It’s the end of a busy working year and as has become tradition, Creamer Media reviews a selection of the most popular Real Economy Reports of 2011.

10. CONSOL NIGEL FACILITY (RER 179)
We start this year’s Real Economy Report countdown with the finishing stage of glass manufacturer Consol’s fifth manufacturing facility, in Nigel.

9. SKYRIDERS (RER 161)
Our next insert tackles work-at-height, with Height Wise Training Academy launching a new training facility, in Midrand.

Height Wise Training Academy has invested R60 000 in infrastructure and equipment for its first training facility, which is equipped to train fall arrest technicians and level 1 to 3 rope access technicians.

8. LESOTHO HIGHLANDS WATER PROJECT (RER 166)
The implementation agreement for the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was another popular video for 2011.

Considered as one of the largest and most intricate construction projects in the world, South Africa and Lesotho have now agreed to move forward with phase two of the Lesotho Highland Water Project.

At an estimated cost of R15-billion, this phase comprises a water delivery system to augment the delivery of water to South Africa, and the construction of a hydropower plant.

7. Hart RAO (RER 160)
South Africa’s oldest radio telescope, the 26-metre diameter dish at Hartebeesthoek, celebrated its 50th anniversary in July and debuts at number 7.

The dish was originally built in only a few months for America’s National Aeronautics and Space Agency. Dr George Nicolson, emeritus astronomer and former director of the Hartbeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory, explains why.

6. COEGA (RER 146)
Coming in at number 6 is the Coega Development Corporation, which is focusing on renewable energy.

The renewable energy focus emanates from the need for more energy in the Industrial Development Zone. This led to the formation of the Coega IDZ energy cluster, which has several power projects lined up such as the 2 400 MW Coega combine cycle gas turbine station, the 330 MW Dedisa peaking plant, 183 MW of wind energy and 12 MW of solar energy. The Coega Development Corporation is also looking at green technologies to leverage the year’s National Budget.

5. CASSPIR (RER 167)
Our next most popular video was news that BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa had unveiled a new version of the Casspir mine protected vehicle.

4. GAUTRAIN (RER 164)
We take a closer look now at the start of operations of phase two of the R26,4-billion Gautrain project.

The Gautrain recorded 20 000 passenger trips on the train system, and 3 300 trips on the ancillary bus service for the first day of operations between Tshwane and Johannesburg.

The line between Tshwane and Johannesburg opened on August 2nd, adding to the Sandton – OR Tambo International Airport link which has been operational since June 2010.

3. BLOODHOUND (RER 180)
Our next most popular video is an attempt by a British team to break the land speed record on Hakskeen Pan, in the Northern Cape, in 2013.

The current land speed record was set in 1997, by the Thrust supersonic car, at 1 227 km/h. Bloodhound, named after a decades-old UK missile, will have the same driver as the Thrust had – Royal Air Force Wing Commander Andy Green. Green says although the new record attempt has a heft price tag, it will also offer some generous benefits to those who choose to become involved.

2. SAAF (RER 154)
Our second most-watched video this year was the South African Air Force’s Air Capability Demonstration at the Roodewal Weapons Range in Limpopo province.

The capabilities of the South African Air Force are in an advanced state of transformation thanks to its new Gripen fighters, Hawk fighter trainers, A109 light utility helicopters, Lynx maritime helicopters, fully operational Rooivalk combat support helicopters and modernised C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

1. ROOIVALK (RER 148)
And that brings us to the most-watched video on Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report: the South African Air Force’s fully operational and certified Rooivalk attack helicopters.

Although the South African Air Force has flown the country’s indigenous attack helicopter for some years, it wasn’t operational – it was flyable but not fightable. Denel Aviation, the helicopter’s manufacturer, has since handed five significantly upgraded and fully operational Rooivalks over to the air force, with six more to follow later.

That’s it from this year’s Real Economy Report team. Log on next year for more news and updates on the economy, and the best South Africa has to offer in the fields of science and technology.

Credits:
Alida Odendaal, Bradley Dubbelman, Brindaveni Naidoo, Bruce Hayter, Chanel Pringle, Charles Hayter, Christo Greyling, Darlene Creamer, David Shepherd, Duane Daws, Enver Domingo, Henry Lazenby, Lionel da Silva, Irma Venter, Jackson Kgoale, Judith Woodburne, Keith Campbell, Kenneth Creamer, Kim Kruger, Leonie Vergottini, Mariaan Webb, Martin Creamer, Megan Wait, Nicholas Boyd, Reinette Classen, Shane Williams, Shannon de Ryhove, Sheila Barradas, Terence Creamer, Tracy Hancock, Veronica Creamer, Yolande Botes