Home Blog Page 61

In Johannesburg, the Selby Bus Rapid Transit depot is taking shape

The Selby BRT depot, which will service two Rea Vaya BRT operating companies, will be utilised for major and minor maintenance of buses for maintaining in-service buses and out-of-service buses. The centrally-located depot will minimise dead mileage as well as minimise the time lost by buses in traffic congestion between depots and route starting points.

The JDA is a wholly-owned area-based development agency of the City of Johannesburg with an emphasis on the development of resilient, sustainable and liveable urban areas in identified transit nodes and corridors. This means that as an area-based development agency, we are more than just a project management agency or an economic development agency.

The JDA operates within the context of the spatial transformation of South African cities to correct the spatial and systemic inequalities created by past regimes of segregation. This is the foremost goal of urban development in the coming years. A more equitable, more just city is one that extends access to a range of opportunities and services to all of its
citizens. This is aligned to the City of Johannesburg’s Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) 2040.

One of the GDS 2040 outcomes is to provide a resilient, liveable and sustainable urban environment – underpinned by smart infrastructure supportive of a low-carbon economy. The JDA is currently revamping the existing Selby bus depot in the Johannesburg inner city, to turn it into a state-of-the-art Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) depot for Phase 1B and Phase 1C operations.

The JDA, on behalf of the City of Johannesburg’s Department of Transport, is undertaking the construction of the Selby BRT in three phases, namely phase 2A, phase 2B and phase 2C.

The Selby BRT depot, which will service two Rea Vaya BRT operating companies, will be utilised for major and minor maintenance of buses by maintaining in-service buses and out-of-service buses. The centrally-located depot will minimise dead mileage, as well as minimise the time lost by buses in traffic congestion between depots and route starting points.

In 2013, the JDA developed the first depot in Meadowlands in Soweto. The Selby BRT depot is being revamped to be on par with the Meadowlands depot, which is environmentally friendly and custom-made for Rea Vaya buses.

Phase 2B, covering the construction of the bus depot workshops and refuelling garages and Phase 2C, which involves the construction of the administration building, are currently underway.

The scope of work for Phase 2B includes extensive alterations, refurbishments and additions to an existing workshop building. This includes the construction of a new refuelling building, a new double-volume wash-bay building, two new refuse buildings, a new gate house, civil works, stormwater infrastructure, concrete paving panels with layerworks, and mechanical and electrical installations.

This construction also plays a role in job creation and skills development, with 30% of the contract value being awarded to SMMEs.

Environmentally-friendly features include lights controlled by sensors, a robust, mild-steel sheeting for the roof, cladding to help with climate control, and a noise-wall barrier erected around the premises. The roof structures will also allow direct sunlight into the building to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Water is recycled for reuse in the buildings and the wash bay.

Work planned for Phase 2C includes the redevelopment and refurbishment of an existing administration building. This comprises demolition works to various areas, the refurbishment of workshop areas, construction of a new canteen and gymnasium, the construction of new offices, administration rooms, boardrooms and storerooms, the construction of a new main foyer and reception areas and the refurbishment of courtyard spaces.

The construction of additional toilet blocks, new lifts to aid accessibility, service ducts, new pedestrian and vehicular access with security offices, external works and the installation of electrical and mechanical infrastructure will also be undertaken.

An Intelligent Transport System monitors traffic via multiple screens.

Phase 2A, now complete, entailed the construction of the perimeter fence, bus parking area platform, site access road, main parking area driveway upgrade and the construction of the main entrance road into the depot (along the Pat Mbatha Road intersection with Ignatius Street).

Once completed, the Selby BRT depot, which was formerly used by Putco Bus Company, will accommodate up to 270 buses and feature an administration building, maintenance building, washing and refuelling bays and an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) control centre. The administration block features ablution facilities, a canteen, offices and staff and visitors parking.

Plans in the pipeline to grow the economy of Gauteng

OR Tambo International Airport (Credit: ACSA)

Regional overview of business and investment in Gauteng, 2020/21

By John Young

One of the plans to boost Gauteng, “Growing Gauteng Together” (GGT 2030) prioritises the economy, jobs and infrastructure, with the manufacturing sector earmarked as a key driver.

Gauteng accounts for 45% of the South Africa’s manufacturing capacity, so the province is well-placed to expand an already strong and diverse sector. Manufacturing makes up 14.5% of formal sector output in Gauteng, making it the fourth-largest sector. 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.

In the five years to 2019, the Gauteng City-Region attracted 447 FDI projects valued at R264-billion, which created more than 69 000 jobs (FDI Markets).

The GGDA is an implementing agency which aims to facilitate business enablement, develop small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) and to 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 the BPO, ICT 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) and InvestSA Gauteng (red tape remover for investors).

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.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are being created and expanded across the province to support manufacturers, providing them with the necessary infrastructure and access to related businesses.

This has seen the expansion of the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) SEZ (Ekurhuleni) and the establishment of the High-Tech SEZ (Tshwane), the Vaal SEZ (Sedibeng), and the Tshwane Automotive SEZ.

The National Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) is the lead agent in the creation of SEZs, which are part of the national Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP). SEZs are designed to attract investment, create jobs and boost exports.

The Provincial Government of Gauteng has identified 10 “high-growth” sectors where it intends concentrating its efforts to build infrastructure and to attract public and private sector investment:

  1. Energy: new technologies
  2. A diverse transportation and logistics sector
  3. ICT, media and digital services
  4. Tourism and hospitality
  5. Agricultural value chain
  6. Construction and infrastructure
  7. Automotive, aerospace and defence
  8. Financial services
  9. Cultural and creative industries
  10. Industrialisation of cannabis

These priorities were announced before the onset of the Covid-19 global pandemic, so obviously there will be some major adjustments, especially with regard to tourism and hospitality which has suffered major setbacks during the local and international lockdowns.

It could be that the focus shifts more strongly to another one of the priorities of local and regional government: affordable housing.

Much has been done to provide housing since the dawn of the democratic era in 1994, but much more needs to be done in response to rapid urbanisation. Gauteng Province has pledged to provide 100 000 service stands to qualifying Gauteng residents who want to and are able to build their own homes, and it wants an additional 250 000 people to be able to recent “decent accommodation” over the next five to 10 years.

This is in addition to facilitating the development of mega-cities, one to the west of Lanseria and the other to the south of Vereeniging. Vaal River City will span the Orange River and eventually link up with Sasolburg in the Free State, according to the blueprint.

Another housing initiative will see provincial funds ring-fenced to formalise informal settlements and to upgrade hostels into family units. All of these programmes should provide a boost to the construction and property sector and to small businesses in both sectors.

Overview of the province

Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest province in terms of landmass but in every other respect it is a giant. The province is the nation’s key economic growth engine.

At 18 176 km², the province makes up just 1.5% of South Africa’s territory, but even that aspect showed growth in 2018 when the territory of Ekangala was formally transferred from Mpumalanga Province to Gauteng Province. The land had previously been part of the
KwaNdebele homeland.

The 14.3-million people living in Gauteng in 2017 generated a gross domestic product of R1.59-trillion, about a third of South Africa’s GDP (StatsSA).

Gauteng shares borders with four provinces, the Free State, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The southern border of the province is the Vaal River and most of the province is located on the Highveld. The Witwatersrand, which runs through Johannesburg, marks the continental divide: rivers running to the north drain into the Indian Ocean, rivers running south drain into the Atlantic Ocean via the Vaal into the Orange River. Gauteng draws its water from a series of inter-connected river transfer systems. A major source of water is the Lesotho Water Highlands Project.

The Witwatersrand was the source of the gold that drew so many thousands of people to the area in the late 19th century and was the origin of the word for South Africa’s currency, the “rand”.

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) employ upwards of 180 000 people and contribute more than R3.3-billion to the provincial economy. This sector is seen as a driver of future growth.

15 Alice Lane Annex – Photo Credit: Paragon Architects, Photographer: Andrew Bell

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. 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%).

Gauteng is not just an important centre of economic activity, it is also an important launching pad for local and international businesses to enter the African market.

The country’s biggest airport, OR Tambo International Airport, is at the core of the province’s logistical network. Other airports include Rand Airport (Germiston), Wonderboom (Pretoria) Lanseria and Grand Central (Midrand).

The Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa (which has seats in Pretoria and Johannesburg) is a superior court with general jurisdiction over the province. Johannesburg is also home to the Constitutional Court, South Africa’s highest court, and to a branch of the Labour Court and the Labour Appeal Court.

The province has several outstanding universities, and the majority of South Africa’s research takes place at well-regarded institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Mintek, the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and several sites where the work of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) is done.

See also: Spatial planning and infrastructure underpin Gauteng’s growth plans

Eastern Cape Special Economic Zones and ports

MV TITUS on her maiden voyage heads into the Port of East London. (Image: Transnet National Ports Authority)

The Eastern Cape’s two Special Economic Zones play an important role in attracting investors to the province. Located in East London near the port and at the deepwater port of Ngqura 20 km north of Port Elizabeth, the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) and the Coega SEZ provide the infrastructure that will allow the region to expand and diversify its economy.

As of 2019, the Coega SEZ has 45 operational investors who have collectively invested more than R9.9-billion. This includes the first phase of one of the most consequential investments, that of Chinese automotive manufacturer Beijing International Automotive Corporation (BAIC). The total investment by BAIC will total R11-billion and significantly add to the province’s already strong reputation for excellence in the automotive sector. Both SEZs have areas dedicated to automotive and automotive components manufacture.

The Ngqura port was built to handle containers, both from within South Africa and as a transhipment base for international containers, to handle bulk commodities and to act as a port to serve the Coega SEZ.

Port of Ngqura at the early stages of development (Image: Transnet National Ports Authority)

In July 2019 the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), operator of the Coega SEZ, announced that 18 new investors had invested R2.6-billion in the zone during the 2018/19 financial year. For the 2019/20 period, the CDC created 15 934 jobs. Since 1999 that figure is 120 990.

Sectors in which investment was received include:
  • Aquaculture
  • Renewable energy
  • Copper smelting and steel rail wheel manufacture
  • Agri-processing
  • Automotive (commuter bus assembly)
  • Chemical engineering
  • Pharmaceutical.

Logistics, fibre-optic cabling, PVC compound manufacture and tyre recycling were other confirmed ventures. At the ELIDZ, recent investments include a diamond cutting and polishing company and a condom manufacturer.

While the variety of investors at both SEZs continues to grow (Coega has 14 distinct business zones), developments in the Oceans Economy and the oil and gas sector are showing the greatest promise.

An established market for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exists within the Coega SEZ and now that national government has stated that the SEZ could be the site of an LNG plant, the CDC and the Eastern Cape Provincial Government are preparing a Gas Market Analysis to enhance Coega’s readiness for an expected increase in gas use.

The existing 342 MW Dedisa Power Peaking Plant at Coega already has environmental authorisation for a 400 kV transmission line between the plant site and the Dedisa substation which reduces costs for future investors.

In 2019 a draft scoping report was prepared for an integrated LNG terminal and gas-to-power plant.

The Dedisa Peaking Power Plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone. (Image: Coega SEZ)

Imported LNG would be used as feedstock initially, while exploring local sources. Drilling off the southern coast has revealed vast resources in the Brulpadda field in the Southern Outeniqua basin. If some of this gas could be recovered, the two SEZs on the Eastern Cape coast would become critical to its utilisation.

Activity in the oil and gas sector would in turn stimulate the maritime sector. The potential of the Oceans Economy is already receiving a lot of attention in South Africa, and Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Campus is one of the leaders. The South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) has new headquarters in Port Elizabeth.

Key goals behind the establishment of SEZs are to:
  • encourage industries to develop in clusters, leading to economies of scale, skills-sharing and easier access for suppliers,
  • create industrial infrastructure to promote investment,
  • promote cooperation between the public and private sectors,
  • use the zones as a launching pad for other developments.
About Special Economic Zones

Special Economic Zones are created in terms of the Special Economic Zones Act of 2014 (Act 16 of 2014). The act defines a SEZ as “geographically designated areas of the country that are set aside for specifically targeted economic activities and supported through special arrangements and systems that are often different from those that apply to the rest of the country.”

Incentives include tax breaks from the South African Revenue Service, subsidised interest rates from the Industrial Development Corporation, subsidies for employees earning below a certain level and for training, incentives and grants from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and from national electricity utility Eskom. The SEZ is also a customs-controlled area.

Amid continuing uncertainty, Africa Oil Week announces cancellation of rescheduled February 2021 edition

Africa Oil Week (AOW), part of Hyve Group PLC, announces with regret the cancellation of the February 2021 edition of AOW, due to take place in Cape Town, South Africa. The event will now return next year to its regular date line, 1-5 November 2021. Africa Oil Week’s sister event, Investing in African Mining Indaba, has also been cancelled and will return 7-10 February 2022.

Global uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is the primary contributor to the decision to cancel the event. Additionally, international travel restrictions and current restrictions for hosting events in South Africa which prevent larger gatherings mean that the organisers can no longer be certain of delivering AOW to the high standard to which their audience is accustomed.

In November 2021, Africa Oil Week will take place in accordance with the latest health & safety and government guidance. The well-being of speakers, delegates, sponsors and exhibitors will, of course, remain top priority. As always, the event’s objective will be to gather the most influential decision-makers in African oil, gas and energy to network, make deals and shape discussions crucial to the future success of the industry.

Simon Ford, Portfolio Director of Africa Oil Week and Investing in African Mining Indaba, said:

“Bringing people together is at the heart of what we do at Africa Oil Week. However, based on current uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we took the view that our delegates’ ROI and ROTI would have been significantly impacted at an in-person event in February 2021. Our focus is now on delivering an unbeatable live event in November 2021, which will reunite the industry, as well as provide the leading platform to help rebuild the future of oil, gas and energy in Africa. We would like to thank all those who have supported us in the last 27 years, we can’t wait to see you!”

AOW will be engaging continuously with the industry in the lead up to the November 2021 edition. Bookings for the event are now open, and the organisers are busy working on virtual initiatives aimed at facilitating multi-stakeholder strategic conversations and delivering world-class digital content in the coming months. Further details will be released soon.

Amid continuing uncertainty, Investing in African Mining Indaba announces cancellation of the 2021 edition and launches a virtual event

Investing in African Mining Indaba (MI), part of Hyve Group PLC, announces with regret the cancellation of the 2021 edition, due to take place 1-4 February 2021 in Cape Town, South Africa. The event will return on 7-10 February 2022. Mining Indaba’s sister event, Africa Oil Week, has also been cancelled and will return 1-5 November 2021 in line with its regular dates.

Seven months since the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic, the continuing uncertainty is a primary contributor to the cancellation of the 2021 event. Additionally, international travel limitations and current restrictions for hosting events in South Africa which prevent larger gatherings mean the organisers can no longer be certain of delivering Mining Indaba to the high standard to which their audience is accustomed.

The 2022 event will take place in accordance with the latest health & safety and government guidance. The well-being of speakers, delegates, sponsors and exhibitors will remain a top priority. As always, the event’s objective will be to gather the most influential decision-makers in African and global mining to network, make deals and shape discussions crucial to the future success of the industry.

Simon Ford, Portfolio Director of Investing in African Mining Indaba and Africa Oil Week, said:

“Bringing people together is at the heart of what we do at Mining Indaba. However, based on current uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we took the view that our delegates’ ROI and ROTI would have been significantly impacted at an in-person event in February 2021. Our focus is now on delivering an unbeatable live event in February 2022, which will reunite and regenerate the industry, as well as, provide the leading platform to help rebuild the future of African mining. We would like to thank all those who have supported us throughout the years.”

Furthermore, Mining Indaba is delighted to announce the launch of Investing in African Mining Indaba Virtual ‘Resilience and Regrowth: Adopting the New Mindset for African Mining’ taking place 2-3 February 2021; recognising the role that Mining Indaba plays in connecting the global mining community and its significance in shaping the industry for the year ahead.

The virtual event will feature free high-level content streamed online, including pioneering insights from the industry’s heavyweights, multi-stakeholder strategic conversations, keynote addresses and more.

For further announcements, please check the website – www.miningindaba.com

Total makes second significant gas condensate discovery

Image: Petroleum Agency SA

Paris, October 28, 2020 – Total has made a significant gas condensate discovery on the Luiperd prospect, located on Block 11B/12B in the Outeniqua Basin, 175 kilometers off the southern coast of South Africa. This discovery follows the adjacent play opening Brulpadda discovery in 2019, which proved a significant new petroleum province in the region.

The Luiperd well was drilled to a total depth of about 3,400 meters and encountered 73 meters of net gas condensate pay in well-developed good quality Lower Cretaceous reservoirs. Following a comprehensive coring and logging program the well will be tested to assess the dynamic reservoir characteristics and deliverability.

“We are very pleased with this second discovery and its very encouraging results, which prove the world-class nature of this offshore gas play,” said Arnaud Breuillac, President Exploration & Production at Total. “With this discovery and the successful seismic acquisitions, Total and its partners have acquired important data on the Paddavissie fairway, which will help to progress development studies and engage with South African authorities regarding the possible conditions of the gas commercialization.”

The Block 11B/12B covers an area of 19,000 square kilometers, with water depths ranging from 200 to 1,800 meters. It is operated by Total with a 45% working interest, alongside Qatar Petroleum (25%), CNR international (20%) and Main Street, a South African consortium (10%).

About Total

Total is a broad energy company that produces and markets fuels, natural gas and electricity. Our 100,000 employees are committed to better energy that is more affordable, more reliable, cleaner and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, our ambition is to become the responsible energy major.

World Cities Day places urbanization under magnifying glass

As the world celebrates World Cities Day on October 31st, as coined by The United Nations General Assembly, we as a global community, need to address the future challenges of urbanization and make a concerted effort in contributing to sustainable urban development; especially during the worldwide Covid-19 epidemic, whilst most households work and study from home.

– Alexander Abrass, Senior Sales Director – Danfoss Cooling, Turkey, Middle East & Africa.

Alexander Abrass

It is estimated that cities and towns are populated by at least 55% of the human population and that this number will increase to 70% by the year 2050, with the majority of growth attributed to Asia, Africa, China, India and Nigeria where population growth is at its highest.

“The UN-Habitat identifies cities and their communities as being at the frontline of the Covid-19 response, and Danfoss aims to contribute at the forefront in the supply & recommendation of green-economic, sustainable and energy efficient technology to ease the impact of urban development during this new normality,” says Abrass.

Urban October was launched by UN-Habitat in 2014 to emphasize the world’s urban challenges and engage the international community towards the New Urban Agenda.

The aim – to ensure cities and human settlements become more inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

“Gone are the days of conventional methodologies of producing, transporting, storing and the way we consume perishable foods. As it is estimated that 8.9% of the world’s population (690 million people) suffer from hunger, we need to do more with less, as a global community.

A lot more needs to be done about food safety and how produce is treated; and it needs to be done in an energy efficient way, as we face over a quarter of a billion people potentially at the brink of starvation. Carbon dioxide, or CO², as a refrigerant has therefore become a hot topic in the food retail industry,” says Abrass.

The Birmingham Energy Institute estimates that as much as 90% of the food wastage in developing countries stems from food loss somewhere along the supply chain. An estimated $940 billion dollars are lost, and 4.4 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions are created by the production of food, which will never be consumed, annually. With efficient cold chains, food loss could be reduced by up to 40%.

Another concerning issue cities are facing, is that of clean water and sanitation. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, we still live in a society where:

  • one in three people do not have access to safe drinking water;
  • two out of five, do not have basic water facilities for personal hygiene;
  • 673 million people still participate in public defecation.

Lastly, climate change is an ever-increasing concern to our entire planet.

In the past months, amid the economic slowdown caused by Covid-19, we have seen a decline in the global energy demand by 3.8%, and a consequent drop in CO² emissions, alas unless the wave of investment to restart economies is dedicated to the green transition, the rebound in emissions can be larger than the decline. To meet the 1.5°C Paris target, we must cut emissions by 7.6% in the next year, and every year thereafter.

Sustainable, efficient energy infrastructure alongside building efficiency retrofit, are investments that can support countries, boosting economic growth and mitigating climate change.

“We need to adapt swiftly and promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed local and marginalized communities. At Danfoss we own, create and constantly improve the technology and solutions, required to address these growing concerns successfully, whilst being energy efficient and mindful of the environment,” Abrass concludes.

Sources:

*The United Nations General Assembly, UN-Habitat World Cities Report, Birmingham Energy Institute.

Article written by Lynne McCarthy, Danfoss Marketing and Communications Specialist Consultant – Turkey, Middle East & Africa.

Diamond cutting and polishing company in Kimberley delivers superior quality

Company profile: Outclass Crystallized Gems, Kimberley

General business activities

Outclass Crystallized Gems is a diamond cutting and polishing company situated in Kimberley, South Africa. In the very heart of Kimberley amongst the very souls that are dear to the history of diamonds, our business model is not only based on buying and selling diamonds, but in also reviving the diamond legacy once embraced by the city of Kimberley through creating job opportunities for the fellow youth within the Northern Cape and South Africa as a whole, whilst creating unique experiences for its clients/customers.

We are a young company with big dreams. Our desire is to be one of the key players in South Africa’s diamond industry by continually working hard towards building a reputation for honesty, integrity, cutting-edge technologies, and community-mindedness.

The company is currently assisted by the Kimberley Diamond Jewellery Incubator. The role of the Incubator is to mentor, coach, service and provide the company with state-of-the-art facilities & technology in order to lead it to a position where it is able to be self-sustaining & self-sufficient; therefore enabling us to achieve our short-term goals and spurring us on towards our long-term goals.

Furthermore, Outclass Crystallized Gems receives direct support from Petra Diamonds (Mining Group) and CS Diamonds (Rough Diamond Auction/Tender House). More details are provided below.

Outclass Crystallized Gems is part of the “Young Diamantaires Program”, which is run by the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and a member of the Diamond Dealers Club of South Africa. Recently (06/10/2020), The De Beers Group announced the 5 companies selected for their Enterprise Development Program and Outclass Crystallized Gems is deeply humbled and honoured to be amongst the companies selected.

This marks a new & exciting chapter in our life as an organization, further propelling us towards our vision of building an organization that offers unique customer experiences, whilst positively contributing to its surrounding community. We greatly look forward to work with The De Beers Group & Raizcorp on this project.

Partnerships

Outclass Crystallized Gems works very closely with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Petra Diamonds (Mining Company) and CS Diamonds (Rough Auction/Tender House).

Our collective goal and objective is to beneficiate the minerals locally, create employment and establish stable & consistent markets internationally for our loose polished diamonds.

Both Petra Diamonds & CS Diamonds support us with consistence rough diamond supply, finance & non-financial support (mentorship).

At the beginning of 2019, we set out to exhibit at three major international diamond jewellery shows. The JCK Las Vegas Show (biggest diamond jewellery show in the world), September Hong Kong Gem & Jewellery Fair (second biggest diamond jewellery show in the world) and VOD Dubai International Jewellery Show.

At the JCK Las Vegas Show, we launched our exclusive loose polished diamond brand “PURPOSE” and were the only company representing Africa out of approximately 2400 exhibitors.

A selection of products from Outclassed Crystallized Gems

Markets

Together with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development & Tourism, we have committed towards exhibiting at the JCK Las Vegas Show, September Hong Kong Gem & Jewellery Fair and VOD Dubai International Jewellery Show for the next five years consecutively. This is to build our reputation and establish a firm footprint within all three market demographics mentioned above.

Over 80% of our current turnover originates from the USA, Canada, and China. Further investment will solidify our presence in all three target markets.

Furthermore, Outclass Crystallized Gems will be hosting a cocktail event in New York at the beginning of 2021 (date to be announced), put together by our mentor Mr Ronnie VanderLinden. Around 50-75 delegates from leading jewellery retail stores, the media and trade members are expected to attend. The objective of this event is for Outclass Crystallized Gems to further establish its brand name within the American market.

Our current focus area is therefore in producing the specifications below to meet our target market’s needs:

  • Cut: Round Brilliant Diamonds (other shapes too, upon request)
  • Colour Range: D-J
  • Clarity Range: VVS1-SI1
  • Carat Weight Range: 1ct-10ct

Company Purpose

Revive the legacy once embraced by the city of Kimberley through the creation of jobs within the Northern Cape and South Africa as a whole, equipping the local community with the skills needed in order to cut and polish diamonds for the local and International market, whilst creating unique experiences for its clients/customers.

Company Vision

  • To be the largest diamond cutting and polishing firm in the world with leading advancement in all aspects of the field.
  • Become a key player in the growth of the diamond cutting & polishing industry in South Africa and contribute to the economy at large.
  • Increase the assets and investments of the company to support the growth and development of the surrounding community.

Company Mission

  • Provide our clients with superior quality diamond and jewellery products exceeding their own expectations.
  • Build a strong and firm relationship with our clients by providing them with the necessary service.
  • Be professional and self-sustaining; providing customer satisfaction through the quality of our products

Contact Outclass Crystallized Gems:

[contact-form-7 id=”1320″ title=”Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism”]

 

Biggi Brands: Suppliers of premium popcorn since 1991

Company profile: Biggi Brands

Since its inception in 1991, the company has grown to reach record sales of c. 16,100 metric tons in the last financial year, mainly due to a substantial recent investment in production capacity and technology.

Overview

Biggi Brands was founded in 1991 and is situated in Hopetown, Northern Cape.

The majority of our popcorn is produced by nine contracted farmers, who mostly farm on the fertile banks of the Orange River, which is free from industrial waste. Our popcorn is produced in the heart of South Africa’s center pivot irrigation region.

Main markets

  • Approximately 70% of our popcorn is exported each year.
  • In South Africa, we supply to both of the major cinema chains in South Africa as well as independent cinemas.
  • We have been the exclusive agents for Gold Medal catering equipment since 2003.

Biggi Brands sold approx. 16,100 metric tons of popcorn during its 2019 financial year, which represents an increase of 3,500 metric tons (28%) compared to the 2018 financial year. This volume comprised 14,500 metric tons of Butterfly, and 1,600 metric tons of Mushroom.

Biggi Brands currently exports bulk popcorn to 10-12 countries across the world situated primarily in Europe and Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. We have exported to 15 countries in total over the course of our history.

With our warehouses in Midrand (Gauteng), Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Biggi Brands delivers weekly, according to our customers’ needs. For industrial clients, we offer to deliver directly to their production premises.

South African customers

Our focus is to supply popcorn that produces large popped kernels. We work closely with our customers to understand their product and production needs, and have a record of consistently meeting their specifications.

Mushroom popcorn

Used as a coated product like caramel, chocolate, etc. In the ready-to-eat market, therefore it is important that the popcorn should be resistant to breaking during the production process.

(We have noticed an increased demand for mushroom popcorn in recent years. Biggi can offer mushroom varieties which meet industrial demands for coating.)

Butterfly popcorn

Named for its “wings”, it is prized for its high expansion ratio when popped. Butterfly is predominantly sold in cinemas, which sell by volume. (We focus on expansion per kernel, kernel count and firmness of wings, to ensure that popped kernels are large and do not break easily.)

We sell our bulk popcorn under our own brand and also package for customers in their branded bags. We also produce a range of microwave popcorn, which we select from our best popcorn to achieve the largest popped kernel and least number of un-popped kernels.

Contact Biggi Brands:

To discuss potential trade opportunities, please contact the company here:

[contact-form-7 id=”1320″ title=”Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism”]

Drivers improving the business case for solar

Spar, Belfast (Supplied: IMPower)

Covid-19 presented businesses across the board with the opportunity to re-evaluate both their operational models and costs. Proactive organisations found themselves navigating a wake of reinvention by establishing variable cost structures as well as employing agile operations in terms of energy supply.

Confronted by plummeting sales and revenue along with rising inflationary costs, businesses have found themselves under immense financial pressure to rapidly recover from the pandemic at hand. In order to do so, business leaders have sought to reduce unnecessary expenses as far as possible by investing in cutting edge technologies to bring about improved energy savings.

In March this year, the government declared a nationwide ‘lockdown’ in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This lockdown, albeit necessary, plunged the economy into its greatest recession in 90 years. With businesses all clambering to recommence operations as restrictions ease, the resulting upswing in electricity demand has placed immense strain on Eskom’s ageing and poorly maintained infrastructure. In July this year, a number of concurrent breakdowns resulted in a resurgence of power supply interruptions, otherwise known as load shedding, in an attempt by Eskom to protect the national grid from collapsing. By the end of July, the amount of power reductions for the year had already exceeded the levels observed in 2019, which was the worst year of load shedding on record.

This unanticipated surge in load shedding has contributed to the nation’s thwarted post-Covid-19 economic recovery and unless real, measurable and deliberate action is implemented to support private electricity generation, incapacitating power cuts will continue for years to come, further derailing the domestic economy and stifling both local and international investment.

Eskom asserted that its improved maintenance programme, in pursuance of addressing decades of neglect and mismanagement, will cease load shedding within 18 months. However, it is abundantly clear that this goal will misfire, as seen by the scope of challenges at its inefficient coal-fired power stations.

The ultimate solution is for the government to employ bold policy frameworks empowering municipalities, industries, businesses, farms and households to swiftly adopt new generation capacity with reliable, low cost and environmentally friendly wind and solar PV installations, coupled with battery storage initiatives.

Extensive research from some of the world’s most respected energy experts has revealed that no other energy source, including hydro and wind, can provide power as sustainably, reliably, and efficiently as solar power.

According to industry experts, the future scope of solar energy for Africa is extensive and has seen exponential growth in the past few years. The continent has experienced a growth of over 1.8 GW of new solar installations, with 1.4 GW related to photovoltaic (PV) installations, which is a considerable increase from the 786 MW that was connected in 2017. In 2016, South Africa had 1,329 MW of installed solar power capacity and according to governments 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), this capacity is expected to reach 8,888 MW by 2030.

Solar has a major bearing on the African energy sector. The total power derived from solar has officially outpaced any other fuel with regards to global energy output. Solar is currently the frontrunner in renewables and solar PV additions are transcending all other fuels, including coal. A report conducted by The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted unprecedented solar PV growth up to the year 2022.

Gabriel Kroes, Head of Engineering at IMPower, commented: “As industries once again gain momentum, and the energy demand pattern normalises, this will result in an increase in load shedding incidents. However, in response to this, businesses and the private sector are substantially accelerating their efforts to procure their own power.”

Bulk electricity prices are set to increase by approximately 15% next year after a court victory for utility giant, Eskom. In a legal battle, Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) were contesting over Nersa’s decision to deduct a R69-billion equity lifeline from Eskom’s allowable revenue. That R69-billion had been apportioned to Eskom in the 2019 budget to assist the power utility in paying off its escalating debt. The high court in Johannesburg pronounced Nersa’s conclusion unlawful and ruled the full amount to be paid back to Eskom over the next three years. If left uncontested, the ruling will further disrupt businesses and suppress the nation’s economic recovery.

Within the past seven years, South Africa has observed an almost 300% increase in electricity costs.

In 2020 alone, between a 9% and 15% increase has been observed. Such increases are unsustainable and represent an additional substantial driver for why companies are seeking more efficient measures to provide a sustainable or stable cost of electricity. Another significant driver is the decline in the price of renewable energy alternatives, further incentivising the shift.

Electricity is a critical commodity enabling and supporting a country’s economic growth, which ultimately leads to poverty alleviation, job creation and a decline in inequality. This is clearly outlined in South Africa’s official National Development Plan 2030 which states, inter alia: “The NDP aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. According to the plan, South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society.” – https://www.gov.za/issues/national-development-plan-2030

“It remains evident that the citizens and businesses of our nation are unable to depend exclusively on the national grid, and it therefore remains vital that they be supported by government in seeking various energy alternatives, such as solar power. As the levelised cost of solar has declined dramatically over the past years, this energy source remains far more affordable and reliable in comparison to its fossil fuel powered counterpart,” commented Mr Kroes.

1...606162...78Page 61 of 78
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter
© 2023 | Website powered by TurboWP |