Rooibos is already popular in Europe and now it’s becoming a big deal in Japan – one of the largest tea-drinking nations in the world – with exports of our indigenous tea hitting record highs in 2018. More than 2 000 tons were shipped to Japan‘s shores last year – the largest consignment since Rooibos was first introduced to the Japanese in the ‘80s. In Europe, Rooibos can be found in many supermarkets and is even one of the popular beverages offered at global chain Starbucks. Rooibos Lattes in Cannes, France.…
Read MoreDay: 13 Mar 2019
Concentrated solar power could help ease electricity woes – Stellenbosch University
JOHANNESBURG – With more electricity disruptions likely to occur in the next few years as state utility Eskom struggles to meet demand, South Africa should look at concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies as an alternative when coal power stations fail, Stellenbosch University has said. The university cited Dr Toyosi Craig, a project manager with AEE Power in Johannesburg who recently received his doctorate in industrial engineering at Stellenbosch, as saying mass deployments of CSP would not only provide clean and supporting energy to the grid, but also boost the local…
Read MorePort of Ngqura unlocks big boat building opportunities
Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) Port of Ngqura has successfully launched the first ever locally manufactured aluminium vessel and according to the TNPA the move is set to unlock big opportunities for the South African boat building sector. In the past Port Elizabeth-based boat builder, Legacy Marine, was unable to build larger vessels because the low bridges blocked the route to the Port of PE in the past. With the unveiling of the new Port of Ngqura as an alternative port, it contributed to the expansion of boat building in…
Read MoreNumsa to lead an indefinite shutdown of ArcelorMittal
JOHANNESBURG – The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) will lead an indefinite shutdown of ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (Amsa) operations amid a strike over labour brokers.Numsa yesterday accused Amsa, South Africa’s steel giant, of abusing workers through labour brokers, an allegation the company has denied. The union went on strike on Monday to demand that Amsa permanently place Real Tree Trading and Monyetla Services as employees, with a combined number of about 1000 people. Numsa’s regional secretary in Sedibeng, Mokete Makoko, said Numsa members had endured poor wages…
Read MoreTechnology plays increasingly important role in energy industry: IEA
HOUSTON – Technology plays an increasingly important role in both supply and demand sides of the energy industry, according to an energy outlook released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Monday. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol made the remarks to reporters at the CERAWeek by IHS Markit that kicked off on Monday in Houston in the USstate of Texas. The outlook focused on the organization’s expectations of energy markets for the next five years and include implications for the global economy and geopolitics. According to Birol, the industry has established…
Read MoreUnfinished business: What to do when construction halts due to liquidation
OPINION / 13 MARCH 2019, 07:30AM / DIANA BURGER JOHANNESBURG – The past year has been challenging for South Africa’s construction industry, with some of the country’s best-known construction companies facing business rescue or liquidation. The unfinished business left behind when this occurs can be problematic for project employers in the private and public sectors alike. Although their options are limited, the financial exposure for employers can be mitigated through immediate action, says Diana Burger, senior associate in Bowmans’ Construction Dispute Resolution Department. Here are the crucial steps to take.…
Read MorePneumatic robotics meets artificial intelligence
Festo presents new bionics projects: BionicSoftHand, BionicSoftArm and BionicFinWave. Whether its grabbing, holding or turning, touching, typing or pressing – in everyday life, we use our hands as a matter of course for the most diverse tasks. In that regard, the human hand, with its unique combination of power, dexterity and fine motor skills, is a true miracle tool of nature. What could be more natural than equipping robots in collaborative workspaces with a gripper that is modelled after this model of nature, that solves various tasks by learning through artificial intelligence?
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