Responsibilities for SOEs moved to their respective Ministries

Engineering News editor Terence Creamer discusses the implications of moving that State-owned enterprises that previously fell under the Department of Public Enterprises to new departments.
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Marokane says ‘holistic’ conversation needed on tariff rules and other regulatory gaps

Eskom CEO Dan Marokane says the State-owned company is eager to participate in a “holistic conversation” about the gap that has emerged between the changes under way in the electricity sector and the rules governing the industry, including those related to the way tariffs are set. In an exclusive interview with Engineering News, Marokane expressed optimism in Eskom’s ability to bring an end to the devastating era of loadshedding, and indicated that the recent period of operational stability had helped to restore morale, slash diesel costs and provide the board and executives with time and space to begin focusing on the future strategy for the unbundled entities.
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Pipeline enhancement to facilitate LNG distribution

Johannesburg gas supplier Egoli Gas aims to develop the capacity to receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) into its pipeline network, with plans to expand access to other major metropolitan areas (metros), positioning Egoli Gas at the forefront of natural gas distribution in South Africa, says recently appointed Egoli Gas MD Mncedisi Mlilo. “When LNG  is introduced into the energy mix in South Africa, we are looking forward to expanding our reticulation infrastructure to other metros and underserviced areas, beyond the greater Johannesburg Metro,” he says.
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Gas-to-industry project launched in Cameroon

Independent oil and gas company Perenco Cameroon launched Perenco Group’s first gas-to-industry supply project in Central Africa, in July this year. The project involves the delivery of gas from the Bipaga Gas Processing Centre, located in Cameroon and operated by Perenco Cameroon, to the ceramic manufacturer Keda Ceramics’ manufacturing plant.
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Switchgear manufacturer unveils cutting-edge products at Electra Mining

Energy equipment and solutions provider CHINT Global will showcase its latest advancements in smart energy solutions at this year’s Electra Mining Africa conference, to be held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from September 2 to 6. On September 4, the company will launch new product ranges, including the CJX1-22K vacuum contactors, the NM8N high-voltage series moulded case circuit breaker and the NM8NDC range of direct current (dc) switchgear.
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IDC optimistic of industrial investment recovery following fall in disbursements to R15.9bn

South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is optimistic of converting the rise in business confidence that has accompanied the recent easing in loadshedding and visible efforts to address freight logistics bottlenecks into higher levels of investment this year, following a decline in disbursement during its 2024 financial year. The development finance institution disbursed R15.9-billion in the financial year to March 31, 2024, representing an 11% decline when compared with the R17.8-billion disbursed in the previous year.
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SPS commissions R135m solar project at Aqunion abalone farm

Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) has started to test and commission a R135-million solar PV and battery solution project for abalone farmer Aqunion, a subsidiary of the Sea Harvest Group. Construction of the solar system began in November last year.
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Presidency transfers legislation as part of steps to split mineral resources, energy portfolios

President Cyril Ramaphosa has transferred legislation previously administered by the Mineral Resources and Energy Minister to Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa respectively. This follows the announcement earlier this year that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) would be split into the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) and the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE).
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A quarter of Redefine’s property portfolio to be powered by renewables by end-2025

JSE-listed real estate investment trust (Reit) Redefine Property has revealed that its total renewable energy component, which includes wheeling and further expansion of its rooftop solar PV portfolio, is expected to reach 25.14% by the end of next year. Speaking at the Redefine Property capital markets day in Sandton, on August 27, Redefine developments and industrial asset management head Johann Nell provided updates on the company’s progress.
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Sasol Solar Challenge set for September 13 start

Now in its sixteenth year, the Sasol Solar Challenge is set to start on September 13 in Secunda, in Mpumalanga, and wrap up at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on September 20. The biennial race, which will include international teams from universities in Belgium and The Netherlands, for example, is viewed as one of the four major solar car challenges in the world.
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