The Rooftop Solar Revolution: A Threat to Eskom’s Stranglehold on the Grid?

As South Africa basks in the longest stretch of uninterrupted power supply in years, a quiet rebellion is brewing in the shadows. Homeowners and businesses are turning to rooftop solar installations in droves, defying the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

350.5MW of rooftop solar capacity was added in the second quarter of 2024, a staggering 45% increase from the previous quarter. And experts warn that if this trend continues, South Africa will add half the capacity it did last year by the end of 2024.

But what’s driving this shift? Is it simply a response to Eskom’s increasingly expensive grid rates, or is there more at play?

"We’re seeing a paradigm shift," says Andrew Middleton, CEO of GoSolr. "People are no longer just looking for cheap electricity; they’re demanding clean energy and the freedom to generate their own power away from an increasingly expensive grid."

But Eskom is fighting back. As the utility’s costs continue to balloon due to its ageing coal fleet and waning customer base, it’s squeezing its customers with higher and higher tariffs. And municipalities are following suit, introducing fixed-use tariffs that punish those who use less energy and reward those who use more.

"It’s like they’re trying to strangle the grid," says Middleton. "South Africa needs investment in its transmission infrastructure, not just high-capacity long-haul infrastructure, but in the last mile, to the home."

As the battle for energy dominance heats up, one thing is clear: the days of Eskom’s stranglehold on the grid are numbered. The rooftop solar revolution is underway, and it’s not going to be stopped.

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS TO AI DOMINATION: WELCOME TO THE AI PLAYBOOK FOR THE AGES

Are you ready to take your business to the next level by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence? Because we’re about to blow the lid off the most comprehensive AI guide to ever hit the market. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to a 100% proven strategy for harnessing AI’s transformative potential.

First off, let’s get real. 95% of companies are already using AI and 99% expect to in the future. But here’s the thing – only 5.4% have actually scaled beyond pilot projects. You know what that means? IT’S TIME TO GET serious about AI adoption.

But here’s the catch – it’s not as simple as just slapping on some AI and calling it a day. You need a solid foundation for enterprise-wide AI deployment. And that means you need to focus on data readiness, including platform modernization, cloud migration, and data quality.

And let me tell you, data quality is KING. 50% of respondents cite it as the most limiting data issue in AI deployment. So, how do you avoid becoming a data quality disaster story?

Simple – by following these four principles:

1. Don’t rush into AI – Yes, you read that right. Just because everyone else is doing it, it doesn’t mean you should. Take the time to build a solid foundation for AI.
2. Focus on high-impact use cases – Don’t bother with general-purpose AI use cases that can be easily replicated. Instead, identify unique competitive advantages that will give your business an edge.
3. Make financially-savvy decisions – This isn’t a free-for-all. AI adoption requires careful budgeting and ROI measurement.
4. Don’t be afraid to collaborate – You don’t have to go it alone. Partner with vendors, other organizations, and experts to get the most out of AI.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the complete report, "A Playbook for Crafting AI Strategy," today and unlock the secrets to AI domination!

The Top 50 African Entrepreneurs Who are Sick of Being Ignored by the World

Get ready for the most epic showdown of African entrepreneurial genius! The top 50 finalists of Africa’s Business Heroes have been revealed, and they’re about to take the world by storm.

These 50 game-changers have been selected from a pool of applicants who are tired of the same old stories of poverty, corruption, and mediocrity. They’re the ones who are breaking the mold, defying the odds, and creating a better future for themselves and their communities.

The Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy’s Africa’s Business Heroes competition has been searching for the most innovative and impactful entrepreneurs on the continent, and this year’s crop is the most diverse and dynamic yet.

Meet Adriaan Kruger, the only South African in the top 50, who’s killing the game with his healthtech firm, nuvoteQ.io. He’s joined by 49 other trailblazers from 18 countries, representing 14 sectors, and 40% of them are women. Yes, you read that right – 40% of the top 50 are female entrepreneurs who are breaking the glass ceiling and shattering the patriarchy.

These entrepreneurs aren’t just building businesses – they’re building movements. They’re driving positive change, creating jobs, and improving lives. And they’re not just from the usual suspects – South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. No way. They’re from countries like Madagascar, Senegal, and Lesotho, proving that entrepreneurship knows no borders.

So, what’s next for these African business heroes? They’ll receive training, mentorship, and grant funding to take their businesses to the next level. They’ll become part of a global network of like-minded innovators and gain access to a community of African business leaders who are changing the game.

And for the top 10 finalists, it’s not just about the money – it’s about the prestige. They’ll pitch at the finale in Kigali, Rwanda, and the winner will receive a grant and a chance to join the ABH family of entrepreneurs who are making a real impact.

So, buckle up, Africa! The future is bright, and these 50 entrepreneurs are the proof.

The gloves are off as the SABC declares war on Openview! In a bold move, the beleaguered public broadcaster is set to launch its own rival satellite TV platform, aiming to cut Openview down to size and reclaim its spot as the premier TV player in South Africa.

According to insiders, the SABC is looking for a partner to help it take on eMedia’s Openview, which has long dominated the local TV landscape. The SABC’s plan is to use satellite technology to beam its channels directly into homes, bypassing the need for a digital terrestrial television (DTT) setup that has been plagued by slow uptake and technical issues.

But don’t count Openview out just yet. The company has a loyal following and a strong brand, and it’s unlikely to go down without a fight. This battle for TV supremacy is about to get very real, very fast.

As the war between SABC and Openview heats up, one thing is clear: consumers are the big winners. With two major players vying for their attention, viewers will be spoiled for choice, with more channels, more content, and better quality TV all around.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy the best of TV in South Africa – courtesy of the SABC’s new satellite TV platform and Openview’s continued dominance. The battle for the TV throne has officially begun!

Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2024: The Battle for Innovation Supremacy

In a shocking turn of events, seven local start-ups have been selected as finalists for this year’s Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, and the competition is about to get fierce.

These entrepreneurs will receive €10,000 each in funding, as well as a free trip to Ireland, where they’ll rub shoulders with the country’s top business leaders and tech experts. The challenge is part of a partnership between the Embassy of Ireland in SA, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency, Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Precinct, and Dogpatch Labs Ireland.

The seven selected start-ups are:

1. Smartview Technology: A utility management solutions provider that helps businesses control costs, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.
2. Momint: A blockchain-based platform that invests in renewable energy projects, allowing individuals to co-invest and contribute to a sustainable future.
3. The Awareness Company: A situational awareness company that uses data to help organizations achieve operational efficiency and sustainability.
4. Athena: A healthcare platform that allows patients to pay medical treatment costs in monthly instalments.
5. AdBot: An online advertising solutions start-up that helps small business owners manage their digital marketing needs.
6. Samanjalo: A fly ash beneficiation business that turns coal waste into green products used in construction and infrastructure environments.
7. Credipple: A talent marketplace for creative and digital professionals that reduces friction in the hiring process.

These innovators will undergo an intensive pre-acceleration programme in SA, followed by an acceleration programme in Dublin, Ireland. The event is expected to showcase the selected start-ups on August 30th, and registration is now open.

Who will emerge victorious? Will it be the utility management experts at Smartview Technology, the blockchain pioneers at Momint, or the healthcare innovators at Athena? The competition is heating up, and we can’t wait to see who will come out on top.

The Hydrogen Hype: A Scam or a Savior?

As the world slowly transitions away from fossil fuels, the debate around hydrogen-powered cars has reached a fever pitch. With only two major manufacturers, Toyota and Hyundai, offering hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), it’s clear that this technology is still in its infancy. But is it worth the hype?

The Efficiency Conundrum

According to Greg Cress, principal director for automotive and e-mobility at Accenture, hydrogen vehicles are less efficient than battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). "When you look at the energy losses in the production of hydrogen versus charging a battery, you see massive differences in efficiency," he said. "For example, you lose about 84% of the energy input on petrol and diesel, meaning only 16% of that energy is used to drive the car. Looking at battery-electric vehicles under the same lens, you get 77% efficiency; with hydrogen, the efficiency output is just 33%."

The Infrastructure Problem

Another major hurdle for hydrogen FCEVs is the lack of infrastructure. "Moving hydrogen around is very expensive and dangerous – since it is a gas, it must be pressurised. It could also leak," said Cress. "In fact, Shell has been closing down its hydrogen stations in California because it can’t see the long-term viability of these distribution networks."

The Niche Market

So, where does this leave hydrogen FCEVs? According to Cress, they may find a niche in large, long-haul trucks along well-known logistics corridors. "In the passenger vehicle market, however, hydrogen cars are going to face the same challenges EVs faced: new infrastructure for refuelling networks will have to be rolled out," he said.

The BMW Experiment

BMW, however, is taking a different approach. The company has partnered with Anglo Platinum and Sasol to trial its iX5 Hydrogen prototype in South Africa. The vehicle uses fuel cells manufactured by Toyota and has a combined 6l capacity. According to BMW’s Hailey Philander, a five-minute fill-up of hydrogen translates into about 500km of range.

The Green Hydrogen Dream

But what about the promise of green hydrogen, sourced from renewable energy and electrolysis? "Southern Africa is seen as a potential green hydrogen hub and, where the infrastructure allows, we could develop and export green hydrogen for the rest of the world," said Philander.

The Verdict

So, is hydrogen the future of transportation? It’s hard to say. While it may have its advantages, the efficiency and infrastructure challenges are significant. For now, it seems that hydrogen FCEVs will remain a niche product, used in specific applications where their unique benefits can be leveraged. But as the technology continues to evolve, it’s possible that we’ll see a more widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the future.