Technology

Hyundai’s seven-seat Santa Fe SUV was initially built to blend in. But the hybrid-only latest reiteration of the Korean carmaker’s flagship local product is meant to stand out, says The Citizen’s Mark Jones.

As Netafim celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the global leader in precision irrigation is marking decades of innovation, transformation, and impact across Southern and East Africa.

After saturating the local SUV scene with dozens of models over the past few years, the bakkie segment is next on the list for Chinese carmakers. Chery has become the latest manufacturer from China to join the bakkie party, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.

Biotechnology is set to transform South African crop production over the next two decades. Chantel Arendse, plant biotechnology lead at CropLife South Africa, unpacks how genome editing, drought-tolerant traits, and regulatory reform can help farmers boost yields, improve sustainability, and remain competitive.

The Toyota Fortuner has consistently been South Africa’s best-selling bakkie-based SUV since 2006. The Citizen’s Charl Bosch drove the GR-Sport, the latest addition and probably the last model to be introduced to the current generation.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) reports that the increasing urbanisation of South Africa’s rapidly growing population is a significant factor impacting the risk of wildfires.

The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe has fond memories of holding onto the cattle rails of his uncle’s bakkie for dear life, with Lovely the collie by his side, on the farm roads of Koekenaap. It turns out, though, that these rails keep more people and dogs on bakkies than they do cattle.

Agrico is set to transform South Africa’s irrigation and water infrastructure by installing an extrusion line capable of producing rigid mPVC and uPVC pipes up to a massive 800mm in diameter, confirmed to be the largest in Southern Africa.

The big news around the all-new Renault Duster’s local introduction was the discontinuation of the venerable diesel engines. The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe looks at how the crossover is gearing up for life after diesel.

After the introduction of the new flagship in Great Wall Motor’s bakkie line-up, the P500, the old P-Series moniker, is now being changed to P300. The Citizen’s Charl Bosch explains the carmaker’s new bakkie structure.

Over the years, NMI has built a reputation for importing a comprehensive range of high-quality agricultural machinery. At Nampo, they unveiled the first bale wrapper in their offering, named the Sitrex WR 3100.

If you are looking for a small, reliable tractor that does not break the bank, then CASE IH’s JX range might be what you are looking for.

Astron Energy’s Quartech Fuel four-in-one technology is designed to deliver exceptional benefits across the board.

On the first day of Nampo 2025, LEMKEN launched its new weed harrow, Thulit, which, according to the manufacturer, extends farmers’ window for mechanical weed control.

ISUZU Motors South Africa is proud to announce its participation in Nampo 2025, showcasing a powerful lineup that embodies its long-standing heritage in the agriculture sector.

The Navara line-up was increased last year in Nissan’s effort to win back market share. The Citizen’s Mark Jones sampled the top-of-the-range Pro-4X to see how the double cab compares with modern bakkies.

With regular servicing and maintenance, this trouble-free Hino 15-258 500 Series truck is set to keep going strong for many more kilometres to come.

Lubricants are essential for reducing friction, wear, and corrosion between moving parts of machinery and equipment.

Plant biotechnology uses tools like genetic modification and bioengineering to enhance crops’ resilience, nutritional value, and sustainability in the face of challenges like climate change. Biosafety South Africa’s Dr Hennie Groenewald spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about how this technology can shape the future of crop farming around the world, stressing that field testing and commercialisation are the next critical steps.

Smart irrigation helps address the challenges of water scarcity and unpredictable weather, and promotes operational efficiency, writes Eran Ossmy, president of Rivulis’ Micro Irrigation Division.