July 2010
A turning point for Africa?
The celebration is over, and we're all a little flat in the wake of the Fifa World Cup with rumours of xenophobia replacing the wonderful unity created by the World Cup. The world's largest competitive event is being hailed as the best ever and it is amazing that we were able to organise so many different tasks to such a high quality, with so little mishap.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has also sung our praises for hosting a memorable World Cup. "I am happy, and satisfied that the World Cup in South Africa was a good one. Africa can be proud to have organised this event and South African's can be even prouder," he says. Brazil is hosting the 2014 World Cup.
MechTech has long been highlighting the country's technological successes. Like football, engineering is not a South African invention, but we do have the skills and resources to be industrially competitive, and we are able to deliver at best practice levels.
Hytec's hydraulics service centre has recently been accredited as an International Centre of Competence by Bosch Rexroth in Germany. This privately-owned South African company is now the largest supplier of hydraulic solutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Hytec is ours and it is successful! This issue also features ThyssenKrupp Materials Handling, BMG, Voith, SKF, Hatch and productOne - all local representatives of best overseas practice. All have their own locally trained, highly skilled technical personnel and all can tell stories about South African design products and locally developed products that are world class.
What can we look forward to post-2010? From an infrastructure point of view, we hope that the Gautrain and the Gauteng Road Improvement projects do not slow down following the removal of the 2010 deadlines. Eskom's new-build projects and the associated mine expansion projects - like that currently proceeding at Grootegeluk - will continue. There is no doubt that efficiency, both in terms of energy and resource use, is and will remain an international priority for some time to come.
The World Cup has changed international perceptions of both SA and Africa - a key benefit that has a turning point for future African development and progress. We have proved beyond doubt that, given the resources, appropriate support and a common cause, we can deliver real tangible results to the same high standards as any other continent in the world. All we need is the common cause. Is African development itself not cause enough?
| This issue of Mechanical Technology is available for interactive "page-flip" viewing. You'll need the latest Flash Plugin, and an ADSL or 3G internet connection to view the magazine smoothly. | You need to register with Crown Publications to read the online version of this magazine. | | LoginRegister |
Front cover story For the month of July, our cover story looks at SEW-Eurodrive's new DR series of AC induction motors. By including die-cast copper rotors in the range, high-end efficiency levels have been significantly improved and the modular design of the series offers more options, fewer limitations and a simplified selection and configuration process. Special report Our article this month looks at Exxaro Resources' Medupi expansion, where the company is building some 800 environmentally-friendly homes in Lephalale, Limpopo Province. Exxaro is spending R590-million on these homes and has opted to make them as eco-friendly as possible. The designs incorporate the use of renewable energy such as solar powered geysers, solar architecture, evaporative cooling units and energy-efficient appliances.
|
  
|
