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S editor’s note A democracy of diverse development disruption I In this edition, Service speaks to the CEO of CHIETA, Yershen Pillay, a humble leader and innovator who seizes new opportunities and transforms them into high-performance and high-impact results. Pillay and CHIETA are innovating their impact and disrupting development (page 8). There is ongoing development planning in the property sector; however, there has been a move in the burden to the private sector for bulk infrastructure. Government has begun to shift away from investing in new capital projects and is channeling funds into facilities management to retain the condition and value of its assets. Infrastructure planning isn’t always supported by budget planning, and there is often a gap between budget allocation and actual execution (page 28). Creating resilient sustainable cities provides security, not only around the reliability of service delivery, but also the security that investors need to make commitments. Inclusive cities prioritise diversity, equity and accessibility for all residents, regardless of their background, identity or socioeconomic status. They embody principles of spatial justice, ensuring that all citizens participate independently and productively in all aspects of urban life. No two cities are alike. Cities are dynamic ecosystems shaped by various factors, including the needs of the diverse groups of people who inhabit them (page 29). The Just Energy Transition aims to prevent the resulting economic and social burdens from falling on vulnerable communities. Sectors being examined include coal, metal, transport, agriculture and tourism value chains, with identified opportunities being piloted in Mpumalanga. The pilots are focusing on the development of business cases to enable a just transition to sustainable energy systems in South Africa (page 18). Three decades on from the dawn of democracy, Mpumalanga is poised to lead a new phase in energy generation and more change is coming to the province in the next 30 years. Mpumalanga is often thought of as the coal province or the power station province. These are fair assessments, given the number of coal mines and coal-fired power stations the province hosts (page 36). In municipalities vulnerable to declines in coal activity, undertakings include infrastructure for developing skills in the renewable energy generation sector. For businesses, the cost of production has spiked, especially when it comes to generating power - for those who have generators and solar - and companies lose their competitiveness due to a delay in the delivery of products and services. There are many private sector offerings in the way of renewable energy solutions. Public Private Partnerships are also increasing, but greater participation by government is important. Special Economic Zones are growth engines towards government’s strategic objectives of industrialisation, regional development and employment creation. They are geographically designated areas of a country set aside for specifically targeted economic activities. On page 38, we provide an overview of South Africa’s industrial development zones. There are also new upcoming commercial retail and residential developments that are more than a testament to economic growth; they represent local government’s ongoing commitment to supporting their local communities, fostering opportunities and contributing to a thriving future for their regions (page 42). May 2025 serve you well. Alexis Knipe Editor Service magazine is published by Global Africa Network Media (Pty) Ltd | Company Registration No: 2004/004982/07 Editor: Alexis Knipe | Publishing director: Chris Whales | Managing director: Clive During | Online editor: Christoff Scholtz | Design: Tyra Martin Production: Ashley van Schalkwyk | Ad sales: Venesia Fowler, Tennyson Naidoo, Graeme February, Tahlia Wyngaard, Sam Oliver and Vanessa Wallace Administration & accounts: Charlene Steynberg, Kathy Wootton, Sharon Angus-Leppan | Distribution & circulation manager: Edward MacDonald | Printing: FA Print Directors: Clive During, Chris Whales | Physical address: 28 Main Road, Rondebosch 7700 Postal: PO Box 292, Newlands 7701 | Tel: +27 21 657 6200 | Email: info@gan.co.za | Website: www.gan.co.za No portion of this book may be reproduced without written consent of the copyright owner. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Service magazine, nor the publisher, none of whom accept liability of any nature arising out of, or in connection with, the contents of this book. The publishers would like to express thanks to those who Support this publication by their submission of articles and with their advertising. All rights reserved. Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations 2 | Service magazine
contents S IN THIS ISSUE | SERVICE 88 | DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 1 12 24 20 1 CHAMPIONING CHANGE THROUGH INNOVATION AlgoAtWork is more than just a training and development hub 4 SERVE AND DELIVER News and updates 8 INNOVATING IMPACT, DISRUPTING DEVELOPMENT Service speaks to the CEO of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), Yershen Pillay 12 ROAD SAFETY IS EVERYBODY’S RESPONSIBILTY Coca-Cola Beverages SA says that road safety is ultimately a shared responsibility 14 SOUTH AFRICA’S RECOVERY DEPENDS ON GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT OF MUNICIPALITIES Addressing the deep-seated issues plaguing municipal finance is essential for improving service delivery 16 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE JUST ENERGY TRANSITION Keynote Address by Deputy Minister Narend Singh at the FEDUSA Climate Change and Just Transition Summit 18 THE ROLE OF MUNICIPALITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA’S JUST ENERGY TRANSITION Low-carbon, climate-resilient development is central to achieving inclusive growth 20 COMPETITION IN SA’S ELECTRICITY MARKET New law paves the way, but it won’t be a smooth ride 22 AN ETHOS OF COLLABORATION AND UNITY Established in 1998, Thsebedisano Burial Society is a 100% black female-owned business in Soweto 24 REIMAGINING WATER IN MINING AND FINDING SOLUTIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT The mining industry is often the cornerstone of developing economies, but the industry is now on the cusp of a significant transformation 26 REVITALISING JOHANNESBURG The transformative potential of City Improvement Districts 28 SOLUTIONS TO MUNICIPAL SERVICE DELIVERY BOLSTER PROPERTY INVESTMENT Public and private sector alignment will ensure continued success in the property industry 29 INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP IN REAL ESTATE A pathway to better cities 30 WASTE NOT WANT NOT Service speaks to Professor Linda Godfrey, Principal Scientist, CSIR 32 COLLABORATION IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM SET TO STRENGTHEN SA South Africa’s hospitality and tourism industries have a critical role to play in boosting economic development 34 MPUMALANGA: YOUR WORLD-CLASS TOURISM DESTINATION Three decades on from the dawn of democracy, Mpumalanga is poised to lead a new phase in energy generation 38 SA’S SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES An overview of the Special Economic Zones in South Africa 42 GOOD NEWS Public-private partnerships prove their power once again Service magazine | 3
