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SKF goes the extra ‘production line’ mile to ensure on- time delivery

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SKF South Africa received an order from an OEM customer to supply bearings, units, housings and sleeves for a conveyor pulley application. According to SKF Key Accounts Manager, Anneritha Maritz, the customer, a leading OEM manufacturer of conveyor pulleys, requested complete delivery within one month from order. “However, the 2016 summer holidays in Europe would delay the required delivery date by approximately four weeks. So we approached the SKF planning department based in Gothenburg, Sweden, for assistance. They immediately came to our aid; instead of closing the lines in the factory for the holidays, they in fact opened up three production lines to accommodate the manufacture of the bearings and complete the order on time.” The OEM customer was extremely pleased to receive the SKF bearings and related products on the promised delivery date which in turn enabled them to meet their delivery deadline to the end-user. The OEM is a longstanding SKF customer who has bee...
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SKF offers new electric cartridge pump

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SKF announced the introduction of the Electric Cartridge Pump ECP. Developed to lubricate bearings and linear guides in small machines, this reliable pump includes an integrated pressure-relief valve that enables its use in single-line lubrication systems such as SKF MonoFlex. The Electric Cartridge Pump ECP is a cost effective and simple to operate lubrication solution, packaged in a modern, space-saving design. Utilising easy to exchange 380 ml cartridges (12.8 fl. oz.), it is compatible with both oil and fluid greases. This electrically driven piston pump uses 24 V DC and is controlled by an external programmable logic controller (PLC) for convenience. In addition, the Electric Cartridge Pump ECP is capable of manually activating a lubrication cycle and can be used with an optional, integrated level switch to monitor the fill level of the cartridge. SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical sup...
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Gas ‘would power SA growth’

A gas economy could significantly drive South African economic growth, and the discovery of substantial natural gas reserves in the Karoo would be akin to finding gold and sparking a new gold rush, speakers said at the opening of the 4th annual Africa LPG Summit and Natural Gas & CNG Africa Forum in Johannesburg today. LPG could pave the way for a gas economy, with imported LNG and indigenous SA gas exploration following, delegates heard. However, challenges such as affordability and accessibility of LPG, the regulatory environment, and a dearth of infrastructure and skills stood in the way of a rapid move to a gas economy, they said. Opening the Summit in Kempton Park this morning, Niall Kramer, CEO of the South African Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA), said: “There is enormous interest in potentially exploring for oil and gas in South Africa. However, the amended Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) is not in place yet, and investors want clarity and stability ...
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The calls for radical economic transformation in South Africa’s mining sector, particularly transformation that favours the country’s communities, are rising in their urgency, their frustration, their exasperation. So it was with no small measure of pride that dignitaries, shareholders, business luminaries, and VIP guests gathered on 22 June 2017 at the Kalahari Country Club in Kathu, Northern Cape to celebrate the success of a truly transformed South African mining investment company. Arguably, the biggest cause for celebration, particularly among Ntsimbintle’s grassroots level shareholders, was the company’s latest dividend payment of R300 million in April. Saki Macozoma, Ntsimbintle Chairman says, ‘On a night such as this, we see how deep the transformation can truly run when we, as key players in the mining industry, honour our communities, particularly those surrounding the mine.’ Ntsimbintle is a manganese mining and exploration business that was born out of South Africa’s own transformation when in 2002, Government announced it wanted to broaden ownership of the country’s strategic resources – resources that were at the time almost completely controlled by established big business. Macozoma says, ‘It was time to build a legacy, and we wanted to create one that would benefit all our children, their children, and even their children’s children.’ In 2003, nine black groups formed Ntsimbintle to create a broad based Black Economic Empowerment company to pursue manganese opportunities in South Africa. Today, after years of dedication, determination, and hard work, the Ntsimbintle family consists of 16 shareholders, many of whom are grassroots level shareholders from within the Northern Cape and have benefitted directly from the company’s success. The John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust, previously known as the Kgalagadi Rural Poverty Node Charitable Trust, is one such shareholder. This trust, made up of members directly from the Kgalagadi district, is a specialist unit with a key focus on issues pertaining to the youth, people living with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, poverty alleviation, and women and children. The John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust is a 14.44% shareholder of Ntsimbintle, and its Chairperson Ms Cynthia Mogodi sits on Ntsimbintle’s board of directors. To date, the John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust has received dividend payments amounting to R46.2 million from Ntsimbintle. This has greatly empowered the trust to carry out its mandate to champion sustainable socio-economic solutions for the poor and needy people of the Kgalagadi district. Among John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust’s key socio-economic initiatives are a human resource development foundation, a bursary scheme, a multi-purpose centre, and a community radio station. Macozoma says, ‘We are immensely proud that among our shareholders we have those like the John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust, who are so deeply dedicated to uplift the historically disadvantaged people of the Northern Cape.’ With a world class portfolio of manganese assets there is ample for Ntsimbintle to celebrate. Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining, a premium asset, is one such reason. Based in the Kalahari Manganese Field, Tshipi Borwa is estimated to be one of the five largest manganese exporters globally and the largest single manganese mine in South Africa. During the first four months of this year, Tshipi achieved monthly production volumes capable of supporting in excess of 3 million tonnes per year, exporting more than any other producer in South Africa. The Mine also does its share in socio-economic development and has partnered with the Department of Mineral Resources and the Joe Morolong District Municipality, to develop and implement a comprehensive Social and Labour Plan. Some of Tshipi’s projects include the teacher development programme, a bulk water supply project, an enterprise development project, learnership programmes and bursaries at various universities across South Africa. Yet Macozoma says there is more to look forward to. Mokala Manganese, an entity in which Ntsimbintle owns 51%, is considering the development of a new manganese project with a total resource of approximately 80 million tonnes, 12 million tonnes of which is mineable by opencast means. A feasibility study has been completed on the project, with the Mining Right application submitted thereafter. The award of this mining right is imminent. A decision will be made by all shareholders post receipt of all permits on the development of the project. Just recently, Ntsimbintle reached agreement with Lehating Mining and its major shareholder, Traxys Projects LP, to amalgamate the Lehating Mining Right and the future mining right in respect of the Wessels prospecting area into one mine. The soon to be Lehating/Khwara amalgamated mine is one of the few remaining high grade (49%) manganese deposits in the Kalahari Manganese Field with approximately 25 million tonnes of mineable manganese ore. The years of dedication, determination, and hard work have paid off: the future for Ntsimbintle, its partners and shareholders, looks brighter than ever before. ‘It is an honour to be part of such an incredible journey of transformation,’ Macozoma concludes , ‘and to finally see the vast mineral wealth of our country being shared more equitably among the people than ever in our history.’

Nedbank's series of popular sustainability guides gives you practical tips for your home and business to lessen your impact on the environment Johannesburg, South Africa (11 July 2017) – Has the drought or unreliable, expensive electricity made you consider how you can save water, conserve energy and run a more sustainable home or business? In recent months many South Africans have been impacted by severe water restrictions – and this on the heels of the load shedding that was experienced across the country. Many want to lessen their impact on very scarce natural resources, but just don't know how. The Nedbank sustainability guides – which can be downloaded below next to each category – offer households and business owners useful knowledge and practical tips about living and working in ways that lessen their impact on our country's scarce resources and help to preserve its natural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations. The Nedbank Smart Living Gui...
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NTSIMBINTLE MINING: CELEBRATING TRANSFORMATION WHERE IT’S NEEDED MOST

The calls for radical economic transformation in South Africa’s mining sector, particularly transformation that favours the country’s communities, are rising in their urgency, their frustration, their exasperation. So it was with no small measure of pride that dignitaries, shareholders, business luminaries, and VIP guests gathered on 22 June 2017 at the Kalahari Country Club in Kathu, Northern Cape to celebrate the success of a truly transformed South African mining investment company. Arguably, the biggest cause for celebration, particularly among Ntsimbintle’s grassroots level shareholders, was the company’s latest dividend payment of R300 million in April. Saki Macozoma, Ntsimbintle Chairman says, ‘On a night such as this, we see how deep the transformation can truly run when we, as key players in the mining industry, honour our communities, particularly those surrounding the mine.’ Ntsimbintle is a manganese mining and exploration business that was born out of South Afric...
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SAEFA confident that commitment to interests of all parties can still avoid engineering sector strikes

Johannesburg; 12 July 2017 - While trade unions have applied for a certificate to launch strike action within the South African engineering sector, this does not necessarily mean that strikes are now inevitable, nor that such action is the only option still available to workers in the sector. That’s the view of Gordon Angus, Executive Director of the South African Engineers and Founders Association (SAEFA). SAEFA have appointed an independent lead negotiator to represent employers in the current wage negotiations with engineering and steel sector workers and their unions. “The reality is that strike action will be extremely detrimental to employees and the sector as a whole,” Angus emphasises, “not to mention the additional pressure that it will bring to bear on the already tenuous economic situation in the country.” Angus points to Jonathan Goldberg’s appointment as an independent negotiator by SAEFA, at their own expense, as a clear indication by the Association and the more th...
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Sub-Saharan Africa needs a ‘gas economy

Natural gas should not be overlooked as a key solution to several sub-Saharan African energy challenges In the rush to adopt renewable energy, Africa may be overlooking the cost savings, efficiencies and lifestyle enhancing properties of gas, say experts participating in the upcoming Africa LPG and CNG Summit and expo in Johannesburg. Over 500 international gas stakeholders will converge at Emperors Palace for the Summit on 11 – 12 July, to focus on challenges and opportunities for LPG and CNG in Africa. Niall Kramer, CEO of the South African Oil & Gas Alliance (SAOGA), says "The world has a glut of gas, prices per MMBTU are low and we may still be sitting on catalytic opportunities to find and produce oil and gas across sub-Saharan Africa.” While renewables are creating jobs and opportunity, and the prices have come down, he says, “What do we do when the sun is not shining and the wind’s not blowing? Gas can be switched on quickly and is an ideal complement to renewables...
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