Caught between a rock and a hard place I n April the effect of the US-Isreal-Iran war become decidedly tangible - the double blow of soaring oil and steep electricity prices sees South African’s face higher prices all round. If the conflict does not subside soon, even greater economic strain and hardship are likely—not only for the countries directly involved, but globally. reforms with private sector participation, and modernising port infrastructure. In January this year, Transnet SOC signed a strategic MoU with Port of Antwerp-Bruges International and the Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center to modernise South Africa’s port system, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen regional trade competitiveness. Also of note, commissioner of SARS, Edward
There is, however, a measure of relief: for now, Iran has granted South African cargo ships and oil tankers safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The middle eastern country has selectively allowed vessels from friendly countries to transit the strait, while restricting access for US- and Israel-linked ships amid ongoing regional tensions. Importantly, the conflict is forcing global shipping to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, creating a surge in maritime traffic near South African ports. Shipping operators, including giants like MSC, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd, are bypassing the Suez Canal and the Red Sea
Kieswetter ended his term with a historic milestone for the 2025/2026 financial year – collecting over R2.01 trillion in net revenue, an 8.4% increase from the previous year. This total exceeded projections by R24.7 billion. The revenue is earmarked to fund government expenditure, support public services, and service national debt, while also contributing directly to social programmes, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Yet, despite this strong revenue performance, the country’s infrastructure continues to deteriorate. Roads, in particular, have become a visible symbol of decline, with potholes in some areas growing to massive proportions— highlighted recently when Helen Zille drew attention to the
due to safety risks, rerouting ships around the South African coast. Ports such as Cape Town and Durban are seeing higher volumes of traffic as ships avoid the Persian Gulf. Given that the
The middle eastern country has selectively allowed vessels from friendly countries to transit the strait, while restricting access for US- and Israel-linked ships amid ongoing regional tensions.
issue by swimming in a large pothole in a Johannesburg neighbourhood. Dr. Johnstone
crisis could lead to a lasting change in international trade routes, are South
Makhubu replaces Kieswetter as the new Commissioner for a period of
Africa’s Ports ready for the increased traffic? Unfortunately, not – inefficiencies at the ports risk South Africa missing out on significant bunkering and repair income. Although Transnet has done much recently to improve the ports, reports indicate that increased container processing capacity is sorely needed. Transnet plans to invest over R127 billion to modernise its national rail and port infrastructure, with roughly R2.7 billion specifically earmarked for port upgrades in the current year. The investment aims to boost container terminal efficiency, particularly in Durban and Cape Town. The state-owned entity is currently undergoing a "Reinvent for Growth" strategy to modernise infrastructure, improve efficiency, and tackle backlogs, driven by high demand for commodities like coal, iron ore, and manganese. Key focus areas include rebuilding rail capacity for coal and manganese, implementing structural
Nelendhre Moodley.
five years.
Editor: Nelendhre Moodley e-mail: mining@crown.co.za Advertising Manager: Rynette Joubert
In this edition The outlook for key commodities such as copper (pg 8) and gold (pg 10) is looking rosy, with rising commodity prices creating a huge economic opportunity for the country. According to Econometrix Chief Economist, Dr Azar Jammine, a keynote speaker at the AfriSam’s annual Budget Breakfast event held in Sandton, the “estimated R350 billion inflows could stimulate investment in mining and infrastructure” (pg 7). Also of interest are the latest developments at Kazeera Global, which is transitioning from a project developer into a profitable mining company (pg 14), and Fulcrum Metals, which is capitalising on the current “golden era” (pg 16). Meanwhile, Redpath Mining—bringing over 60 years of global mining service excellence—and its subsidiary, Redpath Africa, with 32 years of experience on the continent, continue to advance their growth trajectory (pg 20).
e-mail: rynettej@crown.co.za Design & Layout: Ano Shumba Publisher: Karen Grant
Deputy Publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis Circulation: Brenda Grossmann and Shaun Smith Published monthly by: Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd P O Box 140, Bedfordview, 2008 Tel: (+27 11) 622-4770 Fax: (+27 11) 615-6108 e-mail: mining@crown.co.za www.modernminingmagazine.co.za
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The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher.
Average circulation Jan-Mar 2024: 10 696
2 MODERN MINING www.modernminingmagazine.co.za | May 2026
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