South African electrical accessories manufacturer Crabtree has successfully transitioned to new ownership under Dimako Holdings, marking a significant milestone in the company's long-standing presence in the Southern African market.
On 1st April 2025, Siemens South Africa concluded the sale of Crabtree South Africa (PTY) Ltd and its subsidiary Crabtree (PTY) Ltd (Lesotho) to Dimako Holdings (PTY) Ltd, which operates under the KDI Holdings umbrella. KDI Holdings, led by the well-regarded Dlamini family, is a well-known South African-based industrial investor dedicated to fostering local economic development.
Elsewhere in the issue, we look at Standby, Backup & Emergency Power; Energy Efficiency; and Lighting.
Compliance crisis: uncertified imports undermine local electrical sector
Recent raids by the South African Police Service’s Anti-Counterfeit and Illicit Trade Unit and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) uncovered thousands of Rands worth of non-compliant electrical goods. But this represents only a fraction of the broader threat facing the sector, with a Tax Justice South Africa survey showing 78% of industry leaders are concerned about the surge in these products being sold.
Kwikot reframes trade education
Through its newly launched KwikTok series, Kwikot is blending entertainment, everyday relatability and detailed product knowledge to reach both consumers and the trade. Hosted by fictional duo KK, a licensed plumber and electrician, and Chantelle, a witty consumer champion, the nine-part digital series delivers practical know-how while putting Kwikot’s product ecosystem firmly in the spotlight.
Introducing Midtronic’s ground-breaking MVT battery tester
Midtronics, a global leader in battery management technology, represented locally by Comtest, offers the proven MVT handheld battery tester. This revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.
Powering South Africa’s future with standby solutions and energy-smart thinking
In a country where power instability is an everyday concern, the demand for reliable standby and emergency power has become non-negotiable. Yet at the same time, soaring energy costs and environmental concerns are pushing businesses and households alike to rethink how they consume electricity. The good news? These two priorities, energy resilience and energy efficiency, can work hand in hand.
Data centres face a cooling crisis as AI demand surges
As AI workloads drive unprecedented power densities, with racks drawing 20–100 kW or more, cooling shifts from a supporting role to a frontline constraint. For South Africa and much of Africa, this is magnified by high ambient temperatures, a historically unstable grid, and rapid growth in cloud and AI infrastructure
RS and SolarAid partnership for safe solar lighting in Africa
RS Group, a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, has announced a new three-year partnership with international development charity SolarAid. Together, RS Group and SolarAid aim to raise £1 million to deliver clean, safe solar lights to 150,000 people living in rural communities across Africa without access to electricity.
Introducing Action Instrument’s PV multi-function meter
The Sonel MPI-540-PV photovoltaic multi-function meter from Action Instruments was created for measuring the parameters of PV installations. Using only this single device, users can conduct a comprehensive range of tests on both the DC and AC sides, in accordance with the guidelines of the EN 62446 standard.
Smart lighting for Outeniqua Park Rugby Stadium
BEKA Schréder has supplied the smart LED floodlighting solution for the Outeniqua Park Rugby Stadium in George, Western Cape. Outeniqua Park, located in the picturesque city of George, nestled at the foot of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, is a 10,000-seat stadium and home to local rugby clubs, including the South Western Districts (SWD) Rugby Union and the SWD Eagles rugby team.
Signify strengthens professional lighting portfolio with new modular, connected solar street lighting and advanced sports lighting products
Signify has introduced four new products – the Signify SunStay Pro gen2, SunStay Pro gen2 mini, Signify GreenVision Xceed Pro, and Signify ActiStar – highlighting the company's advances in solar and modular street lighting as well as performance lighting for stadiums.
From warm to daylight: the all-in-one advantage of Eurolux 3CCT fittings
When choosing lighting today, flexibility is everything. Whether you’re fitting out a home, office, or retail space, lighting needs to adapt to the task, the time of day, and even personal preference. That’s where 3CCT technology comes in.
Lighting the future of South African supermarkets with Aurora Lighting Africa
In today’s fast-paced retail environment, supermarkets are no longer simply places to shop. They are immersive experiences designed to encourage customers to linger, explore, and enjoy. One of the most important elements in shaping this environment is lighting. The right solution not only ensures energy efficiency and compliance with sustainability goals but also enhances product presentation, drives customer engagement, and reduces operational costs.
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