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You are here: Home / Archives for News

News

24 January 2024

Peake Replaces Wasley

Location: Sport

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 has approved Oliver Peake as a replacement for Corey Wasley in the Australia squad. Specialist batter Peake was named as a replacement after Wasley was ruled out due to a fracture of the left index finger sustained while batting in their opening …

Read morePeake Replaces Wasley
24 January 2024

Municipalities called to re-invest revenue collection into water services

Location: News

Municipalities called to re-invest revenue collection into water services

Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers, Judith Tshabalala and David Mahlobo, have called for municipalities to re-invest money collected from revenue into water and sanitation services to ensure sustainability of infrastructure that will stand the test of time.

The Deputy Ministers made the call during an oversight visit to Mbombela Local Municipality in Mpumalanga to assess the state of water and sanitation services in the municipality.

Addressing a meeting held with Ehlanzeni District and Mbombela Local Municipalities officials and various stakeholders, Mahlobo decried the increasing levels of non-revenue water, which he attributed to old and dilapidated water infrastructure, as well as illegal connections.

Mahlobo underscored the need to drastically reduce water losses and the need for a concrete plan to reducelosses. This includes asset management and revenue enhancement to help stabilise the municipalities.

“Operation and maintenance, and renewal of water and sanitation infrastructure is of critical importance, and we need to invest in this consistently. Part of the money that people pay for services needs to be used for maintaining the existing infrastructure so that we don’t experience problems in the long run,” Mahlobo said.

Mahlobo urged the Mbombela Local Municipality not to rely too much on water tankering, and advised them to use it only when it is necessary on an interim basis to avoid the high cost for the service. 

If the municipality has to use water tankers, Mahlobo said, the tankers must be government owned and not privately owned because this promotes the “black market”, a phenomenon of groups of people, who allegedly damage water infrastructure deliberately in order to benefit from it.

Tshabalala said the department is committed to supporting Mbombela Local Municipality in its quest to turn things around, and ensure sustainable provision of basic services to the people.

Tshabalala reiterated that water and sanitation services are basic constitutional rights that people are entitled to, and government is duty bound to provide these services in a sustainable manner.

“It is our interest as national government to give support to municipalities as Water Services Authorities to render these services. We are here to support you, but you must give us concrete plans with clear timeframes, [and] we will dispatch our teams to give you all forms of support, including technical support,” Tshabalala said.

The meeting agreed that a steering committee will be established to deal with water issues in the province focusing on all the regions. 

The committee will include representatives from all spheres of government, as well as Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency, an entity of the department in Mpumalanga. 

The committee is expected to meet urgently to devise plans that will restore the dignity of communities and ensure sustainable water and sanitation services in the province.

The oversight ended with a visit to Kanyamazane and Karino Water Treatment Plants for the Deputy Ministers to get first-hand experience of the challenges that hinder water provision to the communities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 13:15

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Read moreMunicipalities called to re-invest revenue collection into water services
24 January 2024

‘Consistency’ the aim of the game for JSK, Royals at Wanderers

Location: Sport

Log toppers, Royals will look to extend their lead   Wednesday, 24 January 2024: Consistency will be the key focus for...

Read more‘Consistency’ the aim of the game for JSK, Royals at Wanderers
24 January 2024

Correctional Services class of 2023 achieves 93.2% pass rate

Location: News

Correctional Services class of 2023 achieves 93.2% pass rate

The matric pass rate of inmates at correctional facilities has reached some 93.2%, with a total of 137 out of 147 full time candidates passing the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

Part-time candidates achieved a pass rate of 84%.

In a ceremony celebrating the 2023 matriculants, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola congratulated candidates who achieved no less than 100 Bachelor passes, 41 Diploma passes and some 16 Higher Certificate passes.

“To our learners, despite the tough conditions as a result of incarceration, your determination, unmatched commitment, and hard work have paid off and you triumphed where some of your peers outside failed. You have done us, your families and the entire country proud.

“We congratulate you for raising high the flag of Correctional Services, a welcome development we applaud.  When we release you, go out there and be good ambassadors of Correctional Services. Behave yourselves and do not engage in activities which will bring you into conflict with the law again,” he said.

The Correctional Services class of 2023 also achieved 129 distinctions, with nine schools obtaining a 100% pass rate.

“Those of you who will be registering for higher education, work hard in your studies so that you not only complete your degrees in record time, but also attain distinctions in your subjects. I want to remind all of you again, as we do annually, that we do not pay tuition fees of inmates at institutions of higher learning, rather their families and bursaries carry the costs,” Lamola said.

The Minister described some of the programmes set up for inmates, which he said are designed to “empower inmates to transform their lives and enable them not to return to their previous lives of crime”.

One of those programmes is the Self-Sufficiency Strategic Framework, which transfers skills to inmates where they produce “their own food, renovate public infrastructure such as schools, clinics and orphanage centres”.

“We have worked together with the provincial Departments of Education in the country to paint and renovate schools to ensure that learners attend classes in a conducive environment.

“We equally have built houses for the victims of crime who were living in dilapidated structures, and our inmates have restored the dignity of our people. Inmates have also established sustainable vegetable gardens in communities and schools to fight against hunger and poverty through the self-sufficiency and strategic framework,” he said.

According to Lamola, this programme has allowed inmates to return to communities with skills.

“Today some of our communities boasts of plumbers, brick-layers, hair stylists, beautification specialists, bakers, and farmers, to mention but a few as a result of skills that were transferred to inmates during their term of incarceration.

“We have equally offered employers resourceful, gainful and adaptable employees who are contributing towards the growth of various companies across the country. All that we are appealing for is for employers not to overlook our skilled parolees but rather give them equal opportunities and pay them fairly for their labour.

“I want to reiterate that we remain resolute in making education compulsory for all young offenders, they must leave our correctional centres with skills which will empower them to live crime free lives,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 10:41

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Read moreCorrectional Services class of 2023 achieves 93.2% pass rate
24 January 2024

The Duke of Edinburgh celebrates youth and biodiversity in South Africa

Location: News

British High Commission Pretoria
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His Royal Highness Prince Edward The Duke of Edinburgh has spent the last two days in South Africa (22 – 23 January), marking the first Royal visit of its kind since President Ramaphosa's historic State Visit to the UK in November 2022. 

During the visit, His Royal Highness met Acting President Mashatile at Oliver Tambo House.

Alongside Ms Barbara Creecy, South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, The Duke explored Pretoria's Botanical Garden with CEO of the South African National Institute (SANBI), Mr Shonisani Munzhedi. This followed President Ramaphosa's visit to the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022, and marked the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa's rich plant diversity.

HRH met a wheelchair user and her husband who are regular users of the Enabling Garden, to learn about the different indigenous plants suitable for hanging baskets. He learnt about some of South Africa's abundant flora biodiversity and medicinal plants, as well as viewing the National Herbarium where the largest collection of plant specimens in southern Africa are hosted (with over one million currently being digitised).

HRH met biodiversity organisations to hear about how they are conserving nature and reversing biodiversity loss.

At the British High Commissioner's Residence, The Duke toured an exhibition of President Award winners, moving from stand to stand to talk to young people about their journeys, alongside Award Chairman Modise Makhene and Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Kwati Candith Mashego-Dlamini.

This year, the President's Award (The Duke of Edinburgh International Award) celebrates its 41st anniversary in South Africa.

Launched in 1994 with Nelson Mandela as the Founding Patron-in-Chief, the Award today continues to serve as a shining example of our shared values of youth empowerment, community service and creating opportunities for all.

The Award supports approximately 3,000 young South Africans each year. Since 2011, over 65,000 young people are estimated to have participated in the programme. 

HRH also attended a Reception at the Residence with Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, to celebrate the launch of the UK's new International Science Partnership Fund.

UK High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson said:

“This visit reflects the significant breadth and depth of our modern-day friendship with South Africa – from youth empowerment, to climate, science research, biodiversity and democracy - our countries' shared values are clear. Continued collaboration and investment in these areas of mutual interest demonstrate our commitment to working together to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of British High Commission Pretoria.

Read moreThe Duke of Edinburgh celebrates youth and biodiversity in South Africa
24 January 2024

Interview: New Zealand Captain Oscar Jackson U19 T20 Cricket World Cup

Location: MyPR, Sport

21 January 2024 – U19 T20 Cricket World Cup: New Zealand defeated Nepal by 64 runs in East London New Zealand 302/8 (50 overs) v Nepal 238/9 (50 overs) New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first against Nepal. Tom Jones and Luke Watson laid a strong platform for the young Kiwis, making …

Read moreInterview: New Zealand Captain Oscar Jackson U19 T20 Cricket World Cup
24 January 2024

Free State arts town now manages its own electricity load

Location: News

Free State arts town now manages its own electricity load

Eskom has announced that the Free State town of Clarens, in the eastern part of the province, has become South Africa’s first town where residents are now equipped to manage their own electricity load through load curtailment.

Eskom Free State Senior Manager for Retail, Bibi Bedir, explained that although many municipalities and large customers have been engaging in load curtailment, “group curtailment – where a community manages its own load curtailment – was however piloted in Clarens”.

“Group curtailment requires the collaborative efforts of the entire community to reduce load when requested. Once a system emergency is declared, Eskom gives a nominated group coordinator two hours’ notice of load curtailment that should be sustained throughout load shedding. The group coordinator directs the community who decides which equipment will be switched off to achieve the required demand reduction.

“For the residents of a tiny town that depends on an economic inflow from tourists visiting their small businesses mostly over weekends and holidays, power interruptions due to load shedding required a solution that would allow the town’s economy to thrive while still contributing to a reduction in electricity demand when the national grid is under strain,” Bedir said.

The town’s nominated group coordinator, Gert Kruger, described the move as “life changing” for businesses in the town.

In Clarens, curtailment compliance is managed through an application that was developed by a company managed by Kruger, which signals to customers that load curtailment has been called.

“For a town that depends on tourism, not being subjected to load shedding is life changing. Although the success depends on the voluntary participation of residents and businesses, we have the community’s support as everyone benefits from cooperating.

“Feedback from visitors, restaurants and accommodation establishments is very positive and without the noise of generators, tourists can enjoy Clarens’ natural beauty,” Kruger said.

Monitoring compliance

Eskom explained that during curtailment Stages 1 to 4, customers are asked to reduce electricity demand by some 10 to 20%.

“Unlike load shedding where the customers are switched off as per their schedule, load curtailment must be sustained. Eskom continuously monitors the reduction in demand of its curtailment customers, as three instances of non-compliance will result in the reinstatement of normal load shedding,” the power utility said.

In Clarens, curtailment compliance is managed through an application that was developed by a company managed by Kruger, which signals to customers that load curtailment has been called.

“[This] acts as a trigger for residents to set their load reduction plans in motion. A meter was installed at the town’s main point of supply. Every 60 seconds, the meter sends real-time statistics of the town’s current demand, prompting further reduction if required.

“So far, the project is successful with residents being able to sufficiently reduce and manage their load, making the Clarens project a benchmark for similar projects to be rolled out in other areas of the country.

“As Clarens is already gearing up for smart city initiatives with smart metering and electrical vehicle charging stations already installed, as well as a well-diverse spread of small-scale embedded generators (SSEGs), Eskom was eager to help Clarens' residents in the evolution from an art town to a smart town,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:45

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24 January 2024

Molineux Half-Century Helps Governor-General’s XI Clinch T20 Warm-Up Victory

Location: Sport

SYDNEY: A composed fifty from Sophie Molineux helped the Governor-General’s XI (GG’s XI) claim a closely contested four-wicket victory over the...

Read moreMolineux Half-Century Helps Governor-General’s XI Clinch T20 Warm-Up Victory
24 January 2024

SA U19S Lose Out To DLS In England Loss

Location: Sport

POTCHEFSTROOM: Steve Stolk struck a half-century but it was not enough to prevent South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) from suffering their...

Read moreSA U19S Lose Out To DLS In England Loss
24 January 2024

Durban’s Super Giants back to winning ways at Newlands

Location: Sport

Bonus point victory moves DSG back to second on the table   Tuesday, 23 January 2024: Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) returned...

Read moreDurban’s Super Giants back to winning ways at Newlands
24 January 2024

R4 billion upfront payment for higher learning institutions

Location: News

R4 billion upfront payment for higher learning institutions

In a bid to ensure a smooth start to the 2024 academic year, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will process up to R4.2 billion as an upfront payment to all higher learning institutions, prior to the application and registration finalisation period. 

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, made the announcement during a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday on the department’s state of readiness for the opening of the 2024 Post School Education and Training (PSET) academic year.

“Out of its financial reserves, NSFAS will pay R1 billion to TVET [Technical Vocational Education and Training] colleges and R3.2 billion to universities. In 2024, living allowance will be R16 500 for university students, [which includes] R3 045 personal care allowance and R13 455 meal allowance per year,” Nzimande said. 

He also announced that the TVET living allowance will increase from R6 000 to R10 000 as part of continued efforts to bring parity between the university and TVET sectors. 

In addition, the department has introduced the differentiated accommodation cap between metro and non-metro areas, which will see all institutions owned or leased, and private accommodation being capped at R50 000 in metro areas and R41 000 in other areas per academic year. 

“Students living in institution-catered accommodation qualify for a maximum allowance capped at R66 500 in metros and R57 500 in all other areas per annum. Institutions in non-metro areas may request NSFAS to review the assigned accommodation cap in exceptional circumstances, and such request must be accompanied by a detailed motivation and supporting evidence for NSFAS consideration. 

“Students who opt to make their own accommodation arrangements with immediate family or with relatives do not qualify for the accommodation allowance, [but] they qualify for a travel allowance determined by the institution, up to a maximum of R7 875 in 2024,” Nzimande explained. 

He added that all university students qualify for a learning material allowance set at a maximum amount of R5 460 for students for the 2024 academic year. 

“The learning material allowances must be used for the purchase of academic books and materials and/or a learning device, [and] only one allowance is provided per student per academic year. Allowances for students in distance education programmes are calculated based on the number of courses registered up to a maximum of R5 460. 

“Distance university students studying an equivalent full-time course credit load qualify for the personal care allowance of R3 045 per academic year [and] this requires a student to be registered for a minimum of 120 course credits in one academic year. Allowances for students in distance education programmes are calculated based on the number of courses registered up to a maximum of R5 460,” Nzimande said. 

Distance university students studying an equivalent full-time course credit load also qualify for personal care allowance of R3 045 per academic year, which requires a student to register a minimum of 120 course credits in one academic year. 

TVET colleges own catered residence in metros is capped at R60 000 and in other areas is capped at R51 000, with students either qualifying for the travel allowance or the accommodation allowance. 

Nzimande emphasised that TVET college students who are registered on an occupational qualification may qualify for allowances, only if “in simulated training, students registered on an occupational qualification that have an employment contract and are paid stipend do not qualify for NSFAS allowances”.

R20 000 allowance for students with disabilities

Students with disabilities qualify for living allowances including meals at R20 000 per academic year.

“They qualify for learning materials allowance of R6 000 per academic year for university students only. TVET college learning material allowance is included in the cost of tuition. 

“Assistive devices allowance actual cost is limited to R50 000 as a once off allowance.  These students also qualify for a repairs and maintenance of assistive devices to the value of 2 000 per academic year,” the Minister said. 

Nzimande said students with disabilities do not automatically qualify for the allowance for assistive devices, or its repairs and maintenance, noting that the allowances are only granted if the student application for the allowances is approved, and “all conditions and criteria are met as set out in the policy standard”. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:53

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24 January 2024

Over one million NSFAS bursary applications received

Location: News

Over one million NSFAS bursary applications received

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received 1 545 822 applications for the 2024 academic year as of 21 January, with additional applications expected before the application cycle closes on 31 January 2024.

Briefing the media on the department’s state of readiness for the opening of the 2024 Post School Education and Training (PSET) academic year on Tuesday, Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, said the scheme has provisionally funded 657 703 South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) recipients’ applicants.

He urged all NSFAS applicants to submit a consent form in order to verify relevant information from third parties and ensure that NSFAS complies with all the legislative requirements.

“The information is required to verify the employment status and income level of the parents, guardians, or spouses of the applicant. It is mandatory for applicants to download and upload a completed Consent form on the NSFAS website, portal or mobile app.

“The SARS (South African Revenue Service) Consent Form requirements affects students who are in the application data category and these students should patiently wait for communication from NSFAS through SMS and email, which will provide instructions on how to upload the form,” Nzimande said.

The Minister warned that non-submission of a complete, accurate and duly signed NSFAS consent form would disqualify a student for NSFAS funding due to NSFAS's inability to evaluate and determine financial eligibility. 

In a bid to improve its contacts with students, NSFAS has launched new platforms, where applicants can access their application updates at their fingertips through the downloadable NSFAS student mobile app, WhatsApp line and a USSD code.

Applicants can add NSFAS on WhatsApp 078 519 8006 or USSD *120*67327 to track their application status.

Institutions called to submit student list for accommodation 

Meanwhile, Nzimande has called on all higher learning institutions to submit the list of NSFAS funded students, who have been registered, so that they apply for accommodation through the scheme’s accommodation portal.

Nzimande said NSFAS is piloting the accreditation of private student accommodation in 17 universities and 23 Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges for the 2024 academic year.

Through this pilot programme, Nzimande said NSFAS intends to ensure that student accommodation service providers provide student accommodation that is accessible, decent, safe and academically conducive for all students.

The purpose of the student accommodation programme is to assign students to available accommodation; accredit accommodation providers; pay accommodation fees to accommodation providers through secured platforms; and grade accommodation to create a standard and ascertain cap for accommodation, amongst others.

“Out of the total of 38 938 beds registered on NSFAS platforms in our TVET colleges, 25 989 beds have been accredited and are available for the registered students, and 12 949 beds are in the process of been accredited. For universities, of the total 67 337 beds registered, 42 965 have been accredited and available and 24 372 beds are in the process of being accredited.

“From 18 January 2024, NSFAS provided access to a portal for all institutions in order to view the available beds. Accrediting agents are continuing with the process of accreditation and the list is updated daily,” Nzimande said. 

From 8 January 2024, NSFAS has been providing weekly training on the application and registration process to accommodation providers and students, and the training is expected to end in February 2024.

Nzimande added that during this year’s registration period, NSFAS has developed a plan to visit hot spot areas, to ensure that students are not left stranded and without accommodation. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:30

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24 January 2024

Pairing Your New Black Keypad with Your Amanzi Prepaid Water Meter | Straton Prepaid Meters

Location: Business

Congratulations on the new black keypad upgrade for your Amanzi prepaid water meter! This sleek addition not only enhances your home’s aesthetics but also empowers you to take control of your water usage like never before. But before you dive into the crystal-clear waters of convenience, let’s guide you through the pairing process, making sure […]

Read morePairing Your New Black Keypad with Your Amanzi Prepaid Water Meter | Straton Prepaid Meters
24 January 2024

How to Pair Your Modern Black Keypad With Your Existing Amanzi Prepaid Water Meter

Location: MyPR

Congratulations on the new black keypad upgrade for your Amanzi prepaid water meter! This sleek addition not only enhances your home’s aesthetics but also empowers you to take control of your water usage like never before. But before you dive into the crystal-clear waters of convenience, let’s guide you through the pairing process, making sure …

Read moreHow to Pair Your Modern Black Keypad With Your Existing Amanzi Prepaid Water Meter
24 January 2024

Spike in holiday visitors boosts property interest on the KZN South Coast

Location: MyPR

The Blue Flag beaches and internationally renowned dive sites on the KZN South Coast attracted a high number of visitors over the festive season. Alongside enjoying the sites, many holidaymakers were attracted to the region’s incredible property developments, affordable yet quality investments, and infrastructure upgrades to local infrastructure. Sam Wenger, Development Director of Serenity Hills, …

Read moreSpike in holiday visitors boosts property interest on the KZN South Coast
24 January 2024

Maruf Mridha Reprimanded

Location: Sport

Bangladesh U19 bowler, Maruf Mridha, has received a reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup match against India in Bloemfontein. Mridha was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to …

Read moreMaruf Mridha Reprimanded
24 January 2024

Dunoon top achiever dreams of studying chemical engineering

Location: News

Makanaka Muzuva’s parents are Zimbabwean and cannot afford to pay for her university ambitions

Read moreDunoon top achiever dreams of studying chemical engineering
24 January 2024

13-year-old boy walks and hitchhikes for an hour to get to school every day

Location: News

Farm school has no scholar transport for about 80 keen learners

Read more13-year-old boy walks and hitchhikes for an hour to get to school every day
24 January 2024

Interview: Sri Lanka Captain Sineth Jayawardena U19 World Cup

Location: MyPR, Sport

21 January 2024 – U19 T20 Cricket World Cup: Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by 39 runs (DLS Method) in Kimberley Sri Lanka 204 all out (48.3 overs) v Zimbabwe 89 (21.1 overs) Zimbabwe skipper Matthew Schonken elected to bowl first after winning the toss and opening pacers Kohl Eksteen and Anesu Kamuriwo were red hot …

Read moreInterview: Sri Lanka Captain Sineth Jayawardena U19 World Cup
23 January 2024

Protesters bring Louis Trichardt to a standstill for one hour

Location: News

Hundreds march demanding better services from government

Read moreProtesters bring Louis Trichardt to a standstill for one hour
23 January 2024

Investment in transmission critical

Location: News

Investment in transmission critical

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says on boarding new generating capacity – particularly renewable energy – is critical to ensuring that additional capacity is added to the national grid.

He was speaking during an update on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan on Tuesday.

The expansion is critical to on boarding new generating capacity  – particularly renewable energy – onto the national grid to relieve pressure on the electricity system.

Ramokgopa explained that “tremendous progress” is being done to ensure that solutions are found for transmission.

“As the President said last week, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity is now given the responsibility to ensure that we are able to go into the market to procure or to access the financing in relation to the transmission side.

“We have been doing an extraordinary amount of work. The team was [at the World Economic Forum annual meeting] in Davos. Part of those conversations was to enter into bilateral discussions with some of the potential financiers. 

“We have...financing. That is private sector willing to come into the space of transmission. We had conversations...with the heads of missions that are represented here in the country and they did confirm that availability of that financing,” he said.

Ramokgopa assured that although private sector participation is being encouraged in the transmission space, the South African government will remain the owner of the grid through the Eskom owned and newly established National Transmission Company of South Africa.

“What we have been doing is to find an architecture and legal configuration on how best we are going to access [funding] and one of the areas that is receiving attention is the possibility of us putting together…something that is akin to the IPP [Independent Power Producer Procurement] office on the generation side…an Independent Transmission Project office.

“[This is] to ensure that we are able to procure with speed, agility, applying some degree of innovation and ensure that we are able to access that liquidity that’s sitting with the private sector without relinquishing state ownership of the grid,” he said.

The minister acknowledged that transmission expansion is facing challenges. However, he emphasised that government is tackling these challenges.

“The challenges on the transmission side are almost equivalent to the ones on the generation side and in fact, if they are not tackled immediately they are likely to be even more catastrophic compared to the challenges on the generation side because those are likely to undermine our ability to maintain the integrity of the system.

“We are not waiting for the crisis to confront us. We are going to address that situation immediately. This is in support of Eskom’s work…consistent with their transmission development plan which advocates for the expansion of the network,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 01/23/2024 - 14:41

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23 January 2024

Termite Prevention and Treatment

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa – As the silent destroyers of homes and businesses, termites pose a significant threat to property owners in South Africa, where the warm and humid climate creates a favorable environment for multiple termite species. Pest Control WR, a leading pest control company in Johannesburg with 15 years of hands-on experience, is committed …

Read moreTermite Prevention and Treatment
23 January 2024

ATB and Reflect Equal Training Marry Two Curriculums at Afrika Tikkun Arekopaneng Community Centre in time for International Day of Education

Location: MyPR

Teachers express excitement and positive feedback after merging the ATB and Think Equal curriculums during a three-day training session. 23 January 2024 Location: Afrika Tikkun Arekopaneng Community Centre In a ground-breaking initiative and just in time for International Day of Education, the Afrika Tikkun Bambanani (ATB) and Think Equal training programs, sponsored by Capitec Bank, …

Read moreATB and Reflect Equal Training Marry Two Curriculums at Afrika Tikkun Arekopaneng Community Centre in time for International Day of Education
23 January 2024

Take fraction in the Green Tourism Incentive Programme

Location: News

Take part in the Green Tourism Incentive Programme

The Department of Tourism has invited eligible tourism enterprises to take part in the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 9th application window, opening on 25 January until 31 March 2024.

The development of the GTIP was informed by escalating electricity prices, the intensifying pressure on the national energy grid and negative impacts of load shedding, as well as water scarcity and drought conditions which negatively impact the tourism sector.

This programme encourages private sector tourism enterprises to move towards the installation of solutions for the sustainable management and usage of electricity and water resources.

GTIP has already assisted 173 tourism businesses across the country with electricity and water solutions to the total grant value of R104 285 673.

The solutions that were installed as part of this process helped reduce input costs and increase operational sustainability and competitiveness. A further 419 active applications are at various stages of processing, according to the department.

For this financial year, the department has set aside R199 151 179 to disburse to successful GTIP applicants.

The department said it has worked closely with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to develop the GTIP for the sector to ensure an enhanced and uninterrupted visitor experience for tourists. Funding applications and approvals for the GTIP are managed by the IDC.

Eligible applicants are able to qualify for the full cost of a new energy and water efficiency audit or the review of an existing audit.

Furthermore, eligible applicants are also able to qualify for grant funding of between 50% and 90% (capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant) on the cost of approved solutions that will improve energy and water efficiency and reduce the costs of their tourism operations.

“This programme is one that I am most proud of that the department is able to offer the tourism sector where by going green, tourism establishments are able to offer an uninterrupted visitor experience and ensure that the sector can continue to operate despite energy and water constraints,” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said.

“This initiative is also vital to our efforts to adapt and mitigate to the impacts of climate change by helping businesses use water wisely and use clean forms of energy thereby reducing carbon emissions.

“I encourage businesses to apply for this support by the Department of Tourism so that we can keep the tourism sector green,” de Lille said.

The GTIP has yielded many success stories.

Ingrid Young of Cliffhanger Cottage from Rheenendal, Knysna, is one of the guesthouse owners the department assisted with water tanks and installation of solar panels for generating energy as well as pumping water in her establishment through the GTIP.

She confidently said she is now able to accommodate her customers as she can operate her business with ease.

“This programme installed solar panels which is assisting me in heating geysers, cooking as well as pumping of water from the borehole. I am content as my tourism business is now booming, because of the number of bookings I receive,” Mehlomakulu Mehlomakulu from Fort Hook Guesthouse in Phelandaba outside Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape said, thanking the department.

Anthony Maitland, the owner of Teniqua Tree Tops Guesthouse situated between Thatchfield and Knysna, said: “The water pumping system in my guesthouse as well as frequent load shedding in the area used to be a huge problem until the installation of solar panels which is assisting with the water pumping system as well as curbing load shedding in my guesthouse.

“I am now at ease to operate the business without any fear of energy outages. I can recommend this programme to emerging and existing tourism establishments.”

The GTIP does not only assist in reducing pressure on the national electricity grid and water resources of the country, but also reduce operational input cost and facilitate increased competitiveness and operational sustainability in the tourism sector.

The department said it continues to advance climate action in tourism for the resilience of the sector as well as strengthening adaptive capacity.

For more information or to apply for the GTIP programme visit www.tourism.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 01/23/2024 - 15:23

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