South African Business 2025

Clean water requires

Clean water requires good infrastructure. Harith General Partners is paying R6.5-billion for the shareholding of the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund in Aldwych Holdings. Noticeable in transactions of this sort is the variety in play: 37.5% of Lanseria Airport; 37.92% in AHL which has a subsidiary that supplies energy to 23-million customers in various African countries; and 15.3% in CIVH, which controls a number of fibre companies and an IoT network. Standard Bank has already provided more than R2-billion to more than 1 500 SMMEs to switch to renewable energy and is preparing to bulk up its offering in water and waste-management financing. A generous tax incentive (section 12BA), whereby the solar PV asset can be depreciated at 125% of the capex value in the first year, has contributed to a big take-up in converting power supplies. In addition, the bank has been part of deals adding up to more than R60-billion in connection with private producers participating in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). Five bidding rounds have attracted about R250-billion in committed investments into energy generation in South Africa through the programme. All of South Africa’s major banks have dedicated renewableenergy units. The Presidential Climate Commission reports that the pipeline of REIPPPP projects stood at R377-billion in June 2024. Applications for the development of 4.5GW were received in 2023, sharply up from the two previous years, 135MW (2021) and 1.6GW (2022). The establishment of a one-stop shop to deal with registering projects is part of the reason for the expansion of potential new capacity. According to the National Energy Regulator of South African (NERSA), R11.4-billion was spent on solar PV in the third quarter of 2023. Seven commercial generation facilities were registered out of a total of 98 facilities which created new capacity worth 908MW. The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) calculates that the 34 wind farms currently operating across South Africa have collectively brought in R89.6-billion in investment. Sanlam Investments has launched a Sustainable Infrastructure Fund which primarily invests in senior or subordinated debt across a wide range of South African infrastructure assets, with the ability to invest up to 10% in equity. The huge infrastructure drive promised by the state is relevant but in the context of climate change, the investment community is increasingly putting emphasis on sustainability. Sanlam Group will invest R6-billion in the fund and aims to attract a further R5-billion from institutional investors. Investments will be made in housing, transport, health, water, waste, communication, conventional energy and renewable energy, a fast-growing sector with enormous potential. Sanlam, established in 1918 as a life insurer and with its headquarters in Bellville, is Africa’s largest insurance company.■ SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2025 30 PHOTO: TCTA

FOCUS SAIEE - advancing electrical engineering The South African Institute of Electrical Engineers aims to leverage the vast array of resources and opportunities the institute offers through corporate partnerships, training programmes and expanded membership. technical competencies to vital leadership and management training, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped to navigate the industry’s everevolving landscape. The South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), established in 1909, is thrilled to unveil a series of innovative initiatives designed to fortify corporate partnerships, elevate training opportunities and enrich the benefits available to its growing membership base. SAIEE provides extensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and interactive workshops explicitly tailored for electrical engineering practitioners through its dedicated training academy. These programmes encompass a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from advanced Corporate partners In a significant effort to address the pressing challenges confronting South Africa, SAIEE is proactively seeking collaboration with corporations eager to contribute their insights and expertise. As a SAIEE Corporate Partner, your engagement is welcome and essential in crafting impactful solutions that resonate within the sector. By joining forces with fellow industry pioneers, your contributions can genuinely influence the trajectory of the electrical engineering field in South Africa, fostering innovation and progress. Moreover, SAIEE extends a heartfelt invitation to new members who aspire to enhance their professional skills, broaden their networks and remain at the forefront of industry advancements. With streamlined processes, SAIEE is making it increasingly accessible for electrical engineering practitioners from all corners of South Africa to join and leverage the vast array of resources and opportunities the institute offers. In summary, SAIEE’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier training programmes, cultivating robust corporate partnerships and expanding its membership reflects its dedication to advancing electrical engineering in South Africa. The future holds tremendous potential for those ready to seize the moment and explore these exciting new opportunities. For more information, please visit: www.saiee.org.za SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2025