South Africa’s infrastructure challenges are well documented, although there is less focus on the innovations and the numerous success stories that abound in this space.
The first challenges that spring to mind are the load-shedding crisis, which has resulted in a massive increase in solar installations, and the growing water issues increasingly in the spotlight. With this in mind, Infrastructure looks at the latest innovations in the solar energy arena and the numerous challenges – and potential solutions – relating to the nation’s water infrastructure.
We also delve into the more successful efforts to improve municipal infrastructure projects in recent times, alongside some of the latest innovations in sustainable construction. The latter dovetails with the views on green building practices outlined by the Construction Alliance SA. We also talk to an environmental law firm to determine the legal requirements when developing new infrastructure projects.
While there is no doubt that our country still faces many infrastructure-related challenges, and it is easy to become despondent over South Africa’s plight, the articles in this issue demonstrate that there are also many positives.
Rodney Weidemann EditorEnvironmentally-friendly construction techniques; The latest innovations in solar.
South Africa has been experiencing severe water shortages since2015, with the preparations and failures the City of Cape Town madefor Day Zero in 2019 remaining a not-so-distant memory for most South Africans.
The Development Bank of Southern Africa is investing in infrastructure projects that foster economic growth, empower communities, build national unity and lead to long-term sustainability.
Keeping infrastructure developments within the law; The importance of workmen’s compensation.
Energy-efficient and smart technology innovations for sustainable construction.
Harnessing Next-Gen technologies to evolve your cyberthreat exposure management programme.
Two of Cape Town’s biggest municipal infrastructure projects are ensuring that residents’ current and future needs are considered.
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Globally, there are robust laws, as well as industry regulations and occupational safety best practice rules in place to ensure the safety of workers, writes FEM
The International Labour Organization describes occupational health and safety (OHS) as “the discipline dealing with the prevention of work-related injuries and diseases, as well as the protection and promotion of the health of workers”. Many companies, particularly those in comparatively high-risk industries, such as construction, manufacturing and mining, have dedicated health and safety officers, and in larger organisations, health and safety committees, to ensure adherence to safety laws and regulations. South Africa’s Occupational Health and Safety Act,1993, requires the employer to bring about and maintain, as far as reasonably practicable, a
work environment that is safe and without risk to the health of the workers.
Despite this, an estimated 2.78 million workers die each year from occupational accidents and workplace-related diseases, while an additional 374 million workers suffer from nonfatal occupational accidents (United Nations Global Compact). To put this into perspective, this means that globally 7 500 people die every day due to unsafe and unhealthy working conditions.
In South Africa, within the construction industry alone, there are excessively high rates of accidents, including fatal ones. Statistics released by The Federated Employers Mutual
Assurance Company (FEM), based on its insured employer claims (extracted as of December 2023), reflect a total of 5 986 accidents for 2023, 48 of which were fatal incidents. Of those accidents, 19 resulted in permanent disability. These figures are based on an estimated 50 per cent of the formal construction workforce insured by FEM and do not take into consideration the informal sector at all – meaning that the situation is, in reality, far more serious.
Workplace injuries, disabilities and fatal accidents have far-reaching consequences that extend to the friends, family and communities of workers. Serious accidents impact the employee’s quality of life and potential to earn a livelihood. For loved ones, fatal accidents may mean losing a parent, a partner, a sibling or a child, for instance. The person may also be the primary breadwinner of the family, with the loss leaving loved ones in a state of financial distress in addition to grief.
From a human rights perspective, numerous basic human rights underlie the imperative of occupational health and safety. These include: • Therighttolife: an employee’s fundamental right to a safe workplace environment and to be protected from harm and hazards in the workplace that could endanger lives. It is both the responsibility of the employer and the employees to demonstrate a commitment to preventing accidents that may cause harm or
loss in any way. Workers are legally bound to comply with the prescriptions of the OHS Act. Unsafe acts of the worker may not negatively impact or endanger others (Labour Guide South Africa).
• The right to health: the right of workers to health and safety measures that ensure physical and mental wellbeing. This includes the provision of the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) aimed at preventing injuries, illnesses and health issues caused by work-related hazards.
• The right to fair working conditions: a safe workplace is a crucial element of fair working conditions. This includes safe work conditions, safety measures, reasonable working hours, the prevention of exploitation and the implementation and adherence to safety practices across the organisation. This involves a management culture that upholds the values of a fair workplace environment.
• The right to dignity: unsafe working conditions not only risk the physical and
psychological wellbeing of an employee, but also undermine their right to dignity. Again, this is closely linked to an organisation’s workplace culture and the value placed on the wellbeing of each and every employee. Ensuring a safe work environment extends beyond PPE and equipment functioning – it also relates to having a zero-tolerance policy on any form of violence, gender discrimination, harassment or victimisation. No person should feel unsafe when trying to earn an honest wage.
A safe workplace promotes economic development, as employees who feel valued and cared for tend to be more productive. Fewer accidents and illnesses mean fewer sick days and less disruptions to the flow of a business. From a direct financial perspective, ensuring the health and safety of employees reduces an organisation’s risk when it comes to losses associated with occupational accidents and diseases. Therefore, a safe and productive organisation positively contributes to socioeconomic growth goals, such as
poverty alleviation, improved education and quality healthcare, among others.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), establishing lasting human rights and sustainability policies and practices will be key to the long-term survival and success of any business. It helps organisations navigate an increasingly complex business environment in which managing business resilience has become essential. Stakeholders and shareholders increasingly expect companies to respect human rights.
As explained in the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on Business and Human Rights, the responsibility of business enterprises to respect human rights applies to all enterprises regardless of their size, sector, operational context, ownership and structure. Nevertheless, the scale and complexity of the means through which enterprises meet that responsibility may vary according to these factors and with the severity of the enterprise’s adverse human rights impacts.
Let us all strive to uphold health and safety standards aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of all workers. Not just because it is in the best interest of organisations, but because as people, as responsible human beings and as a society, it is the right thing to do.
JOHN MATTHEWS, chairperson of the Construction Alliance SA and Group CEO for Garden Cities, shares that there is little doubt that the country’s construction industry needs to adopt a more environmentally friendly approach to construction, but is the local construction sector geared to go green and, more critically, can this be done affordably?
South Africa’s construction industry needs to intensify its pursuit of environmental sustainability. In the commercial sector, many green initiatives are being driven by the banks and the green lobby, which focus on areas such as carbon credits and tax rebates, particularly around the implementation of solar power.
For residential developers, the variety of housing types makes it diffi cult for standardised environmental adherence, although it becomes easier to do so in
INNOVATIONS DRIVEN BY NECESSITY
As load shedding forces consumers to rethink their power choices, so solar innovations are increasing, making it an increasingly attractive option, writes RODNEY WEIDEMANN
residential precincts. Here, the focus tends to be on solar energy, recycled water, designing the houses for energy effi ciency and even sourcing the correct types of plants for the landscaping and open spaces – all of which help drive sustainability. This approach is not inexpensive, but some new homebuyers can afford such initiatives.
At the lower end of the spectrum – affordable and subsidised housing – it can be challenging to implement these more costly measures as most residents are likely to have greater priorities than protecting the environment.
John Matthews
Nonetheless, the construction industry can apply some green building principles to this market sector, too.
For example, by adapting the design and orientation of the house and choosing the most effective building, roofi ng and insulation materials, it becomes possible to optimise a building’s thermal properties and improve its overall sustainability.
Ultimately, with South Africa’s current economic outlook, we, as the industry, need to agree on achievable environmentally friendly methodologies and decide what we can afford to do feasibly.
And, vitally, we need to educate and encourage consumers on the value of going green within the parameters of what we can offer.
BY ADAPTING THE DESIGN AND ORIENTATION OF THE HOUSE AND CHOOSING THE MOST EFFECTIVE BUILDING, ROOFING AND INSULATION MATERIALS, IT BECOMES POSSIBLE TO OPTIMISE A BUILDING’S THERMAL PROPERTIES AND IMPROVE ITS OVERALL SUSTAINABILITY.
With more and more consumers choosing to move off-grid to mitigate the impact of load shedding, the uptake of solar has increased. This has, in turn, driven an array of new developments in this arena.
There are numerous developments in the solar market, encompassing everything from micro inverters to roof tile panels. However, many of the latest innovations will only reach the consumer market a few years from now.
Shane Hendricks, owner and project consultant at STTS (Solar To The Site), says one key innovation is solar-as-a-service.
“Here, consumers can obtain a solar offering installed and maintained by a service provider who then charges them for electricity instead of the consumer paying Eskom. This obviously can save consumers money, though one must consider the contract terms – the shorter these are, the more you will likely pay.”
Francois Cordewener of Zinnia Design points out that other innovations designed to
help households reduce costs include solar geysers, which are approximately 50 per cent more efficient than a normal geyser in a moderate temperature area.
In addition, heat pumps can connect to geysers or storage tanks, making them up to 75 per cent more efficient than a standard geyser and costing less to operate.
“Several new developments in photovoltaic panels have broadened the potential range of light converted into the ultraviolet and infrared ranges. This should lead to the harvesting of more effective energy from light waves, even after dark.
“Another high-efficiency panel technology is the Thin Film solar cell. This type of solar panel surpasses traditional crystalline technology in terms of both cost and efficiency. It is cheap to manufacture – around half the cost of a crystalline panel – and is definitely more effective. The only challenge for South Africans is that currently, this technology does not perform well in extreme heat, but it is still worth keeping an eye on,” Cordewener concludes.
MSIZA , Raubex Group CEO, shares how public-private partnerships are the critical step change required to accelerate infrastructure development across Southern Africa
Infrastructure advancement has stood as a fundamental precursor to economic development for centuries and is seen empirically as a catalyst to grow stagnant economies and address critical socioeconomic challenges such as unemployment and poverty.
Felicia Msiza
In recent years, the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure in Europe has not only bolstered sustainability efforts, but also spurred job creation and innovation. A region’s ability to attract foreign investment cannot be divorced from the state of its infrastructure, therefore to address economic decline in Southern Africa, we must look to accelerate infrastructure development.
In the past decade, public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become a key strategy for mobilising expertise and innovation in South Africa, effectively pooling resources across sectors to tackle development challenges more efficiently. This is fundamentally true to the history of Raubex Group, which 50 years ago was founded on a private and public partnership model when founder Koos Raubenheimer won a tender from the Free State Provincial Administration department during a time of rapid road network expansion in the province, which necessitated several new bridges to function fully.
The group is now widely regarded as South Africa’s leading infrastructure development and construction materials supply group. Five decades later, Raubex completed the landmark Beitbridge Border Post project – a $172-million public-private project in conjunction with the Zimbabwean government’s road authority. The project’s purpose is to modernise the border post to better facilitate trade and tourism and enhance travellers’ border crossing experiences.
When motivated people with the right skills, knowledge and executive power collaborate, very little can prevent the successful completion of a project.
Harnessing the collective will of all stakeholders to create mutually beneficial synergies, effective PPPs have demonstrated their ability to drive economic growth and create job opportunities. They are perhaps the critical step change required to accelerate infrastructure development across the continent.
Francois Diedrechsen, the lead sponsor, developer and CEO of the Beitbridge modernisation concession project in Zimbabwe, was adamant at the time of completion that the project’s success came down to getting all the right people at the table.
For more information: +27 51 406 2000 raubex@raubex.com www.raubex.com
Keeping the wheels turning through innovation, dedication and personalised support
These are industries that define hard work for hard workers. And these tough conditions require tough products and service delivery to measure up.They’re all looking for highperformance products: high-performance fuels, high-quality lubricants and chemicals that make the grade in every way.
That’s why Engen is the partner of choice for the toughest industries. Our extensive strategic depot and services footprint allows access and responsiveness when and where it matters most for your business. Add in additional services, such as asset condition monitoring and asset performance management, and it’s clear that Engen delivers the whole package for business performance to these sectors where being idle is detrimental.
As a transport and logistics business, when you choose Engen, you’re not just choosing a supplier, but also a partner that keeps your fleet moving – efficiently, safely and affordably. We provide more than just the hardworking products you need to get to your destination; we travel the journey with you, supporting you every kilometre of the way with a combination of endurance-quality fuels and lubricants. Plus, as a market-leading network of Truck Stop and 1-Stop service stations for on-road convenience and cashless refuelling support services, Engen makes your drivers’ journeys easier.
Engen is more than an energy solutions brand; we stand for a commitment to progress, and our team of dedicated experts provides personalised support and innovative solutions. We help you reduce operational costs while maintaining top-tier performance. Our commitment to progress ensures that your fleet runs safely, is productive and positively impacts your business.
Everything is in motion because it must be – being still is the enemy of progress. Engen understands this so.
It’s for all our other clients throughout South Africa, who keep our country and economy going daily, that we at Engen are Always Moving. Because You’re Always Moving, at Engen, We’re Always Moving.
ENGEN IS MORE THAN AN ENERGY SOLUTIONS BRAND; WE STAND FOR A COMMITMENT TO PROGRESS, AND OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED EXPERTS PROVIDES PERSONALISED SUPPORT AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS.
In 2014, 44 water supply systems out of 958 were awarded Blue Drop certifi cation. In 2023, this shrunk to just 26, indicating a continual decline in excellence.
Source: The Blue Drop Report
South Africa has been experiencing severe water shortages since 2015, with the preparations and failures the City of Cape Town made for Day Zero in 2019 remaining a not-so-distant memory for most South Africans, writes BENJAMIN
Across South Africa, inefficient water usage, ageing infrastructure, and increasing demand have left cities and towns struggling with water scarcity. To make matters worse, the Blue Drop Report published by the Department of Water and Sanitation at the end of 2023 paints a grim picture of the country’s water infrastructure and drinking water.
The report found that 46 per cent of the country’s drinking water supplies pose acute human health risks due to pathogens and bacteria in the water supply. The report also found that 67.6 per cent of all wastewater treatment works are close to failure, and 47 per cent of all clean and treated water is lost through leaks and cannot be analysed.
The national Blue Drop Risk Rating is an assessment focused on critical risk areas within water services. To achieve Blue Drop certification, water supply systems must meet 95 per cent of the criteria for delivering clean, drinkable water – only 26 of South Africa’s 958 water supply systems managed this in 2023.
The current dire state of the country’s water and sanitation has many South Africans asking what can be done to fix the issues.
One of the many potential challenges is the R1.5-trillion the Blue Drop Report states the country requires to combat the current water issues.
“Our key problem in South Africa is not money, it is not finance. Our problems are more institutional, such as the delay in the Lesotho Highlands project and electrical faults at the main pump stations,” says Dr Sean Phillips, director-general of South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Department.
“In Gauteng specifically, the underlying issue is the water demand caused by the rapid increase of population within the province and the increase in leaks within the municipal distribution systems. However, multiple infrastructure projects are currently ongoing to improve the existing water infrastructure, fix leaks and build new reservoirs – all aimed at increasing the water supply within Gauteng,” he replies in answer to what is causing the
water shortages and what is being done to address these.
Multiple municipalities across South Africa are faced with having to create a solution to solve the current water crisis.
Professor Anthony Turton, a water expert in the Centre for Environmental Management at the University of Free State, says: “Water suppliers should look at what Cape Town is doing; the city is planning for water security by diversifying its supply. One of the possible solutions is using desalinated seawater. Once you desalinate above 50 megalitres per day, it becomes economically cheaper than surface water, allowing the city to be water secure and meaning that capital will start flowing back into the local economy.”
One option for Gauteng and other provinces is to look at purifying sewage, he continues. Unfortunately, for Gauteng and other inland provinces, desalinated seawater is not a viable option as there is no ocean close by.
“These provinces will have to start looking at other sources of water. However, these options are relatively limited, and one of the most pressing priorities in Gauteng is that the province must get control of its sewage,” he notes.
“Gauteng produces roughly four billion litres of sewage every single day, so the province will have to look at local technologies that have been around since the 1970s and begin to recover water from its waste. Provinces and municipalities will need to invest in the future and start addressing the need for diversification of water supplies to combat South Africa’s water crisis effectively,” concludes Prof Turton.
“OUR KEY PROBLEM IN SOUTH AFRICA IS NOT MONEY, IT IS NOT FINANCE. OUR PROBLEMS ARE MORE INSTITUTIONAL, SUCH AS THE DELAY IN THE LESOTHO HIGHLANDS PROJECT AND ELECTRICAL FAULTS AT THE MAIN PUMP STATIONS.” – DR SEAN PHILLIPS
Logistics corridors are crucial for unlocking Africa’s trade with global markets. The right funding solutions, partnerships and regulatory environment can impact logistics positively, shares BUKIWE PANTSHI , infrastructure finance consultant, and MARTIN MEYER , head: energy and infrastructure finance, at Investec
Africa possesses abundant natural resources, including natural gas and oil reserves. It is a major producer of gold, chromium, platinum, copper, lithium, nickel, manganese, cobalt, graphite, chromium, molybdenum, zinc, silicon and rare earths – all crucial for the global transition to renewable energy sources.
Given this wealth of minerals, Africa plays a vital role in the global economy. By harnessing these resources, the continent can create employment opportunities and develop secondary and tertiary industries, ultimately lifting communities out of poverty.
Many of the valuable mineral deposits are deep inland, particularly in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, far from major ports. To unlock Africa’s potential, it is essential to establish well-maintained, managed and secure logistics corridors that can transport minerals for export efficiently. These corridors encompass roads, rail networks, ports, storage facilities and border posts connecting the mineral-rich areas with the ports.
The corridors facilitate the transportation of minerals and stimulate economic and social development in the surrounding regions. By improving infrastructure and connectivity, Africa can benefit beyond the exploitation of its mineral wealth.
In the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, four primary trade corridors facilitate freight transportation within the subregion and to international markets. These corridors are the North-South Corridor (from Durban, South Africa), the Maputo Corridor (through South Africa and Mozambique), the Walvis Bay Corridor (from Zambia to Namibia) and the Dar-es-Salaam Corridor (in Tanzania).
Currently, infrastructure along these corridors is insufficient to handle the required freight volumes for various markets. Africa has missed economic opportunities during previous booms and trade prospects due to its inability to export sufficient volumes of key minerals.
Efforts have been made in recent years to address this issue. One successful initiative is the concept of One-Stop-Border-Posts (OSBP), introduced a decade ago to streamline cross-border trade and enhance freight transportation. OSBP combines processing the exit and entry formalities of the adjoining states at one location, which reduces waiting and processing time for freight at the borders.
Over the past five years, SADC countries have launched numerous infrastructure projects, although many remain in the pre-financing stage due to regulatory and implementation challenges within government structures. Due to the limited financial capacity of governments to independently fund these developments, there is a need for blended funding structures that attract private funding for rail and port expansion projects along the corridors. The main objective of these projects is to increase the capacity for bulk freight transportation and stimulate trade. Various sources of funding are available, including development banks (both local and international), commercial banks, institutional investors and infrastructure debt and equity funds.
Development banks are expected to continue providing significant funding to government institutions, while commercial banks are likely to participate in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). PPPs promote appropriate risk allocation and implementation of risk controls that protect all parties involved, making them an effective mechanism for attracting private investment to the public sector.
Early involvement of development banks in the form of project preparation funding helps de-risk projects and ensures optimal financial engineering for securing senior debt funding.
Commercial banks, particularly South-African-based ones such as Investec, play a crucial role in funding infrastructure projects within the SADC region due to their understanding of the associated risks and ability to provide funding in local currency. Institutional investors are also increasingly recognising the potential of infrastructure projects and are upskilling to participate in funding solutions.
Attracting private investment and developing and implementing blended funding structures requires strong capabilities, expertise and an understanding of the broader landscape. Partnering with a specialist infrastructure team can assist in navigating the regulatory and implementation challenges within government structures. Extensive experience in this space ensures that projects can make substantial progress towards implementation.
Over the past 30 years, the Development Bank of Southern Africa has empowered communities and encouraged investment, shaping a more inclusive society, writes ZEPH NHLEKO, chief economist at the bank
Infrastructure is a cornerstone of modern society, providing much more than physical structures. In many African regions, the construction of roads, bridges, railways and telecommunication networks represents a lifeline for communities historically lacking access to resources and mobility. These projects have far-reaching impacts, promoting social cohesion, empowering individuals and creating new pathways for economic participation. Supporting these efforts plays a critical role in reducing transportation costs, attracting investment and fostering tourism.
Improved infrastructure opens doors to education and employment, allowing students to travel to schools and universities and connecting workers with new job opportunities. It also brings technology and telecommunications advancements, bridges digital divides and allows communities to access information and online resources. This enhanced connectivity fosters a more educated and empowered workforce, fuelling further economic growth.
The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) recognises that infrastructure is more than concrete and steel; it’s a stimulant for economic growth, social cohesion and long-term sustainability.
By investing in roads, bridges, railways, ports, water systems, energy systems and
INFRASTRUCTURE IS MORE THAN CONCRETE AND STEEL; IT’S A STIMULANT FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, SOCIAL COHESION AND LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY.
telecommunication networks, we are not only connecting regions and creating opportunities, but also fostering a sense of unity and resilience. Our commitment to building infrastructure with purpose reflects our broader vision of a more inclusive and empowered Africa, where every project paves the way for a brighter future.
Infrastructure development represents freedom by improving lives and empowering communities.
The DBSA has highlighted in its Integrated Annual Report 2023, that key initiatives supported in the past include the water programme office, created by the bank’s Project Preparation Division to address service delivery backlogs in places such as Johannesburg, Ekhurhuleni and eThekwini.
The bank has also funded the expansion and refurbishment of critical infrastructure, including wastewater treatment plants, landfill sites, roads, electrical substations and renewable energy projects, indicating a shift toward sustainable infrastructure. These efforts demonstrate the DBSA’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development in Southern Africa.
In the 2022/23 financial year, local small, medium and micro enterprises and subcontractors benefitted from construction-related activities, and the creation of 10 362 temporary and permanent jobs in 2022/23 reflects a broader economic liberation. The construction and upgrade of sanitation facilities in 177 schools benefitted
68 687 learners, while 29 555 learners benefitted from the refurbishment of 117 schools and 2 208 from newly built schools. This collective progress leads to a brighter, more equitable future, with infrastructure development providing a tangible path toward economic freedom.
Beyond economic benefits, infrastructure projects contribute to a sense of national unity, connecting previously isolated regions. They promote social cohesion and encourage a shared sense of destiny. As the DBSA invests in infrastructure, it highlights the importance of resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change and environmental challenges. The bank’s focus on durable infrastructure ensures that the benefits of these projects endure for generations.
Through partnerships with governments, businesses and civil society, the DBSA is creating infrastructure that serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment. These projects are more than mere structures; they are transformative tools that can lead to a more connected and vibrant Africa. As the DBSA continues to invest in critical infrastructure, its commitment to sustainable, inclusive development is a testament to the lasting impact that these infrastructures can have on a nation’s trajectory.
We believe that infrastructure is the cornerstone of development progress, serving as a symbol of freedom, connectivity and opportunity. As we celebrate three decades of dedication to economic growth and social advancement in the democratic era, we remain committed to building infrastructure that transforms communities and fosters resilience and sustainability.
Through partnerships and investments, the DBSA is laying the foundation for a more prosperous and interconnected Africa, where every project contributes to a legacy of liberty and progress for generations to come.
SIYANDA MFLATHELWA , head of PPPs and concessions, and DANIEL ZINMAN , head of the power, infrastructure sector solutions team, at RMB, discuss the benefits of virtual power plants and their growing popularity
Increasingly in use in South Africa, virtual power plants (VPPs) are a network of different power sources such as wind, solar and battery energy storage systems that work together, sometimes at different locations.
Currently, South Africa has at least fi ve utility-scale VPPs either under construction or in operation, but this is expected to increase due to the country’s need for dispatchable energy.
Not only are the VPPs expected to add substantial energy to the grid, but they are also making use of the wave of artificial intelligence (AI) advancements by using algorithms that can analyse data to make informed decisions on how to manage and distribute the sources of energy optimally and most economically in real-time.
any breakdowns or breaks in transmission in the VPP systems. VPPs can help alleviate both load shedding and grid instability by integrating more renewables and offering fl exible power generation, often providing power when the grid is most constrained, to better match supply and demand on a localised or national basis.
BESS, each of which represents a large plant on its own in the South African context.
When combined and located at the same site, it will provide 128MW of contracted capacity, which can be called upon by Eskom to be dispatched at specifi ed times of the day as per the Government’s Risk Mitigation IPP Programme requirements. The power sources can be optimised as required to meet that demand.
data the and resources and act as a
VPP operators use smart software to connect these distributed energy resources and act as a single, consistent power source. These plants are designed with multiple layers of redundancy in the controller systems to cater for
South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis and resultant load shedding, coupled with its excellent renewable energy resources and improvements in battery energy storage systems (BESS), are creating a favourable environment for VPPs.
Many large independent power producers (IPPs) – local and international – such as Engie, EDF, Red Rocket, ACED and Scatec, are established in the South African market and active in this burgeoning space. The Umoyilanga project, underway with French renewable energy group EDF Renewables and funded by RMB, is one example. By the end of next year, it will be South Africa’s first operational wind, solar PV and BESS - separately located - integrated utilityscale virtual power plant.
Another example is the recently announced Oya Energy Project, in which RMB partnered with Engie, one of the world’s largest IPPs. This project also comprises solar PV, wind and a
These power plants stand as signifi cant dispatchable renewable energy plants, even by global standards. VPPs offer several advantages that are expected to support their growing popularity. By combining multiple sources, VPPs can help balance fl uctuations in renewable energy generation. They can also optimise energy use by drawing from the most cost-effective source at any given time.
By integrating more renewables, VPPs can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Australia, and the state of California are considered leaders in VPP development. All have supportive policies, regulations and market structures that encourage the development of VPPs.
While VPPs aren’t yet widespread in South Africa, initial projects and industry interest suggest they have the potential to play a significant role in the country’s future energy landscape, at both localised and national levels.
Today, however, companies that use construction software to enhance efficiencies at every phase of a building’s evolution can ensure setbacks are kept to a minimum and buildings take shape on time and to budget while supporting sustainability throughout their life cycles.
Every construction project is a story of successes and setbacks. Often, the setbacks – inclement weather, inadequate forecasting, poor communication and skills shortages – threaten to outweigh the successes, resulting in cost and time overruns, writes PETER DAMHUIS, RIB Software vice president.
By integrating renewable energy sources, efficient HVAC systems and sustainable materials, architects and engineers can create structures that minimise environmental impact while maximising occupant comfort and operational efficiency.
Advanced software solutions enable the comprehensive life cycle analysis of buildings, taking into account factors from design to demolition.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) facilitates effi cient resource management, cost estimation and scheduling throughout the construction process. BIM tools enable all players in the building process to identify opportunities to optimise material usage, energy consumption and operational effi ciency from the outset, resulting in substantial resource savings over the building’s lifespan.
can gain valuable insights into areas for improvement, identify trends and anticipate maintenance needs.
This data-driven approach enables proactive decision-making, leading to improved resource management, reduced downtime and enhanced environmental performance throughout the building’s life cycle.
Software solutions facilitate the design and construction of buildings that are flexible, adaptable and easily maintained for extended lifespans. Through parametric modeling and modular design approaches, architects and engineers can create structures that accommodate future changes in occupancy, technology and regulatory requirements.
From the outset, software empowers architects and engineers to design environmentally conscious projects by providing sophisticated simulation and analysis tools. These solutions simulate various environmental conditions, energy-usage patterns and material choices to optimise designs for energy efficiency, waste reduction and long-term sustainability.
The construction industry generates enormous amounts of data at every stage, from planning and design to construction and operation.
Software tools equipped with data analytics capabilities can leverage this wealth of information to inform decision-making processes.
Peter Damhuis
In addition, digital twin technologies enable real-time monitoring and simulation of building performance, allowing stakeholders to optimise operations, identify maintenance needs and implement design modifications as needed. By prioritising flexibility and adaptability in the design phase, software-driven approaches contribute to reducing overall resource consumption and help extend the lifespan of buildings.
By analysing
historical project data,performance metrics and real-time sensor data from building systems, stakeholders
As the construction sector continuously looks for ways to optimise operations and tell successful stories, more industry players are adopting software solutions that empower all stakeholders in the construction process to optimise resource usage, minimise waste and promote sustainability, thereby creating buildings that are resilient, effi cient and adaptable to the world’s ever-evolving needs.
RODNEY WEIDEMANN
unpacks the legal implications of developing infrastructure
Developing infrastructure requires not only fi nance, but also the correct legal standing. This means developers must be fully cognisant of and comply with the legal requirements when developing new infrastructure projects.
Luca Maraschin, senior associate: mining and environmental at law fi rm NSDV, says one of the fi rst things a developer needs to consider is the existing land use, alongside
the zoning of the property. For example, if you are building a factory on agricultural land, you may need to apply for the property to be rezoned by the local municipality.
“At the same time, you will need to liaise with the local municipality about aspects such as effl uent removal. Remember that you may need their consent to connect to the municipal waste reticulation system,” he explains.
“IT IS CRUCIAL TO UNDERSTAND THE PROPERTY AND BOTH THE PHYSICAL AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS BEFORE EVEN LAUNCHING A DEVELOPMENT.” – LUCA MARASCHIN
The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) was established as a mutual insurer in 1936 and, on the introduction of the Workmen’s Compensation Act 1941, was licensed to continue to transact workmen’s compensation insurance for the construction industry.
Business operations are essentially confined to the insurance of employers against their liabilities under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 1993.
While everyone wishes to eliminate dangers and injuries in the workplace, succeeding in reducing – and ideally preventing – workplace accidents is dependent on compliance with legislation by both employers and employees.
Employers need to have the correct health and safety processes in place and ensure that staff are trained and continually upskilled to uphold strict safety standards. While time and expertise may not always be readily available, there are numerous resources employers can tap into to keep employees informed and upskilled.
“Meanwhile, from the construction point of view, a developer must consider whether any dangerous or fl ammable substances will be used on-site, as storing these requires specifi c permits. In addition, you will need building plan approval, which may be dependent on the impact it will have on businesses and members of the public in the area.
“It is vital to understand what the municipality requires from the outset, which means remaining compliant throughout the process. A developer may also have to undertake an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to determine the potential environmental impacts of the development and provide for, among other things, mitigation measures to address these impacts. Similarly, a water use licence may be required should the development trigger certain water uses in terms of the National Water Act, 1998.
“It is crucial to understand the property and both the physical and legal implications before even launching a development. This is why it is necessary to engage with legal professionals who understand environmental law and construction law, can assist with an EIA and ensure these types of implications are dealt with, within the boundaries of the law,” Maraschin concludes.
Employers can register their staff for skills development at any of the several professional bodies and associations offering training, seminars and workshops aimed at promoting occupational health and safety.
Employees also need to be fully committed to their own health and safety, as well as that of their colleagues. This means taking all necessary precautions, following due process and safety protocols and being fully aware and focused at work, particularly when it comes to high-risk tasks.
Importantly, all parties concerned must enforce legislation and best practice when it comes to occupational health and safety. This includes safety officers, management, project leads and employees.
While the goal of zero workplace accidents may seem aspirational, it is certainly the goal we should strive for daily. The reality is that most incidents are preventable –it just requires us all to work together towards a common objective to see such an outcome achieved.
With the world increasingly focused on sustainability, it is not surprising that the construction industry is turning to energy-efficient and smart technologies, writes ITUMELENG MOGAKI
In today’s rapidly evolving construction industry, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a guiding principle shaping technological advancements and equipment innovations.
Morag Evans, CEO at Databuild, sheds light on how the global focus on sustainability is revolutionising how we build and develop infrastructure.
She says the construction sector is putting more emphasis on using energy-efficient technologies and equipment to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption in buildings.
Integrating renewable energy sources in building designs has become a given. Solar panels, wind turbines and even geothermal systems have become commonplace, with the ultimate goal of reducing the environmental impact of buildings.
“As part of this, smart technologies that optimise energy use, monitor indoor air quality, and regulate lighting to enhance the comfort of workers are starting to become prevalent,” says Evans.
She adds: “Water conservation and waste reduction have become common themes in this new era of ‘green’. Low-flow plumbing fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling are all gaining momentum. From a waste reduction perspective, prefabrication and modular construction techniques help reduce on-site wastage.”
Evans points out that digital twins have now become one of the most impactful technologies in the sector. “This sees the creation of virtual replicas of physical infrastructure assets. Having such a digital twin means that stakeholders can do everything from real-time monitoring, analysis and optimisation in the construction process.”
But more than that, she adds, these twins can also simulate different scenarios and performance metrics to identify areas for
improvement around energy consumption, water usage and waste reduction.
From a construction perspective, Evans notes that using hydrophobic additives in concrete to reduce water requirements during mixing, employing waterless construction techniques, such as dry stacking for masonry walls, and optimising irrigation systems for landscaping, all contribute to reducing water usage during the construction phase.
Elton Murison, director of test and measurement specialists at TANDM, says solutions, such as low-flow equipment, leak detection and water recycling systems, are becoming more prevalent on building sites to help reduce water consumption.
“In isolation, these technologies provide marginal benefits, but integrating a variety of water-saving measures is enough to make a tangible and sustainable impact. What is becoming invaluable across the construction sector to manage environmental impact and conservation is the adoption of early detection technologies. This involves implementing smart structural health monitoring tools that can be accessed remotely or locally, when necessary.”
“Another technology that is gaining traction is advancements in sound level monitoring, with smarter sound level meters to measure environmental noise and impact. Reduction in noise pollution is key to promoting healthier and more livable environments,” concludes Murison.
Tata Motors, via Tata Africa Holdings Limited, earlier this year launched heavy-duty trucks Ultra T.9 & T.14 in South Africa, meeting demand for safer, smarter, greener cargo transport. Ultra caters to diverse sectors, such as bakery, FMCG, agriculture and construction, promising versatile logistics solutions.
With the increasing focus on sustainability, the availability of natural and physical resources that can help create much-needed infrastructure in a way that ensures the carbon footprint can be minimised, is not an easy task.
Understanding and identifying greener resources is sometimes challenging when it comes to the “newest” and “best” materials and/or processes, says Barend Badenhorst, MD at Raubex Building, especially as these are often advertised as the “holy grail”.
“Being vertically integrated as a group and innovating from within, Raubex utilises its wealth of experience in all fields of construction and building. The upcycling of experience and resources by co-operation through the different divisions and companies within the group, both in terms of human capital and material, enables progress and changes that deliver the desired outcomes,” he says.
“This same culture improves collaboration and ensures that Raubex delivers environmentally friendly projects. One such example is the 6-star Green Star Sustainability Precinct Certificate awarded to Newinbosch Neighbourhood by the Green Building Council South Africa – a milestone of which Raubex is particularly proud.”
“SMART TECHNOLOGIES THAT OPTIMISE ENERGY USE, MONITOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY, AND REGULATE LIGHTING TO ENHANCE THE COMFORT OF WORKERS ARE STARTING TO BECOME PREVALENT. ” – MORAG EVANS
Combining CTEM and AI is a powerful strategy for limiting cybersecurity risk, writes DWAIN MULLER , COO of Snode Technologies
In a world of rapid digitalisation, the line between cyber risks and business vulnerabilities is becoming increasingly blurred, necessitating a shift from traditional cybersecurity measures to a more holistic approach known as continuous threat exposure management (CTEM). This paradigm shift views CTEM not merely as a traditional cyber risk management effort where “likelihood” and “impact” are considered, but also as a dynamic strategy encompassing all aspects of business exposure. Such a strategy takes into account the impact digital transformation has on business objectives and the spectrum of threats that could impact operational integrity and strategic objectives.
Gartner stated in a 2023 article that no organisation can protect against every cybersecurity event so they should focus instead on prioritising exposures that threaten their business. This evolving cybersecurity landscape demands a robust CTEM programme that integrates the traditional information and cybersecurity triad (confidentiality, integrity and availability) with a broader perspective. This approach recognises that threats and their associated risks can significantly expose businesses to vulnerabilities, extending beyond the cyberattack surface to encompass all related matters, assets, processes and teams. It aligns cyberdefence efforts with the business’s value strategy, ensuring comprehensive protection.
CTEM is also evolving, with artificial intelligence (AI) transforming it from a reactive risk
management tool to a proactive business exposure management strategy.
Businesses globally are rapidly adopting emerging technologies, such as large language models and AI, to analyse large amounts of traditionally unstructured data, enabling optimisation and automation of business practices. The role of these technologies in revolutionising CTEM programmes cannot be overstated. By analysing vast datasets, AI-powered CTEM programmes can assess existing security measures, evaluate asset management strategies and analyse deployed safeguards in a very short time. This comprehensive analysis empowers businesses to prioritise exposures, optimise resource deployments and address the most impactful risks and business exposures related to rapid digitalisation.
Gartner recommends a five-step process (scoping, discovery, prioritisation, validation, mobilisation) that actively prioritises whatever most threatens your business. Adopting fit-for-purpose technologies that embed AI to automate the initial phases streamlines this process, reducing the burden on response resources and teams by prioritising threats and exposures.
This approach efficiently filters security alerts, ensuring that critical cases receive prompt attention while minimising the distractions of false positives. This shift not only enhances efficiency, but also enables organisations to anticipate threats and implement preventative measures, fostering a proactive rather than reactive approach to cybersecurity.
The need to reposition to a proactive cybersecurity posture coupled with the ever-increasing complexity of modern cyberthreats demands a move beyond traditional, manual methods of threat management, combining a data-driven threat management
SOAR automates the collection and consolidation of threat intelligence, facilitating rapid incident analysis and prioritisation.
programme with security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) solutions.
SOAR automates the collection and consolidation of threat intelligence, facilitating rapid incident analysis and prioritisation. This allows for orchestrated workflows and automated responses, significantly reducing the time from threat identification to exposure reduction.
The integration of AI, machine learning (ML) and SOAR within a robust CTEM framework offers a comprehensive solution for navigating the modern threat landscape. This collaborative approach not only automates tasks and streamlines procedures, but also enables predictive threat analysis. By empowering security teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine tasks, it fosters a more resilient and adaptable cybersecurity posture – a critical advantage in today’s digital age.
Organisations must break down siloed security practices and adopt a unified view. This helps them gain a comprehensive understanding of the exposure landscape and prioritise cyber risks effectively. This proactive, integrated approach is essential for navigating the ever-changing threat landscape and safeguarding success in the digital age.
Technology and CTEM integration addresses the sophistication of modern cyberthreats and alleviates the burden on security teams. By automating routine tasks and streamlining response procedures, these emerging next-generation technologies empower security personnel to focus on strategic operations, optimising resilience and creating an adaptive cybersecurity posture essential for navigating the complexities of the modern threat landscape.
As businesses continue to evolve and adopt emerging technologies, the fusion of AI, ML, predictive analytics and SOAR within CTEM is emerging as a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategies, offering a comprehensive, data-driven, risk-based solution to manage the ever-changing array of business cyberthreat exposures.
Snode Technologies is an award-winning South African cybersecurity firm that defends organisations worldwide from evolving cyber threats. Our flagship platform, Snode Guardian, utilises state-of-the-art technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and patented algorithms for predictive and prescriptive analytics of vast datasets. It proactively detects and mitigates
Data breaches, Fraudulent activities, and advanced cyberattacks in real-time.
The Guardian platform allows us to implement a Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) program by leveraging its Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and SOAR capabilities to enable predictive threat analysis and automated response.
Two of Cape Town’s biggest municipal infrastructure projects are ensuring that residents’ current and future needs are considered, writes THANDO PATO
Municipal infrastructure plays a key role in service delivery.
At the recent 2024 Budget Speech, Minister of Finance Enoch Gondwana announced that government plans to spend R943.8-billion on infrastructure over the next three years at national, provincial and local government levels.
In February, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that the city will invest R43-billion in infrastructure projects over the next three years. According to the 2024 City of Cape Town Infrastructure Report, water and sanitation investment makes up 42 per cent of Cape Town’s investment, with multibillion-rand upgrades planned for seven wastewater works.
In March, the city completed one of its largest-ever infrastructure projects worth R2-billion, the Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works, according to Zahid Badroodien, the city’s mayoral committee member for water and sanitation. The project aims to improve sanitation in Delft, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni,
Blackheath, Kuils River and Blue Downs.
Badroodien says the project, which started in 2018 and was completed last month – due to disruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 – ensures that high-quality treated waste meets all licence requirements laid out by the National Department of Water and Sanitation.
“The upgrade increases treatment capacity from 72 million to 90 million litres per day, which supports a growing population and economy,” he explains.
“In time, treated wastewater from this upgraded plant will be supplied to a state-of-the-art new water scheme to be
SOUTH AFRICA’S CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
• South Africa’s strategic integrated projects have grown from R340-billion in July 2020 to R540-billion in March 2024.
• Some 18 projects, valued at around R10-billion, have been completed and include human settlements, roads, water and sanitation.
• Projects worth nearly R170-billion are currently in procurement.
• In 2024, 11 projects with a total investment value of R45-billion are expected to reach financial close.
• Infrastructure SA has unblocked renewable energy projects valued at R25-billion using the Infrastructure Development Act.
Source: President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 2024 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa held in March.
In addition to addressing sanitation, the City of Cape Town is focusing on energy consumption through its Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme, launched between 2009 and 2010.
In March, the city completed one of its largest-ever infrastructure projects worth R2-billion, the Zandvliet Wastewater Treatment Works.
built at the Faure Water Treatment Plant and Reservoir. This will be purified to drinking water standards via a multibarrier purification process to ensure the highest applicable safety standards. The water will then be blended with dam water to augment the water that feeds the existing Faure Water Treatment plant and fed into the city’s water supply across all areas.”
In addition to addressing sanitation, the City of Cape Town is focusing on energy consumption through its Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme, launched between 2009 and 2010.
“Our municipal energy-efficiency projects began with the intention of reducing total building energy consumption through conducting internal energy audits
and determining building baseline consumptions. After identifying targeted buildings with the potential for optimised savings, we undertook energy-efficiency interventions, such as LED retrofitting of existing light fixtures and the installation of occupancy sensors, among others,” says Beverley van Reenen, mayoral committee member for energy.
R84-million and more than 72 500MWh of electricity have been saved over the 12 years the programme has been implemented.
“The programme shows that energy efficiency is always the starting point – it saves money and means that any alternative energy
intervention, whether in commercial buildings or on a household level, can be smaller and cheaper. And it remains vital to reducing the pressure on Eskom’s supply crisis and one of the city’s key interventions to ending load shedding over time,” she says.
In one year, the city says this is how much energy these seven buildings saved after being retrofitted with LED lighting:
• Durbanville Municipal Building and Library: 144 940kWh
•Belhar Fire Station: 32 151kWh
•Huguenot Square Library: 40 922kWh
•Epping Fire Station: 20 858kWh
•Athlone Library: 54 688kWh
South Africa’s Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has been tasked to attract private sector investment to fund the roll out of at least 12 priority infrastructure projects unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the SustainableInfrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDDSA) held earlier this year.
In an interview with Energy Capital & Power, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Bernice Swarts shared insights on the 12 priority projects and how the department will attract private investors to speed up the roll out of these projects.
Swarts said energy security remains one of the department’s priorities, with several renewable energy projects being deployed to secure the country’s grid network and create jobs. The department’s subsidiary, Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), is helping co-ordinate energy policies, including for green hydrogen projects.
“Energy and the energy transition is a global focus, and we are trying to ensure we are on par with our obligations. In South Africa, a just transition will not happen overnight. Hundreds of thousands of mine workers depend on the hydrocarbons sector, for example, and we can’t immediately switch from coal to clean energy, which is why this is a focus for us,” she explained.
“We launched a programme to increase the number of women in the construction industry, which is low at the moment. We
guide females through the on-boarding process and introduce them to the work environment,” Swarts said.
She added that the department has a quota of 40 per cent women at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and that this is one of the reasons why there was lots of discussion about public-private partnerships at SIDSSA 2024.
“When the private sector comes on-board and invests money, we are not going to leave women behind because we want female and emerging contractors to play a crucial role in advancing South Africa.” Swarts shared that they have also partnered with the University of Johannesburg to develop a skills centre targeting female empowerment at tertiary institutions.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S ROLE IN HELPING SOUTH AFRICA MEET ITS ROLL-OUT TARGETS FOR THE 12 PRIORITY PROJECTS
“The private sector is very important because government doesn’t have the budget to do it alone. So ISA will co-ordinate with private sector investors and bring them on-board. The build-operate-transfer and the renovate-operate-transfer programmes will become very important, as well as the private-public partnership model.”
These concepts, Swarts explained, are not new in South Africa, adding that we already have examples of them working and ready to be replicated.
“We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK, which will help us train and upskill our staff and ensure we operate in line with international best standards in governance and integrity. This will encourage the private sector to invest here,” she concluded.
