5G on track to account for one-third of mobile subscriptions in 2025

As 5G subscription uptake continues globally, it is expected to reach nearly 2.9-billion by the end of 2025 and account for one-third of all mobile subscriptions. 5G subscriptions, which accounted... 

Telecoms-linked fraud costing South Africa more than R5-billion a year

A new report by the Communication Risk Information Centre (COMRiC) has revealed that telecommunications-linked fraud is costing South Africa R5.3-billion a year, with nearly 60% of mobile banking... 

MTN invests over R300m in Gauteng network infrastructure

Telecommunications group MTN South Africa is investing R300-million to upgrade its network infrastructure in Gauteng. Part of the company’s broader R4.5-billion national investment plan for 2025,... 

Department commissions R450m KZN wastewater treatment plant

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has commissioned the R450-million Mpophomeni wastewater treatment Works (WWTW), in Mpophomeni, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This strategic... 

Work begins on ambitious ‘whole-of-government’ services digitalisation plan

The South African government is embarking on a new five-year roadmap to deliver a unified and modernised ‘One Person, One Government, One Touch’ system that reshapes how citizens access essential... 

62 dams built in South Africa since 1994

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and various municipalities across South Africa have built dozens of dams since the dawn of democracy, and continue to build the infrastructure required... 

Intelligent technologies reshaping South Africa’s future

Artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and smart platforms are reshaping industries, moving beyond connectivity to building a truly intelligent and sustainable future, enabling industry... 

Homegrown innovation offers lifeline in water emergencies

Amid water outages that present a full-blown operational crisis affecting hospitals, schools, businesses and households, South African company Damsak Reservoirs offers a rapid-to-install... 

Vodacom Business rolls out MPN solution at Sasol

Information and communication technology group Vodacom Business has deployed a mobile private network (MPN) at Sasol’s synthetic fuel facility in Secunda, Mpumalanga. Tailored to meet the specific... 

Vodacom, MTN spending big to boost network coverage in KwaZulu-Natal

Telecommunications groups MTN and Vodacom are both injecting millions of rands into KwaZulu-Natal to enhance network coverage and expand rural access in the province. Vodacom plans to invest... 

DWS convenes working group to tackle Vaalkop invasive infestation

A multi-stakeholder working group is set to be established to respond to the growing infestation of water hyacinth and Salvinia minima at Vaalkop dam in Rustenburg, in the North West province.... 

Module 2 of Klipdrift water treatment works completed

Another 12.5 megalitres a day (Mℓ/d) treatment capacity has been added to the Klipdrift water treatment works, in Tshwane, following the completion of module two. This forms part of a broader... 

Establishment of national water agency draws closer

South Africa’s ambitions of establishing a new State-owned water entity, set to be responsible for financing, developing and managing the country’s water infrastructure, is progressing steadily.... 

Rights body outlines legislative path to combat water infrastructure attacks

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has published a comprehensive policy brief highlighting the various legislative and policy mechanisms available to the State to tackle the... 

Technology boosting performance of mill circuit pumps

Technology to provide critical data for clients on the operational performance of mill circuit pump equipment is being leveraged by original-equipment manufacturer Weir. The global company has, for... 

New report sets stage for evidence-led municipal planning in Gauteng

The Gauteng provincial government, in partnership with multinational professional services firm Ernst & Young, has launched a new report offering a comprehensive analysis and projection of the... 

Mobile industry must accelerate emissions cuts to meet 2050 net-zero goal – report

While the mobile industry's operational emissions are steadily declining, mobile operators must accelerate efforts to halve industry emissions by 2030 to remain on track towards net zero by 2050.... 

Egypt uses Digital Earth Africa for coastal monitoring

Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) has started to leverage the capabilities of Digital Earth Africa to monitor and manage its coastal zones as the country works to strengthen... 

New regulations for electric motors come into effect

South Africa's Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) have now come into effect, marking the start of the phasing out of most three-phase, low-voltage electric motors rated IE1 in the country... 

Vodacom reaches 100% renewable electricity purchasing goal

Telecommunications giant Vodacom Group has reached a major decarbonisation milestone – it now procures 100% of its purchased electricity from renewable sources. In addition to several on-site... 

Tzaneen dam wall raising timeline revised

The raising of the Tzaneen dam wall will now be completed in March 2026, a year later than the initial completion date of March this year. Part of the Letaba river water augmentation project, the... 

High costs, rising investment hit 2024 profits of top 40 global mining companies

Globally, the mining sector – except the gold industry – had a challenging 2024, with declining revenues and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) as the industry... 

Shipping containers used as gantry support

A one-off “shipping container” crane is currently under manufacture for mine maintenance by overhead crane and hoist manufacturer Condra’s authorised agent, Lynx Supply and Services, in Tanzania.... 

Sewage spillages decline as Emfuleni infrastructure gets major overhaul

The Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS’s) interventions to mitigate the significant water and sanitation challenges in Emfuleni local municipality are starting to reduce incidents of sewage... 

Tshwane wastewater, water infrastructure projects advancing

Progress is steadily being made on the refurbishment and repair of the Rooiwaal wastewater treatment works (WWTW) and the construction of the package plant at the existing Klipdrift water treatment... 

Students to lead water-quality monitoring

JSE-listed private education provider ADvTECH, in collaboration with the IIE MSA Centre for Water and the Environment, has launched a national, student-led citizen science project aimed at... 

Maintenance on LHWP tunnel completed

The seven-month maintenance work on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) tunnel has been successfully completed, with water once again flowing from Lesotho into South Africa. The process of... 

MTN launches digital payment solution for informal merchants

Telecommunications group MTN South Africa’s mobile money platform, MoMo, has launched a digital payment solution designed for informal merchants. MoMo Pay offers ease, affordability and... 

Effective planning, prudent resource use critical for water delivery

Ineffective planning, poor project management and corruption are some of the factors negatively impacting the project delivery and, in effect, “standing in the way” of the provision of quality... 

Bold investment needed to secure Southern Africa’s water future

Resilient water infrastructure and cross-border collaboration are critical to Southern Africa’s economic development, environmental sustainability and long-term water security. This is according to... 

New framework aimed at streamlining PPP process takes effect

The National Treasury’s amended Regulation 16, which governs public-private partnerships (PPPs), kicks in on June 1, with the aim of attracting more private-sector investment. The amendments are... 

Cell C says it’s now a strong, capital-light challenger, following recapitalisations and turnarounds

Following years of recapitalisations and turnaround strategies, Cell C believes it has emerged as a strong, capital-light challenger – leaner, smarter and more agile than ever before. Marking a new... 

From nearly empty six months ago, Vaal dam brims after heavy rains

In less than six months, the water storage level of South Africa’s Vaal dam surged from less than 30% capacity in December to overflowing, prompting the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to... 

New water platform to bridge gap between data and decision-making

Geospatial information science company Afrigis has launched a new platform aimed at helping businesses, investors, insurers and financial institutions navigate insights and data to support water... 

Company transforming safety culture through Level 9 PDS

The integration of Level 9 Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) has positively influenced the onsite culture of mining operations over the years, says mine safety original-equipment manufacturer... 

Department invites public input on 1998 Local Government White Paper review

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has released for public input a discussion document on the review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. Interested... 

South Africa, Lesotho sign water resources development project MoU

South Africa and Lesotho have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a framework of cooperation on the proposed construction of two weirs on the Mohokare/Caledon river and to... 

Huawei unveils AI-driven green warehouse in Joburg

Huawei South Africa has showcased its newly opened 14 000 m2 artificial intelligence- (AI-) powered, green intelligent warehouse in Johannesburg. This smart facility boasts advanced technologies... 

KZN estate sets standard in sustainable water management

Simbithi Eco-Estate, a 430 ha residential community in KwaZulu-Natal, has been integrating sustainable water management practices into its everyday operations. The estate’s forward-thinking water... 

MTN launches revamped mobile application

Following the launch of the MTN App in 2019 and its refresh in 2022, telecommunications group MTN has now unveiled the next-generation version of the application. The new MTN App offers introduces...