“Our constitutional rights have been violated” – Eastern Cape community fed up with poor water delivery
Municipality blames water delivery issues on illegal water connections
Smart You, Smart Home: Upgrade with Lights and Blinds
In the era of smart technology, it’s no longer just our phones and watches that are intelligent. Our homes are becoming smarter too, thanks to innovations in smart switches, automatic window shades, electric blinds, and other automated systems. Upgrading your home with these technologies can enhance comfort, increase energy efficiency, and add a touch of …
Absa’s Webber to Highlight Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and Investment Trends in African Critical Minerals at Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024
Mining company African Rainbow Minerals (https://apo-opa.co/46M4tND) reached an agreement last September with financial services company Absa – along with finance institutions Standard Bank, the Development Bank of South Africa and Nedbank – to provide finance for the construction of a 132 MW solar project. The move is set to provide renewable energy to platinum mining projects in South Africa through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
To support the growth of South Africa and Africa's critical mineral industry, Absa is participating in this year's Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 summit. Shirley Webber, Coverage Head of Resources & Energy at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking – an Absa subsidiary –, will discuss the firm's contributions and investment strategy in the African critical mineral sector.
The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6-7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4-8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Absa is a major player in Africa's critical mineral industry, providing direct financing to project developers, while supporting critical mineral mining projects through long-term PPAs. The institution is arranging a $120 million debt facility to support platinum group metal (PGM) mining firm Pensana's (https://apo-opa.co/4fTeBZo) strategy to achieve first PGM production in South Africa by 2025. Absa also partnered with French financial services firm Société Générale in March 2023 to raise $130 million in funding to support PGM and chrome-producer Tharisa (https://apo-opa.co/46HEd76) with its mining operations in South Africa.
Absa has positioned itself as a key driver of environmental social governance (ESG) and skills and capacity building within Africa's critical mineral sector as the global mining industry prioritizes environmental sustainability and local content development. In May 2023, Absa closed a $562.4 million sustainability-linked green bond for mining firm Harmony Gold, enabling the company to expand production and reduce its carbon footprint at its gold and copper projects across Africa. As such, Webber is expected to use the CMA 2024 platform to highlight how Absa is driving ESG projects across Africa's critical mineral sector.
“Companies like Absa have positioned themselves as key enablers of Africa's critical mineral industry growth by simplifying access to capital for project developers. As demand for Africa's energy transition metals grows and global markets prioritize environmental sustainability, the capital and ESG expertise provided by Absa will be crucial,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Project Director at CMA 2024 organizer Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Lamola to use economic diplomacy to tackle poverty and unemployment
Lamola to use economic diplomacy to tackle poverty and unemployment
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has pledged that his department will use economic diplomacy to tackle the underlying challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in South Africa.
“I look forward to working with all of you in the seventh administration to make international relations more accessible to every South African. International relations is not abstract, it affects us in our everyday lives,” he said on Monday.
Lamola was speaking during a media briefing where he was updating the public on his programme and topical issues.
He also emphasised the consistent goal of achieving a more just and equitable African continent and world.
“DIRCO’s [Department of International Relations and Cooperation] work is crucial in realising this grand vision every day. We have reassured everyone that there will be continuity in foreign policy, aligned with the Government of National Unity's (GNU) vision.”
He told journalists that parties in the GNU have agreed to work together to address the nation’s most pressing challenges.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated in his inauguration speech that the parties have committed to pursuing a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity, and peace.
“They will also promote multilateralism for a fairer, more equal, just, and compassionate world.”
In addition, he said the GNU was committed to the well-being and professional growth of the team, encouraging them to take advantage of learning and development opportunities provided by the department.
Other issues
On Israel, he said South Africa “strongly” condemns the attack on a school turned shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza that has killed more than 100 people, including women and children.
This is after the Israeli military claimed its air force on Saturday struck a “command and control centre” that “served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders” at Al-Tabaeen school.
However, the department said they had not provided evidence to qualify the harming of defenceless civilians in its dangerous escalation.
“South Africa is gravely concerned at the continuous targeting of schools, hospitals, medical infrastructure, and holy sites that are a source of shelter and protection for the civilian population who bear the brunt of the inhumane attacks in the Gaza Strip.”
The Minister said South Africa continues to maintain that there is no legal, ethical, or moral justification for the bombardment of non-combatants and destruction of civilian sites.
Lamola called on the international community to act decisively against this deliberate attempt to derail the ceasefire negotiations and the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe due to the ongoing violations of international law.
“South Africa once again calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.”
He also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, which Angola facilitated.
In addition, he said South Africa was monitoring developments in Venezuela following the recent elections.
Lamola has welcomed that President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner and reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the people of Venezuela to self-determination without the interference of external forces. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 09:35
45 views
Drivers Urged to Reduce Speed on Western Cape Roads
The Western Cape Government has recorded a concerning 201 speeding offences on provincial roads between 5 and 11 August. This statistic highlights the ongoing challenge of curbing speeding and ensuring road safety across the province. Speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic crashes, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities. The Mobility Department is …
Tanzanian opposition politicians arrested
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners arrested by Tanzanian police in recent days. In the past 24 hours, opposition party CHADEMA’s Chairman, Freeman Mbowe, Vice Chairman and former Presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu, youth wing leader, John Pambalu, and scores of party members have been …
Five months after police drive into woman, breaking her pelvis, SAPS probe is still incomplete
Nolwazi Tokhwe says her life has dramatically changed
Why a Tax Dispute is Good News for African Penguins
Numbers of breeding pairs in Algoa Bay have bounced back since bunkering stopped
Durban protesters block roads, demanding local clinic be re-opened
The Newtown A clinic has been closed since the floods in April 2022
Emergency spillway under construction to avoid further Riverlands disaster
Emergency spillway under construction to avoid further Riverlands disaster
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has given the City of Cape Town permission to construct an emergency spillway on the fourth and remaining farm dam reported to be on the verge of collapse to lower the risk of its collapse.
This follows the failure of three farm dams, located in Riverlands, that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.
The department’s Head of Communication, Dr Mandla Mathebula, said the three failed dams did not have sufficient spillways and had filled beyond the safe level, resulting in overtopping due to high rainfall and associated run off, causing them to fail in series.
“The fourth dam, which is the highest dam in the valley, also has no spillway and it has been discovered that it has some structural damage. The dams are owned by the Western Cape Provincial Government and serve local farmers.
“To reduce the risk of potential failure, the DWS Dam Safey Office has granted permission for the construction of an emergency spillway on the fourth dam,” Mathebula said.
Mathebula said construction has started under the supervision of an approved professional person and will ensure that the dam is able to manage the anticipated floods due to the predicted rainfall, which will last until Tuesday.
“The existing outlet pipe of the dam will also be kept fully open to allow the dam levels to drop to safe capacity or even empty if required,” Mathebula said.
According to the preliminary report by the department’s engineers who are on site, the dams failed last week Wednesday at approximately 3am. The town of Riverlands, approximately two kilometres downstream, was partially flooded.
Due to the dams storing the bulk of the catchment runoff and not having any spillways to discharge any water in rainy seasons, the river dried up downstream.
Mathebula noted that most of the affected houses, including the railway line, subsistence farming smallholdings, schools, roads, and other structures, were constructed in the original river flood zones.
He said the department will conduct an investigation into the causes of the dam failures and depending on the results of the investigation, DWS may implement regulatory actions to ensure accountability.
“DWS is doing its best to assist the City of Cape Town during this difficult period to ensure that the situation is normalised. The DWS has dispatched its engineers from the Western Cape Regional Office to provide expert advice to stabilise and rehabilitate the situation.
“A local Joint Operations Committee has been established, represented by a variety of municipalities, disaster management teams, DWS, Gift for Givers, SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), social and humanitarian organisations, amongst others,’” Mathebula said.
The department has assured the communities around the affected area that all hands are on deck to resolve the problem. It encouraged community members to cooperate during this period to ensure speedy work on site. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 09:53
544 views
Entrepreneurship can be used to lift more women out of poverty, says President
Entrepreneurship can be used to lift more women out of poverty, says President
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that through stronger collaboration between government and business, along with the backing of labor and civil society, entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool to lift more women out of poverty.
The President said this in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday.
“With greater collaboration between government and business, together with the support of labour and civil society, we can use entrepreneurship to lift more women out of poverty. We can create more jobs for women and help more women secure their financial freedom,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the private sector is playing an important role in guiding these entrepreneurship journeys through start-up incubators, women entrepreneurship awards and programmes such as the Youth Employment Service.
With the help of the Social Employment Fund and others, government is enabling women entrepreneurs to employ workers and provide mentorship to trainees.
“There is much more that the private sector can do. Access to financial resources, including credit lines, is vital to the viability of women-owned businesses.
“Another important area is access to tools of financial inclusion like bank accounts and mobile money and payment technologies. It will be critical to broaden the reach of financial services to include women in the informal sector and in rural areas.
“Empowering women contributes to thriving economies, spurs productivity and boosts economic growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
Last week, the country commemorated the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. This historic protest by more than 20 000 South African women was a response to the cruel and dehumanising practices of the apartheid regime.
READ | Parliament committed to advancing gender equality
Thirty years into democracy, the President highlighted that government has made impressive strides in advancing gender equality across society, however we still have a long way to go in broadening women’s economic participation.
This is borne out by a recently published Gallup study titled ‘Gender Power in Africa’. The report analyses the disparities and imbalances that shape the lives of women in five African countries, including South Africa.
South Africa ranks the highest of the countries surveyed with respect to the rate of female participation in political decision-making, low rates of child marriage, and the participation and completion rates of girls in primary and secondary education.
However, of the countries surveyed, South Africa has the highest rate of unemployed women and women not in the workforce. The percentage of South African women considered to be self-employed or entrepreneurs is the lowest, at 5%.
“In this respect, we lag behind the rest of the continent. According to the World Economic Forum, women constitute 58% of self-employed people across Africa.
“In a country such as ours, with a high unemployment rate, entrepreneurship is an important tool to empower more women and broaden their participation in the economy. This includes in the informal sector, which accounts for 18% of total employment in the country,” the President said.
WATCH |
Through its various departments and entities, the President highlighted that the State provides financial support to women to enable them to start their own businesses and to sustain existing businesses.
Women-owned businesses are also able to access training in business and project management, IT and other skills.
“We have set a target to allocate at least 40% of public procurement spend to women-owned businesses. In 2021, we launched a Women’s Economic Assembly to enable women-owned enterprises to participate in local industry value chains. Since its inception this programme has yielded promising results in a number of key economic sectors, notably the automotive sector,” he said.
He further highlighted that government is striving to expand women’s access to economic activity through land ownership, enabling female farmers to own land through the state’s land redistribution programme and supporting them with equipment and other agricultural inputs.
“From citrus farmers in the North West, cooperatives making affordable school furniture in KwaZulu-Natal, to cosmetics companies and tech start-ups in the Western Cape, women-owned enterprises all across the country are benefiting from an integrated approach to supporting small businesses,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:15
344 views
Government pays tribute to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule
Government pays tribute to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule
Government has joined the nation in mourning the passing of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, a stalwart in the gospel music industry and a beloved radio personality.
“Deepest condolences are extended to the Mbokazi and Nkambule families, as well as her Ukhozi FM family during this difficult time,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.
Mbokazi-Nkambule reportedly passed away at Parklands Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, in the early hours of Monday.
“As the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, Mbokazi-Nkambule provided a platform for gospel artists to be recognised and to showcase their talents; this contributed immensely in elevating the genre to new heights.
“Her dedication and love for gospel music has helped many and nurtured the growth of gospel music in South Africa.
“Mbokazi-Nkambule’s voice resonated with millions while working as a radio personality on Ukhozi FM, where she captivated her listeners with her warmth, sincerity, and deep connection to her faith. She was a strong believer who was committed to her spiritual journey and the upliftment of others,” GCIS said.
Mbokazi-Nkambule’s contributions to the gospel music industry and the media will be remembered for generations to come.
“Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and broadcasters. As the country mourns her passing and remembering her remarkable life, let us stand with her family, friends, and all those who were touched by her work. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” GCIS said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 15:11
12 views
Rail theft accused using “Stalingrad tactics”, court hears
Decision on the High Court review brought by Syed Mohiudeen postponed
Gauteng police net over 900 suspects
Gauteng police net over 900 suspects
Police in Gauteng have arrested over 900 suspects in the high-density Operation Shanela carried out under the leadership of the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
The arrested suspects were involved in a wide range of serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, business robbery, drug dealing, possession of drugs, assault, hijacking, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The collaborative effort involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Correctional Services, Gauteng Traffic Police, Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, Community Policing Forum and private securities.
Commencing on Saturday, the weekend operation included strategic roadblocks and targeted raids focused on capturing wanted suspects.
During the operation, over 600 suspects wanted for various crimes were apprehended by detectives across the province, with 117 arrests related to gender-based violence.
The Provincial Commissioner took charge of the roadblock in Mamelodi East and West in the Tshwane District, where violent crimes such as murder, assault, hijacking and robbery are prevalent.
Parallel high-density operations were conducted across all districts, resulting in the apprehension of multiple suspects engaged in criminal activities.
In the Tshwane district, 43 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 79 were illegal immigrants, two were involved in drug dealing, one was nabbed for employing illegal immigrants, one for dealing in illicit cigarettes and 10 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed for non-compliance with regulations.
The high-density operation will persist until a significant crime reduction is achieved in Gauteng.
The apprehended suspects will appear before various provincial Magistrates' Courts. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:16
451 views
Emergency housing team dispatched to assist collapsed dam victims
Emergency housing team dispatched to assist collapsed dam victims
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has dispatched an emergency housing team to urgently assist displaced families whose homes were flooded when the walls of a dam collapsed in the Swartland Municipality in the Western Cape.
Kubayi said the ongoing assessment will inform what interventions required for all the affected households.
The Minister highlighted there are four categories of interventions provided by the department and these include restoration, relocation, rebuilding and repairs.
“We have directed the team to ensure that the affected households are assisted with emergency accommodation, particularly the vulnerable groups. It is unfortunate that we now have to deal with this incident, while we are still reeling from another recent disaster that left people homeless,” Kubayi said.
Kubayi said the families whose homes were affected by last week's disaster in Riverlands are being provided shelter at Riverlands Community Bakery Centre and Riverlands Church.
READ | Emergency spillway under construction to avoid further Riverlands disaster
“The team from human settlements has compiled a list of approximately 100 displaced people, who have expressed their reluctance to be moved to safer temporary accommodation, citing a need to take care of their livestock,” Kubayi said.
The Minister said the National Home Builders' Registration Council (NHBRC), which forms part of the disaster team, is currently on site will assess the structural integrity of damaged properties as soon as the water subsides.
The department commended NGOs that are already on the ground to assist victims.
Transparency in allocating houses
Meanwhile, Kubayi has reiterated the importance of transparency in allocating houses and delivering other housing programmes within the human settlements sector.
During her engagement with listeners on the Power FM breakfast show last week, Kubayi confirmed that the department is fully committed to dealing with any allegations of fraud and corruption, mainly in the allocation of fully subsidised houses, also known as Breaking New Ground (BNG).
“We are rectifying and reconfiguring our human settlements delivery system. Digitising the beneficiary list system is our main priority because it will radically improve our operations as a department.
“We have been entrusted with over R31 billion during this financial to respond to the housing needs of our people. Every cent must be accounted for and effectively used to restore the dignity of the poor and the vulnerable among us,” Kubayi said.
Kubayi was on Power FM as a special host of the breakfast show, as the country commemorates Women’s Month.
The Minister used the opportunity to invite listeners to give her tips to improve the delivery of sustainable human settlements.
Listeners raised several issues, including government's response to land invasions by capacitating municipalities to effectively deal with this challenge; conducting an audit to determine if BNG houses have been given to the rightful owners, and attending to blocked projects.
Kubayi also interviewed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, on justice for women and the Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, on the scourge of teenage pregnancy. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 12:26
253 views
TT Waterproofing: Protecting Gauteng Properties from the Dangers of Water Damage
Pretoria, South Africa — In the ongoing battle against moisture intrusion, TT Waterproofing, a market leader in roofing and waterproofing systems, is committed to providing homeowners, business managers, and industrial property owners in Gauteng with effective solutions to safeguard their investments. With over nine years of experience in the industry, TT Waterproofing offers a range …
R257m PPE contract declared invalid
R257m PPE contract declared invalid
The Special Tribunal has declared as invalid and set aside a R257 million COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) contract awarded by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH).
The contract was awarded to Nkhane Projects and Supply.
The case was brought to the Special Tribunal by the Special Investigating Unit, which sought to have the contract overturned as it did not, amongst others, comply with the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“The SIU’s application to the Special Tribunal followed an investigation that found Nkhane had made an unsolicited proposal to the GDoH outside of a competitive bidding process. No request was made for a deviation from normal procurement procedures, and none of the required procurement prescripts were followed,” the SIU said.
The corruption-busting unit called the Special Tribunal judgement a crucial step in bringing COVID-19 wrongdoers to account.
“In the judgement… the Tribunal ordered Nkhane to submit audited statements within 30 days, detailing its income and expenses related to the PPE delivered under the invalidated contracts.
“These statements must be supported by expert reports. Additionally, Nkhane is required to pay the Special Investigating Unit’s costs for the application, including the costs for two counsels where applicable.
“This judgement is expected to bring to an end to the High Court case where Nkhane demanded payment of R89 350 280.10 from the GDoH. This amount includes R60 863 045.90 for goods already delivered but not yet paid for by the GDoH, and R28 487 234.20 for goods ordered by the GDoH but which the department is refusing to accept delivery of. The High Court case was formally stayed by the SIU, pending the finalisation of the Tribunal case.
“This judgement signifies a crucial step in addressing corruption and ensuring accountability in PPE procurement during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 12:53
62 views
Xaba set to GO FOR GOLD at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Johannesburg
After an impressive third-place finish at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town on National Women’s Day (Friday, 9 August 2024), where she competed against the exceptional Christine Njoki (Kenya) and Tadu Nare (Ethiopia), South Africa’s national record holder Glenrose Xaba is more determined than ever to seize gold at the final event of the …
Local government called to be responsive to community needs
Local government called to be responsive to community needs
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged local government office bearers to be responsive to the needs of communities or face the consequences from the electorate.
Speaking at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium in Durban last week, Buthelezi underscored the importance of sustainable governance and innovative solutions to meet the challenges facing municipalities throughout the province.
Buthelezi pointed out the complexities confronting municipalities, including climate change, financial limitations, and the imperative for enhanced service delivery.
He advocated for a unified approach to governance that is rooted in sustainability and accountability, which he believes is essential for long-term development and resilience.
“Our municipalities are the cornerstone of our communities, and their effectiveness in service delivery is vital for the welfare of our citizens. The current challenges necessitate a re-evaluation of our governance methods and the adoption of new strategies,” Buthelezi stated.
The MEC said the financial model for municipal funding ought to be reassessed, especially considering the recent veld fires that resulted in 15 fatalities last month. This, he said, demonstrates the urgent need for municipalities to be better equipped for such disasters.
He emphasised the importance of revising the financial support structures for local governments to ensure their preparedness for future challenges.
Buthelezi further praised the joint efforts of all parties involved in promoting accountability and transparency in municipal governance.
He encouraged mayors and senior officials to persist in these endeavours, reminding them that sustainable governance is an ongoing process that demands consistent commitment.
“The prosperity of our municipalities relies on our collective capacity to collaborate, innovate and maintain accountability. Our primary objective is to forge a brighter future for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Buthelezi said.
The SALGA KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium brought together key local government stakeholders to deliberate on ways to improve governance practices, focusing on sustainability and accountability. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 11:09
270 views
Road Show To Attract African Buyers Successfully Concludes Across Six African Countries
The Automechanika Johannesburg team has wrapped up a successful road show across six key African countries, aimed at engaging automotive aftermarket buyers and promoting the upcoming Automechanika Johannesburg trade show slated for 19th to 21st November 2024 at NASREC Johannesburg. The road show, strategically planned based on exhibitor feedback, covered the most requested destinations for …
We must work together to permanently end load shedding
On Thursday, 8 August 2024, Premier Alan Winde chaired a meeting of the Western Cape Energy Council. Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Mare, attended the meeting. Opening the meeting, Premier Winde emphasised, “Even though there is currently no load shedding, we must not become …
Minister Blade Nzimande officially opens 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, officially opened the 32nd International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly in Cape Town last night. The Minister addressed 2 000 delegates from the global astronomy community.
The meeting, held every three years, is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas.
This year's general assembly, under the theme "It's Time for Africa – Ke Nako", will highlight the continent's growing role in the global astronomical community and its contributions to global astronomical research and development, as well as its potential for future contributions.
Africa is home to some of the world's oldest astronomical achievements. Astronomy in Africa began at least 7 000 years ago, with a stone circle known as Nabta Playa in Egypt that predates Stonehenge by 2 000 years.
IAU President, Prof. Debra Elmegreen, in her address to the gathering, emphasised that astronomy was rooted in all cultures and invited broad thoughts about our place in the universe and on our fragile Earth.
"We celebrate the rich history of astronomy in Africa as we present our research, initiate new collaborations, enjoy networking, share astronomy with the public, and explore the local beauty. August is designated as Africa Astronomy Month, an appropriate cap to the Vision 2024 efforts that have united Africans in their preparations to share astronomy with the world," said Elmegreen.
Over two centuries ago, international observational survey work was led by astronomers in Cape Town and this work continues to the present day under the South African Astronomical Observatory.
Among many other telescopes in Africa, Prof. Elmegreen mentioned the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) gamma ray telescope in Namibia, as well as the Southern African Large Telescope (the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere), the MeerKAT radio astronomy array, and the KELT-South and SuperWASP-South telescopes, all of which are located in South Africa.
Minister Nzimande spoke about how Africa's rich astronomy history continues to inspire, and the role of indigenous astronomy in South Africa's astronomy programmes. He praised the conference organisers for Cosmic Echoes, a Shared Sky indigenous art exhibition.
The Minister highlighted the trailblazing radio astronomy work that began in South Africa in Hartebeeshoek in 1961, in a partnership with NASA.
"Radio astronomy began in South Africa with a 26-metre dish built by NASA and placed in Hartebeesthoek in 1961 as a deep-space ground station used to get data from, and send commands to, many unmanned US space probes going beyond the Earth's orbit. This was later converted into a radio telescope that led to the establishment of the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomical Observatory, which is now part of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.
"During the democratic era, the MeerKAT was built in Carnarvon as a precursor to the SKA project. The MeerKAT is another amazing achievement on the global science stage, and we wish to thank our international partners, Germany, Italy and China for their contribution to this project.
"We also have a growing gamma-ray astronomy community that actively participates in the HESS initiative," said the Minister.
He added that these strategic interventions had enabled the exponential growth of South African astronomers from 60 (only five of whom were radio astronomers) to about 300 over the last 30 years.
The Minister highlighted that the MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, offered South Africa an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution through international collaborations and the pursuit of world-class research, driving transformation and human capital development.
The Minister thanked the IAU for giving South Africa the opportunity to host the prestigious IAU General Assembly.
"This gathering reflects the global astronomy community's commitment to advancing research, fostering collaboration, and addressing contemporary challenges in astronomy and those faced by humanity," concluded the Minister.
The IAU conference runs until 14 August 2024.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
Allegations of bullying against Tourism DG
[Hear Haseena Ismail MP – DA Spokesperson on Tourism speak on this] Dear Editor The DA calls on the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, to take serious steps regarding the allegations against the Director-General of Tourism, Victor Tharage, as reported in City Press yesterday. It is reported that he bullied and manipulated his power, …
Provinicial Parliament Congratulates Mia Le Roux
Mia le Roux from Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape was crowned as the new Miss South Africa during a glitzy event held at the Sun Bet Arena in Pretoria on Saturday 10 August. Le Roux made history as the first hard-of-hearing Miss South Africa. She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of …