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Legislative Environment News

Gap analysis needed to guide gas-to-power industry growth

By: Darren Parker 16th October 2020 With the potential of gas as an alternative energy source in South Africa an encouraging prospect, South African Oil and Gas Alliance (Saoga) CEO Adrian Strydom says the gas-to-power industry needs to conduct an accurate gap analysis, and engage in upskilling and capacity building to ensure that... →

Landmark court judgment enhances Eskom's collection efforts

By: Marleny Arnoldi 14th October 2020 The South Gauteng High Court has affirmed Eskom’s right to interrupt, or terminate, electricity supply to nonpaying customers. The case was brought against Eskom by Pioneer Foods, in which the packaged goods company sought to review and set aside Eskom’s decision in 2018 to interrupt... →

Wake loss could create headwinds

By: Cameron Mackay 2nd October 2020 With wind energy set to contribute more to the national energy grid in the future, owing to the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019, wake loss will become more of a challenge as the wind energy sector grows, says local wind energy company Aurora Wind Power CEO Mmoledi Chisalokile. “The IRP 2019... →

Wind industry ready for surplus energy procurement

By: Cameron Mackay 2nd October 2020 The local wind energy industry is “eagerly anticipating a growth phase”, as the approved Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019 allocates 14.4 GW of wind power that needs to be added to the local energy mix from 2022. “This requires government to move swiftly in announcing the next round of... →

Windaba riding winds of digital change

By: Cameron Mackay 2nd October 2020 Owing to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and physical distancing regulations, the tenth yearly Windaba Conference and Exhibition will be hosted as a virtual event on October 26 and 27. The Windaba event brings together exhibitors, industry pioneers and leaders, investors, and power producers. →

Policy Uncertainty Index still in negative territory at 58

By: Marleny Arnoldi 1st October 2020 The North West University (NWU) Business School Policy Uncertainty Index (PUI) has remained deep in negative territory, at 58, during the third quarter. This compares with a level of 57.4 in the second quarter, with the baseline being 50. →

Initiative to accelerate technology strategies amid aerospace industry decline

By: Mamaili Mamaila 18th September 2020 The Aerospace Industry Support Initiative (AISI) plans to continue building technology strategies with industry for long-term implementation amid the industry’s decline of late. →

EVEN ODDS Although there are “pockets of excellence”, the local aerospace industry is very small and focuses almost exclusively on exports

Breathalyser tests should be adapted, not cancelled

By: Darren Parker 18th September 2020 The misconceptions regarding the potential hygiene risks associated with alcohol breathalyser tests can have a significant negative impact on affected industries, since the safety of staff and expensive equipment can be compromised by intoxicated workers, says alcohol breathalyser and drug... →

RHYS EVANS Lives can be saved and accidents can be avoided if proper alcohol testing continues to be implemented

Acquisition ensures increased OHS offering

By: Darren Parker 18th September 2020 Facilities management services provider Afroteq Advisory, a subsidiary of holding company AFMS Group, expanded its service offering in the occupational health and safety (OHS) sector by acquiring OHS service provider OHS Africa. Acquired in May this year, the new division, OHSAfroteq, forms part... →

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A HEALTHY OUTCOME Covid-19 has put health and safety in the workplace at the top of the agenda

Covid-19 outbreak delays launch of dust suppression system

By: Darren Parker 18th September 2020 Environmental solutions company I-CAT intended to launch a new dust suppression system earlier this year but there were many delays owing to the national lockdown, says I-CAT director Lourens Jansen van Rensburg. “While the Covid-19 national lockdown halted many mining operations, the outbreak... →

A MIST OPPORTUNITY I-CAT’s new misting system launch was delayed because of Covid-19, but the company aims to launch it before the end of the year

Engineering collaboration assists local development

18th September 2020 Mechanical engineering contractor Brimis Engineering is working together with air conditioning contractor Blue Hemisphere on the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) installation at the Middelburg Provincial Hospital. →

HVACR industry at a turning point

By: Mamaili Mamaila 18th September 2020 The heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry is at a turning point and it is up to all the innovators in the industry to take the lead and set a new standard for South Africa, multinational air-conditioning manufacturing company Daikin South Africa MD Koen Van... →

KOEN VAN WYNENDAELE Before the Covid-19 outbreak, the industry in general was under pressure owing to a sluggish economy with limited to no growth, a difficult political climate and a tough investment climate

Economy breathes welcome sigh for Level 1, while alcohol, travel industries remain aggrieved

By: Marleny Arnoldi 17th September 2020 With President Cyril Ramaphosa having announced the move to a Level 1 lockdown for South Africa, effective September 20, positive reactions have been streaming in from all spheres of the economy, but grievances around weekend alcohol sales, the curfew and only partially reopened borders remain.... →

Industry’s wings seemingly clipped

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 South Africa’s economy is hanging by a thread and this has presented massive challenges for the local aerospace industry, says aircraft design organisation Aerodesigns Africa director Murray Spoelstra. →

GLOBAL SIGHTS SET Similar to the local automotive industry that is manufacturing for European countries, so must there be opportunities to manufacture aircraft under licence for foreign companies

Level playing field key to moving industry forward

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 Transformation should be a top priority among the issues that need to be addressed in manufacturing for the aviation industry, says maintenance solutions provider Dynamic Aerotech technical operation and research director Mulalo Neluheni. →

OPEN UP THE INDUSTRY While there is scope for black people with potential to thrive in this space, this needs to take into account the whole value chain in the aerospace industry

Association laments sector decline

By: Mamaili Mamaila 11th September 2020 The aerospace manufacturing sector is in a “freefall” and there does not appear to be any parachute in sight, says industry body Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing Association of South Africa (Camasa) co-chairperson Themba September. →

AIRING IT OUT In its efforts to ensure that the sector returns to its former glory, Camasa has participated in the process of drafting a sector masterplan

Company helps industry meet extra staff demand

By: Cameron Mackay 11th September 2020 Staffing solutions provider Workforce Staffing’s country manager for Botswana Jimmy Samuels says the freight, logistics and warehousing industry is vital to South Africa’s economy, as many other sectors depend on it to operate. Constantly advancing technologies in this industry create a... →

ESSENTIAL STAFFING SOLUTIONS Workforce Staffings has been providing suitable, trained staff for positions on short notice, ensuring that essential services have been operating under lockdown

DUT, Ithala sign MoU to boost KZN economy

By: Sane Dhlamini 10th September 2020 KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube has applauded the recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) between her department’s Ithala Development Finance Corporation and the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The signing, according to... →

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism And Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube

Competition Tribunal dismisses case against I&J

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 7th September 2020 The Competition Tribunal has dismissed a case of alleged cartel conduct against processed frozen foods company Irvin & Johnson (I&J) owing to a lack of evidence. The Competition Commission had accused I&J and beef processing company Karan Beef of allegedly dividing markets in the supply of... →

BLSA implores govt to take on energy, spectrum policy with equal urgency as pandemic

By: Marleny Arnoldi 7th September 2020 In her latest weekly newsletter, Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busi Mavuso questions why government could implement “urgent” policies for the Covid-19 crises, but not for energy or spectrum allocation, which are also long-standing urgent issues. “The State acted fast [at the start of... →

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BLSA CEO Busi Mavuso

Nedlac discusses respective steps to promote local procurement of PPE, curb corruption

By: Marleny Arnoldi 2nd September 2020 The National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) has issued a statement discussing its efforts to address both the corruption around procurement and lack of procurement of locally manufactured personal protective equipment (PPE) by government bodies. Media reports in recent weeks... →

Civil society organisations urge leaders to tackle corruption

By: Donna Slater 1st September 2020 In an open letter addressed to President Cyril Ramaphosa and Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, Corruption Watch executive director David Lewis and Public Affairs Research Institute executive director Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi urge the leaders to tackle corruption by taking advantage of the current... →

State is falling short of expectations – Ramaphosa

By: Sane Dhlamini 31st August 2020 As South Africa prepares to observe Public Service Month in September, President Cyril Ramaphosa admits that there are fundamental problems government is working to fix. He pointed out that the experience for many South Africans is a State that is falling short of expectations. He said government... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Projects developed in renewables zones, gas and grid corridors ‘not exempt’ from environmental processes

By: Terence Creamer 26th August 2020 The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has dismissed suggestions that renewable-energy projects developed within the designated Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs), including the three new zones being proposed, will be exempt from all environmental authorisation... →

Opinion: Changing one number, in one piece of legislation, can change South Africa’s destiny, in one day

26th August 2020 In this opinion piece, South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) Grid Access Working Group chairperson Daniel Goldstuck, writes about a possible solution to South Africa's energy crisis. What if I told you that our energy crisis could be alleviated with one simple change? →

SAPVIA Grid Access Working Group chairperson Daniel Goldstuck

Climate-resilient economy is necessary – Ramaphosa

By: Sane Dhlamini 24th August 2020 As South Africa tries to develop an urgent economic recovery programme, it is important that the new economy be resilient in the face of climate change. This was according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his weekly column to the nation. He said a climate-resilient economy was vital in protecting... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Land Tenure amendment bill criticised for undermining rights of poor black South Africans

By: Rebecca Campbell 21st August 2020 South African think tank the Free Market Foundation (FMF) has, while praising the elimination of gender discrimination in the Upgrading or Land Tenure Rights Act (ULTRA) Amendment Bill, sharply criticised other aspects of the proposed legislation. In particular, the FMF cited the excessive... →

Increased storage crucial to mix

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 With South Africa aiming to move towards more diversified energy generation systems as outlined in the Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019), it is crucial to increase the country’s energy-storage capacities, says solar industry supplier Valsa Trading. →

A DECADE IN Valsa Trading has been in the photovoltaic solar industry in South Africa for more than ten years

Noncarbon future epitomises ideal energy mix

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 In about 2060, the ideal energy mix would be one with only non-carbon sources, such as wind, solar, pumped hydro and hydrogen, says global energy advisory UL. →

JAMES TRUDEAU It is “very critical” that Eskom increases its energy storage capacities to support a more diversified energy portfolio

Divisionalisation first step in vertical separation

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 State-owned power utility Eskom says divisionalisation is but the “first step” in the vertical separation of the utility into three businesses under Eskom Holdings and that it is aligned with the restructuring roadmap released by the Department of Public Enterprises. →

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SLIGHT UNCERTAINTY The outcomes from the Independent Electricity Management Operator Bill will impact the future of both the supply and demand dynamics of the electricity industry

Clean coal can still play meaningful role in S Africa

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 Coal is relatively cheap and widely available; therefore, if it is used cleanly and efficiently, it can be a vital part of the economic development of South Africa, says the IEA Clean Coal Centre (IEACCC). →

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GROWTH POINT About 18 000 jobs were created during the peak of construction at Eskom’s Medupi power plant

CFBC boiler technology viable for S Africa

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 The global success of circulating fluidised bed combustion (CFBC) boiler technology, suggests that this should be the technology of choice for the future in State-owned power utility Eskom’s power stations. →

SMOKE STACKS The emissions of concern in coal-fired technology are carbon dioxide, sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide and particulates (usually fly ash of various sizes)

Microgrid solutions could combat load-shedding

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 Microgrid solutions with battery energy storage systems are ideal to ensure stable and sustainable power by harnessing solar and other renewable energy resources, says technology solutions provider Hitachi ABB Power Grids. →

GREEN ENERGY SOLUTIONS Hitachi ABB’s intelligent solutions for a more dynamic grid will also contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 of affordable, reliable and clean energy

Eskom fully supports South Africa’s lower-carbon trajectory

By: Mamaili Mamaila 21st August 2020 The Integrated Resource Plan 2019 (IRP 2019) signals an important move to a range of fuel options for power generation in South Africa, which State-owned power utility Eskom supports. →

PHASING IN THE GREEN Eskom proposes to continue adopting a phased and prioritised approach to achieve compliance to the Minimum Emission Standards regarding particulate matter

SIU appears before Scopa to discuss investigations related to Covid-19 pandemic

By: Sane Dhlamini 19th August 2020 Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head of investigations Leonard Lekgetho has told the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) that his unit is, among other cases, investigating the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development’s alleged irregular procurement during the coronavirus... →

Parliament hears recommendations on amending copyright, performers protection Bills

By: Donna Slater 19th August 2020 In seeking to amend the Copyright Act of 1978 and the Performers’ Protection Act of 1967, Parliament, on August 18, began the process of considering certain Constitutional concerns relating to the Copyright and Performers’ Protection Amendment Bills previously passed by the National Assembly and... →

South Africa’s 4IR starts with proper spectrum allocation, incentives

By: Marleny Arnoldi 18th August 2020 University of Johannesburg vice-chancellor and deputy chairperson of the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR) Professor Tshilidzi Marwala has shared some the recommendations of the commission’s report around South Africa’s progress towards embracing the Fourth... →

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