Research Channel | Advanced Search - Research Channel Africa

Back NEWS

Volkswagen, Isuzu pour cold water on South Africa’s EV ambitions

Published: 11 Jun 24

Volkswagen and Isuzu Motors have expressed skepticism about South Africa’s plans to develop electric and hydrogen-powered vehicle industries. While the government in February announced that automakers will be allowed to claim a 150% tax deduction on investment in facilities to make the vehicles, the local heads of both companies said they’ll stay focused on internal combustion engine vehicles.

Accreditation Day underlines importance of the SANAS

Published: 11 Jun 24

In the current environment of fast-paced technological advancement, accreditation can enable organisations to embrace new technologies and drive innovation, as it provides a framework of trust and reliability. This was highlighted by speakers during the South African National Accreditation System’s (SANAS') 2024 World Accreditation Day breakfast, held in Centurion on June 10, under the theme “Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future”.

Eskom arrests suspected coal-swapping thief

Published: 11 Jun 24

State-owned power utility Eskom says the security investigation team at its Arnot power station has arrested a truck driver, who is suspected of having participated in the swapping out of coal destined for the power station with lower-quality product. On June 8, a tactical team spotted a truck loaded with coal to be delivered to Arnot entering a coal yard in Middelburg and then leaving after about an hour.

Transmission lines, solar panels and wind turbines

Eskom seeks executive to lead renewables division

Published: 10 Jun 24

South Africa’s Eskom Holdings is looking for a manager to lead its clean energy projects even as the utility extends the use of coal plants to mitigate nationwide electricity shortages. The group executive will be “responsible for leading and overseeing the renewable energy initiatives within Eskom” as well as driving its Just Energy Transition Strategy to move away from coal, the company said in an advertisement in the Johannesburg-based Business Day newspaper. The person will act as the primary liaison for such projects and oversee their planning.

Civil society coalition emphasises need for accountability, transparency, equity to achieve a ‘fair’ just transition

Published: 10 Jun 24

A coalition of civil society organisations from Indonesia, Senegal, South Africa and Vietnam on June 10 launched their ‘Principles for a Fair Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)’, which emphasises the integral need for accountability, transparency and equity in climate finance. International renewable energy advocacy organisation 350.org said the guiding principles were identified with the input of Global South communities.

Hive Hydrogen investment propels more economic opportunities in Gqeberha

Published: 10 Jun 24

Energy company Hive Hydrogen’s incoming R105-billion green ammonia plant in the Coega Industrial Development Zone, in Gqeberha, will create major opportunities for green industrial development and economic diversification in Nelson Mandela Bay. Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber (NMBBC) as an active facilitator of economic growth in the bay, is positioning itself to unlock all emerging opportunities as a result of Hive Hydrogen’s investment, as well as other companies' investments, including that of automotive majors Volkswagen South Africa and Stellantis.

AAD expected to yield significant economic, educational value once again

Published: 10 Jun 24

Speaking at a preliminary event marking 100 days until the next Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade exhibition and airshow, which will take place from September 18 to 22, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise has highlighted the economic and educational impact of the biennial event. “The economic impact of the AAD on South Africa is substantial. In 2022, international visitors contributed over R135-million to our GDP, while public and trade visitors generated R150-million in revenue.

Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt

South African economy needs less State interference, more privatisation – Roodt

Published: 10 Jun 24

South Africa's political and economic realities were not aligned, Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt told delegates during a Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry presentation on June 10. As political parties discuss possible coalitions to run the country, he argued that urgent policy changes were needed and for there to be less State interference in the economy. “We need more privatisation. We need liberalisation of all sorts of markets – the labour market, capital market . . .,” he said.

Image of Tshwane city manager Johann Mettler and DWS DDG for water and sanitation Services Dr Risimati Mathye

City of Tshwane, DWS sign an MoU to address water constraints

Published: 10 Jun 24

The City of Tshwane (CoT) and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) have formalised a strategic partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to tackle the city’s water challenges. The MoU, signed on Monday, will see the parties collaborate on various strategic areas such as infrastructure planning and development, water resource planning and infrastructure solutions and capacity building for CoT officials.

Impression of how an RITM-200 floating nuclear power plant might look

Guinea signs agreement with Russian group to investigate use of floating nuclear reactors

Published: 10 Jun 24

The Republic of Guinea has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russian State-owned nuclear energy and technology group Rosatom to explore the use of sea-based floating nuclear reactors to generate electricity for the coastal West African country. The MoU was signed at last week’s St Petersburg International Economic Forum, in Russia. “The cooperation involves joint work on developing a power supply solution both to industrial and domestic consumers in the Republic of Guinea, deploying floating nuclear power units with RITM-200 reactors, which have already proven efficient,” explained Rosatom Mechanical Engineering Division Deputy Head Vladimir Aptekarev. “The power supply issue in the African region is urgent, and our main task is to provide a fast reliable and environment-friendly solution for our partners.”