Home Blog Page 9

GTR Africa 2025

GTR Africa returns to Cape Town, South Africa on March 13-14. This flagship event will deliver essential insights spanning trade, supply chain, infrastructure, working capital, export and commodity financing markets.

Featuring over 60 speakers and anticipating the participation of more than 600 delegates, GTR Africa 2025 offers a prime opportunity to engage with key figures in African trade.

Event features:

  • 30+ exhibitors
  • 8+ hours of networking opportunities with key stakeholders in the industry
  • Unparalleled expertise from 60+ speakers
  • Exceptional content on topics and regions covered
  • Opportunity to schedule meetings & swap business cards
  • Invitation to the evening networking reception

As a supporting partner, we have secured free corporate rate tickets to this event, for new registrations only. Available for non-financial corporate companies who are exporters, importers, manufacturers, distributors, traders and producers of physical goods only. All others can receive a 10% discount.

Register your interest and confirm your eligibility to receive exclusive discounts and promotional offers via www.gtreview.com/gtrafricapartneroffers or by contacting Elisabeth at espry@gtreview.com.

This event is unmissable for anyone seeking expert insight and opportunities for networking, engagement, and knowledge sharing. Visit www.gtreview.com/gtrafrica for the agenda and speaker line-up.

We look forward to seeing you there!

New product offers households cheaper power

GreenSun Renewable Energy rooftop rolar. Credit: Greg Cornell

South African homeowners now have an opportunity to purchase power from private providers. GreenSun Renewable Energy is offering a power purchase agreement, something that was previously only available to large businesses.

The EnergyEase product is an Energy-as-a-Service offering designed for South African homeowners which allows users to address escalating municipal rates by purchasing the energy produced by their system at a lower cost than local municipal electricity rates.

With EnergyEase, GreenSun installs and owns all necessary solar equipment including panels, inverters, batteries and smart meters. Homeowners purchase the generated solar power through a smart meter and app-based wallet system at a lower price than they would from the local municipality. Initially, each kWh will be slightly cheaper than municipal electricity, but over time, as GreenSun’s rates increase at a slower pace than Eskom’s, the savings will grow significantly.

This launch is timely for South African homeowners facing steep increases in prepaid and post-paid electricity bills. As of April 2024, recent Eskom price hikes, approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), have led to an 18.65% increase for 2023/24, followed by an additional 12.74% rise for 2024/25.

Despite these increases, Eskom continues to grapple with reliability issues and energy experts predict that loadshedding will persist. Since loadshedding started in 2008, electricity prices have risen by 450%, far exceeding the 98% inflation rate over the same period. This means that tariff hikes have more than quadrupled the rate of headline inflation, outpacing it by 352%.

EnergyEase represents South Africa’s first, true residential-power purchase agreement, transforming the way energy consumption is approached. Homeowners benefit from lower energy rates and increased reliability, paying only for the energy generated and stored by their system rather than fixed monthly costs, making it a more economical choice compared to the current rate of R4.73 per kWh of the City of Cape Town, for instance.

EnergyEase represents South Africa’s first, true residential-power purchase agreement, transforming the way energy consumption is approached.

The system is equipped to handle high summer energy demands, such as powering air conditioners and pumps, while also offering cost savings during winter when energy production is lower. GreenSun’s backup system ensures comprehensive home connectivity, unlike traditional systems that support only basic lighting and plug points.

EnergyEase features advanced smart metering technology for remote energy management and monitoring. Daily consumption is reconciled and credited, with the convenience of topping up the smart wallet through various payment methods.

Addressing the challenge of frequent loadshedding, EnergyEase provides a reliable power source, ensuring that essential appliances remain operational even during outages. This backup power solution offers security and peace of mind to homeowners.

“We are thrilled to introduce EnergyEase to the South African market,” says Xavier Louw, CEO and co-founder at GreenSun Renewable Energy. “Our aim is to offer a cost-effective, sustainable energy solution that eases the financial burden on homeowners while providing access to reliable and clean energy without upfront costs.”

Benefits of EnergyEase

  • Energy independence: Reliable power during loadshedding and outages.
  • Significant savings: Lower kWh cost without being tied into a fixed rental monthly fee.
  • Environmental impact: Reduced carbon footprint and commitment to sustainable energy.

EnergyEase is ideal for homeowners with monthly electricity bills of R2 500 or more, who seek to reduce costs and ensure a stable power supply.

To learn more about GreenSun Renewable Energy and EnergyEase, visit https://greensun.co.za/energy-ease/

Credit: Greg Cornell

Residential estates can benefit from economies of scale

The opportunities are endless, says Xavier Louw, CEO and co-founder of GreenSun Renewable Energy, of his company’s new EnergyEase offering.

Is energy-as-a-service (EAAS) a growing market?

EAAS or PPA (power-purchase agreement) offerings are becoming more and more popular. The main reasons are that the risk of ownership is completely mitigated for the user as the performance of the system, maintenance and any cost associated with system performance is for the account of the system owner/service provider and not the user. The cost of energy is a function of the system yield and not fixed per month. Seasonal weather conditions play a big part in the monthly performance and associated service fees.

When did you come up with EnergyEase?

We started in 2019 with the idea, but the technology was still too expensive and the electricity rates too low to make it viable. Since then, the cost of hardware has come down, performance of these systems have improved and electricity rates have increased substantially.

Are you looking beyond individual householders?

This EnergyEase solution is very attractive for individual homeowners, but even more so for residential estates where they can benefit from economies of scale. If the billing is done by the estate, with a bulk-meter connection with the municipality, it is even more attractive. The estate can set up different rates for the buying and selling of electricity within the estate, where surplus solar power can be generated by one house and bought by the next house and everything is managed by a smart microgrid controller.

Then we add load management to the system and it will control, for instance, all the geysers in the estate to use maximum solar power to heat up during the day and at night it will use the cheapest time-of-use rate from the municipality to do any further heating for the morning. This can be extended to electric-vehicle charging, the opportunities are endless.

The idea is ultimately to be as self-sufficient as possible and to bring the electrical costs down as much as possible by utilising maximum solar and battery power.

Is there a rent-to-buy option?

There are many rent-to-own options in the market, but we don’t believe that is the best way forward. This again puts all the risk with the home owner, so if the system fails before the rent-to-own period is over they will still be liable for the monthly rent or instalments. The homeowner is also responsible for the system’s performance, so if it doesn’t perform as expected the fixed monthly rental is still due and it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to fix the system.

Are technology upgrades built into the contract?

Since the client only pays for the generated solar power, it will be in our best interest (and the client’s) to ensure the technology used is the best on the market to ensure maximum uptime and yield.

How fast has your business grown?

We’ve grown exponentially over the last couple of years. GreenSun Renewable Energy was founded in 2011 by myself and my brother, Andeon Louw. Our head office is in Cape Town with a branch in Gauteng.

Are you expanding your area of operation?

We are continuously looking at new opportunities, but already have inhouse capacity to service the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

What were your main divisions of work before this?

GreenSun has always exclusively been active in the solar and storage market as an EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) in the commercial, agricultural and residential sectors. We’ve had lots of learnings, understand the residential market very well and see the benefits this product can bring.


About GreenSun Renewable Energy

GreenSun Renewable Energy has been a trusted name in the renewable energy sector for over 13 years, known for exceptional installations and a commitment to world-class products. The company offers tailored solutions, including on-grid, off-grid and battery-backup-only systems, with a focus on reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability.


State of the Nation Address (SoNA) 2025

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at 7pm. The address will take place before a joint sitting of the two houses of Parliament. The theme for the 2025 SoNA is a “A nation that works, for all”.

The address is an important milestone as it brings certainty to the country’s political, social and economic landscape. It demonstrates that South Africa’s democracy remains robust.

In the address, President Cyril Ramaphosa sets out government’s key policy objectives and deliverables for the year ahead, flag challenges and outline interventions to unlock our nation’s potential.

During his address, the President also highlights what has been achieved since his last address in 2024. He also reflects on the progress made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP).

Fast facts

  • The State of the Nation Address is divided into three parts. The first is the important public participation role in the ceremony when the Civil Guard of Honour welcomes the President and his guests as they walk along the red carpet. This is followed by a state ceremonial, which includes a 21-gun salute and the South African Air Force flypast and finally the official address by the President.
  • Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) line the route that the President takes to Parliament.
  • The Military Guard of Honour participates in the ceremony and the military band plays South Africa’s national anthem.
  • In a general election year, two State of the Nation Addresses are delivered.
  • The State of the Nation Address is one of the rare occasions where the three arms of State, namely the Executive represented by the President, Deputy President and Ministers; the Judiciary, represented by the country’s Chief Justice and the Judge Presidents; and the Legislature, represented by the Members of Parliament gather in one place.
  • The provincial and local spheres of government are also represented.

What is the State of the Nation Address?

The State of the Nation Address (SoNA) is an annual address to the nation delivered by the President of the Republic of South Africa as the Head of State. During SoNA, the President will highlight achievements, flag challenges, and outline interventions for the coming financial year, deliberating on South Africa’s domestic affairs as well as its continental and international relations.

When is the State of the Nation Address happening?

This year’s State of the Nation Address will be delivered on Thursday, 6 February 2025 at 19:00 from the Cape Town City Hall and proceedings will be broadcast from 17:00 onwards. The address is delivered at a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament (National Assembly and National Council of Provinces).

What is the theme for the 2025 State of the Nation Address?

The theme for the 2025 SoNA is a “A nation that works, for all”.

Where can I watch or get access more information about the State of the Nation Address?

South Africans can tune into their favourite television or radio station to be part of this important national milestone.  Proceedings will also be covered via government and Pparliament social media accounts. Parliament TV (DStv Channel 408) or Parliament’s website: www.parliament.gov.za

Who can attend SoNA?

The SoNA guest list is made up of publicly elected representatives from the national, provincial and local spheres of governmentgovernment leaders, which includes Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Premiers, MECs as well as the leadership of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). The sitting similarly includes representatives of the House of Traditional Leaders, members of the public and representatives from civil organisations and other invited guests in the Public Gallery, among others.

Former Presidents and Deputy Presidents as well as leaders and representatives of our Judiciary are invited to attend SoNA as well.

How can the public participate in the State of the Nation Address?

South Africans can attend the State of the Nation Address as invited guests of Parliament either as Civil Guards of Honour, Junior Guards of Honour or Eminent persons.

  • The Civil Guards of Honour are made up of ordinary South Africans.
  • The Junior Guards of Honour are drawn from schools around SA.
  • Eminent persons are nominated by the Speaker of each Provincial Legislature – nominated on the basis of their contribution to society.

What is the link between the State of the Nation Address and Budget?

The State of the Nation Address outlines government’s programme priorities for the year, while the Minister of Finance allocates the Budget in line with the priorities outlined in the State of the Nation Address.

What is the role of Parliament especially regarding its oversight function?

Parliament conducts oversight to ensure that government delivers on the priorities set out in the State of the Nation Address and that allocated funds are spent accordingly.

What happens after the State of The Nation Address?

Political parties have an opportunity to debate, comment and raise questions on matters addressed in the President’s speech during a debate on the President’s State of the Nation Address. This debate usually takes place over two days in a joint sitting and this year the debate is scheduled for 12 to 13 February 2025. The President will have the opportunity to reply to the debate on 14 February 2025.

Follow the conversation on social media using #SONA2025 #GovZAUpdates #ServiceDeliveryZA

Africa Energy Indaba 2025

Think Africa, Think Energy

Join the energy revolution at Africa Energy Indaba 2025, the continent’s flagship event dedicated to the energy sector. Explore opportunities in Africa, meet with industry leaders, and do business at the event.

The Africa Energy Indaba 2025 is a fully immersive, in-person experience. All events takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. No content will be streamed online.

Eastern Cape government opens fifth EV charging station

The Eastern Cape Government is drawing nearer to its goal of setting up 13 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the province.  Yesterday, MEC Pieters officially opened the 5th station in Komani, Queens Casino and Hotel.

During the festive season, motorists actively used the existing stations, showcasing their growing popularity. The private sector, particularly the automotive industry, and new investors have shown increasing interest in partnering with the Eastern Cape government, which continues to lead in EV infrastructure development in the province.

In her policy speech, the MEC committed her department to establishing 13 EV charging stations across the province, a commitment she intends to uphold.

PGMs Industry Day 2025

The 2025 PGMs Industry Day, now in its 8th year, is taking place on Thursday 3rd April 2025 in Johannesburg and will bring together the leading industry players, including PGMs producers, end users, industry specialists, analysts and investors, to discuss the latest opportunities and challenges facing the PGMs sector.

Please note that the 2025 PGMs Industry Day will be held at the Houghton Hotel, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg.

Chaired by Bernard Swanepoel, this event will cover the following key issues:

  • Geopolitics and what it means for Southern Africa and the PGMs industry
  • What we can expect from PGMs prices this year
  • Conversations with PGMs CEOs re. the future of the PGMs industry
  • The outlook for new PGMs projects
  • Capital allocation and cost containment strategies in current times
  • ICEs vs BEVs vs FCEVs and the implications for PGMs
  • Applications that will see demand growth for PGMs
  • Investors’ views of the PGMs industry
  • And more…

Find out more here: https://www.pgmsindaba.com/other-indabas/pgms-industry-day-2025 

 

SANZAAR and Six Nations prepare to launch new global rugby competition in 2026

Photo by Patrick Case on Pexels

Rugby fans can look forward to an exciting new international competition in 2026, as SANZAAR and Six Nations Rugby team up to reshape the global rugby calendar. The tournament promises to deliver more competitive fixtures, showcasing the sport’s best talent while paving the way for emerging nations to make their mark.

What to expect from the new competition

The competition will feature 12 teams, including the Six Nations sides – England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales – alongside SANZAAR’s Rugby Championship teams: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Two additional spots are expected to go to Japan and Fiji, bringing a fresh dynamic to the mix.

Teams will be split into two groups – one featuring European teams and the other, the rest of the world. Each team will play six fixtures, culminating in a grand final between the top sides from each group.

Matches will be played during the July and November test windows, offering a consistent structure that avoids clashes with other major events like the Rugby World Cup or the British & Irish Lions Tours. While fans wait for the tournament to begin, they can still enjoy exciting rugby fixtures this weekend.

A pathway for emerging nations

After heeding the calls from the rugby world, World Rugby will introduce a second-tier competition, the Challenger Series, which will run alongside the main tournament supporting the sport’s global growth.

This will feature 12 teams from Europe and other regions, such as Georgia, Portugal, Samoa, and the USA, with promotion and relegation set to kick off in 2030. The aim is to give developing rugby nations a chance to compete at the top level, ensuring the sport remains inclusive and more competitive.

Balancing tradition with innovation

While the new tournament looks to the future, traditional rivalries won’t be left behind. Rugby giants, New Zealand and South Africa are planning extended tours to keep their iconic rivalry alive. These tours will start in 2026, however, they may influence the structure of existing tournaments like The Rugby Championship.

The Bigger Picture

This competition is a step towards creating a more cohesive and sustainable international rugby calendar. By bringing in more meaningful matches and upping the stakes, it’s set to expand rugby’s global fanbase and keep the sport thriving. With heavyweights from across the rugby scene backing the idea and a clear focus on progress, this new chapter promises plenty of excitement, fresh opportunities, and a bright future for the game.


Special Economic Zones: A vital component to drive economic growth

Aerial view of East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) Zone 1A. Credit: ELIDZ

De Beers is a storied name in the history of the growth of the South African economy. So it was a significant event when a major subsidiary, De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa, relocated all its operations to Johannesburg in 2023. More specifically, to a building in Sky Park in Kempton Park: De Beers is supporting the initiatives of national and provincial government to promote economic growth via Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The OR Tambo SEZ is located at the OR Tambo International Airport and has among its focus areas the consolidation of all companies operating in South Africa’s mineral beneficiation sector.

De Beers, which has two diamond mines in South Africa, is responsible for the sale of 90% of the world’s diamonds by value.

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.

Choosing where to position an SEZ is based on many considerations. As Maoto Molefane, Acting Deputy Director General of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) explains, “SEZs are established on the basis of the economic potential of a region. This could either be comparative or competitive advantages and the SEZ programme is used as a sweetener to attract foreign and domestic investors. SEZs are used to accelerate industrialisation through coordinated planning and the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure.”

Molefane believes that SEZs contribute to the attractiveness of SA as an investment destination: “By offering world-class infrastructure, fiscal incentives, a protected environment and an easy-to-navigate business environment using One Stop Shops, SEZs have directly contributed to the country’s attractiveness. The zones have 167 operational investors and almost half of these are FDIs.”

An updated approach to the development of SEZs advocates for integrated multi-use with improved living standards supported by industrial development, commercial spaces, tourism, better schools, entertainment, healthcare and recreational facilities.

National government also promotes investments through tax legislation. The SEZ Tax Incentive was introduced into the Income Tax Act to promote investment, growth and job creation in the South African manufacturing sector and the development of designated regions.

SEZ incentives enable businesses located at OR Tambo SEZ to reinvest their savings into areas like green technologies. Image credit: GGDA

The taxpayer must be a “qualifying company” to be able to qualify for this incentive. Qualifying companies can benefit from the following preferential benefits: a preferential corporate income tax rate of 15%; an accelerated depreciation allowance of 10% on cost of any new and unused buildings or improvement owned by the qualifying company.

Gauteng plans

In Gauteng, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) is the driver of the SEZ programme, which will result in each of the province’s district or metropolitan municipalities hosting an SEZ. Each of those zones will emphasise the strengths of that area, so for example logistics is another OR Tambo speciality, given its proximity to the airport. The existing concentration of large manufacturing enterprises within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality makes that sector another obvious target, with the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct (JMP) a good example of that convergence.

The province’s SEZs are at different stages of development. The OR Tambo SEZ is a good example of advanced progress. Together with De Beers, a gold refinery has been established in the JMP, it has become the home of bodies such as the South African Diamonds and Precious Metals Regulator, Belgian company Pluczenik has launched its facilities and more than a dozen SMMEs are active in the precinct. The other component of Precinct 1 of the SEZ is devoted to fruit and vegetable processing of In2Food, which has on of the largest refrigeration plants in the world.

Phase 1 of the development of the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) was launched in November 2019 with Ford Motor Company’s operations at its core, and the SEZ has grown in stature ever since. Initial government investment of R3.9-billion has been more than matched by Ford and its suppliers.

Ford itself made a capital investment of R15.8-billion in pursuit of increased production while suppliers have invested more than R5.6-billion. This has led to 3 291 jobs being created within the zone, with more than 65% of the workforce sourced from surrounding townships. Of these jobs, 39% were filled by women and 59% by youth.

The AIDC manages the Automotive Supplier Park (ASP) in Rosslyn, Pretoria. Credit: GGDA

Three district municipalities across the south of Gauteng will host the Vaal Special Economic Zone (Vaal SEZ) which will have multiple sectors represented and be located at multiple sites. The area already has many industrial assets and infrastructure and is well served by transport routes.

Among the targeted sectors are agro-processing, logistics, the low-carbon economy, light manufacturing and the Blue Economy, which seeks to take advantage of the Vaal River. The GGDA has established a subsidiary to run the process of establishing the SEZ.

Plans for a West Rand SEZ are in place with three sectors being targeted: agro-processing, including new market facilities and exploring the growth of the cannabis sector; bus and automotive manufacturing linked to the existing plant of the Busmark company (the Chamdor Automotive Hub is already functioning); and renewable energy – a large solar plant is to be built by six contractors on land donated by mining company Sibanye-Stillwater.

The West Rand is well connected in terms of transport links via the N12 and N14 highways, it is near to Lanseria Airport and it has significant tourism assets, including the Magliesberg mountain range and the Cradle of Humankind.

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone has attracted multiple investors, which in turn has created hundreds of jobs. Credit: TASEZ

ESG in action: Dust-A-Side pioneers sustainability in mining

Image Credit: Dust-A-Side

As South Africa faces the challenges of sustainable development, the mining sector must lead with responsibility. Dust-A-Side (DAS), a leader in dust control and erosion management, exemplifies this through robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, creating lasting value while shaping a sustainable mining future.

Environmental: conservation through innovation

Water conservation

In arid mining regions, water conservation is essential. DAS’s dust-suppression technologies save millions of litres annually, reducing reliance on traditional water-intensive methods. In one project, DAS cut a client’s water usage by 90%, from 23-billion litres to just 662-million litres. This approach mitigates water scarcity while lowering costs.

Sustainable waste management

DAS follows strict environmental protocols, repurposing non-conforming materials and partnering with certified waste-management firms. With an Environmental Management System certification, DAS minimises environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency.

Social: uplifting communities

Advancing women in mining

DAS actively promotes gender equity, with two women-owned franchises and female leadership across departments. This inclusivity drives innovation and improves company performance.

Education investments

Through its Ga-Tshaba Tlakana Primary School Upliftment Programme, DAS enhances learning environments with clean water, playgrounds and infrastructure. Additionally, it invests over R1-million annually in bursaries for students in engineering, healthcare and law, fostering South Africa’s future workforce.

Community infrastructure

DAS applies its road stabilisation expertise to improve rural connectivity, delivering projects across regions from Ghana to South Africa’s Northern Cape. Closer to home, DAS repaired potholes and provided water relief during Bethal’s water crisis, showcasing its dedication to community well-being.

Governance: integrity at the core

Strong governance underpins DAS’s ESG practices, with board-level oversight ensuring alignment with the highest standards of accountability. Policies on diversity, anti-corruption and stakeholder engagement ensure that DAS creates long-term value and positive societal impact.

Leading by example

Dust-A-Side demonstrates how mining can address societal and environmental challenges while driving progress. By conserving water, empowering women, investing in education and strengthening governance, DAS sets a standard for sustainable mining.

Contact

Menlyn Piazza 2nd Floor, Cnr Glen Manor and Louis Avenue, Menlyn, Pretoria, South Africa
Servicing: Africa, Australia, South America | Phone: +27 12 648 8900 | Fax: +27 12 665 3456 | Website: www.dustaside.com

Women and men join hands to elevate opportunities in STEM

The annual two-day Women & Leadership in Engineering, Infrastructure and Innovation Conference hosted by Pinpoint Stewards, with the aim to develop, unite and empower more women in these sectors will be returning for its 4th year on 12 & 13 March, in Johannesburg.

“The Department of Basic Education have reported that fewer students attempt the vital subjects relating to STEM fields and that this can impact the economic growth of SA. Combined with the dire statistics that only 13% of STEM graduates in South Africa are women it is clear that change is needed and fast,” says Sudhira Sewsunker, Owner, Pinpoint Stewards, a women-owned conference company who aims to profile more women in STEM and also elevate women and the impact they have and will be making on SA’s business growth projections.

The keynote address at the conference will be delivered by Tertuis Simmers, Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Western Cape, who have also partnered with the conference in support of women and current opportunities available within infrastructure. Also adding his voice to the platform of speakers is MD, Transport and Greater Africa, Vishaal Lutchman from Zutari.

Some of this year’s speakers include:

Dr Gugu Moche

Dr Gugu Moche, Group Exec: Digital Transformation and Acting DCEO – Research, Innovation, Impact Support and Advancement (RIISA), National Research Foundation, who will be addressing, unconscious bias in the workplace that affect women’s career trajectory or leadership opportunities. Dr Moche’s accolades include serving in academic management positions both locally and internationally before joining the NRF. She obtained a PhD in Pure Mathematics from Howard University in Washington DC, focusing on Topological Semigroups, and is a member of the SA Mathematical Society as well as the American Mathematical Society.

Some of the academic positions she has held include lecturing in the Department of Mathematical Sciences in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology at the University of South Africa and the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Catholic University in Washington DC, etc.

Natasha Ramkirpal

Natasha Ramkirpal, Group Lead – Water Security Optimization, Coca Cola Beverages Africa, will focus on, building inclusive innovation ecosystems using the power of women in diverse teams. Natasha is an experienced sustainability leader with a visionary approach and an extensive background in process engineering within the beverage manufacturing sector.

In her 15+ years of hands-on industry experience she has combined strategic acumen, technical proficiency, and innovation management to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability efforts within her area, with proven expertise in optimizing manufacturing processes.

She is broadly skilled in developing water security strategies internationally and implementing advanced sustainability initiatives. She is currently leading this space for Coca-Beverages Africa navigating the challenges of water scarcity across 11 African nations. She is well qualified holding a BSc in Chemical Engineering, and MEng in technology and innovation management and a BCom in Management (supply chain focused). She has ambitions of completing a PhD in Technology and Innovation Management, focusing on integrating academic research to pioneer progressive industry practices.

She currently serves as an Exco board member for the Manufacturing Circle, by helping to drive sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector across South Africa.

Nosihle Dlamini

Nosihle Dlamini, Senior Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing South Africa, will tackle, imposter syndrome looking at women leaders trying to be all to ALL. Nosihle is a passionate, conscientious, and results-oriented leader with over 13 years’ experience in the manufacturing sector. She currently serves as VP of the TWIMS alumni Board.

She has received awards as a finalist for inclusive leadership and positive role model in 2023, part of the 2023 cohort of the KZN top businesswomen as well as in finalist in the 2024 Desmond and Leah Tutu foundation leading for humanity global program as Finalist on the 2024 Transunion rising star.

Celeste Le Roux

Celeste Le Roux, Founder & CEO, React Group, will deconstruct believing in your abilities and keep fostering self-confidence to make significant contributions to your career. Among Celeste’s accomplishments, she is a multiple ERWIC (Empowerment & Recognition of Woman in Construction) award winner of CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) Standard Bank Top Woman Entrepreneur South Africa National Woman in Business.

Monique Schmidt

Monique Schmidt, Implementation Coordinator Engineering & Capex., ABinBev, will spotlight, building a strong support network by connecting with fellow female engineering innovators, mentors, & allies, and how to gain invaluable guidance and encouragement throughout your career path. Monique is the first female implementation coordinator for ABInBev Africa Zone. Over delivering volume by 20% on one of the key strategic priorities for ABInBev in 2024 and assisted in launching a Women in Engineering program.

Other speakers joining the panel include: Retang Sandra Maphothoma, Technologist-Highways, AECOM, Zandile Pule, Snr Manager: Asset Optimisation, Strategy and Systems Global, Goldfields and Nosihle Dlamini, Senior Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing South Africa.

Your support of the Women & Leadership in Engineering, Infrastructure and Innovation Conference indirectly supports young professionals. Pinpoint Stewards sponsors 20 post-graduate students to attend each year to find a mentor or job shadow opportunity at the two-day conference.

Priority registrations discounts apply before end January or host a table to show your support for women empowerment.

Direct all enquiries to Pinpoint Stewards at info@pinpointstewards.co.za to speak, support, exhibit or attend, or follow them on LinkedIn.