The way things are

At the moment copper theft is rampant in South Africa. Theft occurs widely and constantly and is costing the country a large fortune. But it gets worse: green energy generation will force us to use more copper. Conventional power generation uses .5 ton of copper per megawatt while wind power generation uses 3.6 ton per megawatt (7 times more copper) and solar power generation uses 4.5 ton per megawatt (9 times more copper) per megawatt. Compounding that, a 10 million ton pa shortage is projected in 20281. We are just not mining copper fast enough and the ore quality is not as good as it used to be. (1)

Carte Blanche has shown the illegal export of copper from South Africa to be R440m every month, a total of : R4.8b every year. This translates to an effective loss of R187b per year and has reduced our GDP growth by in 2020 by 37%.But there is more: the copper price is approaching $10,000 per ton (2) and unemployment is rife. 50% of youth are unemployed and 60% of women are unemployed – and this was before COVID-19. 90% of those in matric at the moment won’t get jobs when they finish school. Unemployment, the high copper price and copper demand will continue conspire to rapidly increase cable theft in South Africa – and cause severe development problems for all of us.

Something has to be done.

The current approach

The current approach to cable theft prevention is a standard one: “my company is the best and we will solve all your problems.” This, of course, is not true. To solve this massive problem requires cooperation to create a combined, holistic solution: Government and Industry combining the best South Africa has to offer to create a uniquely South African solution that works for us.

Hindrances to an Integrated solution

This sounds easy, but it is not. There are many vested interests and wheels within wheels.

• Security companies benefit from cable theft because it keeps security services in demand – and security companies want to be hired
• Cable manufacturing companies benefit from cable theft because stolen cable needs to be replaced – and cable companies want to sell more cable
• Theft solution companies benefit from cable theft because more theft makes our solutions more urgent – and we want to sell our solutions
• Corrupt officials benefit from cable theft because they want theft to continue to let the money keep rolling in

Officials will only implement protection if directly instructed because they are unwilling to make the hard decisions - and cable is often left unprotected. Generally, budgets are limited, so they rather replace than protect cables: so they refuse to pay a little now and are forced to pay much more later.

And all the while South Africa groans under the burden.

Creating a holistic Solution

To efficiently curb cable theft this 7 step approach may be considered:

1. Physically protect electrical cables. Make it as difficult as possible to steal them.
2. Indelibly mark the cables so they cannot be sold. Ensure that marking method is resistant to being burnt, granulated and smelting.
3. As far as possible – and especially at theft hotspots - use technology to monitor the cables. Use video and tamper reporting to make it as difficult possible to steal copper cables.
4. Employ rapid response teams. If the cable theft is in progress, deploy the rapid response units
5. Destroy the illegal copper resale market. Make the risk to sell or buy stolen copper to high.
6. Restrict copper exports. Make it impossible to export copper without permit and absolute proof of origin.
7. Severely punish corrupt officials. Make copper corruption punishment and copper theft sentences the same.

How it could work

In order to create a solution both Government and business will have to roll up their sleeves. A Public Private Partnership could be considered as a vehicle for this. Best-of-breed South African solutions and intellectual property could then be identified and combined.

Laws could enforce top-down protection across the board to protect cables. The PPP could provide cable theft protection services to Government, State Owned Enterprises and municipalities. In addition, the PPP could provide protection services to neighbouring countries which also suffer from cable theft.

Advantages

Advantages to Government would include:

1. The best technologies would be combined to create a world-class, South African protection solution
2. This would be a real solution – not a Band-Aid approach
3. Centralised management would allow a top-down approach
4. Centralised standards would ensure the best approach and methodology
5. Costs would be reduced

Advantages to Industry would include:

1. Increased market penetration
2. National and regional product distribution
3. A real chance to make a lasting difference

It is time to employ a radical solution to the cable theft disease – and the only option is amputation.

Unless we do something about it now, the cable theft problem will ensure that our plans for developing South Africa remain just that – plans. 

1. http://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-looming-copper-supply-crunch/

2. https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/copper-price

CableDNA is an electrical cable theft prevention company based in South Africa. www.cabledna.co.za

Pretoria, South Africa – Prokon Software Consultants, the preferred Autodesk Gold Partner for Civil and Structural Engineering in South Africa and an accredited Training & Certification Centre, as well as an Autodesk Authorised Developer, today announced that it has earned the new Construction Specialisation designation for value added resellers from Autodesk, Inc., a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. As an Autodesk Specialised Partner, Prokon has shown that they have made a significant investment in their people, they have a business plan specific to their specialisation area, they have customer references, and that they can offer a high level of technical background and support to customers in the construction industry. 

The new Autodesk Partner Specialisations enable value added resellers to highlight and brand their expertise in delivering services in key industry areas. By completing the required curriculum and training, as well as meeting required levels of service and standards set by Autodesk, Prokon demonstrates they are trusted advisers to Autodesk customers throughout Africa.

“We help companies to deliver projects that are high quality, on time, on budget and to customers’ specification. Our integrated solution assists with greater visibility over the lifecycle of the project and streamlines communication.” – Leon van Rensburg, BIM Solution Specialist, Prokon Software Consultants.  

“Prokon, Autodesk and BIM360, will transform your business into a technologically advanced competitor in the industry.” – Sampie Goosen, BIM Implementation Specialist, Prokon Software Consultants.  

To be the first Autodesk Partner in Emerging Europe awarded with the Construction Specialisation is not only an honour but also a true reflection of the hard work and dedication that our Prokon team bring to the construction industry. With over 28 years’ engineering experience and an Autodesk Advanced Structure Specialisation, Prokon Software Consultants is known to be the leaders in the structural industry. Combining our expertise within these two industries, we are adding value to our customers by expanding our professional solution driven services within the African market.  

Partner with Prokon to experience the full BIM solution.  

Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.  

How do you maintain the perfect temperature while sleeping? Do you sleep with one leg out of the blanket? Leave your feet sticking out at the bottom? The right temperature is a factor in determining the quality of sleep you’re going to have. Vencasa introduces the All Season Duvet, which has been made with clever “options”.

The All Season Duvet is available as a DUO (two duvets that can be used throughout the year separately or together), comprising of the following:

• One duvet with a weight of 125g/m² (recommended for use in spring-summer)

• One duvet with a weight of 250g/m² (recommended for use in autumn-winter).

The two parts clip together with fitted press studs to form one inner duvet. For cold winter nights, the two covers should be clipped together and placed into a duvet cover. For nights that are in between temperatures, the 125 g/m² summer layer is taken out first, leaving the warmer 250g/m² autumn layer on the bed. As temperatures increase, the 250g/m² autumn-layer is exchanged for the 125 g/m² summer-layer. It is comprised of a 100% polyester microfiber outer fabric with a silky touch and an attractive embossed design, filled with 100% polyester hollow conjugated siliconized fibre with Acarsan® anti-dust mite treatment.

It is available in the following sizes:

• 240x220cm – Super Queen

• 260x240cm – Super KingThe Vencasa

All Season Duvet is the ideal option for those with less storage space. It will ensure a high degree of comfort with a combined 9.2 Tog rating. It will also ensure good, healthy sleep while it protects against dust mites and allergies. This smart duvet is a must have for the bedroom!

Vencasa has partnered with global and local experts to create the Vencasa Signature Collection for every sleep need. This includes mattresses, headboards, bases and frames, side tables, lamps, occasional furniture, ottomans, linen, pillows, towels and luxurious bedroom accessories, with several price points to accommodate their wide clientele. Vencasa is made for people looking for a high quality, yet affordable range of products.

Available exclusively from Vencasa and Tempur stores, priced from R2,499.00–R2,999.00. Vencasa brings the art of sleep to your 'casa', from the smallest to the most essential sensory detail. We invite you to 'come home' to Vencasa for the ultimate bedroom experience. Visit www.pharmaline.co.za/vencasa or call 0861 60 60 60 for more information, to shop, or for your nearest stockist.