From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report. Recently, local armoured mine protected vehicle manufacturer DCD Protected Mobility officially opened its new factory in Isando, in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg. Keith Campbell was there.

Keith Campbell:
DCD Protected Mobility, which is part of the DCD industrial group, is famous for its Husky armoured mine detection and clearance vehicle and associated mine detonator trailers, but has now diversified its range to include the Springbuck armoured personnel carrier and its all-new mine resistant ambush protected vehicle, the Mountain Lion. Company General Manager Andrew Mears explains why they set up the new factory.

DCD Protected Mobility GM Andrew Mear

Shannon de Ryhove:
Other news making headlines this week: There are big implications for South Africa’s power plan as Eskom’s sales fall to 2006 levels; PPC CEO Ketso Gordhan pushes ahead with his infrastructure Codesa vision; and Transnet Freight Rail says its locomotive delivery schedule remains unchanged.

State-owned utility Eskom reported a 3.7% decline in electricity sales to 216 561 GWh for the year ended March 31, 2013, lowering its sales to levels similar to those reported in 2006 and 2007, prior to the 2008 power crisis. It had been budgeting sales for the year of 222 083 GWh, which would have represented a 1.2% contraction.

Eskom CFO Paul O'Flaherty

PPC CEO Ketso Gordhan reports that he has received strong backing, as well as some scepticism, from a range of private companies following his call for the creation of a negotiation body to add momentum to the execution of South Africa’s multibillion-rand infrastructure programme.

PPC CEO Ketso Gordhan.

Transnet Freight Rail still expects to take delivery of the first 10 of 95 new dual-electric locomotives in December, says CEO Siyabonga Gama, dismissing claims that the contract awarded to China South Rail to build the new rolling stock was six months behind schedule.

Transnet Freight Rail CEO Siyabonga Gama

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.