Technology

New energy vehicle (NEV) sales have soared this year amid record fuel price hikes, and buyers are now spoilt for even more choice with the introduction of new Jaecoo J5 line-up, writes The Citizen’s Charl Bosch.

Spring brings the grounds back to the top of the maintenance list on farms and estates across South Africa. Entrances and avenues, the homestead garden, lodge and guest lawns, staff housing, and areas around offices and pack sheds all start growing again at once, making efficient mowing essential for keeping properties neat and presentable.

The all-new Caravelle recently made history as Volkswagen’s first local hybrid vehicle. It’s a definite step-up from its predecessor in comfort and refinement, writes The Citizen’s Charl Bosch.

John Deere is expanding its offering across Africa and the Middle East with its new 3E Series compact utility tractors, a range designed for producers and landowners who need a smaller tractor without compromising on capability, reliability, or versatility.

Nissan revealed a brand-new SUV in the form of the Tekton last month in Mumbai, India. The Citizen’s Charl Bosch attended the glitzy unveiling.

A bee colony can collapse suddenly, making it vital for beekeepers to recognise the warning signs and take preventative steps where possible to prevent losing their valuable colonies.

Through 4 Dual Adventure, former racing champion Jacque Tesselaar now teaches other riders how to leave the tar behind safely and confidently, and to negotiate the country’s dirt roads, writes Jedrie Harmse.

The Renault Trafic, previously available locally only as a panel van, returns with a new look. The nine-seater aims to challenge established rivals in the premium people-mover segment. The Citizen’s Charl Bosch reports.

Good pollination starts with good preparation. Babylonstoren beekeeper Arné Stander shares some key considerations and a practical checklist to make sure farmers are ready for flowering.

A band of adventure motorcyclists set out to follow the Vaal River from its source to its end, relying on dirt roads, local knowledge, and an expedition philosophy that leaves little room for fixed plans.

Lexus’s electric RZ 550e F Sport proves that silence need not come at the expense of speed, setting the quickest time yet recorded by The Citizen for the marque vehicle.

CLAAS is showcasing its recently released CEREX 760 RF round baler and the AXION 9.450 CMATIC at Nampo Cape 2026. The CEREX introduces a new heavy-duty variable-chamber design, while the 448hp AXION is making its first Western Cape appearance.

Honeybees are indispensable to commercial crop pollination, but simply putting hives in an orchard does not guarantee results. Honeybee researcher Mike Allsopp explains why colony strength, timing, placement, competing forage, and communication between grower and beekeeper all matter.

South African agriculture will gain the greatest value from AI when businesses use it deliberately to strengthen human judgement, solve clearly defined problems, and improve data-driven decisions without surrendering responsibility, trust, or control.

South Africa’s new-vehicle market continued its positive momentum in July, with total sales reaching 57 708 units, an increase of 11,9% year-on-year. For Foton South Africa, however, the significance of these figures extends beyond another positive month for vehicle sales.

The CFMOTO 1000MT-X has quickly established itself as a serious contender in South Africa’s large-capacity adventure motorcycle market. Brand ambassador Henri du Toit joined Jedrie Harmse to find out whether its impressive specification and competitive price translate into real-world performance on tar and gravel.

With Nissan’s Rosslyn plant now handed over to Chery, local production of the Navara has come to an end, writes The Citizen’s Charl Bosch.

South Africa’s expanding data-centre sector must be carefully aligned with the country’s constrained electricity grid, water resources, and municipal infrastructure.

South Africa needs a balanced artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure strategy that protects sovereign control over critical systems while using affordable international services where appropriate and ensuring that data-centre expansion does not impose disproportionate electricity, water or environmental costs on agriculture and surrounding communities.

With 440 hectares of bananas under irrigation, Inyoni is one of South Africa's leading banana producers. The team works closely with Agrico to ensure this thirsty crop receives the precise amount of water it needs.