The importance of South Africa’s radar capabilities

4th December 2014 By: Creamer Media Reporter

The importance of South Africa’s radar capabilities

We look at the importance of South Africa’s radar capabilities

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report. The South African radar sector marks an important milestone this month. Keith Campbell reports.

Keith Campbell:
It was 75 years ago – on December 16, 1939, to be precise – that the first South African-built radar under took its first successful test, detecting the Northcliff water tower in Johannesburg. During the Second World War, a number of South African-built radars were deployed at home and in East and North Africa. Radar specialist Prof Mike Inggs of the Department of Electrical Engineering of the University of Cape Town explains the importance of its indigenous radar technology and expertise to the country.

University of Cape Town Department of Electrical Engineering Prof Mike Inggs

Shannon de Ryhove:
A range of antimicrobial copper products, including shower mats, toilet seats and light switches, as well as plug covers, has been developed by copper products manufacturer Copper Tubing Africa, particularly for use in hospitals, gyms and mine-site shower facilities. Ilan Solomons filed this report.

Ilan Solomons:
Copper Tubing Africa MD Mark Wynn highlights that the diversification of the company’s product range, away from its standard copper-tubing offering, was the result of feedback that Copper Tubing Africa received from industry, which indicated the need to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria through the use of antimicrobial copper products.

Copper Tubing Africa MD Mark Wynn

Ilan Solomons:
Wynn adds that the company views the solar-powered geyser market, as an increasingly lucrative sector, owing to the current power generation and transmission challenges faced by State-owned power producer Eskom, which is why Copper Tubing Africa will soon be launching its own range of mechanically operated solar geyer systems.

Copper Tubing Africa MD Mark Wynn

Ilan Solomons:
Copper Tubing Africa has a dedicated in-house training facility to provide training for its staff and those of other companies wanting to train their employees in the correct handling of copper tubing. Copper Tubing Africa’s technical director Vladimir Ziserman explains more.

Copper Tubing Africa technical director Vladimir Ziserman

Ilan Solomons:
Copper Tubing Africa also possesses three fully equipped mobile trailers to train companies’ plumbers on site. Copper Tubing Africa maintenance manager and technical representative Glen le Roux explains the importance of these mobile training units.

Copper Tubing maintenance manager and technical representative Glen le Roux

Ilan Solomons:
In conclusion, Wynn mentions that Copper Tubing Africa recently received specialist plumbing, bathroom and kitchenware merchant Plumblink’s Suppliers Award for the company’s unwavering support, service, dedication and understanding of how Plumblink operates, and also discusses the significance of Copper Tubing Africa receiving the award.

Copper Tubing Africa MD Mark Wynn

Shannon de Ryhove:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.