Research Channel | Advanced Search - Research Channel Africa

Back NEWS

South African citizens voting in a previous election

Next South African government has tough reform job, Moody’s says

Published: 03 May 24

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.”

Reigniting growth in South Africa's real economy

Published: 03 May 24

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.

SA’s largest boat builder eyes growing share of global ocean-cruising catamaran market

Published: 03 May 24

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 line somewhere in the city almost every weekday of the year.

NTOMBIFUTHI MDLULI
These projects collectively contribute to employment

Short-term insurance product extended to SMMEs

Published: 03 May 24

The State-owned Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) has significantly expanded its mandate to support manufacturing projects, with a notable enhancement through the establishment of the Export Passport Insurance Facility. This initiative underscores the ECIC’s commitment to fostering growth in the manufacturing sector and extending its support to small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs), says ECIC short-term insurance senior underwriter Ntombifuthi Mdluli.

PRODUCT & SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS
Frankwen Forge is taking proactive steps to adapt and enhance its service offerings

Company proactively enhancing offering

Published: 03 May 24

While diversified manufacturing company Frankwen Forge is taking proactive steps to adapt and enhance its service offerings, broader structural changes are necessary to safeguard and advance the manufacturing sector in South Africa, the company says. It therefore advocates for several key changes to revitalise the manufacturing sector, with the company suggesting that South Africa needs to reduce imports to protect local manufacturing capacity, while simultaneously creating a more favourable investment and employment climate.

ASSEMBLY AREA
Based in Centurion, Tru-Trac’s facility amalgamates in-house manufacturing, research and development

Ongoing investment underscores commitment

Published: 03 May 24

Anchored fundamentally in the principle of efficiently managing its manufacturing processes, conveyor belt solutions manufacturer and supplier Tru-Trac Rollers’ ongoing investments in “state-of-the-art technology” and its adherence to strict international quality standards underscore its commitment to excellence, says Tru-Trac GM Franco Cloete. This strategy, he explains, ensures a high standard of quality, while continuously enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring cost-effectiveness, both of which he touts as critical factors that underpin the company’s competitive edge globally.

NONCOMPLIANCE RISKS
Noncompliant electrical cables may compromise the safety of consumers by potentially leading to hazards such as overheating, short circuits, fires and electrical shockS

Noncompliant electrical cables in South Africa risk safety

Published: 03 May 24

The proliferation of substandard and noncompliant electric cable products in the South African market poses significant risks to consumers and businesses, especially amid the country’s constrained and stagnating economy, says electronics manufacturer Apex Cordset Technologies (Apex). Apex is a dynamic company with a strong focus on technology and manufacturing, specialising in a range of safe and compliant electrical products and cable assemblies.

LOCALLY SOURCED
The perlite-based mineral aggregate is sourced from a South African mine

Local product ensures efficiency

Published: 03 May 24

Addressing global challenges such as climate change and the growing focus on sustainable development was front of mind in the development of Pratliperl by local manufacturer Pratley, says Pratley marketing director Eldon Kruger. “The perlite-based mineral aggregate is sourced and processed in South Africa, says Kruger, noting that this was a key part of the company’s commitment to local sourcing, local manufacturing and sustainability, especially in terms of local production.

Cape Town takes another stab at rolling out electric buses for its MyCiTi service

Published: 03 May 24

The City of Cape Town should have battery electric buses (e-buses) operational on its MyCiTi bus service by 2027, says Urban Mobility MMC Rob Quintas. It will be the city’s second stab at rolling out the zero-emission technology, following an unsuccessful attempt as an early adopter in 2018.

Electric trucks too expensive? Now you can rent one from Volvo Trucks SA

Published: 03 May 24

Volvo Trucks South Africa (SA) has introduced an equipment-as-a-service (EaaS) model for its new electric truck rental business. Following last year’s launch of Volvo electric trucks in South Africa, the company has been importing a range of configurations to suit local conditions.