INDUSTRY TORQUE - Empowering Insights for Industry Leaders

BIM Revolutionizing South Africa’s Built Environment: From Rural Bridges to Smart Villages

South Africa’s infrastructure backlog is well documented. What is now emerging is a clear, investable pathway to close it profitably, sustainably and inclusively. BIM is not a technology trend — it is the new operating system for the built environment. For investors seeking alpha in African infrastructure, for academics shaping the next generation, for rural leaders building resilient communities and for young South Africans ready to shape the future: the data is standardised, the tools are proven and the opportunity is open. Interview conducted by Lwazi Manqele, Current Affairs Producer, North Coast Radio. Thabelo Netshivhungululu is Technical Manager | BIM Strategy & Innovation at Moderna.

China's Vocational Blueprint: Empowering African Youth Skills in the G20 Era

Discover how China's vocational blueprint—apprenticeships, Luban Workshops, tripartite contracts, and green tech training—aligns with G20 Johannesburg 2025 youth skills priorities, Africa Skills Multiplier for 1 million trainers, and inclusive growth from the historic African summit. In this exclusive podcast, North Coast Radio's Lwazi Manqele hosts Professor Liu Baocheng (Center for International Business Ethics, UIBE; CCTV commentator; MBA/MSc Seton Hall, PhD UIBE) on "Bridging Skills: Africa and China's Path to Youth Empowerment." Key Insights from G20 2025 Johannesburg Declaration & China-Africa Partnerships: * China's high-quality development model mirrors G20 focus on future-ready education, AI, automation, and carbon neutrality—adapting apprenticeships for African technicians, digital operators, and engineers via respectful, context-specific programs. * Sino-SA mining breakthroughs: Technology transfer, automation upskilling, and mutual mentorship in mineral beneficiation elevate youth from manual labor to high-value roles, boosting local value addition amid critical minerals push. * Luban Workshops & empowerment: Tiered certifications, bilingual skills, and Belt & Road training in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya—transforming raw resources into sustainable prosperity, echoing Y20 "Building Bridges" and Compact with Africa. Post-G20 (Nov 22-23, 2025, Nasrec Expo Centre): Explore youth employment targets, AI for Africa Initiative, and China’s South-South leverage despite US boycott. Perfect for #G20Johannesburg2025, #YouthSkillsDevelopment, #ChinaAfricaPartnerships, #MineralBeneficiationSA, #LubanWorkshop, #AfricaIndustrialization, #VocationalTrainingAfrica, #G20YouthEmpowerment.

Unlocking Africa's Digital Future Insights from the ITU

In this episode, we delve into the transformative impact of AI and digital technologies in Africa with a focus on the recent AI Expo. Mr Guillem Martinez Roura from the ITU discusses the organization's role in establishing technical standards, fostering capacity building, and promoting youth engagement in digital education. Join us as we explore the initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide, empowering youth, and ensuring that African voices are heard in the global AI conversation.

Port of Gauteng White Paper Outlines R50 Billion Plan to Transform SA Logistics

In this episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of logistics and transport in South Africa with logistics property industry developer Francois Nortje'. He shares insights on the development of the Port of Gauteng, the evolution of the N3 corridor, and the pressing need for reform in rail freight. Discover how these elements interconnect and their implications for the future of transportation and logistics in the region. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion!

Navigating the Next Act: How Southern Africa’s Creative Industry Is Rewriting Its Own Script

Under the soft glow of the Market Theatre’s historic stage lights, a powerful conversation is unfolding. For decades, the Southern African creative industry has dazzled audiences, yet behind the applause lies a quiet crisis — one of sustainability, structure, and economic neglect. This month, Mr. Lethlage Mochadibane, Project Manager of the Southern African Producers and Artistic Directors Conference (SAPAC), sat down with Trends Nexus to unpack the outcomes of the recent regional conference and to chart a future where creativity is treated not as leisure — but as labour, livelihood, and legacy.