Новости за 03.05.2024

Law firm Pinsent Masons found there is increasing interest in South Africa is a viable option for international arbitration. In the dynamic landscape of global commerce, the role of arbitration cannot be overstated, said Pinsent legal director Emma Roberts.

Despite recent efforts to bolster electricity generation capacity, the path to energy security remains full of obstacles. The integration of renewable energy, particularly wind power, is critical to these efforts, says the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA).

A pioneering solution has been developed to convert cellulose fibre-rich waste from pulp and paper mill operations into ethanol using a specialised fermentation process. The solution was announced by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa), in collaboration with Stellenbosch University (SU), Sappi Southern Africa and Mpact.

JSE-listed paper and packaging manufacturer Mondi has noted improved market conditions in the first quarter of the year, with stronger order books and higher sales volumes across its range of paper grades compared with the last quarter of 2023. Average selling prices were, however, lower in the reporting quarter, but they have started ticking up in the second quarter, it said in a trading update to shareholders on May 3.

Although South African ports are sheltered from swell waves, three of them – Cape Town, Ngqura and Saldanha – can and do experience what are called infra-gravity waves. These are a category of gravity waves, which are waves travelling along the surface of the sea (where it interfaced with the atmosphere, technically another ‘fluid’) and whose dynamics are dominated by the effects of gravity. Infra-gravity waves are distinguished by having periods of greater than 30 seconds. Researchers at the Council... Читать дальше...

The average payment for ransomware attacks has increased by 500% in the past year to $2-million, up from $400 000 in 2023, cybersecurity firm Sophos reports in its 'State of Ransomware 2024' report. Additionally, excluding ransom payments, the survey found the average cost of recovery reached $2.73-million, which is an increase of almost $1-million from the $1.82-million that Sophos reported in 2023.

Against the backdrop of a high unemployment rate among South Africa’s youth, beermaker South African Breweries (SAB) has launched the first edition of its SAB Talent Challenge. The SAB explains that the programme aims to turn “traditional talent attraction practice on its head through this progressive challenge, as a recruitment tool.”

South Africa is enjoying a rare streak of uninterrupted electricity right before elections, drawing more suspicion than praise in a nation that’s become accustomed to the daily power cuts that have dragged on for years. The country is currently in its fourth successive week of no outages — the longest period South Africans have consistently had electricity supply in more than two years. The recovery coincides with political parties ramping up their campaigns before the May 29 vote, in which the ruling... Читать дальше...

Construction group Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO) and renewable energy company Sola Group have completed construction of the Merak 2 & 3 solar photovoltaic projects near Lichtenburg, in North West. The two solar plants, with capacities of 130 MW and 126 MW, respectively, span an area of 4 km2 and will deliver power through a wheeling agreement to mineral sands miner Tronox.

State-owned Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has embarked on a ramp up of GF-class coal trains from 21 a week to 28 a week, supported by an injection of locomotives. This is part of Transnet’s recovery plan initiatives, and a commitment made to the City of uMhlathuze leadership and other stakeholders during the Stakeholder Collaboration on Truck Congestion Solutions meeting held in the Port of Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, on November 21 last year.

Enhanced regulation and enforcement are needed to address the challenges of scrap metal theft in South Africa and potentially lift the ban on scrap metal exports, research and advisory firm Birguid analyst Noquele Dube says. She explains that the scrap metal industry contributes R15-billion to South Africa's gross domestic product and employs about 350 000 people, according to the Metals Recycling Association of South Africa (MRA).

The JSE has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Tadawul Group (STG), aimed at enhancing financial market collaboration and bolstering economic ties between South Africa and Saudi Arabia. The agreement serves as a catalyst for growth, innovation and technological advancement in both markets, supported by a shared vision for future prosperity, says JSE group CEO Leila Fourie.

South Africa may struggle to make much more progress on resolving the country’s longstanding challenges if a coalition government emerges after elections this month, Moody’s Investors Service cautioned. “These include stimulating years of sluggish economic growth, curbing chronic power shortages and reducing very high unemployment,” said Aurelien Mali, vice president - senior credit officer at Moody’s. “The current government has made incremental progress on these issues.”

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer talks about the highs and lows of South Africa's real economy in the 30 years of democracy, as well as what could be done to reignite the manufacturing sector in particular.

A video round up of this week’s magazine, highlighting our cover story, features and Business Leader.

It’s easy to overlook the sheer magnitude of Robertson and Caine’s (R&C’s) operations in Cape Town. The company’s ten boat-building factories and assembly lines are dotted across the city – from Woodstock to Paarden Island to Montagu Gardens, with the latter also housing a substantial warehouse. Other numbers, however, make it easier to appreciate the scale of the catamaran builder, including the fact that the 33-year-old company employs more than 2 400 people, with one boat rolling off an assembly... Читать дальше...