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New technologies and new priorities are set to reshape the economy of Mpumalanga

Sasol's operations at Secunda are among the most important manufacturing facilities in Mpumalanga province. Sasol Gas is one of the four Sasol operations at Secunda. (Credit: Sasol)

Coal has been the engine of the Mpumalanga economy for many years. Most of South Africa’s power comes from coal, and most of those power stations are in Mpumalanga.

More than 80% of South Africa’s coal is currently sourced in Mpumalanga, with the town of eMalahleni (Witbank) being the centre of the industry. Other minerals found in the province include gold, platinum-group minerals, chromite, zinc, cobalt, copper, iron and manganese.

Confronting South Africa’s reliance on coal is not something that seems to be on the agenda at the moment, with a good deal of thought and effort going into finding ways to get coal to Mpumalanga’s power stations from the next big coal region, the Waterberg. A new railway line is mooted. The lives of a number of Mpumalanga coal mines are being extended and Sasol launched the third of its replacement mines in 2019.

Gas

The most popular renewable energy technologies, wind and solar, have little purchase in Mpumalanga, but a game-changer could come to the provincial economy in the form of gas. This would allow the province to retain its position as an energy provider and to start moving away from coal.

Vast new fields of natural gas have been found off the coast of Mozambique and the large and sophisticated infrastructure that Sasol has built up over the years make it well-placed to fire up a gas-based economy.

Sasol (pictured above), an integrated oil, gas and chemicals company with more than 30 000 employees and operations in 31 countries, runs several plants at Secunda. Products manufactured at the complex include synthetic fuel, petroleum, paraffin, jet fuel, creosote, bitumen, diesel and lubricants. The primary feedstock for synthetic-fuel production is coal, and the plant is in the heart of Mpumalanga’s coalfields.

Sasol’s Secunda complex at night.

Sasol regularly spends tens of millions on upgrades and improvements at the Secunda complex. The Sasol Synfuels refinery is the only commercial coal-to-liquid fuel plant in the world and constitutes a key component in South Africa’s oil and gas sector.

On a smaller scale, the provincial government is looking beyond coal towards a renewable energy future, especially where projects can be tackled by small businesses. There might be opportunities in micro-hydro or rooftop solar projects that will help to reduce dependence on the national grid while simultaneously promoting SMMEs.

Tourism

The other big new reality that Mpumalanga has to face is the fact that travel and tourism will not be a priority for people around the world any time soon. The effect of the economic lockdown as a response to Covid-19 is likely to be keenly felt by the hotels, lodges and game reserves of Mpumalanga. It is possible that visits to game reserves and nature reserves will be allowed (even encouraged perhaps) sooner than other sectors of the tourism sector because of the big distances between cars and people that can be achieved. But the turnover from restaurants will be absent for some considerable time and in a province where 7% of GDP is derived from tourism, this is bad news.

In 2018, tourists spent R13.1-billion in the province. Numbers were rising for both inter-national tourist arrivals and domestic tourists as a result of a strong marketing campaign by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).

The Kruger National Park remains the province’s most visited asset but the decision by UNESCO to afford World Heritage Site status to the Makhonjwa Mountains near Barberton will boost geological tourism to the province and supports the efforts of the province to diversify its offering.

Major projects to improve tourist experiences are underway at the Graskop Gorge (where a transparent lift takes tourists into the depths of the gorge), a skywalk is to be built at God’s Window and a cable car is planned for Three Rondavels.

The spectacular Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga Province. [Picture source: Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA)]
The UNESCO decision has also had the effect of expanding the curriculum at the relatively new University of Mpumalanga. On the basis of the international body’s ruling, UMP is offering geology as part of a BSc degree, to supplement existing courses in education, agriculture and hospitality.

Several infrastructure investment projects in the tourism sector have been put forward by the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA). There is a special focus on BRICS countries and provincial authorities are investigating a tourism airlift route between Moscow and Mpumalanga.

The TRILAND partnership with Eswatini and Mozambique is another avenue, as is the collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal, Eswatini, Mozambique and the Seychelles. The latter project is called east3ROUTE Tourism Initiative and proclaims “Experience, Adventure, Scenery and Trade” between the participating provinces and countries.

Industry

A major concern for provincial planners is to diversify the economy and to grow the manufacturing sector. The Mpumalanga Economic Growth and Development Path (MEGDP) identifies beneficiation, agri-processing and the development of value chains as priorities.

Various industrial parks are planned which will focus on agriculture and forestry, mining and metals and petrochemicals. An International Fresh Produce Market in Nelspruit and the planned Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (SEZ) are other priorities.

Steel and associated manufacturing remains one of the province’s strong suits and Mpumalanga has rich and varied mineral resources and fertile soil that support diverse farming operations, agri-processing and forestry.

The province also hosts large companies in the manufacturing sector. Columbus Stainless in Middelburg is a major producer of stainless steel, while Middelburg Ferrochrome, Thos Begbie and the Nelspruit-based Manganese Metal Company are among other important heavy industrial companies.

The province’s rich agricultural produce is used by companies such as McCain, Nestlé and PepsiCo and there are also pulp and paper plants (Sappi and Mondi), fertiliser facilities and textile manufacturing concerns. The decision by Sappi to start producing dissolving wood pulp at its Ngodwana Mill has significantly increased the manufacturing capacity of the province. York Timbers is a leading forestry company and the sugar mills and refinery of RCL Foods (formerly TSB Sugar) are large contributors to the provincial economy.

The southern half of the eastern limb of the platinum-rich Bushveld Igneous Complex runs south towards the towns of Lydenburg and Machadodorp. Deposits of chromite, magnetite and vanadium in this area are the basis of the ferro-alloy complex in Witbank-Middelburg and Lydenburg.

An aerial view of Highveld Industrial Park in Mpumalanga (Source: Highveld Industrial Park )

Geography

The Drakensberg escarpment sharply divides the western grasslands at high altitude (Highveld) and the subtropical component to the east, the Lowveld. The central region of the province is mountainous, with dramatic landscapes presenting exciting vistas for visitors. The Lebombo Mountains rise in the east.

The southern and northern Highveld regions produce large quantities of field crops such as barley, soybeans, maize, grain and sorghum. Potatoes also flourish in this area.

Most of the province receives summer rainfall, often via thunderstorms. Frost is common on the Highveld but is almost absent in the subtropical regions where fruit, nuts and citrus thrive. Differences in temperature and rainfall between the Highveld and Lowveld can be considerable. One of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors is macadamia nuts. These are cultivated in the Lowveld and are exported in ever-growing volumes. The Nelspruit district in the Lowveld is South Africa’s second-biggest producer of citrus fruit, while vegetables of all sorts do well in this area too.

Large parts of the province are in the so-called Middleveld comprising high-plateau grasslands. Forestry operations are found in central and south-eastern Mpumalanga, but the heart of this important industry is around Sabie in the east. The Mpumalanga forestry sector is one of the most important in the country: 11% of the total land area of Mpumalanga is covered either by plantations or natural forests. Large sugar operations are found in the south-east of the province.

The province has excellent roads and railway connections and is well served by airports, airstrips and heliports. The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Hoedspruit Airport are the province’s two main airports.

The Maputo Development Corridor is a transportation corridor comprising road, rail, border posts, port and terminal facilities, running from Pretoria in Gauteng through Mpumalanga to the Port of Maputo in Mozambique. This international initiative emphasises Mpumalanga’s excellent location as a logistics and transport hub.

Ehlanzeni District Municipality

Towns: Mbombela, Malelane, Hazyview, White River, Sabie, Lydenburg, Barberton

Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) is the capital city of Mpumalanga province and the main town of the Mbombela Local Municipality within the Ehlanzeni District Municipality.The new University of Mpumalanga has its headquarters in Mbombela. The Lowveld Show and the InniBos Arts Festival are major events that showcase Mbombela’s diversity and importance as a regional hub.

The fertile Crocodile River Valley ensures good fruit crops in a typically subtropical climate. Mangoes, litchis and avocados are among the crops grown most profitably and the town is at the centre of the regional citrus sector. The Lowveld Botanical Gardens contain many rare species.The urban centres are nodes of manufacturing in this region, which is also at the heart of Mpuma-langa’s tourism offering. The Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and other attractions make this a highly desirable place to visit. Citrus, sugar and forestry are the major agricultural products, all
being major contributors to export earnings. The Sappi paper mill at Ngodwana is one of the biggest
of its kind while RCL Foods operates two large mills in the east. The population is about 1.7-million.

Gert Sibande District Municipality

Towns: Bethal, Secunda, Standerton, Ermelo, Volksrust, Mkhondo (Piet Retief), Carolina

Power stations abound in this region which stretches across the southern half of the province and it is the home of the giant Sasol facilities at Secunda. The area makes up the northern tip of South Africa’s maize triangle. Agriculture and food processing are well-developed sectors. Sheep, chicken, sunflower and sorghum are among the area’s many agricultural products. Nestlé has a processing plant at Standerton, as does Astral Foods. Mondi runs a pulp and paper facility in the south-east. Major highways connecting Gauteng with the coastal regions pass through the municipality. About one-million people live in the Gert Sibande District and the municipal headquarters are in Ermelo.

Nkangala District Municipality

Towns: Middelburg, Delmas, Kriel, eMalahleni (Witbank), eMakhazeni (Belfast), Dullstroom, eMgwenya (Waterval Boven)

This area straddles the north-west. Rural and traditional in the north-west where the King of the Ndebele is still revered, there is a concentration of coal mining and steel production in the industrial centre. Proximity to Gauteng brings economic opportunity and the area is rich in minerals. The District Municipality’s headquarters are in Middelburg. The north-east hosts a lively trout-fishing sector that includes hatcheries and accommodation for tourists. Approximately 1.4-million people live in the district.

Continue exploring the economy of Mpumalanga Province in the 2020/21 edition of Mpumalanga Business – the guide to business and investment in Mpumalanga:

There is nothing small about the impact small businesses have on our economy

Small businesses need the nation to mobilise behind them more than ever before. That’s the word from Mike Anderson, Founder & CEO of the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC). The role that small businesses play in job creation, poverty alleviation, service delivery, and wealth creation all mean that small business is big business.

“Nearly two thirds of all South African workers are employed by small businesses,” says Anderson. “Small businesses also contribute a significant portion of our country’s gross domestic product, which is why we’re encouraging South Africans to lend their support to go out there and support their local small businesses.” This means that, the more support they receive, the more people they can employ, and the more successful our country becomes – which is good news for every small business.

“Nearly two thirds of all South African workers are employed by small businesses”

“Small businesses are key to unlocking economic opportunities and achieving inclusive growth, adding that South Africa’s high rate of unemployment call for bold and far-sighted interventions,” says Anderson. One out of five units exported from South Africa is produced in the small and medium business sector. Adding even more weight to the argument that small businesses are the mainstay of the South African economy, and need greater support from government, the public sector, and of course ordinary South Africans. “Making a small change to where we spend our money can have a huge impact on small businesses, our communities and ultimately our economy,” says Anderson.

“The advantages of supporting small businesses lie not only in making an impact on the economy, but also the positive difference it can make in uplifting local communities. Locally owned businesses help shape strong communities by keeping vital spend within small towns and cities, leading to vibrant local economies that benefit all who live there,” says Anderson. “There are plenty of advantages for consumers too, very often small businesses care deeply about the kind of customer service they deliver; knowing that quality products and personalised service is what keeps their business thriving.”

“Through a sustained nationwide effort, we want to bring about permanent change in the hearts of all South Africans. We want to encourage everyone in our country to support their local small businesses as a priority.”

With more support, small businesses have the potential to breathe new life into the South African economy and play an even bigger role in economic growth and job creation. Small businesses represent countless hours of hard work, commitment, resilience and thousands of jobs. When South Africans support the ‘small’, they make a big impact. Providing as much support to small businesses as possible is an investment in our communities and South Africa’s collective economic future.

“Through a sustained nationwide effort, we want to bring about permanent change in the hearts of all South Africans. We want to encourage everyone in our country to support their local small businesses as a priority. So, when you all go out to shop, please make that all-important choice, support your local independent small businesses,” concludes Anderson.

See more about the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC)
Website: https://www.nsbc.africa/

Aspire to Inspire

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Education is fundamental to development and growth. Growth, development and poverty reduction is dependent on the knowledge and skills acquired.

Two College of Cape Town lecturers “aspire to inspire” others, through education and equality of all citizens.

Dr. Charles Mbayi completed his PhD in Mathematics and Mrs. Noreth Muller-Kluits was selected to render an oral presentation at the Social Work Education and Social Development (SWESD) Conference in Rimini, Italy. The oral presentation will be based on her abstract titled: “Social Work and Rehabilitation – ensuring a free and just society inclusive of all persons with disabilities as equal citizens.” The abstract forms part of her current doctoral research study she’s currently pursuing.

Lecturer graduates with PhD in Mathematics

Dr. Charles Mbayi, a lecturer at Pinelands Campus recently graduated with a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Western Cape. His passion for teaching and learning has inspired him to study mathematics.

Dr. Mbayi pursued his tertiary education in his home country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Statistic Mathematics and spending ten years as a Mathematics lecturer, he relocated to South Africa.

Once settled in South Africa, Dr. Mbayi obtained his Master’s degree, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics from the University of the Western Cape. He then joined the academic team at the College of Cape Town, Pinelands Campus as a Mathematics lecturer. Dr. Mbayi uses every opportunity to encourage students to be passionate about Mathematics and the application thereof. “My passion for mathematics grew during my high school career. Solving math problems gives me a real pleasure as it allows for both critical and relative thinking. I remember when I was in high school, I was always good in mathematics than any other subjects. I enjoy calculations and numbers,” said Dr. Mbayi.

From left to right: Mr. Mphumzi Booi, Deputy Principal: Corporate Services, Principal: Mr. Louis van Niekerk, Mrs. Noreth Muller-Kluits and Dr. Charles Mbayi (seating).

Lecturer set to render an oral presentation at the SWESD Conference in Italy

Mrs. Noreth Muller-Kluits, a lecturer at the Crawford Campus, in the NC(V) Primary Health Department, has her abstract selected for oral presentation at the Social Work Education and Social Development (SWESD) Conference in Rimini, Italy. The abstract is based on “Social Work and Rehabilitation – ensuring a free and just society inclusive of all persons with disabilities as equal citizens” is based on her current doctoral research study she is pursuing.

The focus of the oral presentation will demonstrate how social work can contribute to the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, especially when integrating into society. This conference will be hosted by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW). The conference planned to take place in June 2020, but due to the global COVID-19 pandemic outbreak was postponed to November 2020.

Her interest in disability has developed over the years, she has both a personal and professional background in the field. She has been involved with disability awareness at the college, including in 2018 facilitating an awareness talk hosted by NC(V) Primary Health Level 2 students on the accessibility of Crawford campus which was attended by College Executive.

She is currently doing her doctoral degree in social work at Stellenbosch University focusing on experiences of adults with an acquired physical disability on social work support. She enjoys doing qualitative research as it provides participants with the opportunity to share their stories. She hopes to be able to further advocate for persons with disabilities as a minority group that could affect anyone at any time.

From left to right: Mr. Mphumzi Booi, Deputy Principal: Corporate Services, Principal: Mr. Louis van Niekerk, Dr. Charles Mbayi, and Mrs. Noreth Muller-Kluits (seating).
Article by Zintle Maliwa, Marketing Assistant: Corporate Communications & Marketing
College of Cape Town.

The 2020 Joburg Indaba – an online discussion

The 2020 Joburg Indaba, now in its 8th year, is set to take place on 7th & 8th October. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s event will be held as an online discussion.

Covid-19 is undoubtedly wreaking havoc on economies and livelihoods across the globe and front of mind for the Joburg Indaba this year will be the question:

How do we revitalize the mining industry post Covid-19?

How we get back on track, stimulate recovery and reposition the industry as a modern, diverse and inclusive one will be of utmost importance going forward.

What will our recovery look like and what are the urgent steps that need to be taken now?
How can we accelerate growth to increase mining’s contribution to GDP and employment?
How do we galvanize the industry and make mining work for the benefit of all?

The Joburg Indaba, with its reputation as a highly regarded and influential industry platform will unpack a wide range of these critical issues affecting all stakeholders in the mining industry.

Renowned as a leading industry gathering, the Joburg Indaba will once again bring together CEOs and senior representatives from all major mining houses, local and international investors, Government, parastatals, experts from legal and advisory firms and representatives from communities and organized labour.

As the impact of current global events continue to unfold, we will debate the key issues, including what Government, industry and indeed all stakeholders need to do to address the significant impact of the pandemic, reinvigorate the industry and provide incentives for future growth and investment.

We, at the Joburg Indaba, look forward to welcoming you in 2020 for frank, open and honest discussions around the current state of the mining sector and how all stakeholders can work together to get the industry moving forward again.

We also look forward to expanding our footprint globally and welcoming new participants from further afield who are not ordinarily able to be with us in person in Johannesburg, whether these be investors from around the world or other mining professionals. This will undoubtedly add to the flavour of the discussions.

Our excellent virtual event platform will also offer significant branding opportunities for our speakers, partners and sponsors.

Join us in October and you will be able to:
  • Participate in the conversation and view live stream sessions from anywhere in the world
  • Engage with leaders in the industry on the way forward post Covid-19
  • Meet and interact with speakers, sponsors and fellow participants from all over the world
  • Join in live polls and Q&A and receive results and answers in real time
  • Receive recordings of all discussions to watch at your leisure in any time zone

Registration for the Joburg Indaba is now open so make sure you guarantee your seat by booking early. 

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors who have committed to supporting us in our efforts to keep the conversation alive in our online edition this year.

Sponsors of the 2020 Joburg Indaba Online Edition include:
  • Lead Sponsor – PwC
  • Premium Sponsors – African Sun Mining, DRA Global, IsoMetrix, OIM Consulting, Rand Merchant Bank
  • Mining Industry Partners – Anglo American, Exxaro Resources, Harmony Gold Mining Company Company Limited, Implats, Menar, Sibanye-Stillwater, Vedanta Zinc International.
See a full list of sponsors here

For sponsorship opportunities please contact Stuart Alderson-Smith at sponsorships@resources4africa.com 

Click HERE to REGISTER

 

AOW 2020 rescheduled to 1-5 February 2021

Bringing people together is at the heart of what we do at Africa Oil Week. This is why we are continuing to do everything we can to stay connected with our community during this time. After discussion with our partners in South Africa and key stakeholders in the oil and gas community, we have made a collective decision to reschedule Africa Oil Week 2020 to 1-5 February 2021.

This decision was taken in consideration of the continuing global impact of COVID-19, international travel restrictions and with the wellbeing of our speakers, delegates, sponsors and exhibitors top of mind. We believe that rescheduling the show to early 2021 will enable us to deliver another strong edition drawing the oil and gas community together and provide a platform for the industry to meet, reconnect and set the agenda for 2021. The show will be held in accordance with latest health & safety and government guidance and will take place alongside our sister event Investing in African Mining Indaba.

In the meantime, we are delighted to announce the launch of AOW Virtual, which will take place 7-8 October 2020. This strategic event will feature free insightful content streamed online, including pioneering insights from the industry’s heavyweights, multi-stakeholder strategic conversations, an opportunity for delegates joining us at Africa Oil Week in February 2021 to connect virtually, and more. We want to enable the oil and gas industry to come together and help shape the roadmap for an industry response to current challenges. Register your interest here.

Our team continues to work remotely, so please do join us online as we share updates on content, engagement, and most importantly, the on-going kindness, resilience, and perseverance of our oil and gas community.

We will keep you in the loop every step of the way, but should you have any questions in the meantime, visit FAQs or alternatively, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to answer all your questions.

Statement on Port of Cape Town operations

The Port of Cape Town (Credit: Transnet National Ports Authority)

The Port of Cape Town, managed by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), remains operational despite the challenges posed by the growing prevalence of COVID-19 in the region.

Cape Town’s position as the epicentre of the country’s outbreak has hampered human resource availability and operational capacity at the port’s terminals.

TNPA’s Cape Town Port Manager, Mpumi Dweba-Kwetana said bi-weekly virtual meetings between port officials and customers are taking place to address these matters.

“Transnet will continue to work closely with stakeholders around the impact of constrained port terminal resources on their operations. However, we respect the fact that some shipping customers need to make difficult decisions to keep their operations efficient over this unprecedented period,” she said.

Backlogs at the port are being addressed urgently in consultation with the terminal operator and clients. The initial phase of the South African lockdown which commenced on 27 March 2020 allowed only essential goods to be moved through the ports. This led to the port system being clogged up by cargo categorised as non-essential according to the Government Regulations. The Port of Cape Town was mostly affected in the agricultural sector.

The country’s ports also experienced a decrease in ship calls and throughput volumes when the lockdown began. There was an increase in vessel waiting time at outer anchorage and a deterioration in berth turnaround time, largely due to berth operations and staffing levels being reduced in line with COVID-19 preventative requirements.

However, as alert levels have progressed and restrictions have eased following positive engagements with government, there have been improvements.

Transnet Port Terminals has communicated that the Cape Town Container Terminal is operating at just below 60% and the Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) at 75%.

Dweba-Kwetana said, “The port is committed to safeguarding port users and employees while ensuring the movement of cargo for our customers. It has been a challenge for all in managing positive cases of COVID-19 in our port, along with self-isolation, staff absences and employee anxiety. Currently we have 40% of staff on duty after Transnet Port Terminals added a fifth gang on the waterside. We communicate daily to inform, educate and reassure our employees.

“We will continue engagements with industry, while upholding stringent measures to ensure the safety of port users and employees. The terminal operator also continues to monitor shift performance and COVID-19 compliance on a daily basis and provides updates to customers.”

About Transnet National Ports Authority

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is one of five operating divisions of Transnet SOC Ltd.  The National Ports Authority is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.

It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. It operates within a legislative and regulatory environment and is governed by the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005).

For more information visit www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net

Energy storage – providing energy when it is needed

Image: IMPower

Cape Town, 22 June 2020: Cape Town based IMPower has developed a market-leading medium sized solution comprising solar and energy storage technologies for the commercial & industrial market, which includes business parks, factories, shopping malls, schools and many others, providing reliable, affordable power.

Energy storage technologies are viewed as a potential game-changer for widespread adoption of renewable energy generation throughout Africa. It facilitates the management of renewable power intermittency, demand response services and the dispatchability of stable, clean and sustainable power into the local or national grid system.

“Our energy solution combining solar and energy storage, provides a maximum benefit solution for the market, ensuring security of supply and significant cost saving – especially with the recent tariff increase. Companies are forced to consider alternate energy solutions and the hybrid combination of solar and energy storage provides a perfect solution for any energy user, be they large or small,” says Chief Executive Officer of IMPower, Jay Naidoo.

Supplied: IMPower

The deployment of renewable energy is not only driven by cost efficiencies and environmental awareness, but when coupled with battery storage, a new dimension emerges, where utilities are able to compete on a level playing field with conventional electricity power plants. Furthermore, energy storage remains a flexible, scalable and efficient solution. Energy storage thwarts the need for power utilities to unearth and replace wires or spend money and time on constructing new plants. As an alternative, they can build a network of battery storage within 6 months.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that by 2035, developing nations will constitute 80% of total global energy production and consumption alike. A greater portion of this new generation will be derived from renewable sources in response to adhering to international policies for cleaner energy. Energy storage is considered to be the next wave of growth and the international market is expected to grow from US$221-million in 2014 to US$18-billion in 2023.

Spurred by the adoption of cleaner energy, declining prices and regulatory subsidies; solar photovoltaic, battery energy storage systems and mini-grids are being increasingly utilised across the electric system. These developments necessitate that utilities adapt their conventional (centralised) systems into more flexible, integrated and distributed power networks. This movement is evolving from preliminary phases to long-term investments that support the evolution of new business models.

Issues on behalf of IMPower Pty LTD by Siyenza Management, the organisers of Africa Energy Indaba

Measures to ease congestion at Durban Port

The Port of Durban, along with the maritime and logistics sectors are unquestionably the main economic drivers of the local economy. To address congestion, the City has initiated an Integrated Freight and Logistics Strategic Framework and Action Plan which sets out the following interventions:

  • Rehabilitation and expansion of additional lanes on the M7/ Solomon Mahlangu Drive, a key freight corridor in the City and crucial to the Port’s connections to provincial and national road corridors.
  • Working jointly with Transnet National Ports Authority in developing additional road capacity in and out of the Port of Durban by exploring the possibility of a potential second access road to the Durban Container Terminals and increasing road capacity on Bayhead Road.
  • Working jointly with the provincial government, Transnet, South African National Roads Agency and the Cato Ridge Logistics Hub Consortium to develop the Cato Ridge Intermodal Hub that will move certain cargo out of the Port to Cato Ridge, further de-congesting the South Durban Basin and making large parcels of land available for development.

eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda outlined other interventions including the Metro Police being permanently stationed at the Bayhead Langeberg Road intersection to manage traffic congestion and any violations of traffic legislation and municipal by-laws. “Road maintenance on Bayhead Road, Khangela Bridge, Sydney Road and Umbilo Road have been carried out, including the recent painting of road markings.

Pier two terminal in the Port has recently implemented the truck booking system and Transnet Freight Rail is at an advanced stage of planning to bring back rail services to the Bulk Terminals at Island View Precinct,” he said.

Recent survey solidifies Cape Town’s focus to market itself as a top BPO destination

Media Statement for the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos.

South Africa is one of the top three most preferred Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) destinations according to the annual 2020 Front Office BPO Omnibus Survey conducted by Ryan Strategic Advisory. Over 50% of the companies in the BPO sector is situated in Cape Town.

The sample group of the study consisted of 540 senior managers responding on behalf of 240 businesses representing 42 countries spread across multiple sectors.

The City of Cape Town identified BPO as a priority sector due to the number of job opportunities and investment potential it creates. This sector employs over 60 000 people in the Western Cape. As a City, we realised the importance of this sector and for this reason invested in our strategic business partner BPESA Western Cape. BPESA WC is the City’s strategic business partner responsible for the growth and development of the Call Centre and BPO industry.

Since the start of this financial year (July 2019) to date, the City has seen investments in this sector of approximately R954-million, which has resulted in 2 727 job opportunities.

In the past few weeks, I conducted numerous site visits to key role players in the BPO sector. These companies included global BPO giants Teleperformance and Webhelp.

This week I visited the RCS group. I am amazed at the commitment of these organisations to keep their employees safe, and RCS is no different. The company employs nearly 2 000 people across South Africa of which 1 500 reside in Cape Town. A prime example of how this organisation embraced the new normal is by the reskilling of staff. They retained the sales team to now function as a payment advisory team. The organisation took swift action to assist staff with pre-existing conditions, including offering pregnant women the opportunity to work from home first. Over and above adhering to strict social distancing practices on-site, they fog the entire building every Saturday to ensure a safe and clean environment. This coming week, I will check in virtually with the team at WNS.

The BPO sector forms a key component in this City’s economic recovery plan. We are committed to growing this sector by providing a steady skills pipeline. To this end, the City of Cape Town is the first municipality that will receive funding from the National Skills Fund, which sits under the Department of Higher Education and Training.

The funding from the National Skills Fund together with City as well as industry funding, will be contributed towards training and stipends to ensure that learners receive the industry minimum. I believe that for our City to compete globally and experience inclusive socio-economic growth, we must continue investing in skills and training for the sectors that are poised for substantial increases from employment and trade perspectives, instead of training for the sake of training. All administrative processes are now in place, and BPESA WC was appointed as the official service provider. A total of 1100 unemployed youth in Cape Town will be trained during the year.

Video: James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities & Asset Management, and Gareth Pritchard, CEO of BPeSA Western Cape, visit the RCS Group.

Join Manufacturing Indaba Gauteng as other provincial events are postponed to 2021

After careful deliberation on the economic impacts of COVID-19 and to safeguard the health of all participants, the Manufacturing Indaba announces the decision to postpone the 2020 Provincial Manufacturing Indaba Conferences and Exhibitions which were due to take place in August (Durban), October (Port Elizabeth) and in early November (Cape Town). The new dates for the provincial events will be announced soon and will be hosted in 2021.

We understand the gravity of the situation for all manufacturing professionals who utilise the Manufacturing Indaba provincial flagship events as a platform to grow their business, accelerate their professional development and to make meaningful connections.

To support the continued engagement and having carefully considered health issues and the need for economic activity, the Gauteng edition of the Manufacturing Indaba will proceed on the 9 – 10 December 2020 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The Organisers believe this December date is as late as possible in the 2020 calendar year and with economic activity resuming post the extensive lockdown period, manufacturers will be back in business mode in December.

We trust you will continue supporting our position and stay committed to the events. We invite all our provincial Manufacturers to join us in Gauteng this year and we will back in your province in 2021! Stay safe and connected!

Visit the Manufacturing Indaba website: https://manufacturingindaba.co.za/

Image: Laser Cutting Machine by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay 

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