The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline.

The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure has praised the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure for its strategic and annual performance plans for the 2025/26 financial year

The committee Chairperson, Rikus Badenhorst, said, "This is not a mere tweak of the department, but a fundamental shift in how it understands and executes its core mandate. Minister Macpherson's agenda marks a critical departure towards a department that catalyses infrastructure-led growth, a partner in job creation, and a driver of economic recovery."

Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, presented these plans, highlighting their alignment with the National Development Plan & commitment to economic recovery and job creation.

The main agenda of the new vision is to transform the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) from temporary job relief to a skills-based employment pipeline, with a budget of R7.2 billion to create long-term, dignified jobs. Rikus highlighted the importance of this shift for restoring human dignity and economic resilience. The committee also supported the department’s initiatives for urban regeneration and optimising state assets to enhance public value.

While in conversation with Macpherson, Badenhorst said, "It is clear that you bring political will to the table. This committee will match it with rigorous oversight, constructive engagement, and institutional support. Together, we can turn this department, and indeed South Africa, into a construction site of progress.”

Badenhorst expressed confidence in the Ministry's leadership and the committee's readiness to provide oversight and support in driving these reforms for South Africa's progress.

Zoomlion showcases tailored solutions for Africa’s growth at China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. (Image source: Zoomlion)

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. took centre stage at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, China, from 12 to 15 June, showcasing its latest agricultural and engineering machinery solutions tailored specifically for the African market

Since making its entry into Africa in 2007, Zoomlion has played an integral role in infrastructure development and agricultural modernisation across the continent. The company has also been committed to nurturing local talent, evident in its ongoing technical training programs, such as those provided to Ugandan farmers to enhance agricultural skill sets.

At the trade expo, Zoomlion displayed a comprehensive line-up of machinery, ranging from construction cranes and earthmoving equipment to aerial work platforms and advanced agricultural machinery. These products are engineered to withstand and perform efficiently in Africa’s diverse and often demanding working conditions.

Zoomlion’s footprint in Africa has expanded significantly over the past 18 years. The company has delivered more than 10,000 units of equipment to markets across the continent, establishing itself as one of Africa’s leading machinery suppliers. In addition to setting up subsidiaries in key markets like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, Zoomlion has developed a robust after-sales infrastructure. This includes spare parts centres in Algeria and South Africa, a joint-venture manufacturing plant in Algeria, and an expanding network of dealers and service providers across the region.

The company has also been instrumental in supporting critical infrastructure projects throughout Africa. These include Egypt’s New Administrative Capital—home to Africa’s tallest skyscraper at 385.8 metres—the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project in Tanzania, which boosts the country’s energy capacity nearly fourfold, and the N'Djamena Stadium in Chad, designed to host international sports and cultural events. Another notable contribution is the Rosso Bridge, linking Senegal and Mauritania, which will enhance regional trade and connectivity.

Zoomlion’s growth trajectory in Africa continues to accelerate. Sales in the first quarter of 2025 alone accounted for 60% of the total recorded in 2024, underlining rising demand for its solutions. As of May 2025, the company’s Africa team comprised over 300 employees, with more than 90% of them being locally hired—demonstrating Zoomlion’s commitment to job creation and skills development in the region.

The R1 Single-Plot Research Combine by Alamco. (Image source: Alamco)

The R1 Single-Plot Research Combine by Alamco is designed to provide quick harvest without damaging the seeds

This is made possible by its advanced rotary technology that allows optimisation of the harvest process and improve data accuracy.

Unlike conventional plot combines that rely on high-speed threshing cylinders, R1 utilises exclusive top-fed axial rotors. This innovative design gently pulls material into the threshing chamber, which is over eight feet long, enabling higher throughput and greater efficiency. Operating at lower RPMs (350-500), the R1's rotary technology allows for the early harvest of large green plants, tough stems, and high-foliage crops, giving researchers a longer harvest window for faster decision-making. The self-cleaning system ensures easier cleanout and more pure samples for more reliable seed research data.

Equipped with Cummins QSF 3.8L FT4 Diesel Engine and Poclain rear Torque King 4WD wheel motors and tandem electronically controlled hydraulics, it delivers superior performance in tough field conditions.

Entomatic is highly versatile and can be used in horizontal and vertical row crops. (Image source: Biobest)

The Entomatic automated dispenser stands as a game changer for spider mite control, ensuring precise and uniform Phytoseiulus distribution across crops

Phytoseiulus persimilis, a specialised predatory mite, feeds exclusively on spider mites and is an essential and well-established component of biocontrol programmes. Entomatic is highly versatile and can be used in horizontal and vertical row crops. It has been widely adopted in high-tech protected vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, sweet peppers and cucumbers, as well as cut flowers and open-field strawberry production.

Beyond Phytoseiulus-System, Entomatic efficiently distributes other predatory mites, most beneficial insects, and Artemac supplementary predator feed in tomatoes. Its user-friendly, modular design allows for easy configuration across different glasshouse setups, whether mounted on existing carts, tractors, robotic sprayers, or custom driving platforms.

Sam Gui, market development manager for High Tech IPM at Biobest explained how Entomatic maximises effectiveness by smoothly and precisely releasing Phytoseiulus-System, at a controlled rate, over the head of the plants. “Aside from the increased precision, due to automatisation, Entomatic can significantly cut labour costs. Depending on the Entomatic model, we’ve seen labour costs for beneficial mite introduction cut by up to 90%.”