Formerly known as the Hotel Show Africa and now branded the Hotel & Hospitality Show, this fast-growing trade show has become a hugely successful component of Africa Trade Week.
Giving delegates a 360-degree view of the latest products and services for the sub-Saharan African hospitality market, the Hotel & Hospitality Show is the must-attend event for food services, hospitality stakeholders and hotels.
Its highlights include the one-day Hospitality Leadership Forum, discussing industry trends, challenges and opportunities; and the popular Southern Africa Housekeepers League of Champions competition. This year, the show will debut new highlights including a Women in Food, Beverage & Hospitality Awards event, recognising outstanding achievement across 10 award categories including Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Women’s Skills Development Programme, and Hotel Chef of the Year.
The Hotel & Hospitality Show is presented by dmg events and will be co-located with SAITEX – Africa’s original multi-sector trade show – and Africa’s Big 7 food and beverage sector show, as part of Africa Trade Week at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 21 – 23 June 2020. Africa Trade Week attracts over 10,000 attendees from around the world each year.
A limited number of stands are still available. For information, please click here
The Free State Provincial Government’s endorsement and support of the 2nd Annual Smart Procurement World Conference and Enterprise & Supplier Development (ESD) Expo will see the building of sustainable local industries. In addition, says Debbie Tagg, COO of Smart Procurement (the organisers of the event), the event will help to accelerate SMMEs on their journey to becoming mainstream economic players.
The Free State Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) and Free State Provincial Treasury are the official provincial partners for the event, which is being held at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein from 24 to 26 February 2020.
“It is with great pleasure that the Free State Provincial Government, through the Free State Provincial Treasury, is now able to provide its support of the Smart Procurement World Conference, in collaboration with DESTEA,” says Linda Riddles, Compliance Specialist, Free State Provincial Treasury.
“This event will afford professionals the unique opportunity to interact with the region’s top procurement and supply chain thinkers and other national counterparts to discuss innovative ways to get ahead of the curve and to drive economic development. The programme is current and relevant to anybody practising procurement in South Africa today, making it clear why it is commonly known as the premier industry event for supply chain management professionals,” Riddles adds.
Riddles explains that with budget constraints and the high percentage of poor audit findings in procurement, municipality officials and supply chain management practitioners are encouraged to attend the conference. “This is an ideal opportunity to broaden their understanding of best practises and to share knowledge across government entities. This procurement event also presents networking opportunities for supply chain management practitioners to engage with one another across public and private sectors.”
The conference programme will, amongst other focal points, discuss capacity and contractor development initiatives work for Free State small businesses and find ways to improve procurement processes to benefit women-owned businesses.
“Delegates will find the topics thought-provoking and practically useful. Some of the topics on the table include ‘Leadership Challenges in Procurement Today’, presented by Masechaba Sesing – Provincial Accountant General (PAG), Free State Provincial Treasury. Andries Louw – Chief Director, Transversal Internal Audit Services, Risk Management and Forensic Audit, Eastern Cape Department of Provincial Treasury – will present ‘Building Accountability, Transparency and Achieving Optimised Procurement’, and Gadija Brown – MEC, Finance, Free State Provincial Government – together with Basani Duiker – Chief Director: SCM GMC, Office of the CPO, National Treasury – will discuss how delegates can effectively deal with the ever-widening gap between audit expectations and findings,” says Tagg.
The co-located ESD Expo is a particularly strategic platform for the 100 local black-owned SMMEs to showcase their offerings to the procurement and supply chain liaison delegates.
For more information on the upcoming series of Smart Procurement World events for 2020, please visit the website at: www.smartprocurementworld.com
The water quality of the Olifants River (above) and the Selati River are constantly monitored as part of PMC’s Environmental Management Programme. [Credit: iStock by Getty's Images]
Palabora Mining Company’s code of ethics includes consideration given to the healthy work environment of employees but also to ensuring that sound environmental management is pursued so that the biodiversity of the natural environment in which PMC operates can be sustained for many years to come. These are among the company’s strategic imperatives.
Energy Management Programme
Mining activities are inherently very energy intensive, so PMC launched an Energy Management Programme in 2012 to curb the half-a-billion-rand energy bill which was continually growing. PMC collaborated with a consulting company, resulting in the employment of 12 energy specialists and project managers who would, in conjunction with mining personnel, identify, implement and sustain energy cost-saving projects. As a result, 117 initiatives were identified. Following stringent technical and financial adjudication processes, 31 projects were implemented.
Step 1: Identify energy cost-saving opportunities and ideas through data collection and process analysis.
Step 2: Scope the ideas in terms of cost and return.
Step 3: Prioritise the ideas based on ease of implementation, highest return and least cost.
Step 4: Develop an implementation plan for the suite of projects submitted to management and board members for approval.
Step 5: Implement the approved plan.
Step 6: Continuous measurement and verification of each project’s performance to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
As a result of adherence to the Productivity Approach over the past five years the company has saved R232-million through avoided energy costs. These consist of:
Electricity savings worth R181-million
Coal and liquid fuels savings worth R43-million
Water savings worth R8-million.
With the help of external funding mechanisms worth R28-million the Energy Management Programme had a net benefit of R173-million by the end of July 2017.
Palabora Mining Company’s Energy Management Programme has not only created a sustainable model but has also emphasised the company’s standpoint regarding its environmental responsibility. PMC is now an energy-efficiency leader in the mining sector.
Going green
The company is a certified ISO 14001 business, that subscribes to world-leading practices. Located directly adjacent to the world-renowned eco-tourism attraction, the Kruger National Park, Palabora Copper coordinates several onsite wildlife management and cultural heritage programmes as part of its ongoing sustainability drive.
Over the past years, Palabora Copper has retained a record of being one of the safest mines in South Africa and Africa. This is particularly due to the stringent SHEQ regulations and procedures in place, and the effective management of contractors on site.
Officialising the partnership between CDC and LDA: (From left) Bonginkosi Mthembu, CDC Executive Manager and Bafunani Mnguni, CEO of Le Putswa Development Agency.
The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) announced today that it has signed a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Lejwe Le Putswa Development Agency (LDA), from the Lejwe Le Putswa District Municipality in Free State.
The partnership, which will see the CDC using its extensive expertise in project management, developing and managing special economic zones, will assist LDA in developing projects such as the Thabong Industrial Park, a driver training program for youth and developing a synthetic gas project that will turn waste to gas for power generation.
The main project, development of Thabong Industrial Park, is a R69.7-million project aimed to formalise 19 businesses currently operating in the informal sector, creating employment opportunities for more than 160 people. The Industrial Park will enable emerging businesses to improve the quality standards of products in order to become more competitive and expand and create employment opportunities for local communities.
This is in line with the South African government initiatives for economic development and the transformation of various industries.
Mr Bafunani Mnguni, CEO of Le Putswa Development Agency, highlighted the importance of bringing in numerous investments in the area, and further expressed that “…the district wants to diversify its economy from the shrinking mining and agricultural sectors. There needs to be more sectors that are introduced to increase economic development in the area that has seen a high unemployment rate.”
Enthusiastic about the collaboration of both organisations, CDC Executive Manager, Mr Bonginkosi Mthembu expressed how the CDC is thrilled to have such partnerships: “Coega boasts over twenty (20) years of experience in the industrial and economic development projects. The organisation has sufficient expertise and competent personnel who can assist LDA on projects.”
“The CDC is looking forward to work with the Lejwe Le Putswa Development Agency. This is a step taken by both parties towards bringing in investors and enhancing the region’s investment attraction, particularly the Free State Province,” Mthembu added.
Alluding to sentiments shared by Mr Mthembu, the Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications, Dr Ayanda Vilakazi conveyed his appreciation as well to the Lejwe Le Putswa Development Agency for entrusting the CDC with such an important project for the Free State Province. As the award winner of the 2019 Top Investor of the Year in South Africa and the leading SEZ on the Continent, the CDC has certainly earned the respect of the industry in the implementation of mega infrastructure and economic development projects in the country.
Prevalent topics with reference to Africa’s energy sphere will form the core of discussions at the 12th Africa Energy Indaba. Interactive dialogues and key outcomes emanating from these themes will provide business growth opportunities for Africa’s energy sector and inspire the necessary transformation within this realm. Various thought-provoking sessions will involve the following:
What are African energy ministers doing to stimulate investment in the energy sectors of their countries? African leaders are proactively striving to improve aspects relating to three core dimensions: energy security, energy equity (accessibility and affordability), and environmental sustainability of energy systems, all of which require funding. The upcoming event will unpack integrated strategic endeavours that governments plan to implement to offer significant catalytic ramifications for long-term investment prospects across Africa’s energy sectors.
Africa’s energy transition requires innovative financing mechanisms to unlock Africa’s extensive renewable energy potential and increase the inclusive and sustainable development thereof. Forums have been intricately developed to educate players on the various governmental investment opportunities and financial solutions, such as maximising the flow of green finance and carbon funds together with the use of market mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and mobilising private capital to effectually develop the energy sector. South Africa’s IRP 2019 charts a course for a progressively lower relative contribution by coal-based electricity generation to total energy supply over time, and sessions will explore how this agenda drives investment opportunities in Africa.
In an effort to reduce national emissions and decrease their reliance on energy imports, while increasing clean air in cities and towns, African nations will inevitably observe a considerable shift in the transport sector. The Africa Energy Indaba is set to delve deeper into the details. Africa’s decarbonization endeavours, driven by the environmental sustainability agenda, is shifting the energy mix at an accelerated pace to a point that is predicted to position gas ahead of coal by 2030. This year’s event aims to reveal the intricacies concerning this exciting phase of transformation and disruption transpiring in Africa.
The prevalent energy transition is expected to generate broader socio-economic benefits, including the impact of expenditure in human capital and education, reduced negative health impacts from air pollution, reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the depletion of natural resources. Discussions will center around how such socio-economic impacts of the energy transition will be converted to acceptable outcomes.
Adopting technology, cultivating talent across the generations and encouraging digital skills acquisition are fundamental factors to enhancing efficiency within the energy sector. Well-versed industry leaders attending the event, will impart their knowledge of opportunity development and management of related threats whilst proactively implementing strategies to fortify competitive advantage and boost profits through the digitization of operations within the landscape that is energy.
The above mentioned topics only scratch the surface of what the continent’s leading energy event has in store for its attendees. In addition, there are multiple divergent ground-breaking discussions to be presented by relevant luminaries of the energy realm, incorporating the recent and profound African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as well as the opportunities associated with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
During this time of critical energy transition, the Africa Energy Indaba 2020 aims to support African and international energy leaders to translate global objectives into regional and national business solutions; in order to secure a more accessible, affordable and sustainable energy future for the African continent.
Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba, commented: “Doing business is key to the discussions at the Africa Energy Indaba. Our focus is on exploring how, using the various discussions, business can access opportunities in the African energy sector, learn how to do transactions and unlock bottlenecks with energy project developments.”
The first herds of elephants made the 1 700 km road journey to Zinave in the last week of June 2019. The final herds arrived at Zinave on 11 July, bringing the total number of elephants moved in 2019 to 53.
During the first phase of the project, 48 elephants were translocated. These elephants, moved in family groups, consisted of matriarchs, younger males and females, and calves. Those elephants have been seen integrating with other herds at Zinave and have been thriving with more space and food now available to them.
The translocation is part of a major conservation effort – “Moving Giants” – that aims to move some 200 elephants over three years to secure the future of the VLNR, which was under threat due to too many elephants affecting the broader ecosystem, and to help repopulate Mozambique’s elephant population.
VLNR is partnering with Peace Parks Foundation, a transfrontier conservation organisation whose aim is to re-establish, renew and preserve large functional ecosystems, and Conservation Solutions, experts in wildlife management whose team manage the challenging logistics and veterinary care of the elephants throughout the process. Peace Parks co-manage Zinave National Park with the Mozambique government and have ongoing responsibility for the wellbeing of the elephants.
Werner Myburgh, CEO, Peace Parks Foundation, said, “The future of the African elephant is bleak in most parts of Africa, except for the southern Africa region where the outlook on their population numbers are stable and even, in some cases, increasing. Zinave National Park in Mozambique is one of these places and brings hope as a new founder population is on the rise.”
Anglo American is backing up its investment in the elephant translocation initiative by providing Peace Parks with a further US$500 000 investment from the Anglo American Foundation to enhance and extend anti-poaching support measures. Peace Parks has been working with local communities to ensure that the introduction of the elephants to the park has a positive impact for their human neighbours.
Impala Platinum's Marula Mine in Limpopo Province (Image: Implats)
Thabile Makgala
Thabile is the Executive: Mining at Implats, and chairperson of Women in Mining South Africa (WiMSA). In 2018, she was selected as one of the “Top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining” by Women in Mining UK.
Thabile has a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Stellenbosch Business School and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering (Cum laude) from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Did you encounter obstacles on your mining career path?
I encountered numerous obstacles while navigating my mining career path. As the first female mining engineering graduate at Goldfields Kloof and Driefontein division (now Sibanye Gold), I soon realised that the industry had not adequately prepared itself to accept women in mining.
The industry was not ready. The response to women’s needs (infrastructure, personal protective clothing and policies) was slow and very little was in place to address women’s issues. Regardless of impeccable qualifications, solid work ethic and the achievement of production targets, my abilities would continue to be questioned and tested.
Is the environment now more conducive to women progressing?
It is encouraging to witness so many women succeed in an industry that has largely been developed for and by our male counterparts. Although there have been positive steps taken to make the current environment more conducive for women, more deliberate and proactive action is still required.
What should be prioritised to empower women?
Women and men should hold equal representation in the workplace, and mining companies should prioritise and advocate for diversity, inclusion, parity and greater recognition of female leadership within their organisations.
Is mining a transformed industry, or is it transforming?
The mining industry is transforming, and legislation has been instrumental in driving this transformation. I sincerely hope that 10 years from now the fundamental elements such as empowering, caring, showing respect, connecting and growing our female talent would have been achieved. I hope that the conversation about women, parity and inclusion would have advanced, and that the industry would have made a concerted effort to transform, without the need for legislation.
What innovation will be beneficial to the mining industry?
Data and the analytics will prove to be the competitive advantage for mines of the future. Converting conventional mining practices to lower-risk mechanisation and automation is key for the sustainability of the South African mining industry.
Work has already been done in providing manufacturing facilities for the speciality tea, rooibos, at Niewoudtville in the Northern Cape. Investments have also been made in fisheries and new vineyard development for groups of people who previously had not had exposure to the grape and wine sector.
The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) was behind the rooibos tea factory, which now trades as Bokkeveld Rooibos. The factory takes tea from 85 local farmers with the goal of helping to integrate these farmers into the agricultural and agri-processing business chain.
Two particular areas of interest to assist small-scale farmers are being explored with regard to hemp and crops that can produce liquor. The dry interior of the Northern Cape is suitable for the growing of Agave that provides the source material for tequila, and there are several other opportunities. The rapidly changing legislative environment for hemp and marijuana holds potential in textiles and medicine.
Long-term thinking underpins the adoption by the provincial government of the Northern Cape Climate Change Adaptation Response Strategy. This allows for a framework to tackle drought and other climate change issues.
Occupying 36-million hectares, the Northern Cape is the largest province in the country, almost a third of South Africa’s total land area. Although the province is a predominantly semi-arid region, agriculture is a major component of the economy of the regional economy and the province’s farmers contribute 6.8% to South African agriculture.
Photo by Pieter Zeeman on Pixabay
The agricultural sector also plays a vital role in the broader economy of the Northern Cape, employing as it does about 45 000 people. This represents about 16% of employment, a much higher figure than the national figure of 5.5%.
Agricultural development takes place along defined corridors within the province:
In the Orange River Valley, especially at Upington, Kakamas and Keimoes, grapes and fruit are cultivated intensively. High-value horticultural products such as table grapes, sultanas and wine grapes, dates, nuts, cotton, fodder and cereal crops are grown along the Orange River.
Wheat, fruit, groundnuts, maize and cotton are grown in the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme in the vicinity of Hartswater and Jan Kempdorp. The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme is one of the biggest systems of its kind in the world. Ranging over more than 30 000ha, it has transformed a semi-desert zone into a productive area that sustains cotton, wheat, maize, lucerne, citrus, peanuts, fruit, grapes, olives and pecan nuts.
Vegetables and cereal crops are farmed at the confluence of the Vaal River and the Orange River in the vicinity of Douglas. Of the nearly 40-million 10kg bags of onions produced in South Africa (outside of linked production chains set up by supermarkets), about 10-million 10kg bags come from the Northern Cape.
Wool, mohair, karakul, Karoo lamb, venison, ostrich meat and leather are farmed throughout most of the province. The province is second only to the Eastern Cape in terms of the number of sheep farmed and it is the fourth-largest wool-producing province based on annual sale of producer lots. The Beefmaster abattoir in Kimberley is one of three abattoirs in South Africa to export frozen beef to China. The company processes and packages about 30 000 tons at the abattoir.
The karakul-pelt industry is one of the most important in the Gordonia district of Upington. Agri-company KLK is the only organisation that handles these pelts in South Africa, which are sorted in Windhoek before being sent to Copenhagen for auction.
Photo by Ascyrafft Adnan on Pixabay
Leading agricultural companies active in the region
KLK is based in Upington and does much more than karakul pelts. The company’s interests include 19 retail outlets, 12 petrol stations, four Build it franchises and a strong auction division.
KLK runs three abattoirs in Calvinia, Carnarvon and Upington that slaughter lamb and beef carcasses. SA Dorper manages the production and export of dorper skins and the production of cattle hides.
GWK is another company with its headquarters in the Northern Cape, in this case the town of Douglas. In 2016 GWK invested R400-million in a wheat mill, pasta plant and biscuit factory in Modder River. GWK Farm Foods’ new plant has a capacity of 25t/h for wheat flour, 1.3t/h for biscuits and 1t/h for pasta. R60-million was spent on increasing silo capacity to feed the plant. The company reported turnover in 2016 of R8.3-billion.
Senwes is one of the country’s biggest agri-companies and its Northern Cape area of operation is mostly around the Vaalharts irrigation area, which is fairly close to the headquarters just over the provincial border in North West, at Klerksdorp. Storage and handling of grains and oilseeds are the speciality of Senwes.
OVK controls the large Gariep abattoir at Strydenburg, which has a daily capacity of 1 300 sheep, 100 cattle and either 250 ostriches or 750 small game animals. OVK also has trade branches, vehicle dealerships, a finance division and manufacturing facilities for maize meal and wheat meal.
Kaap Agri is a Western Cape company with a presence in the Northern Cape and Namibia.
Rooibos tea
Health trends around the world are helping the sales of rooibos tea, most of which is farmed and processed in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces.
Recent studies proving that rooibos tea increases antioxidant capacity in human blood are further proof of the beverage’s healthy qualities. The unique climate and soil of the western part of the province support this niche crop. About 6 000 tons of tea is exported to more than 30 countries and domestic consumption is about 8 000 tons.
In several coffee shops in London, Red Espresso has replaced the traditional double-shot of pure coffee, and a more recent use of the tea is to spruce up cocktails. The Rooibos Council states that more than 5 000 people are employed in the rooibos industry.
Only the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis (a legume that is part of the fynbos family) are used in making rooibos (Afrikaans for “red bush”). Harvested while still green, the leaves are left to dry and ferment in the sun after being cut up. Naturally high in a range of vitamins and potassium, zinc and iron, its low tannin content makes it an excellent alternative as a hot drink. Fair Cape Dairies has a product called Rooiboost.
Photo by miiya from Pixabay
Plans in place
Consulting firm Aurecon was involved in doing a feasibility study and compiling a business plan for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the irrigation scheme and agribusiness development in the Vaalharts and Taung areas, a major concern of the DALRRD. The aim is to anchor the project in Ganspan. Another goal is to establish black pecan nut farmers in the area.
Another new area where the DALRRD is involved is in issuing permits and licences for trout production at the Vanderkloof Dam. This aims to create new stream of food production, reduce anxiety related to food security and create jobs.
Other priority projects to support the rollout of agri-processinginclude:
Namaqua irrigation development
Rooibos development
Vanderkloof fisheries
Vaalharts revitalisation
Vineyard development scheme
The Agri-parks initiative is designed to promote inclusivity in agriculture and to grow agri-processing, particularly closer to where farmers farm. The concept brings together farmers, traders and agri-processors (such as abattoirs) in convenient sites within each district municipality. Within these parks, support for rural smallholders will be available in terms of equipment hire from a central source, storage facilities, packaging of produce and getting products to market. The Agri-park intends to provide a network for farmers and manufacturers. There will also be training available.
The provincial department has a programme to place unemployed agricultural graduates at land-reform farms in the province to make sure that the farms are run well, at the same time giving the graduates hands-on experience.
The commercialization of the goat project which has been running in the Northern Cape for some time has been expanded into Namibia. Emerging farmers in Namibia are being exposed to the benefits of the programme.
Aquaculture and mariculture
The Northern Cape’s 313 kilometers of coastline means that the province is well placed to take advantage of a growing global demand for abalone.
The aquaculture consultancy Sustainable Environmental Aquaculture Services (SEAS) helped create an abalone farm at Kleinzee which will produce 200 tons of product per year when it is at full capacity. The Western Cape company Tuna Marine is contracted to buy abalone from the Kleinzee facility, which is owned by Ponahalo Holdings (the empowerment partners of De Beers Consolidated Mining South Africa).
With food security an important consideration, the provincial government has committed to supporting small-scale fishers. Forty farmers have signed up for a Catfish Project in the Vaalharts area. The scheme lies in the Phokwane Local Muncipality, north of Kimberley, which falls under the Frances Baard District Municipality.
A joint venture by the National Department of Science and Technology (DST) and HIK Abalone is running an abalone project in Hondeklip Bay with the intention of producing 120 tons of abalone for sale. This seaside town is very well known for its kelp. The coastline of the Northern Cape has 2 000 hectares of kelp beds. There is a growing domestic and international demand for kelp.
The old John Ovenstone factory in Port Nolloth is now the site of small-scale hatcheries for abalone and oysters. Premier Fishing has a lobster-processing plant in Port Nolloth.
Fishing boats, Port Nolloth (Source: Northern Cape Business)
Nuts
Nuts-in-shell pecan nuts are popular in China. South African producers are able to supply fresh nuts for the Chinese New Year when demand for the snack is high.
Some analysts believe that the Northern Cape could become a global centre for pecan nut production. Figures released by the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association (SAPPA) suggest that huge increases in production and the extent of land planted to nuts is already underway.
Production of pecan nuts grew from 5 000 tons in 2010 to 10 500 tons in 2015, and the figure continues to rise as world markets react positively to the South African product. At one time it was thought that pecan nuts were better suited to tropical and subtropical climates, but the consensus is now that the Northern Cape is ideal for the cultivation of the versatile and healthy nut.
Hot summers and short, cold winters are perfect, together with the dry air which has made areas like Prieska, Upington, the Orania district and the Vaalharts area the site of many new groves. SAPPA says that 90% of the new plantings in South Africa are happening in the drier, western parts of the country. Farmers have to be patient because the nut takes a long time to grow.
Find more Northern Cape business and investment insight in the Northern Cape Business 2019/20 edition (digital journal):
From providing water for an attempt on a world land speed record to laying on bulk water facilities for small rural municipalities — national, provincial and local authorities have a wide range of challenges to overcome in ensuring that life is sustained, and economic activity can thrive.
The dry area around Hakskeenpan in the Northern Cape is ideally suited to driving vehicles fast, but the world record land speed attempt is going to attract big crowds (and large technical support teams) and so a special effort has been made to provide infrastructure that will make sure that a reliable water supply is on tap. This investment will also secure the venue as a future site of similar open-air events or competitions.
Six municipalities in the Northern Cape have been identified for the eradication of informal settlements. A major obstacle in the municipalities of Sol Plaatje, Phokwane, Tsantsabane, Dawid Kruiper, Gamagara and Ga-Segonyana is the lack of bulk water and sanitation facilities. Ring-fenced funding in terms of the Division of Revenue Act has been approved.
Two projects being run by the Provincial Government of the Northern Cape in conjunction with national government departments relate to water. Solar water heaters are being provided to residents of the Sol Plaatje Municipality and training for maintenance and repair is also being offered by the National Department of Energy. The National Department of Public Works is running a Shared Water Efficiency Programme on 30 Northern Cape provincial government properties. The provincial government has adopted a Climate Change Adaptation Response Strategy.
Water assets in the province
Two of South Africa’s great rivers meet in the Northern Cape at a point south-west of Kimberley. After absorbing the Vaal River, the Orange River continues westwards to the Atlantic Ocean and provides the basis for agriculture all along its path.
North of Kimberley, the confluence of the Vaal and the Harts rivers encompasses one of South Africa’s most intensely irrigated areas. The Vaal-Harts irrigation system is one of the most productive in the country, covering about 38 000 hectares with a variety of crops. Various water users’ associations (WUAs) representing particular areas (such as the Vaal-Harts) are recognised by the national water authority.
Two of South Africa’s biggest dams, the Gariep and Vanderkloof, also provide water for irrigation and hydro-electric power.
But many parts of the province are dry with sections of the north and north-west classified as semi-arid and arid. The southern Kalahari Desert receives rain (sometimes a lot of rain in a very short space of time) but the fact that mining is a primary economic activity in the dry regions of the province presents many challenges. The town of Kuruman is an exception in that it has a natural and prolific spring, the Eye of Kuruman.
The National Department of Water and Sanitation is consolidating the country’s water boards into nine regional water utilities. Some boards have merged to create new entities while others have extended their area of supply. Sedibeng Water now offers water supply services across three provinces, including most of the Northern Cape.
Sedibeng Water’s Central Laboratory, based at Balkfontein near Bothaville, is a SANAS-accredited facility. A new laboratory has been built to monitor the quality of water at the revamped Vaal Gamagara scheme. The laboratory’s four sections cover Instrumentation, Wet Chemistry, Sewage and Microbiology. When the laboratory gains SANAS accreditation, it will be the first in the province to have such a rating.
Projects
The Vaal Gamagara and Namakwa bulk water supply projects hold the key to boosting the mining sector and laying the foundation for expansion in outlying districts. The projects will give additional security to mines, businesses and households in the target areas.
Engineering group ELB Group has been appointed by Vedanta Zinc International to do a wide range of jobs at its new Gamsberg project. This includes laying a water pipe from the Orange River to the mining company’s processing plant.
The town of Springbok has been plagued by water supply problems for several years, with pipes failing on a regular basis. The copper mining company that used to see to water delivery operations in the area has closed down. The Namakwa water project will deliver water to about 11 000 households. Twenty-two villages in six municipalities will benefit from the Vaal Gamagara Refurbishment and Upgrading Project.
The existing scheme, run by Sedibeng Water, supplies about 22-million m³ of water to industry, mines, agricultural enterprises and domestic users, but demand is growing. Existing manganese and iron ore mines near Hotazel and Kathu are heavy water users and if any new mines are to be considered in the area, a reliable water supply is needed.
The cost of the project, which falls under the National Department of Water and Sanitation, is R18-billion.
Sedibeng Water has been selected as the implementing agent for the project and it will work with the Kgalagadi Joint Venture. Once the project is complete, the scheme will be able to deliver water to neighbouring country, Botswana.
Additional water sector resource links:
National Department of Water and Sanitation: www.dwa.gov.za
Investing in African Mining Indaba, an international event that brings thousands of delegates to the CTICC.
President Bio was elected as the 5th President of the Republic of Sierra Leone in May 2018 and is popularly referred to as the “Father of Democracy” because of his contribution towards the restoration of democracy and attainment of peace in the country.
Sierra Leone has large reserves of diamonds, iron ore, rutile and bauxite as well as small-scale artisanal mining of gold and diamonds. The country possesses one of the largest rutile reserves in the world. Whilst mining contributes about 20% to the national GDP, it is said to account for around three quarters of the country’s exports.
Prudent management of natural resources is a stated pillar of the national Agenda for Prosperity, and there is a strong commitment to using the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as a tool to bring reforms that will attract much-needed investment in Sierra Leone.
As part of their drive to attract investment, Sierra Leone will be exhibiting at Mining Indaba and their delegation will also include the Minister of Mineral Resources, Hon. Foday Rado Yokie who will be presenting a country case study – “The new direction for Sierra Leone’s mining sector” – where he will be reporting on the recently completed airborne geophysical survey and the achievements that the country has made in formalising the artisanal mining sector which has not only benefitted local communities, and women in particular, with a source of income but also the economy as a whole. Minister Yokie will also be participating in the West Africa panel discussion as part of the Intergovernmental Summit on Wednesday at Mining Indaba.
President Bio’s vision for the future of Sierra Leone is underpinned by his belief that the key to economic development lies in the investment in human capital – 20% of the national budget supports free, quality education, and women admitted to university to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics receive a full scholarship.
“We will have a healthier, better educated and highly skilled young population fit for the 21st century global economy, and that will lead and drive the country’s national development. They will be well-equipped to deploy science, technology and innovation which in term will attract investment.” Explains President Bio.
“The theme for Investing in African Mining Indaba 2020 is Optimising Growth and Investment in the Digitised Mining Economy – and His Excellency Julius Maada Wonie Bio is the new generation African leader recognising that innovation and technology with drive mining investment on the continent.” comments Tom Quinn, Head of Content for Mining Indaba.
The programme content for 2020 is geared towards exploring the key drivers of investment decisions within the African mining market and forging the future direction of the African mining industry. The Ministerial and Government programmed is set to attract some 38 ministers from across the African continent and beyond, cementing Mining Indaba’s reputation as the world’s largest mining investment event.
Following the success of the 25th anniversary, Mining Indaba 2020 is gearing to attract even more junior, mid-tier and major mining companies and even more investors with the aim of facilitating deal-making and investment opportunities.
2020 will also bring industry-leading content including the brand-new General Counsel Forum, Mining 2050, the Intergovernmental Summit, resource nationalism, innovations in technology, Battery Metals Day and the return of the popular Investment Battlefield.
Register for Investing in African Mining Indaba 2020
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