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Vumacam surveillance tech yields 10% boost in crime interceptions, arrests in Gauteng

Published: 20 May 24

The Gauteng provincial government (GPG) has reported a “substantial impact” on criminal activities across the province has been achieved 100 days into the rollout of its surveillance project, which has been leveraging Vumacam SafeCity cameras. Since its inception in February, the project has yielded an average 10% monthly increase in interceptions, impounded vehicles and arrests from February to May.

Famous Brands reports bump in revenue, while profits decline for 2024 financial year

Published: 20 May 24

Branded food services franchisor Famous Brands has reported an 8% increase in revenue to R8-billion for the financial year ended February 29, although a 6% decrease in profit to R812-million and a 1.5% profit margin contraction from 11.6% to 10.1% dampened results. Despite the group’s carefully managed cost base, the operating profit margins were negatively impacted on by input cost pressures and increases in overheads, namely electricity, water, diesel, repairs, maintenance and employee costs.

Eskom board approves plan to operate Camden, Grootvlei and Hendrina to 2030

Published: 20 May 24

The Eskom board has given its approval for the continued operation of the Camden, Grootvlei and Hendrina power stations to 2030 – a departure from the original decommissioning schedule that has reportedly been endorsed by Cabinet. In response to a question posed by Engineering News during an update on the Energy Action Plan, head of generation Bheki Nxumalo said: “We have just recently received board approval to run three of our stations – that is Hendrina, Grootvlei and Camden – up until 2030.”

Zero Carbon Charge signs MoU with Free State govt on EV charger rollout

Published: 20 May 24

Zero Carbon Charge (Zero CC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Free State provincial government on the introduction of what it describes as a “network of solar-powered, offgrid, ultrafast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the province”. The rollout promises the construction of 15 electric passenger vehicle charging stations and seven electric truck charging stations by Zero CC and Zero Carbon Logistics (Zero CL), respectively.

Silhouette of construction site and workers

BCIMA urges construction industry to increase safety measures in wake of George tragedy

Published: 20 May 24

The Building and Construction Industry Medical Aid Fund (BCIMA) has called for a review of the safety practices on construction sites and the prioritisation of the health of construction workers following the collapse of a five-storey residential building in George, in the Western Cape earlier this month. The organisation says the 34 lives lost in the tragedy are a reminder of the risks and sacrifices construction workers face daily.

Wine grape supply balances with demand in 2024 harvest season

Published: 20 May 24

The 2024 wine grape harvest has yielded 1.09-million tonnes from 87 848 ha, which is 7% lower than the prior harvest season, industry body Vinpro reports. Vinpro consultation services manager Dr Etienne Terblanche says the 2024 harvest season was a journey marked by careful planning and the adaptability of wine producers in the face of diverse climatic adversities and various disruptions.

Astral poultry division makes notable financial recovery in H1

Published: 20 May 24

JSE-listed integrated poultry producer Astral Foods has reported improved results for the six months ended March 31, on the back of its “reset, refocus and restart campaign” which was launched in response to significant losses incurred from loadshedding and avian influenza in the 2023 financial year. The group reports an operating profit increase of 461% to R550-million for the six months under review, compared with an operating profit of R98-million reported for the six months ended March 31, 2023.

Employment environment bleak, but there are opportunities for improvement

Published: 20 May 24

The 2024 ‘UASA South African Employment Report’ and second UASA/Bureau of Market Research (BMR) Employment Index paints a bleak picture of the country’s employment situation; however, there are areas of focus that can be pursued to turn this around, including skills development to capitalise on technology advancements. This was highlighted by speakers presenting the reports on May 17.

Altron posts strong continuing operations growth

Published: 20 May 24

JSE-listed Altron on Monday reported strong results across its continuing operations; however, noncash adjustments in its discontinued operations weighed on the company’s overall results for the year ended February 29, 2024. The company reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda), including Altron’s ATM Business and discontinued operations, of R985-million, a 6% decrease on the R1.05-billion achieved in the prior year.

Energy trader reports strong market demand for green electricity from 210 MW Hendrina Wind Farm

Published: 20 May 24

Newly formed electricity trader Apollo Africa reports that it is experiencing strong demand from potential customers for the renewable electricity that will be produced from the grid-ready 210 MW Hendrina Wind Farm, being developed by Enertrag in the Mpumalanga province. Apollo Africa, which is majority-owned by JSE-listed Reunert and is in the final stages of securing a trading licence from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, has entered into an exclusive agreement with Enertrag for the electricity that will be produced at the facility.