Elise Jacobs
Cape Town
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Elise Jacobs
WEG Africa applauds energy standards that drive motor efficiency
The announcement by South Africa’s government of its plans to introduce Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) is not a day too soon. Fanie Steyn, Manager Electric Motors at WEG Africa, says the company has argued for these MEPS for many years. Steyn emphasises that this step will be important in helping to drive vital corporate and national priorities.
Combustion Technology Steam Boiler System results in a 40% reduction in gas consumption
WHEN a large industrial bakery in Gauteng needed to replace its boiler and awarded the tender to Combustion Technology, a market leader in oil and gas burners and steam boiler installations, sales, and service in the Southern Hemisphere, it got a lot more than it bargained for. Combustion Technology won the contract when the multinational company needed a new boiler after its old one had failed.
Choosing the correct water softener for your needs
WATER softeners are used to treat water for various industries and applications, from pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and healthcare to food and beverages, water bottling, hospitality (such as hotels and lodges), and domestic settings (to deal with hard water). All boilers need a softener, as well as cooling towers, as boilers help to prevent scale on heat transfer surfaces.
Join the solar and energy storage pavilion at Africa Energy Indaba: Powering a sustainable future
The Africa Energy Indaba, a leading platform dedicated to shaping the future of energy across the African continent, is pleased to announce the launch of the Solar and Energy Storage Pavilion. Scheduled to take place from 5 – 7 March 2024 in Cape Town, this premier pavilion offers a unique opportunity for industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to showcase their innovations, forge strategic partnerships, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.
SAPPMA points out the need to invest in water and sewage at AGM
THE potential negative consequences of inadequate investment in infrastructure, especially when it comes to providing reliable water supply and sewage disposal was highlighted at the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers (SAPPMA) 19th AGM in November. During the meeting, SAPPMA CEO Jan Venter, pointed out the pivotal role of the plastics pipe industry in Southern Africa, especially in the areas of water supply and sewage disposal.
Getting back on track
Chris Hattingh, Executive Director, Centre for Risk Analysis IN 2022 Exxaro (by production the country’s biggest coal miner) exported 5,2 million tons of coal. For 2023 it expects overall volumes to be 1,6% lower than in 2022, or around 5,1 million tons.
Bolt and Engineering celebrates its 40th anniversary: the good things never change, but keep getting better
THE Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D) Group, founded in November 1983, has been supplying the mining, agricultural, construction and engineering sectors with quality fasteners and equipment for 4 decades, celebrating its 40th anniversary in November 2023, embodied in the approach and motto of ‘the good things never change’.
Tailor-made lifting machines save money in the long run
There is often a misconception that a tailor-made machine designed and built to fit specific job requirements will be more expensive than a standard, unmodified machine. On the face of it, a standard machine might seem cheaper, but that may only be so when you compare the purchase price of both machines.
Eskom transmission and distribution opportunities for local OEMs
By Lance Branquinho INVESTMENT in South Africa’s power transmission and distribution network is crucial to supporting necessary economic growth and sustaining the country’s industrial base. The Localisation Support Fund (LSF) latest research into South Africa’s electricity transmission and distribution requirements has identified several opportunities for local manufacturers.
Western Cape municipalities need to create wheeling rates - Cape Business News
By Larry Claasen The province has created a ‘wheeling toolkit’ to help municipalities connect IPPs to their clients THE Western Cape launching of its wheeling toolkit, which provides a framework to municipalities to facilitate connections to their electricity grids, late last year is not the only step needed to facilitate energy trading in the province.
TFG invests R65-million into Tapestry’s factories
By Larry Claasen SPECIALITY lifestyle and apparel retailer TFG is investing R65-million into Tapestry’s Home Brands factories. The arrangement with TFG will allow Tapestry to access R40-million in Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) funding to expand its factories.
Why include water in your sustainability strategy?
By Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem Africa Water is likely already a part of your sustainability strategy. After all, it’s a utility with an associated cost, and every responsible business will track that cost. Yet, even at that level, most companies treat water with broad strokes and don’t gain the advantages of a more nuanced water management strategy. Fortunately, it’s something they can start harnessing quickly.
AES: powerfully positioned to provide impactful energy generation - Cape Business News
As one of South Africa’s leading operations and maintenance (O & M) service providers to the steam and boiler sector, AES occupies a flexible niche where it can optimise existing power infrastructure for heavy industries, while charting gradual sustainability transitions which match clients’ risk profiles and commercial drivers.
Goscor Lift Trucks introduces newly branded Bobcat Forklifts to Southern African Market
GOSCOR Lift Trucks (GLT), a key player in the industrial warehousing equipment sector, is delighted to announce the rebranding of their premier forklift brand, Doosan, which will now be supplied under the iconic Bobcat livery in line with the global Doosan Bobcat rebrand strategy. As a prominent member of the Goscor Group, GLT, has been a leading provider of industrial warehousing equipment solutions since 1984.
Mattei shaping the rail industry
With more than a century of design, manufacture and production experience in the manufacture of air compressor technology, Mattei expanded its capability, with a range of rotary vane compressors providing exceptional flexibility, which provides technically advanced Rotary Vane Compressor solutions for both New and Retrofit rolling stock in support of onboard and infrastructure applications.
Eskom needs R72 billion to expand its grid by almost 3 000 km
Eskom needs R72 billion to expand its grid by almost 3 000 km Jan 15, 2024Jan 15, 2024 11:54 am GMT 1 view Power group says it actually needs to be expanded by 14 200 km. POWER utility Eskom needs R72 billion to expand its grid capacity by almost 3 000 km over the next five years. According to its 2023/32 Transmission Development Plan (TDP), it needs billions of rands to fund the construction of 2 890 km in extra-high-voltage lines and 60 transformers by the close of its 2027 financial year.
BPO generates R24-billion in revenue in the Western Cape
By Larry Claasen Business Process Outsourcing is growing from strength to strength, with 7 900 new jobs bringing in R2.7-billion in foreign revenue in the past financial year. THE Western Cape Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector now contributes as much as tourism to the region’s economy. The BPO sector employs 70 000 catering to the offshore market in the province.
Nedbank recognised as the Best SME Bank in South Africa for the second consecutive year
Nedbank has once again been named the Best SME Bank in South Africa at by The Asian Banker Global Middle East and Africa Awards. This marks the second consecutive year that the bank has received this prestigious accolade, affirming its unwavering commitment to excellence in serving and supporting South Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Asian Banker Global Awards is one of the most distinguished annual recognition events in the global financial services industry.
Eskom needs R72 billion to expand its grid by almost 3 000 km - Cape Business News
By Larry Claasen Power group says it actually needs to be expanded by 14 200 km. POWER utility Eskom needs R72 billion to expand its grid capacity by almost 3 000 km over the next five years. According to its 2023/32 Transmission Development Plan (TDP), it needs billions of rands to fund the construction of 2 890 km in extra-high-voltage lines and 60 transformers by the close of its 2027 financial year.
WearCheck at Mining Indaba 2024
Specialist condition monitoring company, WearCheck, is showcasing its range of mining-related predictive maintenance techniques, products and services at the 2024 Investing in Africa Mining Indaba in Cape Town’s ICC from 5-8 February 2024. Technical manager, Steven Lumley, and a team of technical experts from WearCheck will be on hand to demonstrate the company’s world-class technology-based solutions.
Getting the most from social and labour plans
South African mining companies are spending substantial sums on their Social and Labour Plans (SLPs). As a tool for improving the positive impacts of mining in South Africa, the SLPs developed and executed by mines have not produced optimal outcomes – but the industry is continually improving their approach and understanding.
Refurbishment of filters at Wemmershoek Water Treatment Plant on track
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is investing R25 million towards major infrastructure refurbishment at Wemmershoek – one of the City’s twelve water treatment plants (WTPs). Twenty concrete filters are being restored as part of the bulk water Infrastructure Refurbishment and Replacement Programme. The refurbishment at Wemmershoek WTP started in April 2023 and is due to be completed by the end of December 2024.
SA, Zimbabwe have a collective responsibility to prevent illegal activities at ports
He was speaking during a visit by the Zimbabwe Border Ports Authority in Pretoria. The Commissioner said the South Africa/Zimbabwe border has long been a symbol of the intricate web of connections between the two countries.
A rise in travel scams puts a damper on festive cheer
How to avoid falling prey to travel-related fraud The festive season typically sees a boom in travel-related sales volumes as many South Africans make their way to local or international tourism destinations. The unfortunate reality, however, is that unsuspecting travellers caught make easy pickings for scammers and fraudsters. South Africans are therefore encouraged to keep their wits about them when searching for travel packages and deals.
October sales volumes underwhelm expectations, reverting to a contraction
Stats SA’s latest Retail Sales data commentary by Siphamandla Mkhwanazi, FNB Senior Economist. Following the first expansion of the year in September, retail sales volumes reverted to contractionary territory, declining by 2.5% y/y in October. This was materially lower than the Reuters consensus expectation of a 0.9% increase. On a month-on-month basis, seasonally adjusted volumes fell deeper by 1.2%, from a marginal decline of 0.1% (revised down from a 0.1% growth).
Scan, click, pay — City payment done! - Cape Business News
City customers can make use of easy and convenient online options, including scanning QR codes on their municipal invoices, to pay their accounts. The City urges residents to make use of our convenient online booking system to save time and get ahead of the queue this festive season. ‘The City has implemented a number of measures in recent months to make it easier than ever for residents to pay their municipal accounts.
Cape Town Container Terminal receives seven additional gantry cranes - Cape Business News
On 11 December 2023, the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) received a delivery of seven pre-used rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs). The acquisition of the RTGs is part of Transnet Port Terminals’ (TPT) turnaround plan, whose key priorities include equipment availability in order to support operational efficiencies. The delivery of the RTGs coincides with the peak of the deciduous season, which is the busiest time for the terminal.
Hot Dip Galvanizers Association advocates local content to ensure sector sustainability
Over the past decade, South Africa’s steel value chain has been stretched to the limit with myriad challenges: from reduced infrastructure spend, conflicting policy implementation, to the global pandemic and more recently, national power grid supply challenges. However, the steel sector has proven to be very resilient, with strategically astute companies which survived the past decade determined to build sustainable businesses.
“Energising tomorrow: Scatec ignites one of the world’s largest hybrid solar and battery project in South Africa”
In a significant step towards a sustainable and resilient future, Scatec ASA, a leader in renewable energy solutions, has officially started producing and supplying electricity to the national grid from the three Kenhardt plants in the Northern Cape Province, in South Africa. The Kenhardt project is positioned to make a notable impact on the renewable energy landscape as one of the world’s first and largest hybrid solar and battery storage facilities.
First units snapped up at Growthpoint’s new Arterial Industrial Estate development in Blackheath
Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has let the first two of six units in phase one of its new Arterial Industrial Estate development in Cape Town to Jotun, one of the world’s leading paints and coatings manufacturers. Arterial Industrial Estate is a ground-breaking industrial development by Growthpoint on a sizable 71,656sqm site in the heart of the growing and modernising established industrial area of Blackheath, Cape Town.
Port Elizabeth Bulk Terminal opens after a successful maintenance shutdown
The Port Elizabeth Bulk Terminal successfully concluded its annual ten-day maintenance shutdown to ensure the seamless handling of manganese for the next twelve months. This was a planned initiative carried out in agreement with customers where bulk handling equipment like tipplers, stackers, reclaimers, ship-loaders, feeders and over ten kilometres of conveyor belt system were all serviced.
Top musicians, dancing, gaming and a shoppers’ paradise at My Cape Town Market Company’s Garden
Feel the festive vibes at this year’s My Cape Town Market Company’s Garden happening between 16 and 20 December at the iconic space in the CBD. ‘Shoppers, gamers, music lovers, families and friends have to get to My Cape Town Market Company’s Garden because there is something special for everyone! Enjoy the best in live entertainment from Locnville, Jimmy Nevis and a host of other stars. Watch Cape Town’s top dance crews battle it out in the My Cape Town Moves competition.
Experts urge homeowners to fortify their security with solar for uninterrupted protection
By Rein Snoeck-Henkemans, CEO of Alumo Energy Whether you’re setting off on vacation or going on a day trip with friends or family this festive season, you’ll want peace of mind that your home is safe. Unfortunately, that’s made all the more difficult when your security cameras, alarm system, and indoor and outdoor lights are left inoperative due to load-shedding. There’s no telling whether and how much electricity we’ll have this December period.
Solar lighting solution for Fisherman’s Lane - Cape Business News
BEKA Schréder has supplied the solar lighting solution for the Fisherman’s Lane precinct at Strandfontein Pavilion in Muizenberg, Western Cape. The City of Cape Town has upgraded the Fisherman’s Lane precinct, which includes the removal of the damaged road and seawall, the provision of a new access road to link the parking areas, and the construction of new recreational facilities.
The chemistry of energy: AES ensures cost-effective and energy-efficient operations and maintenance in the chemical sector - Cape Business News
“Anything that we can do to help manage inflationary pressures, and to ensure a manufacturer can get their products to market cost-effectively – so that their customers can affordably access what they need – is always a good thing,” says Associated Energy Services (AES) Commercial Director, Dennis Williams.
Sliding through time: Lubrication from stone age to modern age
By Steven Lumley – technical manager, WearCheck From stone age to modern age, pharaohs to phenols, the history of lubrication is a story that demonstrates how a seemingly simple substance – oil – has propelled human progress, shaped industries, and ushered in a world of smoother operations and optimised performance.
ACSA ready for huge festive season passenger rush
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is pleased to announce that it is ready to welcome large volumes of travellers to its airports across the country this festive season, with contingency plans and strategies in place to deal with the busiest days of the year. ACSA is currently in its peak season, which started at the end of October 2023 and runs until the end of March 2024, for which preparation started three to four months ago.
WCG adjustments budget votes offer hope despite national government’s fiscal mess
Western Cape Government (WCG) departments last week tabled their Adjustments Budget votes in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP). This year’s adjustments votes were unprecedented because provincial governments across South Africa are being forced to make drastic current financial year cuts. The adjustments lay the foundation for the next phase of the budget cycle.
Bold, decisive and urgent reform needed to save the steel sector
Last week a lot has been reported into assessing the likely impact the potential closure of ArcelorMittal SA’s operations in Newcastle and Vereeniging, as well as ArcelorMittal Rail and Structural will have on the South African economy. A number of alarming outcomes are emerging which all point to the fact that the country cannot allow this scenario to play out. Bold and aggressive reform even at the localised level are now, more than ever, urgently needed.
African countries should reject anti-fossil fuel policies at COP 28
The hypocritical, biased and unjust climate agenda poses a direct threat towards Africa’s development, and countries should remain resilient in their efforts to defend their right to utilize oil and gas.
De Beers nurtures small businesses in reaching diamond dreams
Forging transformation in the diamond sector through nurturing carefully selected small businesses, De Beers takes a hands-on approach that adapts to past experience. This has led the company to extend its support beyond the cutting and polishing segments, and into manufacturing and jewellery, according to De Beers Beneficiation Manager Kagiso Fredericks.
Despite catastrophic national failures, the Western Cape is the hope for South Africa
As we near the end of 2023, we reflect on the highs and lows of the past year. Our province and country have been made to endure another challenging year, as a result of massive failures by national government. On Tuesday, it was announced that the contraction of the economy in the third quarter sparked fears of a looming technical recession. Statistics South Africa announced that economic activity declined by 0.2% in the three months since September.
Mayor Hill-Lewis condemns R107m housing grant-funding cuts
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has condemned the R107m in national housing funding cuts to the City, as part of nationwide cuts to grant-funding for municipalities and provinces. Speaking during a City Council sitting to pass an adjustment budget due to the cuts, Mayor Hill-Lewis said the City will use all legal means at its disposal to oppose further expected cuts to Cape Town’s equitable share funding when the main national budget is tabled next year.
ENGIE to build two solar photovoltaic power plants in South Africa
ENGIE is pleased to announce that it has reached commercial close for two solar photovoltaic power plants under Bid Window Five (BW5) of South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP). This milestone follows the signing of the power purchase and implementation agreements with Eskom and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, in December 2022.
Small businesses can get a big boost by applying for City of Cape Town's Smart Supplier Programme
Applications close on 26th January 2024 The eighth annual Smart Supplier Readiness Programme has been launched by the City of Cape Town. This initiative aims to grow and support small businesses. It will empower them to engage effectively with corporate supply chains and access new and larger contract opportunities in the public and private sector. Applications for the programme are open and all qualifying vendors are invited to apply before the closing date on 26 January 2024.
Forging your path to success: Regent Business School’s expert guidance
Making the right career choices can be a daunting task, especially for recent Matriculants or those contemplating a midlife career shift. But here’s the good news – it’s never too late to pursue your dreams or change your career path, and Regent Business School (RBS) is here to guide you through the journey of informed decision-making.
COP28 Parliamentary Delegation emphasises role of blended finance in achieving energy transition
South Africa has comprehensive policy tools to respond to climate change adaptation and mitigation needs but timely access to funding remains a major impediment to implementing the country’s Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan.Mr Cedric Frolick, the House Chairperson for Committees, Oversight and ICT in the National Assembly made these remarks at a COP28 Global Legislators Organisation’s event under the theme: “Just Transition: A parliamentary perspective on South Africa’s progress...
New study by Weir highlights big energy saving opportunity in mining
The Weir Group PLC, a global mining technology leader, has completed a comprehensive study that highlights a significant opportunity to reduce energy use and emissions in comminution, the rock crushing process that is key to minerals extraction, and that consumes around 3% of the world’s electrical power each year (1). The study shows that replacing conventional technology with innovative new solutions can cut energy use by 40% while also avoiding 50% of CO2e emissions.
There is still time to fix NHI Bill
Health Funders Association to petition President Ramaphosa The National Assembly and National Council of Provinces’ adoption of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill is a disservice to South Africa and its citizens, and the Health Funders Association (HFA) is petitioning the President to reconsider certain aspects of the proposed legislation.
Netcare sprints to energy efficiency
When it comes to moving the needle on sustainability, Netcare Ltd, one of South Africa’s leading private healthcare providers, understands that actions speak louder than words, with the company investing more than R624 million in environmental sustainability projects over the past decade.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Elise
Contact Elise, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack