News

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has apologised to the nation for Stage 6 load shedding that was implemented on Thursday.

The Minister was speaking during a media briefing on Monday.

Eskom implemented Stage 6 load shedding last week following breakdowns and delays in returning to service of generating units.

“I want to express our sincere and profuse apology for having taken you through a very difficult stage of intensive load shedding.

“Firstly, load shedding is unacceptable. The second part is that going to higher stages of load shedding, especially Stage 6, should not become the norm. If anything, that should constitute an extraordinary occurrence. The intensity of load shedding that goes beyond Stage 4 is something that should be unacceptable and it’s something that, to the degree that we can… we will do everything to avoid,” he said.

On the upside, the Minister said at least two units are already expected back online, which will add some 1 305MW onto the grid. Furthermore, later this week, at least 12 generating units are also expected back to boost the grid by some 5 438MW.

Ramokgopa said the implementation of Stage 6 – following at least three weeks of sustained improved performance by Eskom power stations – is a manifestation of earlier warnings that the power grid remains under severe pressure.

“[This is] a reconfirmation of the fact that the grid remains vulnerable and susceptible to plummeting of availability of megawatts… although we have seen a significant amount of reprieve over the 21 days.

“What we have always known was that we should be able to get to a stage where we are able to build resilience, reliability of these units and also create an additional buffer so that as when these units fail… there’s sufficient reserve margin that will allow us an opportunity not to engage in any stage of load shedding and/or any intensification of load shedding,” he said.

Ramokgopa explained that Eskom’s power stations are particularly vulnerable to boiler tube leaks, which cause unplanned outages for generation units.

“That’s the persistent failure that we are experiencing across all the power stations. It’s an area of technical shortfall that requires all of our attention. It has to do sometimes with the quality of coal.

“In our conversation with Eskom’s technical team, we said that we must just focus on this and in my other conversations with leading universities in the country… we tried to see if we can get people who studied this so that we are able to help the situation.

“This is our albatross and the majority of boiler tube leaks and the majority of the units that had failed and gone out are as a result of boiler tube leaks,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister reiterated government’s commitment and plan to deal decisively with load shedding.

“Our task is twofold. The first is that in the shortest possible space of time, end load shedding and then make it possible to create additional capacity and a buffer so that as we enter the next winter season, we’ve got sufficient generating capacity to be able to meet those winter conditions.

“In the long run, for us to be able to build resilience and energy sovereignty for the country, we need to create additional generating capacity that will support the projected growth in the country,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Eskom expects to implement Stage 1 and Stage load shedding until further notice following the return to service of at least six generating units at power stations.

Unplanned breakdowns and delays in returning generation units to service last week paved way for intense load shedding, reaching Stage 6 by Thursday last week.

However, the power utility now says it will implement Stage 1 between 5am and 4pm followed by Stage 3 between 4pm, and 5am every day.

“Since Friday, a generating unit each at Kriel, Lethabo, Majuba, Matla power stations and two generating units at Arnot power station were returned to service,” Eskom said.

Despite this, unplanned breakdowns have rendered some 15 747MW offline coupled with at least 1946MW offline for maintenance.

“The delay in returning to service a generating unit each at Kendal and Matla power stations and two generating units at Tutuka Power Station is contributing to the current capacity constraints.

“Eskom teams are working tirelessly to return these generating units to service,” the power utility said.

The electricity provider warned that as cold front begins to roll in later this week, demand is expected to rise – putting further pressure on the already constrained power grid.

“Therefore we appeal to members of the public to assist in reducing demand by switching off non-essential appliances. We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 5pm to 9pm, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of load shedding,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that there is accelerated processing of student allowances.

In a statement issued on Monday, NSFAS spokesperson, Slumezi Skosana, said the speed and comprehensive release of funding depends in part on relevant applicable student registration data being timeously availed to the organisation.

Skosana said the scheme noted a statement from Wits University, asserting that over 8 000 of the 9 950 students have not been paid their allowances on 14 July 2023.

“Our figures are that 7 684 student allowances were paid on 14 July 2023 in addition to the cohort paid during the end of June payment run. There is a number of NSFAS beneficiaries whose payments are outstanding, which cases will be examined and where appropriate corrected as soon as possible.

“We will continue to liaise with all institutions to ensure that whatever obstacles exist are addressed. There is accelerated work to ensure universal coverage and disbursements to already approved beneficiaries due to receive funding,” Skosana said.

In the spirit of heightened service delivery and cooperative governance, Skosana said, there is a concerted effort to foster coordination between NSFAS and beneficiary educational institutions in the exchange, quality assurance and processes of student information to fast track the disbursement of funds to students.

Skosana said NSFAS understands and fully aware of the need to minimise any delays in the release of funding because of the strain such an eventuality has on the emotional wellbeing of vulnerable and needy students.

He said NSFAS highest priority is to maintain the momentum of disbursing approved funding swiftly, accurately and in accordance with its governance systems and principles.

Interdependent change management processes underway

NSFAS has also informed the public members and its stakeholder network about overlapping and interdependent change management processes, currently underway with the scheme, including and aimed primarily at deployment of automated technological solutions, to serve students on time and at scale.

“We therefore, wish to caution and advise the public not to be disheartened by and be impatient with teething problems that might arise in isolated incidents from time to time, as the re-engineering of the overall architecture of our systems is on track and receiving our outmost focus and care.

“We understand and accept that change creates uncertainty and some levels of discomfort, but commit to a consultative and transparent change management process in the handling of necessary and critical changes that might not always be fully embraced in their early phases of deployment and system testing,” Skosana said. – SAnews.gov.za

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has commended the progress made on the construction of Masodi Waste Water Treatment Works in Mokopane, Limpopo.

Mchunu said the new project, which is currently 92% complete, will serve as a model for other municipalities to follow suit and embrace partnerships and collaborations with private sector for socio economic development of their communities.

He said he is confident that by the end of the year, the project will be commissioned, and Mogalakwena Local Municipality will be a model to many municipalities in the country in terms of management of waste water and effluent. 

“This waste water treatment works project should be a lesson for other municipalities that working with private sector is a way to go in order to improve our service delivery systems and socio economic development of our communities,” Mchunu said.

The Masodi Waste Water Treatment plant is a multi-year public private partnership project by Mogalakwena Municipality, fully funded and implemented by Ivanplats Proprietary Limited Mine.  

The plant is being upgraded to produce 10 megalitres a day (ml/d), which will improve sanitation provision to Mokopane and the surrounding areas. It will also enable local industries to have access to the grey water for reuse from the treated effluent released from the plant.

The construction of the biological nutrient removal (BNR) plant, which consists of the plant itself, booster pump station and the pipelines that link the new plant to the existing sewer system, started in 2015 by the municipality but was discontinued until 2021 when Mchunu intervened and enabled the project to resume. 

Mchunu acknowledged Ivanplats input in ensuring that the project is expedited and is finished on time. 

“The expediency and the precision that they apply on the work is quite commendable. They have managed to get the project to near completion even before the scheduled timeframes,” the Minister said.

The Municipality and Ivanplats have also signed another Memorandum of Agreement to replace the asbestos sewer pipelines that will connect to the existing Masehlaneng and Sekgakgapeng Oxidation Ponds. 

The old sewer system is currently, not efficient and prone to spillages which resulted in the municipality being taken to court by the department for non- compliance with waste water management.

Mchunu and Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala conducted a site inspection at the Masodi Waste Water Treatment Works, as part of a two-day visit to Limpopo.

Mchunu’s visit on 12- 14 July 2023, aimed to assess the progress of the construction of the waste water treatment plant, and the preparation for the upgrade of Olifantspoort Water Treatment Works near Lebowakgomo in Capricorn District Municipality.

The Minister said they are happy with the planning and preparations to upgrade the water treatment plant.

“With Lepelle Northern Water as an implementing agent, we have come together and have finalised issues of planning, timeframes and funding of the project,” Mchunu said.

The much-anticipated Olifantspoort Water Treatment Works will undergo a series of refurbishment and upgrades from 60 to ultimately 280 ml/d, in order to improve its performance, capacity, and to meet current and future potable water demands. 

The water treatment plant forms part of the Olifants/ Ebenezer Water supply Schemes and serves as a one of the lifelines for drinking water to Polokwane in the Capricorn District.

The Minister warned that Polokwane is in deficit by 30 million litres per day, and Olifants water treatment plant capacity is now small and does not meet water demand anymore. 

Mchunu also met with Lebalelo Water User Association to assess progress on the Olifants Management Model (OMM) Programme, which is a 50/50 partnership Olifants River Water Resources Development Project between the department and association. 

The OMM Programme involves the development of additional water resource infrastructure, including the De Hoop and Flag Boshielo Dams along the Steelpoort River and a bulk distribution system to benefit the Sekhukhune District and Mogalakwena Local Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Durban Metro Police have intensified their crime prevention clean-up campaign in a quest to get rid of drug dens and reduce crime in the city.

According to eThekwini Municipality the campaign, launched by Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda in January, has seen a decline in drug dens and the illegal occupation of railway lines by drug addicts.

Project leader, Superintendent Anand Maharaj, said the campaign has rejuvenated their efforts, and resulted in a highly successful multi-stakeholder initiative.

Maharaj said the programme initially started 10 years ago with a handful of stakeholders, however, as time progressed the campaign gradually lost momentum. 

“With the alarming spike in criminal activities, Mayor Kaunda called on the Metro Police to leave no stone unturned to ensure we reduce crime [and] that was the nudge we needed to restart the initiative,” Maharaj said.

Metro Police Spokesperson, Colonel Boysie Zungu, commended Maharaj and his team for their work to combat crime in the city centre, noting their efforts to bring criminals to book and to ensure the wellbeing of residents.

“Superintendent Anand’s team has reported a decline in the illegal occupation of railway lines by drug users. From about 1 000 occupants there are only about 150 now. This added pressure has started to have an impact as the illegal occupants were suspected to play a major role in crime,” Zungu said.

Zungu also commended the stakeholders, including the South African Police Services, Urban Improvement Precinct, Safer Cities, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa and iTrump, for their role in the clean-up campaign.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kaunda said another new business has opened its doors, adding to the growing luxury restaurant and entertainment scene in the city. 

Kaunda was speaking at the official opening of the Signature Restaurant at Oceans Mall in uMhlanga on Friday.

Kaunda said the opening of Signature Restaurant, which is founded by Desmond Mabuza, shows the confidence that investors continue to have on the city.

“We wish to congratulate the Mabuza family for this wonderful achievement of bringing a 5-star restaurant to our city. Durban is the only place to have a Signature Restaurant outside of Morningside in Sandton. We have no doubt that this restaurant will enrich our culinary experience and enhance the tourism experience," Kaunda said. – SAnews.gov.za