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Company highlights immigration compliance challenges

Published: 15 Nov 24

An examination of the legal obligations of employers when hiring foreign workers was communicated during corporate law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr’s Immigration Compliance and Workplace Enforcement webinar which took place on October 11, under the themes of assessing the intersection of immigration law and employment practices, and criminal liability for businesses operating in key sectors of the economy, including agriculture and hospitality. With a sharp increase in the amount of blitz inspections and raids administered by the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Employment Law director Imraan Mahomed noted the importance of advising employers of their rights and obligations in terms of employment law.

Public–private collaboration needed to tackle South Africa's infrastructure challenges

Published: 15 Nov 24

South Africa faces immense challenges in developing and maintaining the infrastructure it needs to support social and economic growth. From water shortages to the energy crisis, no single entity, be it government or the private sector, can address these issues alone. To overcome these hurdles, South Africa must embrace a collaborative approach, such as that adopted through the country’s Government of National Unity (GNU), to leverage the strengths of the public and private sectors to create long-lasting, sustainable solutions, says Lebalelo Water User Association (LWUA) CEO Bertus Bierman.

SA mulling new ways to unlock much-needed rail infrastructure investment

Published: 15 Nov 24

Amid existing initiatives to achieve the correct rail access pricing to make it economically viable for private rail operators to invest, provide services and help State-owned transport agency Transnet to pay off its debt, the most important aspect of getting rail transport to operate at the volumes required is to invest in infrastructure. To increase rail volumes, the country must ensure that Transnet is operating well and it must involve the private sector in commercial opportunities by opening up the network, says South African Presidency project management office head Rudi Dicks.

Construction mafia remains a major problem, warns MBA North

Published: 15 Nov 24

The problem posed by the construction mafia on the ground remains a major stumbling block in the recovery of the construction industry, and especially its ability to create more jobs, says Master Builders Association (MBA) North executive director Mohau Mphomela. “The construction mafia remains an ever-present threat to projects in both the public and private sectors – but there’s a limit to what the industry can do.

Kia unveils its long-awaited one-ton bakkie

Published: 15 Nov 24

Korean vehicle manufacturer Kia has lifted the veil on its long-awaited one-ton bakkie, the Tasman. The vehicle, the first of its kind for Kia, had its global premiere at Jeddah International Motor Show, in Saudi Arabia, in October.

South Africans mostly keen on EVs, but infrastructure concerns persist – Ford study

Published: 15 Nov 24

More than 40% of South Africans are considering purchasing an electrified vehicle (EV) in the next five years. This is according to a survey by Ford Motor Company, with most respondents preferring hybrid technology.

Automotive Industry Transformation Fund distributes R596m to 67 companies

Published: 15 Nov 24

The Automotive Industry Transformation Fund (AITF) has since its inception in 2020 invested R596-million in 67 companies across the automotive value chain, says CEO Jabu Selumane. “Our goal is to support 90 companies by 2029, and we are well on our way to achieving that.”

Company champions local craft beer potential

Published: 15 Nov 24

The imperative of facilitating growth within the country’s craft beer market could catalyse social and environmental sustainability, highlights Johannesburg-based craft brewery Tolokazi Beer. The company says that the advent of craft breweries has played a defining role in magnifying the call to apply brewing best practices on a broader level.

Industry well placed to capitalise on international demand

Published: 15 Nov 24

Despite the improved performance of the rand, wine festival Standard Bank WineX founder Michael Fridjhon highlights that the South African wine market has increasingly become an exciting and attractive destination for global consumers. Fridjhon notes that South Africa’s wine industry is poised for a comeback, driven by rising local demand and the growing popularity of Cap Classique and Chenin Blanc in China, with exports of Cap Classique to China rising by 4% in 2023.

Sustainability, community focus integral to agricultural business

Published: 15 Nov 24

To demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, Stellenbosch wine producer Spier Wine Farm highlights the importance of remaining mindful of its environmental impact beyond the activities required to farm and produce wine. The company recently embarked on regenerative soil-building programmes, which it will monitor over the next three years. The goal is to reduce the need for inorganic nitrogen and improve carbon and nitrogen ratios in the soil, thereby contributing to more active and resilient soil for sustainability.