DWS, DFFE to probe whether Vaal invasive vegetation clearing methods are aligned with regulations

The departments of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) are reviewing complaints and concerns in the public domain over the use of chemicals as part of a... 

Icasa reopens telecoms loadshedding inquiry comments period

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has reopened the submissions process for its inquiry into the impact of loadshedding on telecommunications operators in South... 

Digitalisation is the key to SME success in 2024

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to drive sustainable economic growth across South Africa in 2024, digital transformation is critical. The impact of SME digitalisation is far-reaching,... 

New task team to review municipal water, sanitation service delivery mechanisms

A new nationally coordinated task team is being established to review service delivery mechanisms for water and sanitation services in South Africa. The task team, comprising the Department of... 

Rand Water kicks off programme to weed out water lettuce in the Vaal river

Rand Water on Thursday released the first batch of weevils and hoppers as biocontrol agents to start eliminating the invasive water lettuce in the Vaal river. The programme, which formed part of... 

MTN South Africa’s solar project progresses net zero ambitions

MTN South Africa has switched on 5 418 out of the planned 9 000 solar panels at its 14th Avenue headquarters as it progresses its solar renewable energy project. Over 50% complete, the energisation... 

Significant progress made on R292m Sir Lowry's Pass river upgrade

Since breaking ground on the R292-million major upgrade of the Sir Lowry’s Pass river a year ago, the City of Cape Town is on track to complete the project in 2026. The upgrades, in an effort to... 

Proposed water amendments needed, but inconsistencies, enforcement need to be fixed

While some of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS’s) recently proposed water amendments, which have significant implications for water resource management and public access to water, are... 

Waning perceptions of drinking water quality underline need for urgent intervention

While the majority of South Africans perceive their water to be safe to drink, their confidence in water services and quality has been deteriorating over the last decade, a water services barometer... 

Competition Commission media and digital inquiry public hearings to start in March

The Competition Commission is preparing to hold the first round of public hearings on its Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI). The inquiry was officially launched in October after... 

Telkom says it has made ‘significant strides’ against vandalism, cable theft

Telecommunications group Telkom says it has made significant strides against cable theft and vandalism as various joint initiatives drive down infrastructure-related crime at its facilities. Joint... 

Waning perceptions of drinking water quality underline need for urgent intervention

While the majority of South Africans perceive their water to be safe to drink, their confidence in water services and quality has been deteriorating over the last decade, a water services barometer... 

MTN, JUMO launch new, expanded loan platform

Telecommunications group MTN’s Mobile Money (MoMo) and banking technology company JUMO have partnered to launch Qwikloan to offer affordable, short-term loans in South Africa. The newly launched... 

MTN, Mastercard sign agreement for minority investment in MTN Group Fintech

Telecommunications group MTN and Mastercard have signed a definitive agreement for a minority investment of up to $200-million into MTN Group Fintech, at a valuation of $5.2-billion on a cash and... 

DWS, Salga, Cogta to review water service delivery mechanisms in municipalities

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and the South African Local Government Association (Salga) are establishing a... 

MTN SA, community police forums partner to tackle theft and vandalism

Telecommunications giant MTN has partnered with the Gauteng Provincial Community Police Board to support Community Policing Forums (CPFs) as the company accelerates its fight against ongoing... 

Vodacom Group customers surpass 200-million for first time

Telecommunications giant Vodacom on Friday reported that it has increased group revenue by 26.8% to R38.9-billion during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, with a positive impact from the... 

Installing higher efficiency motors can help address energy crisis

Energy-intensive industries, such as mining, are increasingly seeking out ways to reduce energy consumption, and the use of the latest motor and drive technology can play a significant role.... 

New Vodafone-Microsoft partnership aims to scale generative AI, digital and cloud services

Vodafone and Microsoft have entered into a new 10-year strategic partnership to scale generative artificial intelligence (AI), digital services and cloud services. The far-reaching partnership will... 

Mchunu warns of hardline approach towards nonconforming water-service authorities, municipalities

While the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is offering comprehensive and collaborative support for underperforming water services authorities (WSAs), mayors and municipalities, Water and... 

Fibre connections to South African homes up 2 400% over past seven years – Frogfoot

Globally, the connectivity and ubiquity of fibre remains a priority, with the UK set to achieve more than 80% of full fibre coverage over the next two years, on track to join countries such as... 

There is no substitute for economic growth, Deloitte says ahead of 2024 Budget

A tight balance is expected for this year’s National Budget as South Africa’s woes continue; however, a significant, or fundamental, raising of taxes is not expected, with a tightening hold on... 

New regional representative announced for IWMI Southern Africa

Circular economy and water innovation expert Dr Henry Roman has been appointed as the International Water Management Institute’s (IWMI’s) regional representative for Southern Africa and country... 

Telkom tackles cable theft

Telecommunications group Telkom has made strides against cable theft and vandalism as various initiatives drive down infrastructure-related crime at its facilities. Hundreds of convictions for... 

Condra supplies electric hoists, overhead cranes and chain blocks to Platreef mine

Cranes manufacturer Condra Cranes has delivered electric hoists, two overhead cranes and a number of chain blocks to Canada-based Ivanhoe Mines’ South African subsidiary Ivanplat’s Platreef... 

5G poised to be fastest-growing subscription type in sub-Saharan Africa

Fifth-generation (5G) is set to be the fastest-growing subscription type in sub-Saharan Africa between 2023 and 2029, when 85% of the global population will have 5G coverage access. The latest... 

Global smartphone market poised for recovery following 3.2% slump in 2023 – IDC

Global smartphone shipments declined 3.2% to 1.17-billion units in 2023, the lowest full-year volume in a decade, driven largely by macroeconomic challenges and elevated inventory early in the... 

Following several advances in 2023, LHWP Phase II moves into final construction phase

The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has made much progress on the Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) after a milestone year. During 2023, the project marked many... 

MTN launches academy to equip young people with skills ‘to succeed in the digital age’

Telecommunications group MTN South Africa has launched its MTN Skills Academy to bridge the digital skills gap and equip youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the digital age.... 

EAIF commits billions to Sonatel’s receivables-backed bond

Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company, the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), has committed XOF23.5-billion to a XOF75-billion receivables-backed bond issued by... 

Itac rebates for optic fibre cables, electrical apparatus imports

The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) has created a rebate facility for the import of optic fibre cables and electrical apparatus used in international submarine... 

Water summit concludes with multistakeholder resolutions to tackle issues

While the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is offering comprehensive and collaborative support for underperforming water services authorities (WSAs), mayors and municipalities, Water and... 

Sylvania marks important milestones on ESG journey

Platinum group metals producer and developer Sylvania Platinum (Sylvania) has been advancing its various environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives since the publication of its... 

Small businesses using cloud technology could add R185.9bn to South Africa’s economy

The adoption of cloud computing by South Africa’s small, medium-sized and microenterprises (SMMEs) can potentially unlock R185.9-billion for the country’s economy by 2030. Further, the use of the... 

Dept to launch turnaround initiatives as SA’s water quality, wastewater plants deteriorate

As South Africa’s water quality, nonrevenue water and wastewater facilities deteriorate, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is embarking on various initiatives to arrest the downward... 

South African households remain under pressure

The restrictive monetary policy stance by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) continues to weigh on South African households, with most remaining under severe financial pressure amid the higher... 

Eskom to implement planned maintenance at Zuikerbosch

State-owned power utility Eskom is preparing to embark on an eight-hour planned maintenance on the transformers that supply power at water utility Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant.... 

Ericsson, MTN extend partnership to boost financial inclusion across Africa

Information and communications technology giant’s Ericsson and MTN Group have strengthened their partnership to broaden the scope of financial inclusion across Africa by using MTN’s Mobile Money... 

TCTA reports progress on projects in preparation or under implementation, despite challenges

The various projects under the umbrella of the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) are gaining traction, says TCTA CEO Percy Sechemane, outlining the projects in an update on the state of the... 

New partnership forged to support Project East2West

The Smart Africa Alliance, Bayobab and Africa50 have partnered to support the Project East2West initiative with regulatory and policy engagements as the project links landlocked African countries...