, agro-processing and the development of value chains as priorities. Various industrial parks are planned which will focus on agriculture and forestry, mining and metals and petrochemicals. An International Fresh Produce Market in Nelspruit and the planned Nkomazi SEZ (Special Economic Zone) are other priorities.
Steel and associated manufacturing remains one of the province’s strong suits and Mpumalanga has rich and varied mineral resources and fertile soil that support diverse farming operations, agro-processing and forestry. The province also hosts large companies in the manufacturing sector such as Middelburg Ferrochrome and the Manganese Metal Company.
The province’s rich agricultural produce is used by companies such as McCain, Nestlé and PepsiCo and there are also pulp and paper plants (Sappi and Mondi), with PG Bison greatly increasing its production capacity at its Mkhondo particleboard plant after two investment injections of R600-million (on a press and forming line) and R560-million (on a front-end dryer).
York Timbers is another forestry company and the sugar mills and refinery of RCL Foods (formerly TSB Sugar) along with fertiliser facilities and textile manufacturing concerns are all contributors to the provincial economy.
Sappi’s Ngodwana Mill not only plays a vital role in the provincial economy but is an innovator in biomass energy. Credit: Sappi
The southern half of the eastern limb of the platinum-rich Bushveld Igneous Complex runs south towards the towns of Lydenburg and Machadodorp. Deposits of chromite, magnetite and vanadium in this area are the basis of the ferro-alloy complex in Witbank-Middelburg and Lydenburg.
The town of eMalahleni is the centre of the coal industry. Other minerals found in the province include gold, platinum group minerals, chromite, zinc, cobalt, copper, iron and manganese.
Middelburg is home to Columbus Stainless, South Africa’s only producer of stainless steel, and several big engineering works. It is about 130km from Pretoria and less than three hours’ drive from the Malelane Gate of the Kruger National Park.
The Kruger National Park remains the province’s most-visited asset but the decision by UNESCO to afford World Heritage Site status to the Makhonjwa
Mountains near Barberton will boost geological tourism to the province and supports the efforts of the province to diversify its offerings. Major projects to improve tourist experiences are underway at the Graskop Gorge (where a transparent lift takes tourists into the depths of the gorge), a Skywalk is to be built at God’s Window and a cable car is planned for Three Rondavels.
The international body’s decision has also had the effect of expanding the curriculum at the University of Mpumalanga. On the basis of the UNESCO ruling, UMP has a new offering in geology as part of a BSc degree.
The spectacular Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga Province. Credit: MEGA
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