Latest news with #UKZN
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal government signs landmark yacht manufacturing agreement with Italian company
KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli signed a landmark agreement with Italian marine industry leader Navigo International. Image: KZN Provincial Government The deal signed between the provincial company and an Italian yacht management company could help unlock billions of rand in the province's ocean economy while positioning KwaZulu-Natal as an ideal location for yacht building. This is according to the provincial government which said KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli had signed a landmark agreement with Italian marine industry leader Navigo International. The province has described this as a new era for KZN's ocean economy. It said the partnership marks a bold step in unlocking the province's R100 billion maritime potential, leveraging its 820 km coastline, world-class ports, and emerging marine manufacturing sector. The highlights of the agreement include: Superyacht Manufacturing Hub : KZN to co-develop and export luxury vessels in partnership with NAVIGO, competing with global players like Italy and France. : KZN to co-develop and export luxury vessels in partnership with NAVIGO, competing with global players like Italy and France. Skills & Jobs : Thousands of jobs are expected in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and coastal tourism, with training at UKZN, DUT, and Transnet Maritime School. : Thousands of jobs are expected in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and coastal tourism, with training at UKZN, DUT, and Transnet Maritime School. Port Upgrades : Durban and Richards Bay ports will expand as superyacht repair and refit centres, attracting high-net-worth tourism. : Durban and Richards Bay ports will expand as superyacht repair and refit centres, attracting high-net-worth tourism. Global Marketing : KZN-branded yachts will feature at the Monaco Yacht Show, Dubai Boat Show, and other elite maritime events. : KZN-branded yachts will feature at the Monaco Yacht Show, Dubai Boat Show, and other elite maritime events. Inclusive Growth: SMEs and coastal communities will benefit through supply chains, boat repair cooperatives, and eco-tourism ventures. Premier Ntuli declared that the agreement is about launching KZN into the global superyacht industry. 'We are turning our ocean into jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth,' he stated. The premier's office said the province has the potential to be a "giant" in the ocean economy. It noted that KZN is strategically located as a gateway to the Indian Ocean trade routes, with existing infrastructure such as Dube TradePort, Richards Bay IDZ, and major port expansions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'We are building on the R85.5 billion pledged at the KZN Investment Conference. We are not just building boats — we are building a new economy. From uMlazi to uMhlanga, this sector will create intergenerational wealth while preserving our coastal heritage,' he added. Musa Zondi, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, said Navigo's interest in KZN marked a significant endorsement of the province's strategic vision. 'What we envision together is not just economic growth, but growth with a purpose, growth that upskills young people, growth that partners with local business. Growth that places KwaZulu-Natal on a global map as a yachting and refit destination.' Commenting on the agreement, Dr Sabelo Gwala, Special Advisor to the Premier, said the agreement is a fulfilment of a long-held ambition. 'Today marks a decisive shift from vision to reality in KwaZulu-Natal's blue economy. For too long, the potential of our oceans has been spoken about in conferences and policy documents — but Premier Ntuli is transforming rhetoric into tangible action. This partnership with Navigo International is the foundation of a new industrial ecosystem that will redefine our coastline.' THE MERCURY
Mail & Guardian
08-07-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
University of KwaZulu-Natal aims to run on mini solar power stations
UKZN's ambition to become South Africa's first predominantly renewable-powered university is taking shape through a new high tech project A partnership between the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and a Hong Kong-based tech innovator is confronting the issues of ageing energy infrastructure and rising electricity costs to bring a greener future for South Africa's energy landscape. The joint venture agreement with Youtility, launched at the university's Westville campus recently, harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to change how electricity is generated, distributed and paid for. Innovators believe the project, which will eventually span all five of the university's campuses, positions it as a pioneer in sustainable energy and a testbed for technologies that could reshape how South Africa powers itself. 'This concept of green energy is going to transform the energy landscape in South Africa,' UKZN acting deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation Anil Chuturgoon, said. Despite not having Innovators believe the UKZN partnership offers an alternative for a decentralised, renewable-powered model that leverages microgrids, solar energy, battery storage and new technology to deliver reliable, clean electricity. The initial rollout at Westville campus will see about 2 000 solar panels, each producing 600 watts, installed to generate on-site power. Battery banks and a sentient AI system called Wizdom will manage energy flows, ensuring seamless supply even when the national grid falters. 'This partnership introduces a decentralised energy model, which is the opposite of our current, overly centralised power grid that often fails,' UKZN Eskom power engineering programme acting director Leigh Jarvis said. 'Microgrids ensure that different campuses or buildings can keep operating independently. So if the national grid is down, the university can still function — classes can continue, labs stay powered, and essential services remain online.' Microgrids are self-contained energy systems that integrate solar panels, battery storage and smart controllers. Unlike traditional power stations that send electricity over long distances, microgrids generate power close to where it's needed, reducing waste and improving reliability. 'The resolution of the data and real-time nature will open up insight into electricity use and enable unparalleled control to power flow in relation to solar, storage, and grid,' Jarvis said, highlighting how AI optimises energy distribution across buildings, labs and residences. At the heart of this system is Youtility's Wizdom, described by director Wayne Mostert as 'an evolving, AI-driven utility brain with enhanced capabilities which include real-time, decentralised decision-making and smart discharge of power into micro and macro grids'. This cloud-based operating system acts like a conductor, orchestrating energy flows to ensure efficiency and reliability. When the sun is not shining, Wizdom directs stored energy from battery banks to where it's needed most, preventing disruptions and maximising the use of renewable energy. One of the project's innovative features is its blockchain-based billing system, which ensures transparency and fairness. By providing real-time data on energy consumption, users can monitor their usage and utilities can track payments instantly. This tamper-proof approach could reduce electricity theft, which costs South Africa billions annually. 'Every person or building gets charged only for what they use, in real-time, using a digital billing system that's as secure as online banking. This simplicity belies the project's complexity, which integrates advanced technology with real-world applications to create a scalable, resilient energy model,' Jarvis said. 'If everyone pays their fair share, then no one has to pay extra,' Jarvis said, encapsulating the system's potential to eliminate unfair pricing and reduce the need for rate hikes. For the university this means lower operational costs, while for the broader population, it could serve as a model for equitable energy access. Javis said about 10,000 solar panels are being installed across campuses and will 'produce clean, carbon-free energy every day — enough to power key facilities and reduce fossil fuel reliance significantly'. The initiative is expected to reduce air pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions and promote smarter energy use in real-time. Greener buildings, labs and residence halls will lower UKZN's carbon footprint and serve as a living laboratory for sustainable practices. Students are at the heart of the will help maintain equipment, conduct research and develop new technologies. The project includes plans for a UKZN spin-off company focused on energy tech, researching innovations like liquid air energy storage and superconductor systems as alternatives to lithium batteries. 'Through this JVA, we envision student-led spin-off companies and a direct link between academic learning and the industries shaping our energy future,' Jarvis said. The partnership also has broader implications. Eskom Distribution is observing the project in an advisory capacity, recognising its potential to serve as a blueprint for national energy reform. If successful, the UKZN model could be scaled to power schools, clinics, towns and even cities. In layman's terms, Jarvis described the system as a self-sufficient mini power station: 'Solar panels collect energy from the sun. That energy gets stored in large batteries. A smart digital system figures out when and where to send power to buildings automatically. 'At its core is the recognition that the future of electricity lies in disruption networks and decentralised energy systems.'
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality takes strides towards smart city status at MIRA Awards
With 'service delivery' emerging as a pivotal theme for municipalities across South Africa, eThekwini Municipality is making significant progress towards achieving Smart City status. This ambition was underscored when eThekwini was honoured at the Municipal Innovation Recognition Awards (MIRA) held in Durban on June 30, which celebrated its innovative efforts in improving basic functions through technology. Smart Cities leverage information and communication technology to enhance infrastructure and services, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for residents and businesses. Despite being just in its second year, the MIRA Awards have swiftly established themselves as a key benchmark for municipalities seeking to innovate and improve public service delivery. The MIRA Awards are a collaboration between the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA). They are rooted in the sophisticated Municipal Innovation Maturity Index (Mimi), which measures the level of innovation within municipalities. Dr Tshepang Mosiea, Chief Director of Innovation for Inclusive Development within the DSTI, noted that municipalities reaching Level 4 on the Mimi scale demonstrate strong management processes and a commitment to innovation. 'There is evidence that the municipality has the necessary innovation infrastructure and financial resources allocated and managed to support innovation,' Dr Mosiea explained. According to UKZN Associate Professor Sithembiso Myeni, the focus of the index is to enhance public service delivery while fostering a culture of innovation that has the potential to transform communities. Higher scores on the index mean municipalities can unlock public funding, facilitating the journey toward smart city designation. Smart Cities are anticipated to create optimal environments, addressing sustainability challenges like climate change through initiatives that reduce carbon emissions and promote efficient resource use. At the MIRA Awards, the City of Cape Town stood out for its one-stop business portal, with other innovators including Ekurhuleni for its approach to combatting non-revenue water and Polokwane for its My Citizen App. Meanwhile, the Chris Hani District Municipality made strides in ensuring access to clean drinking water through the Machibini Water Treatment Plant. The MIMI framework not only rates basic services but also measures improvements in areas such as sanitation and energy consumption. Its development into a digital platform aims to streamline its use and enhance the analysis of municipalities' innovation capabilities. This year's event also unveiled the Municipal Innovation Fund (MIF), aimed at supporting high-performing municipalities in scaling innovative projects designed to bolster basic service delivery. Established by the DSTI, the fund will offer up to R3 million per project, enabling qualifying municipalities to harness technologies that have measurable community impacts. With eThekwini Municipality fully engaged in these transformative efforts, the pursuit of Smart City status not only promises enhanced service delivery, but also a brighter future for its residents. As municipalities increasingly incorporate technology into their operations, the hope is that they will set a powerful precedent for others across the nation. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
UKZN and Youtility partner to revolutionise South Africa's energy landscape with AI-driven technology
At the signing of the significant Joint Venture Agreement were Wayne Mostert, Director at Youtility (front left) and Professor Anil Chuturgoon (Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at UKZN). Professor Leigh Jarvis, Acting Director of the UKZN Eskom Power Engineering Program (back left), Professor Neil Koorbanally (Acting Dean of Research at UKZN), and Dr Nhlanhla Msomi (Director of Innovation at UKZN). Image: Supplied In a monumental step towards redefining South Africa's energy future, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has announced a strategic Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Hong Kong tech company Youtility. This collaboration promises to harness cutting-edge, AI-driven technology to enhance how electricity is produced, managed, and distributed—setting the stage for a cleaner, more sustainable energy model. The JVA aligns with UKZN's vision of evolving into South Africa's first predominantly renewable green university. With Eskom Distribution already expressing interest in the project's potential, the agreement positions UKZN as a pioneering test bed for next-generation energy technologies. This collaborative framework not only aims at local energy independence but also aspires to provide a blueprint that could influence national energy distribution policies in the years to come. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading During the launch event at UKZN's Westville campus, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Anil Chuturgoon, described the partnership as a 'defining moment' in addressing South Africa's chronic energy issues. He emphasised, 'This concept of green energy is going to transform the energy landscape in South Africa.' Professor Leigh Jarvis, Acting Director of the UKZN Eskom Power Engineering Program, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the partnership represents a commitment to transformative change. 'At its core, the recognition that the future of electricity lies in disruption networks and decentralised energy systems is essential. Microgrids powered by solar energy, storage solutions, and advanced operational systems are becoming key pillars in creating a resilient, flexible, and inclusive energy landscape,' he noted. Youtility's Director, Wayne Mostert, detailed how their flagship technology, the AI-driven operating system called Wizdom, will reshape electricity management. He likened the anticipated shift in the utility sector to the digital disruption experienced in entertainment media. 'Where Blockbuster failed to adapt, Netflix scaled using data and customer-centricity. Similarly, Youtility aims to reform the utility landscape with a decentralised, user-centred infrastructure,' Mostert explained. The strategic rollout will begin at the Westville campus, encompassing all five UKZN campuses—Howard, Edgewood, Medical School, and Pietermaritzburg—over the coming phases. The initiative promises not only to bolster local energy independence but to cultivate a hands-on learning environment for students involved in managing and maintaining this advanced system. Students will also gain invaluable experiential learning by participating in real-world applications of energy technology, contributing to research, and potentially launching spin-off companies that stem from this partnership. Professor Jarvis elaborated on this dual advantage: 'This collaboration paves the way for student-led innovations and a direct connection between academic learning and the industries that will shape our energy future.' Addressing the prevalent issue of load shedding, the innovative energy model offers a compelling solution. By employing a decentralised approach, UKZN will begin generating power on-site through over 2,000 solar panels and battery storage units. The intelligent management by Wizdom will ensure a steady power supply, buffering against national grid failures by allowing each campus to operate independently during outages. Through this sustainable setup, UKZN aims not only to reduce operational costs but also generate bill savings for consumers. By introducing real-time blockchain billing, consumers will have unmatched transparency concerning their energy usage—paying only for what they consume, reducing the likelihood of electricity theft and restoring fairness to billing practices. In its pursuit of becoming the country's most environmentally sustainable university, UKZN aims to generate clean energy daily while significantly decreasing fossil fuel reliance. The project also envisions creating an innovation hub for energy technology at the university, further bridging the gap between academia and industry in the broader fight against climate change.
TimesLIVE
03-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
UKZN in bright idea partnership to find load-shedding solutions
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) will become the first South African university powered mainly by renewable energy, with 10,000 solar panels across five campuses, in a pilot project that could help Eskom explore ending load-shedding nationwide. The university has signed a pioneering joint venture agreement with Hong Kong-based tech company Youtility to introduce cutting-edge, AI-driven technology to transform how electricity is managed and distributed, with payments handled through a blockchain billing platform. Eskom Distribution will participate in an observational and advisory capacity, positioning UKZN as a national test bed for 'this next-generation energy technology'. UKZN Eskom Power Engineering Programme acting director Prof Leigh Jarvis said the partnership was more than just an energy upgrade. 'It's a strategic transformation of the university's role in South Africa's energy future. Specifically, it means becoming a national leader in renewable energy: UKZN is on track to be the first predominantly renewable-powered university in South Africa, using solar energy, smart microgrids and real-time AI systems. 'One direct outcome is the creation of a UKZN spin-off company focused entirely on developing and supporting energy-related innovations. This venture will serve as a launch pad for commercialising student and staff ideas that address real-world energy challenges,' he said. Jarvis already has plans to feed advanced research into this ecosystem. He intends to incorporate an internationally patented concept involving liquid air energy storage and superconductor devices. 'Students won't just study energy, they'll help manage it, optimise systems and potentially become founders of new tech companies emerging from this initiative. UKZN becomes a living lab where energy solutions can be tested at scale, with national relevance and international export potential. In essence, this partnership makes UKZN not just a user of energy but an active architect of the future energy economy,' Jarvis said. He said the project could reshape the way electricity is generated, distributed and paid for across the country, offering real solutions to national problems such as load-shedding and grid failures. 'By decentralising energy production through microgrids, this approach reduces dependence on the national grid and minimises outages.' The project can also address electricity theft and nonpayment. 'The blockchain billing system makes tampering with meters nearly impossible and ensures people are billed fairly, discouraging illegal connections. In terms of tariff relief, when everyone pays what they should, the cost is spread fairly, and overall tariffs can remain lower. 'If successful, this model can be applied to schools, hospitals, and even rural villages — making energy access more inclusive and equitable. Why now? South Africa is in the middle of an energy crisis. This initiative is not just visionary — it's urgently practical, aligning with national goals for renewable energy, economic upliftment and digital innovation,' said Jarvis. Speaking at the launch event and signing ceremony held at UKZN's Westville campus, acting deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation at UKZN, Prof Anil Chuturgoon, called it a 'defining moment' in addressing the country's long-standing energy challenges. 'This concept of green energy is going to transform the energy landscape in South Africa,' he said. Youtility director Wayne Mostert said: 'Wizdom is an evolving, AI-driven utility brain with enhanced capabilities which include real-time, decentralised decision-making and smart discharge of power into micro and macro grids.' Drawing parallels with past tech revolutions, Mostert likened Youtility's ambitions to the digital disruption of entertainment media. 'Where Blockbuster failed to adapt, Netflix scaled using data, agility and customer-centricity. Similarly, Youtility is poised to revolutionise the utility sector through sentient, decentralised, and user-empowered infrastructure, creating a new global standard,' he said.
