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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/

Wits Business School and the Services SETA are aligned

Professor Maurice Radebe, left, and Acting Services SETA CEO, Andile Sipengane, sign the agreement.

A special signing ceremony took place in 2024, marking a new chapter in public-private academic collaboration. The Services SETA has pledged significant financial support for the new Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship to be housed at 47 Main Street in the Johannesburg CBD. The announcement was made at an historic handover ceremony, during which Wits took ownership of the eight-storey building in the former Anglo American campus in Marshalltown.

The Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship, hosted by WBS, is the result of a collaborative effort by stakeholders who share a vision for the transformation of the Johannesburg inner-city from a site of decay and unemployment to a vibrant economic hub which provides a healthy and supportive ecosystem for young entrepreneurs.

Professor Jason Cohen, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management at Wits University, says: “This partnership underscores the transformative potential of collaboration between institutions of higher learning, skills development organisations and the private sector. The establishment of the Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship is testament to the new strategic direction of Wits University post our centenary in 2022 which prioritises research, innovation and fostering sustainable societal progress.”

As South Africa’s largest Sector Education and Training Authority, Services SETA facilitates and funds programmes that bridge the gap between formal education and training, partnering with public and private learning institutions to fulfil its mandate. Through the Services SETA’s Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development Institute (ECDi) the authority has committed to pool resources, expertise and networks to grow and sustain the Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship.

“South Africa is not only grappling with high levels of youth unemployment but also with the sobering reality of graduate unemployment. This alarming trend threatens to undermine our collective future unless we act decisively and collaboratively. The Services SETA is excited at the opportunity to support the Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship in its efforts to empower entrepreneurs, create opportunities and foster sustainable economic growth through strategic partnerships and skills development tailored to grow the sector,” says Acting CEO, Andile Sipengane.

For WBS, the new Centre represents a golden opportunity for role-players to come together and pool their resources and expertise towards meaningful change.

“In the decade and a half that WBS has taught and researched entrepreneurship as a core discipline, we have learned that what makes successful and productive entrepreneurship is a healthy ecosystem where private, public and academic sectors play active roles. We are enormously grateful to Services SETA for having the vision to come on board. Today’s signing represents a crucial step in the right direction, where multiple sectors come together to create holistic solutions to the big issues this country faces,” says Professor Maurice Radebe, Head and Director of Wits Business School (WBS).

The Absa/SACCI Small Business Growth Index

Launch of the Absa/SACCI Small Business Growth Index (SBGI) with BMR as research partner.

A new index that will serve as a yardstick for the growth and development of small and medium enterprises in South Africa has been initiated by Absa Bank’s SME Business Unit, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) and the Bureau of Market Research (BMR) as the research partner. 

BMR outlines here how the index will be based on regular surveys and gives a detailed assessment of what the SBGI hopes to achieve in the context of the South African SME landscape.

South Africa’s small, medium and micro-enterprise (SMME) sector is a key driver of economic activity, employment and innovation. Of the estimated 2.67-million SMMEs in South Africa, approximately one-third operate formally, while two-thirds are informal. Collectively, the sector provides an estimated 11.4-million jobs, with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) comprising 91% of formal businesses, contributing around 60% of employment and approximately 34% of the national GDP.

Despite their critical role in the economy, SMMEs face persistent challenges that inhibit growth and sustainability. The Small Business Growth Index (SBGI) was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the SME landscape (50 or fewer employees), offering data-driven insights to inform policy interventions, improve business strategies and enhance SME resilience.

The lead parties involved in the SBGI initiative include Absa Bank’s SME Business Unit, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) and the Bureau of Market Research as the research partner.

Key trends in the SME sector

  • The number of small businesses, employment rates and financial performance within the SME sector continue to decline.
  • New SME entrant numbers remain low, with nearly a quarter of SMEs having operated for three years or less.
  • SME profitability has declined dramatically, indicating systemic challenges affecting SME business sustainability.
  • Higher failure rate of SMEs than elsewhere in the world with 70% to 80% of South African SMEs failing within the first five years.

These concerning trends highlight the need for a structured approach to support SMEs in overcoming both external challenges (exogenous factors) and internal weaknesses (endogenous factors).

External challenges (exogenous factors) affecting SMEs

Exogenous factors refer to external conditions that impact SME growth, including economic, regulatory and infrastructural constraints. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from government institutions, financial bodies and industry stakeholders.

How the SBGI addresses exogenous challenges

The SBGI will provide critical insights to policymakers, financial institutions and industry stakeholders to develop targeted solutions to address external challenges. By leveraging data from SME performance indicators, the SBGI will:

  • Inform economic policies that support SME-friendly fiscal measures.
  • Identify gaps in financial accessibility, ensuring that funding initiatives are directed effectively.
  • Highlight regulatory constraints, enabling streamlined business registration and compliance.
  • Offer sector-specific insights on infrastructure needs and advocating for better resource allocation.
  • Monitor SME participation in domestic and export markets to promote a level playing field.
  • Provide real-time data to measure the impact of anti-corruption and security initiatives on business operations.

Internal weaknesses (endogenous factors) affecting SMEs

Endogenous factors relate to internal institutional inefficiencies within SMEs, such as inadequate skills, poor financial management and limited strategic direction. Addressing these gaps requires business development programmes, mentorship and capacity-building initiatives.

How the SBGI addresses endogenous challenges

The SBGI will serve as a valuable benchmarking tool for SMEs, helping them identify areas of weakness and guiding targeted interventions. By analysing SME performance data, the SBGI will:

  • Identify training and skills development needs of entrepreneurs.
  • Identify cash-flow-management issues, leading to better financial literacy programmes.
  • Guide SMEs in refining business strategies to align with industry trends.
  • Support technology adoption by measuring progress in digital transformation.
  • Provide comparative insights, helping SMEs improve customer-retention strategies.
  • Explore and benchmark opportunities to increase access to markets.

The strategic role of the SBGI in SME development

Beyond addressing specific challenges, the SBGI will play a pivotal role in shaping an enabling environment for SME growth. The value propositions of the SBGI are contained in this table:

Conclusion

The SME sector remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, yet it faces mounting challenges that threaten its growth and sustainability. The Small Business Growth Index (SBGI) is a critical business-intelligence tool that ensures targeted interventions, enhanced policy formulation and improved SME resilience. By leveraging periodic self-administered surveys, the index fosters collaboration between SMEs, policymakers, financial institutions and industry leaders – paving the way for sustainable small business growth and economic development in South Africa.

The Small Business Growth Index (SBGI) is a critical business-intelligence tool that ensures targeted interventions, enhanced policy formulation and improved SME resilience.

The first SBGI survey will be distributed to SMEs for completion during April 2025 in all nine provinces of South Africa. This will provide SMEs with an opportunity to share insights regarding the growth and development challenges they are facing across regions, sizes and sectors. The SBGI initiative will also offer small businesses an opportunity to register as small business ambassadors who will also be granted an opportunity to participate in planned future government lobbying events.

The SBGI will be repeated in September 2025 to track changes in the dynamic small-business ecosystem of South Africa. In an aftermath of the two SBGI surveys in 2025, a Small Business Ambassador of the Year will be named. The overall intention of the SBGI innovation is to use the small-business intelligence resulting from the SBGI surveys to influence small-business growth and development policies and to realise the full potential of this crucial sector of the South African economy.

Contact details: Bureau of Market Research

  • Key SBGI personnel: Prof DH Tustin, Prof CJ van Aard and Prof PK Kibuuka
  • Email: deon.tustin@bmr.co.za
  • Website: https://bmr.co.za/

Can SMMEs really save the day?

Mr Price Foundation and Zapper have joined forces to address South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. Donations raised will directly benefit Mr Price Foundation’s three flagship youth empowerment programmes: UpLift, EduRise and JumpStart, pictured here. PHOTO: Pierre Tostee

By John Young

Extravagant claims are made about how small businesses will comprehensively solve the unemployment crisis: how, if children and students were just taught how to be entrepreneurs, the economic outlook would turn to rosy. The fact is that some people are much more suited to being employees than employers and there are very few SMMEs, even after “upscaling”, that will employ very large numbers of people.

The SMME sector is indeed vital for South Africa’s economic health. The truly small business (micro) subsector gets little attention but survivalist enterprises play a vital role. Hawkers and street traders work long hours and “house shops” (a step below spaza shops, where a room in a house is deployed) are a feature of the economic profile of most townships.

In this context, two recent initiatives involving the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) are particularly welcome. One of the initiatives will improve the information available to researchers and policy-makers and the other programme offers concrete and practical help to SMMEs.

The Absa/SACCI Small Business Growth Index (SBGI), run by the Bureau of Market Research, will do regular surveys of the sector and provide accurate and up-to-the-minute data on trends. This information could contribute to reducing the failure rate of startups, currently at alarming levels.

The second initiative involving SACCI is called SME Launch. To be administered by Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, SMME Launch leverages the networks of SACCI, the financial acumen of the Chartered Institute of Business Accountants (CIBA) and the experience of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in issues such as legal compliance, intellectual property registration and the formalisation of a business.

Both of these initiatives are outlined in detail in the latest issue of Opportunity magazine, available now.

Also in this issue

The theme of entrepreneurship occurs again in a report on a new partnership between the Services Sector Education and Training Authority and the Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship. Another SETA, the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), contends that digital badges should replace paper certificates for artisans.

There are two interviews related to the opening of a LEGO Certified Store in Cape Town and two lawyers weigh in on what can be done about illegal mining in South Africa.

Stellenbosch University Associate Professor Craig McGregor and Bruce Douglas Young of the Africa Energy Leadership Centre, University of the Witwatersrand, warn that there are several roadblocks on the path to the introduction of green hydrogen on a commercial scale in South Africa.

To bolster infrastructure development, and for that to be sustainable, collaboration and policy certainty are required, according to Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) President, David Leukes. Regarding low-cost housing, Hlengiwe Maila has studied the South African market and believes that there is a better way to tackle the backlog.

The freight industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. Bidvest International Logistics believes that the answers must come from both the road and rail freight sectors.

Two students at Stellenbosch University have applied innovative technology to track tree health. Both Yasmin de Raay and Chris Erasmus, who has developed a wireless dendrometer that tracks growth patterns, water dynamics and environmental stress, have qualified for the international finals of the 2025 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation competition. De Raay’s work involves machine learning and the generation of microscopic images that give information about root growth.

— John Young, Editor, Opportunity 

Explore this issue:

Extended call for application: Innovate Durban’s Start-Up Support Programme 2025

Image: Innovate Durban Facebook page @innovatedurban

Due to interest in the programme, Innovate Durban has extended its call for applications for its Start-Up Support Programme 2025, a dynamic 12-month accelerated mentorship initiative designed to support early stage innovators and start-ups focused on Local Economic Development (LED).

Commencing in June 2025 and running until May 2026, this high impact programme will guide selected participants from ideation to market readiness through structured training, dedicated mentorship and real world exposure.

Innovate Durban is seeking motivated, creative South African innovators aged between 18-35 years, residing in KwaZulu-Natal, who are committed to solving pressing economic challenges in their community’s using technology and innovation. This programme aims to support solutions that are still in early or pre prototype stages, providing critical support to help them evolve into viable enterprises. By addressing specific, locally relevant economic challenges through innovative solutions, communities can stimulate employment, drive growth and unlock inclusive development.

Who Should Apply?

  1. South African citizens aged 18-35 years
  2. Residents of KwaZulu-Natal
  3. Innovators with early stage or pre-prototype ideas
  4. Projects that address local economic challenges
  5. Female innovators and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
  6. Applicants must be able to fully commit to the programme’s schedule, including all training, assignments and mentorship sessions

To apply, email info@innovate.durban

Application Deadline: 23 May 2025

For more information on Innovate Durban, contact:

Miliswa Sipambo
Marketing & Events Specialist – Innovate Durban
Tel: 087 365 3131 | Email: miliswa@innovate.durban

Website: https://www.innovate.durban/

Computational modelling enabling smart solutions that work

Computer modelling refers to the process of creating virtual representations or simulations of real-world systems, allowing researchers and policymakers to study and analyse complex phenomena in a controlled environment or processes using computer software and algorithms. It entails the use of mathematical equations, data inputs and computational algorithms to mimic and simulate the behaviour, interactions and outcomes of the system being modelled.

Computer modelling offers several benefits and applications. It allows researchers, scientists, engineers and decision-makers to study complex systems, explore what-if scenarios, optimise designs, predict outcomes and make informed decisions without the need for costly or time-consuming physical experimentation.

It bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and real-world complexity, enabling us to gain insights into systems that may be inaccessible, expensive or dangerous to study physically.

By extending its applications, we can harness the power of computational modelling to tackle poverty, unemployment and national security and to promote environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. As a thought leader in computational modelling, I firmly believe that leveraging its capabilities in these domains can reshape our society and create a more equitable and secure future.

By extending its applications, we can harness the power of computational modelling to tackle poverty, unemployment and national security, and promote environmental, social and governance practices. – Regina Maphanga

Poverty alleviation and unemployment: Poverty alleviation and unemployment are pressing socioeconomic challenges that require comprehensive approaches to address them effectively. Computational modelling offers a powerful tool for understanding the intricate dynamics of these issues and developing targeted strategies for intervention.

By applying computational models, researchers can simulate various scenarios to assess the impact of different policies and interventions on poverty reduction and employment creation. These models consider factors such as economic indicators, social conditions, educational attainment levels, access to resources and government initiatives, to cite a few.

Furthermore, computational modelling enables policymakers to identify potential bottlenecks or unintended consequences that may arise from certain interventions. By analysing various parameters within the model’s framework, decision-makers can optimise resource allocation by prioritising sectors with a high potential for job creation, while also targeting vulnerable populations that are most in need of support.

This understanding enables us to design targeted interventions, such as skill development programmes, job creation initiatives and social safety nets, with the aim of fostering inclusive economic growth and enhancing livelihoods.

National security: Ensuring the safety and security of nations in an increasingly digital and interconnected world demands advanced tools for risk assessment, intelligence analysis and strategic planning. Computational modelling plays a pivotal role in analysing complex geopolitical landscapes, simulating potential scenarios and assessing the impacts of various policies. By integrating diverse datasets and employing sophisticated algorithms, we can enhance our ability to detect emerging threats, formulate effective defence strategies and safeguard national interests.

ESG practices: The integration of ESG principles is vital for organisations that are committed to long-term sustainability and responsible business practices. Computational modelling empowers decision-makers to evaluate the impact of their actions on environmental conservation, social wellbeing and corporate governance. By incorporating diverse variables and quantifying the potential outcomes, organisations can identify sustainable investment opportunities, optimise resource allocation and enhance transparency and accountability.

Manufacturing: Next-generation manufacturing industries can push the boundaries of innovation by adopting modelling tools. Computational modelling supports innovation in product and process design, reduces the need for physical testing and prototypes, defines complex process parameters and leads to quality products and robust manufacturing processes.

Smart infrastructure and sustainable urban planning: The efficient utilisation of resources, resilience to climate change and the development of smart cities are critical components of a sustainable future. Computational modelling enables us to design and optimise infrastructure systems, integrating renewable energy sources, transportation networks and waste management systems. By simulating the interactions between these components, we can identify strategies that minimise environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency and improve the quality of life for urban populations.

Crisis response and disaster management: In the face of natural disasters, disease outbreaks or humanitarian crises, computational modelling offers crucial support for emergency response and resource allocation. By simulating different scenarios, emergency planners can identify optimal strategies, assess the potential impacts and allocate resources effectively. Furthermore, modelling the spread of infectious diseases aids in understanding transmission dynamics, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and formulating proactive healthcare strategies.

As computational modelling revolutionises our understanding of complex systems, it becomes a powerful tool for driving social impact. By leveraging its capabilities in poverty alleviation, unemployment mitigation, national security and ESG practices, we can foster a more inclusive, secure and sustainable future.

As a thought leader in computational modelling, I am committed to pushing the boundaries of its application in various domains, working towards a world in which technology is harnessed for the betterment of society. Let us embrace computational modelling as a catalyst for transformative change, shaping a future that leaves no-one behind and prioritises the wellbeing of both people and the planet.

By Regina Maphanga

The Author

Regina Maphanga is the Research Group Leader for the Design and Optimisation research group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria. She has a PhD in physics from the University of Limpopo. Email: RMaphangai@csir.co.za

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

Now is the time to seize the tremendous opportunities offered by computational modelling. By partnering with us, a thought leader in computational modelling and sustainable business development, you can unlock new frontiers and drive innovation at a reduced cost and time. Our expertise will empower your organisation to harness the full potential of computational modelling, optimise operations, embrace sustainable practices and position your brand as a leader in the market.

Website: https://www.csir.co.za/

Implementation of water infrastructure projects at Magalies Water

Photo: Magalies Water

Subsequent to extending its footprint in the new areas of operation with the addition of the Far-West and South-West regions, Magalies Water has dedicated time and energy to ensure the new regions are adequately serviced and residents enjoy the benefits of clean drinking water up to the standards where the entity has previously been operating.

The proclamation of the disestablishment and eventually the integration of the operations of the former Sedibeng Water into Magalies Water has resulted in the extension of the services of Magalies Water into the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality and parts of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality of North West Province.

The new organisation did not sit on its laurels or spend time scanning the environment for long, but jumped straight into action with several projects that were handed over before their completion.

Projects

The disestablishment of Sedibeng Water meant that Magalies Water had to take over the responsibility of making sure that certain projects in various areas and local municipalities in Ngaka Modiri Molema DM were completed. Some of the projects were already at an advanced stage, some had already experienced delays due to different factors, while others had only recently been started.

Dinokana Rural Water Supply WSIG Project

Photo: Magalies Water

This project was implemented in 2023 under “Operation Bulela Metsi” in the village of Dinokana, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, which falls under the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. The Dinokana project was ushered in and reprioritised as part of the intergovernmental interventions led by the then Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu and the North West Provincial Government. WSIG refers to the Water Services Infrastructure Grant, a national grant managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

The project scope entails the refurbishment and upgrade of the Dinokana rural water-supply infrastructure, which includes highlift-pump refurbishment and an upgrade from 2Ml/day to 4Ml/day; refurbishment of boreholes; upgrading of the springwater pump station and pipeline; refurbishment of the distribution system up to the bulkwater reservoirs; and constructing an additional 2Ml reservoir to provide additional gravity pressure.

The Dinokana Water Supply Intervention project is being implemented in four phases:

  • Phase 1: Bulk pipeline distribution construction, including reservoir and refurbishment of existing transmission lines.
  • Phase 2: Refurbishment of boreholes and additional drilling and equipping of boreholes.
  • Phase 3: Reticulation and standpipe at 200m radial distance within village boundary.
  • Phase 4: Upgrading pump station and pumping line to allow both reservoirs to be fed by pump station. The objective is to provide an additional 35 000 residents with standpipes.

Having conducted and covered all the necessary stages of implementation, the project is currently near to the close-out stage, when a formal handover will be conducted.

Photo: Magalies Water

Upgrading of Mmabatho Water Treatment Works

The saying “out of strife always comes growth” aptly fits the conceptualisation and planning of the augmentation of bulkwater supply to the City of Mahikeng and its peri-urban villages. The city and villages lie within the Mahikeng Local Municipality in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.

The objective of the Mmabatho Water Treatment Work (WTW) Project is to increase the capacity of the water-treatment works and to improve the bulkwater distribution to the region. As the capital of the North West Province, Mahikeng has, like many South African urban areas, experienced an ever-growing population due to the migration of people from other areas who are driven by a need to seek a better life and more opportunities. As a mixed settlement that consists of both urban areas and peri-urban villages, Mahikeng has consistently been characterised by significant backlogs in water supply and sanitation. This was clear from the results of the Census 2011, which was completed shortly before the project was conceptualised.

Photo: Magalies Water

The augmentation work involved upgrading the existing 20Ml/d Mmabatho WTW to a 30Ml/d plant in order to address the water balance in a local municipality that supplies a population of nearly 300 000 people, residing in 102 villages as well as the city’s suburbs.

Key to the successful implementation of our projects at Magalies Water has always been good cooperation, engagement and constructive relations with all relevant stakeholders such as local municipalities, Water Service Authorities involved as beneficiaries of the project and local traditional leadership, when the project falls within their area of jurisdiction. In addition, we source local labour and materials and ensure the involvement of the local business community.

The upgrading of the Mmabatho Water Treatment Works is expected to the completed by August 2025.

Visit Magalies Water online at https://magalieswater.co.za/

Five business-travel myths

Travel management companies have smart strategies for booking and can get better deals on flights, hotels and car rentals. Photo: AS Photography on Pexels

Business travel often gets a bad rap. But what if much of what we think we “know” is actually a myth? Challenging these misconceptions can not only save money but also make your trips more productive and even enjoyable. Rethinking our perceptions is key.

“By questioning stubborn myths, we can turn business travel from a stressful obligation into a strategic advantage,” says Smith. She advises you to put your rethinking cap on for these five big myths:

Ridesharing is always cheaper than car rentals

While Uber and Bolt have their place, renting a car can often be the smarter financial move. Travel management companies (TMCs) frequently score great deals with car-rental firms, offering rates that ridesharing can’t match.

Plus, those rideshare costs can skyrocket fast when you’re in an area prone to surge pricing. A rental car’s flat rate starts looking good in comparison. So, before you default to ridesharing for your next business trip, take a moment to crunch the numbers. You might find that good old-fashioned car rental is the way to go, especially for longer stays or when you need to zip around town frequently.

Business travel is bad for employee health

A recent Maxis white paper uncovers some exciting perks of moderate work travel. Employees hitting the road for one to six nights a month often enjoy better health, lower anxiety and improved sleep compared to their desk-bound colleagues. It turns out that a bit of travel can inspire more activity and reduce the odds of smoking or obesity.

Business trips are golden opportunities to sneak in exercise, savour nutritious meals, and recharge – luxuries often overlooked in the daily grind. Plus, face-to-face interactions can spark morale and strengthen teamwork.

As Smith points out, many companies are catching on by revamping their travel policies to support employee wellbeing. This includes enticing options like hotels with gyms, healthier meal allowances and time to relax on longer trips. With fresh surroundings and valuable networking, occasional business travel might just be the secret ingredient to boosting employee health.

Business travel is always bad for the environment

While business travel can contribute to carbon emissions, many companies are taking steps to minimise their impact. For example, airlines are investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and makes flights greener.

Businesses are also rethinking how they approach travel. They’re cutting unnecessary trips and opting for virtual meetings to reduce travel frequency. When travel is essential, they focus on direct flights and use public transport, which are greener choices. Plus, many companies are choosing eco-friendly hotels that prioritise sustainability.

TMCs are also upping the ante by offering clients carbon-reporting tools. These give businesses the cold, hard facts on their travel emissions. “Companies can now make data-driven decisions and set concrete sustainability targets,” says Smith.

Booking through a TMC is always more expensive

Bonnie Smith, General Manager of Corporate Traveller.

Many assume TMCs increase travel costs, but nothing could be further from the truth. TMCs have access to better deals on flights, hotels and car rentals that you can’t get on your own. They know smart booking strategies, like when to book for the best rates and how to mix fare types to reduce expenses. They handle time-consuming tasks like price comparisons and bookings, saving your team effort. By keeping travellers in line with company policy, they help avoid unnecessary spending. Many TMCs also offer efficient booking tools that can lower fees.

“A good TMC looks at your whole travel programme, finding ways to cut costs while making trips smoother for your employees,” says Smith.

Business travel is a great way to rack up loyalty points

The idea that business travel is your ticket to rake in loyalty points is more myth than reality these days. While you can still earn points on work trips, loyalty programmes have evolved to favour businesses over individual travellers. Airlines and hotels are making points harder to redeem and less valuable, meaning those frequent flyer miles aren’t stretching as far as they used to.

If your travel policy allows it, here’s how to play the game, according to Smith:
  • Join every loyalty programme you can; airlines, hotels, rental cars.
  • If possible, book travel on your personal credit card and get reimbursed. This way, you’re double-dipping, earning points from both the airline or hotel and your credit card.
  • Speaking of credit cards, pick ones that give extra points for travel and dining. Some offer elite status and business lounge access just for being a cardholder.
  • Don’t forget about promotions. Sign up for those emails, they might offer double points or other bonuses.
  • If booking through a company portal, ensure your loyalty numbers are attached to your profile.
It’s a myth that ridesharing is always cheaper. Photo: Freepik
About Corporate Traveller 

Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.

Current key industries making waves in Gauteng

Ballooning near the Cradle of Humankind, a short hop from Muldersdrift. Credit: Guvon Hotels/Kloofzicht Lodge

By John Young

Muldersdrift might not be the first name that comes to mind as a conference venue of national significance, but Gauteng is full of surprises. Of the nine venues listed by the South African National Conventions Bureau as having secured 25 international business events between 2024 and 2029, four are in Gauteng – and one of them is Muldersdrift. The others are predictably the three metropolitan municipalities of Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg.

The 25 big conferences will generate R240-million for the South African economy and will help the country retain its top ranking in Africa and the Middle East on the 2023 list compiled by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Muldersdrift is a short distance north-west of Johannesburg, near Lanseria Airport and it forms part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The Wonder Cave nearby is one the finest hominid fossil sites in the world and with 30 wedding and conference venues, a brewery and the Silverstar Casino and Entertainment Centre run by Tsogo Sun, Muldersdrift has much for visitors and delegates to experience and enjoy.

The metropolitan conference and exhibition centres are able to offer bigger meeting halls and venues such as the Sandton Convention Centre and Gallagher Estate, which often host large gatherings. The Gauteng Convention Bureau, a business unit within the Gauteng Tourism Authority, supports the business-events sector.

Among the biggest events hosted in Gauteng was the series of five annual South Africa Investment Conferences, the fifth of which was held in 2023. Some R1.1-trillion was pledged altogether, of which about R22-billion will find its way to Gauteng.

Business facilitation

In the course of the 2023/24 financial year, more than R68-billion in investments from 261 foreign companies were made in the province, which created about 23 000 direct jobs. As of February 2023, about five-million people were employed in Gauteng.

Gauteng accounts for 45% of South Africa’s manufacturing capacity and the sector makes up 14.5% of formal sector output in Gauteng, making it the fourth-largest. One in nine jobs in the province are created in the sector. According to the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), six out of 10 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Gauteng have flowed to the manufacturing sector and its subsectors.

The GGDA is an implementing agency which aims to facilitate business enablement, develop small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and promote investment and job creation.

Focussed support for these specific subsectors is intended to spur other investments: automotive sector, mineral beneficiation, capital equipment, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and tertiary services such as BPO, ITC services, tourism and the knowledge economy.

GGDA subsidiaries include The Innovation Hub (technology), the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC), which manages the Automotive Supplier Park (ASP), OR Tambo SEZ, Vaal SEZ and Constitution Hill.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) plays a similar role as the City of Johannesburg’s development agency. JDA’s focus is on helping create resilient, sustainable and liveable urban areas in identified transit nodes and corridors. In 15 years, 387 projects have been implemented.

Growth engine

Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest province in terms of landmass but in every other respect it is a giant. At 18 176km², the province makes up just 1.5% of South Africa’s territory but its economic impact is disproportionately large. In 2023 the provincial economy was valued at R2.4-trillion and the province was responsible for 34% of South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Gauteng is a leader in a wide range of economic sectors: finance, manufacturing, commerce, IT and media among them. The Bureau of Market Research (BMR) has shown that Gauteng accounts for 35% of total household consumption in South Africa.

The leading economic sectors are finance, real estate and business, manufacturing, government services and wholesale, retail, motor trade and accommodation. The creative industries (including advertising and the film sector) contribute significantly to the provincial economy.

In Johannesburg, financial services and commerce predominate. The JSE, Africa’s largest stock exchange, is in Sandton and several new stock exchanges have recently received licences. Tshwane (which includes Pretoria) is home to many government services and is the base of the automotive industry and many research institutions. Both of these cities are educational centres of note.

The Ekurhuleni metropole has the largest concentration of manufacturing concerns, ranging from heavy to light industry, in the country. The western part of the province is concerned mainly with mining and agriculture, while the south has a combination of maize farming, tobacco production and the heavy industrial work associated with steel and iron-ore workings.

Individually, the biggest Gauteng cities contribute to the national GDP as follows: Johannesburg (15%), Tshwane (9%) and Ekurhuleni (7%).

Power plans

Although the national utility Eskom improved its performance markedly in the course of 2024, steps to increase and reduce the cost of electricity are being put in place. The need to transition to greener sources of energy is also urgent.

The biggest of these is the private-public partnership taking place on land belonging to Sibanye-Stillwater, a global resources company that started life as a Gauteng gold miner. A photovoltaic power station, also known as a solar farm cluster, will be developed in Merafong Local Municipality with more than one contractor building facilities. The plant is expected to produce 800MW of solar power to the grid.

A photovoltaic power station, also known as a solar farm cluster, will be developed in Merafong Local Municipality with more than one contractor building facilities. The plant is expected to produce 800MW of solar power to the grid

Public facilities such as medical clinics are to be provided with solar panels and battery storage systems. City Power will roll out a pilot microgrid project in Alexandra which is intended to meet basic power needs for low-income households.

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