Tag: maintenance

Earlier this month, a bus caught fire inside Africa's longest road tunnel, the Huguenot Tunnel. The flames were sorted out “chop chop”. The traffic, not so much. Like a braai without firelighters, everything smoked for about two weeks. For most drivers, it meant longer trips and irritation. Still, we are South Africans. We do not sit still. We find another road, dodge a few potholes and carry on.

Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) are not new in the automation and control industry. They are also not new in many adjacent industries. However, they remain one of the most important aspects for any business that relies on complex automation, control, and electrical systems.

For centuries, the property sector has been predominately male. This was true not only in property sales but also in the building and maintenance of small and large-scale developments. Women were rarely considered for roles such as architects or artisans.

South Africa’s manufacturing sector is moving quickly to adopt AI-powered digital automation tools. These tools enhance efficiency, product precision and workforce optimisation. I explore the economy’s journey to automated factories as we host our first annual ‘Technology in Manufacturing Conference’ in Cape Town, in partnership with Zebra Technologies.

South Africa’s buildings are carrying silent risks, and many business owners or occupants don’t know it. From outdated fire systems to water outages that disable suppression infrastructure, the cracks in compliance are becoming more dangerous. I see the same pattern repeatedly.

In today’s digital age, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rely heavily on their IT infrastructure. It is essential for maintaining smooth operations and staying competitive. However, managing IT systems can be complex and time-consuming. This is especially true for SMEs that operate with limited resources.

In safety-critical sectors, the reliability of breathalyser testing must be unquestionable. Any potential for miscalibration carries serious risks. These range from compromised safety to significant legal liabilities. To ensure accuracy, employers must prioritise regular calibration and maintenance

Access to reliable electricity remains a significant challenge across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas. Expanding grid infrastructure is often prohibitively expensive and impractical due to difficult terrain and large distances from urban centres. As a result, millions of people rely on costly and polluting diesel generators or go without electricity altogether. Off-grid solar solutions have emerged as a transformative tool in bridging this energy gap.

At the recent DEVAC Infrastructure Summit, a powerful theme emerged: Africa cannot trade, grow or connect at scale without fixing its transport infrastructure. Outdated rail networks, congested ports and deteriorating roads have left the continent’s logistics backbone under immense strain. However, within that strain lies an opportunity.

Pricing a home correctly from the outset is key to maximising returns and ensuring a smooth selling process. Setting the right asking price can mean the difference between a quick, successful sale and a prolonged listing. A listing that struggles to attract buyers can become problematic.