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In 2017, Shona-Leah Weston’s rugby career with the Springbok Women took a tumble, literally and figuratively. Weston, a dual Springbok Women’s player with five Test caps to her name and a member of the national sevens squad who had just secured World Series status in 2014, stepped into a manhole and seriously injured her ankle. …
Load shedding requires urgent intervention, Ramokgopa tells Parliament
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has told the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises that load shedding is an existential problem, both in economic and social terms, which requires urgent intervention.
The Minister said the South African economy could be losing up to R1 billion a day, depending on the intensity of load shedding.
“This is severe. The amount of jobs that have been lost as a result of load shedding are projected to be upwards of 800 000 just for the current year, if you were to go by the modelling that has been done by some of the reputable institutions.
“I'm trying to convey the message that we are dealing with a major problem that undermines the overall growth of the South African economy,” he said on Wednesday.
Ramokgopa said as a result of this, President Ramaphosa found it appropriate to provide a comprehensive and compelling response to the crisis by unveiling the Energy Action Plan (EAP), which has about five outcomes.
The five priority outcomes, Ramokgopa said, are to fix Eskom and improve the availability of existing supply; enable private investment in new generation capacity; accelerate procurement of new capacity from renewables, gas and battery storage; unleash investment in rooftop solar PV for businesses and households, and to "undermine the political interest calculation, ensuring that there's transparency in how costs are located and how tariffs are determined".
Expanding on the first priority, the Minister said they have to improve the availability of existing suppliers.
“So the focus will be on the existing fleet of Eskom coal-fired power stations, a focus on Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and also the importation of hydro that we are getting from Mozambique, ensuring that first we address the reliability of this unit... [and reduce] the rate of abrupt failure of these units, and address their efficiency as they run, then approximate their design capacity,” he said.
Turning to the second priority, Ramokgopa said that it exists to ensure that significant private sector investment is attracted, and this is supported by the reforms that were introduced on the generation side.
He said there is a significant amount of project pipeline as a result of the reforms that have been introduced on the generation side, which focuses on the private sector and new generation capacity.
Generation performance
On the overall performance of units, Ramokgopa told the portfolio committee that the trendline has essentially been going up.
"If you look at the available capacity, you can see that it is beginning to pick up from what the situation was in May, which was used as a baseline."
The Minister said they were addressing factors that have contributed to increased load shedding over the past week.
"... There is the good and there's also the bad. The good is that the trendline is going up and the bad is that there are things that we admit that we can improve on, especially better planning, returning the units on time, and ensuring that gradually, we continue to reduce the intensity of load shedding,” the Minister said.
He said they are taking advantage of the warmer period the country is now in.
“We have been ramping up planned maintenance... [We need to] make sure that we fix [the units] and when they come back, they're healthier and they're able to perform,” he said.
As part of improving the issues at Eskom, Ramokgopa said they have returned two of the three units that failed at Eskom last year in October as a result of challenges related to the Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) unit, which is a mechanical component that houses a chemical process meant to reduce the amount of sulphur content that is emitted into the environment.
“We asked for a special dispensation to bypass that Flue-gas desulfurization unit and then we accepted that there are environmental costs, and that's why we put together a comprehensive health plan to... mitigate the environmental costs, and those were approved by the Minister of Environment.
“Of course, we are going to return to normality, essentially to go back to the original design of going through the Flue-gas desulfurization by the end of the year 2024.
“But now we've got that relief and two of those three units are back. Unit 1 and 3 are back, and we anticipate to bring Unit 2 by end of the month, and then we'll be firing Unit 5 at Kusile by the third week of December. So we project to get another 1 600 megawatts,” the Minister said.
The Minister told the portfolio committee that they are currently focusing on four broad areas, which include the facilitation of renewables.
"It's important to not just over rely on Eskom, which is aging. We have committed to a decarbonisation agenda. We're committed to the nationally determined contribution the net zero path. Of course, we have extended the life of these power stations as a result of the challenges that we're currently facing.
“So we [have] delayed the decommissioning. It will happen but it's delayed. The key is facilitating renewables, and transmission is a big part of that." – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 12:51
Dear Editor While Transnet continues to bleed the economy, it also continues to limit parliamentary oversight by failing to comprehensively table its turnaround plan in Parliament with the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises (Committee). Given that the plan has been presented to both the Ministers of Public Enterprises and Finance and to pockets of the …
According to The Trialogue Business in Society Handbook, South African companies invested around R10.9 billion into corporate social investment (CSI) in the 2022 financial year – a 6% increase from 2021. Contributing to this, South African insurer King Price has donated nearly 40% of its profit to charities across southern Africa via its main shareholder …
The 30-month, R285-million project to improve the capacity and safety of traffic operations at the Refinery interchange is progressing according to plan. While there have been minor delays (28 days over the 30 months) which can be mainly attributed to weather conditions, the project is still on track to finish by the end of the …
Women Ministry commends student suspension after stabbing incident
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities says it is encouraged by the University of Western Cape’s (UWC) bold step to suspend a student from its campus after he allegedly stabbed his wife at a private student residence.
The student, Ntembeko Myalo, made a brief appearance at the Bellville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where he was charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing his wife at a private student residence in Belhar, Cape Town, on Saturday.
It has been reported that his 26-year-old wife, a Student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), underwent surgery.
The department has commended Myalo’s arrest and the university’s decision to suspend him.
The department said it is sad that despite concerted efforts put in place over the years to address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the scourge continues relentlessly.
“There is ongoing instances of femicide with some deaths committed in [the] most heinous manner imaginable. The recent attack of a student at an institution of higher learning is appalling and should never happen again,” the department said.
The National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF) states: “The rate of femicide in South Africa continues to be amongst the highest globally with three women reported killed each day by their intimate partners.”
The NSP on GBVF centres around six pillars, including accountability, coordination and leadership; Prevention and Rebuilding Social Cohesion; Justice, Safety and Protection; Response, Care, Support and Healing; Economic Power; and Research and Information systems.
The 2022 Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide also acknowledged that the GBVF in South Africa continues to be a national pandemic, and many women continue to be victims of it.
“The success of the NSP on GBVF is dependent on all of us working together in a coordinated and multisectoral approach to ensure that we prevent this scourge,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 13:08
The Hemel-en-Aarde Road which connects Sandbaai (Hermanus) and Caledon has been reopened with Stop-and-Go traffic accommodation. The first vehicles traversed the pass on Tuesday, 14 November 2023. This comes exactly a week after the reopening of the Franschhoek Pass. The road was closed following a severe weather system which hit the Western Cape during the …
Government welcomes increase in employment
Government has welcomed the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), which indicate that the number of employed persons increased by 399 000 to 16. 7 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to 16. 3 million in the second quarter of 2023.
The results further show that the number of unemployed persons decreased by 72 000 to 7.8 million during the third quarter, a 0.9 % decrease in Quarter 3, compared to Quarter 2 of 2023.
“The Quarterly Labour Force Survey findings for the third quarter reflect a positive and encouraging trend for our nation's labour force. The slight but notable increase in employment and decrease in unemployment rates reflect our concerted efforts to address the challenge of unemployment in the country.
“The results are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors, as well as the hard work and dedication of our citizens. These quarterly survey results underscore the progress we are making as a nation in addressing unemployment and fostering employment growth,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Tuesday.
Ntshavheni said government is pleased with the promising findings of the third quarter, while at the same time, acknowledges that challenges persist, and there is more work that needs to be done.
“We will continue to implement policies that encourage investment, stimulate economic activity, and promote innovation, all of which contribute to sustained job creation,” the Minister said.
Ntshavheni said government’s commitment to creating a supportive and dynamic labour market remains steadfast. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 12:10
State Security Agency Head Ambassador Majola resigns
State Security Agency (SSA) Director-General, Ambassador Thembisile Cheryl Majola, has resigned, the Presidency announced on Wednesday.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said President Cyril Ramaphosa accepted the resignation of Majola and wished her well in all her future endeavours.
“Ambassador Majola commenced her role at SSA on 1 March 2022 and her resignation, by mutual consent with the President, will be effective as of 30 November 2023.
“The President has expressed his appreciation to Ambassador Majola for her contribution to the reform and rebuilding of the State Security Agency,” Magwenya said.
Majola is a former Deputy Minister of Energy and was South Africa’s ambassador to Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.
She has held several positions in the Presidency and was a deputy coordinator in the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee.
Among other roles, Majola was the observer on behalf of President Ramaphosa to the trilateral negotiations on the Grand Renaissance Dam during South Africa’s tenure as chair of the AU in 2020. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 10:20
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, a place where you seek rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. To create a haven of comfort and style, the choice of bedding is paramount. In this comprehensive guide, learn more, we’ll delve into essential categories of bedding and linens that can transform your bedroom into a luxurious retreat: BED WRAPS: Bed …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to unveil the SA Emerging Women squad set to compete against Zimbabwe in...
Mashatile to participate in the Annual National Men’s Parliament
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Sunday, 19 November 2023, participate at the 3rd National Men’s Parliament in Limpopo.
The Deputy President will take part in the Men’s Parliament in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC).
According to the Presidency, the 3rd National Men’s Parliament is organised through a partnership which includes government, Parliament and SANAC Men’s Sector and brings together leaders from across all spectrums of society.
Deputy President Mashatile will use the occasion to launch the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Programme of Action scheduled to take place at Masia Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District.
The programme represents a pivotal milestone in the Men’s Parliament efforts to address the scourge of violence against women, advance socio-economic development and promote men’s health, with a special focus on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
This year, the gathering will focus on the term of community men’s Parliaments and men championing change.
“Takuwani Riime” is a Tshivenda expression meaning “let us stand up together”.
“This is a clarion call for all men to stand up and be counted as meaningfully organised partners in the advancement of community safety, health and socio-economic development across the country.”
The 3rd National Men’s Parliament will be preceded by the Traditional Council Men’s Dialogue led by the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.
In recognition of organisations committed to the Men Championing Change Programme, the Department of Social Development will present certificates of recognition to community-based organisations dedicated to developing and implementing programmes that support men and boys to deal with multiple social ills.
Deputy President Mashatile be supported by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Premier of Limpopo, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 09:39
South Africa, 15 November 2023 – The debate around blockchain technology and the future is almost as old as blockchain itself. Ever since this innovative technology first emerged, it became abundantly clear that its potential goes far beyond merely supporting cryptocurrencies. It has the power to revolutionise the way people conduct financial transactions, and as …
Tuesday, 14 November 2023: Leading Pan-African bank, Absa, in partnership with Urban Harvest, is proud to announce the provision of another sustainable garden as part of the bank’s Possibilities Unearthed initiative. Groutville High School in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, has received the much-needed garden. The partnership with Urban Harvest showcases Absa’s commitment to being a force for …
TSHWANE: The Cricket South Africa (CSA) and South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA II) Trination Series featuring South Africa,...
Protecting the future
Children are the wealth of the nation despite a few harrowing incidents recently pointing otherwise.
Nobody can deny that the nation’s wealth has been at the receiving end of what no child and human being should be subjected to. Democratic South Africa’s first President Nelson Mandela had a lot to say about the wellness and welfare of children.
“The children must, at last, play in the open veld, no longer tortured by the pangs of hunger or ravaged by the disease or threatened with the scourge of ignorance, molestation and abuse, and no longer required to engage in deeds whose gravity exceeds the demands of their tender years,” he said in 1993.
The magnitude of what he said back then still rings true today.
Last month, the Gauteng Health Department confirmed the deaths of five children in Soweto, the West Rand and Roodepoort due to suspected food poisoning. Media reports also pointed to food poisoning deaths in the North West.
This after the children allegedly consumed poisonous food from local shops and vendors.
South Africa recently marked National Children’s Day, a day government declared to be commemorated on the first Saturday of the month of November.
Commemorated annually, the day highlights progress being made towards the realisation and promotion of the rights of children.
Section 28 of the country’s Constitution states the rights that every child has the right to. In turn, the state must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights.
Children under the age of 18, have a right to basic nutrition, shelter, basic health care services and social services. Among others, the Constitution also makes provision for children to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation.
The news of the children’s deaths shocked the nation and also placed the spotlight on spaza shops. The Gauteng provincial government moved to intensify its awareness drive where it engaged locals and shared the importance of checking food expiry labels, among others.
As it takes a village to raise a child, Cabinet also expressed concern while adding that it was encouraged by law enforcement efforts to enforce food safety compliance. Efforts taken include the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and the City of Johannesburg’s, environmental health practitioners conducting inspections to check compliance with city bylaws. In addition, the City of Tshwane and its health officials and the metro police also embarked on a by-law enforcement inspection where two of the spaza shops visited were shut down.
In addition, the outcomes of a recent government-led International Migration Workshop included the introduction of omnibus by-laws to address challenges relating to trading and the enforcement of business by-laws by municipalities and traditional authorities.
It also focused on curbing the effects of illegal immigration, including the operations of spaza shops and there will also be immediate joint inspections of businesses, in particular spaza shops, by various government departments including Home Affairs immigration inspectorate teams to enforce compliance with applicable laws.
The audit of spaza shops in villages and townships, and mechanisms to register them will be undertaken by both traditional leaders and municipalities.
There are also efforts to support traditional authorities to keep a record of foreign nationals in their communities while business licensing legislation is being amended to support those wishing to trade in the informal sector.
While the lives that have been lost cannot be brought back, inspection blitzes carried out by the Cities of Tshwane and Johannesburg as well as the outcomes of the migration workshop resolve to ensure the safety of children.
One can also not ignore the fact that communities have placed the blame - whether warranted or not - of the selling of expired foods at the door of foreign nationals operating spaza shops and the record keeping of foreign nationals in communities will go some way in allaying suspicions of one another.
The alleged poisonings brought to the fore the ire of communities and rightly so. Communities were once more reminded of previous and dare I say ongoing, spates of the brutal rapes, murders and mutilation of children.
We ought to put a stop to these hair-raising incidents and raise a generation of children that protect their peers.
While legislation such as the Children’s Act exist and sets out principles relating to the care and protection of children including making provision regarding children's courts, all of these incidents remind us that the safety of children requires the presence of all of society.
World Children’s Day is being commemorated on 20 November to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improve children's welfare. It was first established in 1954. According to the UN since 1990, the day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children's rights.
If we are to see a better future, the protection of children should urgently be everyone’s business.
*Neo Semono is a features writer at www.sanews.gov.za
-SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 09:03
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met at his Amiri Diwan office on Tuesday with HE Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Dr. Naledi Pandor, who is visiting the country.
During the meeting, they discussed the latest development in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.
During the meeting, His Excellency stressed the necessity for consolidating the regional and international diplomatic efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire and permanently open the Rafah crossing to ensure the flow of relief convoys and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian brethren besieged in the Gaza Strip, expressing the State of Qatar's profound concern regarding the catastrophic deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Strip.
His Excellency stressed the State of Qatar's categorical rejection of the repeated crimes of the Israeli occupation forces by targeting civilian objects, including hospitals, schools, and population centers in the Gaza Strip, considering it a dangerous escalation that portends dire consequences for the security and stability of the region.
His Excellency also underscored the continued efforts of the State of Qatar to mediate the release of hostages, noting that the continued bombing doubles the humanitarian catastrophe in the Strip and complicates the efforts being made.
His Excellency expressed the State of Qatar's gratitude for the historical stance of the Republic of South Africa in support of the fraternal Palestinian people, its constant emphasis on the necessity of achieving their legitimate rights, and its current stance calling for lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip, protecting civilians, and an immediate ceasefire.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
PRODUCTIVITY SA MANAGEMENT STATEMENT ON NEHAWU STRIKE Productivity SA Management confirms that members of the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) falling within the Bargaining Unit are on strike with effect from the 13th of November 2023. The picket is taking place at all the Productivity SA Offices, namely Midrand, Durban, and Cape …
Dear Editor The DA urges a swift resolution amid escalating tensions at Gold One Modder East Mine between warring unions AMCU and NUM. These escalating tensions at Gold One Modder East mine, previously the site of a hostage crisis, are becoming deeply alarming as reports emerge of police using rubber bullets to disperse workers engaged …
Electricity theft has left Nomsa Maphongwana Primary School in Mandela Park with a Eskom bill of more than R167,880
SA’s MTB Party of the year, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, will hit the streets of Stellenbosch this coming Saturday 18 November 2023. As the sun begins to set, riders staying over in the First Ascent Tented Village at Coetzenburg will embark on an exciting Pub Ride that will lead them to popular …
Three suspects arrested for child pornography
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) unit has, in collaboration with the USA Department of Homelands Security, arrested three child online sexual predators in Gauteng.
The trio was arrested in a simultaneous takedown operation in the past week, relating to a number of suspects who were identified as South African users who are involved in the possession, distribution, manufacturing, accessing and downloading of child pornography.
Members of the SECI at Head Office and in Gauteng conducted the preliminary investigations on the users, and various provinces were identified where the suspects reside.
After several months of investigation and planning by SECI, perpetrators were identified in Gauteng and a joint Operation was planned.
In Springs, Gauteng police arrested a 63-year-old male British citizen, who was found to be in the country illegally. The suspect faces offences related to bestiality. Other offences are related to child pornography such as possession and distribution of child pornography.
The second suspect, who is a 43-year-old South African male, was arrested in Benoni, Gauteng. The suspect also faces offences relating to child pornography.
The third suspect, a 43-year-old South African male, suspect was arrested in Krugersdorp, Gauteng. He too faces charges relating to child pornography.
As a result of these operations, three South African children, who were used during the commission of the above offences, were identified and a dog was saved.
The operations will continue throughout the country to unravel a network of child sexual predators.
The trio has already appeared before various courts including Springs, Benoni and Krugersdorp Magistrates Court in Gauteng on Monday. Their cases were postponed for further investigation and bail applications.
SECI is a unit within the Detectives divisions under the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit. The unit members are responsible for investigating, tracing and apprehending serial rapists and electronic crimes relating to online child sexual exploitation. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 10:49
Revitalisation is on the horizon for 4th Avenue Parkhurst as the Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association (PRABOA) teams up with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and CLM, the brand’s local distributor, to upgrade infrastructure in the area for pets and their people. The programme will kickstart an essential fencing replacement project at Verity Park and along …
Official unemployment figures decrease in third quarter of 2023
The results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) indicate that the number of employed persons increased by 399 000 to 16.7 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 16.3 million in the second quarter of 2023.
In the same quarter, the number of unemployed persons decreased by 72 000 to 7.8 million during the same quarter.
“Additionally, the number of people who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 160 000 to 13.1 million, while the discouraged work-seekers decreased by 26 000 in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the second quarter of 2023. This resulted in a net decrease of 186 000 in the not economically active population,” Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Tuesday.
The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0.7 of a percentage point from 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023 to 31.9% in the third quarter of 2023.
“The unemployment rate, according to the expanded definition, decreased by 0.9 of a percentage point to 41.2% in Q3:2023 compared to quarter 2 of 2023.
Formal sector employment increased by 287 000 in quarter 3 of 2023 and informal sector employment increased by 29 000 over the same period.
Industries that recorded increases include finance (up by 237 000), community and social services (up by 119 000) and agriculture (up by 61 000), recording the largest employment gains.
Employment losses were recorded in manufacturing (down by 50 000), mining (down by 35 000), transport (down by 20 000) and utilities (down by 16 000).
The employment increases were recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (up by 152 000), Limpopo (up by 70 000), North-West (up by 61 000) and Mpumalanga (up by 44 000), which was the largest employment increases in quarter 3 of 2023.
Employment losses were only recorded in Free State (down by 3 000) during the same period.
“The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, however, the third quarter of 2023 results show that the total number of unemployed youth (15 – 34 years) decreased by 174 000 to 4.6 million while there was an increase of 237 000 in the number of employed youth to 6.0 million.
“This resulted in a decrease in the youth unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points from 45.3% in quarter 2 of 2023 to 43.4% in quarter 3 of 2023,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 14:07