Articles from Engineering News

1. Gigaba outlines vision for using SOC capex to spawn new black miners, industrialists Explore Engineering News (May 14 2013) Supplier Diversity , Supplier Relationship Management Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba reported on Tuesday that initiatives would be announced in the coming months to add momentum to a “comprehensive industrialisation and transformation programme” linked to the multibillion-rand investment programmes of State-owned companies (SOCs) such as Eskom and Transnet. He told lawmakers during his Budget Vote address that there was an “unyielding political will” to ensure that black industrialists, miners and professionals were developed and nurtured through the procurement policies and programmes of the various SOCs falling under his authority. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   KPMG   Department of Trade and Industry   Transnet

2. First Solar gearing up for SA’s next renewables bid window Explore Engineering News (May 8 2013) Sustainable Procurement , Utilities Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer and solar project developer First Solar, of the US, is preparing a number of projects for submission during the third bid window under South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). Regional director Johan Cilliers, who joined the group at the end of last year, having worked previously for General Electric, Siemens and Eskom, tells Engineering News Online that it currently has a pipeline of potential Southern Africa projects collectively representing 1 000 MW of capacity. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Australia   California   Asia

3. PMI rises to 50.5 in April Explore Engineering News (May 2 2013) The seasonally adjusted Kagiso Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) increased in April after a slight decline in March, according to figures released on Thursday. The improvement to 50.5 points in April, from 49.3 in March, was largely driven by improvements in new sales orders and business activity indices, Kagiso Asset Management research head Abdul Davids said in a statement.  "The PMI results for April show marginal improvements amid challenging conditions, and the outlook for the sector is relatively more positive." The business activity index regained all the ground it lost in March and increased by 4.5 points to ... (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   China   Kagiso   Abdul Davids

4. Energy dept speaks out on PetroSA Explore Engineering News (Apr 30 2013) Procurement Ethics , Resources The Department of Energy (DoE) wishes to acknowledge that it is aware of and supports the Hawks investigation into allegations of criminal activity by certain employees of PetroSA, which is a State-owned company that reports to the DoE, through the Central Energy Fund (CEF) as the shareholder,” spokesperson for the department Thandiwe Maimane said on Monday.  Within hours of learning of the matter, the Minister of Energy formally directed the Central Energy Fund (CEF) to investigate procurement undertaken during the period in question. (Read Full Article)

   Comment

5. Mott MacDonald acquires PDNA amid accelerated intl consolidation of consulting engineering industry Explore Engineering News (Apr 29 2013) Construction In yet another deal that will see an international engineering firm acquire a local industry player, Johannesburg-based consulting engineering specialist PD Naidoo & Associates (PDNA) will, subject to Competition Commission approval, be bought out by global engineering, management and development consultancy Mott MacDonald Group. The acquisition would see the activities of the two companies in Southern Africa uniting to create an 800-person strong entity providing extended, multisector capabilities for the sub-Saharan Africa region. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Africa   South Africa   Southern Africa

6. Fluor wins Sapref Clean Fuels 2 FEED contract Explore Engineering News (Apr 16 2013) Fuels & Lubricants , Transport & Logistics New York-listed Fluor Corporation has been awarded the front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract by South African Petroleum Refineries (Sapref) for its Clean Fuels 2 project, in Durban. The contract, of which the value was undisclosed, was booked in the first quarter of the year. “This award builds on our significant clean fuel expertise, as well as Fluor’s ongoing site support work with Sapref in South Africa for nearly 20 years,” said Fluor energy and chemicals group president Peter Oosterveer. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Africa   South Africa   Shell

7. Textiles competitiveness programme creates over 12 000 permanent jobs – DTI Explore Engineering News (Apr 15 2013) Manufacturing & Automotive The Clothing and Textiles Competitiveness Programme (CTCP) had, to date, created more than 12 000 new permanent jobs in South Africa’s clothing, textiles, leather and footwear sectors, Department of Trade and Industry director-general Lionel October said on Monday. Speaking at the Source Africa 2013 conference, in Cape Town, he indicated that the CTCP, which was launched in September 2010, had breathed new life into these sectors, with more than 400 companies having been assisted under the programme and R1.5-billion worth of applications having been approved. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Africa   South Africa   Department of Trade and Industry

8. Manufacturing confidence edges up, but outlook remains uncertain - BER Explore Engineering News (Apr 15 2013) Manufacturing & Automotive The Bureau for Economic Research’s (BER’s) latest Manufacturing Survey has indicated that, while manufacturing business confidence registered its third consecutive increase of four index points to reach 42 in the first quarter of this year, it remains below the 47 index points recorded in the first quarter of 2012. The most positive result was the notable improvement in export sales and order volumes, which recorded significant increases. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Bureau for Economic Research   Kagiso

9. DoE to approach small power producers for REIPPPP before year-end Explore Engineering News (Apr 9 2013) Demand Management , Sustainable Procurement , Utilities The Department of Energy (DoE) will, before the end of this year, advertise for small power producers, with projects under 5 MW, to participate in its small-generator programme under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), DoE deputy director-general of energy for programmes and projects Dr Wolsey Barnard said on Tuesday. Speaking at the Power & Electricity World Africa conference, in Sandton, on behalf of Energy Minister Dipuo Peters, he noted that the small-generator programme was designed to stimulate participation of small and emerging project developers. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   South Africa   Eskom

10. SA spends much less on defence in GDP terms than the global average Explore Engineering News (Apr 9 2013) Defence & Aerospace South Africa today spends about 1% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence, in comparison to the global average figure of 2.5%, reported auditing and consultancy firm Deloitte on Tuesday. This low level of defence spending is exemplified by the fact that the South African Air Force has placed 12 of its 26 Gripen fighters in long-term storage. In the 1980s, defence expenditure absorbed 4% of the country’s GDP. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   India   Africa   Russia

11. DEA awaits outcome of investigation into tender process for R8bn green offices Explore Engineering News (Apr 8 2013) Procurement Ethics , Public Sector The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is currently awaiting the findings of an investigation by a special audit committee relating to the use of consultants during the awarding of the construction and maintenance tender for its new R8-billion green offices. This followed the release of a report by the Auditor-General (AG) Terence Nombembe last year, which raised concerns around a R10.5-million contract awarded to the Mi3 Consortium to act as a public–private partnership (PPP) adviser during the procurement and bidding process. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   National Treasury   Terence Nombembe

12. Minerals beneficiation a key ‘pillar’ of SA’s reindustrialisation push Explore Engineering News (Apr 4 2013) Resources , Metals & Minerals Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies has described minerals beneficiation as the “first pillar” on which South Africa’s reindustrialisation should be built. Speaking at the launch of the fifth iteration of South Africa’s Industrial Policy Action Plan (Ipap), Davies said the aim was to ensure that more value was added to domestic mineral products ahead of export, so as to extract greater economic value and employment from the country's remaining mineral resources, estimated to be worth $2.5-trillion.   (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   South Africa   London Metal Exchange   Department of Trade and Industry

13. Implementation the watchword as SAA delivers turnaround plan Explore Engineering News (Apr 3 2013) Public Sector , Transport & Logistics Following an internal review of nine previous turnaround plans, State-owned national carrier South African Airways (SAA) believes it has finally delivered an “all-encompassing strategy” to its shareholder – one that, if implemented with diligence, will place it on a sound financial and operational footing. Without question, “implementation” has emerged as the watchword, given that none of the previous plans were followed through, despite containing a number of sensible proposals and common themes. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Africa   South Africa   National Treasury

14. Transnet awards empowered firms largest slice of R2bn audit pie Explore Engineering News (Mar 25 2013) Outsourcing , Risk Management , Supplier Diversity To fulfil its transformation agenda, State-owned transport and logistics group Transnet has appointed local black-owned accountancy firm SekelelaXabiso to lead its five-year, R2-billion internal audit contract. SekelelaXabiso would be awarded 40% of the work during the first year, while empowered auditing and accounting firm Nkonki Incorporated and “big four” member KPMG would be responsible for 20% and 40% of the work respectively. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   South Africa   KPMG   Transnet

15. Supreme Court of Appeal rules in Telkom’s favour Explore Engineering News (Mar 19 2013) Procurement Ethics , Electronic & High Tech Telecommunications group Telkom’s procurement policy and the application thereof was upheld when the Supreme Court of Appeal on Tuesday set aside the North Gauteng High Court’s interim interdict against the company, as requested by ZTE Mzansi. The appeal was upheld with costs, Telkom indicated. In March last year, Telkom was interdicted from implementing its tender for the provision of Multi Services Access Node (MSAN) and concluding any service level agreement with the successful bidders. This ... (Read Full Article)

    Comment

16. Govt must work with construction role-players to overcome corruption – Nxesi Explore Engineering News (Mar 15 2013) Procurement Ethics , Construction , Public Sector To overcome corruption in the South African and African construction sectors, governments must work closely with key role-players to ensure there is adequate capacity in the public sector to manage procurement processes and create a regulatory environment for the delivery of infrastructure projects, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi said on Friday. “We have to deal with corrupt officials working with corrupt businessmen to siphon off public funds,” he urged at the Council for the Built Environment’s (CBE’s) Indaba, in Boksburg, while adding that there needed to be a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost effective procurement regime that ... (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Africa   South Africa   Zambia

17. SA govt report alleges misconduct at PetroSA Explore Engineering News (Mar 13 2013) Procurement Ethics , Public Sector , Fuels & Lubricants An investigation commissioned by South Africa's energy minister has unearthed "serious allegations" against current and former senior officials at national oil company PetroSA, the government's Central Energy Fund (CEF) said on Wednesday.  The investigation was examining procurement practices with a focus on tenders and contracts whose value exceeded R5-million. "A preliminary report has been issued by the investigating team which has unearthed inappropriate executive override of internal control systems at PetroSA," the CEF said, adding that the investigation was continuing.      (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   South Africa   Mossel Bay

18. SA’s big piped-gas price restructuring comes under the spotlight Explore Engineering News (Mar 12 2013) Fuels & Lubricants The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) hopes to finalise its decision on Sasol Gas’ application for a determination regarding maximum piped-gas prices that can be charged from March 26, 2014, before the end of the month, despite having extended the period for public comment and consultation. A March decision would ensure regulatory certainty by allowing a full 12-month period for the industry to negotiate and implement the new dispensation, but depends on the inputs received during the consultation process. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   South Africa   Mozambique

19. Bric countries to be big winners in future auto investment, says KPMG survey Explore Engineering News (Mar 7 2013) Manufacturing & Automotive , Marketing & Advertising Notable market growth in Brazil, Russia India, China (the Bric countries), as well as other emerging markets, is a predominant trend in this year’s KPMG Global Automotive Executive survey, which polled 200 auto executives from 31 countries.   In the survey, released in South Africa this week, an average of nearly 6 out of 10 respondents say they will increase their investments in the Bric countries, which are expected to account for nearly 50% of all global vehicle sales by 2018. China is the first choice for investment, followed by India, Russia and Brazil, and then South Africa, in fifth ... (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Volkswagen   Turkey   India

20. Vodacom shows off its solar rooftop – the largest in Africa Explore Engineering News (Mar 6 2013) Vodacom has unveiled the largest ever array of solar panels on a single building in Africa. The solar array, on the roof of its Century City building in Cape Town, comprises 2 127 solar panels and is expected to provide up to 75% of all electricity required by the building during peak production. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Africa   South Africa   Cape Town

21. Coega IDZ secures more leases, construction kicks off on site Explore Engineering News (Mar 4 2013) Manufacturing & Automotive The Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) has attracted another R1.7-billion in investment for the Eastern Cape economy this year as the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) secured six more lease agreements. Air Products, Famous Brands, AfriSam and APM Terminals, besides others, each signed contracts valued at R300-million, R20-million, R634-million and R25-million respectively, said CDC spokesperson Ayanda Vilakazi on Monday. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Africa   China

22. PMI increase suggests improving manufacturing conditions – Kagiso Explore Engineering News (Mar 1 2013) The seasonally adjusted Kagiso Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased for the second consecutive month in February, rising to 53.6 – above the key 50-point mark for the first time since August 2012. Kagiso Asset Management research head Abdul Davids pointed out that the headline PMI was largely driven by improvements in the new sales orders index, which was up by 9.3 points, and the business activity index, which improved by 2.6 points. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   South Africa   Eskom

23. From R827bn infrastructure plan to corruption crackdown, flesh added to NDP vision Explore Engineering News (Feb 27 2013) Procurement Ethics , Public Sector Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan used his 2013 Budget address to lawmakers as a platform to add financial meat to the bare bones of the much-vaunted National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, which aims to forge a “social compact to reduce poverty and inequality, and raise employment and investment”. Besides stressing the importance on the multibillion infrastructure programme, on which a further R827-billion would be invested in the coming three years, the Minister emphasised the role of the private sector, which had shown investment reticence since the 2009 recession. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   South Africa   Pravin Gordhan   Transnet

24. Limpopo mine drawing power from 1 MW solar plant Explore Engineering News (Feb 13 2013) Demand Management , Fuels & Lubricants A 1 MW off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) facility has officially been integrated into the electricity supply system at Cronimet’s chrome mine, in South Africa’s Limpopo province. The mine, which forms part of a larger international enterprise that supplies and recycles stainless steel raw materials, has introduced the PV facility in an effort to reduce its reliance on diesel generators. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   South Africa   Germany   China

1-24 of 133 // 1 2 3 4 5 6 »