National minimum wage could lead to higher unemployment, warns Neasa

Government’s proposal for a national minimum wage creates a challenge because if the wage threshold is set too high, it will result in job losses but, if set too low, it becomes meaningless, says... 

Metals, engineering sector challenges will affect employment – Seifsa

Stagnant demand and high production costs are likely to result in declining employment in the metals and engineering sector.  

Company punts patented tank solution as water-crisis safeguard

Water conservation company Waterbank Africa hopes to engage government in the high-volume roll-out of its patented, pressurised water tank – the Waterbank– to help ease the burden of water loss.  

Harvard academic outlines the importance of cities in spurring innovation

The success of any city depends on the ability of its citizens to share ideas and influence each other, says Harvard University economics professor Edward Glaeser. 

South African learners to conduct experiment at CERN

Eight Grade 11 learners from St John’s College and two from Barnato Park High School, both in Johannesburg, recently teamed up to win the European Organisation for Nuclear Research’s (CERN’s)... 

Free trade zone could add impetus to already growing intra-African trade

The Africa Free Trade Zone is a “fantastic” initiative that will easily increase tradability and, ultimately, increase trade flow among the 26 countries in Africa, says trade-related credit... 

2% GDP growth within reach but not enough to heal SA’s ills – Nene

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene earlier this month stated that, while South Africa’s 2015 economic growth target of 2% was achievable, it was not enough to deliver the tax revenue needed to combat... 

Developer of R2bn, 102 MW Northern Cape wind farm aiming for 2017 start-up

Wind project developer Gestamp Wind has been awarded a 102 MW wind project in Copperton, in the Northern Cape, with a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA), as part of the Renewable Energy... 

Green initiatives can help telecoms firms slash emissions, lessen reliance on grid power

The telecommunications industry can deal with two of its key challenges through green initiatives and diesel-reduction strategies, says mobile communications infrastructure company IHS Towers chief... 

Corporation to install solar panels on 15 buildings at Coega

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) plans to fit 15 of its buildings, totalling 127 000 m2 of roof space, in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), in the Eastern Cape, with solar panels. 

KWG acquires 100% chromium IP

Chromite explorer KWG Resources reported on Monday that it had acquired 100% ownership rights in two US provisional patent applications relating to the production of chromium iron alloys directly... 

Bear Creek appoints new investor relations director

TSX-V-listed Bear Creek Mining has appointed Barbara Henderson its investor relations director, while she would continue her corporate secretary duties. 

Alberta/Canadian crude oil backwardation an investor opportunity

The Alberta/Canadian crude market is the only one in the world currently in backwardation, presenting opportunities for investors, Auspice Capital Advisors has pointed out in a research note. 

First Nickel under TSX delisting review

Mining and exploration company First Nickel reported it has received notice that the TSX is reviewing the eligibility of the company’s common shares for continued listing on the TSX. 

PearTree appoints new president, head of mining

PearTree Securities, a subsidiary of PearTree Financial Services, the originator of flow through donation financing in Canada, has appointed Trent Mell PearTree president and head of mining.  

Iamgold reports high-grade gold at Monster Lake from winter programme

Mining and exploration company Iamgold on Thursday revealed that it had intersected high-grade gold at its Monster Lake project in Quebec, Canada, during its 2015 winter drilling programme. Iamgold... 

Manufacturing, economy need each other to grow

Stronger alignment between policy-makers and the private sector was important, said the Manufacturing Circle earlier this month, citing research that showed the interdependence of a healthy South... 

Commission gives conditional nod to Hebei, Duferco transaction

The Competition Commission has given its approval for the intermediate merger between Chinese-owned Hebei Iron and Steel Group and Swiss steel trader Duferco International Trading Holding SA, with... 

Tshwane properties popular in recent auction

Properties in the City of Tshwane were the most sought after in an auction held by property auctions company High Street Auction in Johannesburg in May. 

Aggreko Zambia appoints new chairperson

Temporary power generation services provider Aggreko announced earlier this month that it had appointed Dr Sixtus Mulenga as nonexecutive chairperson of Aggreko Zambia, a move it believed was... 

Afrimat to buy out remaining Infrasors shares

JSE-listed Afrimat will make a cash offer to acquire the entire remaining issued share capital of subsidiary Infrasors that it does not already own. 

Cities drive greater innovation, says Harvard professor

The success of any city depends on the ability of its citizens to share ideas and influence each other, says Harvard University economics professor Edward Glaeser. Glaeser, who was hosted on... 

CDC to install solar panels at Coega industrial zone

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) plans to fit 15 of its buildings, totalling 127 000 m2 of roof space, in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), in the Eastern Cape, with solar panels.... 

Property company pursues European growth with two acquisitions

European property investment company Stenprop has acquired 25 Argyll Street, a 65 000 ft2 office building in London, for R1.385-billion and is acquiring Hermann Quartier, a shopping centre in... 

Tshwane free WiFi project may help catalyse social-impact bonds

Tshwane municipality’s free WiFi initiative, rolled out by nonprofit organisation Project Isizwe, could provide a model for social-impact bonds in South Africa, whereby the private sector... 

Zambian opposition leader outlines partnership vision in SA address

Zambian opposition party the United Party for National Development (UPND) aims to improve the way business is conducted in Zambia by removing bureaucracy and to find an opportunity for government... 

Failing to collect rainwater is a waste, harvesting firm avers

Rainwater harvesting is the easiest method to practice water conservation and if we are not colleting rainwater, we are actually wasting water, polyethylene plastic storage tanks manufacturer JoJo... 

Trade unions call for judicial enquiry into Eskom crisis

Trade unions and the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) on Thursday called for a judicial enquiry into Eskom’s business and declared its intention to make... 

S Africa’s economic growth target not enough to deliver required tax revenue

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene on Wednesday stated that, while South Africa’s 2015 economic growth target of 2% was achievable, it was not enough to deliver the tax revenue needed to combat the... 

South Africa on the cusp of a drought, WWF-SA warns

Just 8% of South Africa’s land area provided 50% of the country’s surface water and the country could be on the cusp of a drought, Worldwide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF-SA) Freshwater... 

US group acquires SA energy company

US-based NRG Renew last month announced its acquisition of South African Kayema Energy Solutions as part of its strategy to strengthen its capabilities in South Africa.  

Government leaders indicate their readiness to support embattled NUM

The mining sector was no longer the main driver of the South African economy but it still contributed significantly towards the country’s gross domestic product, said Mineral Resources Minister... 

Tshwane properties popular in S Africa auction

Properties in the City of Tshwane were the most sought after in an auction held by property auctions company High Street Auction in Johannesburg in May. 

Aggreko Zambia appoints new chairperson

Temporary power generation services provider Aggreko announced on Thursday that it had appointed Dr Sixtus Mulenga as nonexecutive chairperson of Aggreko Zambia, a move it believed was integral to... 

Afrimat to buy-out remaining Infrasors shares

JSE-listed Afrimat will make a cash offer to acquire the entire remaining issued share capital of subsidiary Infrasors that it does not already own. 

Commission gives conditional approval for Hebei, Duferco merger

The Competition Commission has given its approval for the intermediate merger between Chinese-owned Hebei Iron and Steel Group and Swiss steel trader Duferco International Trading Holding SA, with... 

S African economic growth correlative with expanded manufacturing output

Stronger alignment between policy-makers and the private sector was important, said the Manufacturing Circle on Thursday, citing research that showed the interdependence of a healthy South African... 

Joburg seeks to sustain ICT intensity by ‘hacking’ into local innovation

The City of Johannesburg recently called on entrepreneurs to take advantage of the economic public space it has created through its inaugural Hack.Jozi Challenge to boost the productivity of the... 

R950m mall expected to stimulate Springs’ economy

Construction is underway on the R950-million Springs Mall at the Blue Crane Eco Park development in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan in Gauteng and it is expected to stimulate the local economy with job... 

Drilling company makes one-hundredth raiseboring rig

JSE-listed drilling solutions provider Master Drilling celebrated the manufacture of its one-hundredth raise boring rig at its head office in Fochville, Gauteng, last month.