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Securex South Africa 2025 — The ultimate destination for solution-driven security

As the demand for smarter, more resilient security solutions continues to grow, Securex South Africa 2025 is the must-attend event for professionals across the security and risk management sectors. Taking place from 3 to 5 June 2025 at Gallagher Convention Centre, the expo brings together leading security innovators, superior technology, and unmissable live demonstrations.

“Co-located with A-OSH EXPO, Facilities Management Expo, and Firexpo, Securex South Africa offers a 360° view of security, occupational safety & health, facilities management, and fire protection solutions — all in one venue,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions — a division of Montgomery Group.

Some examples of the security solutions on display include:

  • The SIMcontrol (Hall 2, Stand C17) platform, which enables seamless, cost-effective management of critical device SIM cards across all major mobile networks, making it ideal for CCTV, alarm systems, access control, and guard tracking devices.
  • Experience the Fog Bandit (Hall 2, Stand A10) in action. Watch as the system engulfs a space in seconds, leaving criminals completely blind and disoriented.
  • ServCraft (Hall 2, Stand F34) business management software is the ideal choice for security installation, repair and maintenance businesses. The company recently launched an industry-first initiative — ServCraft Mastery, an educational platform for security business owners to bring them content, curriculum and coaching to grow their business.
  • The Turnstar (Hall 2, Stand B08) Velocity Raptor is designed to enhance traffic flow and security, offering high-speed operation, to minimise delays for vehicles passing through. The barrier has an optic LED barrier arm for improved visibility, especially in low-light or poor weather conditions.
  • YeboTech (Hall, Stand C13a) specialises in smart key and locking solutions. Unlike traditional mechanical locks, YeboTech’s solutions enhance security by eliminating the risks of lost or duplicated keys, while providing full control over access using the advanced software management platform for remote configuration and monitoring.
  • Amongst other solutions, Hikvision (Hall 2, Stand A01) will showcase its Prime Pass Series speed gates. This new series integrates advanced technologies such as direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) sensors and biometric recognition, combining record acquisition, verification, and control into a single cohesive system to streamline installation and enhance the passing experience.
  • Arteco (Hall 2, Stand D09) is redefining video surveillance with the latest advancements in uSee, its VSaaS solution. The new forensics search engine leverages metadata to instantly locate people, belongings, and vehicles, drastically cutting down search times for faster security responses.
  • iWalkie (Hall 2, Stand B15), part of the RTS Group, specialises in GSM radios for users with more diverse needs. The iWalkie mobile radio features 4G+ network support, GPS tracking, individual calling, duplex calling, panic button and a remote programmable function.
  • PIMA Electronic Systems (Hall 2, Stand D03) offers a comprehensive portfolio of hardwired, hybrid, and wireless alarm systems suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. PIMA offers a cloud-based application for remote monitoring and control, enhancing user convenience and security management.
  • KYR (Hall 2, Stand C22) offers an array of advanced systems, including Hanwha CCTV surveillance, Intercall nurse call systems, Eaton fire alarm systems, FBT public address systems, RBH access control, and Bodet master clock systems.
  • InQuest Forensic Services (Hall 2, Stand C11b) specialises in forensic psychophysiology (polygraphy) as an investigative tool to assist companies and individuals with uncovering the truth in various matters. The company also conducts a range of background checks to support its clients in their pursuit of truth.
  • New Glory (Hall 2, Stand F21) will introduce its tactical anti-ballistic glasses and goggles. Engineered to exceed the US Military MIL-PRF-32432 standards, the eyewear features the exclusive ZeroFog™ Technology, meaning the lenses stay clear even after 30 seconds of hot water exposure, guaranteeing unmatched anti-fog performance.
  • The Docked Drone Solution from 24/7 Drone Force (Hall 2, Stand D14) utilises unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)/drones designed to conduct remote docking station operations. The drone-in-a-box solution takes off, lands, and recharges from a docking station automatically.
  • Avior Labs (Hall 2, Stand F31) will showcase Elevation-G, a next-generation fixed-wing VTOL drone designed for advanced surveillance and security operations. With SilentFly™ technology for covert missions, a dual EO-IR stabilised camera, and real-time video streaming, it delivers high-performance intelligence gathering with exceptional range and endurance. Elevation-G is ideal for defence, security, and critical infrastructure monitoring.
  • Nemtek (Link Node, Stand LN6) will demo its newly enhanced FG7C+ Fence Controller, now with an advanced software upgrade that connects all Nemtek devices, and the Nemtek Connect Portal — a web-based platform for comprehensive site management.

Action-packed visitor attractions

Anderson says that visitors can experience live demonstrations, expert-led competitions, and interactive showcases throughout the event:

    • SAIDSA Techman Competition — Watch South Africa’s top security technicians go head-to-head as they battle for top honours in this high-stakes skills contest.
    • K9 Demonstrations — See highly trained security dogs in action as they showcase their expertise in detection, patrol, and protection techniques.
    • Drone Demonstration Area — Get up close with the latest in aerial security surveillance as drones take centre stage, demonstrating their capabilities in perimeter monitoring and rapid response.
    • OSPA Awards — The Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) recognise excellence across the security industry, celebrating businesses and individuals who go above and beyond in safeguarding people and assets.

“And we mustn’t overlook the free-to-attend Securex Seminar Theatre, in partnership with SMART Security Solutions. Knowledge is power, and the seminar sessions deliver expert insights into the latest security trends, technologies, and challenges,” says Anderson.

Some of the topics visitors can look forward to include:
  • The real impact of AI on security.
  • Remote monitoring with AI.
  • Perimeter security for 2025.
  • The new CCTV draft law.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Local innovation in security.
  • Access control & visitor management.
  • The future of guarding.
  • Reasons to use a registered security company and service provider.

Industry body endorsement

“Securex South Africa is proudly supported by leading industry bodies, reinforcing its status as the region’s premier security event. We have developed long and lasting relationships with respected industry bodies that represent the individuals and organisations that come to Securex South Africa for their security solutions,” Anderson points out.

These include American Society for Industrial Security — South African Chapter (ASIS International), Electronic Security Distributors Association (ESDA), Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa (FPASA), National Bargaining Council — Private Security Sector, Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPA), Private Security Industry Regulation Act (PSiRA), South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA), and South African Security Association (SASA).

Entry into Securex South Africa and the co-located shows is free. To find out more about Securex South Africa, and to pre-register, visit the expo’s website at https://securex.co.za/

Organisations wishing to exhibit at Securex South Africa 2025 can contact the Securex South Africa team on zelda.jordaan@montgomerygroup.com or johan.vanheerden@montgomerygroup.com to book a space or capitalise on a sponsorship opportunity.

See some of the Securex South Africa 2024 highlights

Your invitation to the Lesedi La Afrika Endowment Fund Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner

Your invitation to make a lasting impact starts at SPU

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Sol Plaatje University (SPU) will host its Annual Lesedi La Afrika Fundraising Gala Dinner, on Friday, 16 May 2025 in Kimberley. We invite you to support this fundraising initiative by becoming a corporate sponsor or buying a table through which you can negotiate marketing rights at the event and engage in discussions about a long-term partnership with the University.

SPU seeks to rally support from friends and supporters of SPU, under the inspiring theme of “Sustaining the Future.” All funds raised will directly contribute to scholarships, social impact projects, infrastructure development, and human capital support. This endowment fund will allow the University to set a solid foundation and endow an exceptional institution for future generations.

Corporate and Table Sponsorship Options:

  • CORPORATE SPONSOR: R150 000
    Two front row tables for twenty (20) guests and premier brand placement
  • GALA DINNER TABLE(S): R20 000
    One table for ten (10) guests and branding recognition in the event programme
  • SEAT(S): R2 000
    A seat for an individual guest

Corporate Sponsorship Benefits:

1. Brand Exposure: Your organisation will receive extensive brand exposure through our various promotional channels, including but not limited to our website, social media platforms, newsletters, and event collateral. This exposure will help increase your brand visibility and awareness amongst our growing student body, staff, partners, and alumni network.

2. Reach: You will have the opportunity to directly reach our target audience, including influential players in the higher education sector, and diverse university stakeholders. This will provide a platform to showcase your products/services to a highly engaged and relevant audience.

3. Networking Opportunities: Your company will have exclusive access to networking opportunities with our students, staff, and alumni. This will enable you to build valuable relationships and explore potential recruitment prospects.

Next Steps

We would be delighted to discuss this sponsorship and branding opportunities further and provide more information. Kindly let us know your preferred mode of communication and availability. We can schedule a meeting at your convenience.

For the Lesedi La Afrika Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner enquiries, contact Ms Tshepisho Sebeela: tshepisho.sebeela@spu.ac.za.

We look forward to working together and creating a successful partnership that will positively impact our institutions and enable SPU to change lives and enable brighter futures for all.

Skills Development at the heart of employees’ abilities to adapt to evolving demands in the workplace 

Air Products’ Learning and Development Manager, Zodwa Tomile, is the driving force behind the development of employees and adhering to industry legislation. 

Air Products has implemented numerous programmes over the years to strengthen the company’s Skills Development efforts and to ensure the growth of employees and diversity in the workplace. As a leader in the industrial gas industry, Air Products, like many other businesses in South Africa strive to contribute towards the growth and development of their employees, but more importantly, the South African workforce as a whole. Skills Development no longer only impacts individual businesses, the impact on the economy as a whole is evident.

At the heart of Skills Development, the team who oversees this portfolio ensures compliance to legislation, navigates the company through the complex landscape of Skills Development and ensures that the relevant deadlines are met.

According to Zodwa Tomile, Learning and Development Manager at Air Products, Skills Development plays a critical role in gaining, improving, and expanding the abilities of employees which can be done as formal, informal and on-the-job training. There are numerous advantages of enabling employees to improve their skills set, as it equips them to adapt to changes in the work environment, improves their employability, assists them to achieve their professional goals and it contributes to the overall performance and success of the organization.

Skills Development, a key element within the Human Resources (HR) portfolio

Skills Development plays a pivotal role in HR, specifically within Air Products, as it ensures that the skills and knowledge required by employees are in place. Most importantly, it looks at the trends in the industry / sector in terms of scarce and critical skills, sourcing and implementing relevant interventions. Tomile explains that the industrial gas industry is specialised and technical, which requires a workforce with specific skills sets. It is important to equip the employees with the knowledge and relevant skills they require to function optimally in their roles. Furthermore, Skills Development assists in creating and strengthening a talent pool within the company.

There are numerous advantages of enabling employees to improve their skills set, as it equips them to adapt to changes in the work environment, improves their employability, assists them to achieve their professional goals and it contributes to the overall performance and success of the organization.

Tomile, who joined Air Products in 2016, explains that she has worked tirelessly to change the status quo and the company has experienced positive outcomes as a result, due to the support and buy-in from all internal stakeholders. She further mentions that learners and programme participants are the heart of all the training interventions that they implement.

Unpacking Skills Development and legislation

Organisations within all industries are required to compile and submit the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) / Annual Training Report (ATR) to their respective Sector Education and Training Authority (SETAs). This information is consolidated into the Sector Skills Report, which in turn informs the National Skills Plan. The National Skills Plan determines the skills needs for the country and issues a directive to relevant institutions for implementation.

Skills Development is underpinned by a number of South African regulations such as the Skills Development Act, Skills Development Levies Act, Employment Equity Act and BBBEE Act to mention a few.

However, as an industrial gas manufacturing organisation, Air Products is affiliated to the Chemical Industries Training Authority (CHIETA) Sector Education Training Authority (SETA). CHIETA plays an important role in identifying the skills needs and gaps within the chemical industry and partnering with the industry in addressing those skills/training needs.

The manufacturing industry is constantly evolving, and there is a definite shift from manual assembly lines or techniques towards more technologically advanced automated processes.  In order to be sustainable as an organisation, it is crucial that companies invest in developing its most important resources, the employees.

Skills Development in action at Air Products

Tomile further describes that she compiles and submits the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) to the primary SETA, the Chemical Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) on an annual basis. This report informs the SETA on which training was implemented in the previous year as well as the training planned for the current year. This information is then incorporated into the Sector Skills Plan which determines the priority of skills for the chemical industry which in turn informs the national skills needs (National Skills Plan).

Commenting on the challenges of Skills Development, Tomile comments: “There has been a shift in the Skills Development landscape that came into effect on 1 July 2024. This has brought many changes and challenges in the field, with most, historical qualifications being replaced by QCTO Occupational Qualifications. The introduction of Occupational Qualifications aims to align the learning programmes to the occupations in the workplace, in accordance with the Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) Codes, which is basically a skills-based classification system for jobs in South Africa.”

Even though there are several challenges with regards to Skills Development, Tomile highlights that Air Products has success stories to share. The implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in technical and non-technical fields has yielded the desired results as employees who participated in various learning programmes attained Certificates of Competence and Red Seal Certificates. Through these programmes, the unemployed youth are now permanent employees within Air Products and their Skills Development Absorption Partners. Over the years, they have also partnered with various Skills Development Providers to implement programmes for unemployed learners with disabilities and placed over 80% in permanent employment. Through these initiatives, individuals have not only obtained certificates or qualifications, but there has also been a significant improvement in their self-confidence, increased employment opportunities, and subsequently, improved livelihoods.

Tomile concludes: “As a leader in the industrial gas industry, it is imperative that Air Products, as an organisation ensures compliance to legislation, but more importantly, that we create opportunities for our employees to improve their skills and knowledge in order to excel and contribute to the future success of the company. My axiom is changing lives, one at time, through Skills Development. In the words of J.P. Morgan, the first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

For more information on Air Products, visit www.airproducts.co.za.

Automotive manufacturing: Carbon taxes present a challenge

Ford makes engines in Gqeberha, where it started operating in 1924. Credit: Ford Motor Company

As the South African automotive industry celebrated one hundred years of making cars in the country, two challenges appeared on the legislative and political landscape: European carbon targets and a possible recalibration of policies by the US.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Measurement of the EU will be introduced in January 2026. For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in South Africa, the implications are great. The National Cleaner Production Centre, a subsidiary of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), has offered its services to OEMs to establish whether or not they are meeting the targets.

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has afforded many African countries the right to export into the US almost 7 000 products duty-free. This has been a big boost for OEMs like Mercedes-Benz which sends a lot of its vehicles to the US.

In 2022, countries with AGOA status exported goods to the value of $30-billion into the US, with $10.2-billion of that attracting no duties. With the US and South Africa differing in their respective attitudes to the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, there is a chance that US policy-makers could withdraw South Africa’s status.

On the other hand, the US is also likely to do less trade with China under President Trump and there may be additional opportunities in the US if AGOA can be safely negotiated.

Ford Motor Company started making cars in what was Port Elizabeth in 1924. Today it makes engines in the same town, now known as Gqeberha, and vehicles in Pretoria.

BMW Group has started making the BMW X3 as a plug-in hybrid for export at its Rosslyn Plant in Tshwane. Pretoria is also home to Nissan. The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is a project of the Gauteng Province, the dtic and the City of Tshwane.

The 520 963m² facility of Volkswagen South Africa in Kariega is one of four plants worldwide that makes right-hand-drive Polos but the only one in the world that makes the Polo GTI.

Both the Coega Special Economic Zone and the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) have areas dedicated to automotive and automotive components manufacture and the Automotive Industry Development Centre – Eastern Cape is focussed on growing the sector.

The national Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) has been extended to 2035, 15 years beyond its original expiry date. State support for the industry has helped it thrive, but manufacturers are expected to increase local content levels.

The industry itself is looking to Africa for new markets and is urging national government to release policy guidelines on electric vehicles.

Further online resources:

E-commerce is reshaping the delivery landscape

Electric delivery vehicles are being exported from Stellenbosch. Credit: MellowVans

Last-mile delivery solutions are being sought everywhere as e-commerce continues to grow. Some food retailers have backed old-fashioned motorbikes and some are powering their delivery trucks with electricity, but a Stellenbosch-based company is shaking up the sector with an electric three-wheeler that looks a bit like a taxi you might expect to see on a busy street in Hanoi.

MellowVans already has an impressive list of clients that includes DHL, DOCKR, OK Online, takealot, DPD and Spar. With a carrying capacity of 2 500 litres and a range of about 130km on a single charge, the vehicle offers versatility and low running costs. Although the company did not qualify to be part of the country’s automotive industry support programme because it does not produce in sufficiently high volumes, export markets have opened up in Europe, Egypt and the Middle East.

With the Post Office barely functioning, a rising trend in South African has been the growth of parcel-delivery options. A plethora of companies have sprung up to join the established DHL, DSV, PostNet and RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers, which runs a fleet of 1 600 vehicles. These include Pargo, which has more than 4 000 pickup points around the country, The Courier Guy and D2D. Some companies have taken space in service stations to place dedicated lockers for the delivery and collection of parcels.

Transnet received a loan of R18.2-billion from the African Development Bank in the course of 2024, a signal from the world of finance that efforts to fix the state-owned logistics and freight company are credible. The cost to fix Transnet Freight Rail has been estimated at between R150-billion and R200-billion so there is still some distance to go but a Freight Logistics Roadmap and other planning initiatives suggest that the state and the company are serious in their intent.

Transnet Freight Rail is carrying more cargo.

The CEO of the African Rail Industry Association (ARIA), Mesela Nhlapo, has praised the utility for the “open and transparent manner in which it is managing the rail-reform process”. A recovery plan was adopted in October 2023 and by November 2024 freight volumes had grown by four-million tons with the aim of reaching 170Mt by the end of the 2023/24 financial year.

Revitalising and getting value out of under-used or defunct branch lines, which often used to be the only way of getting a commodity out of a farming or mining district, will be a key indicator of progress. The first round of attempting to get the private sector to invest floundered so getting it right second time around will be especially important.

South Africa has 22 000km of railway lines and 747 000km of roads, 325 019 heavy-load vehicles and the road freight industry employs 65 000 drivers. There are 135 licensed airports in the country, 10 of which have international status. The South African Department of Transport has several agencies and businesses reporting to it. Among them are Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), National Transport Information System, Road Accident Fund, South African Civil Aviation Authority, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and Passenger Rail Agency of SA (PRASA).

Planning is key

In the Western Cape, the administrations in charge of the City of Cape Town and the province have plans to better coordinate transport. The City of Cape Town has conducted a feasibility study on taking over the management of passenger rail services from PRASA. The city wants to have a fully-integrated system, which would include rail. The city’s Urban Mobility Directorate published an updated Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan (CITP), and has strategies and plans for improving the transport environment in the metropole. The Transport and Urban Development Authority (TDA), located within the municipality, is responsible for planning, costing, contracting, regulating, monitoring, evaluating, communicating, managing and maintaining the City of Cape Town’s transport infrastructure, systems, operations, facilities and network. The provincial government has followed the city’s lead with the establishment of a Mobility Department.

Large amounts of money are to be spent on various forms of public transport in the short term. Investments in rapid transit systems in the big metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg are being followed by cities such as Polokwane and Rustenburg. In Limpopo’s provincial capital of Polokwane, operations of the Leeto La Polokwane public transport system were launched in 2021 while Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya has been running since 2009.

There are plans to make more use of Hoedspruit Airport, the airport that is most often associated with the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park. In 2022, 61 000 of the people who passed through Hoedspruit were European tourists but there is potential to increase this traffic substantially. CemAir offers flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town and Airlink connects to destinations such as the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Maun in Botswana and Vilanculo in Mozambique. The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety is working on a strategy to develop the airport to further boost the tourism sector.

The Polokwane International Airport (PIA) is wholly owned by the provincial government and run by the Gateway Airports Authority Ltd (GAAL), an agency of the Department of Transport. It has the potential to be an important regional cargo airport.

Invitation to join the International Trade Seminar

Image by Freddy from Pixabay

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), together with Nedbank, is delighted to invite you to an essential forum focused on the complexities of international trade and boosting the Eastern Cape’s economic growth.

This seminar aims to promote meaningful conversations, the exchange of knowledge and the sharing of experiences concerning trade and economic development.

Our focus will be on ‘Navigating Trade War Turbulence: Alternative Mitigation Strategies for South African Exporters.’ This will be presented by our keynote speaker Dr Martin Cameron. Dr Cameron is an independent consultant & quantitative economist specialising in the field of Quantitative Executive Decision Support modelling, Economic Impact Analysis & Engineering Management Decision Support.

Join us for an insightful discussion, all aimed at driving trade and economic success in the Eastern Cape.

Date: Thursday, 10 April 2025
Time: 08:30–12:00pm
Venue: InvestSA One Stop Shop, 12A Esplanade Street, Quigney, East London

Enquiries: Email llubengu@ecdc.co.za by 31 March 2025. Please advise of any dietary requirements.

Register on the link below:
https://bit.ly/ecdc-nedbank-seminar

DEVAC Infrastructure Summit 2025

DEVAC Infrastructure Summit is the exclusive annual meeting where decisionmakers from the private sector, multinational executives, international investors, African governments, and various other institutions get together to address challenges faced by the Infrastructure Sector in Africa.

This high-level business meeting platform which takes the form of a Conference and Expo, facilitates all participants to share their experiences and to discuss about innovative solutions and potential business partnerships that will help develop or improve the Future of Infrastructure across Africa.

The annual exclusive meeting that connects leading stakeholders in the public and private sectors to address challenges faced by the African Infrastructure Sector and to discuss the way forward of improving the future of infrastructure across Africa.

Find out more: https://infrasfuture.com/

Securing South Africa’s water future: Why skills matter more than ever

Picture sourced: Pixabay

South Africa’s water sector is facing big challenges, and we can’t afford to ignore them. Climate change, ageing infrastructure, and growing demand are putting enormous pressure on our water resources. But here’s the thing, fixing the problem isn’t just about upgrading infrastructure, it’s about having the right people with the right skills to manage, maintain, and innovate in the sector.

That’s where the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) comes in. We’re focused on making sure South Africa has a skilled workforce to tackle these issues in a sustainable manner. Through training programmes, industry partnerships, and regulatory alignment, we’re working to close the skills gap and build a future where water security is a given, not a luxury.

Why skills matter in the Water Sector

South Africa doesn’t have an endless supply of water, and the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan warns that by 2030, we could be looking at a 17% water shortfall if we don’t take immediate action. But this isn’t just about the water itself—it’s about the people managing it. Without skilled professionals to oversee water conservation, distribution, and technology, we will continue to see unnecessary waste and inefficiencies that put our country at risk.

Right now, the country loses over R7-billion in water every year due to leaks and infrastructure failures. More than 30% of municipalities are struggling because they don’t have enough trained water professionals, and nearly 60% of South Africa’s water is used in agriculture, often inefficiently. Overall, 87% of the blue drop tests (182 out of 210 tests) in 2024 point to municipal drinking water that is safe for human consumption.

Technology is offering new ways to tackle these problems, from AI-driven leak detection to smart water management systems, but none of these solutions work without people who understand how to implement them. The water sector doesn’t just need more professionals, it needs highly trained specialists equipped with modern, technology-driven skills to secure a sustainable future.

Regulation 3630: A roadmap for Water Security

To address these challenges, the government’s Regulation 3630 lays out four key principles for sustainable water management, and EWSETA is aligning its skills programmes to match these priorities. Training professionals to conserve and distribute water resources efficiently is critical to preventing further loss and ensuring long-term access and ensuring that these professionals maintain their standard through annual professional development is key.

Technology and innovation are already transforming the sector, but without the right expertise, South Africa risks falling behind in adopting AI-driven solutions for leak detection and digital water monitoring. Finally, strong collaboration between government, industry, and education institutions is essential to continuously develop and build capacity within the current workforce and to develop a pipeline of future water professionals.

What this means for Business

For industries connected to water and infrastructure, addressing the skills gap isn’t just a nice idea, it’s essential. With better-trained professionals, companies can significantly reduce operational costs and cut water losses by up to 20%, saving billions. As global industries adopt AI-driven water management, South African firms need to stay competitive by ensuring their workforce is prepared for these advancements. Sustainability is also an increasing priority for businesses, and those focused on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments need teams that understand responsible water management and conservation.

Companies can take action by working with EWSETA to develop tailored training programmes, offering internships to students, and collaborating with researchers on new water-saving technologies. These initiatives don’t just benefit businesses; they ensure that South Africa remains at the forefront of water sustainability.

The role of universities and TVET colleges

If we want to build a strong pipeline of skilled water professionals, academia must play a bigger role. Right now, there’s limited focus on digital water management in curricula, and many students don’t have access to structured apprenticeships that provide real-world experience. Research funding for localised water solutions is also lacking, which prevents innovative ideas from reaching implementation.

EWSETA is tackling these issues through initiatives like the PoVE Water Management Project with Stellenbosch University, which updates curricula to reflect real-world industry needs. Additionally, Municipal Water Training Programmes are equipping TVET graduates with practical skills, and bursary and apprenticeship programmes are opening doors for young professionals especially women interested in careers in water science, engineering, and sanitation.

Universities and colleges can strengthen this effort by working with EWSETA to develop new water-focused qualifications, offering apprenticeships and placements to students, and collaborating with government and industry on research projects that push innovation in water management.

Government and municipalities: Building capacity for better service delivery

Municipalities are at the frontline of water service delivery, yet many lack the expertise or capacity needed to keep systems running efficiently. Without major investment in skills development, South Africa risks falling into a deeper water crisis. EWSETA is ensuring that its training programmes align with key government policies such as the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP), which calls for 15,000 more skilled water professionals by 2030. Similarly, the National Development Plan (NDP 2030) prioritizes infrastructure development, while the Green Economy Strategy emphasizes building expertise in sustainable water solutions.

Government can support these efforts by expanding municipal training programmes in partnership with EWSETA, introducing policy incentives to encourage private sector investment in water skills, and funding research projects that improve service delivery. These measures will ensure that South Africa has the workforce needed to maintain and develop critical water infrastructure.

A call to action: Let’s build a water-secure future together

Water security isn’t just a government issue, it’s everyone’s responsibility. The choices we make today about training and education will determine South Africa’s water future. Industry leaders must invest in skills development and innovation, universities and TVET colleges should collaborate with EWSETA to create cutting-edge training programmes, and government must prioritise workforce training to improve service delivery.

National Water Month is more than just awareness, it’s about action. The time to invest in skills is now.

You can help secure South Africa’s water future!

Visit EWSETA online at https://ewseta.org.za/ 

Featured image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay – https://pixabay.com/photos/water-pipe-plumbing-pipeline-2852047/

Securex South Africa 2025

While cybersecurity remains a headliner in all media, physical security still plays a dominant role in mitigating risks and reducing the threat to people and physical assets. Staying abreast of current technology is a prerequisite, but can be difficult to achieve, given the ever-changing nature of the technology.

Securex South Africa takes the guesswork and legwork out of finding solutions that address specific organisational and individual needs.

Networking with the knowledgeable exhibitors creates a platform for focusing directly on visitor challenges and issues, leading to a fast resolution of threats.

The expo — hosted over three days from 3 to 5 June 2025 at Gallagher Convention Centre — is once again co-located with A-OSH EXPO, Facilities Management Expo, and Firexpo. This strategy allows visitors to quickly and easily source Africa’s widest showcase of security, OSH, facilities management, and fire safety solutions in one venue.

Find out more: https://securex.co.za/

New engineering capacity is available in Richards Bay

Renewable energy contracts are filling order books. Credit: Bell Equipment

Bell Heavy Industries has been launched. In 2023, Bell Equipment, the manufacturer of well-known yellow Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs), announced that it would be offering services such as complex engineering, heavy fabrication and machining to other companies. In making the point that the company’s staff is well-equipped to offer these sophisticated services, Bell Equipment’s Group Business Development Director, Stephen Jones, noted, “South Africa has seen a huge reduction in engineering companies and in response, we have strategically positioned our South African manufacturing facility to fill this void by providing project engineering and contract manufacturing through BHI.”

Bell’s range of equipment includes Excavators, Backhoe Loaders, Wheeled Loaders, Telescopic Handlers, Skid Steer Loaders and Graders that are used in the mining, earthmoving and agriculture sectors. The company is a notable exporter and was named the overall winner at the 2023 South African Capital Equipment Export Council (SACEEC) Exporter of the Year Awards.

Engineering in South Africa

There is more economic activity in the Northern Cape than many South Africans know about. The towns of Kuruman and Pofadder have no fewer than three Country Hotels properties – each. Many of the professionals staying in these hotels, lodges and inns are engineers, working on an ever-increasing number of mining expansions or solar or wind renewable energy projects.

Another town that might not be a little town for much longer is Kathu. Ensor was contracted by the Provincial Government of the Northern Cape to develop and extend Kathu West with approximately 5 700 stands some years ago. More recently GAP Infrastructure Corporation (GIC) has been doing township developments and road, water network and stormwater projects across the province. The water network project entails installing an internal water-reticulation system that will include reliable house connections, water meters, fire hydrants and isolation valves, providing the community with a stable and secure water supply. The sewer network project aims to install robust uPVC sewer pipes and concrete manholes with heavy-duty covers.

Many South African engineering concerns are filling their order books with renewable energy infrastructure orders, and its not just in the Northern Cape. The Eastern Cape is rapidly becoming known as the “Wind Province” while Mpumalanga is attracting a lot of attention because of the existence of significant grid infrastructure supporting power plants, many of which are due to be decommissioned soon. Solar and wind projects could then get access to the grid cheaply.

The country has ambitious plans to generate more power from solar, hydro-electric and wind plants and fit more rooftop solar panels to houses and businesses. One such project in the Northern Cape, the Redstone Concentrated Solar Thermal (CSP) power plant, represented a substantial foray for Grinaker-LTA’s engineering division into the renewable energy field.

Some of the key aspects which Grinaker-LTA was responsible for included hot and cold storage tank bases, civil works, the steam generation structure and the molten salt pump towers. The 100MW plant is the first project-financed CSP with molten-salt-central receiver in the world. ACWA Power, a Saudi developer, investor and operator of power generation plants, and Chinese engineering company SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Limited, managed the project and they jointly appointed Grinkaker-LTA as the contractor to execute the construction of the project’s critical structures.

Also in the Northern Cape, engineering skills are being expanded by new work associated with radio astronomy. Local artisans from the town of Carnarvon have built telescopes for a radio telescope array project, the 350-dish HERA project, which is led by the US National Science Foundation with the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) acting as the local partner, responsible for systems engineering and construction, among other duties. At one point, the construction team grew to 20 and many news skills were learnt.

When dairy company Clover decided to consolidate its national operations into just four plants, technological expertise was needed to make sure those factories were able to cope with greater demand. One such company was Energy Partners Refrigeration (EPR) who were contracted to tackle a number of issues, including increased power requirements to higher refrigeration load as well as increased steam demand and pressure requirements. The upgrade of the cooling structure featured the installation of a new 10MW ammonia system and 16% of all the electricity used by the new system is generated by solar PV. An innovative aspect of the project is that Clover has a Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) contract, a pay-per-use model that removes the large upfront investment cost as a barrier to improved efficiencies and improved environmental performance.

Marine repair and engineering form a significant sector in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with established companies such as EBH South Africa offering comprehensive services. Both KwaZulu-Natal ports are expanding and will continue to attract engineers.

The Engineering Council of South Africa has a programme where trainees can earn certificates in specific disciplines from a range of institutions. The qualifications are in line with the council’s Exit Level outcomes. Six of South Africa’s biggest construction companies have established a R1.25-billion skills fund.

Further online resources:

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