Electoral Commission joins alarm calls: Concourt ruling on election case is urgent
The Commission had required finality by mid-September to avoid materially prejudicing its preparations for 2024 elections
Launch of global solar supplier UNIPASSION provides remarkable solutions for gigantic business
DURBAN – The impact of load-shedding on the individual has been immense, but the cost to big business has seen a massive shift to off-the-grid energy solutions. Recent reports indicate that the elevated levels of load-shedding in 2023 have cost the economy R1.6 trillion in lost economic activity. The launch of global solar supplier UNIPASSION …
Preferred bidders for Battery Storage IPP bid window one announced
Preferred bidders for Battery Storage IPP bid window one announced
The announcement of the four preferred bidders under the first bid window of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Procurement (BESIPPP) Programme marks a “significant development” in South Africa’s pursuit for energy security.
This is according to Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s written remarks at the announcement of the bidders on Thursday.
The preferred bidders were selected following an independent evaluation of the bid submissions process held between August and October this year.
“This first grid-scale energy storage programme in South Africa marks yet another important step towards the development of adequate electricity generation capacity to meet the country’s demand as set out in the Integrated Resource Plan (2019).
“The site-specific BESIPPPP Programme Bid Window 1 is designed to facilitate the procurement of up to 513 megawatts (MW) from facilities that will provide Capacity, Energy and Ancillary Services to Eskom at 5 specified sites, therefore only one Preferred Bidder is appointed per site,” Mantashe said.
The four preferred bidders, chosen from a cohort of at least 17, are:
- Oasis Aggeneis
- Mogobe BESS
- Oasis Mookodi
- Oasis Nieuwehoop
Mantashe said based on the department’s benchmarking exercise, a fifth bidder is expected to be appointed.
“The appointed preferred bidders have all made economic development commitments, notwithstanding the fact that such commitments were not mandatory for this BESIPPPP BW1 round. The preferred bidders have committed to creating a total of 992 job opportunities for South African citizens (measured in job years), during construction and operations.
“These projects will further spend over R3.2 billion on local content and over R4.4 billion on preferential procurement from BBBEE, black enterprises, QSEs and ESEs and on enterprise development initiatives over the life-time of the projects,” he said.
The Minister announced that project agreements have been signed with an additional bidder under the Risk Mitigation IPP Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP).
The 75MW project is expected to be located in De Aar, Northern Cape and offers a hybrid Solar PV and Battery Storage technology solution.
“The project anticipates reaching commercial close by mid-December 2023, and will start the 24-month construction phase in early 2024. The new generation capacity should therefore be online from early 2026.
“With the signing of this additional project, the total number of projects that have signed agreements under the RMIPPPP have now increased to 6 out of the eleven appointed Preferred bidders, which will add a total of 428MW of dispatchable capacity to the national grid,” he said.
Other IPP programmes
The Minister said that following the opening of several bid windows, at least 1384MW of new generating capacity – all at different stages of the process – have been secured.
“At least nine projects under Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy IPP Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) have now reached commercial close and are in construction. Three more projects are expected to reach commercial close in due course. In total, these projects will add a further 1 234 MW to the national grid from 2025 onwards.
“Moving to Bid Window 6, the 6 preferred bidders that were appointed in December 2022 are finalising all conditions precedent to reaching legal and commercial close. As previously communicated, the unavailability of grid capacity is a major constraint faced by all projects, resulting in delayed project closures.
“[The] department is in the process of finalising governance approvals for the release of the requests for the procurement of additional generation capacity under Bid Window 7 of the REIPPPP, Gas-to-Power, and Battery Storage.
“Further announcements in this regard will follow in the next two weeks,” the Minister added. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 15:13
419 views
Delightful Presents: Why Chocolates Are the Ultimate Christmas Gift
Introduction As the holiday season draws near, the quest for the perfect Christmas gift becomes a delightful yet sometimes challenging endeavor. Amid a plethora of options, one timeless and universally cherished Christmas gift idea stands out: chocolates. Whether you seek a small token of appreciation or a grand expression of affection, chocolates hold a special …
Cabinet welcomes measures establish in plot by Transnet
Cabinet welcomes measures put in place by Transnet
Cabinet has welcomed measures and plans put in place by Transnet to resolve the backlog at ports in Durban and Richard’s Bay.
Briefing the media on the Cabinet meeting that took place on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said Transnet is making intensive efforts to mobilise equipment, such as cranes, from all over the world to ensure a successful execution of its implementation plan.
“The progress made by Transnet in clearing most of the backlog at the Cape Town Container Terminal, with only one vessel at anchorage, is encouraging. Transnet remains committed to working with all role-players to address the challenges within the logistics sector,” the Minister said on Thursday.
Last week, Transnet said it was implementing a number of urgent interventions to address the backlogs at the Port of Durban and to ease the congestion at Richards Bay.
At the time, Transnet said the backlog was being caused by factors including inclement weather conditions and equipment availability.
Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu, said: “The problem of port congestion is a complex one and it is something that was due to happen at some point, as a result of many years of underinvestment in equipment and its maintenance.
“We are working on a number of measures to turn the situation around. We need to caution that this is going to take some time as the lead times for some of the equipment is anything from 12 to 18 months. The team is working around the clock to procure this important equipment, to ensure our port facilities are in line with global best practice”.
Infrastructure development
Meanwhile, Cabinet has welcomed progress that is being achieved in the development and revitalisation of infrastructure for social development.
“In this regard, Cabinet is pleased by the opening of Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. The hospital, which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will service the growing healthcare needs of the approximately 1.5 million residents of Inanda, Ntuzuma and Kwa-Mashu, and communities in adjacent areas,” Ntshavheni said.
In addition, Cabinet has also welcomed the opening of the uMgungundlovu Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college (Msinga campus) in KwaZulu-Natal by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande.
The TVET college campus that was built at a cost of R143.5 million offers training in areas such as Farming Management and Mechatronics, amongst others.
“This campus is part of government’s commitment to ensure that there is at least one TVET college per district, and more than one in districts with a larger geographic spread. It is part of government’s continued and intentional investment to improve access to post-matric education, as part of equipping the nation for the future,” Cabinet said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 15:43
287 views
New Buy Local members extend rural and township tourism on the KZN South Coast
Tourism is the lifeblood of the KZN South Coast economy, and while significant strides are being made in various key investment sectors, there is still massive potential yet to be uncovered for tourism beyond the coast. Two new Buy Local members, Monate Outdoor Activities and Kasified Eksperience, are providing visitors with completely unique cultural and …
12 Reasons Why the KZN South Coast is a Top Beach Destination in South Africa
Summer is on the doorstep and the holidays are beckoning! Now is the time to start planning that year-end, family holiday and where better to relax and cool off than the KZN South Coast? “Our tourism establishments are geared up and ready to welcome our many holiday visitors to the KZN South Coast this festive …
11th Annual Mistra Lecture To Unpack Potential And Pitfalls Of AI
South Africa, 29 November 2023 – The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, is set to host the 11th annual Mapungubwe Lecture on Wednesday, 06 December 2023. The annual lecture is the institute’s flagship event and has been happening annually since 2012. A highlight on the academic and …
Cabinet reaffirms BRICS’ call to terminate Israel-Palestine war
Cabinet reaffirms BRICS' call to end Israel-Palestine war
Cabinet has reaffirmed the call made by the BRICS nations for a comprehensive ceasefire and an end to the violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who addressed media on Thursday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet has also called for an end to the “deplorable” killings of civilians and indiscriminate attacks that also target civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, she said the Executive welcomed the convening by President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Chair of the BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa] group of nations, of an Extraordinary Joint Meeting on the Middle East Situation, which was also joined by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres.
“As a prominent voice of the Global South, the outcome from the extraordinary meeting bolsters the international call for solidarity, tolerance and dialogue for the people of Palestine and Israel.
“The BRICS leaders unanimously called for accountability in the conflict, which claimed the lives of thousands of people and left many displaced,” she told the media.
The BRICS leaders expressed concerns about the latest escalation of violence since the 7 October 2023 attack and the grave deterioration of the situation in the region, in particular the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel.
Cabinet, Ntshavheni said, was hopeful that the exchange of hostages and the temporary pause in the hostilities for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza would provide an opportunity to negotiate a comprehensive ceasefire and a more permanent solution to the plight of Palestinians and the security concerns of the people of Israel.
According to reports, more than 15 000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, while the death toll in Israel stands at about 1 200. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 16:00
132 views
Hessequa Municipality’s energy project to end load shedding in Riversdale
Premier Alan Winde has welcomed the pilot energy project Hessequa Municipality is implementing to reduce power cuts and ultimately make the town of Riversdale load shedding-free. This was announced today, 30 November 2023, at a media briefing hosted by Premier Winde and Executive Mayor of Hessequa Municipality, Grant Riddles, Deputy Mayor, Tinus van den Berg, …
Urgent answers sought regarding newly revamped R99 Million East London beachfront park
Dear Editor Today, 30 November 2023, the newly upgraded Beachfront Court Crescent was launched with much fanfare in East London, while many issues regarding maintenance, safety and security, shoddy workmanship and the scope of work remain unanswered. The court crescent, that has been renamed Leighandre “Baby Lee” Jegels Park, has cost the municipality more than …
Try these healthy and affordable holiday drinks to sustain everyone contented and hydrated this festive season!
The festive season has arrived bringing with it family, friends, and the hot South African summer! Hosting over the holidays can become quite expensive, especially with food and drinks to accommodate, but fortunately, there is a way to keep everyone refreshed and healthy this festive season without breaking the budget. “This really is such a …
Call to stay discrimination against people with albinism
Call to end discrimination against people with albinism
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has joined the National Albinism Task Force of South Africa (NATF) in calling for the end of discrimination, hostility and violence against people with albinism.
The call was made ahead of the court appearance of South African traditional healer Bongolethu “Dr Khehlelezi” Mzozo over a video shared on YouTube in April 2023 that spreads misinformation about people with albinism.
Following the release of the video, in line with Section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 2000 (PEPUDA) (No 4, 2000), the Thembisilemadlala Albinism Foundation, supported by the NATF, lodged a case with the Equality Court against Khehlelezi, arguing that the video was discriminatory and amounts to “hate speech” against people with albinism.
While the case involving Khehlelezi is the issue at hand, the department noted there is a more significant need for addressing discrimination and hate speech against people with albinism.
The department said the approach by the NATF, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Sport, Arts and Culture is to initiate stakeholder engagement conversations, with the aim of having a National Safety Plan for Persons with Albinism.
The department said it has since begun working closely to collaborate with the NATF and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (KZN) to initiate the conversation by facilitating the first Social Cohesion Community Outreach programme.
“The programme aims to raise awareness of the underlying traditional myths and practices that potentially perpetuate stigma and discrimination against, and the persecution of persons with albinism,” the department said.
Meanwhile, people with albinism and organisations, will today convene at Gandhi Park in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal for the continuation of the equality court case hearing between the albinism sector and Mzozo, which is taking place at the Verulam Magistrate Court.– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:26
328 views
The Essential Guide to Wifi Routers in South Africa
With the digital age in full swing, having a reliable internet connection at home or in the office is more crucial than ever. In South Africa, the demand for high-speed internet has surged, making the role of wifi routers increasingly significant. This guide aims to provide essential insights into what you should consider when looking …
FNB should fix The Big Issue fraud
If FICA cannot prevent this kind of fraud then its use is questionable
Ithala Bags Customer Champion Award For The Second Time
For the second year in a row, the ordinary people’s bank Ithala SOC Ltd clinched the Customer Champion prize at the annual Naledi Awards event hosted by short-term insurer Mutual & Federal Risk Financing. Aaron Pather, executive head of insurance at Ithala, said: “We were ranked the number one cell captive insurer in the category …
SA makes progress in addressing anti-money laundering systems
SA makes progress in addressing anti-money laundering systems
South Africa has made progress in addressing the 20 technical compliance difficulties in its anti-money laundering system.
This is according to the National Treasury following the release of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) technical compliance re-rating follow up report.
“On 27 October 2023, the FATF Plenary formally re-rated 18 of the 20 deficiencies, based on the progress made by the South African authorities in the two-year period following the 2021 mutual evaluation (MER). Of these, fifteen were upgraded to be no longer deficient, as 14 recommendations were now fully or largely compliant, and one recommendation was rated as not being applicable to South Africa.
“Following these re-ratings, South Africa is now deemed to be fully or largely compliant (or not deficient) in 35 of the 40 FATF Recommendations, including in five of the six core FATF Recommendations. This means that South Africa is left with five deficiencies in technical compliance (including three of the 18 which were upgraded from non-compliant to partially compliant), and two which remain as partially compliant since 2021,” the statement read.
National Treasury emphasised that the FATF follow up report does not “address the progress made by South Africa to improve the effectiveness deficiencies” that were identified in the mutually agreed upon Action Plan following South Africa’s grey listing by FATF earlier this year.
“Overcoming the effectiveness deficiencies is essential for South Africa to exit the FATF “grey list”.
This assessment is a distinct process from addressing technical compliance and is conducted under FATF’s International Co-operation Review Group Joint Group (ICRG JG) process.
“South Africa’s progress against its Action Plan is reviewed by the FATF Africa/Middle East Joint Group (FATF AME JG). The Joint Group meets every four months, where South Africa is expected to report on progress in addressing the 22 action items in the Action Plan,” National Treasury said.
The department thrashed out the steps that government has taken to implement the Action Plan.
These steps include the establishment of the Interdepartmental Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing (IDC-AML/CFT) that is chaired by the Director-General of National Treasury.
The IDC-AML/CFT includes government departments and agencies including the:
- South African Police Services’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks)
- National Prosecuting Authority
- Special Investigating Unit
- State Security Agency
- Financial Intelligence Centre
- South African Reserve Bank
- Financial Sector Conduct Authority
- Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
- Companies and Intellectual Property Commission
- South African Revenue Service
“Cabinet has been closely monitoring progress by the IDC-AML/CFT and government departments and agencies, as noted in the Cabinet statement of 18 October 2023.
“Through the IDC-AML/CFT, South Africa has reported on its progress against the Action Plan at two AME Joint Group meetings in May and September 2023, and is currently preparing to engage on a third report to the Joint Group. Completing the implementation of the Action Plan is essential for South Africa to exit the FATF grey list,” Treasury said.
On the action items set out by the FATF following South Africa’s grey listing, Treasury said FATF’s October Plenary statement noted that South Africa has recorded “positive progress”.
“However, addressing the remaining actions within the agreed timelines will require a significant effort from all the relevant South African authorities. In doing so, the South African authorities will also need to demonstrate that the improvements are sustainable, before South Africa will be deemed by FATF to have adequately addressed all the action items,” Treasury concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:42
481 views
10 Reasons Why You Need to Enter the Cape Town Cycle Tour
On the second Sunday in March each year, thousands of cyclists hit the roads of Africa’s most beautiful city for the biggest social occasion in Lycra. The Cycle Tour will be held for the 46th time in 2024. It now boasts two events; the classic 109km route around the peninsula, and the 42km route that …
Verdant Capital funds Enable Capital
Verdant Capital (www.Verdant-Cap.com) is pleased to announce a USD 2.5 million revolving credit facility for Enable Capital of South Africa. Enable Capital specialises in providing short-term funding solutions to SME subcontractors involved in the physical construction and deployment of local, regional, and national fibre network infrastructure across South Africa.
Enable Capital has built up a successful track record since inception in 2018 - it has provided financial support of more than ZAR 1.5 billion to more than 250 SMEs. In doing so, it has facilitated meaningful growth for businesses in South Africa's SME sector, where access to finance remains a key inhibitor. Enable Capital aims to be the primary funding partner on major projects that have been officially approved by fibre network owners (e.g., Vumatel and Metrofibre).
Enable Capital's funding solutions specifically help address challenges faced by SME subcontractors such as equipment hire, supply of building materials and diesel where Enable Capital deals with suppliers and service providers directly in bulk, to the benefit of the subcontractors.
Enable Capital has a proven track record helping small business in the country grown significantly, transitioning from small subcontractors to large primary contractors, creating many new jobs in the process.
The partnership with Verdant Capital will allow Enable Capital to continue to support SMEs involved with the deployment of fibre while impacting economic growth in areas and communities where it is most needed. This includes the rollout of fibre network infrastructure outside of affluent areas where there is unequal access to the internet, thereby increasing access to the internet for all.
The funding was provided through Verdant Capital's investment partnerships strategy supporting high-impact businesses and financial institutions operating in the African continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.
Media enquiries:
Verdant Capital
Liezel van Greunen
T : +27 10 140 3700
E : liezel.vangreunen@verdant-cap.com
About Verdant Capital :
Verdant Capital is an investment manager and investment bank specialising in the private capital markets and operating on a pan-African basis. www.Verdant-Cap.com
Rent Not Paid? Here’s What Landlords And Tenants Need To Know…
In South Africa, landlords have a number of rights and remedies available when tenants fail to pay their rent or utilities. However, there are also strict legal restrictions. This article explains what landlords can and can’t do if a tenant does not pay their rent or utilities and what tenants can do if they are …
Condemnation for Committee’s rejection of Children’s Amendment Bill
Dear Editor The DA condemns the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development’s adoption of a motion that the Children’s Amendment Bill (B19-2023) is not desirable. While both the committee as well as the Department of Social Development ostensibly supported the content of the DA’s private members bill, where they admitted that there are shortcomings and …
PAIA application submitted to access the ‘SANDF rogue unit’ report
Dear Editor The DA has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the chief of the SANDF, Gen Rudzani Maphwanya, requesting that he provides us with a copy of the Moorhouse investigation report into criminal activity in the SANDF, which encompassed the activities of some rogue elements within the force. The …
Parcel Delivery with Smart Lockers in South Africa
Introduction to Smart Locker Delivery Systems In South Africa’s dynamic delivery service sector, smart locker delivery systems are becoming increasingly popular. These systems, which include smart lockers and parcel lockers, offer a secure and convenient solution for managing deliveries. The rise of locker to locker deliveries has simplified the process for customers and courier services …
From street to stage
The Cape Town Arts Festival (CTAF) is home to a host of creativity and cultural diversity. Among the many programmes, workshops and exciting events happening at the Castle of Good Hope on 9 & 10 December, is the eagerly awaited ‘Buskers’ showcase, which will take place on the Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00. Busking, or …