MechChem JUL-AUG 2026 AFRICA
Driving Sustainable Patnerships through end-to-end engineering, business development, and lifecycle services.
This month: When restoring worn pumps makes sense
670 4rCRBs for Algerian Steelmaker
Advancing gas-to-power development
The hidden heroes shaping Africa
Process improvement is mastering ESG goals while maximizing efficiency.
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FUELS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION SA 6 Four factors that could shape the future of mining A new whitepaper from Shell explores the biggest challenges facing miners over the next 3-5 years and examines how they can overcome them. WATER, WASTEWATER AND PUMPING SOLUTIONS 8 When restoring worn pumps makes sense This article from KSB Pumps and Valves argues for the value of restoring worn pumps to OEM specifications rather than replacing. 10 Can smart water create smart cities? 11 Science-based PFAS regulation needed in SA 12 Integrated Pump Technology brings dewatering expertise to EMA POWER TRANSMISSION, BEARINGS, BUSHES AND SEALS 14 SKF secures Algerian steelmaker tender Following a rigorous and competitive evaluation process, SKF has been awarded a large-scale tender by a prominent Algerian steelmaker to supply 670 four-row cylindrical roller bearings (4rCRBs) and thrust bearings for critical rolling applications. 16 Energy chains transform Durban ship loader productivity 17 The cost of incorrect lubrication MINERALS PROCESSING AND MATERIALS HANDLING 18 Maximising sampler and centrifuge longevity Multotec Product Specialists Gerrit du Plessis for Solid-Liquid Separation and Willem Slabbert for Sampling and Magnetics describe how proactive maintenance can be applied to minerals-handling equipment, such as samplers and centrifuges, to maximise reliability and longevity. 21 Vega: precision solutions for extreme conditions 22 Weir secures significant order for its GEHO ® PD pumps 23 Safeguarding conveyor performance through proactive assessment HYDRAULICS, PNEUMATICS AND AUTOMATION 24 The hidden heroes shaping Africa Speaking at a Bosch Rexroth Africa customer day on Friday, 19 June, in celebration of 60 years since its foundation in South Africa, CEO Chris Riley highlights the people behind the company’s growth and that of South Africa and the African continent. 26 EMVAfrica unites under ENERGYValves umbrella 27 Energy checks: a strategic compressed air advantage POWERGEN, PETROCHEM AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT 28 Eskom and Zululand Energy to advance gas-to-power development Eskom and Zululand Energy Terminal (ZET) are pleased to announce the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HOA) that establishes the framework for a long-term strategic partnership to support South Africa’s gas-to-power programme. 29 Africa's power market is learning to share 30 Accelerating virtual wheeling in SA 31 Industrial energy solutions for the mining industry 33 Modular edge data centres: built for African distances MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT 34 ABB Ability™ BuildingPro and Samsung SmartThings Pro integration ABB and Samsung Electronics have announced a new integration partnership between ABB Ability™ BuildingPro and Samsung SmartThings Pro, which enables access to building data, insights and controls through a more connected environment. 35 Getting the most value from turbine maintenance
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: mechchemafrica@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.
Transparency You Can See Average circulation Jan to Mar 2026: 7 785 Printed by: Tandym Print, Cape Town
Cover story: SEW-EURODRIVE Email: info@sew.co.za Website: www.sew-eurodrive.co.za
36 Enhanced agricultural performance with Mobil™ solutions 37 Lubrication is critical for the life of galvanised wire rope LOCAL MANUFACTURING AND FOOD PROCESSING 38 Booyco Engineering’s third-generation HVAC system
Booyco Engineering has entered full production of its third-generation HVAC system for an 8x8 amphibious infantry vehicle. 39 PPE and national reach for SA’s agri sector INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING 42 Tru-Trac to challenge conveyor thinking at EMA 2026 At Electra Mining Africa 2026, Tru-Trac will challenge conventional thinking around conveyor maintenance by positioning conveyor issues such as misalignment, carryback, spillage and belt damage as symptoms of larger system-level problems rather than isolated component failures. REGULARS 2 Peter’s comment: The future of energy mobility 4 On the cover: SEW-EURODRIVE to highlight expanded portfolio at EMA 40 Products and industry news 44 Back page: From thermal to nuclear via a single contract
July-August 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 1
The Fuels Industry Imbizo, according to our Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, came at a critical time for the petroleum sector, both globally and domestically, reminding us that “energy security cannot be taken for granted”. Despite the ongoing global challenges, however, he said South Africa has maintained fuel supply stability. This Imbizo, he said, “provides us with an opportu- nity to engage frankly about the future of our industry and to collectively shape a petroleum sector that re- mains secure, competitive, sustainable, and responsive to the changing energy landscape.” “We must recognise that South Africa’s energy transition is not about abandoning one energy source in favour of another. It is about building a diversified and resilient energy mix that supports economic growth, industrial development, energy security, and environmental sustainability,” said Mantashe. “Conventional fuels will continue to play an important role in our economy for decades to come. At the same time, emerging energy sources must be developed and integrated into our energy system.” He went on to say that the development of a sus- tainable biofuels industry has the potential to support agricultural development, create employment oppor- tunities in rural communities, stimulate new invest- ment, and contribute meaningfully to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Minister of Agriculture, he said, has expressed strong support for the biofuels programme. This gives confidence about the avail - ability of feedstock to support the industry’s growth, while regulatory certainty conducive to investment has now been established through the publication of the regulated biofuels price last year. “We now look to the industry to partner with government in developing this strategic sector and ensuring its long-term success,” he said. On the development side, Mantashe cited the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act (UPRDA), which is now ready for publication and implementation. The Act establishes a dedicated regu- latory framework for the upstream petroleum sector, “thereby creating a more appropriate and investment- friendly environment for oil and gas development”. Following a comprehensive vulnerability assess- ment of South Africa’s strategic petroleum stocks, areas requiring urgent attention include strengthening stockholding arrangements and increasing domestic refining capacity. The resulting draft Strategic Petroleum Stocks Policy proposes a mixed stockholding model under which the unified South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) will maintain strategic reserves The future of energy mobility
Peter Middleton
equivalent to 60 days of net imports in both crude oil and refined products, “a major step towards strength - ening South Africa’s resilience against future supply disruptions”. “We are equally encouraged by developments at Island View: with the issue of leases now finalised, long-term tenure has been secured,” he noted. On the refining side, he said: “If we are serious about improving our energy security, reducing our vulnerability to external shocks, and strengthening our economic sovereignty, we must accelerate exploration and development of our own oil and gas resources. “South Africa cannot indefinitely remain a price taker in global energy markets. We must position ourselves to become producers where commercially viable resources exist.” Hear, hear. He went on to invite attendees to partner with South Africa’s National Petroleum Company (SANPC) to support the development of local refining capacity and to advance exploration activities to unlock South Africa’s petroleum potential. “Let us use this Imbizo to identify practical solu- tions, strengthen partnerships, unlock investment, and build a petroleum sector that is secure, competitive, transformed, and capable of supporting South Africa’s developmental objectives. Working together as gov- ernment and industry, we can ensure that the future of energy mobility is not something we merely react to, but something we actively shape,” he concluded. Following Gwede Mantashe’s opening address, an in-depth panel discussion examined the implications of Clean Fuels II regulations for the petroleum industry, which will come into force on 1 July 2027 to align South Africa with Euro 5 vehicle emission requirements. “How ready are we?” was the opening question for the panel discussion of Fuels Industry leaders. Dumisani Bengu, Chairperson of the Fuels Industry Association and MD of Sasol Oil, noted that Sasol has now completed a R6-billion upgrade of its Sasol Secunda refinery plant to meet Euro 5 unleaded clean fuel specifications: 10 ppm sulphur, 1% benzene, 35% aromatics, and 18% olefins. In addition, a further R3 billion has been committed to upgrading the Natref refinery to meet these same specifications. MCA is proud to have been the media partner of this important event. Sasol, in particular, is a South African success story in the fuels and chemicals sec- tors. The current crisis brings into sharp focus how important its technology might be for securing our energy security, while enabling the broader transport industry to transition to a carbon-free future afford- ably and sustainably.
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SEW-EURODRIVE to highlight expanded portfolio at EMA At Electra Mining Africa this September, SEW-EURODRIVE will unveil an expanded portfolio of industry-specific drivetrain and lifetime reliability services. Jonathan McKey, Sales and Marketing Manager, unpacks the new offering. S EW-EURODRIVE’s key focus at this
Jonathan McKey, Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE.
have mining, ports and harbours, power generation, agriculture, automotive, general manufacturing and several more specialists on hand to help clients get a sense of the new possibilities we can now offer,” he adds. “A client from power generation might want to know how we can innovate and modernise drop-in solutions in the power sector, and we have drivetrain specialists with years of experience to outline what we can offer. We have our MACC-Series indus- trial gear solution, for example, specifically engineered for air-cooled condenser and dry-cooling tower applications,” he explains. Part of our process is to assess installed infrastructure to determine how best to incorporate new solutions on-site. We can also do energy surveys, and we are open to modernising a power station’s equipment to use less power and be more efficient and available to produce without unplanned stoppages,” explains McKey. “This philosophy is being introduced for every industry we serve. We have sev- eral new business development products to showcase in the seated booth area of our EMA stand, including a comprehensive range of after-sales services and mainte- nance offerings from the Phase 2 Service Centre: maintenance plans and repair commitments for SEW-EURODRIVE and
range. But with the SLA and service offer- ing, we can also now offer long-term, sus- tainable support, with SEW-EURODRIVE industry specialists on hand to develop whole-life packages to best suit specific process applications,” he says. Every SLA will be customised to suit the installed equipment and the client's needs. They typically include 24/7 phone support, dispatch timelines for technicians to the site, breakdown turnaround times, and repair warranties. Additional benefits include reduced spare parts costs and pri- ority service levels, with customers able to select the support option that best aligns with their operational requirements and maintenance priorities. “Our DriveRadar automatic remote condition monitoring solution can also be included in an SLA, which gives us the ability to continuously monitor system condition, predict a failure in advance, and schedule preventive maintenance,” McKey adds. Industry-specific business develop- ment The stand at EMA, says McKey, will feature industry-specific business development booths where specialists from SEW-EUR- ODRIVE can meet clients to initiate discus- sions on long-term cooperation. “We will
year’s Electra Mining Africa show will be on its expanding portfolio of drivetrain solutions that integrate industry-specific, custom-engineered drives with lifetime reliability services. “The Phase 2 development of our new service and repair centre has enhanced our capacity to offer end-to-end engineer- ing, business development and lifecycle services, along with our fully integrated mechanical and electrical drive solutions,” says Jonathan McKey, Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. Service level agreements (SLAs) SEW-EURODRIVE, he says, aims to in- tegrate fully into the critical production processes that deliver success for custom- ers, ensuring efficient operation, reliability and rapid service response. This will enable their critical plant assets to deliver for their entire life. “By combining the mechanical and elec- trical drive solutions we offer with SLAs and repair and reliability services, training, and more, we can help clients to modernise their industries, making them more efficient, reliable, sustainable and, ultimately, more productive,” says McKey. We have always had a premium product
Integrated end-to-end mill drive solutions, coupled with service-level agreements from SEW-EURODRIVE, combine robust engineering with lifetime reliability services.
4 ¦ MechChem Africa • July-August 2026
⎪ Cover story ⎪
other OEM equipment, as well as reverse- engineering services for any gearbox brand. “On the reverse engineering side, we will have a number of typical gear compo- nents, a 3D scanner and a display to enable customers to do physical scans and interact with some of the technology we are now able to use to create stronger and more durable replacement parts, which will all be manufactured to current SEW-EURODRIVE global quality standards,” he tells MCA . “We are becoming the modernisation pioneer for our industry, offering more control over asset reliability for our clients, more control over the after-sales and reli- ability portfolio, and more responsibility for keeping plant equipment running. “In addition, we can help clients to reuse as much as they can, utilising modern re- manufacturing processes to restore parts to OEM specs and extend their life,” he says. The new MV motor Also being showcased at EMA is SEW-EU- RODRIVE’s extended electric motor range. “To our comprehensive range of IE3 and IE4 low-voltage (LV) 380 V and 525 V electric motors, we are adding a medium voltage (MV) range that steps up our motor offer- ing to higher voltages and kilowatt ratings. “We have always had high-powered gearboxes, but these new MV motors allow us to control high-power SEW-EURODRIVE drivetrain solutions using motors that we produce and service ourselves,” McKey adds. Integrated mill drives: a global suc- cess for SA As an example of SEW-EURODRIVE’s progress, McKey describes a project that has recently been engineered and sup- plied in line with the company’s new vision. Powered by one of SEW-EURODRIVE’s new 6.6 kV 1.85 MW MV motors, a new mill drive solution has been purpose-engineered, manufactured and progressively installed by SEW-EURODRIVE and the customer. “Everything on this drive train, the 1.85 MW motor, the cooling solutions, the motors, the barring gear for use dur- ing maintenance, the main gearboxes, the pinion and the big open girth gearing, the special guarding systems: everything for this client has been engineered to order as a drop in solution to replace the old technol- ogy, modernise the mill and to make it more productive and efficient. We even built the drop-in base to ensure the entire solution fitted precisely into the existing footprint, so minimal modifications were needed be- fore installation. “This is a good example of an integrated solution. Every component turning that mill,
Left: Skilled technicians at SEW-EURODRIVE provide high-quality repair services, such as motor rewinding, to ensure long-term operational reliability. Right: SEW-EURODRIVE can now also provide precision motor rewinding services to restore performance and extend equipment life.
from the concrete up, has been custom- engineered, manufactured and supplied by SEW-EURODRIVE. Service level agree- ments have also been proposed, and to further protect the system, we are currently negotiating the addition of our ultramodern proactive maintenance and reliability solu- tion, DriveRadar ® IoT suite for Industrial gear units. “SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa has never done anything on this scale before, and we are very proud to deliver this solu- tion to a South African customer,” notes McKey. Innovation, training and service excellence SEW-EURODRIVE is continuously innovat- ing, making existing products more effec- tive, efficient, reliable, user-friendly and cost-effective. This is why the new Phase 2 Service Facility has been added. “Training is at the heart of service, which is why the expanded, more modern DriveAcademy has been relocated to Phase 2. We can offer our customers extensive, multifaceted, practical product training using the latest learning methods and mul- tifunctional training models from a fully equipped environment,” McKey says. With respect to the Service Centre’s ex- tended capabilities, as well as its mechanical capacity to repair and supply remanufac- tured gears for gearboxes, the facility is now also equipped to rewind and repair electric motors of any brand. “We are now in control of motor rewind- ing and the quality of all our product repairs from our Johannesburg-based Phase 2
facility. This also applies to light engineer- ing capabilities, manufacturing base plates and special drop-in solutions to enable new products to fit into existing infrastructure. “And these services are not limited to South Africa – we service the whole of Africa. All the capabilities available here in South Africa, including service level agree- ments and maintenance plans, are also being made available to customers north of our borders. We have cross-border plans to manage costs, to implement international maintenance plans across Africa, and to deliver the fastest possible response times. “We've done a lot of thinking to make sure we can offer value-added services in all the countries we service. And every one of our customers will get the same level of product quality and service they are entitled to expect from a premium global brand like SEW-EURODRIVE,” concludes McKey. https://www.sew-eurodrive.co.za/ Purpose-designed SEW-EURODRIVE MACC drives provide dependable performance in demanding environments such as air- cooled condenser and dry-cooling tower applications in the power industry.
July-August 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 5
‘Breaking New Ground: Shaping a Successful Future for Mining’ is a new whitepaper from Shell that explores the biggest challenges facing miners over the next 3-5 years and examines how they can overcome them. Four factors that could shape the future of mining
to address 3 . Water and soil contamination are also key issues. A quarter of miners cite societal expec- tations (25%) and regulatory influence (23%) as factors shaping their operations 3 . Miners are also facing increasing pressure to improve how they assess risks and opportunities and to become more rigorous in their reporting, in part to avoid accusations of greenwashing 4 . The opportunity miners should not overlook is how more sustainable operations can also be more profitable. Businesses with higher environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings on the MSCI index, a leading provider of investment research and tools, showed a 10% higher-than-average shareholder return 5 . Because of its importance in driving pro- ductivity and sustainability, the digitalisation of mining is accelerating. Miners are looking to new digital tools and technologies to help them build smarter mines, automate processes, and unlock efficiency gains. Three-quarters (75%) are already investing in digital tools to drive operational efficiency, or plan to do so in the next two years 3 . While digital technology is already a key enabler for mining, it will continue to be a disrup- tor as well. Roughly a quarter (24%) of miners see the emergence of technologically advanced equipment as a significant change they must adapt to in the next 3-5 years 3 . The next challenge will be adopting the tools behind smart mining to scale. Not only could this help to reduce emissions by 20% 7 . It could also help the sector save up to $390-billion each year 8 . Digitalisation is key to improving opera- tional efficiency, which helps in meeting their commercial and sustainability goals. Addressing the shortage of new skills required across the sector Digitalisation can significantly improve mining productivity and sustainability. But it is also a challenge. Miners face an acute skills shortage – particularly in digital. The more mines bring digital tools onto their sites, the more they need people with digital and data skills. Along with the growing transi- tion to data-centric, autonomous and remote operations, this shift is changing the skills profile needed for mining 5 . One in five (20%) of the mining leaders sur - veyed expressed concern about their workforce lacking these digital skills or qualifications3. Most mines (78%) are working to train their workforces in digitalisation and sustainability practices to address the issue, but 75% remain unsure they can resolve the current labour shortage 3 . Cross-sector collaboration is essential to mining success Three-quarters of miners do not feel well- equipped to tackle rising costs, and 71% say
Shell’s ‘Breaking New Ground: Shaping a Successful Future for Mining’ whitepaper can be accessed by scanning this QR code.
M iners face an unprecedented chal- lenge. The world relies on them for the materials that power today's advanced digital busi- nesses, while supporting the drive towards a zero-emissions tomorrow. By 2050, annual copper demand will more than double 1 . And decarbonising transport alone will require a sixfold increase in global lithium production 2 . Whether it is the transi- tion to electric vehicles (EVs) or renewable energy, mining is crucial to a more sustainable, advanced, digitalised future. Additionally, miners are under pressure to deliver on their own commercial and sustain- ability goals. They must produce more while emitting less. And with this, the challenge lies in finding feasible ways to achieve this. The ‘Breaking New Ground’ white paper from Shell explores the biggest challenges facing miners over the next 3-5 years and examines how they can overcome them. Building on more than 500 interviews with mining decision- makers worldwide, it provides insights into how mines can operate more productively and sustainably – while accelerating the digitalisa- tion of operations and addressing a growing skills shortage. This Shell paper identifies four challenges that miners must overcome to meet society and industry’s needs and achieve miners’ own
ambitions.
Delivering more cost-effective site operations Cost is miners’ number-one priority over the next 3-5 years. One in three (33%) say the rising cost of consumables such as fuel and lubricants will have the biggest impact on site operations. 3 One in five (19%) identify supply disruption and production shortages (18%) as major concerns. 3 Despite this, 21% believe that addressing shareholder demand to increase profits and maintain low operating costs will remain a top priority for their business. 3 This is especially challenging as soaring inflation and talent costs are significantly increasing mining overheads, squeezing productivity, and delaying expan- sion plans. 4 There might be no easy route, but work- ing towards more cost-effective operations is a journey that all miners will need to make if they are to set themselves up for success in the future.
Reducing CO 2 emissions and environmental impact
In addition to meeting commercial targets, miners must prioritise sustainability. Pressure to reduce CO 2 emissions is the factor that will have the biggest impact, say 26% of miners. But emissions are not the only element they need
6 ¦ MechChem Africa • July-August 2026
⎪ Fuels Industry Imbizo 2026 ⎪
they are not ready to handle the pressure to reduce CO 2 emissions 3 . The reality is that they face a complex range of issues, and no single site or business can master the challenges alone. Collaboration will be critical to future mining success. Miners must work closely with expert partners to deliver the solutions and support needed to improve operational efficiency. Similarly, it will take sector-wide cooperation to scale up and accelerate the decarbonisation of mining.
emissions and total cost of ownership (TCO). Lubricants have a much greater impact on overall site performance than their cost alone would suggest. However, 60% of miners agree that senior stakeholders do not give lubricant selection and management the importance it deserves 3 .
lost due to friction. This improves fuel efficiency, which reduces emissions. Adopting carbon- compensated and biodegradable lubricants can help further reduce emissions. Moreover, working with the right lubrication partner, mines can build a digital ecosystem to gather performance data from critical equip- ment and subsystems. Using this data — both historical and real-time — miners can improve the performance and reliability of equipment across the whole operation — while also tackling the growing skills gap in the industry through collaboration with trusted partners. https://www.shell.co.za/
A scientific approach to equipment lubri - cation and a data-driven lubrication regime, together with high-performing lubricants tailored to the task and the application, can extend equipment life, improve productivity and minimise unplanned downtime. Additionally, the better the lubrication regime, the less energy is Article Sources 1. S&P Global. “Looming Copper Supply Shortfalls Present a Challenge to Achieving Net-Zero 2050 Goals, S&P Global Study Finds.” 2022. 2. Mining Weekly. “Mining vital in net-zero transition.” 2023. 3. ‘Breaking New Ground: Shaping a Successful Future for Mining’: A Shell white paper based on a survey of 561 decision-makers in the mining industry across 7 markets conducted in July 2022. The survey was commissioned by Shell Lubricants Solutions and conducted by research firm Edelman Intelligence. 4. EY. “Top 10 business risks and opportunities for mining and metals in 2023.” 2022. 5. [Frost & Sullivan. “Key Trends and Impact on the Metals & Mining Sector.” 2023. 6. Shell. “Reducing the Total Cost of Ownership in Mining & Quarrying.” N.D. 7. WEF. “Digital solutions can reduce global emissions by up to 20%. Here’s how.” 2022. 8. Mining Digital. “Top 10 technologies and strategies in mining.” 2022. 9. Charge On Innovation Challenge. “Winning Technology Innovators Announced.” 2022. 10. IBM. “Energy giant Shell eyes net-zero emissions.” 2022.
Driving operational efficiencies through effective maintenance
The whitepaper demonstrates a clear path forward for mines to break new ground and achieve their future objectives. The common element of efficiency will be vital in helping miners to understand that they do not have to compromise their commercial or decarbonisa- tion ambitions. An efficient mine can be both productive and sustainable. To control rising costs and deliver greater sustainability, miners must operate more ef- ficiently with the equipment they have today. Equipment health is critical in driving productiv- ity and sustainability. And while the cost of con- sumables such as lubricants might be rising, they can still deliver savings when used effectively, while also having the potential to reduce both
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July-August 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 7
When restoring worn pumps makes sense This article from KSB Pumps and Valves argues for the value of restoring worn pumps to OEM specifications rather than replacing them with new equivalents. KSB SupremeServ operations manager, David Mathonsi, outlines this case.
were assembled and restored to the required tolerances and alignments. To further protect the pumps in service, all wet-end components were coated to mitigate future erosion and cavitation. “This type of project shows just a few of KSB SupremeServ’ s capabilities. We also provide other services such as condition monitoring, diagnostics and field services, as well as professional installation and commis- sioning of equipment, all of which allows our customers to manage their pump systems across their entire lifecycle with full OEM- compliant services. “Our projects are also backed by a com- prehensive warranty of twelve months from installation or eighteen months from delivery or readiness for dispatch, which makes a compelling case for our customers to repair or refurbish first,” David Mathonsi concludes.
of cavitation. As a result, their service perfor- mance had already deteriorated, with wear reducing reliability and output. Our inspec- tions confirmed widespread damage across key stationary components, including diffus- ers, stage casings, suction casings and bends, as well as wear rings and other components. “However, due to the urgency and the cost implications of restoring supply for the water authority and its end users, and relatively long lead times for new cast components, it made sense to pursue repair as the only practical route. In addition, by restoring the pumps rather than replacing them, the cost could be reduced to 30% of that of new pumps. Turnaround time was limited to just six to eight weeks for both pumps, which was far quicker than procurement and delivery of replacements,” says Mathonsi. He explains that the success of the proj- ect was due to the depth of skill within the company’s technical division as well as the right equipment and materials to do the job to OEM standards. This enabled them to profes- sionally rebuild the impellers, diffusers and all casings as well as restore mechanical seals and bearings. Worn consumables including fasteners, wear rings and shafts were replaced to ensure full system integrity. Impressively, the SupremeServ specialists were also able to make improvements based on the inspection findings and apply spe- cialised machining and coating processes to prevent or reduce future damage. The pumps
R epair and refurbishment of faulty pumps or valves should be consid- ered a first-line approach, particu - larly for specialised equipment. Through its extensive SupremeServ operation, Pump manufacturer KSB Pumps and Valves can repair a wide range of pumps and valves to original OEM specifications at a cost significantly lower than that of new equipment. In addition to its own pumps and valves, the company can repair other brands to meet or exceed the equipment manufac- turer's original specifications. The German manufacturer is in a unique position to undertake repairs and refur- bishments at its high-tech local facilities in Jet Park, South Africa, where its advanced techniques and in-depth materials knowledge enable full repair services including reverse engineering and manufacturing of parts and components for outdated equipment or equipment that is no longer available from OEM manufacturers. According to KSB SupremeServ operations manager, David Mathonsi, replacement of broken or worn-out pumps need not always be the best course of action. Rather, a properly executed OEM repair can deliver the same performance at a lower cost and in less time. This is often a sensible route for operators and provides a good balance between cost and availability. “We showed this recently with the re- pair of two KSB FBL pumps that have been operating tirelessly within a large water utility pump station. These units are critical to bulk water transport supplying Bothaville, Welkom, Odendaalsrus and surrounding min- ing operations where failure quickly leads to widespread water outages. “These pumps work hard around the clock, and in this instance their condition reflected the severity of their duty. The ageing units showed extensive system-induced hydraulic wear, significant erosion and clear evidence David Mathonsi, KSB SupremeServ operations manager.
SupremeServ workshop supervisor Ashey Pillay with a pump that is nearing completion.
SupremeServ senior pump fitter John Shupinyaneng, at a newly refurbished pump.
8 ¦ MechChem Africa • July-August 2026
⎪ Water, wastewater and pumping solutions ⎪
Pump spares for Africa KSB Pumps and Valves employs a customer- first approach to supplying spares and parts for its massive installed base of pumps and valves across the continent. With a history spanning more than 50 years supplying critical infrastructure to the private and public sectors, the company maintains a significant stock holding of spares and parts for tens of thousands of pumps, including decades-old pumps that are still in operation across water utilities, power stations, mines and chemical plants, as well as smaller plants on farms, municipalities and businesses. It also maintains procedures for spares and parts for its complex engineered pumps. Johannes Tokwana, sales manager at KSB SupremeServ, responsible for spares and parts sales, says the company employs sophisticated logistics techniques based on SAP enterprise resource planning and manufacturing resource planning software, which has been specially adapted for the company’s needs. It relies on decentralised stockholding, backed by a central support base in Johannesburg, to ensure that all branches in South Africa and companies across Africa are adequately stocked. Apart from its branch network in South Africa, the footprint covers KSB operations and partners in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, Namibia and
of wear components, seals and hydraulic parts that must be checked and replaced at regular intervals under certain conditions. Keeping these fast-moving items in stock is easy, but having them in the right place at the right time is essential, and this is the key role of the company’s structured supply chain and forecasting system. “That is the critical role that KSB SupremeServ plays to close the loop between manufacture, installation and long-term op- eration. That means ensuring the right part is available in the right place at the right time, whether that is Germiston, Cape Town, Kitwe or Nairobi,” Johannes Tokwana concludes.
Angola, with agency support in Ghana. Many of these markets are heavily mining-driven while others are in water-scarce areas where authori- ties are under sustained pressure to improve water and wastewater reliability. In all cases, equipment uptime is non-negotiable. “For us, the human factor is vitally impor- tant with our branches and sales partners still required to visit their customers and identify fast-moving and critical items regularly. This is so we can accurately gauge requirements and keep these items on-site, ensuring they can be replenished by our staff at SupremeServ before they are depleted. The same principle applies to sister operations throughout the region, where fast-moving parts are identi- fied based on installed-base data and service history. Critical components are prioritised, and, where necessary, emergency logistics are arranged to maintain uptime. “In areas where, for example, municipalities are battling ageing infrastructure and water shortages or produc- tion plants rely on liquid pumping circuits, this type of responsiveness is essential. By support- ing customers from within the continent and coordinating regionally, the company reduces its dependency on longer international sup- ply chains. This is particularly important in remote African operations where logistics can be unpredictable,” says Tokwana. He adds that service parts usually consist
Sales manager for spares and parts at KSB SupremeServ, Johannes Tokwana.
July-August 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 9
Can Smart Water Create Smart Cities? Digitising water systems reduces non-revenue water and operating costs, which are prerequisites for any municipality attempting to modernise toward smart-city standards, argues Chetan Mistry, Regional Strategy and Marketing Manager for Xylem.
C ape Town is famous for its scenic bay, vibrant weather, and the towering presence of Table Mountain. It's also infamous for another tower- ing presence, the unfinished highway called "Solly's Folly". The stuff of legends, this road was aban- doned in the Seventies, likely due to budget constraints. Others blame bad engineering or a stubborn cafe owner who refused to sell. To this day, it remains a favourite talking point between locals and visitors who see the high bridge abruptly going nowhere. Solly's Folly is also a reminder that urban areas are forces of nature. As much as one can rigidly plan and orchestrate our towns and cit- ies, there are other factors as well. Economics, weather and people's movements all have a say. In the early 2000s, the idea of smart cities gained popularity. Using digital technology such as data and Internet of Things devices, we could bring order to urban chaos. It sounded very promising. Yet, two decades later, the results are still mixed. There are successes, such as Singapore and Barcelona, but few other cities have reached the status of being comprehensively "smart". True smart cities remain elusive. Yet, if we zoom in, we can see compartmentalised examples of smart city advances, such as dynamic traffic lights in New York and smart energy grids in Shenzhen. The reason for mixed results is that smart cities are still cities. Top-down planning can help guide and shape them, but they emerge from the bottom up. What bottom-up forces can modernise a city? Smart-water adoption has, in fact, outpaced most other smart-infrastructure initiatives be- cause utilities can quantify the financial impact of leak reduction, pressure management and regulatory compliance. Water infrastructure is often the first viable entry point for smart-city deployment because it delivers measurable economic outcomes, such as lower non-revenue
Chetan Mistry, Regional Strategy and Marketing Manager for Xylem.
water (NRW), reduced pumping energy use and improved asset uptime. It can start with individual buildings. Smart-water systems generate actionable data that allows utilities and building owners to cut operating costs through leak detection, pres- sure optimisation, and predictive maintenance. According to the Global Infrastructure Hub, retrofitting smart meters on buildings reduces their energy consumption by up to 22%. Leak detection is another example, reducing water waste and leading to lower insurance premiums due to reduced water-damage risk. Smart water is a combination of technolo- gies: sensors to monitor systems, the data they gather and software that turns that data into actionable knowledge. Smart meters automate meter reading and provide clear usage metrics. Digital monitoring and analytics detect leaks, pressure anomalies, pump stress, and early in- dicators of asset failure across both distribution and treatment infrastructure. They also extend into renewables such as rainwater capture and greywater recycling. But how does that get us to smart cities? Smart water systems establish a foundation and culture for smart technologies. By applying rela- tively simple and unobtrusive solutions, such as connecting smart meters to pipes, site managers
quickly experience the benefits of accurate, data-driven reporting. It encourages explora- tion of other possibilities, including advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twins. Moreover, smart buildings can sup- port municipalities through common standards and integrated reporting systems. When multiple buildings adopt compat- ible smart-water technologies, municipalities gain access to standardised consumption and leak-pattern data that strengthen planning and reduce system losses. A municipality's effort to deliver on a smart city strategy gains momentum once its residents appreciate the benefits. The beauty of water systems is that we don't have to change how they work. Retrofittable sensors, telemetry, and analytics can be layered onto existing pump and treatment assets, reducing upgrade costs and accelerating adoption. That can be on a brand-new development site or to enhance the city's oldest building. Solly's Folly tells us why smart cities struggle to come to fruition. Cities don't just respond to command-and-control. They are organic, impulsive and driven by differ- ent forces. But if we focus on making water smarter at the ground floor, among individual buildings, we'll start creating smarter cities. https://www.xylem.com/en-za/
10 ¦ MechChem Africa • July-August 2026
⎪ Water, wastewater and pumping solutions ⎪ Science-based PFAS regulation needed in SA Global infrastructure leader AECOM is urging the introduction of enforceable regulatory limits for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in South Africa, as a growing body of evidence highlights widespread PFAS detections across water systems and increasing divergence between existing local regulatory frameworks and internationally applied standards. F indings detailed in a new article authored by AECOM specialists across Africa and the United States indicate that polyfluoroalkyl sub-
management. “Utilities are facing a class of contaminants that current infrastructure was never designed to remove. Without regulatory drivers, there is limited incentive to invest in advanced treatment technolo- gies or implement upstream source control. This creates a cycle of continuous environ- mental contaminant loading.”
stances (PFAS), a large family of highly persistent and mobile fluorinated organic compounds, are being detected in surface water, groundwater, wastewater, drinking water, and even rainwater across multiple provinces. Anthony Mader, Senior Environmental Scientist at AECOM Africa and lead author, says that multiple lines of evidence point to a need for regulatory intervention. “South Africa is no longer dealing with isolated PFAS detections. A national assessment, supported by multiple site-specific scien- tific studies, shows persistent PFAS con- tamination across water systems, driven by multi-source inputs and governed by complex physicochemical fate and transport processes,” notes Mader. “Although direct comparisons between local and international datasets require cau- tion due to differences in analytical scope, at some hotspot locations across South Africa, concentrations exceed multiple interna- tional benchmarks, yet there is currently no enforceable regulatory framework to drive mitigation. Establishing clear, science-based limits is the most effective way to protect both public health and long-term water security,” he adds. PFAS are widely used in industrial processes Due to their surfactant properties and resistance to physical, biological and chemi- cal degradation, PFAS are widely used in industrial processes, firefighting foams and consumer products. These same fluorinated carbon chains confer resistance to degrada- tion and enable long-range transport and bioaccumulation, and therefore, incorpora- tion into food chains and ecosystems. The AECOM article highlights research showing that conventional wastewater treatment processes are largely ineffective at removing PFAS, particularly short-chain variants, which are increasingly dominant in South African water systems. Khathutshelo Netshiongolwe, lead of AECOM’s South Africa Environmental Data Management team and co-author, emphasised the implications for water
Global strengthening of PFAS regulatory frameworks
Globally, PFAS regulation tightened mark- edly between 2024 and 2026. The United States adopted enforceable standards in the nanogram-per-litre range; Australia and Canada lowered national guideline values; the European Union brought binding PFAS limits into force; and the UK strengthened PFAS policy, monitoring and regulatory frameworks. The AECOM article highlights that many South African water sources would exceed these thresholds if assessed under international standards. “PFAS regulation is rapidly evolving worldwide, with a clear shift toward group-based and mixture- based regulatory approaches,” comments Rosa Gwinn, Global PFAS Lead at AECOM and an AECOM Fellow. “South Africa has an opportunity to leapfrog legacy regulatory models by adopting a science led framework that reflects both global best practice and local conditions.” A pragmatic path forward The authors propose a multi-tier regulatory framework tailored to South Africa’s PFAS profile, combining individual compound limits with broader group-based controls. Key recommendations include a coordi- nated, science-based regulatory process; mandatory national monitoring based on accepted laboratory methods; targeted infrastructure upgrades in high-risk catch- ments; and the development of a national PFAS inventory. Globally, engineering demand is already shifting in response to global regula- tory pressure, with technologies such as granular activated carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis becoming essential components of modern water treatment systems. AECOM’s multidisciplinary PFAS practice combines advanced analytics, PFAS forensics, fate and transport and
Anthony Mader, senior environmental scientist at AECOM Africa.
Khathutshelo Netshiongolwe, AECOM’s lead environmental data manager for South Africa.
Rosa Gwinn, Global PFAS lead at AECOM.
source-pathway-receptor modelling, and treatment technologies to support clients in managing both legacy contamination and emerging risks. Addressing PFAS, according to the AECOM specialists, is not just a compliance issue but a long-term resilience challenge. By acting now, South Africa can align with global standards, protect critical water resources, and build infrastructure systems that are fit for the future, ultimately creat- ing sustainable legacies. https://aecom.com/en-za/
July-August 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 11
Integrated Pump Technology brings dewatering expertise to EMA Integrated Pump Technology will showcase its specialist dewatering expertise at Electra Mining Africa 2026, giving visitors direct access to a team with a proven track record across Africa in both emergency response and long-term dewatering solutions.
V isitors to Electra Mining Africa 2026 can expect more than just equip- ment on display at the Integrated Pump Technology stand; they will have direct access to one of Africa’s most experienced specialist dewatering teams. Featuring Godwin diesel-driven pumps and Grindex electric submersible pumps, the company continues to strengthen its footprint through strategic distributor and partner net- works, with a clear focus on becoming Africa’s leading dewatering pump specialist. As one of the most recognised and consis- tently high-impact exhibitors at this leading mining industry event, Integrated Pump Technology will once again use its presence at Electra Mining Africa to demonstrate why its dewatering solutions continue to deliver results across some of the continent’s tough- est mining environments. From emergency flood response and unexpected groundwater ingress to the de- sign and implementation of long-term mine dewatering strategies, the company has built an enviable reputation for understanding complex applications and providing solutions
that work in the real world. According to Jordan Marsh, Managing Director of Integrated Pump Technology, de- watering is rarely a one-size-fits-all exercise, and success depends on understanding the specific realities of each operation. “Every mine presents different challenges, from seasonal flooding and pit dewatering to underground water management and high-volume transfer applications,” Marsh says. “Success depends on selecting the right technology, sizing equipment correctly and ensuring rapid deployment when production is at risk. Our role is to make sure customers have a solution that is practical, reliable and aligned to both their immediate and long-term operational requirements.” Integrated Pump Technology’s team has extensive experience across Africa in sup- porting mines facing exactly these challenges. Whether responding to urgent operational crises where downtime carries major financial consequences or working with customers to develop scalable long-term pumping infra- structure, the company focuses on practical application-driven solutions.
At Electra Mining Africa 2026, visitors will be able to engage directly with these dewater- ing specialists to discuss their own site chal- lenges and explore the most effective options for both immediate and future requirements. On display will be pumps from the world- class brands the company represents, includ- ing Godwin diesel-driven pumps and Grindex electric submersible pumps. Together, these product ranges cover the full spectrum of de- watering requirements across mining, quarry- ing, construction and industrial applications. Godwin diesel-driven pump sets are well known for their reliability, rapid deployment capability and performance in demanding open-pit and emergency dewatering appli- cations, while Grindex electric submersible pumps provide robust and efficient solutions for underground operations where high-head duties and continuous heavy-duty pumping are required. This combination allows Integrated Pump Technology to offer customers the flexibility of both short-term emergency intervention and permanent dewatering strategies de- signed to evolve with the mine over time.
Godwin diesel-driven pumps provide reliable high-volume dewatering performance for demanding mining, construction and industrial applications across Africa.
12 ¦ MechChem Africa • July-August 2026
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