Author:focus-on-transport
This is the 85th column I’ve written for FOCUS since I became the publication’s assistant editor back in May 2012 – and not for any of those did I have to think so deeply about what I was writing Starting at FOCUS on February 7, 2011, was a bold move for me. My knowledge of the road-transport industry was minimal (to put it mildly) and, while I was familiar enough with trucks and their inner workings, my foundations, knowledge and […]
Electra Mining Botswana, a major industry event held at Gaborone, is home to a leading mining, industrial and power-generation expo. Powered by Electra Mining Africa, this niche trade show has been specially designed to maximise business growth in Botswana. Taking place at the Gaborone Fairgrounds from September 10 to 12, this will be an all-encompassing event showcasing the latest technologies, machinery, products and solutions related to mining, industrial and power generation. The recently launched A-OSH Expo Botswana is taking place […]
For the past eight years, six Volkswagen (VW) Amaroks have driven more than a million kilometres as part of an effort by Wilderness Foundation Africa to protect South Africa’s rhinos through a sponsorship from VW Commercial Vehicles South Africa. During that time, though, a total of 7 720 rhinos were poached in South Africa. Last year alone, on average two rhinos were poached every day. VW Commercial Vehicles has therefore renewed its sponsorship and support of the Wilderness Foundation […]
Attempts by public transport operator Algoa Bus Company to reduce instances of theft and corruption along its routes in the Port Elizabeth area are paying dividends. According to engineering director Andre Brink, the installation of on-board cameras to focus on driver behaviour, together with regular on-road inspections by independent ticket examiners, have resulted in a significant drop in pilferage-related activity, while simultaneously improving passenger safety. “We are very satisfied with the security measures we have implemented,” Brink says. “The introduction […]
Disruptive transport technologies will take centre stage at the 38th annual Southern African Transport Conference (SATC) when it comes to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Convention Centre in Pretoria between July 8 and 11. Endorsed by the Department of Transport and the International Road Federation, SATC has become the region’s premier transport conference and exhibition. Each year it hosts internationally lauded plenary speakers and welcomes more than 700 transport professionals, academics, students and engineers. The 2019 edition […]
Lots of people have asked me why the Jaguar I-Pace is now officially the best car in the world (this is no namby-pamby claim; it’s the 2019 World Car of the Year). Interestingly enough, all the people who have asked me the question have never driven the vehicle (once you’ve driven it, you’re sold). So, for those poor sods who have yet to experience the I-Pace in all its glory, this is what you’re missing out on. These are my […]
Sometimes, you just can’t get away from having to use good old-fashioned cash – even in today’s electronic, app-based world. One example of this need is a new mobile bank created by body builder Serco. The vehicle was ordered by a prominent bank for use in a neighbouring country, and is part of an initiative to provide added support in the event of a disaster. Should a branch be impacted for any reason, the mobile unit will be sent out […]
A Tata eight-tonne dropside that’s used as a maximum-load workhorse by Meyerton-based animal feedstock manufacturer, Hi-Performance Feeds, has clocked more than 1,1-million kilometres. The 2007 Tata 1518 plies routes from Meyerton to Stilfontein, Klerksdorp, Magaliesberg, Hammanskraal and Kriel, and also delivers feedstock to retail outlets in Johannesburg and Pretoria. “The vehicle has played a vital part in the company’s growth and it’s still working as hard as it ever did,” comments company owner Charles Waller. “Before buying our first Tata […]
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Roland Jost. He passed away on Saturday May 11, 2019, after a long battle with cancer. Over the past years Roland had kept up his valiant fight against various forms of cancer, but he was recently informed that the cancer had spread to his lungs. Roland was born on January 15, 1947, in Wuestenrot, Germany. He started his career in Germany, then worked in Switzerland and Lichtenstein, […]
Arguably the most popular commercial vehicle in South Africa by way of its dominance in the minibus-taxi market, the Toyota Quantum is a familiar face on local roads. Now, the all-new Quantum has landed – and it has a very different face indeed. The new Quantum has moved away from a cab-over design to a “semi-bonnet” design, which creates a more spacious interior and enhanced aerodynamics. The Quantum range comprises new panel-van and bus derivatives, with the option of three-seater […]
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