MechChem NOV-DEC 2025 AFRICA
Promoting sustainability and facilitating decarbonisation
This month: Revolutionary Imvubu wastewater pump launched
Service Centre to transform drive repairs
Integrated drive solutions for intralogistics applications
Integrated solutions across comminution flowsheet
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FUELS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION SA 8 The Fuels Industry Association, CF2 and Imbizo 2026 Chief Executive Avhapfani Tshifularo discusses the new direction and key priorities of the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, as well as what we can expect from the 2026 Fuels Industry Imbizo. WATER, WASTEWATER AND PUMPING SOLUTIONS 10 KSB launches revolutionary Imvubu wastewater pump KSB’s new ELN-150 Imvubu pump uses the best available global technology and optimises it for the harsh conditions of Africa. 12 Grindex submersibles proved in Copperbelt
Published bimonthly by Crown Publications (Pty) Ltd Cnr Theunis and Sovereign Streets Bedford Gardens 2007 PO Box 140, Bedfordview, 2008 Tel: +27 11 622 4770 e-mail: mechchemafrica@crown.co.za www.mechchemafricamagazine.co.za Editor: Peter Middleton e-mail: peterm@crown.co.za Advertising: Elmarie Stonell e-mail: elmaries@crown.co.za Design: Katlego Montsho Publisher: Wilhelm du Plessis Circulation: Brenda Grossmann The views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editors.
13 Atlas Copco’s super high head game-changer range 15 Demand for submersible dewatering drives IPR growth
POWER TRANSMISSION, BEARINGS, BUSHES AND SEALS 16 Bi enters SA’s pump market with SAER brand Bi is proud to announce its strategic entry into the local pumps market, through an exclusive distribution agreement with leading Italian pump manufacturer, SAER. 18 Integrated drive solutions for intralogistics applications 21 MEPS rules create opportunity, says SEW-EURODRIVE MINERALS PROCESSING AND MATERIALS HANDLING 22 Integrated solutions across comminution flowsheet Weir now offers mines an integrated selection of premium-quality high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs), crushers, screens and screening media. JD Singleton explains why this improves uptime while reducing costs per tonne. 24 Multotec’s side-tension PU mats 25 Charting the future of milling efficiency 26 Smart chute solutions at Gamsberg Mine 27 Metso opens Circored pre-reduction DRI pilot plant POWERGEN, PETROCHEM AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT 28 Measuring what matters in oilfields This case study from the Indian oil and gas industry highlights the use of VEGA’s MINITRAC 31 radiation-based sensor and the VEGA radiometric multipoint density array (MDA) profiling system for characterising oil from the Mangala field in the Rajasthan desert. 30 Thermal carrier choice and management across multi-use sites 32 Energy regulations: easing the path for IPPs 33 Centre of excellence for hydrogen energy launched MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT 34 SEW-EURODRIVE Service Centre to transform drive repairs SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa has opened a R385-million, 17 000 m² service and repair facility at its Aeroton headquarters, offering customers full OEM-quality gearbox servicing with quicker turnaround times and stronger warranties. 35 System sizing critical for boiler water treatment LOCAL MANUFACTURING AND FOOD PROCESSING 36 Malben enhances e-coating and corrosion testing capabilities With its state-of-the-art e-coating line and associated in-house laboratory for corrosion testing, Malben Engineering is driving continuous improve- ment, safety and corrosion protection for South Africa’s automotive OEMs. 37 Manufacturing at a turning point ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 38 Championing sustainability across our communities: As the world increasingly recognises the urgent need for environmental responsibility, companies must look beyond compliance and embrace active stewardship. At EnviroServ, a SUEZ company, sustainability is not just a goal – it is a core value that drives action and community engagement. Paper packaging for sustainability and recyclability INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING 42 Smart infrastructure for a sustainable world Drawing on lessons from the development of Tshwane’s Automotive City Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) in South Africa, Chester Kan of advisory firm Zutari argues that infrastructure is not just about solving today’s problems, it is about creating platforms for future growth, equity and resilience. REGULARS 4 Peter’s comment: Sustainability and South Africa’s competitiveness 6 On the cover: NCPC-SA’s critical role in decarbonising SA: The director of the CSIR’s NCPC-SA talks about the role it plays in supporting industrial production facilities in mitigating climate change. 40 Products and industry news 44 Back page: CSIR and Filament Factory launch nano-reinforced polymer composite
Transparency You Can See Average circulation April to June 2025 ABC 10 702 Printed by: Tandym Print, Cape Town
Cover story: NCPC-SA Contact: Constance Mokhoantle Email: mmokhoantle@csir.co.za Website: www.ncpc.co.za
November-December 2025 • MechChem Africa ¦ 1
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Sustainability and South Africa’s competitiveness
Peter Middleton
At the time of writing, the UN's COP30 climate sum- mit is underway in Belém, Brazil, in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The focus is said to be ‘turning words into action’, with an urgent push for climate adaptation: through updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the climate action commit- ments made by individual countries under the Paris Agreement; finding a way to ‘unlock’ $1.3-trillion of climate finance to steer the planet clear of a 1.5°C rise in average global temperature; and a renewed focus on ending rainforest loss. I find it difficult to feel optimistic about the outcomes. In the words of the COP30 summit presi- dent, André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, Brazil is “at the epicentre of the climate crisis.” At COP26 four years ago, over 140 countries pledged to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, but global forest loss reached record highs in 2024. In the same year, the aver- age global temperature was recorded at 15.10°C, exceeding the pre-industrial average temperature level (13.68°C) by 1.6°C, thereby breaching the 1.5°C target for the first time. That surely indicates that the 2050 target is likely to be impossible to meet. Brazilian summit president Corrêa do Lago is calling for an end to the “hedging and handwringing” that has characterised the past few summits. The US’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, however, is likely to make meeting the $1.3-trillion climate finance goal difficult to reach, and it raises a further risk of a domino effect across the globe, where countries increasingly renege on their climate commitments or delay their NDC submissions. Either way, COP30 will be a pivotal moment for the climate summit: an opportunity to set in motion the kind of climate action and justice the world needs to see, or another complete failure of international diplomacy that leaves the planet facing increasing levels of peril and questioning the political will of this generation of leaders to do anything about it. From an industry and technology perspective, however, there are many more positive signs of progress and compelling reasons for transitioning to a low-carbon economy. In the cover story for this issue, we talk to the director of the CSIR’s National Cleaner Production Centre-South Africa (NCPC-SA), Ndivhuho Raphulu. With respect to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which puts a carbon price on goods imported into the EU to prevent ‘carbon leak- age, Raphulu says the policy is encouraging South African industry to adopt production methods that
mitigate carbon emissions and implement climate adaptation technologies. “This also supports locali- sation, research and development, innovation, skills development and capacity building in our country.” Regarding the adoption of PV Solar technology in South Africa, he notes that government incentives, such as the VAT write-off process, have resulted in many households installing solar PV on their roofs, creating a new economic activity for rooftop solar PV installers in South Africa, while also reducing our dependence on coal. As a result, PV Solar is now much more affordable than it was. In an article by Amith Singh, National Manager for Manufacturing at Nedbank Commercial Banking, he argues that the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector in South Africa now depends not only on cost, quality and delivery, but also on a fourth metric: car- bon. Embedded emissions in every product exported to Europe now carry a tangible financial cost. Yet de - spite the price signals, many firms still lack the systems to measure carbon reduction progress. Highlighting the Nedbank-NAACAM Carbon Readiness Study, he notes that a leading Tier 1 au- tomotive supplier has recently become the first in South Africa to trial low-carbon steel in production, thereby reducing embedded emissions to align with international buyer expectations and strengthen its export market position. Their example shows that carbon readiness is not a compliance burden but a competitive advantage. Also responding to the Carbon Readiness Study, Renai Moothilal, CEO of NAACAM, says that the pres- sure to decarbonise is coming less from government regulation and more from supply chain expectations. “Buyers are expecting suppliers to measure and report their emissions and to demonstrate progress on re- ducing their environmental impact, while lenders and institutional investors are channelling funds towards companies with robust sustainability plans,” he says. In this context, carbon performance is no longer a niche compliance concern but is fast becoming a criti- cal factor in maintaining and growing market share. These and many other signs suggest that tran- sitioning to a cleaner and less carbon-intensive economy may no longer depend on the success of the endless round of fragile commitments made at the UN’s annual COP summits. The modern technologies involved have a positive impact on lifestyles, the global economy, and the future of the planet, and they are becoming increasingly prefer- able and affordable.
MechChem Africa is endorsed by:
4 ¦ MechChem Africa • November-December 2025
NCPC-SA’s critical role in decarbonising SA MCA talks to the director of the CSIR’s National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA) about the role it plays in supporting industrial production facilities in mitigating climate change.
introducing what we now call green skills. Then, from an efficiency perspective, we began to do significant work in industrial energy efficiency, initially driven by con- strained energy supplies and load shed- ding. Today, we have divided our efficiency offering into three specific thematic areas: energy efficiency, water efficiency and resource efficiency,” he explains.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM)
“CBAM is a policy tool, currently in place in the European Union (EU), that puts a carbon price on imported goods from countries with lower carbon pricing policies. It is de- signed to prevent ‘carbon leakage’, which oc- curs when companies move production out of their home country to avoid paying car- bon emissions-related costs. CBAM ensures that imported carbon-intensive products have similar carbon costs to domestically produced ones,” Raphulu explains. “This policy is influencing industry to adopt and use production methods and mechanisms that foster urgency in miti- gating carbon emissions and the adoption of climate adaptation technologies,” he explains. “It also supports localisation, re- search and development, innovation, skills development and capacity building in our country,” he adds. In addition to this EU mechanism, the UK will introduce a CBAM from January 2027, and other importing countries are likely to follow suit. “Following COP 30, I believe several more countries will be committing to a CBAM policy,” he predicts. Identifying and reporting on carbon emissions to comply with schemes such as CBAM can highlight the most effective ways to systematically reduce emissions associated with specific production paths, thereby leading to cleaner production, improved energy and resource efficiency, and increased productivity.
Industrial spaces have significant potential to produce energy for their own consumption and to serve nearby communities, as well as to provide greener infrastructure for industrial companies of all sizes.
W ith a mission to facilitate the transition of South African industry to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, the National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA) undertakes projects to help industrial facilities adapt and mitigate against climate change: by adopting circular economy principles; establishing sustainable industrial parks with tenants that are energy- efficient, resource-efficient and competitive; developing the skills and resources needed to implement renewable energy and green hydrogen projects; helping production facili- ties with the development of viable business cases for off-grid and local renewable energy plants; and encouraging industrial symbiosis, where companies identify and exchange each other’s waste as alternative and circular raw- material resources. “While I think people in industry are exhausted by the complex set of decisions they are being asked to make to comply with environmental legislation and global developments such as trade tariffs and carbon taxes, the uncertainty also presents opportunities to make a positive impact for the future. We exist to help companies
navigate compliance and take advantage of greener opportunities,” begins Ndivhuho Raphulu, the Director of the NCPC-SA. “The US tariffs, for example, have made industry realise we have a market at our back door, as well as significant unexploited opportunities in the Asian and the South American markets. Our industry and manu- facturing clusters are now reaching out to these communities to foster stronger ties,” he tells MCA . Ndivhuho Raphulu has been involved with the NCPC-SA since 2006, having ini- tially been brought in following an enquiry during Thabo Mbeki’s time as President into the challenges to industrial growth in South Africa. “The key issues that emerged were industrial efficiency, competitiveness and environmental challenges. This programme was established at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to enable in- dustry to address these challenges, with an initial mandate to raise awareness of regula- tions and opportunities that lie in cleaner production, introducing international best practices in South Africa. “We quickly realised there was a critical skills and capacity problem, so we started
South Africa’s decarbonisation mandate
“South Africa has committed and is fa- cilitating industry to comply with global decarbonisation goals in several ways, including the funding and support of NCPC- SA projects to help industry with resource efficiency and the use of clean production methodologies and tools. We have the Carbon Tax, the Climate Change Act, and
6 ¦ MechChem Africa • November-December 2025
⎪ Cover story ⎪
Left: The NCPC-SA recently hosted a two-day hybrid event to advance the drive for sustainability and competitiveness in industrial spaces. Right: NCPC-SA Sustainable Industrial Spaces delegates highlighted the success of two flagship initiatives: the Sustainable Energy Systems for Urban-Industrial Development (SESID), to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy; and the Global Eco Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP), which fosters efficient resource use, industrial symbiosis and cleaner production.
the Air Quality Act, which all incentivise industry while encouraging industrial com- pliance and investment in technologies that lower carbon emissions,” Ndivhuho Raphulu points out. “There is notable progress with regards to national awareness, capacity, skills and investment in climate resilience projects by industry, including independent power producer (IPP) industry development. We have developed basic and strategic regula- tions, and we are now well placed to accel- erate our path to decarbonisation through facilities that encourage industry to invest in green and climate-resilient technology and business development,” he notes. He adds that while some saw these regula- tions as making South African industry less competitive, many now see the long-term ad- vantages. “If a company in the UK, a company in Kenya, and a company in South Africa are all making a similar product, the competitive nature of that product would traditionally be related only to the direct cost of production and the selling price. Today, quality and the impact of that product on people’s health and the environment are additional factors to consider. The traceability of the additional quality, health and environmental factors is now a key aspect to competitiveness, par- ticularly in international markets,” he argues. Achieving decarbonisation Any production facility or industry that consumes energy, uses water and material resources, and produces waste can benefit from decarbonisation and a focus on how a plant performs against specific measures to determine and report the sources and levels of emissions. “A decarbonisation path requires a strategic and focused national capacity, skills development and investment initiatives, which all contribute to strong and sustainable economic growth. “Improving access and reducing the costs of greener technologies is a long-term pro- cess, though. The hydrogen economy is set to play a positive role in our future decar- bonisation strategy, supporting renewable energy and sustainability. Now, the costs
security due to their integrated infrastructure and key locations. The NCPC-SA is currently implementing four multi-year projects with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to drive sustainability, particularly in the area of sustainable energy. The Sustainable Energy Systems for Industrial Development (SESID) project is ac- celerating the uptake of renewable energy in industrial spaces through integrated planning and pilot projects. At the same time, the Low Carbon and Positive Energy Project promotes the optimisation of energy consumption and the generation of distributed renewable energy in industrial spaces. The Global Eco- Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP), which has been operational for five years, promotes efficient resource utilisation, industrial sym - biosis, and cleaner production. Additionally, the Global Clean Hydrogen Programme is set to launch in South Africa in early 2026. Industrial spaces have significant potential to produce energy for their own consumption and to serve nearby communities, as well as to provide greener infrastructure for industrial companies of all sizes. Together with the DTIC and international project funders, these initia- tives are collaborating with selected industrial sectors, all of which are at varying levels of readiness and adoption of sustainable indus- trial development models. The NCPC-SA recently hosted a two-day hybrid event to advance this drive for sus- tainability and competitiveness in industrial spaces, bringing together key stakeholders at the CSIR ICC in Pretoria and online. “We make these opportunities and the tools we produce freely available to industry to support their journey, and we have been encouraged to see how many of South Africa’s large emitters are taking up the challenge and partnering with us and others towards a low-carbon and resource-efficient future,” concludes Raphulu. The NCPC-SA conference content, in- cluding presentations of green hydrogen and future energy models, can be viewed on the NCPC conference website, along with content from their 2024 and 2022 events. www.industrialefficiency.co.za
of green hydrogen and the technology and infrastructure required to support projects are limiting factors for project implementa- tion and viability. “Still, our government's approach is to attract private investment, leverage inter- national partnerships, and identify strategic applications for green hydrogen as a catalyst for re-industrialisation and economic trans- formation. This is not just a response to the climate crisis,” he notes, adding that tax deductions on investments in electric and hydrogen-powered vehicle production are likely sometime after 2026. Hard-to-abate sectors, such as steel, fer- tiliser, cement and heavy-duty mobility, can all benefit from adopting green hydrogen. “Our national target is to produce one million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, and seven million tonnes by 2050, which would boost the economy significantly and create jobs,” he says. The NCPC-SA’s extended offering The NCPC-SA support is one way the govern- ment provides tangible assistance to industry in navigating the challenges of decarbonisa- tion. The NCPC-SA makes use of its funding from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to assign specialists to collaborate with a production facility's technical and maintenance teams, identifying opportunities to reduce emissions through energy management and waste reduction. “In addition, when we have identified an opportunity that requires investment, we can help develop bankable proposals on how to implement some of the recommendations and how to manage the transition to cleaner production. This approach helps to remove uncertainty and ensures that the interven- tions deliver all the compliance and productiv- ity results identified,” assures Raphulu. The Sustainable Industrial Spaces Conference 2025 Industrial spaces, such as industrial develop- ment zones (IDZs), special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial parks, offer strategic opportunities for decarbonisation and energy
November-December 2025 • MechChem Africa ¦ 7
The Fuels Industry Association, CF2 and Imbizo 2026
Chief Executive Avhapfani Tshifularo discusses the new direction and key priorities of the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, the 2027 implementation of the Clean Fuels II (CF2) regulation, and what we can expect from the 2026 Fuels Industry Imbizo.
closely with stakeholders, including the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and law enforcement, to combat illicit trade. This includes our advocacy efforts to eliminate fuel adulteration practices that undermine safety, emissions, and environmental goals. Industry supports stronger market surveillance, tighter licensing and a robust national fuel-marking programme to curb the sale of illicit products. Priority areas for the year 2025 The Association, together with its members, has identified six key priorities: security of supply, customs and excise regime reform, refinery support, petroleum product pricing reform, liquefied petroleum gas regulatory and safety improvements, and diesel adultera- tion prevention. “These are not merely operational con- cerns but rather systemic challenges that re- quire urgent policy responses, cross-sectoral collaboration and decisive leadership,” says Tshifularo. Security of supply: The Fuels Industry Association of South Africa has consistently highlighted the critical importance of securing long-term tenure leases for the liquid fuels infrastructure at South Africa’s ports. Without firm, reliable access to port infrastructure, our industry cannot guarantee a consistent supply of fuels to inland and industrial markets. Nor can the Association’s members justify the sig- nificant investment required to maintain and expand the country’s energy infrastructure. Historically, access to coastal oil im-
port infrastructure has been governed by lease and concession agreements with the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). The Minister of Transport has recently issued a Directive under Section 79 of the National Ports Act, which represents progress in ad- dressing the long-standing uncertainty. Still, the Association maintains that some concerns may arise, and that further engagement is ur- gently required to ensure that the framework provides meaningful security of tenure. Reforming the Customs and Excise Regime : The Customs and Excise Act of 1964 remains deeply outdated. Initially developed in an era of domestic refining dominance, the Act fails to accommodate today’s reality of an import-driven, multi-product pipeline system supporting a globally integrated fuels market. Its limitations result in delays, inefficiencies and compliance confusion, particularly for importers of aviation kerosene, petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin. We therefore welcome the announcement by the Minister of Finance in the 2025 Budget Review on Revenue Trends and Tax Proposals that, in the light of the fuel industry in South Africa shifting from local manufacturing domi- nance to importing refined petroleum prod - ucts, “SARS proposes to review the legislation on the fuel industry to align it with changes in this industry and to facilitate the movement and storage of fuel products.” “This review is not just welcome; it is es- sential. Modernisation of the Act must reflect current trade practices, reduce administra- tive burden, make compliance seamless, and remove bottlenecks in the movement and storage of fuel products,” Tshifularo notes. Refinery support: In the last 5 years, South Africa has lost three refineries. This contrac - tion of local refining capacity is more than a commercial concern; it is a strategic risk. In an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, a balanced approach to imports and local refining is necessary to mitigate the country's exposure to shipping delays and global supply chain disruptions. For nearly two decades, the Fuels Industry Association has advocated for government- backed financial support for the domestic re - fineries. “We believe the remaining refineries should be supported to secure South Africa’s
“T he rebrand from the South African Petroleum Industry As- sociation (SAPIA) to the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa (the Association) signals an intentional, long-term shift from ‘oil’ to an inclusive fuels ecosystem that includes liquid, gaseous and syn- thetic fuels, as well as the future infrastructure needed to power mobility,” begins the Associa- tion's Chief Executive, Avhapfani Tshifularo. The change, unveiled during our 30th anniversary conference in 2024, aligns with South Africa’s net-zero pathway and the need to improve air quality in our cities. “We convene technical, regulatory and market working groups that interface with standards bodies, such as SABS/SANS, and government to keep specifications current and enforceable. In terms of quality, our members adhere to SANS fuel standards. They are preparing for the introduction of the Clean Fuels II (CF2) by 2027, which is equivalent to the Euro 5 vehicle emissions standard. We also engage the Department of Minerals and Petroleum Resources’ (DMPR) pricing process to ensure fair, transparent and predictable pricing under the Basic Fuels Price (BFP) system. On fraud, he says, the Association works Avhapfani Tshifularo, Chief Executive of the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa.
The Astron Refinery in Cape Town is one of South Africa’s last remaining major oil refineries.
8 ¦ MechChem Africa • November-December 2025
⎪ Fuels Industry Imbizo 2026 ⎪
the next decade: faster decarbonisation expectations from climate law and markets, and cleaner local air quality requirements. South Africa’s Climate Change Act (2024) introduces carbon budget obligations, while the Carbon Tax Act’s rates and design are be- ing tightened from 2030 to 2035. For fuels, CF2 (2027) will reduce sulphur and aromatics, thereby improving urban air quality and enabling the adoption of newer- technology vehicles. On the transformation side, companies are investing in CF2 upgrades, cleaner logistics, biofuels and hydrogen pilots, while e-fuel collaborations are beginning to surface in the value chain. “Though we understand that liquid fuels will continue to play a significant role for the next few decades, the outlook is certainly inclusive of New Energy Vehicle (NEVs), with the Electric Vehicle White Paper of Dec 2023 laying out incentives and manufacturing poli- cies to pivot the automotive sector towards charging infrastructure and grid integration as enabling levers. But for the fuels market, we anticipate a gradual rebalancing rather than a cliff,” notes Tshifularo. The Fuels Industry Imbizo 2026 Because the decisions we make between now and 2027, when CF2 goes live, will lock in quality, cost and carbon outcomes for the next generation. The Fuels Industry Imbizo is a vital forum that will convene policy-makers, refiners, importers, logis- tics operators, automotive stakeholders, aviation/marine stakeholders, financiers and technology providers, with the aims of stress-testing security-of-supply plans; comparing CF2 investment readiness and compliance paths; aligning climate, carbon- tax and product-specification timetables; and forming public-private coalitions to fight illicit fuels and raise standards. “We are offering tiered sponsorships and solution showcases that include demonstra- tion bays for testing/inspection technology, fuel-quality analytics, logistics safety and digital compliance. Regulator and panel discussion sponsorships are available, and a variety of other sponsorship opportuni- ties will amplify visibility. We also intend to co-create content with MechChem Africa and provide post-event access to session recordings and quotes,” says Tshifularo. “There are a lot of important issues for us to talk about, including CF2, supply security, illicit markets, carbon and climate compliance, new energy vehicles, aviation and marine decarbonisation, and, from a skills perspective, building the pipeline for the new specifications, new molecules and new monitoring technologies. “Please join us,” he concludes. https://fuelsindustry.org.za
long-term refining capabilities, in a similar way to how countries such as Australia have introduced a Fuel Security Services Payment (FSSP) under its Fuel Security Act in 2021. In this model, refiners are paid a produc - tion payment during loss-making periods based on the number of litres of FSSP fuels they produce. FSSP fuels include petrol, diesel and jet fuel. To receive the FSSP, domestic re- finers must commit to keep operating until at least 30 June 2027, with the option to extend this to 30 June 2030. A similar model can secure South Africa’s refining capacity, protect local jobs and ensure fuel security during times of global disruption. Petroleum Product Pricing: In July 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a review of the petroleum product pricing sys- tem. The DMPR engages with industry stake- holders to obtain input on the RAS Terms of Reference. This was followed by their internal procurement process, culminating in the pub- lication of both the final Terms of Reference and the tender advertisement. The advertise- ment was published on 25 September 2025, with a closing date of 21 October 2025. The current system, while well-inten- tioned, is in dire need of structural reform: The Magisterial District Zones (MDZ) are based on outdated transport logic, and there are over- and under-recoveries in the system that need to be balanced to ensure a fair pricing system for wholesalers and consumers. In addition, Coastwise shipping costs are not recovered in the current pricing mechanism. Furthermore, LPG pricing mechanisms have remained essentially unchanged since 2010, except for the Maximum Refinery Gate Price (MRGP). The Maximum Retail Price has not been reviewed in over a decade, limiting LPG’s uptake as a cleaner, accessible energy option across the country. The Association calls on the DMPR to regularly review all pricing elements for all petroleum products to ensure fairness, competitiveness and alignment with national developments. LPG Regulatory and Safety Issues: In December 2019, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy announced an ambi- tious initiative to double LPG use within five years, as part of the interventions aimed at securing the country's electricity supply. After the announcement, the Minister later organised a meeting with key LPG stakehold- ers, including LPGSA, the Fuels Industry Association, and LPG Wholesalers, calling on the LPG Industry to assist the DMPR in alleviating pressure on Eskom's power supply. The LPG sector has made significant progress in strengthening import and storage infrastructure, advancing household adoption of LPG, and promoting greater diversity and inclusivity within the industry.
There are numerous issues facing the LPG Industry that require specific attention, in particular: the unauthorised use of branded cylinders by others, which infringes intel- lectual property rights; the unauthorised and unsafe filling of cylinders; and the under- or improper-filling of LPG cylinders, which re - sults in customers being short-changed. In November 2024, the Competition Commission, under the Energy Suppliers’ Block Exemption, approved a transparent, structured mechanism that allows LPG whole- salers to adjust the cylinder deposit to reflect the landed cost of cylinders more accurately. This enhances wholesalers' capacity to supply LPG to South African consumers, encourages investment in cylinder infrastructure, reduces barriers to entry for new participants in the LPG market, and strengthens competition, ultimately benefiting consumer welfare and contributing to supporting overall supply diversification of the national energy mix. Diesel adulteration prevention: Diesel adulteration refers to the practice of mix- ing illuminating paraffin or similar solvents with diesel and selling the mixture illegally as compliant fuel for use in engines. Not only does this practice present serious concerns for oil companies, but it also directly harms consumers’ equipment and results in an esti- mated annual loss of R4.2-billion to the fiscus. Duties are payable on fuel used in engines, whereas marked paraffin is duty-free because it is used for household cooking and heating. Mixing paraffin and other substances with die - sel fuel avoids duties, either partially or fully. To clamp down on the practice, SARS made it mandatory in 1999 to add the chemical marker Mortrace MP to paraffin and similar solvents to identify their presence if mixed into engine fuels. It is also mandatory for customs officers to take fuel samples from vehicles and other sources for on-the-spot analysis. While this resulted in steady paraf- fin sales volumes of around 0.6 million m³ per year until 2019, they had more than doubled by 2024, indicating a significant rise in the number of unscrupulous operators selling adulterated diesel. To address this decisively, the Fuels Industry Association is calling for a straight- forward policy shift: Tax marked paraffin at the same rate as diesel. This would remove the profit motive that perpetuates adulteration, and level the playing field for law-abiding fuel producers, importers and distributors. This single policy change would strike at the heart of the adulteration economy, while supporting and strengthening SARS enforcement efforts and protecting consumers from vehicle dam- age and fuel fraud.
Climate change For the fuels industry, two dynamics define
November-December 2025 • MechChem Africa ¦ 9
KSB launches revolutionary Imvubu wastewater pump KSB’s ELN-150 Imvubu is a new wastewater pump with a ‘mouth’ large enough to pass 77.3 mm solids, achieving a hydraulic efficiency of 65%. Designed, developed and manufactured by KSB Pumps and Valves in South Africa, this new pump uses the best available global technology and optimises it for the harsh conditions of Africa.
word for hippopotamus, the name carries a double meaning, referring to its distinctive top-mounted lifting ‘ears’ that mimic its profile in water. At the same time, its massive free-pass mouth and formidable strength mirror the ex- ceptional solids handling ability that swallows up oversized waste, attesting to the toughness and power of its design. KSB Pumps and Valves product manager for wastewater, Hugo du Plessis, says the KSB Imvubu is the result of years of development, which measured the strengths and limitations
of earlier self-priming pumps used in municipal wastewater networks across Southern Africa. During this time, KSB Pumps and Valves' engi- neering team worked closely with municipali- ties and industry operators to understand the realities they face daily, including clogging, solids carry-over,complexmaintenance,pumpfailures in remote areas and the need for equipment that is easy to service in places where skills are often scarce and uptime is critical to prevent spills. “We live in South Africa and can see the challenges of dealing with sewerage and waste- water. We also listened to the market, where customers told us exactly where the problems lie in terms of pump clogging, difficult seal re - placement, thin casings that wear quickly and designs that do not stand up to raw, unscreened sewage. This culminated in the development of the KSB Imvubu pump, which addresses the market’s needs. It is proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa and takes the best global technology and optimises it for African conditions,” says du Plessis. He explains that the KSB Imvubu pump was developed using advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modelling and efficiency rede - signs of the impeller, volute and hydraulic pas- sageways. The result is significantly improved pumping performance, now reaching more than 65% hydraulic efficiency, which places it well ahead of competitor self-priming pumps cur- rently in service. Critically, the pump achieves a 77.3 mm free-pass solids handling capability exceeding the global raw sewage benchmark of 76 mm. In real-world operation, that 1.3 mm can be the difference between uninterrupted pumping and a costly blockage. “The free pass is what sets us apart. It is market-leading, which means that if a pump can pass a larger solid, it will clog less. It is that simple, and less clogging means less callouts, less downtime and less cost.” In addition, the KSB Imvubu features bearings-for-life with no oil lubrication required. Unlike competing pumps that require oil cham- bers, top-up checks, and a risk of contamination, the KSB Imvubu pump utilises grease-for-life bearings and KSB’s own mechanical seal, which is lubricated by the pumped medium itself. This makes the pump environmentally cleaner, safer to maintain and significantly simpler to service. The pump body is also cast with thick, heavy-duty volute walls to resist erosion and extend operating life. Its smart design includes
K SB has officially launched the KSB ELN-150 Imvubu, a rugged new self-priming wastewater pump de- veloped and built in South Africa specifically for African operating conditions. Named after the Imvubu, which is the Zulu KSB Pumps and Valves product manager for wastewater, Hugo du Plessis.
The market-leading impeller design enables the Imvubu pump to pass a larger solid (77.3 mm) than any of its competitors in the wastewater sector.
The new South African-designed and manufactured KSB ELN-150 Imvubu pump is a breakthrough in wastewater handling in South Africa.
10 ¦ MechChem Africa • November-December 2025
⎪ Water, wastewater and pumping solutions ⎪
are exactly the issues we have considered and served as guiding principles for our Imvubu pump. Our design directly addresses the prob- lems encountered in the field. We designed this pump specifically for Africa, which is why it is designed to be easily maintained using basic tools and can be speed-adjusted through simple pulley changes. It can also perform the job of two pumps by easily transitioning from low to high heads and low to high flows, eliminating the need for a second pump. It can even be mounted on diesel skids for remote pumping or emergency use during floods. It is versatile, strong and practical,” says Hugo. Applications extend beyond municipal wastewater to mining sumps, industrial efflu - ent, pulp and paper, agricultural waste dams, river abstraction and portable dewatering units. The pump has already proven itself during extended testing at the Drakenstein Wastewater Treatment Works in the Western Cape, where it has operated continuously with excellent results. Because the KSB Imvubu pump is 100% lo - cally manufactured, it aligns strongly with the Department of Trade and Industry’s localisa- tion incentives, which support South African industry and local employment. It also positions KSB Pumps and Valves as a major contributor in the export of high-value engineered products into Sub-Saharan Africa and other regions
Pump performance specifications Max Flow: 429.4 m³/h Max Head: 47.6 m Suction Size: 150 NB (6”) Discharge Size: 150 NB (6”) Solids Handling: 77.3 mm BEP Flow: 305 m³/h BEP Head: 33 m BEP efficiency, ŋ: 65% Operating temp: up to 80°C “This is a pump we are proud to build in South Africa, as it keeps our people employed and shows that we can compete and lead in- ternational brands. We like to think that we do not follow; we leapfrog. Our Imvubu pump is a direct answer for many of the failures mak- ing national headlines, and the timing in this period of regeneration could not be more sig- nificant. Municipalities and utilities urgently need equipment that can keep working away with minimum attention and maintenance to clear the backlog – and we are proud to say the answer is the KSB Imvubu,” Hugo concludes. www.ksb.com where similarly robust and versatile pumps are required.
an inspection hatch that allows staff to clear blockages without removing the suction cover, a significant advantage for treatment plant technicians and municipal maintenance teams. “We know that South Africa’s wastewater infrastructure is under immense strain with limited resources and ever-rising sewage vol- umes, which means equipment must be robust and easy to service to ensure its longevity. These The KSB Imvubu pump was developed using advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to redesign the impeller, volute and hydraulic passageways for maximum efficiency and clog-free performance.
Helping to solve wastewater challenges
KSB Pumps and Valves is doubling its efforts to help the Government and municipalities find practical and technical solutions to the growing wastewater challenges gripping large parts of the country. As part of a vast global company, the local operation is leveraging its extensive skills base to collaborate with local wastewater service providers in developing innovative solutions for projects of all sizes, ranging from national to municipal and even smaller, case-by-case mini-projects. “We understand the challenges our mu- nicipalities face and as a result we are bringing all our expertise locally as well as internation- ally to the table to allow us to assist wherever there are wastewater projects no matter the size or complexity – from small schools to large industrial areas and entire cities,” says KSB Pumps and Valves Market Area Manager for Water, Wastewater and Irrigation, Hugo du Plessis. “As a result of challenges at the grassroots level, we have even identified a strong need for an upgrade in our wastewater portfolio and have now introduced this new locally developed and game-changing wastewater pump. “These types of innovations, combined
with advanced technical services and a wide array of products, are part of our renewed drive to help address wastewater issues in conjunction with municipalities in the coun- try. We also remain mindful of budgetary constraints and have worked within these limits to provide products and services that are cost-effective, versatile and reliable. “At the same time, we have sourced other suitable solutions from across the globe that have been added to our local arsenal. Now, our next step is to work with consulting engineers and end users from various regions from the inception of their projects to ensure pump stations and treatment plants are designed to work effectively for at least the next 20 to 30 years,” says Du Plessis. KSB Pumps and Valves is well-positioned to provide expertise for all aspects of waste- water handling, from physical requirements to suction conditions in pump stations and specialised equipment in treatment plants, to submersible pumps, mixers and flow enhanc - ers. The company offers uniquely tailored so- lutions across every stage of the wastewater process, with an extensive range of products that adhere to strict global standards for qual- ity, efficiency, and longevity. “Our commitment extends beyond merely
selling products. We work with government agencies, municipalities, and engineers to pro- vide trusted technical consultation, training and collaboration, ensuring projects succeed. We have also recently launched a series of new products, designed and manufactured locally to meet local conditions, as well as offering products from our KSB global op- erations that are tailored to local conditions. We can bring fast solutions to the coun- try’s wastewater needs that are locally de- veloped and ideally suited to our local needs,” concludes Hugo du Plessis. www.ksb.com KSB collaborates with government agencies, municipalities and engineers to ensure projects succeed.
November-December 2025 • MechChem Africa ¦ 11
Grindex submersibles proved in Copperbelt Grindex submersible dewatering pumps are increasingly favoured by mining operations in Zambia and the DRC for their durability and efficiency in tackling underground water ingress. Jordan Marsh, Managing Director of Integrated Pump Technology, explains.
G rindex submersible dewatering pumps are gaining significant traction among mining operations in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where demand for reliable and efficient dewatering solu- tions is increasing. These pumps, renowned for their durability and high performance, have become a preferred choice for mines facing challenging underground water ingress conditions. Jordan Marsh, Managing Director of Integrated Pump Technology, the official distributor of Grindex pumps in Southern Africa, confirms that the brand has built a solid reputation over the past decade in the most demanding dewatering applications. He anticipates a continued surge in demand as underground mining operations extend deeper, requiring even more robust pumping solutions. “Dewatering in deep underground mines demands pumps that can handle high flow rates and high heads, while maintaining absolute reliability in extreme conditions,” says Marsh. “Grindex pumps have proven their ability to perform consistently in these environments, making them a trusted choice for copper mines in the region.” Recent orders received through Integrated Pump Technology’s distributor partner in the
To further support its growing base of Grindex users in the region, Integrated Pump Technology deploys teams to regularly as- sess dewatering applications and ensure that the correct pump solutions are in place. Additionally, through its local distributors, the company provides technical support and ensures spare parts availability, minimising downtime and maintaining uninterrupted operations. “As mines go deeper, dewatering becomes an increasingly complex challenge. With Grindex submersible pumps, our customers have a reliable and cost-effective solution that is built to withstand the harshest mining conditions,” Marsh concludes. www.pump-technology.com
DRC were from a major copper mine and in- cluded a range of Grindex submersible pumps, spanning from 5.5 kW to 90 kW. Among these are the Grindex N series, capable of handling high flow rates from 20 up to 100 /s and the Grindex H series, which can pump to impres- sive heads of up to 180 m. This particular mining operation has relied on Grindex submersible pumps for its dewa- tering needs since 2022, with consistently outstanding performance. Marsh attributes the ongoing preference for Grindex to the pumps’ rugged construction and high ef- ficiency, both of which are critical factors in maintaining optimum production levels and ensuring the safety of underground personnel in waterlogged areas.
Grindex pumps are renowned for their robust construction and efficiency, enabling mining customers to maintain production and safety even in challenging, waterlogged underground conditions.
The Grindex H series is capable of pumping water to impressive heights of up to 180 m from deep- level mines.
Built to handle abrasive and waterlogged environments, Grindex submersible pumps offer dependable dewatering solutions for both surface and underground mines.
12 ¦ MechChem Africa • November-December 2025
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