Schalk Burger is a Staff Writer at Mining Weekly. He focuses on themes related to energy and mining, agriculture, and construction, with particular interest in energy policy, sustainability, and real estate investment. Schalk's work has been featured in Mining Weekly, Polity, and Engineering News.
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South Africa (National)
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Schalk Burger's coverage is primarily focused on local South African business and industry, with a significant emphasis on infrastructure, manufacturing, and sustainability. Given this focus, Schalk may be interested in news related to new developments or initiatives within these sectors.
As Schalk frequently covers press releases and cites data, he might be particularly receptive to pitches that offer exclusive access to relevant company announcements or detailed data-backed insights pertaining to the South African business landscape.
Given his geographic focus on Johannesburg and South Africa as a whole, potential sources should ensure their pitches are tailored specifically to the local market or provide insights into how broader economic trends impact businesses in the region.
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By: Schalk Burger
Financial services firm Absa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined to 46.8 in July, from 47.3 points in the prior month. While this reading suggests a weak start to the third quarter, the headline decline arguably overstates the weakness in underlying manufacturing conditions, as domestic demand improved and lifted new sales orders, Absa comments.
By: Schalk Burger
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has launched an online service to enable South Africans to find the nearest bank branch participating in the DHA Digital Partnership to apply for a Smart ID Card. The platform on the department's website – myhomeaffairsonline.dha.gov.za – enables citizens to locate participating bank branches across South Africa.
By: Schalk Burger
Energy performance certificates (EPCs) are expected to play an increasingly important role in improving building performance, supporting informed investment decisions, reducing operational energy consumption and strengthening accountability across public and private sectors as part of South Africa's National Energy Efficiency Strategy. Following the expiry of the national EPC compliance deadline, building owners, accounting officers, facilities managers and property professionals are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their obligations under the EPC Regulations and begin engaging with registered EPC professionals where compliance has not yet been achieved.
By: Schalk Burger
JSE-listed information and communications technology company Datatec's subsidiary Logicalis USA has acquired 100% of the share capital of New Mexico-based technology solutions provider Loial. The acquisition establishes a permanent Logicalis USA location in New Mexico and expands the company’s Southwest team.
Logistics and supply chain company DP World will develop the Mombasa Industrial Park Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to strengthen Kenya's position as a regional trade and logistics gateway and address the growing demand for modern industrial and logistics infrastructure in East Africa. The 222 ha industrial park will be developed in phases and will be located less than 20 km from the Port of Mombasa, which will provide businesses with efficient access to regional and international markets.
By adapting small, low-cost AI tools to local conditions, developing countries can bring better medical care, education, judicial services and agricultural extension within reach of millions of people. International development organisation the World Bank Group's 'World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence' states that 16.2% of jobs in developing economies could see productivity meaningfully boosted by AI.
By: Schalk Burger
Development financial institutions the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) have reached financial close on $786-million in funding for the Lobito Corridor railway project. The project is a joint venture between infrastructure construction group Mota-Engil and metals logistics company Trafigura.
By: Schalk Burger
JSE-listed consumer goods and food company Tiger Brands has introduced 14 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks into the Albany bread distribution fleet as part of its efforts to transition to a lower-emissions logistics network. The vehicles, which have a single-trip range of about 480 km, have begun delivering bread on routes closest to the bakery to maximise efficiency. They are supported by a dedicated CNG fuelling point installed on site.
By: Schalk Burger
Renewable energy company Mainstream South Africa's 50 MW Ilikwa solar PV facility has achieved commercial operation and marks the start of supplying commercial electricity to multiple private commercial and industrial customers. Located near Parys, in the Free State, the project is part of South Africa's rapidly expanding private electricity market and reflects the accelerating liberalisation of South Africa's electricity market.
Procurement should not be measured by whether it secured the lowest price, but whether it creates resilience, enables growth and protects national competitiveness, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said. Procurement and supply chain professionals must become architects of economic growth, infrastructure delivery, investment confidence and national competitiveness, if Africa is to realise its enormous economic potential, he said at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Southern Africa conference, on August 4.
