Lower Prices, Stronger Rand Contribute to a Widened Second-Quarter Loss for Sappi
Sappi reported a widened second‑quarter loss of $413 million, with EBITDA falling to $52 million, down from $107 million a year earlier. The decline was driven by a 14% drop in hardwood dissolving wood pulp (DWP) prices and a 12% strengthening of the South African rand, which together cut rand‑denominated pulp margins by roughly 23%. A $101 million forestry fair‑value write‑down and a $10 million hit from a maintenance shutdown further eroded profitability. Despite these headwinds, paperboard volumes in North America surged 27% YoY, and the company’s liquidity remains solid with $192 million cash on hand.
Africa’s Peace-Building Faces Reality Check as Leaders Call for Active Prudence
The Johannesburg Arbitration Week 2026 opened with former African heads of state warning that technical peace‑building tools are outpaced by complex, entrenched conflicts. Leaders including Joaquim Chissano, Goodluck Jonathan, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Uhuru Kenyatta stressed the need for wisdom, inclusivity and sustained political will....
New-Vehicle Sales Continue to Soar, but Exports in Third Monthly Decline
South Africa’s new‑vehicle market posted its strongest April in 13 years, with domestic sales up 13% year‑on‑year to 47,979 units. Dealer sales accounted for 91.1% of the market, while passenger‑car volumes rose 14.3% and light‑commercial‑vehicle sales grew 9.7%. Exports slipped 4%...
South Africa Poised for Record IPP Deployments in 2026
South Africa’s utility‑scale renewable and battery‑storage market is set for a record year, with 34 independent power producer (IPP) deals expected to close in 2026, delivering roughly 5,252 MW of new capacity. By the end of April, eight projects totalling 1,932 MW...
EGA Commissions Solar Panel Plant in Paarl
Ener‑G‑Africa (EGA) has commissioned a solar‑panel assembly plant in Paarl, Western Cape, with a name‑plate capacity of 150 MW per year. The facility currently runs a single shift with about 30 employees and produces 550 W monocrystalline PERC modules, while also supporting...
NTCSA, IDC Seek to Catalyse Localisation on Back of Big Grid Roll-Out
South Africa’s National Transmission Company (NTCSA) and the state‑owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have signed an MOU to provide financing to verified local suppliers and contractors for the Transmission Development Plan (TDP). The TDP envisions 14,500 km of new power lines...
Absa PMI up 3.6 Points in April Following Weak First Quarter
South Africa's Absa Purchasing Managers' Index jumped to 52.6 in April, breaking above the 50‑point expansion threshold for the first time since September 2025. The rise was powered by a rebound in business activity and new sales orders, mainly from...
Utilities, Fuel Prices Impact More on Households than Food Inflation – BFAP
The Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) warns that Eskom’s 8.76% electricity tariff hike for 2026/27, together with rising fuel prices, is eroding disposable income of low‑income South African households. An average household now pays an extra R160 ($8)...
Wine Industry Welcomes Zero-Tariff Access to China Market
South African wine bodies South Africa Wine and Wines of South Africa announced that China will apply a zero‑tariff regime to qualifying South African wine exports starting 1 May 2026. The tariff‑free status lasts for two years, expiring 1 May 2028, giving the sector...
South Africa’s Telco Landscape Undergoing Quality-Led Shift
South Africa’s mobile market is moving from price competition to a quality‑driven battle, as challenger operators Telkom and Cell C capture higher‑value subscribers. Vodacom’s share dropped from 43% to 36% between Q1 2024 and Q4 2025, while MTN modestly rose to 31% and...
AfCFTA Shifts From Treaty Architecture to Operational Trade System Amid Persistent Frictions
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is shifting from a treaty framework to an operational trade system as most member states have ratified the agreement. All 55 AU members except Eritrea have signed, with 49 ratifying, and the pact...
South Africa Film Sets Ditch Diesel in Green Energy Shift
South African film sets are swapping diesel generators for solar‑powered mobile energy, highlighted by Netflix's production of the second season of "One Piece" in Cape Town. Cinergy Mobile Power supplied a 150 kW solar array and a 400 kWh battery system, cutting...
BMA Names Winning Bidders for R12bn Project to Redevelop Six Ports of Entry
South Africa’s Border Management Authority has awarded a R12 billion (≈$650 million) public‑private partnership to redevelop its six busiest land border posts, which handle about 80% of the nation’s cross‑border trade and passenger traffic. The contracts were split among five consortia—Baobab, Raulux,...
Nersa Aims to Make Ferrochrome Tariff Call by End May as It Launches Public Consultations
South Africa's energy regulator Nersa has scheduled public hearings for 25 May to consider Eskom’s request to lower the electricity tariff for ten ferrochrome smelters to 62 c/kWh for five years, potentially starting in June. The move follows an interim 87 c/kWh rate...
Sasol Optimistic of Market Demand for Natref’s Premium SAF and Renewable Diesel
Sasol’s Natref refinery has earned ISCC+ certification for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel produced from used cooking oil, confirming a 75% reduction in greenhouse‑gas intensity versus conventional fuels. The company plans a modest ramp‑up, targeting 2 million litres this...
ENGIE, Pele Launch Graspan Solar PV Plant, Signalling Shift to Delivery
ENGIE South Africa and Pele Green Energy officially inaugurated the 75 MW Graspan solar PV plant in the Northern Cape, marking its transition from construction to active power delivery. The facility joins ENGIE’s Grootspruit plant, together providing 150 MW of renewable capacity...
Panellists Discuss the Progress Made in Rail Reform and Possible Future Actions
South Africa’s freight rail system, responsible for 11‑12% of GDP in logistics costs, is undergoing a major overhaul. The government’s Operation Vulindlela and the newly released Draft National Rail Master Plan (NRMP) outline a $108 billion, 2050‑targeted vision to transform rail...
Draft Masterplan Outlines R2-Trillion Vision for Restoring Rail as 'Backbone' By 2050
The South African government has released a draft National Rail Master Plan, a R2‑trillion (≈ $108 billion) investment roadmap to reposition rail as the logistics backbone by 2050. The plan targets moving 250 million tonnes of freight annually by 2030 – up from...
Despite Structural Manufacturing Decline, Opportunities Abound – Panel
A panel of South African manufacturing leaders convened by Creamer Media highlighted that, despite a three‑decade structural decline, the sector can rebound through targeted infrastructure projects, energy market liberalisation, and decarbonisation. They argued that upcoming electricity transmission builds and a...
AVEVA 'Doubling Down' On Growing Its South African Footprint
Industrial software leader AVEVA is intensifying its African strategy by designating South Africa as the hub for expanded operations. The company will double staff across sales, marketing and technical functions and broaden its channel‑partner ecosystem, following a January split that...
South Africa’s Pipeline of Advanced Wind Projects Stands at 17 GW – GWEC
The Global Wind Energy Council’s 2026 report shows South Africa’s advanced wind pipeline at roughly 17 GW, enough to start construction within five years. The country already operates over 4 GW of wind capacity, has 2.8 GW under construction, and a total pipeline...
Cheaper EVs Are Finally Entering the Local Market, but Will South Africans Bite?
South Africa’s electric‑vehicle market is finally seeing sub‑R400,000 (≈$21,000) models from Chinese manufacturers, breaking the long‑standing price barrier. BYD led March sales with 316 units, pushing total EV registrations to a record 389 for the month. The new entrants –...
High Court Sets Aside Environmental Authorisation for K148 Road Construction
A full bench of the Gauteng High Court has set aside the environmental authorisation for the proposed K148 road, declaring both the 2016 approval and the 2021 amendment unlawful. The court found the EIA process breached NEMA requirements, notably inadequate...
Basic Fuel Price Formula in Focus Amid Dramatic Shift in South Africa’s Supply Sources
South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum is overhauling its Basic Fuel Price (BFP) formula for diesel as the country pivots from Gulf‑origin imports to new suppliers in the Atlantic Basin, including Brazil, Mexico and the United States. The shift...
Platinum Fuel Cell Technology Supporting Humanity’s Space Flights
South Africa’s abundant platinum is powering the next generation of space‑flight energy systems, according to the World Platinum Investment Council. Regenerative fuel cells (RFCs) that use platinum‑based proton‑exchange‑membrane technology can store and release hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity during...
German, South African Organisations Launch Project to Support Workers in the Energy Transition
German foundation Friedrich‑Ebert‑Stiftung South Africa and the Sam Tambani Research Institute launched the Strengthening Workers’ Active Participation (SWAP) project to help coal‑dependent communities negotiate a just transition to renewables. The two‑year initiative, funded with about €1.05 million (≈ $1.13 million), will operate in...
IMF Says War Should Spur Faster Adoption of Renewable Energy
At the World Economic Outlook launch, IMF chief economist Pierre‑Olivier Gourcinas warned that the war in the Middle East should accelerate the shift toward renewable energy to protect economies from energy shocks. He compared the current oil shortfall to the...
IMF Cuts South Africa’s Growth Outlook Amid Mounting War-Linked Energy Crisis
The IMF lowered its 2026 growth forecast for South Africa to 1%, down from 1.4% in January, citing a war‑linked energy crisis that is driving up oil and diesel prices. The fund also trimmed the sub‑Saharan Africa outlook to 4.3%...
Diesel Fuel Costs, Weaker Rand to Place Pressure on Inflation, Export-Competitiveness
EBC Financial Group warns that South Africa's one‑month diesel levy cut will only briefly offset rising fuel costs driven by a jump in Brent crude to $93.67 per barrel and a weakened rand at R16.64 per dollar. The higher Brent...
Multi-Country Hydrogen-Based Iron-Ore-to-Green-Steel Breakthrough in Namibia
A hydrogen‑powered rotary kiln in Namibia has successfully converted 80 t of low‑grade Australian iron ore (56 % Fe) into direct‑reduced iron (DRI) at industrial scale, demonstrating climate‑neutral production without pelletising. The pilot, run by the SuSteel AG consortium linking Australia, Namibia and...
Further Food Price Pain on the Cards for Consumers as Agri Sector Faces Higher Input Costs
South Africa’s agricultural sector is confronting sharply higher input costs as urea prices surge above $650 per tonne and diesel climbs roughly 40% per litre. Elevated freight surcharges and constrained vessel availability are inflating export expenses, while logistics disruptions threaten...
Green Hydrogen Brightlighted as Middle East Crisis Alters Fossil-Fuel Economics
The Middle East crisis is reshaping fossil‑fuel economics, prompting South Africa’s presidency to prioritize energy independence and accelerate green hydrogen and ammonia projects where it holds a platinum‑catalyst advantage. Simultaneously, global players are pouring capital into hydrogen ecosystems – BMW...
Laws Recommended by Zondo Commission Retain Weaknesses – Mavuso
South Africa’s Business Leadership SA (BLSA) chief Busi Mavuso says the two Zondo‑commission reforms now law – the Public Service Amendment Act and the Public Administration Management Amendment Act – still contain significant gaps. While the Acts move appointment powers...
Sky Robots Showcases Integrated Drone Security Model for Mines, Other High-Value Assets
Sky Robots unveiled an integrated drone security platform aimed at mines and other high‑value assets, combining VTOL fixed‑wing aircraft for persistent surveillance with rapid‑response multi‑rotor drones. The solution bundles remote piloting, ROIP communications, AI‑driven flight safety, and a full suite...
Cresco Warns of Potential Energy Security Risk if Diesel Supply for OCGT Is Constrained
South Africa’s utility Eskom relies on diesel‑powered open‑cycle gas turbines (OCGT) for peak‑load support, using up to 30% of the nation’s diesel supply during high demand. Cresco Project Finance warns that a constrained diesel import flow—57% of which passes the...
Eskom and Ferrochrome Producers Strike 62c/kWh Deal, with Nersa Process to Follow
South Africa’s state utility Eskom has struck a 62 c/kWh electricity tariff agreement with ferrochrome producers Glencore‑Merafe Chrome Venture and Samancor Chrome. The five‑year deal, still subject to National Electricity Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approval, aims to curb high power...
More Intentional Effort and Coordination Needed to Avert Gas Crisis
South Africa faces a looming gas supply gap as its Mozambique pipeline ages and coal‑fired plants retire, prompting a push for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and new gas‑to‑power capacity. The Integrated Energy Plan and Integrated Resource Plan call for...
Big Container Recovery Required if South Africa Is to Meet 250Mt Rail Target
South Africa aims to move 250 million tons of freight by rail annually by 2030, but current volumes sit at about 160 million tons. GAIN Group’s Jan Havenga says roughly half of the missing tonnage must come from container traffic, as general freight lagged...
Liquid C2 Launches Africa’s First Google Cloud-Powered Experience Centre to Accelerate AI Adoption
Liquid C2, a Cassava Technologies unit, launched Africa’s first Google Cloud‑powered Partner Experience Centre in Johannesburg. The hands‑on facility lets partners design, test and scale AI solutions using Google’s Gemini Enterprise and Gemini Playspace tools. It provides structured training, Google...
South Africa’s Post-Collision Repair Capacity Facing Structural Strain – SAMBRA
South Africa’s post‑collision repair sector is under structural strain as small and medium‑sized motor‑body repairers grapple with rising technology, compliance and equipment costs. Advanced vehicle systems demand specialised tooling and continuous upskilling, while insurers face higher claim frequencies and tighter...