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In this 6 part series we will explore why Gqeberha is at the heart of the EV revolution and how moving to an electric vehicle is about more than just the environment.

The Future is Electric (and it’s being built in Gqeberha).

The conversation around Electric Vehicles (EVs) has shifted. It is no longer a “someday” technology for early adopters; it is a “right now” solution for a world facing a perfect storm of energy costs.

In the Eastern Cape, this transition is personal. With local automotive giants pivoting toward EV and Hybrid production, the vehicles of tomorrow are being built in our own backyard.

But why should you make the switch?

Mechanical Simplicity: A standard petrol engine has about 2,000 moving parts. An EV has around 20. This translates to fewer failures and less time in the workshop.

Energy Independence: You can’t refine petrol in your garden, but you can harvest sunlight. An EV paired with solar is the ultimate “off-grid” transport solution.

Performance: The instant torque of an electric motor provides a silent, powerful driving experience that traditional engines simply cannot match.

Reduced Complexity: A standard ICE vehicle has about 2,000 moving parts; an EV has around 20. This leads to drastically lower mechanical failure rates.

The Silent Drive: Beyond zero emissions, the reduction in noise pollution creates a more premium, stress-free driving experience for commuters in the Bay.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles are incredibly inefficient. Only about 30% of the energy in a litre of petrol actually moves the wheels; the other 70% is wasted as heat through the radiator and exhaust.

The “Perfect Storm” of 2026 is here. As fuel prices reach record highs, the question isn’t “Why EV?” but rather “How soon?”

The Solar Multiplier (Straton Solar’s Secret Sauce):

The ultimate “hidden” saving is the ability to de-link your transport costs from the global oil market entirely.

The Saving: You cannot refine your own petrol in your backyard BUT You can harvest your own electricity.

The EV Charger Reality: For homeowners with a Straton Solar and EV Charger installations, an EV becomes a “rolling battery.” By charging during peak sunlight hours, your 5-year “fuel” cost can drop from R250,000 (average for a high-mileage ICE) to essentially zero.

Add Shelly Automation products from Stratlec and you will be able to measure and manage all your electricity consumers and generators without the monthly costs of an app/cloud/hub to function.

EV Charger Articles:

1. Part One: The Great Transition: Why Electric Vehicles?
2. Part Two: The 5-Year Horizon: Are EVs Really More Economical?
3. Part Three: Pro Charger vs. “Granny Cable”: Why Go Dedicated?
4. Part Four: Fuel Rand vs. EV Rand: The 100km Running Cost Breakdown
5. Part Five: The Tipping Point—Verifiable Data on the Shift to EV
6. Part Six: Why Choose Straton Electrical for Your EV Charger Supply and Installation?

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

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South Africans and thirsty Nelson Mandela Bay residents, the numbers are in, and they paint a critical picture of Nelson Mandela Bay’s water supply. Whilst one significant dam level has increased, the biggest leak isn’t in the Western Region; it’s in our municipal infrastructure.

Here are the facts:

• 65% of Nelson Mandela Bay’s water comes from the Gariep Dam, which saw rising levels throughout 2025.
• Nelson Mandela Bay has a TOTAL reliance on external water sources (Free State and Sarah Baartman Districts).
• 35% of the municipalities water comes from dams to the west, four of which fall within the Sarah Baartman District.
• BUT… 60% of that water is lost BEFORE it reaches consumers taps due to municipal infrastructure failure.

What does that mean? The municipality is responsible for wasting 223 Million Liters per day (MLD).

That is equivalent to losing 90 OLYMPIC-SIZED SWIMMING POOLS DAILY.

We are importing water from across the country, only for more than half of it to disappear through broken pipes. We cannot afford this waste.

How We Fight Back:

We must turn this data into collective action. We can’t wait for the municipality to fix it; we have to develop our own pressure map.

1. Join the Discussion: What is the water pressure like in your street? Have you reported a leak with zero feedback?
2. Report the Leaks: Share your municipal reference number on the forum. We use this data to escalate entire neighborhoods, bypassing the call center queue.

Don’t just watch the 90 Olympic size pools drain daily. Take control.

Join the MyNMB Forum to express your feelings, share solutions and vent!

#NelsonMandelaBay #Gqeberha #NMBWaterCrisis #ServiceDelivery #CommunityAction #TheMyNMBWay

Infographic:

Links:

• MyNMB Forum
• NMB Drought Status: The Big Con

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

With households scrambling to save money on electricity costs ahead of Eskom’s looming price hike many are turning to Solar Systems as a solution.

The concerns with Solar are mainly around cost to install and speed of installation.

The principle around saving electricity is a simple one; “If you can measure it, you can manage and control it!”

Shelly Devices:

Shelly Devices offer you a very cost effective way to constantly measure your consumption and control it – on an entire premises OR single device basis – via your smartphone and WITHOUT ongoing monthly connection costs. Your device, your data, your privacy – sorted.

Take absolute control of your electricity bill with the Shelly Pro 1PM. Designed for the professional environment and high-demand South African households, this DIN-rail mountable 1-phase energy meter provides 1% billing accuracy.

In the Nelson Mandela Bay area, crossing into the “Block 3” tariff will spike your costs to R4.57 per unit (ecl. VAT). The Shelly Pro 1PM allows you to track consumption in real-time, identifying exactly which phase or appliance is pushing you toward that expensive 500kWh threshold.

The Shelly Pro 1PM is the gold standard for automating the single biggest energy consumer in your home: the geyser. Capable of switching up to 16A (3.5kW), this compact relay fits directly into your existing isolator box or DB board.

Unlike traditional mechanical timers, the Plus 1PM provides precise power measurement, allowing you to see exactly how much each shower or bath is costing you. By automating your geyser to heat during off-peak hours and utilizing “thermal mass” strategies, you can significantly reduce your monthly consumption and avoid high-tier municipal penalties.

Why Shelly Pro1 PM:

• Overpower Protection: Integrated temperature and power sensors for peace of mind.
• Advanced Scheduling: Create complex 7-day schedules or use “Sunrise/Sunset” logic.
• Connectivity: Works via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—no expensive hub required.

Why Buy Shelly Products From an Authorised Reseller and Installer such as Stratlec?

As an Authorized Shelly Reseller, Stratlec ensures that every device is genuine, ICASA-approved, and backed by full technical support tailored to the South African electrical grid.

• Local Support: Expert advice on NMBM tariff optimization.
• Warranty: Full local warranty and replacement support.
• Expertise: We don’t just sell the hardware; we help you build the solution.

Descriptive words: Energy Monitoring South Africa, 1-Phase Power Meter, Shelly Pro 1PM, NMBM Electricity Tariffs, Solar System Integration.

Video:

Links:

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on Beat The Electricity Price Hike With a Shelly Pro 1PM: The Professional Single Phase Energy Monitor here:
X: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratonElectrical/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

GQEBERHA – Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on 12 February 2026 in Cape Town, Straton Electrical – a leading electrical contracting firm in the Eastern Cape – has critically examined the President’s roadmap for the energy sector.

While the speech signaled a historic pivot toward a competitive electricity market, the local contracting industry remains cautious about the transition from high-level policy to “boots on the ground” implementation.

The “Good News”: Opportunities for Growth

Straton Electrical welcomes several key announcements that provide a clear runway for the electrical contracting and renewable energy sectors:

• End of the Eskom Monopoly: The President’s confirmation of a fully independent state-owned transmission entity (separate from Eskom Holdings) is a watershed moment. This leveling of the playing field is expected to accelerate Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects, creating a massive demand for private electrical grid-tie and substation infrastructure.
• The 40% Renewable Target: The bold commitment to have 40% of South Africa’s energy supply come from renewable sources by 2030 ensures long-term work for solar and wind contractors. The introduction of a 150% tax deduction for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and battery manufacturing further incentivizes industrial electrical upgrades.
• Infrastructure Spend: The allocation of R940 billion for infrastructure over the next three years—including R375 billion by state-owned companies—promises significant sub-contracting opportunities in the revitalisation of national power systems.
• Eradication of “Load Reduction”: The focus on provinces to address transformer overloading and illegal connections is a direct call to action for local contractors. Modernizing the distribution network is essential for the safety and stability of our communities.

Areas of Concern: The Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, Straton Electrical identifies significant “red flags” that could stifle progress:

• Municipal Incapacity: The President acknowledged that many municipalities lack the technical skills to maintain electricity supply. While the plan to establish “professionally managed, ring-fenced utilities” is sound, the transition period may lead to further infrastructure decay and payment risks for contractors working with local government.
• Grid Capacity Bottlenecks: While the President invited private investment into the grid, the current reality is that transmission constraints are still blocking new projects. The R440 billion needed for 14,000km of new lines is an astronomical figure, and the industry is concerned about the speed at which this “private capital” will actually be mobilized.
• The “Construction Mafia”: President Ramaphosa specifically mentioned that “building sites are shut down by criminals.” For electrical contractors, the threat of site disruptions and extortion remains a major risk factor that the speech addressed in theory but has yet to solve in practice.
• Technical Skills Gap: The massive scale of the proposed energy transition requires a workforce that South Africa currently lacks. Without an immediate, aggressive push in TVET college partnerships and apprenticeship funding, the industry may struggle to find enough qualified electricians to meet the 2030 targets.

Executive Commentary: “SONA 2026 feels like a shift from crisis management to structural reform,” says the Straton Electrical team. “The intent to decentralize the grid and embrace renewables is exactly what the industry has been asking for. However, for a contractor in Nelson Mandela Bay, the success of this plan depends entirely on whether the R54-billion municipal reform incentive actually reaches the street level to fix failing transformers and aging cables.”

Straton Electrical remains committed to supporting South Africa’s energy transition and will continue to provide expert solutions that align with the national goal of long-term energy security.

Images:

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Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on Straton Electrical Weighs In on SONA 2026: A Vision for Infrastructure, but Execution Concerns Remain here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratonElectrical/

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If you have ever visited Gqeberha based MyPR.co.za, you’ve seen one of the most efficient uses of WordPress automation in South Africa. MyPR handles thousands of press releases annually, but they don’t have a team manually re-typing every submission.

Instead, they use Gravity Forms to do the heavy lifting.

The MyPR Workflow: From Form to Draft in Seconds

Most people think a form is just for “Contact Us” pages. MyPR uses Gravity Forms for Front-End Content Submission. When a PR professional submits a release on MyPR, the form is mapped directly to WordPress Post fields.

• The Title becomes the Post Headline.
• The Body becomes the Post Content.
• The Featured Image/s is/are automatically uploaded to the Media Library.

The Result? The release appears instantly as a “Pending Draft” in the WordPress backend, ready for an editor to review and publish with a single click.

Why Gravity Forms is the Industry Standard

Whether you are building a news portal like MyPR, a job board, or a complex registration system, Gravity Forms offers the reliability that free plugins simply cannot match.

• Post Creation Add-On: This is the “secret sauce.” It allows you to turn any form submission into a WordPress post or custom post type automatically.
• Advanced Conditional Logic: Show or hide fields based on user input, ensuring your users only see what they need to see.
• Secure File Uploads: Handle high-resolution images and PDFs with built-in security protocols.
• Bulletproof Integration: Connect your data to Mailchimp, HubSpot, or Zapier seamlessly.

Build Your Own Professional Workflow

Don’t let manual data entry slow your business down. If you want to scale your site’s functionality – whether for press releases, guest blogging, or user-generated content – you need a tool that handles the complexity for you.

Experience the power of the most advanced form builder on the market. Get started with Gravity Forms today and see why professional South African platforms like MyPR rely on it every day.

MyPR has an agency license dating back to the days when Gravity Forms started. There are now three different licenses available at 3 different price points: Basic, Elite (similar to our Agency license) and Pro.

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My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

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In South Africa, corporate income tax (CIT) is heavily concentrated. According to recent SARS data, a tiny fraction of companies—roughly 0.2% of all assessed businesses—contribute nearly 60% of the country’s total corporate tax revenue.

The primary contributors are dominated by the “Big Four” banks and major telecommunications firms. Based on the 2024/2025 fiscal reports and PwC’s Major Banks Analysis, here are the JSE-listed companies that pay the largest amounts of direct tax to SARS:

1. The Financial Sector (The Heavyweights)

The banking sector is consistently the largest contributor to CIT. In 2023/2024, the major banks paid a combined total of over R37 billion in direct taxes.

Company Name – Estimated Annual Direct Tax (SA)

• Standard Bank Group – ~R12.72 billion
• FirstRand Limited (FNB/RMB) – ~R12.59 billion
• Absa Group – ~R8 billion+
• Nedbank Group – ~R4.43 billion
• Capitec Bank – ~R2.88 billion

2. Telecommunications

Telecom giants are critical contributors due to their massive domestic consumer bases and consistent profitability.

• MTN Group: Reported approximately R7.5 billion in total income tax for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
• Vodacom: Contributed roughly R4.4 billion in direct taxes (with a total public finance contribution, including indirect taxes, of over R13 billion).

3. Retail and Consumer Goods

• Shoprite Holdings: As Africa’s largest retailer, they paid roughly R2.46 billion in South African income tax alone.
• Naspers/Prosus: While much of their revenue is international, their South African operations contributed roughly R2.14 billion in the most recent fiscal period.

Sector Performance Trends (2025/2026)

The “Top Taxpayer” landscape has shifted slightly recently due to economic conditions:

• Mining Sector Decline: Historically, miners like Anglo American Platinum and Kumba Iron Ore were the top taxpayers. However, due to softening commodity prices (especially PGMs and Coal) and logistical challenges at Transnet, their tax contributions fell by over 50% in the 2024/2025 period.
• Financial Growth: The Financial Intermediation and Insurance sector has taken over as the primary driver of tax growth, buoyed by high-interest rates which increased bank profitability.

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My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

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Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.