Rhino dreaming in Timbavati

22 Sep 2015

Rhino dreaming in Timbavati

by Carmen Barends | posted in: Rhino's | 3

As a little girl I dreamt of fairies, dragons and unicorns. As I have grow up, (somewhat), perhaps the reality that I am unlikely to meet any of these characters becomes more entrenched in my psyche. Enter modern day scenario. I venture with some intrepid folks (our Marketing Director, Lee Finch and a film crew from Rooftop Productions) out to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve which hosts a marvelous spectrum of wildlife including the Big 5. The reason I am fortunate enough to find myself in this dream scenario is there are some unicorns that need help. The unicorns in this particular scenario are the rhino. More specifically, but not exclusively, the Black Rhino.

I can see the thought bubbles popping up above people’s heads – “those lumbering creatures?”. No sirree. Ever had a rhino sneak up on you? This creature can sneak with the best of them. A one and a half tonne sneak at that. I had exactly this happen while on foot with rangers in the field and was [tweetthis]privileged to watch a rhino going through the thought process of whether I presented a threat to it or not.[/tweetthis] I was much relieved when its curiosity was assuaged and it decided to nimbly trot off into the thick foliage.

But without beating around the bush (see what I did there?) let’s get to the point. Leads 2 Business as a Company, along with our subscribers have donated funds to the Anti-Poaching team protecting the Rhino and wildlife at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Unlike our National Parks, Private Nature Reserves do not have the benefit of subsidised funds, leaving the onus on the individual owners to maintain the Reserve and carry the costs incurred by doing this. Wildlife is something that Leads 2 Business is passionate about. Without this kind of effort from Timbavati, the next generation – being our children – will be learning about Rhino’s in a Museum. This is certainly not something I would ever want to see; most especially after encountering these beautiful creatures in the wild.

[tweetthis]With the funds that have been donated by Leads 2 Business, the Anti-Poaching guards now have rooms to rest their weary bodies[/tweetthis] in when they return from being deployed in the bush for a week to ten days at a time. Funds also supplemented the kitchen equipment making it easier to cook food. I am a little envious of the super herb and vegetable garden growing in the fenced camp. In addition to this, two bicycles have been added for the rangers to make use of.

In order to lend more support to anti poaching and make people more aware of what is happening, a film crew was appointed to come and tell the story of the Anti Poaching rangers and their struggle in protecting our unicorns and the wildlife around them. Sitting around a fire while listening to the game outside of the small lit area suddenly makes things seem a lot more real. I get pulled in while the rangers tell of their daily duties and how passionate they are about protecting their friends. Anton mentions how they almost seem to call the animals with their friendship and as sparks from the fire fly up into the night air (perfect timing) I can almost imagine the wildlife sitting beyond the limits of my vision waiting for their ranger friends to return. Orlat talks about how they have sometimes found herds of elephants encamped around their tents at night or rhino alongside them.

A couple of Timbavati members have decided to camp out with the rangers for the evening and we all decide that we will walk (guided by Anton and Orlat) to their camp and back. It isn’t far, but believe me when I say it must have been the noisiest walk in the bush in the history of walks ever. Suddenly you realise how it feels to walk without light. You are willing your eyes to adjust and let in more light, but until they do, walking into shrubs and tripping over logs seems to be the order of the evening. I have such respect for the rangers.

Imagine …. you are in complete darkness with no additional lighting to give away your position in the wild. You hear shots fired. You must, in an instant, decide which direction the sound came from, communicate with your partner and run full tilt with weapon ready with a strong likelihood that you will be fired upon by trained poachers before you can defend either yourself or potentially the wildlife. Sorry, did I mention all this in the pitch dark?

It is such a privilege meeting these men that put themselves between the poachers and the wildlife on a daily basis. Every day brings new danger and yet, they remain steadfast and courageous in the face of an increasing battle.

The last night going to sleep in my tent I hear a leopard calling not far from camp. I suddenly know that I don’t want to leave this place. This otherworld haven. Where the wildlife can roam and live their lives within the protection of people passionately fighting for their survival. I have a newfound love for these creatures. Much like the fantasy creatures of my younger years. [tweetthis]The only difference is, we are fighting to prevent them being erased from this world to only be captured in book and stories. #WorldRhinoDay[/tweetthis]

If you feel the same way, you can get in contact with Timbavati and find out more on how you can be involved by clicking on this link. Keep your eyes peeled for the video to be released later this year.

To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Carmen Barends

Social media adventurer for Leads 2 Business, exploring new frontiers and taking new ground. “Not all those who wander are lost.” JRR Tolkien

16 Sep 2015

Ancient Inspiration for Modern Motivation

by Claire Donaldson | posted in: Construction Chat, General | 2

Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. “Discovered” has now been replaced with “brought to international attention”, rightfully so, since you can’t very well discover a place that the locals are using as grazing for their alpacas. And there are maps that reference Machu Picchu from around 1874. The 15th century Inca site sits 2430 metres above sea level, in the Cusco region of Peru. It is very much a stone city on top of a mountain. It’s believed to have been built for the Inca emperor Pachaputi (1438 – 1472), but nobody really knows why. It was abandoned about a century after construction, and managed to survive the Spanish Conquest (since the Spanish didn’t know it was there). Apparently, all six roads leading into Machu Pichu were destroyed and who exactly is going to notice a giant city on top of a mountain during a Conquest? People are busy during conquests, what with spreading disease, pillaging and general rude behaviour. About thirty percent of Machu Picchu has been restored, allowing for a better idea of what the city looked like back in the day and restoration continues.

[tweetthis]About 500 people are allowed on the Inca Trail, leading into Machu Picchu, a day.[/tweetthis] 500 people including guides, porters and tourists. Apparently, it’s a bit difficult to get tickets. I only realised this days away from my Inca Trail trek, when my friend confessed she’d only agreed to the trek since she didn’t think we’d get tickets. Well, we did. I’ve always wanted to see Machu Picchu. To say it was on my bucket list would be an understatement. You can do the four day trek (hell, no!) or the day trek which meant hopping off the very comfortable Inca Rail train at the 104km mark at 08:00 in the morning, and walking to Machu Picchu over the next 8 hours. There was trepidation. Peru is not a flat country. At all. My overall impression of the place is stairs and more stairs. Half constructed houses, that is the next generation’s responsibility to finish and awesome avocados. Seriously, their food and produce were fantastic. Mielies the size of my head and a ridiculously large selection of potatoes. There’s like 3000 varieties of potatoes in Peru. Who needs that many?! And the coca tea. O the coca tea. This was a lifeline in the shadow of altitude sickness. I digress.

Anyway, so we marched it up to Machu Picchu. We had two guides with us, Ruth and Ruti. Ruth took the lead, and Ruti stayed at the back. With the oxygen. I was at the back (no, I didn’t need the oxygen), keeping up the rear as usual. Gentle incline, and then stairs, gentle incline and then more stairs. Waterfalls. Butterflies. Beautiful scenery, with mountains crowding each other and the river so very far below. Trying to keep track of how far we had come, and how far we had to go was truly bizarre. The scale is baffling. Everything is green and lush and vast. Beautiful. I noticed. In between the wheezing and side clutching, and the leg cramps and beating down sun and the unidentifiable rustling in the bushes. We were in the jungle after all. That day we reached the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and looked across to Machu Picchu. Hazy and still so far away. It’s about 45 minutes walk from the Sun Gate. [tweetthis]The road we’d walked had been run by messengers, when Machu Picchu was occupied.[/tweetthis] We rested in the shelters where they had stopped to pass the messages on. Our tickets didn’t allow for entrance into Machu Picchu that day. It was late and we were sweaty and gross. Feeling accomplished, but still gross. Random thing I noticed, there were only two loose stone pavers on the road we walked. Only two.

The next day, after a bus ride that was more switchback than anything else, we got to go into Machu Picchu. Our guide giving us a basic run down of the city. Basically, not much is known. It was abandoned and no one really knows why. About a 1000 people could inhabit the city. It could’ve been built for strategic or tactical reasons, or as a holiday resort for the Inca Emperor. There’s water and the terraces (which are everywhere) could grow enough food to feed the population. It’s a mystery. But it’s there. The smooth stones, and rounded walls. The single storey and double storey houses. There’s a quarry from which the granite was mined. The windows are trapezoid in shape. Better to survive an earthquake. Peru has lots of earthquakes, and a surprising number of active volcanoes. I was sitting in the shade of a stone wall, listening to our guide and he said something that I thought was quite strange. He mentioned the alien theory for the construction of Machu Picchu. I thought it was weird since when would an official guide give time to such nonsense. But it got better. He had a reason why aliens couldn’t have built Machu Picchu. He pointed out a wall “Aliens didn’t build Machu Picchu. Look, this wall is falling down”. Now, my sarcastic nature took over and I mumbled “What, aliens can’t make mistakes?”. Not exactly helping international relations on my side. Now I don’t for a second think anybody but the local people built Machu Picchu, just like the local people built the Pyramids in Egypt and the local people built Great Zimbabwe. But standing in front of that shifting wall, I couldn’t help but imagine the scene.

Inca Emperor Pachaputi calls his Project Management team together and explains that he wants a new city. The suggestions are flowing, but he knows what he wants. He wants a city on top of a mountain. Technically, on top of a mountain in the saddle between two mountains. No biggie. The frozen smiles and sweaty brows. Someone had to design it (architect) and someone had to figure out how to build it (engineer) and someone had to deal with those two (contractor). The polite suggestions of other locations. The polite consideration and dismissal of said locations. The realistic problems of logistics and access and water and manpower, being politely listened to and considered and dismissed. Since after all, human sacrifice wasn’t completely off the table back in those days. I’m thinking the local chicheria [definition: Place that sells chicha, a fermented or non-fermented beverage derived from maize. Usually] was totally frequented that night. Chicha is sold in half litre glasses. Giant tumblers, people. Giant. I can imagine a lot of head holding and commiserating with strangers going on. Or perhaps that’s not how it played out. Perhaps it was the complete opposite.

Inca Engineer says “So what’s it going to be?”

Inca Architect replies “Mountain top city”

“Again?!”

“Again”.

Inca Engineer whines “But it’ll be the third one this year. I’m so bored of building cities on mountains. Can’t we do something new? Like a nice estate in a valley? Ooo sea level”

Inca Architect shrugs “What can I say? The Inca loves his cities on mountains”.

But is that really a good enough reason to contribute one of the most fantastic pieces of construction on the planet to humans – because part of it is falling down? Way to go human race, we can’t take credit for anything unless it’s blatantly faulty. I’m sure there’s a life lesson in there somewhere. And can you imagine the pressure the poor aliens must be under. They’ve inadvertently created this expectation of perfection. So much so that we doubt our own involvement and attribute any massive structure to little green men.

Alien Architect asks “What’s this?” pointing a long decidedly alien looking finger of a greenish hue at a photo.

Alien Engineer Bob replies “Um…”

“Bob. You realise we are trying to share knowledge by example here. We’re are trying to demonstrate our superior skills and expertise. We can’t just say we know better; we have to show the humans. By blowing their minds, with massive building projects on an impressive and totally unnecessary scale. And what I have is a wall sliding off its foundations!! What do you have say for yourself?”

Alien Engineer Bob “Um… have you heard of a drink called chicha?”

“…[Intergalactic facepalm]”.

I loved Machu Picchu. I loved the fact I got to go there. I loved what it represented. Achievement and a strange immortality. Someone said build it, and it got built. Skills and knowledge were applied years ago, and their city still stands. And is marveled at daily. It’s really no different from any new project set out today. An idea turns into plans, which turns into execution and accomplishment and completion. The intangible made real. I’ve always considered construction as a way to live forever. An indelible mark on the landscape and history, whether for function or beauty, necessity or whim. Our challenges are our own, and so are our victories. We need no help from little green men.

About Claire Donaldson

I started working at Leads 2 Business in February 2005, and have served as Head of Department of Daily Tenders from 2007 until the present. I oversee both the Daily Tenders South Africa and Africa Departments.

9 Sep 2015

Developing Africa … is Africa the new China?

by Melanie Miles | posted in: Construction Chat, General | 0

When I first stepped into the Private Projects Department, I had a vague idea of what to expect from Africa.

Developments like:

Hope City in Ghana

Desert Rose International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Namibia (it’s just a desert there, right?)

Mall de Mozambique

and a whole brand New City to be built in Egypt (another desert??)

These are some of the developments that spring to mind…developments that take your breath away…but how on earth are these small, money-hungry countries going to fund, let alone develop these ambitious projects? Projects so ambitious they raise eyebrows…well, mine mostly.

For example. Zimbabwe wanting to build a Disney Land at Victoria Falls…a pipe dream at the moment, but what a dream!! Just to keep tourists there longer than a day or two.

African Development Bank is one way, but most of the investments are coming from China.

The Chinese footprint in Africa has been cemented. In the last decade, investment in Africa by the world’s second-largest economy has surged to $2.9 billion from $75 million, and with it, China’s influence can be seen everywhere.

The next question… who is going to build these huge developments?

China of course.! If a Chinese company has invested in a Project, you can be sure that they will be building it too. Build, Own, Operate. But there are benefits, the Chinese do subcontract some of the work to the locals.

Swaziland, however, in an effort to ensure that their local contractors still have work and can tender for contracts, have implemented the rule that any projects less than E120 million cannot be awarded to foreign companies.

So, what has this have to do with developing Africa? Just feeding Africa does not solve anything. Providing them with employment that doesn’t warrant anything more than maybe digging a hole in the ground, painting a room, something that doesn’t require much skill, but providing these people with employment, a sense of self, educating them. Providing them with purpose. A trade. Hope. To me, that is really developing Africa.

When I used to imagine Africa, I used to think of trees, rivers, wildlife, war, jungles and deep dark Africa … nothing much could be happening there right?

How wrong was I !?!

Sources
Financial Gazette
Ghana Gist
Mc Cormick
ABS
Namibian Sun

About Melanie Miles

One girl who would rather wear boots than high heels...

2 Sep 2015

Trends in Africa

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: Frequently Asked Questions, General | 1

What’s trending?

You might take a sneaky glance at twitter’s ‘trending’ timeline to answer or perhaps Google. What about Africa? [tweetthis]Do you know what the Trends in Africa are?[/tweetthis] Many may answer with, “no clue”.

I doubt that this will be your answer for much longer. The narrative on Africa is evolving, there are more individuals and companies joining in the conversation and rightly so. Previously known as ‘Deepest Darkest Africa’ and most recently dubbed ‘Silicon Safari’, Africa is not only becoming an interest but a Trend in itself.

According to numerous sources the biggest Trend in Africa at the moment is Technology. Frost & Sullivan report that Africa could evolve into a $50 billion e-commerce market within the next three years. Kenya and Nigeria are leading in terms of fundraising and start-ups, other countries include Tanzania and South Africa. Africa has had explosive increases in internet usage and economic growth. In fact Internet usage is now growing faster in Africa than in any other continent and mobile subscriptions in Africa have eclipsed those in the Asian Pacific region. Companies like Safaricom, IBM and Facebook have all realised the significant opportunities for investment and innovation on the continent.

Technology is a major driving force of progress in every industry. This is particularly evident in Education in Africa. Tony Bates highlights the boom in online higher education enrollments in Africa, with many countries using eLearning as a way to meet the increased demand for higher education that traditional programs cannot. South Africa is the dominant country but will be overtaken by Nigeria by 2016 in terms of the volume of revenues from eLearning.

The population in Africa is projected to grow to 2 billion by 2050 resulting in the largest workforce according to the Harvard Business Review. Africa is also rich in natural resources, 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land in fact. Additionally, Africa has a USD$2 trillion economy with approximately a third of its countries obtaining annual GDP growths of more than six percent. [tweetthis]Of the top ten fastest growing economies in the world, six are in #Africa.[/tweetthis]

To end here is a quote to illustrate the Trends in Africa from the 2014 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos:

“Africa is the story. The big story is Africa. The Chinese and Japanese are fighting over Africa. This is a market of a billion people, of natural resources.” Dr Ahmed Heikal, Chairman and Founder of Citadel Capital

Sources:

https://agenda.weforum.org/2015/05/9-mega-trends-shaping-the-future-of-africa/

http://www.howwemadeitinafrica.com/ten-african-consumer-trends-to-run-with-and-profit-from-in-2015/45999/

http://ww2.frost.com/news/press-releases/frost-sullivan-identifies-top-trends-ict-africa-2015/

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/042915/why-tech-trends-africa-are-good-investment.asp

http://www.tonybates.ca/2013/01/29/africa-is-the-worlds-fastest-developing-e-learning-market/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/faraigundan/2014/01/28/top-quotes-about-africa-at-the-2014-world-economic-forum-in-davos/

About Sasha Anderson

Millennial Mom + wife living the hash-tag life. Reach out if you want to talk: L2B, social media, construction, technology, marriage, parenting, popular culture and travel. Remember: If You Fail - Fail Forward

26 Aug 2015

What is the PRASA Saga all about?

by Sasha Anderson | posted in: General | 4

The PRASA Saga – What is it really about?

A little background:

The PRASA (The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) Saga revolves around an Upgrade Project that was out outsourced by PRASA to Swifambo Rail Leasing which in turn awarded the contract to Vossloh España for R3.5 billion.

The height of the Afro 4000 Locomotives purchased for the Shosholoza Meyl long-distance passenger service in relation to the height of the overhead power lines has come into question. The Initial order height for the locomotives was 4.262m high and the current height is 4.1m. All current locomotives in use have a maximum height of 3.965m. The normal accepted safe distance between a locomotive roof and electrical cables is at least 150mm (ie. the cables should be at least 4.5 metres above the rail tracks). Although the power lines are supposed to be no lower than 4.5m there are many places in the country where, because of poor maintenance, overhead wires are much lower. In order to provide safe travel conditions for the new locomotives overhead power lines will have to be raised, the costs of which are unclear at this point.

A brief Timeline:

13 October 2013 – The DA requests that the Auditor-General, Terrence Nombembe, investigate the PRASA R3.5 billion locomotives deal

February 2014 – A report from PRASA in February 2014 points out four places where overhead lines are as low as 4.22m.

January 2015 – One of the four batches of locomotives procured by PRASA from Spanish manufacturer Vossloh España arrive in Table Bay Harbour.

March 2015 – Transnet Freight Rail General Manager, Caesar Mtetwa wrote to to PRASA’s Chief Engineer, Dr Daniel Mtimkulu, stating the locomotives exceeded the permitted height limit for Transnet’s rail system.

10 May 2015 – ‘Rapport’ publishes an article regarding issues surrounding the Locomotive Tender

5 July 2015 – ‘Rapport’ publishes an article stating the Locomotives procured are “too high for the long distance routes they were intended for”.

6 July 2015 – Lucky Montana, the CEO of PRASA speaks at a media briefing regarding the “grossly misleading” article published in Rapport.

12 July 2015 – An article published in the ‘Rapport’ with documents attached highlight the following:

* PRASA sent a message to Spain on 5 November 2013 to ask whether the locomotives, which had been ordered eight months previously, could be lowered.

* PRASA wanted the locomotives heights lowered to 3 965mm.

* But Vossloh España said in a letter, which Rapport obtained, that the PRASA request was not possible, “Although it is not possible to reduce Euro 4000 locomotives’ height below 4 140mm … it is understood that with actual height and with the information we manage, the locomotives should be acceptable for operations on South African tracks,” sent in late 2013.

* 1 week later PRASA paid R468m for the first locomotives.

16 July 2015 – PRASA Board resolves that CEO of PRASA, Lucky Montana will not be required to complete his notice period (1 June to 31 November 2015) due to him not complying to the conditions of serving out his notice.

17 July 2015 – PRASA Executive Manager for Engineering, Daniel Mthimkhulu, is suspended as a result of an inquiry revealing he lacked the necessary qualifications.

17 July 2015 – The Public Protector’s office confirms it has concluded an investigation into PRASA and CEO Lucky Montana after a union requested a probe in 2012 into allegations of maladministration relating to financial mismanagement and tender irregularities and will be “ready to release it on 23 July”.

23 July 2015 – The Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela postpones the release of her report. According to City Press, staff at PRASA had approached Madonsela requesting to make representations against Ex CEO Montana now that he was not at work. “They feared they would lose their jobs, but now they feel at ease and want to make submissions,” said a government official.

23 July 2015 – PRASA Chairman, Dr Popo Molefe reports that he has received death threats which have been reported to the Police who are investigating ‘a case of conspiracy to commit murder’.

27 July 2015 – PRASA Executive Manager for Engineering, Daniel Mthimkhulu resigns. PRASA is to continue with its criminal case against Mr Mthimkulu.

Is all this controversy really over a 400mm clearance between a locomotive and the contact wires or is it something more? Is it about R3.5 Billion which has been spent on locomotives which may not be able to operate on our railways? Is it about Politics? Is it about Corruption? Is it about Tender Irregularities? Is it about a lack of leadership?

In my opinion it is the latter; a lack of leadership. Let’s consider:

In essence what is leadership? The following adjectives come to mind: Accountable, Alert, Approachable, Authentic, Aware, Communicative, Credible, Customer-focused, Decisive, Dedicated, Ethical, Knowledgeable, Moral, Motivating, Pro-active, Responsible, Transparent, Trustworthy and Vigilant.

Does this describe those in leadership roles in the PRASA Saga?

In order for any organisation to succeed and prosper, it is critical that the right leadership is in place. I think Dwight D. Eisenhower said it best, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”

What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment.

Sources:

http://www.bdlive.co.za/business/transport/2015/07/07/prasa-ceo-says-detractors-want-to-tarnish-him-in-train-saga

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Newsmaker-Popo-Molefe-vows-to-stay-put-at-Prasa-20150726

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Prasa-war-heats-up-20150718

http://www.netwerk24.com/nuus/2015-07-05-r600-m-optelfout

http://www.biznisafrica.co.za/prasa-dismisses-zar600-million-train-saga/

http://www.iol.co.za/the-star/casualties-symbolic-of-derailed-prasa-1.1889710#.VbX2EvmqpHw

http://www.politicsweb.co.za/party/something-fishy-about-prasas-r35bn-locomotives-dea

http://ewn.co.za/2015/07/17/Prasas-engineering-executive-suspended

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Prasa-Transnet-had-concerns-over-locomotive-height-documents-20150712

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/prasa-leadership-failure-case-study-vusi-thembekwayo

About Sasha Anderson

19 Aug 2015

South African Harbours and Ports

by Claire Donaldson | posted in: Construction Chat, General | 0

According to a Port Development Plan by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), dated September 2014, various developments have been listed for the Ports currently under the TNPA’s care and control, namely Western Ports: Saldanha Bay, Cape Town and Mossel Bay; Central Ports: Port Elizabeth, Ngqura and East London and Eastern Ports: Durban, New Durban Dig-Out Port and Richards Bay. Below is a brief breakdown of some of the activity at South African’s various Ports.

Western Ports:

Port of Saldaha Bay – In 2013 with the aim in increasing the iron ore export from the Port of Saldanha Bay, Transnet proposed a third tippler and associated infrastructure, for which Gibb (Pty) Ltd were appointed as the Independent Environmental Assessment Practitioners. The tender for the Construction of Vault, Tunnel, Buildings and Ancillaries for Transnet Tippler 3 Project at the Port of Saldanha was advertised at the end of July 2015 (DTA 525896 ) and is expected to close on 08 September 2015.

Port of Cape Town – The Request for Proposal for the New Cruise Terminal Facility at the Port of Cape Town was advertised in December 2014 (DTA 487279), and in June 2015 the announcement by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) was made of the preferred bidder being V & A Waterfront (Pty) Ltd. According to the media statement, the V & A Waterfront will invest just under R179 million to finance, design and develop the terminal and the agreement includes the operation, maintenance and transfer of ownership of the facility back to TNPA after a period of 20 years. Currently, V & A Waterfront are in negotiations to sign the lease, and it’s expected that any development will only commence after May 2016.

Port of Mossel Bay – The most recent tender concerning construction in the Port of Mossel Bay is the Request for Proposal for Extension and Construction of the Administrative Building in the Port of Mossel Bay (DTA 500781) which was advertised in March this year. So far no award has been made.

Central Ports:

Port of Port Elizabeth – TNPA expectes to relocate the Manganese Ore Terminal and the Tank Fam to the Port of Ngqura. TNPA expects to start shipping manganese ore out of Ngqura in 2019 and the relocation should happen before this. As of December 2014, it could take these four years before the Manganese Terminal at the Port of Ngqura is completed therefore ending the relocation from the Port of Port Elizabeth. Apparently the plan is to convert the Manganese Terminal and tank farm land into a vehicle terminal, the timeframe for the decommisioning and rehabilitation of tank and manganese land is 2018 to 2021. As of 14 August 2015, Transnet Port Terminals was issued with a permanent operating license for operating the manganese terminal at the Port of Ngqura.

Port of Ngqura – Manganese Export Expansion Project at the Port of Nguqura involves the upgrade and expansion of the rail network, new bulk minerals export terminal and the reinstatement of existing berths. Infrastructure will comprise new roads, infrastructure services and buildings as well as new equipment: stackers, reclaimers, surge bins and an unloading system (tippler), a conveyor system linking the stockyard with existing berths and these berths will be equipped with twin shiploaders. The tenders for the Port of Ngqura Manganese Export Terminal (DTA 444247) as well as Phase 2 of the Rail project (DTA 444237) were advertised April 2014. The tender for the Design, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of 2 Shiploaders for the Ngqura Manganese Export has been advertised in August 2015 (DTA 527882) and ix expected to close on 22 September 2015. The tender for Design, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of a Rotary Dual Wagon Tippler Facility including Supply and Installation of Apron Feeders, Dust Extraction and Suppression Systems, for the Ngqura Manganese Export Terminal is also out (DTA 527873) and also closes on 22 September 2015. Port of East London – In July 2014, it was announced that the Coal terminal at the Port of East London would move to the new Port of Ngqura and be operational in approximately five year’s time. Future development that might be expected is the extention to the Port of East London to include an expanded container terminal, refurbish liquid bulk facilities and boat building.

Eastern Ports:

Port of Richards Bay – With regards to the Port of Richards Bay, plans include the establishment of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility.

Port of Durban – The Request for Proposal for the Design, Development, Financing, Construction, Operation and Maintenance and Transfer of the New Cruise Terminal Facilities at the Port of Durban was initially advertised in June 2013 (DTA 382061). No award was made and it was advertised again in July 2015 (DTA 524504) The RFP is expected to close on 02 October 2015.

Durban Dig-Out Port (DDOP) – “From 2019 to 2042, Transnet will embark on its medium-term projects, which includes the new dig-out port. The new harbour will be built at Durban’s old International Airport and will require the construction of: a breakwater and entrance channel; a 16 berth container basin and terminals; and a new automotive terminal, among other infrastructure”. So far the driver for the DDOP remains the same, demand will exceed capacity at the existing Port of Durban by ±2025. Although nothing has advanced beyond the planning stage, the current view is that the first phase should be operational by 2025. (PPA 10166)

Sources

http://www.transnetnationalportsauthority.net/Corporate%20Affairs/Press%20Releases/2015-07-01%20-%20Transnet%20Awards%20Bid%20for%20Cape%20Town%20Cruise%20Terminal.pdf

http://www.transnet.net/BusinessWithUs/LTPF%202012/1.LTPF%202014_Chapter%2004__Ports_Final%20Proof_Sept%202014.pdf

http://projects.gibb.co.za/Portals/3/Appendix%20G%20Tippler%203%20draft%20Environmental%20Management%20Programme.pdfawards-bid-for-cape-town-terminal

http://www.shopwestcoast.co.za/proposed-third-tippler-for-the-port-of-saldanha-transnet-saldanha-bay/

http://www.transnetportterminals.net/Media/Publications%20Paper%20and%20Presentation/TPT%20Saldanha.pdf

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/port-of-ngqura-manganese-export-expansion-project-south-africa-2015-04-03http://www.nmbbusinesschamber.co.za/blog/posts/another-major-step-in-transnet-s-manganese-expansion

http://www.iol.co.za/business/news/transnet-slows-ore-terminal-relocation-1.1687158

http://www.heraldlive.co.za/tank-farm-removal-delayed/

http://m.news24.com/fin24/Economy/Cabinet-grants-Transnet-license-for-manganese-terminal-20150814

http://www.dispatchlive.co.za/business-2/focused-strategy-for-el-port-after-big-loss/

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/morwe-outlines-tnpas-port-development-plans-2014-09-02

http://www.saoga.org.za/information-hub/port-handbook/future-plans

http://www.rsagency.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Develop-in-SA-Sep14.pdf

Transnet re-assesses dig-out dates

About Claire Donaldson

12 Aug 2015

ACSA – The low down

by Sherina Shawe | posted in: General | 0

Planes, Trains and auto-mobiles!!! Yes, this seems to be the theme for L2B blogs this month…..

Now given that I know nothing about any of these, believe me when I say I’m struggling!!!

But never fear…..I had a little chat to myself and I was reminded that these blogs are not entirely for my entertainment, and perhaps I had judge this topic to harshly.

…..And maybe, just maybe, if just one of you find any of our South African transport systems interesting then possibly so could I …..

So, I choose ACSA! That’s right Airports Company South Africa – l got this!!!

ACSA Logo

Who are they? Well I’ll tell you – They operate and own 9 South African Principal airports, namely O.R Thambo International, Cape Town International, King Shaka International, Bram Fischer International, Upington International, East London International, George Airport, Kimberly Airport & Port Elizabeth International mmmmm Impressive start!

Now while I’m sure you would all loooooove for me to go into the history of this formidable South African company, I’ve decided to rather concentrate on the present and believe me when I say that there is a LOT going on! This Company is on the ball, socially aware is something they do not shy away from.

I’m talking Staff Volunteer work, Community work, Environmental awareness, Job creation, you name it, these peeps are on it!

So sure, while reading through their website may have warmed my heart, and given me a new found respect for the ACSA, I also knew that all this warm fuzzy stuff would not keep you reading ….so…

I’ve taken it upon myself to change the subject ever so slightly, and to rather talk to you about Leads 2 Business! Yes, that’s where I work so it makes way more sense that I talk about them right!:)

And there I am, safely back in my Comfort Zone!

So Let me tie these two incredible companies together for you;).

Here at L2B, we like to make your life a whole lot easier, so whether you are a Vendor/sub-contractor, a Contractor or perhaps a Professional, if you are interested in any of the Developments or Tenders that the ACSA are involved in, you should be talking to us!

It really is that simple.

When it comes to information regarding Construction and Construction related industries, we are on top of our game. I will go as far as stating we are the Leaders in this field. Our Clients are constantly given up to date and relevant information, and along with this we follow it all up with friendly support!

So whether you are interested in ACSA Tenders, SANRAL Tenders or perhaps Eskom is more your speed (Just to mention a few) – let me assure you, we’ve got it!

For instance, do you know about the CCT Airport Precinct Project, this is a multifaceted Cape Town development comprising of Commercial offices, Residential and Retail components.

This is a huge project, and Leads 2 Business is following this step by step, supplying our clients with ongoing updates regarding it.

And not to mention the 10 current ACSA tenders featured on our website at this very minute….. as I said we’ve got it!

And so could you;).

Believe me when I tell you that, picking one project out of the thousands that we are following really doesn’t do us any justice, so instead do your self a favour and and give us a call 086 083 6337, you can speak to myself Sherina Swart, or any of my capable colleagues and let us take your though our website and see for yourself what we have.

Lets get you started!

I look forward to hearing from you – 🙂

Is it a Plane?

Is it a Train?

No Its Leads 2 Business!!!!

You’re Welcome 😉

About Sherina Shawe

I am a strong believer in "What you put in , is what you will get out" and this drives me every day, whether it's at home with my gorgeous family or at work where I get to fuel my competitive spirit. I love who I am and who I'm becoming. I love where I am , but more importantly where I'm going.... #EternalOptimist #Aspire2Inspire

5 Aug 2015

Cape Construction Expo – Why you should be there

by Carmen Barends | posted in: Construction Events | 4

Cape Town International Conference Centre

When last were you in the Cape? It is like Cape Town and surrounds are the mecca to visit in South Africa. Honestly, each Province in my opinion has it’s own special attraction, but the Western Cape ….. well, I have a bit of a soft spot for it, so it may have more to offer than some other Provinces. So if you are anything like me, if a potential work opportunity arises it is hardly considered work – it is an absolute pleasure. It doesn’t mean I don’t think competitively though. It turns into a Sharks vs Stormers derby in my head I guess. Not just in the sense that I am trying to one up my second favourite Province with what KwaZulu-Natal has to offer, but also from a business aspect.

Well, here is the opportunity! If you want to strut your stuff, get your show on, tell people about how fantastic you are – you would be amiss in leaving out the Cape Construction Expo (unless of course you do something totally unrelated to the Construction industry). Yes, I hear your point that it is a fairly new enterprise, only being in it’s third year; but you could also hear my point and tell me what you think…

Western Cape ranks as one of the top two provinces to live in with regards to business and socio economic factors according to Business Report. But let’s all be honest, who doesn’t want to at least visit what is considered one of the trendiest and most alluring Provinces in our amazing Country? So how much better is it then to exhibit in this hotbed of innovation, design and great business concepts? This off the back of the fiercely contended WDC14 competition with the added bonus of the world’s attention now being focused on the Cape’s initiatives. The objectives of the Expo are:

Some stats for those of us who like figures:

Western Cape contributes almost 14% to the national economy
Growth for the Western Cape is predicted to be 2.1% this year, increasing to 2.8% by 2018
Western Cape has earmarked a further R17.3 billion for infrastructural public works
Cape Town has allocated R6.5 billion ($535 million) for infrastructure investment for 2015
R5.2m had been set aside for local contractors to apply for subcontracting tenders.

CCE is being held at the Cape Town International Conference Centre between the 12 – 14 August. The organisers, Hypenica, have some contemporary ideas on how to keep people intricately involved and connected in the seminars with Question and Answer platforms so that the conversation can not only be creative but hopefully bring solutions to relevant issues. They also boast that there will be more than 100 of the most innovative suppliers to the construction industry (can you really afford not to be there?). That, along with the fact that the conference is very socially connected, is evident through the Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn presence they already have. So be aware that your reach would go beyond just being a delegate and exhibitor. It will be travelling out onto the web to give you extra coverage, opinion and reach. Capetonians are considered social beings anyway aren’t they?

The Conference times are as follows :

Wednesday, 12 August 2015
9:30 – 17:00
Thursday, 13 August 2015
9:30 – 17:00

More information can be found at: Conference Overview

The Exhibition times are as follows:

Wednesday, 12 August 2015
11:00 – 17:00
Thursday, 13 August 2015
10:30 – 16:00

More information can be found at: Exhibiting at CCE

Leads 2 Business, being at the forefront of Construction Industry Information supply, is very pleased to be exhibiting at the Cape Construction Expo. Being the generous folks that we are, we would like to extend an invite to those reading this blog. You can access a free invite by clicking here, pop in for a visit and soak up the amazing offerings from both the workshops and the exhibition, keeping in line with where the Construction Industry is heading. While there, come in and chat to us at Stand 411.

Can you really afford to not come? Besides, who turns down an offer to spend time in the Cape right?

See you there 🙂

About Carmen Barends

Social media adventurer for Leads 2 Business, exploring new frontiers and taking new ground. “Not all those who wander are lost.” JRR Tolkien

29 Jul 2015

Mid Year Motivation

by Sherina Shawe | posted in: Frequently Asked Questions, Life Lessons | 0

So we are over the half way mark, and how are you feeling?

For most, you have now reached that time in the year where all your New Years resolutions have failed and long gone, even the guilt has started to fade and you are back to being the smoking, drinking, fast-food eating, non-gyming, gym contract owner….. yip! You know who you are!

Obviously there are the chosen few who are super humans, you are the ones who have given up all your vices and are looking and feeling amazing, and all I can say to you is, well done! You are awesome! Teach me! Teach me!

Nevertheless the middle of the year for all of us can take its toll, the excitement of our promises to ourselves has past, our goals not quite reached seem even further away now as we have less time in the year to reach them.

Summer has long forgotten us, we wake up when its dark and get home from work when its dark… Gosh!! I’m depressing myself, this was not the purpose of this blog!!!

“Motivation wherefore art thou??”

Well here it is:)

The amazing thing about this time of year is, the best is on its way, we are less than a month away from Spring people!!!

I’ve thought long and hard about how I will see the rest of this year, and I’ve decided, instead of seeing it as a downward spiral to “year end madness” with no real time to start or finish anything, instead I have set new resolutions of change and set new goals. A challenge if you will.

This, along with spring cleaning is bound to give me a new lease on life!

We all know the old wedding bridal tradition of “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue”?

Well I’ve devised my own!

It’s titled: Something for my Heart, Something for my Soul & Something for my Health!

For My heart I have pledged to give up some of my time and devote it to my kids who have developed a strong love for board games, and I’ve decided to cultivate this before it turns to evenings of “Charades”!!! ‘cos once that happens , I’m out! And I will need to find a new place to devote my time, I’m thinking watching paint dry sounds fun!

For My Soul I have committed myself to a life change, this change, many may regard as me giving up something, where I truly see it as gaining a whole lot more. I will be giving up one of my vices, and I’m totally excited for the change:)

And last but not least, my health.

For my health I have joined my local gym – Yes I know its August! Don’t judge me! Lol!

The way I see it, I’m giving myself a head start on the New Years Resolutioners!

And by the end of December when all my passion and drive for change has started to loose its appeal…. guess what? It’s New Year again and I will be ready to recommit myself to a better me all over again! It’s a win, win, it’s a fool proof plan to remain motivated all 12 months of the year:)

When you feel better, you do better and it will show, at home and at work and it will even start rubbing off on the people around you. I urge and challenge you all to do the same – find a goal or better still, a few goals, these should inspire you and give you something to see you through the next 6 months of this year:).

For your mid year goals – dig deep! Take yourself out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, don’t celebrate mediocrity!! If you expect your best, you will give your best – it’s a fact I promise:) I have chosen 3 things to change, all of which will take a great lot of effort to master, but once I have them down I will be a way better person for it, and isn’t that what goal setting is all about? Being better? And let me tell you, I can already feel it, I know I can get through the rest of this year with the same excitement I started it with!

However if you feel you just not up to any life changing challenges, how about doing a few small ones, some more fun than challenging….

Once a month offer someone a cup of coffee that you don’t usually make for.
Find someone new to complement every day.
Call someone you haven’t spoken to in months and find out how they are.
Give away something you haven’t used in the past 8 months.
Find a children’s story book and read it out loud with passion and expression.
Give up all social media for 3 days.
Compete wholeheartedly for something.
Say yes as often as possible.

And last but never least – Smile Smile Smile!

……And because I always like to leave you all with something to think about when I end my blog, here it is:

There are only 21 Fridays left until Christmas!!!

“Yip! You’re welcome!!” 😉

About Sherina Shawe

22 Jul 2015

Finding Diamonds in the Rough

by Marlaine Andersen | posted in: Construction Chat | 0

Diamond in the rough — Photo cred : itsjonahhorst.deviantart.com

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without one. – Confucius

For my blog this month, seeing as the subject is mining and diamonds I thought I would find some interesting facts on diamonds, where they are found, how they are mined and more:

The word diamond derives from the Greek word “adamas,” which means invincible or indestructible.

The largest diamond ever discovered was called the Cullinan diamond, and weighed in at an amazing 3106 carats, or 1.33 pounds. Discovered in 1905 in South Africa, the mine’s owner and the South African leaders gave the diamond to King Edward. The Cullinan was eventually cut into nine large diamonds and 100 smaller ones, and the three largest of these are on display in the Tower of London as part of the crown jewels.

Diamonds are formed hundreds of kilometers below the surface, as carbon is squeezed under intense temperatures and pressures. Kimberlite pipes bring the gems to the surface in eruptions that sometimes rise faster than the speed of sound. The pipes are rare. Of the more than 6000 known kimberlite pipes in the world, about 600 contain diamonds. Of these, only about 60 are rich enough in quality diamonds to be worth mining. West Africa has many “artisanal” operations in which people sift through river sediments for the occasional diamond eroded from a kimberlite pipe upstream. But a few pipes have been found in the thick jungle.

Africa is the world’s largest producer of diamonds, producing as much as 50% of global production. To date, Africa has produced over 75%, in value, of the world’s diamonds with more than 1.9 billion carats worth an estimated $US 158 billion mined. Angola, Botswana and South Africa are leading producers of diamonds.
Mining activities are centered around South Central Africa, with diamonds being produced primarily from kimberlite mines (South Africa, Angola, DRC, Ghana, Tanzania, Lesotho and Botswana), followed by alluvial dredging operations (Angola, CAR, Namibia and South Africa) and offshore marine diamond activities (South Africa and Namibia).

Before any actual mining even takes place, prospectors need to locate diamond sources first. To hit pay dirt and get to the larger sized rough crystals, geologists follow the trail of secondary diamond sources to determine where the primary sources of pipe deposits are.
Once the pipes are found and the presence of diamonds is proven true and profitable, shanks are inserted into the ground at the ore-bearing pipes and huge amounts of soil are extracted. In order to make mining efficient and effective, the raw rock and soil are typically not examined on-site.
Instead, they are transported to special plants where the ore is processed and the rough diamonds are extracted. Depending on how rich the ore is, a few hundred tons of ore might be sieved just to produce a single carat of gem quality rough diamonds.
Even after extraction, the precious gem is still far from being set in an engagement ring. Rough stones are then sorted into various gem-quality categories and industrial-specific grades. Thereafter, the roughs are sold, cut, polished and commercialised.

An estimated 10 million people globally are directly or indirectly supported by the diamond industry. From the countries where they are sourced to the countries where they are polished and sold, diamonds are supporting millions of people globally. In the African country of Namibia, the diamond mining industry is the largest single employer after the government. In Botswana approximately 25% of the labour force is directly or indirectly linked to diamonds.

“A Diamond is Forever” – NW Ayer Agency – One particular diamond producer got all the credit for this sentence that forever changed an industry, but the actual statement was delivered by an advertising agency. Before this impressive marketing campaign, diamonds were not necessary identified with romance, marriage or engagement. They were considered decorative jewellery and used for a variety of purposes. Then came the brilliant strategy of linking diamonds to the most sacred and beloved of American institutions; the wedding ceremony. However, one can’t truly say that prior to the 20th century, no lover had ever thought of diamonds as a romantic gift – in fact, one of the most famous diamond gifts in history was a diamond necklace given by Napoleon Bonaparte to Marie Louise.

And to end on a humorous note: “I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond.” ― Mae West

Sources
Mbendi
Wikipedia Open Pit
Wikipedia Underground
Brilliant Earth
Beyond 4 cs
Science Mag
Diamond Facts

About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer

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