Welcome to the highlights edition of the Sassda GPS eNewsletter, your go-to source for the key developments shaping South Africa’s business, industrial, and economic landscape. Each month we distribute this popular market intelligence aggregator to an exclusive database of members and associates. This selection of the best articles from the last quarter, aims to extend access to this quality content by prioritising the top stories from the latest issues…
Ramokgopa unveils R2.23trn electricity generation plan
Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced an ambitious plan to build 105 000MW of new generation capacity between now and 2039 to the value of R2.23 trillion. This is morethan double Eskom’s current generation capacity of 50 230MW. The plan will ensure energy security to support economic growth of at least 3% from 2030, lay the foundations for a revival of the struggling construction industry, and be a lever for industrialisation...
Transnet plans $7bn of infrastructure upgrades
South Africa’s state-owned freight and logistics company Transnet plans to invest R127bn ($7.3bn) over five years in modernising rail lines and upgrading ports. The state entity has allocated R24bn to infrastructure in the previous financial year and has budgeted R25bn for the current year, “We will go to market for partners as well as for funders,” Phillips said, citing potential projects such as the Richards Bay dry-bulk terminal and the Pier 2 container concession in Durban...
International car brands throw lifeline to South Africa
South Africa has secured commitments from Chinese and Indian car companies to upgrade their semi-knocked-down (SKD) vehicle assembly operations to full-scale. The government is in talks with multinational carmakers, who have South African factories – including Toyota and Ford and their suppliers – on ways to safeguard the industry’s future as it navigates declining production volumes, stiff competition from China, tariff uncertainty and an expensive shift to electric vehicles...
How construction contractors can avoid hidden project risks that break the bank
Construction projects are fraught with hidden risks that can derail budgets and timelines. From unclear contract terms to incomplete site assessments, contractors often overlook key red flags. Experts recommend a more rigorous pre-construction planning process, including legal reviews and independent audits of site conditions. Digital tools for risk tracking and real-time communication also help mitigate surprises. By proactively addressing potential issues, contractors can shield themselves from major financial shocks and reputational damage….
Global steel giant to exit South Africa with $460m takeover imminent
Talks between global steel giant ArcelorMittal and South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) over the potential sale of the steelmaker’s local operations have entered an advanced stage, signalling a shift in Africa’s steel industry landscape. According to people familiar with the matter, Ondra Otradovec, ArcelorMittal’s head of mergers and acquisitions, is currently in South Africa for high-level discussions with both the IDC and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). His presence is seen as a sign that negotiations have accelerated...
Rooftop solar no at 7 300MW overtakes all Eskom’s IPP capacity
Rooftop solar capacity in South Africa has reached a staggering 7 300MW, surpassing the total output of all Eskom’s Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects combined. This growth highlights a significant shift toward decentralized, consumer-driven energy production amid persistent grid instability. While this transition offers resilience, it also raises challenges around regulation, grid balancing, and equitable access. Experts warn that policy must evolve to integrate private generation without undermining the national energy strategy….
New cranes set to boost efficiency at Cape Town container terminal
Transnet has launched nine new rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) in a bid to improve throughput and operational efficiency. These are part of a broader order of 28 RTGs under a R3.4 billion investment to upgrade terminal capacity, with 19 units still being assembled. The new machines feature anti-sway systems and can operate in wind speeds up to 90 km/h - an upgrade over the current RTGs, which are limited to 72 km/h. They’re also equipped with video camera systems offering 3D views to assist with load and crane handling…
South Africa in talks with chinese automakers to boost local production
South Africa is negotiating with several Chinese automakers to establish local manufacturing operations as part of a broader strategy to revive domestic automotive production. According to Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Zuko Godlimpi, a Chinese company has already expressed interest in setting up a plant in East London or Nelson Mandela Bay. South Africa is aiming to shift from being an importer to a regional manufacturing hub, with a focus on hybrid and electric vehicles. With over 15 Chinese car brands already active locally, the government is reviewing import tariffs to protect local industry from an influx of low-cost imports..
Transnet Engineering signs another contract with Eswatini Railways
Transnet Engineering (TE) has signed a new three year deal with Eswatini Railways for the supply of 26 wagon wheelsets and locomotive maintenance services. All wheelsets will be manufactured in South Africa, while TE technicians will handle on-site maintenance in Eswatini. This contract builds on an existing partnership, which includes a two-year diesel locomotive maintenance agreement. TE’s efforts are aimed at empowering Eswatini’s rail sector by building local skills and internal technical capacity, demonstrating the regional value of South Africa’s manufacturing and engineering expertise…
Two coastal hubs power Africa’s future
In the Western Cape, Saldanha Bay is being reimagined as a multi-billion-dollar hydrogen export hub. Nearly 800 kilometres east, the Coega Industrial Development Zone is assembling what could become Africa’s largest green ammonia plant. Both are betting they can capture a slice of what the European Union alone estimates will be a 10-milliontonne annual hydrogen import market by 2030...
International Webinar: Stainless in Food and Beverage Production
During a recent World Stainless webinar, Secretary- General Tim Collins explained why stainless steels are the perfect food and beverage contact material and outlined compelling academic research concerning the health risks associated with other material choices.
Click here to watch the full presentation: