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Wits Research and Innovation deputy vice-chancellor Professor Lynn Morris

Wits MIND to collaborate with industry on fundamental AI research

Published: 21 Nov 24

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) opened a new AI research hub called the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute on November 19. The institute will focus on fundamental AI research and the scientific understanding of intelligence in its many forms, while developing cutting-edge technologies tailored to Africa’s unique challenges through robust interdisciplinary collaboration.

Importance of efficient pricing signals in energy industry underscored

Published: 21 Nov 24

As South Africa’s energy industry transitions to a more competitive, market-based power system, the need for efficient pricing signals was expressed during industry organisation the Energy Intensive Users Group of South Africa’s (EIUG’s) inaugural convention, co-located with the C&I Solar+Storage Summit, held this week in Sandton. In a panel discussion, speakers explored pricing implications in network infrastructure development, open market development and associated structural adjustments.

NTCSA says independent transmission projects must not reflect as balance-sheet liability

Published: 21 Nov 24

The head of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has confirmed that the entity’s board will insist that any independent transmission projects (ITPs) procured in the coming years should not reflect as a liability on the new entity’s balance sheet. However, interim CEO Segomoco Scheppers tells Engineering News that he remains confident that such a framework will be found in the coming months, and that an ITP pilot procurement programme will be launched next year as has been signalled by government.

Container shippers hedging green transition with dual-fuel vessel orders

Published: 21 Nov 24

Container shipping companies like Maersk, CMA and COSCO have ordered hundreds of new vessels in recent years meant to help their industry's greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions meet rising demand from customers and regulators around the globe. Their order books, however, reflect uncertainty over which of a wide array of so-called green fuels will become the standard in the decades to come, and whether supplies will be cheap and abundant enough to keep their fleets in motion.

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau

EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism needs to be challenged, Tau says

Published: 20 Nov 24

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has said that measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism introduced by the EU need to be challenged by developing economies at the level of the World Trade Organisation, as they are likely to have a negative impact on South Africa’s economic growth efforts. Nonetheless, he said there were significant opportunities to drive domestic industrialisation through global decarbonisation efforts, stating that South Africa must fully explore them for the benefit of the economy.

Tiger Brands to sell Baby Wellbeing business, excluding Purity

Published: 20 Nov 24

South Africa's biggest food producer Tiger Brands said on Wednesday it will sell its Baby Wellbeing business for R605-million, but will exclude its Purity brand, which it described as a core asset. The Baby Wellbeing business was identified as no longer a "financial and strategic fit" after an extensive portfolio review, Group CEO Tjaart Kruger said.

VistaJet unveils 18th Global 7500 ultralong-range jet in fleet

Published: 20 Nov 24

Private aviation services provider VistaJet has unveiled the eighteenth Bombardier Global 7500 ultralong-range business jet added to its fleet of 240 aircraft. The aircraft can do 17 hours of flight time with a range of 7 700 nautical miles, or 14 260 km, and a top speed of Mach 0.925, or 1 142 km/h. "These planes are incredible business tools, with 17 hours of non-stop flight enabling our customers to travel to almost anywhere in the world. VistaJet has about 5% of the world market share of on-demand flights," said VistaJet Europe and Africa president Philippe Scalabrini on November 20.

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa

Ramokgopa again moots policy interventions to provide relief from Eskom hike

Published: 20 Nov 24

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who is Eskom’s shareholder Minister, has reiterated his opposition to the utility receiving a 36.15% tariff hike next year, while also indicating that various policy interventions are being considered to reduce the increase. Speaking at a briefing in Pretoria that coincided with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa’s) nationwide public hearings into Eskom’s sixth multiyear price determination (MYPD6) application, Ramokgopa expressed confidence that the hike would be “significantly” lower than what Eskom was requesting.

Dynapac launches new 15 t compaction machine in South Africa

Published: 20 Nov 24

Original-equipment manufacturer Dynapac recently launched a new soil compaction machine in South Africa to coincide with the company’s 90-year anniversary. Darren Parker tells us more.

Protectionism not the answer to South Africa’s economic problems, CDE says

Published: 20 Nov 24

Think tank the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) has called for an overhaul of industrial policy to move it away from protectionism and towards a focus on maximising exports. The organisation on November 20 said a new approach to master plans, tariff-setting and competition policy was urgently required.