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Eskom to hit CO2 targets despite coal plant extension, CEO says

Published: 28 Jun 24

South Africa's state power company Eskom will meet its target to reduce carbon emissions by 71-million metric tons a year by the end of the decade, its new CEO said on Friday, despite scrapping plans to retire six coal-fired power stations by then. But CEO Dan Marokane said Eskom's immediate priority was bringing an end to the power blackouts that have devastated the economy of Africa's most industrialised nation over the past few years.

Hudaco’s interim performance hampered by suspended loadshedding

Published: 28 Jun 24

Diversified consumer and engineering products group Hudaco has faced a challenging start to the 2024 financial year, with the reduction in loadshedding negatively impacting on some of its alternative energy businesses, resulting in an overall lacklustre set of interim results. "It's been a rather challenging six months for us, I think for most of South African business. There was reduced loadshedding, but we have an up and down factor in that, when there is loadshedding, we have some businesses that tend to perform well, but when there's no loadshedding, that business kind of falls away,” Hudaco CEO Graham Dunford said at the release of Hudaco’s interim results for the six months ended May 31.

Nersa approves tariff increases for new financial year, City Power unpacks higher charges

Published: 28 Jun 24

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved the tariff applications of 178 licenced electricity distributors, including municipal and private distributors, for the 2024/25 financial year. The new tariffs become effective on July 1.

SolarSaver showcases innovations of its latest solar installation in Melrose Arch precinct

Published: 28 Jun 24

Energy company SolarSaver has successfully completed a solar installation at the Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and the African Pride Hotel, both of which are based in the Melrose Arch precinct in Gauteng. Owing to the limited available roof space for solar panel installation, SolarSaver collaborated with property developer Amdec Group to find a solution.

PRASA passenger numbers reach 40-million a year, up 167% – Emeran

Published: 28 Jun 24

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is “making steady and significant progress in getting passenger trains back on track”, with the urban rail service carrying about 40-million passengers in 2023/24 on 31 of the 40 PRASA rail corridors now operational, says CEO Hishaam Emeran. Emeran says passenger numbers have climbed by almost 25-million from a year ago.

Dealmakers optimistic on global M&A prospects despite sluggish growth

Published: 28 Jun 24

Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity grew at a sluggish pace in the second quarter, yet many dealmakers are upbeat, forecasting transactions will pick up in the second half of 2024. Stubbornly high interest rates, a hostile regulatory environment and a frothy stock market that has made valuations pricey weighed on dealmaking in the last three months.

The future of Operation Vulindlela

Published: 28 Jun 24

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the issues tackled during Phase 1 of Operation Vulindlela and the successes achieved thus far; the likelihood of Operation Vulindlela continuing as programme of action under the new government of national unity; and what could be on the agenda during Phase 2.

Image of The Spar Group national logistics executive Solly Engelbrecht

The Spar Group targets water-saving measures

Published: 28 Jun 24

The Spar Group has been steadily implementing proactive water-saving measures within its logistics operations amid the increasing threat of water insecurity across South Africa. Potential water insecurity poses a significant threat to the integrity of retail supply chains across South Africa, as disruptions to water supply and water quality can lead to significant operational and financial risks to the South African economy, said The Spar Group national logistics executive Solly Engelbrecht.

Mercedes-Benz SA considers cutting 700 jobs on back of struggling economy, ports

Published: 28 Jun 24

Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) says it will move from three shifts a day at its East London plant to two shifts, in a move that could potentially cut 700 jobs. MBSA produces the C-Class for the local and export markets, with more than 90% of production exported. Production reached around 90 000 units last year.