From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report. Our top stories this week: we look at nuclear power as an option for South Africa; the platinum price collapsed along with the automotive market early last year, but a much-changed outlook is now lifting sentiment; and, we look at South Africa's new aviation exhibition.

Shannon de Ryhove:
Does South Africa still have a nuclear energy programme? Keith Campbell answers this question.

Keith Campbell:
The apparent axing by the government of South Africa's own Pebble-Bed Modular Reactor does not end this country's nuclear energy programme, as it is still planned to build new pressure water reactors. But is nuclear a viable option for South Africa? I put this question to North West University Executive Director for Research and Innovation, Prof Frikkie van Niekerk.

North West University Executive Director for Research and Innovation, Prof Frikkie van Niekerk

Keith Campbell:
However, Claire Tucker, a partner in the Energy, Natural Resources and Environment department of law firm Bowman Gilfillan, believes that South Africa's nuclear legislation needs updating.

Bowman Gilfillan partner in the Energy, Natural Resources and Environment department Claire Tucker

Shannon de Ryhove:
Mining Weekly went to Impala Platinum's latest presentation to gain new insight. Martin Creamer reports.

Martin Creamer:
The recovery in the platinum market has emphasized once again as the world's economic power has shifted East. Impala's Derek Engelbrecht reports.

Impala Platinum Marketing Executive Derek Engelbrecht

Martin Creamer:
More cars were sold in China in just the month of January than for the entire year in 2002.

Derek Engelbrecht

Martin Creamer:
Not to be sneezed at either are India's car sales.

Derek Engelbrecht

Martin Creamer:
Motor cycle demand is now also entering the fray to boost platinum.

Derek Engelbrecht

Martin Creamer:
Also presenting strong demand are the platinum exchange-traded funds or ETFs.

Derek Engelbrecht

Martin Creamer:
And then there is also jewellery demand, where the appetite for platinum had seemingly not abated at the time of going to press, despite the rising price.

Shannon de Ryhove:
Mid-February saw the inaugural Aviation Industry Rendezvous Africa exhibition. Keith Campbell was there.

Keith Campbell:
Aviation Industry Rendezvous, or AIR Africa 2010, is a new aviation exhibition for South and Southern Africa, and was held at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. I asked Duma Exhibitions director and AIR Africa organiser Lynne Brown what the primary focus of the show was.

Duma Exhibitions director and AIR Africa organiser Lynne Brown

Shannon de Ryhove:
And now for a sneak preview of this week's Engineering News magazine:

In our cover story, we report that French car manufacturer Renault has grown its South African sales by 70% to claw back its lost market share.

State-owned freight logistics group, Transnet, expects to tap its recently established $2-billion Global Medium-Term Note programme within the next six months.

And, we report that Ethiopia has been plunged into a major power crisis after the water-passage tunnel of a newly inaugurated power plant collapsed.

And in Mining Weekly this week:

In this week's cover story, we report that urgent decisions are necessary to avoid the environmental consequences of acid mine drainage.

Major world nuclear group Areva is considering constructing a uranium processing plant in South Africa.

And, read that platinum major Implats is withholding further expansionary investment in Zimbabwe until the Zimbabwean government resolves outstanding issues.

That's Creamer Media's Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa's real economy.

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