Welcome to the 13th edition of the South African Business journal. First published in 2011, the publication has established itself as the premier business and investment guide to South Africa, supported by an e-book edition and website at www.southafricanbusiness.co.za.
A special feature in this journal focusses on the vital focus on infrastructure that is seizing the attention of the political and business leadership of South Africa. This is not the arena of endless talk shops. Rather, 160 CEOs of some of the country’s most influential companies are rolling up their sleeves and trying to make things work better. The article looks at steps being taken by a combination of the public and private sectors to beef up the country’s railways, ports and energy network. Crime is also under the spotlight. As this journal goes to print, South Africa will ascend to the presidency of the G20, a singular honour and an opportunity for the country to put its best foot forward. A brief overview of each of the country’s provinces is also provided.
South African Business is complemented by nine regional publications covering the business and investment environment in each of South Africa’s provinces. The e-book editions can be viewed online at www.globalafricanetwork.com. These unique titles are supported by a monthly business e-newsletter with a circulation of over 35 000. The Journal of Africa Business joined the Global African Network stable of publications as an annual in 2020 and is now published quarterly.
Clean water requires
Clean water requires good infrastructure.Harith General Partners is paying R6.5-billion forthe shareholding of the Pan African InfrastructureDevelopment Fund in Aldwych Holdings. Noticeablein transactions of this sort is the variety in play:37.5% of Lanseria Airport; 37.92% in AHL whichhas a subsidiary that supplies energy to 23-millioncustomers in various African countries; and 15.3% inCIVH, which controls a number of fibre companiesand an IoT network.Standard Bank has already provided more thanR2-billion to more than 1 500 SMMEs to switch torenewable energy and is preparing to bulk up itsoffering in water and waste-management financing.A generous tax incentive (section 12BA), wherebythe solar PV asset can be depreciated at 125% of thecapex value in the first year, has contributed to a bigtake-up in converting power supplies.In addition, the bank has been part of dealsadding up to more than R60-billion in connectionwith private producers participating in theRenewable Energy Independent Power ProducerProcurement Programme (REIPPPP). Five biddingrounds have attracted about R250-billion incommitted investments into energy generation inSouth Africa through the programme. All of SouthAfrica’s major banks have dedicated renewableenergyunits.The Presidential Climate Commission reports thatthe pipeline of REIPPPP projects stood at R377-billionin June 2024. Applications for the developmentof 4.5GW were received in 2023, sharply up fromthe two previous years, 135MW (2021) and 1.6GW(2022). The establishment of a one-stop shop to dealwith registering projects is part of the reason for theexpansion of potential new capacity.According to the National Energy Regulatorof South African (NERSA), R11.4-billion was spenton solar PV in the third quarter of 2023. Sevencommercial generation facilities were registered outof a total of 98 facilities which created new capacityworth 908MW.The South African Wind Energy Association(SAWEA) calculates that the 34 wind farms currentlyoperating across South Africa have collectivelybrought in R89.6-billion in investment.Sanlam Investments has launched a SustainableInfrastructure Fund which primarily invests in senioror subordinated debt across a wide range of SouthAfrican infrastructure assets, with the ability to investup to 10% in equity.The huge infrastructure drive promised bythe state is relevant but in the context of climatechange, the investment community is increasinglyputting emphasis on sustainability. Sanlam Groupwill invest R6-billion in the fund and aims to attracta further R5-billion from institutional investors.Investments will be made in housing, transport,health, water, waste, communication, conventionalenergy and renewable energy, a fast-growing sectorwith enormous potential. Sanlam, established in1918 as a life insurer and with its headquarters inBellville, is Africa’s largest insurance company.■SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 202530PHOTO: TCTA
FOCUSSAIEE – advancing electricalengineeringThe South African Institute of Electrical Engineers aims to leverage the vastarray of resources and opportunities the institute offers through corporatepartnerships, training programmes and expanded membership.technical competencies to vital leadership andmanagement training, ensuring that practitionersare well-equipped to navigate the industry’s everevolvinglandscape.The South African Institute of ElectricalEngineers (SAIEE), established in 1909,is thrilled to unveil a series of innovativeinitiatives designed to fortify corporatepartnerships, elevate training opportunitiesand enrich the benefits available to its growingmembership base.SAIEE provides extensive ContinuingProfessional Development (CPD) courses andinteractive workshops explicitly tailored for electricalengineering practitioners through its dedicatedtraining academy. These programmes encompass abroad spectrum of subjects, ranging from advancedCorporate partnersIn a significant effort to address the pressingchallenges confronting South Africa, SAIEE isproactively seeking collaboration with corporationseager to contribute their insights and expertise.As a SAIEE Corporate Partner, your engagement iswelcome and essential in crafting impactful solutionsthat resonate within the sector. By joining forces withfellow industry pioneers, your contributions cangenuinely influence the trajectory of the electricalengineering field in South Africa, fostering innovationand progress.Moreover, SAIEE extends a heartfelt invitation tonew members who aspire to enhance their professionalskills, broaden their networks and remain at the forefrontof industry advancements. With streamlined processes,SAIEE is making it increasingly accessible for electricalengineering practitioners from all corners of SouthAfrica to join and leverage the vast array of resourcesand opportunities the institute offers.In summary, SAIEE’s unwavering commitment todelivering top-tier training programmes, cultivatingrobust corporate partnerships and expanding itsmembership reflects its dedication to advancingelectrical engineering in South Africa.The future holds tremendous potential forthose ready to seize the moment and explorethese exciting new opportunities.For more information, please visit: www.saiee.org.zaSOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESS 2025
