With the City of Polokwane in the final stages of preparation for the introduction of the Leeto la Polokwane public transport system and the Special Economic Zone at Musina-Makhado designed to become a logistics hub, the Limpopo Province is set to take full advantage of its strategic location.
Logistics is a vital feature of the Limpopo economy for another reason – the province has huge volumes of minerals and agricultural products to be transported to markets. In addition to the N1 highway, the N11 is a primary road corridor and there are nine provincial road corridors.
The building of the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) will further boost Limpopo’s importance as a transport and logistics hub. The official opening of the Musina Intermodal Terminal near the Beit Bridge Border Post is confirmation of Limpopo’s status as a leader in logistics. Located in the town of Musina on the N1 highway leading to Zimbabwe, the terminal is used to move cargo from road to rail.
Warehousing facilities on-site make for loading efficiencies in the main cargoes such as chrome, fertiliser, coal, fuel and citrus. Bulk and containerised cargo are handled, with an annual capacity of three-million tons per annum.
Major investments in transport infrastructure are being made in Polokwane. SANRAL is building a R640-million ring road and a bus rapid transport system is being introduced. The scheme is called Leeto la Polokwane. Within the province more broadly, 22.6% of households in Limpopo use bus transport and 45.8% use taxis (2013 Household Travel Survey).
Apart from Polokwane and Musina, the towns of Tzaneen, Lephalale and Burgersfort are important in terms of logistics. Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL), of which the provincial government is the sole shareholder, accounts for about a third of the budget of the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure.
The South African National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) is involved in two major road projects in support of the Musina-Makhado SEZ. The N1 is to be re-routed and a new single carriageway created in the Musina CBD. A bypass into ZCC Moria has been completed.
The Polokwane International Airport (PIA) is wholly owned by the provincial government and run by the Gateway Airports Authority Ltd (GAAL), an agency of the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety.
Airlink caters mainly to the business market and offers 21 flights to Johannesburg six days a week. The airline also provides links between Phalaborwa and Johannesburg, and between Hoedspruit and Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Great North Transport falls under the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA). The company has more than 500 buses, covers about 36-million kilometres every year on 279 routes and transports 37.6-million passengers.
An amount of R814-million was budgeted in 2020/21 to support the public transport industry, including subsidies.
New opportunities for local businesses
Citizens of Polokwane and surrounding areas are anticipating business growth, employment opportunities and affordable transportation as the city prepares to launch an Integrated Public Transport System (IPTS), Leeto la Polokwane.
Leeto la Polokwane is the city’s road-based public transport that will ease the movement of people to all parts of the city quicker, ensuring they have easy access to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and employment centres. The system is geared to provide a high-quality transport service that is in line with the National Transport Act, integrating the different forms of public transport across the municipality.
This transportation system has an important role in the development of a city and spurring economic growth. Public transport is the backbone of the economy as it allows workers to travel to their workplaces daily.
Leeto la Polokwane aims to:
Reduce congestion on public roads
Improve the roads
Create business opportunities
Employment with focus on the affected operators
It is becoming increasingly clear that Leeto la Polokwane is crucial to socio-economic development in the region as it provides a viable transport solution for commuters, something sorely lacking in the past. As milestones are achieved along the road to rolling out the system, so economic growth will follow.
It is hard to reconcile that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nelspruit communities enjoyed seven return flights daily between Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga International airport (KMI Airport), as well as daily services to Cape Town, Durban, Vilanculos, Livingstone as well as the Lodge Link services to several private commercial lodges.
The lockdown disrupted these services for an extended period, and phase 2 of the level 3 lockdown easing program saw the reopening of KMI Airport a few weeks ago, only for essential business travel purposes. It will take time to restore the comprehensive air service system previously in place, and Airlink, while fully committed to delivering the best possible service to our customer, has to rebuild our service system responsibly and cost effectively, cautiously matching supply with demand and expenditure with revenue.
There cannot be a holistic approach to service restoration as there is no such concomitant market recovery given that most corporates have adopted an extremely careful approach to staff travel. Hence Airlink’s current service is aimed at encouraging our business customers to travel with us again and experience our COVID mitigation protocols throughout the air travel value chain first-hand so that confidence in air travel will be restored.
Airlink has adjusted its flight timings between Johannesburg and Nelspruit from 17 August 2020 with an earlier departure to enhance customer convenience and better connectivity with our Cape Town and Port Elizabeth flights.
We have worked hard together with our travel partners, especially the management of KMI Airport, in reducing our input costs as far as possible and to pass this benefit on to our customers. A special fare has been introduced to celebrate the restart of services between OR Tambo International and KMI Airport, from R998 one way or R1,938 return all inclusive. Terms and conditions apply.
Book your flights direct online at www.flyairlink.com or via your travel agent.
The flight from Johannesburg to Nelspruit will depart at 12h15 arriving in Nelspruit at 13h05. The flight from Nelspruit will depart at 13h30 arriving in Johannesburg at 14h25 Mondays to Fridays. The service will be operated by a 37-seat Embraer ERJ135 regional jet.
The Nelspruit Johannesburg flight has been re-timed to maximize connection opportunities for customers travelling onward on Airlink’s flights to destinations such as Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Airlink’s early morning flights from Cape Town and Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg will connect with the 12h15 departure from Johannesburg to Nelspruit.
Airlink apologizes in advance for any inconvenience or disruption which may be caused to customer itineraries, but we are confident that the added convenience will be enjoyed by all our customers.
Under the COVID-19 Level 3 travel restrictions, the Government requires you to carry with you proof of permission to travel. Permitted travel includes: Essential or Business Travel, Caring for immediate family members, Obtaining medical treatment etc.
(Johannesburg, 28 July 2020): The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Association of South Africa announced its new name: The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa (LPGSA) on 20 July 2020.
The name change reflects a strategic shift to broaden LPGSA’s mandate to not only promote the safe, compliant use of LPG but to advocate for LPG’s exceptional benefits in comparison to other energies in South Africa. LPG is an exceptional energy, a portable energy solution which is an efficient and clean burning fuel that can contribute to alleviate energy poverty as well as help reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Safety will remain a core focus of LPGSA’s work, and the LPGSA will continue to run training courses and certify installers, manufacturers and distributors of LPG and LPG equipment.
Over the last month and in line with the association’s mandate, LPGSA implemented a media outreach campaign to educate homeowners and communities across the country who use LPG roll-about heaters, patio heaters or fireplaces about the need to ensure the safety of their gas equipment as well as the cylinders they use.
“It is extremely important that you make use of registered professionals to perform the installation and maintenance of LPG appliances and cylinders,” says Nirvan Brijlal, Acting Managing Director of LPGSA.
Used in accordance with safety guidelines, LPG is a clean, reliable alternative to other fuels. The following tips will ensure that you are able to use your appliance safely and effectively this winter.
General safety tips
Always consult the manual that came with the appliance for specific safety tips.
Keep LPG appliances and fittings in good condition via regular servicing.
LPG appliances should be serviced by licensed LPG installers or service companies only.
Check your appliances regularly for deterioration in performance, signs of corrosion and minor leaks.
Make sure that the area in which you use your LPG appliance is well-ventilated.
Do not detach cylinders, regulators or any connections while the LPG appliance is in use.
Do not leave appliances unattended while in use.
Ensure that the gas supply is turned off at the cylinder after use and while the appliance is unattended.
Refilling your LPG cylinder:
Check that your gas cylinder is correctly filled or exchanged in good time
When exchanging your empty cylinder for a filled one, make sure that your replacement cylinder has been legally and safely filled by checking that there is a shrink wrap seal covering the cylinder valve.
Do not accept the cylinder if there is no seal or if the seal is clear with no writing or branding.
If the seal only has the words LPG or LPGas printed on it, do not accept the cylinder – even if the seal is a coloured one.
The only acceptable seal is one that has the same branding on the seal as is on the body of the cylinder.
Connecting your new cylinder
Always make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area.
Roll-about heaters are connected to the LPG cylinder via an orange hose and a regulator – the regulator screws into the cylinder valve.
Always ensure that the cylinder valve is closed before loosening/removing the regulator.
Check that there is a rubber seal on the end of the regulator. The rubber seal is also referred to as a bullnose, O-ring or washer, and is the seal between the regulator and the cylinder valve.
Ensure that the rubber seal is located on the end of the regulator and is in good condition and not perished, cracked or damaged in any way. The seals can become brittle over time, may split or even become lodged inside the valve of the LPG cylinder.
A damaged seal is a prime cause of gas leaks. Seals should be checked regularly.
Remember, the regulator has a left-hand thread. So, to connect the regulator, you need to turn it in an anti-clockwise direction. To remove the regulator, turn it clockwise.
Checking for gas leaks
Once you have connected the regulator to the cylinder valve, open the valve one and a half turns only – it is not necessary to open it further.
Before igniting the heater, wait a half a minute or so to see if there is any smell of gas.
If there is a smell, immediately close the valve and take the cylinder and heater to an LPG dealer to check and, if necessary, service the heater.
You can also check for a leak by applying a soapy water solution on all joints. The soapy solution will create bubbles if the gas is leaking.
Once you have checked for leaks you should lift the gas cylinder into the housing behind the LPG heater and close the housing panel or backing plate.
It is important that the LPG cylinder is in the space at the back of the heater to prevent the cylinder being knocked over.
Make sure you use the correct size of cylinder for the heater you are using.
Once the cylinder is safely in place and there is no combustible material (e.g. Curtains, blankets, doily) close to or on top of the heater, ignite the heater.
LPG is a perfect component of South Africa’s eventual energy mix, especially for efficient, low-cost water, food and space heating.
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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.
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.
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:
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.
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, 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 eventplatform will also offer significant branding opportunities for our speakers, partners and sponsors.
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.
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.
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).
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Major investments in transport infrastructure are being made in Polokwane. SANRAL is building a R640-million ring road and a bus rapid transport system is being introduced. The scheme is called Leeto la Polokwane. Within the province more broadly, 22.6% of households in Limpopo use bus transport and 45.8% use taxis (2013 Household Travel Survey).
Safety will remain a core focus of LPGSA’s work, and the LPGSA will continue to run training courses and certify installers, manufacturers and distributors of LPG and LPG equipment.
