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Promotes community engagement, athletic excellence, and holistic education for MII students Maharishi Park, a new sports and recreation complex that further extends the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII) campus in Marshalltown, has officially opened. Developed in partnership with the people’s movement and urban renewal organisation Jozi My Jozi, and funded by One Resources Group (on behalf …
The Junior Springboks are set to reconvene at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS) next week with a squad of 41 players for their third training camp of the year, and the first gathering since their return from a successful tour in Georgia three weeks ago. The extended Junior Bok squad will assemble from Monday, …
On Human Rights Day, Sebastien Alexanderson discusses debt abuse and predatory lending in SA, affecting consumers including 28M+ vulnerable social grant recipients. It’s Human Rights Day today and as South Africans reflect on their rights and freedoms, a critical issue facing millions is the scourge of debt abuse and predatory lending. With an eminent result …
Residents of Social Distance informal settlement demand electricity supply
Large-scale public art project to raise awareness about climate change
Namibia's offshore oil and gas industry is set for significant growth in 2025, driven by new licensing opportunities and an uptick in drilling activities, Petroleum Commissioner Maggy Shino announced during a webinar hosted by the African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org), Wood Mackenzie and Namibia's Ministry of Mines and Energy. The move is set to attract fresh investment as the country cements its status as one of the world's most promising oil frontiers.
“We are operating in an open licensing regime and will be receiving applications shortly,” Shino stated, noting that available acreage spans deepwater, ultra-deepwater and shallow-water environments.
Meanwhile, development is accelerating on two of Namibia's most significant discoveries. TotalEnergies' Venus project in Block 2913B remains on track for a final investment decision (FID) in 2026, with new data confirming better density and permeability compared to surrounding blocks. On Galp's Mopane discovery, Shino revealed that 3,500Km2 of high-density seismic data were collected this week to refine volume estimates and advance the project toward FID.
On Shell's PEL 39 discovery – where the company recently wrote down $400 million – the Commissioner said Shell and its partners are analyzing data from the nine wells drilled so far to “ensure we have designed a pathway to development” and to determine the next steps.
Namibia's offshore basin remains vastly underexplored, despite its enormous scale. “The scale is enormous – there's 220,000 square kilometers of offshore license acreage,” said Ian Thom, Research Director for Sub-Saharan Africa Upstream at Wood Mackenzie. “With just over 20 exploration and appraisal wells drilled, this area is still hugely underexplored.”
“The resources are definitely there,” said Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President of the African Energy Chamber. “The big questions now revolve around sub-surface conditions, gas content and how best to commercialize these discoveries.”
Drilling activity in Namibia is set to ramp up in 2025, with seven wells expected this year alone. BW Energy plans to drill at the Kharas prospect within the Kudu license, while Rhino Resources awaits results from two high-impact wells in PEL 85. In South Africa's Orange Basin, TotalEnergies is expected to drill in Block 3B/4B, and Shell may drill in an ultra-deepwater block near the maritime boundary with Namibia.
On the Kudu license, Shino stated that BW Energy has “identified new targets with upside potential – not only for gas, but also for oil within the main area,” with two wells planned by year-end.
As Namibia advances toward first oil production, the government is committed to ensuring that petroleum discoveries translate into long-term economic benefits for the nation. “We are offering a sustainable operating environment, ensuring all discoveries are in a race to first oil while making a lasting impact on the local economy,” said Shino. Namibia's stable economy, industry alignment, respect for contract sanctity, expansive basins available for exploration and commitment to delivering sustainable energy resources position it as an attractive destination for investment.
Namibia's exploration boom and available licensing opportunities will take center stage at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, where government leaders, industry executives and investors will discuss the latest developments firsthand. With major discoveries advancing toward production and new blocks opening for investment, AEW offers unparalleled access to key decision-makers shaping Namibia's energy future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Judge says former NLC chief risk officer Marubini Ramatsekisa didn’t explain how he could live at an expensive golf estate while claiming to be unemployed
Thursday, 20 March 2025: Eskom is actively working with defaulting Free State municipalities to resolve outstanding debt following an intervention by the Minister of Electricity and Energy (MoEE), Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on 17 February 2025. The initiative seeks to develop sustainable solutions for municipalities facing electricity-related financial difficulties. During a meeting in Bloemfontein, Minister Ramokgopa...
Cape Town, South Africa – JR Promotions, a leading marketing agency specializing in enhancing brand presence through strategic promotional campaigns, continues to redefine the retail landscape with its innovative approach to instore promotions. By integrating consumer psychology and purchasing behaviors into their strategies, JR Promotions crafts immersive experiences that transform casual shoppers into loyal customers. …
Many car owners overlook the importance of selecting the correct tyres for their vehicles, unaware of the significant impact it has on performance, safety, and long-term costs. The right tyres are essential for optimal handling, fuel efficiency, and braking performance. At Moreleta Service Centre, we’ve witnessed firsthand how incorrect tyre choices lead to costly repairs, …
Thursday, 20 March 2025: Eskom confirms that loadshedding was suspended at 05:00 this morning supported by a constrained but stable power system and adequate emergency reserves. Eskom had sufficient emergency reserves for last night’s evening peak. However, the loss of five generating units before and during this period necessitated the implementation of Stage 2 loadshedding...
Plantation initiatives provide job opportunities
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has announced initiatives that will significantly contribute to the sustainable management of South Africa’s plantations while creating employment opportunities.
Through such initiatives, 1461 workers have been employed through the Expanded Public Works Programme, providing the communities within these plantations much-needed work opportunities in Category B and C plantations located in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
“These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to sustainable forestry management practices and dedication to fostering economic opportunities in communities across these regions,” George said on Thursday.
The first initiative is the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) commitment to planting 1 800 hectares annually.
It’s part of the department’s strategy to reduce temporary unplanted areas, enhance productivity, and contribute to fibre security in South Africa.
“By addressing temporary unplanted areas, we envision that our efforts will not only strengthen the forestry sector but will also stimulate economic growth in surrounding communities through job creation and other socio-economic benefits.
“The department remains committed to promoting the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s plantations while ensuring tangible benefits for communities living near these forestry areas,” the Minister said.
The second initiative, also linked to the sustainable management of plantations, is the maintenance of land through strategic silvicultural 1 practices in plantations where the target has increased from 2 100 to 6 500 hectares from the 2025/26 financial year.
This represents an increase of over 200%.
These silvicultural activities, which include fire risk reduction, pest and disease management, timber quality improvement, and enhanced accessibility within compartments, are essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability and productivity of these plantations.'
By implementing these measures, the department aims to improve the value of standing timber, safeguard plantation ecosystems, and support the broader forestry industry.
These efforts will also stimulate rural economic growth in surrounding communities through job creation and the protection of vital natural resources. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 12:27
294 views
The largest black-owned and managed industrial equipment supplier in South Africa, Shumani Industrial Equipment, has made a significant contribution to the South African Medical & Education Foundation (SAME) to provide resources and adequate infrastructure to cope with the number of learners at the Forte Secondary School in Dobsonville, Soweto. “The school is a pillar of …
President takes 'dim view' on US visit seeking Cape secession
President Cyril Ramaphosa takes a “very strong dim view” of a proposed visit to the United States of America by the Cape Independence Advocacy Group to seek the Western Cape’s secession from South Africa.
This according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who addressed the media on Thursday morning.
“Our constitutional democracy that we forged in 1994, created a singular, non-racial state that recognises and protects our unity in diversity. From Musina to Cape Town, we are one democratic society that should never be allowed to fall under the chasm of race divide.
“There is no part of our beautiful land that can be allowed to secede. The President cautions everyone to exercise his or her Constitutionally given right, but to do so in the manner that does not undermine and subvert Constitutional democracy in South Africa.
“We should all be actively engaged in building a better South Africa in the face of unpredictable geo-political dynamics,” Magwenya said.
Turbulent times
Of late, South Africa has grappled with tensions with the United States of America, following the promulgation of the Expropriation Act of 2025 and, more recently, the expulsion of South African Ambassador to the USA, Ebrahim Rasool.
Magwenya explained that the Expropriation Act of 2025 replaces the Apartheid government’s 1975 Expropriation Act to align it to the country’s “land reform policies in line with our democratic Constitutional order”.
“The new Act introduces a transparent expropriation basis that strikes a healthy balance on land reform with legal protections. The Expropriation Act followed all legal prescribed channels to be enacted into law.
“Therefore, it leaves one to wonder what wrong have we done as a country with respect to this particular Act. We remain a rule of law society, and we adhere unwaveringly to the principles of our Constitutional democracy.
“We strongly reject any insinuation or assertion that through the Expropriation Act, we are committing acts of human rights violations, we are arbitrarily expropriating land,” Magwenya said.
On the return of Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, Magwenya said government urges all political formations planning homecoming rallies for the ambassador to “refrain from partaking or engaging in actions that may seem inflammatory” and that may “worsen the already volatile diplomatic relationship with the United States”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 12:54
265 views
President Ramaphosa to attend Namibia presidential inauguration
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the inauguration of Namibia’s President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Nandi-Ndaitwah will make history when she is inaugurated as that Southern African country’s first female President on Friday.
“The inauguration, which coincides with Namibia’s 35th Independence Day, will take place… at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
“The President’s attendance of the inauguration of the President-elect and the current Vice-President will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic nature of the cordial bilateral relations between South Africa and Namibia, and further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries," Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Thursday, at a briefing on the President's upcoming events.
The spokesperson explained that the two countries enjoy “excellent bilateral relations” because of the “deep fraternal and historic relationship cemented during the fight against colonialism and apartheid”.
“Namibia’s stability and interrelated ties with South Africa make the country a natural strategic partner, not only in the Southern African Development Community but also in the broader African Union context and globally.
“President Ramaphosa is looking forward to working closely with the new President of Namibia and government to advance mutual political economic interests and the integration of the African continent.
“Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation and the promotion of a rules based international system,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 13:12
404 views
Join the fun on Saturday, 29 March from 9am to 3pm, at Crocworld Conservation Centre’s parking area in Scottburgh, KZN South Coast for a vibrant craft market experience! Expect live music, unique crafts, fresh produce, delicious cakes, and more. Little ones will have a blast in the Kiddies Entertainment Area complete with inflatables and fun …
“We will not let our people die” says Zackie Achmat
Motorists urged to obey rules of the road ahead of long weekend
The Western Cape Government (WCG) has urged all motorists to prioritise road safety by adhering to speed limits, as many prepare to travel during the upcoming long weekend.
From 10 and 16 March 2025, Western Cape law enforcement officers issued 200 speeding fines across the province, with the highest recorded speed being 160 km/h in a 120 km/h zone.
“Excessive speeding continues to be one of the most significant contributors to road crashes, injuries and fatalities,” the WCG said in a statement.
At high speeds, the provincial government warned that drivers have less time to respond to sudden obstacles, traffic changes, or emergencies.
The WCG reminded motorists that excessive speed makes it more difficult to navigate turns, avoid obstacles, and keep a vehicle stable. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, are often at the greatest risk when motorists speed excessively.
“Speeding not only increases the likelihood of incidents but also reduces reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid hazards. The faster a vehicle travels, the greater the force of impact in a collision, leading to often devastating consequences,” said Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku.
The MEC said serious injuries involving pedestrians and reckless or negligent driving continue to take a significant toll on the province.
“Every motorist has a responsibility to help keep our roads safe. We urge all drivers to remain mindful of their speed, drive responsibly, and make safety a priority – not just during the long weekend, but every time they get behind the wheel,” Sileku said.
The WCG has wished travellers a safe journey and appealed to motorists to be considerate and careful as they make their way to their destinations and back safely home.
To ensure a safe and incident-free long weekend, motorists are advised to:
• Stick to the prescribed speed limits at all times. Speeding is not worth the risk.
• Allow enough time to reach your destination, without the need to rush, or accept that you will arrive later than planned at your destination.
• Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one ahead.
• Stay focused on the road and avoid using mobile phones, or engaging in other distractions while driving.
• Ensure everyone is buckled up. This will significantly reduce the chances of serious injury.
• Fatigue impairs judgement and reaction time, stop and rest every two hours or 200km during long trips.
• Reduce speed when visibility is poor or in heavy traffic conditions. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 13:30
186 views
Government adopts improved approach to curb road crashes
Over the last two months, government has adopted an improved approach to managing road safety and it has resulted in a decrease in road crashes.
“The consequence of these actions is that we saw a 10% month-on-month decline in accidents in January 2025 compared with January 2024, and a 25% decline in accidents when one compares February 2025 with February 2024,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, said on Thursday.
As part of this strategy, the Department of Transport has deployed the National Traffic Police on key routes at month end, deepened cooperation and focused on high-risk areas amongst national, provincial and municipal traffic officers. It also focuses on arresting pedestrians who walk on highways.
During this period 21 282 fines were issued to drivers for speeding, and over 3 000 drivers were arrested for drunk driving during January and February. About 12 000 illegal vehicles were impounded.
The Minister was speaking during the launch of the 2025 Easter Season Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign, that is taking place from 20 March to 2 May 2025, under the theme: “It begins with Me”.
“We chose this theme because driver and pedestrian behaviour is responsible for 87% of road accidents and fatalities in our country. And so, reducing road fatalities and accidents is the responsibility of each one of us.
“The National Traffic Police, [including] South African Police Services provincial traffic departments, Cross Border Road Traffic Agency, Border Management Agency, the metros and local authorities, will work together to patrol routes leading to Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Free State, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. High visibility will also be maintained in Gauteng.
“We have identified the most critical routes across the country requiring additional resources and more focused monitoring over this period,” she said.
These include among others, the following:
Over the next six weeks the department will focus on working with the bus industry to check vehicle roadworthiness and educate drivers on fatigue management ahead of the Easer weekend.
Meetings will also be held with faith-based sector to support safe and appropriate travel arrangements to the big events over the Easter weekend. Taxi ranks will be visited to inspect vehicles and safer driving practices will be promoted. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 14:09
121 views
Thirty-one years into our constitutional democracy, terms such as social justice, social activists, social entrepreneurs and socio-economic rights have become ubiquitous in our social discourse. However, their true meanings warrant deeper reflection. According to the United Nations, “Social justice may be broadly understood as the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth.” …
One Vaal Dam sluice gate opened
The Department and Water and Sanitation opened one sluice gate at the Vaal Dam on Thursday to increase outflows and manage dam water levels.
In a statement on Thursday, the department said one sluice gate of the Vaal Dam opened at 12pm, in order to increase releases, due to the increased water levels at the dam amid continuous rainfall.
The dam, which supplies most of Gauteng, is currently sitting at 106.14%.
The department said the increased outflows seek to keep the dam at 105%.
“The opened sluice gate is expected to release between 110 to 130 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s) and will remain open over the long weekend and dam levels continue to be closely monitored to ensure that any further action is activated depending on the level of water in the dam.
“All outlet valves that were previously opened and were releasing 60.1 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s) of water at the Vaal Dam, have now been closed because they do not have the required capacity to release the required volumes,” the department said.
The department emphasised that the current water release by single sluice gate is within the safe operational limits and is not expected to lead to overtopping of riverbanks downstream.
“At Bloemhof Dam, outflows have also been increased to 250 mᵌ/s from 10 am today through the pipes and to allow for the extra flows that are expected from Vaal Dam in about three to four days and to keep the dam below 100%. Water levels at the dam are currently at 97.6%,” the department said.
The department added it will continue to monitor the water levels at both the dams closely. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 14:13
75 views
Fancy driving off into the sunset in a brand new 2024 Suzuki Swift? Booking three movies using Ster-Kinekor’s The Epic Deal offering is your entry ticket into the prize draw. And, with a host of epic movies showing across all its cinemas currently, now is your chance! The Epic Deal is only for SK Club …
Presidency announces President Ramaphosa's upcoming diary
Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has, on Thursday, briefed the media on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s programme for the upcoming weeks.
The following are some of the engagements the President will be undertaking:
• The inauguration of Namibia’s President elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Friday, 21 March.
• President Ramaphosa will address the Water and Sanitation Indaba kicking off on 27 March.
• On the same day, 27 March, President Ramaphosa will receive letters of credence from Heads of Mission from some 14 countries.
• The President will deliver the keynote address at the Women Economic Assembly on March 28.
• On 3 April, President Ramaphosa will receive an official visit from Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema.
• On 9 April, the President will open and deliver an address at the three-day Police Summit.
• Also on 9 April, he will tour the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and will be taken through the institute’s flagship programmes. Following that, President Ramaphosa will join the conference of the International Association of Women Judges.
“If there are any changes on the President’s schedule, we will share those through various updates and media advisories,” Magwenya concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 13:37
66 views
President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Ashwin Trikamjee, President of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and Chairperson of the National Religious Leaders Forum.
The President offers his condolences to the family, friends and associates of this outstanding icon of service to our nation who has passed on at the age of 80.
Mr Trikamjee was an attorney who served as president of the then Natal Law Society, president of the Association of Law Societies of SA, chairperson of the African Regional Forum of the International Bar Association and member of the Human Rights Committee of the IBA.
As a Black Consciousness activist, he also led the Durban Central component of the Natal Indian Congress, and he was a vice-president of the South African Football Association.
Mr Trikamjee's deep spiritual devotion extended beyond his Hindu affiliation as he advocated tolerance and collaboration among the diverse religious communities in our country.
President Ramaphosa said: “Ashwin Trikamjee led a life of diverse pursuits which he exercised to improve the lives of communities and the impact of organisations in which he served.
“We will miss his gentle, serene presence, wise counsel and humble yet industrious service to many sectors of our nation.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.