Process & Operations

Africa, a continent blessed with abundant natural resources, is home to many people reliant on traditional cooking methods. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly four out of five Africans still use traditional cooking fuels. These fuels include wood and charcoal, which contribute to deforestation and carbon pollution.

Legal opportunities in mining are rapidly expanding as South Africa’s mining sector continues to evolve. This offers significant growth and policy influence. In recent months, a wave of international law firms has closed their doors in South Africa. They cite challenges like economic uncertainty. As a mining lawyer, I have a deep-rooted belief in this country’s potential.

In a world where computational power drives countless systems, processes, and daily activities, prioritising data centre operations is essential. The data centre acts as the glue holding the inanimate world together. A data centre is the unsung hero behind artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and high-performance computing (HPC).

The adoption of fleet management systems in South Africa is accelerating. This is leading to safer roads. To keep up with rapidly evolving telematics technology, fleet operators are advised to view their systems through a more holistic lens. According to the Fleet Management in South Africa 2024 report, the country’s fleet telematics market penetration rate is expected to rise. It is estimated to grow from 41.5% in 2021 to 68% of the total fleet vehicle population by 2026.

As technology accelerates and sustainability gains global attention, supply chain management is becoming a crucial driver of business success. In South Africa, unique challenges such as rising costs and resource constraints are inspiring innovation through digitisation and sustainability.

The findings of PwC’s inaugural Voice of the Consumer Survey highlight changing attitudes toward responsibly sourced and eco-friendly goods. Released in May 2024, the findings are based on 15 years of research and insights from over 20,000 shoppers in 31 countries. 46% of respondents reported buying more sustainable products to reduce their personal environmental impact. These evolving attitudes have caught the attention of South African e-commerce businesses, given the growth of online shopping.

As South Africa assumes the presidency of the Global Group of 20 (G20) in December, it faces significant opportunities. The country is set to lead global discussions on sustainable energy and economic development for the Global South. "Just energy transition" and financing solutions for economic growth are the top priorities on South Africa’s G20 agenda. This highlights the need for innovative, resilient, and green technology solutions.

Engineers have long drawn inspiration from nature. Examples of such biomimicry include passive ventilation systems modelled after termite mounds and wind turbine blades with scalloped edges, inspired by humpback whale flippers, which reduce drag dramatically.

In Johannesburg, City Improvement Districts (CIDs) play a crucial role in urban development and management. These districts focus on collaboration. Property owners and tenants work together to tackle critical urban challenges. As a result, they enhance the quality of business environments.

In a welcome twist for South African businesses juggling cost pressures with environmental targets, sustainable hotels are emerging as an unexpected solution. Companies switching to green accommodation are discovering significant savings alongside meaningful reductions in their carbon footprint.