There is a place where Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa unite, along the banks of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. Its name was once the Kingdom of Mapungubwe.

The commodities boom of the 2000s was an unprecedented event in the history of global economics; driven by the rising demand from emerging markets such as the BRIC nations - Brazil, Russia, India and China have since firmly laid claim to their portion of the global economy. As the astronomical rise of these economies seems unstoppable, this unique development story has fascinated financial and media institutions across the world.

A new spirit is rising from the earth of Africa; a fresh energy echoes from its drums. No longer is Africa the 'dark continent' or the seeker of teary-eyed handouts. Foreign aid is now playing second fiddle to foreign investment, and the gap widens year on year. Rightly so – Africa is open for business.

Wind energy is the oldest form of energy known to mankind, being that it was around the dawn of civilisation when the tie between man, wind and cultural development was formed. Around 5 000 BC, human beings were pushed up the Nile River by the prevailing northerly sea breeze, while ancient architects used wind to naturally ventilate their buildings. By 200 BC, the Chinese were using windmills to pump water and the Persian's, among others, used reed sails to grind their grain.

Africa's growth has been underwritten by China and China's growth has become increasingly dependent on Africa's ability to supply it with resources. It is not colonialism; we should really call it foreign direct investment.

The history of the Panama Canal dates back to 16th century. After realising the riches of Peru, Ecuador, and Asia, and counting the time it took the gold to reach the ports of Spain, it was suggested in 1524 to Charles V, that by cutting out a piece of land somewhere in Panama, the trip would be made shorter, and the risk of taking treasure through the belt of land would justify such an enterprise.

In the Turkana Lake district of Kenya a howling wind blows almost all year round. The meteorologists attribute this anomaly to the valley floor lying between two mountains, the heat difference between the desert and the lake and a scientific process called the venturi effect. Besides the wonder of these strong and predictable winds, there is another benefit to this natural phenomenon; energy. It is here that the biggest wind farm in Africa will be constructed, and it is from here that Kenya will receive over 30% of her electricity.

Three years ago, building industry workers signed a contract allowing an 8% wage increase per annum, until August 31, 2009. The industry had come alive, and with 2010 on the horizon, voices called for an industry to band together and work toward one of the new South Africa's crowning moments in history. There was much to be done, and every hand was needed. There would be great spoils too, spoils to be shared by everyone. Or so they said...

Can private finance provide the solution to efficiency and cost control within the public infrastructure milieu? ISIZA speaks with Robert Gecelter from Investec's Capital Markets division.

Eunice Forbes, Master Builders South Africa (MBSA) President and keynote speaker at the TG 59 International People in Construction Conference held in July, is a fighter. Whilst battling Polio at a young age, Eunice learnt about the words ‘can’t’ and ‘bored’, realising that people give up too easily, when, in reality, there is a first time for everything.

The readiness of South African industries to cheat has gone too far. The disease of dishonest business practices has permeated the major industries of the country, and most menacingly, it is these businesses that impact directly on the lives of the poor, and in turn undermine Government's development agenda. Think bread, milk, steel, bricks, cement, sand, pharmaceuticals, banking and even airlines. The sheer breadth of cartel and anti-competitive behaviour within South Africa is highly unnerving, especially when considered in the context of a global recession that is reaching into even the deepest of pockets.

Under the microscope once again, the practice of labour broking is rousing heated debate within industry circles. Two very defined schools of thought are tackling its very existence - to ban or not to ban? The new fuel to this fiery debate was Namibia's recent decision to ban labour broking, effectively criminalising the practice within its new Labour Act. The constitutionality of the ban was challenged unsuccessfully in Namibia's High Court, which then prompted a rising voice within the ANC to announce similar intentions.

Under the microscope once again, the practice of labour broking is rousing heated debate within industry circles. Two very defined schools of thought are tackling its very existence - to ban or not to ban? The new fuel to this fiery debate was Namibia's recent decision to ban labour broking, effectively criminalising the practice within its new Labour Act. The constitutionality of the ban was challenged unsuccessfully in Namibia's High Court, which then prompted a rising voice within the ANC to announce similar intentions.

Solar energy effortlessly claims the title of "The World's Most Abundant and Permanent Energy Source.' In one hour, more energy from the sun will hit the earth than every single human being in existence could use in a single year.

Rod Burn, Director of Organisational Performance at Murray & Roberts, discusses the concept of leadership, and how getting back to basics, and face-to-face with your team can change the very soul and performance of your business. It all comes down to a simple truth – ordinary people really can do extraordinary things.

In the midst of local political shifts and global financial turmoil, it is imperative that we not lose sight of our global resource challenges that remain a constant backdrop to our future existence and development.

South Africa is in the depths of a creeping crisis, one happening ever so slowly, hidden from the public eye until presumably, it is too late. Unfortunately, we know what can happen when the powers managing our national infrastructure fail to face a problem from the start. In the energy supply situation, Eskom failed to heed early warnings; failed in its maintenance; failed to retain the skills needed; failed in its management and thus, led us headlong into a national socio-economic crisis, for which we will be paying for years to come.

Historically, infrastructure has been one of the more important drivers of economic and social progress. What is less recognised is the role that infrastructure can play in bringing about stability and peace in post-conflict environments.

This story about a few wonderful people provides many valuable lessons for owners and managers. In South Africa, we live in a volatile environment that is high risk and hostile to the creation of wealth. To counteract volatility and the risks of rapid, discontinuous change, you have to concentrate and focus. You must match strengths with opportunity. One of the greatest threats to any firm is to match weakness with opportunity.

The Gautrain Project is one of the continent’s largest and most thrilling transportation projects. A product of South Africa’s largest ever public-private partnership, the Gautrain is set to play a vital role in stimulating economic growth and job creation in Gauteng. Designed to relieve the overwhelming traffic congestion, promote tourism and further public-private partnerships, it could potentially transform the culture of public transport countrywide.