Home automation is on the rise across the globe and South Africa is swiftly following suit. It’s easy to see why, as tomorrow’s tech savvy consumers can easily control energy efficiency, ensure safety, and reduce their carbon footprint, conveniently from the palm of their hands thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT).
Following reports of uncertified electrical products being sold on international online marketplaces, concerns are mounting over the potential risks these items pose to South African consumers. “When it comes to electrical products, the difference between safety and disaster often hinges on a simple certification label.
Despite engineering being identified among the most in-demand occupations in South Africa, women only constitute one-fifth of the engineering workforce and face persistent wage inequality.
At 45,4%, South Africa's youth unemployment rate dwarfs the national average (32.9%), highlighting the struggle many young people face entering the workforce. While a traditional university degree can increase job prospects, factors like cost, time commitment, and location often make it inaccessible.
To protect the grid from total collapse, City Power has implemented load reductions in parts of Johannesburg where high usage levels threaten to overload the system. While primarily impacting residences, these outages could significantly disrupt local businesses as well.
Every year, R7 billion is paid out by the Compensation Fund and Rand Mutual Assurance to address occupational injuries and diseases in South Africa. This statistic highlights the pressing need for improved health and safety practices in workplaces across the country.
As of 1 March 2024, Eskom has taken over control of load shedding in the City of Ekurhuleni. This, after the city reportedly failed to execute power outages when required. However, the metro has negotiated with the power utility for load curtailment to be implemented instead, which will see businesses reportedly being responsible for reducing their electricity consumption by 30%.