Issue 02
Base Titanium
Kenya's extractive industries attract attention The sheer size and potential of Base Resources' Kwale Mineral Sands Project in Kenya is impressive and it is tipped to be a "globally significant" producer, with a front-ended production profile over a 13-year mine life. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Debbie Clark In January construction of Base Resources' Kwale Mineral Sand Project passed the half way mark and it is now more than 70 percent complete, with production on track for the second half of this year. The first bulk shipments of product are expected in December and key offtake arrangements are in place. "It is safe to say that development is well advanced and on schedule," says Joe Schwarz, general manager for external affairs and development, who explained that Kwale is poised to become a "globally significant" producer, with a front-ended production profile over a 13-year mine life. "It is estimated it will go on to contribute some $300 million to the government of Kenya in direct tax and royalty payments," he says. The project offers Kenya "immediate growth potential" with its development expected to contribute significantly to driving economic growth in various industries including energy, construction, transportation and finance. "Kwale was first initiated by Canadian explorer Tiomin Resources in the mid-90s," says Schwarz. "They carried out the initial exploration, environmental, re-settlement and feasibility work but after several years of advancing the project they suffered a series of setbacks until, in July 2010, they sold the project assets to Base Resources." From there, says Schwarz - and with the…
Wilderness Holdings
Wilderness announces reshuffle, targets African growth.Writer Ian ArmitageProject Manager Stuart ShirraWhether you go deep bush in northern Kruger or follow the big cats in the Maasai Mara, a trip into the wilderness will be life-changing and it’s very probably the number one thing on your list of stuff to do in Africa. This is where Wilderness Holdings comes in. It has been providing tailor-made holidays and superb accommodation to African visitors for 30 years. Indeed, it is the largest safari company in the SADC region. “We’re a company that operates on a policy of conservation through tourism and share the benefits with local communities,” says acting CEO Keith Vincent. “Wilderness began life as Wilderness Safaris in Botswana in 1983 and it is the holding company for many of Africa’s premier ecotourism brands: Wilderness Safaris; Wilderness Air; Wilderness Adventures; Wilderness Explorations; Wilderness Collection; Wilderness Wildlife Trust; and Children in the Wilderness. Each of these brands is a leader in its specific niche.” Wilderness has countless properties throughout Southern Africa: the Okavango Delta in Botswana; Sossusvlei in Namibia; Kruger Park in South Africa, Kafue, Victoria Falls in Zambia; and Hwange in Zimbabwe, to name a few. “We’ve got it all,” says Vincent. “In terms of safari we’ve a vast array of world-class lodges to choose from.” Mr Vincent replaced Andy Payne in March, albeit on a temporary basis. “This is part of a significant change,” he explains. “It is part of our bid to improve operations as well as to build further executive capacity and to support our operations in Botswana. We would…
Msunduzi Municipality
Rising from the ashes Like a phoenix from the flames, the Msunduzi Municipality has risen from the ashes. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Tom Lloyd It is early 2010. The Msunduzi Municipality is in disarray. The situation is bad. It's dire. Things are so bad that KZN's local governance and traditional affairs MEC Nomusa Dube has put the municipality under administration. It has descended into what she described as "turmoil". Dube announced that her office would take over the municipality's administration. She sent three experts, two accountants and an auditor to look at expenditure and supply chain management. The collapse of governance and financial management in Msunduzi led to the sacking of the mayor, Zanele Hlatshwayo, and her executive. A new executive under a new mayor was put in place. Things soon improved. In fact, the turnaround was profound. Dube proclaimed that she'd brought financial stability, service delivery, governance and accountability to the municipality. She had. "We are looking to a bright future," says Municipal spokesperson Brian Zuma. "We aren't where we would want or like to be, but we've made some very good progress. We have stabilised financially and marching forward." Msunduzi was a victim of all the things that affect every municipality: falling revenues, growing debt, crumbling infrastructure, corruption and decreasing technical and other skills. "Inadequate revenue collection, electricity outages due to ageing infrastructure and a high staff vacancy rate were the problems. We had to act," says Zuma. "First, we had to get in shape financially to stand any change of improving service…
Ekurhuleni Muncipality
Ekurhuleni's Aerotropolis set for take off Key to Ekurhuleni municipality's 2055 Growth and Development Strategy is the aerotropolis masterplan. Africa Outlook has a look at the proposals. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Stuart Platt It's no secret that there needs to be improvement in how South Africa is managed at a national, provincial and municipal level. According to the auditor general, only five percent of municipalities obtained clean audit reports in the financial year 2011/2012. There are currently 343 municipalities in the country and worryingly five of South Africa's nine provinces did not have a single municipality with a clean audit, including Gauteng, the country's economic engine. The Gauteng Province is divided into three metropolitan municipalities – City of Johannesburg, City of Tswane, and Ekurhuleni - and two district municipalities (Sedibeng and West Rand), which are further divided into seven local municipalities. In 2009, the Gauteng Provincial Government deployed a specialised team in Ekurhuleni to assist in accelerating 'the provision of services, infrastructure development and to deal with outstanding disputes'. The municipality had been facing challenges in its finances, infrastructure and planning. It also lagged behind in providing key services. The municipality requested that the provincial government step in and deploy a team to assist in the short term, isolating and resolving issues that may be impeding proper service delivery in specific areas. Much has since changed. But there is still work to be done. In his latest state of the city address, Mayor Mondli Gungubele talked at length about the municipality's 2055 Growth and Development…
Oak Valley Estate
Farmworker spring Oak Valley Estate's Anthony Rawbone-Viljoen talks diversification, award-winning wines and the farmworkers strike. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Eddie Clinton Anthony Rawbone- Viljoen's Oak Valley Estate in South Africa's Elgin wine production Ward measures 1786 hectares and he has been farming the property his greatgrandfather founded in 1898 since 1973, helping to create a dynamic business, producing top-class award winning wines, cut flowers, grassfed beef, free-range corn-feed, pork and fruits. His first wine in the modern era was produced on the estate in 2003, when winemaker Pieter Visser created the maiden Oak Valley sauvignon blanc. It was an instant success. "We have made great strides in the market since and we now produce seven wines," says Rawbone-Viljoen. The Oak Valley range of wines includes a sauvignon blanc, a chardonnay, a sauvignon/semillon blend (The OV), a pinot noir and a shiraz. "The cool climate of the Elgin region, meticulous vineyard management and a very special respect for the indigenous flora and fauna combine to create wines with finesse and elegance. The Elgin Ward is considered to be one of the most distinctively cool areas in South Africa and this is reflected in the styles of wine produced here. The flavours of our wines are characterised by mineral undertones, complimented by fresh acidity, giving an elegance that has its origins in the cool terroir of the valley." There is more to Oak Valley than wine. It is also one of the largest deciduous fruit production units in South Africa. "We've an extensive fruit business," says Rawbone-Viljoen.…
Wasteman Holdings
Wasteman sets aggressive growth target Wasteman Group offers specialist waste removal and disposal services to all sectors of the South African market and is looking to grow this year. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Donovan Smith South African waste management company Wasteman provides total waste management solutions to clients in the industrial, commercial and municipal sectors across South Africa. Its blend of technical expertise, environmentally friendly methods, and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, means it can offer tailormade and unique packages of services to meet individual client's needs. Wasteman handles over one million tons of waste and services approximately 15,000 customers nationwide. "We're a diversified waste management company with specialised vehicles, auxiliary equipment and landfill sites as well as a whole spectrum of other services. Our goal is sustainable solutions for a greener future," says Wasteman's Dave Marock. Wasteman has come a long way since being founded some 30 years ago by one man with a van, and is now one of South Africa's leading waste management and environmental services companies. "Our achievements are due largely to the loyalty of our customer partners and the absolute dedication and contribution of all our employees," Marock says. And now the company is looking to grow. "As we all know, the last four to five years - due to the worldwide recession - has been tough," Marock says. "But Wasteman has restructured and adapted to the new environment. Wasteman is focusing on cashflow, costs, and margins, even if the turnover is lower, to have a sound stable business and we…
RO-AL Construction
Telecom boom leaves RO-AL purring Mobile telecoms in Africa: Africa Outlook talks to Willie Pretorius, Director of Operations at Ro-Al Construction, one of the leading players for mobile telecommunications infrastructure construction and maintenance work in South Africa. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell The upsurge in Sub-Saharan African mobile telecommunications has seen South Africa based RO-AL Construction grow tenfold in a decade. The firm, founded in 1991, began life working on medium-sized industrial, commercial, retail and institutional projects within the Johannesburg area. In 1995 it extended its operations to mobile telecommunication infrastructure development and maintenance and soon after completed its first project with mobile telecommunications operator Vodacom. RO-AL never really looked back and in the years since has refocused its attentions to the growing infrastructure for mobile phone networks, seeking ISO9001, ISO8001 and ISO14001 accreditation, and becoming one of the leading players for mobile telecommunications infrastructure construction and maintenance work in South Africa. Vodacom is still a client. "It started with Vodacom in Johannesburg and when they expanded we expanded with them. Today we have national coverage, with offices and resources strategically placed throughout the country," says Willie Pretorius, Director of Operations at Ro-Al Construction. Ro-Al Construction still has a fantastic relationship with Vodacom and services its GSM network. "Initially our relationship with them was predominantly around infrastructure maintenance but we've diversified to such a point where we can take care of about 80 percent of the various disciplines in that environment nowadays. We cover a lot more than before and we believe in servicing…
Stefanutti Stocks Botswana : Fairscape Precinct Opens its Doors
Africa Outlook talks to Tim Stow, GM of Stefanutti Stocks Botswana, the main contractor on Botswana’s groundbreaking Fairscape project.
Broll Namibia : Maximising Property Potential
Founded in 2003, Broll Namibia is a leading and independent property services company in Namibia aiming to maximise property potential.
Broll Ghana : Interview with Kofi Ampong
Africa Outlook talks to Kofi Ampong, CEO of Broll Ghana – the winner of the 2012 Ghana Property Award for Best Facilities Management Company.
Hillcrest Private Hospital
Medical marvel Nestled in the leafy suburb of Hillcrest KwaZulu-Natal Hillcrest Private Hospital provides quality healthcare driven by a strong, customer-centric focus. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Eddie Clinton It's July 1, 2011. Staff and management of Hillcrest Private Hospital have gathered together. It's a proud day. Today the hospital is officially opened. It marks the end of what has been a long wait for the local community, a community that now benefits from a full range of medical services and quality healthcare from a professional and dedicated team. Director of Hillcrest Private Hospital, Glen Passmore, says the hospital's first two years have been "hugely successful" and that it delivers a fresh, family-focused, comfortable hospital experience whilst adhering to international standards of quality care "from the concierge who welcomes patients to the professional, caring medical team." The 200-bed hospital has 24-hour casualty, day clinic, high care and ICU, state-of-the-art radiology and pathology - and much more - and is committed to "providing quality care coupled with exceptional service delivery." "We're easily accessible from the N3 and M13 and perfectly positioned away from the hustle and bustle of the city and that makes us a little different," explains Passmore. "It is one of many things that make us different actually." Hillcrest Private Hospital caters for the greater community stretching from Pietermaritzburg through to the North and South Coast of KZN. It was born out of an increasing demand for healthcare in South Africa, a country whose healthcare system is deeply divided. In the blue corner, there is…
Safmed
Surgical steel SafMed offers a range of products and services that help customers do their jobs more safely, effectively and efficiently. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Eddie Clinton Founded in 1988, SafMed is a private company registered in South Africa, which specialises in the importation, production and marketing of decontamination, infection prevention and surgical products. It has developed a strong customer base in both the private and public provincial hospital segments and has built a reputation within the industry as being market leaders within a number of product offerings. "Our model is based around value based products with an emphasis on quality," says Marketing Director Pat Ayling. "The sorts of products on offer include CSSD equipment and cosumables,, infection prevention products and surgical support equipment." There are plenty of opportunities for companies like SafMed. One lies in medical instrument traceability. "If we think back five to 10 years, looking at sterilization for example, which is probably the biggest part of our business and where we started out, we have seen that the washing of equipment has come to the fore and I think hospitals are realising that they need to control that process," says Ayling. "Not only in this country, but worldwide, there is recognition that it is not just about the sterilizing process and that it is very important that before you sterilize instruments are properly cleaned. The other trend we have seen relates to traceability. That is coming to the fore. We are looking at introducing computerised systems for this purpose. "The other area…
Paramount Trailers
Paramount leaves the competition trailing With construction of a new production facility underway this is an exciting time for Johannesburg-based Paramount Trailers. Africa Outlook learns more. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Ben Weaver Paramount Trailers is one of South Africa's leading and established commercial trailer manufacturers. It came from humble beginnings and has been built from the ground up over the past 16 years, with its product line originally consisting of flat decks, more specifically superlinks and triaxles. In recent years it has evolved as a company by diversifying its product range and bringing more options to market - commercial trailers such as skeletal trailers, stepdeck trailers and tippers, for example. Today it manufacturers just about everything, says Financial Director Paulo Ribeiro. "We have quite an extensive product range," he enthuses. The result is that Paramount enjoyed "solid" 2012, despite the prevailing economic headwinds that hit other trailer manufacturers. "Following on from a tough couple of years, we had a difficult first half to the year; the economy was flat, there was nothing spectacular happening and it was a concern for us as a business," Ribeiro admits. "But towards the latter half of the year we picked up one or two large contracts which really turned the year around and, in tough economic conditions, it ended up being a fairly productive and good year from a business perspective." Ribeiro says that one of the main reasons for the company's success during 2012, and indeed the last few years, was its strategy to expand and diversify its…
Biotherm Energy
Winds of change Africa Outlook talks to green energy specialist Jasandra Nyker, CEO of independent power producer BioTherm Energy. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager James Mitchell South Africa's energy problems have been well documented and recent issues with the Medupi power station and its operating system, and the impasse between Exarro and striking workers, has ignited fears about winter power shortages and possible blackouts. Brian Dames, Eskom's chief executive, has admitted concerns with respect to Medupi and it is clear South Africa is in desperate need of more energy after a decade in which Eskom's pleas for investment in generation capacity were ignored. It has led to renewed calls for a broadening of the energy portfolio to include more flexible energy sources such as renewables. The government is already taking action and in November 2012, it signed the first round of agreements with independent power producers. In total, 28 projects are underway involving an estimated R47 billion in new investments, with those approved in the bid process's second round to turn sod later in the year. The first round projects will see an initial 1,4000 megawatts (MW ) of renewable energy added to SouthAfrica's energy mix by 2014. Bids for a third round have to be placed with the Department of Energy by August 2013. "It is all part of the Department of Energy's Integrated Resource Plan, through which it has planned the transformation of SA's energy mix to 2030," says Jasandra Nyker, CEO of South African independent power producer BioTherm Energy. "We won three projects…
African Minerals
Ore inspiring Africa Outlook looks at iron ore miner African Minerals Ltd's flagship Tonkolili mine in Sierra Leone. Writer Ian Armitage Project manager Ben Weaver Ore owners have described West Africa as the new frontier and the quest for its iron-ore resources has driven a railway and mining boom worth an estimated $25 billion. So many discoveries have been made in the region that it has been described as the new Pilbara, after the massive iron ore fields in Western Australia. Aim-listed African Minerals Ltd's (AML) Tonkolili mine in the Sula Mountain range in Sierra Leone sits on top of one of West Africa's largest iron ore deposits. The firm, founded by entrepreneur Frank Timis as Sierra Leone Diamond Company, spent seven years exploring the deposit before confirming the presence of a world-class magnetite iron ore deposit in 2009. The London based company signed a 99-year lease with the government of Sierra Leone to rehabilitate the 74km 1067mmgauge railway from the port of Pepel to the old mine at Marampa and build a 126km extension to a new iron-ore mine at Tonkolili. It began production just 14 months after the mining permit was issued and the first ore trains ran in November 2011. The second phase "will entail the development of a new purpose built port at Tagrin Point. The new port will have the ability to load Cape Size vessels alongside the quay and avoid the costs of using transhipment vessels. At the mine a new major concentrator will be built, producing 30Mtpa of high…