The latest delay in the synchronisation of the first unit at Medupi Power Station could result in the plant only delivering electricity in 2019 – five years later than planned. This is the word from Chris Yelland of EE-News, who reports that the deadline for synchronisation of the first unit at Medupi Power station has been extended by a further six weeks, from mid-February 2015 to end-March 2015.
A secretive Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) signed by Communications Minister Faith Muthambi has the potential to strip the SABC board of its powers and fatally undermine its independence. This is according to a statement released by the DA over the weekend, where shadow Minister of Communications Gavin Davis warns that the MOI gives Minister Muthambi and chief operations officer Hlaudi Motsoeneng overall control of the SABC.
IBM has unveiled plans to invest R700-million over the next 10 years in an expansion of IBM Research – Africa with a new laboratory in Johannesburg. The new lab, which will open in April 2015, will focus on advancing big data, cloud and mobile technologies to support South Africa’s national priorities, drive skills development and foster innovation-based economic growth. The new facility will be based at Wits and is part of a 10-year investment programme through the Department of Trade and Industry and working closely with the Department of Science and Technology.