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Fair prices for a fairer future

Fair pricing helps smallholder farmers survive. Photo: John Young

Smallholder farmers and workers are the backbone of global food production, supplying nearly one-third of the world’s food. Despite their essential role, these farmers and workers are often trapped in cycles of poverty due to unfair global market practices that undervalue their work and products. Now, more than ever, fair pricing is critical to securing their livelihoods, building resilient communities and addressing global challenges like food security and climate change.

In South Africa, there are over two-million smallholder or household farmers compared to just 35 000 commercial growers. Many of these smallholder farmers depend on their land not only to feed their families but also to produce surplus crops for trade or income. However, their hard work and vital contributions are under increasing threat.

“Farming sustains 40% of the global population, particularly in rural areas where it is the primary source of income,” says Paul Colditz, Commercial Director at Fairtrade Africa. “Smallholder farmers, who manage plots often smaller than 10ha, compete in global markets under extremely challenging conditions. Without fair prices, they face precarious livelihoods that limit their ability to invest in sustainable practices or protect against climate risks.”

In South Africa, these challenges are compounded by the changing climate. Extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, heatwaves and excessive winds, are becoming more frequent. These events damage crops, erode soils and reduce the ability of land to sustain grazing livestock or support crop yields. This not only affects local food security for millions but also undermines the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Fair pricing offers a solution. Fairtrade’s minimum price model ensures producers receive a baseline safety net when market prices drop, enabling them to cover basic needs and reinvest in sustainable farming methods. Additionally, long-term contracts foster stability and empower farmers to plan ahead, weather crises and combat climate-related challenges.

“Fair pricing isn’t just about economic justice,” Colditz explains. “It’s about ensuring that the people who grow our food have the dignity of a sustainable livelihood and the means to contribute to a healthier planet.”

Fair pricing offers a solution. Fairtrade’s minimum price model ensures producers receive a baseline safety net when market prices drop, enabling them to cover basic needs and reinvest…

Fairtrade Africa urges businesses, policymakers and consumers to support initiatives that advocate for equitable pricing and partnerships with smallholders. Together, these actions can secure better futures for millions of farmers and a more resilient global food system.

The latest “Be Fair Right Now” initiative shines a spotlight on the urgent need for change, calling for immediate attention to
the inequities smallholders face and challenging stakeholders – from consumers to businesses – to demand fairer practices in supply chains.

Now in its second year, Be Fair Right Now invites South Africans to rethink their buying choices to support fairer pay as well as gender equality, environmental sustainability and climate action. Through Fairtrade’s interactive online quiz, participants can discover the impact of their current purchases and explore practical ways to support Fairtrade-certified products that pay smallholder farmers fairly.

“Fairness in trade affects us all. Without thriving smallholder farmers, South Africa’s food security and rural economies are at risk. Fair pricing strengthens communities, reduces poverty and promotes sustainable agricultural practices essential to combating climate change,” Colditz reiterates.

To participate, South Africans can visit Fairtrade’s campaign page, take the quiz and discover how their choices can support fairer prices for essential commodities like sugar, coffee and tea.

Be Fair Right Now: https://www.befairrightnow-sa.org

Top 12 priority infrastructure projects in South Africa

An LNG Import Terminal is to be built at Richards Bay. Photo: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)

Infrastructure South Africa

Since 2020 South Africa has had a coordinating body for infrastructure known as Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), which reports to the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission.

The biggest event in ISA’s calendar is the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA). A highlight of the 2024 symposium, the third holding of the event, was the first publication and release by ISA of a construction book which lists all the infrastructure projects to be initiated by government and state-owned companies (SOC) during the 2024/25 fiscal year. Other highlights of SIDSSA were the unveiling of the Infrastructure Fund Pipeline and updates on the progress of the Strategic Integrated Projects as Gazetted in 2020 and 2022. 

This year, Infrastructure South Africa hosted SIDSSA on 26 – 27 May 2025 at the Century City Convention Centre in Cape Town. The event provided key progress updates on the country’s infrastructure pipeline.

During the symposium, the second edition of the Construction Book was launched, featuring over 250 projects valued at more than R268 billion—nearly double the value of the previous edition. In addition, the top seven catalytic projects were announced for project preparation support, benefiting from a first-of-its-kind R600 million funding allocation to accelerate their implementation.

Here are the ISA top 12 priority projects:

  • Healthcare Infrastructure Programme (national)
  • Education Infrastructure Programme (national)
  • Ngqura Port Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), Eastern Cape
  • Project Ukuvuselela (high-capacity rail for automotive sector), Gauteng-Eastern Cape
  • Amatola Bulk Water Augmentation, Eastern Cape
  • Nkomazi Special Economic Zone, Mpumalanga
  • Namakwa Special Economic Zone, Northern Cape
  • Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Import Terminal (Richards Bay), KwaZulu-Natal
  • Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 1, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Eskom Tubatse Pumped Storage Scheme, Limpopo
  • Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works Phase 2, Gauteng
  • Reinstatement of Mossel Bay GTL Refinery, Western Cape (pictured below)

For more information, visit Infrastructure South Africa online: https://infrastructuresa.org/

Mossel Bay GTL Refinery at night. Photo: Petroleum Agency SA (PASA)
Explore Infrastructure Projects in South Africa here

The case for an independent water and sanitation regulator in South Africa

Water is a strategic national resource and a constitutional right in South Africa. Yet the sector is in deep crisis. Over 100 municipalities are functionally distressed, non-revenue water averages 47% and consumer trust in public service delivery is eroding. These challenges point to the absence of a strong, independent regulatory framework that can enforce standards, regulate tariffs and protect consumers and service providers.

This article aims to present a case for an independent water and sanitation regulator rooted in legal precedent, policy direction and international best practices.

Regulatory fragmentation

South Africa’s water-sector governance is split across multiple levels of government, with regulatory functions spread between the Department of Water and Sanitation, municipalities, provincial departments and the Treasury. This creates overlaps, gaps and inconsistent standards enforcement. The current Water Services Authority (WSA) model allows politically governed municipalities to act as service providers, blurring lines of accountability.

There is an urgent need to establish an independent water and sanitation regulator in South Africa.

An independent regulator would provide technical continuity and depoliticised oversight, ensuring a consistent application of water laws and performance standards.

Learning from domestic precedents

South Africa has successful regulatory bodies in other strategic sectors. These include the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA, which is tasked with regulating telecoms and broadcasting. It is a regulatory body that has improved access, competition and tariff fairness.

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is another example. The NNR provides independent licensing and safety enforcement for nuclear energy via the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, NECSA.

Both institutions demonstrate that independent governance, secured funding and clear statutory mandates can ensure regulatory credibility even in high-risk sectors.

Ramateu Monyokolo is Chairperson of the Rand Water Board and Chairperson of the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA).

Global comparisons

Countries with similar developmental contexts have instituted independent regulators with demonstrable benefits including NWASCO in Zambia, which uses a licensing regime and performance reporting to drive efficiency, ERSAR in Portugal which oversees quality, pricing and planning in a transparent and consultative framework and the UK’s Ofwat. The last-named entity is a global model for tariff review, investment guidance and long-term capital planning.

Political momentum: the Indaba mandate

The Presidential Water and Sanitation Indaba (March 2025) highlighted regulatory reform as a top priority. Recommendations included the need to establish an independent regulator to oversee tariffs, standards and licensing.

The Indaba further suggested that institutional profession-alism required strengthening and that service delivery should be ringfenced from politics.

The other main recommendation related to adopting integrated, climate-resilient infrastructure planning frameworks.

Proposed mandate and structure

An independent regulator should be empowered by national legislation with the authority to:

  • License water-service providers.
  • Review and approve bulk and retail tariffs.
  • Monitor and enforce technical and service standards.
  • Provide a dispute-resolution mechanism for consumers.
  • Publish annual performance audits and benchmarking reports.

The regulator must report to Parliament, be funded independently from service providers and operate transparently.

Conclusion

Water governance in South Africa demands a shift from decentralised discretion to institutional integrity. An independent regulator is not a cure-all, but it is the cornerstone of a sustainable, equitable and accountable water sector.

The time to regulate is now.

Inviting more people into learning through play

The new V&A Waterfront LEGO Certified Store.

The concept of learning through play was front and centre when the V&A Waterfront LEGO Certified Store opened in Cape Town in 2024.

The company’s Middle East and Africa General Manager, Kristian Imhof, was on hand to celebrate the occasion and underlined the education theme when he said, “The new LEGO Certified Store in Cape Town underlines our commitment to South Africa and inviting more people into learning through play.”

Care for Education’s play-based approach encourages collaboration and innovation.

The famous brand name is derived from a combination of two Danish words meaning “play well” and the connection between learning and playing has been made ever since it was founded in the Danish town of Billund in 1932.

At the opening, to demonstrate the power of play were representatives of the Cape Town-based Play Sense School and the Care for Education organisation, an NPO that is a partner of the LEGO Foundation. Both Shannon Witten of Play Sense School and Brent Hutcheson stressed the benefits of the tactile experience.

Care for Education’s Hutcheson added, “LEGO play encourages creativity and problem-solving in children, empowering them to explore, learn and unleash their imagination through simple yet impactful play.”

Kristian Imhof, Shannon Witten, teacher and owner of Play Sense School in Cape Town, Brent Hutcheson from the Care for Education organisation, Robert Greenstein, Great Yellow Brick Company director.

Imhof worked in South Africa from 2017 to 2021, with responsibility for Sub-Saharan Africa. For a long time LEGO sets were available through general toy shops in South Africa, the trademark having been registered as early as 1976. “Our LEGO shops began in 2018,” remembers Imhof, “and we opened six in six years.” A first Cape Town store opened in 2019 in Canal Walk.

LEGO play encourages creativity and problem-solving in children, empowering them to explore, learn and unleash their imagination through simple yet impactful play.

Of the Waterfront store, Imhof says, “We always wanted to be here but it is super-hard to find a space. It is one of the most reputable malls, and the numbers are very good.” Opening new stores depends on finding the right location, something that the toy manufacturer’s South African partner, Great Yellow Brick Company, is constantly on the lookout for. Great Yellow Brick Company owns all six of the South African stores and it runs an online store.

Kristian Imhof, LEGO Group Middle East and Africa General Manager.

Imhof reports that the group does own some stores in the USA, Germany, the UK and the Nordic countries but the licence model is followed in most of the world. In other African locations such as Kenya and Nigeria, partnerships are mainly with distributors, rather than stores.

The LEGO Group currently has no plans to build a LEGO Land in Africa, but something within a shopping centre like a LEGO Discovery Centre might well be on the cards. Imhof refers in this context to a “smaller, structured play” environment.

New products are doing well, according to Imhof, including among adults. “We have quite a success among LEGO User Groups (LUGs),” he says. “They make their own concepts and designs and display them at events.”

Flowers and super-heroes are popular but among South Africans, cars are especially popular, Imhof reports: “South Africans love cars, everything related to them is popular!”

Sustainability

Sustainability is a word that every company has to think about today. Imhof says that the concept is being carefully considered: “We want to make a brick that moves away from the old days.”

Workstreams within the company are tackling issues such as packaging, the composition of the bricks themselves and the circular economy more generally. Regarding packaging, Imhof says that the plastic bags which have numbers on them will be replaced by paper bags.

On the bricks: “We are working on recyclable plastic; we want to find sustainable plastic.” Various options are being tested, including using sugarcane as a material.

On the circular economy, Imhof asks, “What happens to bricks that are not being used any more. Couldn’t we take them back into the cycle? Gift them perhaps to people who can’t afford new ones.”

An obstacle to a scheme like that is that so many people treasure their LEGO sets. “True,” responds Imhof, “but there are other owners where it probably just sits somewhere.” There is a scheme in the UK where the company offers to take Lego bricks from people who are no longer using them. They are then recycled and put back into use.

“The logic of that,” says Imhof, “is that more and more as a company, we are asking how we can take care of all the physical and material things.” In building a circular economy, brick by brick.

We are working on recyclable plastic; we want to find sustainable plastic. Various options are being tested, including using sugarcane as a material.

About the LEGO Group

The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine.

The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark, in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well”. Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. However, its products are now sold in more than 120 countries worldwide.

Frigair Expo 2025

Where Hot Meets Cool at Frigair Expo 2025

From blazing innovation to chill tech — this is where HERVAC gets seriously cool!
4-5 June 9am-5pm & 6 June 9am-4pm | Gallagher Convention Centre

Join us at the epicentre of HERVAC evolution — where the hottest ideas and coolest solutions come together to power business growth.

The HERVAC sector has seen rapid advancements in technology and techniques in recent years — driven by the growing focus on indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and the urgent global push to address climate change. As a key contributor to progress in energy use and refrigerant innovation, the sector continues to play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Find out more! Visit https://frigairexpo.co.za/

Bellville steps into the spotlight

Alderman James Vos at the signing ceremony.

The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) has been named as the official content partner for Bellville in the City of Cape Town’s award-winning Content Partnership Programme for 2025, powered by the Destination Marketing Unit. The official 12-month contract was signed at a ceremony held on Thursday, 10 April 2025, marking a pivotal moment for Bellville’s story to reach the world.

This announcement positions GTP as the strategic destination promoter for the region, charged with capturing and sharing the pulse of Bellville, its people, places, and possibilities, with global audiences.

Having GTP as the City’s content partner for Bellville forms part of a broader effort to unlock Bellville’s potential as a thriving secondary city, not just for Cape Town, but for South Africa and beyond.

Now in its second year, the City Cape Town’s Content Partnership Programme is redefining destination marketing in Cape Town. Rather than pushing out centrally produced campaigns, the City is empowering a diverse network of trusted partners – including iconic attractions and local institutions like Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, and the Two Oceans Aquarium – to share real, homegrown stories. These are then amplified through highly targeted digital campaigns across international markets.

This year, Bellville joins that network, and GTP will be at the forefront – showcasing the dynamic life of the city’s second largest Cape Town metropolitan node to local and international visitors and investors.

“Bellville is more than just a place you pass through, it’s a place you arrive in,” says Warren Hewitt, CEO of GTP. “It’s alive with movement, ambition, and culture – ripe with opportunity. This partnership is our chance to share the true spirit of Bellville as a place where ideas take shape, futures are built, and people connect.”

GTP CEO Warren Hewitt at the signing ceremony.

Telling Bellville’s story to the world

Located at the heart of Cape Town’s transport network, Bellville is one of the most accessible places in the metropole and a rising hub of opportunity. With 350,000 trips made daily through the city’s busiest transport interchange, three major universities, 150 schools, Tygerberg Hospital (Africa’s second-busiest), and some of the fastest internet connectivity in the Western Cape, Bellville is fast becoming a key destination for those looking to live, work, study and invest in the Mother City.

It also sits just minutes from Cape Town International Airport and serves as a vital intermodal hub to the Port – giving it both a physical and strategic edge.

“Bellville is more than a city and it’s on the move, powered by people with purpose. What makes it exciting is not just its infrastructure, but its people – entrepreneurs, students, artists, and families, who all shape their own futures here. GTP gets to share Bellville’s essence and opportunities with the world,” adds Hewitt.

As part of the programme, GTP will share quarterly content including photos, videos, and written pieces that highlight Bellville’s unique offerings. This content will be amplified globally via paid campaigns across platforms like Facebook and Instagram, targeting specific international markets by interest, language and location.

This announcement positions GTP as the strategic destination promoter for the region, charged with capturing and sharing the pulse of Bellville, its people, places, and possibilities, with global audiences.

But the partnership goes beyond content alone. GTP will regularly host other members of the content network, offering immersive experiences that open a window into the heart of Bellville. These visits are designed to build stronger relationships, inspire collaboration and spark new, authentic narratives, often captured spontaneously by those on the ground.

This aligns with GTP’s evolving identity centred on creating better places for people. Rather than a traditional top-down model of area promotion, GTP’s approach is human-first, amplifying real voices, real work, and real change.

Looking ahead

Having GTP as the City’s content partner for Bellville forms part of a broader effort to unlock Bellville’s potential as a thriving secondary city, not just for Cape Town, but for South Africa and beyond. Bellville’s time is now, and the world is invited to watch, listen, and be part of the story.

For more information visit www.gtp.org.za and follow @the_gtp on social media.

Mine Security Conference 2025

The 4th annual Mine Security Conference will bring together large scale mining companies, organs of state, public and private security forces and technology providers. The theme of this year’s conference: Improving security risk management in SA by applying an integrated and multifaceted approach.

Join the 2-day conference on 25 & 26 June at the Indaba Hotel to collaborate on solution to the deteriorating security conditions effecting mines and discuss united efforts to protect mineral resources and infrastructure through intelligence-led interventions.

Expert industry line-up of speakers include:
  • Lt Gen Seswantsho Godfrey Lebeya, National Head The Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI)
  • Mjr Gen Ebrahim Ahmed Kadwa, Provincial Head: DPCI Gauteng  
  • Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner, Border Management Authority 
  • Dr. Mandla Zembe, General Manager (Security Executive) Rio Tinto, Richards Bay Minerals
  • Dr Lyle Pienaar, Executive: Risk And Security, Pan African Resources
  • Thys De Beer, Group Security And Forensic Investigations Manager: SA Operations Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd
  • Dr. Riaan Van Der Westhuizen, Manager Security, Radiation & Communities Palabora Copper
  • Hulme Scholes, Director Malan Scholes Inc.
  • Johann Fourie, Bid Manager: Risk & Solutions BIDVEST PROTEA COIN
  • Heico Kühn, COO, UAV and Drone Solutions UDS (Bidvest Aviation and Security Cluster)
  • Theo Pouroullis, CEO, Safer City Group
  • Prof Kris Pillay, Dept of Criminology and Security Science School of Criminal Justice College of Law UNISA (Chair)

SAPS has also recently joined to be part of the panel discussion on a multisector approach.

For more information:

Tailored solutions are building a reputation for excellence

Photo: Dominik Vanyi, Unsplash
What is your business/career background?

Impenduloyezwe Projects was born from both divine inspiration and a strong foundation in project management, mining and construction. In 2021, I registered the company with the belief that God had given me both the vision and the name, which means “the answer for the nations”. With a background in business and digital technologies and over a decade of hands-on experience in the mining sector, I brought together a capable team and established a company focused on excellence and impact. Our growth has been driven by strategic planning, faith and invaluable mentorship that challenged me to grow as a business leader.

How did Impenduloyezwe come to be formed?

The vision for Impenduloyezwe was rooted in purpose. I was inspired spiritually, but also practically equipped through years of industry experience. My mentor played a pivotal role in shaping my leadership, instilling in me the importance of discipline, planning and execution. He introduced me to strategic networks and taught me the value of meeting deadlines and upholding integrity in business. These influences, coupled with a desire to build something transformative, laid the foundation.

What were the most challenging aspects of starting the business?

One of the biggest hurdles was establishing myself as a credible CEO, especially after years of being known as a project manager. Despite my experience, I had to build new relationships and prove myself to stakeholders. Accessing funding was another challenge, especially in an industry that requires significant upfront investment in equipment and operations. Even after securing some funding, converting that into contracts and long-term opportunities required persistence, resilience and an unwavering belief in the vision.

What do you offer that other companies don’t?

What sets us apart is our ability to integrate multiple services under a single project-management structure, allowing for streamlined operations and reduced downtime. Our clients benefit from our agility, reliability and in-depth understanding of site logistics. We take pride in delivering tailored solutions that align with our clients’ operational goals and compliance standards.

Is one part of the business growing faster than others?

Our drilling services have been a standout area of growth. We’ve built a reputation for efficiency and reliability, often exceeding performance targets. This has led to repeat business and strong references from major mining clients. Our work at various mines has been praised for its efficiency and we’ve built lasting relationships through our ability to meet and exceed client expectations.

How is the mining sector performing?

Mpumalanga presents robust opportunities. The coal sector alone contributes significantly to the local and national economy. Mining houses have created platforms for local businesses to thrive, especially through their Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD) programmes. We see a future filled with opportunity and we’re positioning ourselves to meet that demand.

How many staff do you employ, and are there growth opportunities for them?

We currently employ 15 staff members. Empowering our team is part of our mission. With over 20 years of combined industry experience within our leadership, we provide an environment that encourages learning, mentorship and professional growth. We aim to raise future leaders, not just employees.

Mr Humphrey Makhubu, CEO of Impenduloyezwe Projects
Where do you currently operate?

Our operations are currently based in Mpumalanga, with plans underway to expand into Limpopo and North West provinces. We’ve developed strategic plans to build a national footprint and be a leader in mining support and infrastructure development. Our growth isn’t just measured in revenue or contracts – it’s reflected in how many lives we uplift, the jobs we create and the legacy we’re building as a company rooted in purpose, service and excellence.

Biography

With a background in project management, business leadership and digital technologies, Humphrey Makhubu combines technical knowledge with strategic insight. A Global Business Award recipient in 2024, he is also a passionate philanthropist and ordained Apostle, driven by a mission to build businesses that impact communities and create opportunities for youth and women.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16v3.

Driven forward by aspiration

At Impenduloyezwe Projects we work towards establishing a highly dedicated organisation which emphasises teamwork and encourages creativity. We back our actions with thorough planning and organised implementation.

We constantly strive to enrich ourselves and our people with knowledge and experience. Impenduloyezwe was founded by Humphrey Makhubu, in 2021. It has employed over 20 people and has been efficient in all the services that it provides.

Impenduloyezwe aims to dominate the mining and construction sectors with black excellence. Although it comes from a very underdeveloped community, it has thrived beyond all limitations set against it. It has grown over the borders that are limiting any of its success and the record of work shows how much we pride ourselves in delivering and rendering the best services in the areas that we specialise in.

Services
  • Blasting: mining
  • Construction: road and general building
  • Drilling: production drilling
  • Plant and equipment hire: dump trucks, front-end loaders, excavators, water bowsers
  • Construction
  • Plant and equipment hire
 

Vision and mission
  • To become a nationally recognised and preferred supplier and service provider, by the private sector, government and civil society.
  • To become a self-sufficient client-centred business enterprise by the dawn of the second decade of the 21st century.
  • To become a world pioneer in projects that create jobs, specially targeting women and the disabled.
  • To provide employment and training of local unskilled men, women and the youth.
Values

Uncompromising safety; environmental stewardship; operational integrity; technical excellence; community commitment; people and performance. Our strength lies in our people. We foster a culture of respect, collaboration and continuous improvement, empowering our teams to excel.

Principles

Compliance and accountability; innovation with purpose; transparency in action; ethical-resource development; client-focused delivery. We work with clients, deliver customised solutions and meet project timelines without compromise.

Leadership

We lead by example, enhancing people’s vision towards the big picture and fostering an environment that empowers and encourages calculated risk-taking. We create a dynamic organisation where all are motivated towards our shared vision and becoming future leaders.

Open to change

We remain open to positive change and offer the framework for our people to learn and innovate constantly while taking proactive decisions, adapting to every change.

Empowerment

We believe in delegating authority to create an environment in which our people take decisions with responsibility and accountability to achieve our Mission and Vision.

Unique selling proposition

The company is youth owned and has accomplished great things within its short life of two years. It has the best executive team with experience of over 15 years in the mining sector and over four years in the construction sector. Best service provider with great references.

Customer base
  • Mining sector: Seriti, Exxaro, Thungela, Mzimkhulu, Glencore
  • Government sector: Eskom, AEMFC

Projects

Past seven years:
  • Phola Taxi Rank: consulting services
  • Ogies Road construction; project management
  • RDP houses; consulting on housing renovation (damage caused by mine blasting); part-time project management
  • Plant hire: Beryl Coal (headed supply chain)
Recent projects:
  • Floodlights, LED supply: Tokata Coal
  • Drilling services: Exxaro (Liyema Drilling)
  • Consulting services: Muna 4by Trading enterprises
  • Plant hire: Beryl Coa

Contact details

Address: 56 Tshili Street, Phola Location, Emalahleni, Mpumalanga
Tel: +27 65 885 7824

Email: info@impenduloyezweprojects.co.za
Website: https://impenduloyezweprojects.co.za/

Mine Security conference takes aim to improve security risk management in SA

Illegal mining is estimated to cost the economy well over R60-billion a year, but has much further implications on SA’s economy and overall social standing. As reported, syndicates and illegal miners have no regard for the health and safety of others or the laws that regulate the industry. In contrast, “desperation for jobs” is the cause and effect voiced by humanitarians and communities. As with all conflicting situations and opinions one thing is sure: it has a deteriorating effect on the mining sector.

The planned 2-day Mine Security Conference, organised by SA-owned business Pinpoint Stewards, is taking place 25–26 June 2025 and will bring the top industry experts and stakeholders together to collaborate under the theme: Improving security risk in SA – a multifaceted approach.

“Unless a multi-sectoral and multifaceted approached is deployed, the various stakeholders opposing illegal mining will stand in isolation to one another and without a unified effort, the challenges will not be easily overcome,” says Ankia Roux, co-owner of Pinpoints Stewards. “The conference will bring together state-, mine-, and private security stakeholders to forge stronger partnerships and foster collaboration and trust among all forces, to ensure faster reporting structures and a co-ordinated approach to tighten the grip on illegal mining syndicates going forward.”

The conference will include 10 experts specializing in Mine Security and risk mitigation. Some of these speakers and topics include:

Lt Gen Lebeya

Opening address by Lt Gen Seswantsho Godfrey Lebeya, National Head: The Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and currently the present chairperson that presides over the National Priority Crime Operational Committee, which convenes key stakeholders from organisations such as NPA, SIU, FIC, SARS, DPSA, SAPS, BMA, GCIS, DOJCD to name a few. 

Lt Gen Lebeya will speak on Understanding Organised Crime, which is also the title of his authored book. His qualifications include: Bachelor of Law (B IURIS), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Masters of Laws (LLM), Doctor of Laws (LLD), etc.

Dr Lyle Pienaar

Setting the tone for the conference on day one is Dr Lyle Pienaar with the topic: The need for an integrated and multifaceted mining security strategy from the SA government. Dr. Pienaar is the Executive for Risk and Security at Pan African Resources (PAR) – a mid-tier, multi-jurisdictional gold mining group based in South Africa.

Before joining PAR in 2019, he gained 15 years of experience across various government security, intelligence and law enforcement structures. He holds a Doctorate in Political Science (National Security Studies) along with two Master’s Degrees in Security Studies and Fraud Risk Management, as well as a BA Honours Degree and a BA Degree, both in Political Science.

Dr. Mandla Zembe

A keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Mandla Zembe, who is a Senior Leadership team member (Security Executive) at Rio Tinto, Richards Bay Minerals and will take a critical look into community engagement as a strategy to address security issues.

With over 35 years of experience in the security field, he holds multiple qualifications, including two master’s degrees and a doctorate in business administration, with a focus on community engagement as a strategy to address security issues. Honours BA in Criminology, MPM, MBA, DBA.

Thys de Beer

Thys de Beer, Group Security and Forensic Investigations Manager at Harmony Gold Mining Company, who’s been spearheading the company’s efforts against illegal mining since 2016, will speak on his practical experience by looking at unravelling Illegal Mining – tactical strategies and frontline lessons from 20 years of experience.

With a distinguished 18-year career in the South African Police Service (SAPS), including specialized units, and extensive experience in the private security sector, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

Dr. Riaan van der Westhuizen

Dr. Riaan van der Westhuizen, Manager: Security, Radiation & Communities at Palabora Copper (Palabora Mining Company) will evaluate the interaction between technology and security personnel and look at an optimised response. He is a radiation protection specialist, but has for the past 20 years also been responsible for the security operations at different mines.

He is currently the Manager for the security function at Palabora Copper. In addition to radiation protection, his background also includes all aspects of safety, health and environmental management, including SHEQ Systems.

Other key speakers and panellist include: Mjr Gen Ebrahim Ahmed Kadwa, Provincial Head: DPCI Gauteng; Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner: Border Management Authority; Hulme Scholes, Director: Malan Scholes Inc; Johann Fourie, Bid Manager: Risk & Solutions, Bidvest Protea Coin; Heico Kühn, COO, UAV and Drone Solutions (UDS) – a Bidvest Aviation and Security Cluster; and Theo Pouroullis, CEO, Safer City Group.

The conference will showcase tech solutions and security enablers during exhibition and demonstrations.

The conference will be chaired by Professor Kris Pillay (PhD), Department of Criminology and Security Science School of Criminal Justice College of Law, UNISA. Prof Pillay will also moderate the panel discussion focussing on Supporting a multi-sectoral approach by bringing together state, private and mine security forces and authorities.

The conference will be looking at ways to integrate unity, intelligence sharing and collaboration to root out illegal mining syndicates and disrupt the negative impact it has on SA’s economic and social standing.

To register or for a full programme email info@pinpointstewards.co.za or online on www.pinpointstewards.co.za

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Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Conference

Trade Conferences International is proud to announce that the 10th AML & Financial Crime Southern Africa Conference will take place on 9 & 10 September 2025, at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, South Africa.

This premier conference will be a gathering place for industry leaders, experts and regulators to share insights and strategies in combating money laundering and financial crime.

Ongoing challenge of money laundering

Money laundering continues to pose significant threats to the global economy, driven by technological advancements that facilitate sophisticated schemes, governance and compliance gaps, corruption, and evolving customer behaviours that complicate identification and counteraction.

The SADC region is not immune to these challenges, making it imperative for industry stakeholders to collaborate and develop effective strategies to mitigate these risks.

Conference highlights

The AML & Financial Crime Southern Africa Conference will feature over 35 esteemed speakers from the SADC region, offering a comprehensive programme that addresses the latest challenges, opportunities, and threats affecting money laundering activities in the region.

Key topics will include:
  • The impact of technological advancements on money laundering schemes
  • Governance, compliance, and corruption risks in the SADC region
  • Evolving customer behaviours and their implications for AML efforts
  • Strategies for identifying and counteracting money laundering activities
  • Regulatory updates and compliance requirements

Delegates will have ample opportunities to network with peers, discuss challenges, and explore solutions to enhance their AML and financial crime prevention efforts.

Last years’ event was attended by nearly 300 delegates.

Personnel dealing with the following will benefit from attending this conference:
    • financial crime
    • risk
    • governance
    • compliance
    • regulation
    • auditing
    • fraud & regulatory reporting.

Join companies such Symphony AI, Ingenuous, Contactable, Datanamix, Searchworks, and Nice Actimize, who already signed up as sponsors of this year’s event.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities

Registration for the AML & Financial Crime Southern Africa Conference is now open.

For more information on registration, sponsorship opportunities, or to secure your place, please visit https://www.tci-sa.co.za/anti-money-laundering-financial-crime-southern-africa-conference-2025/

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