Sasol makes the world CO2 emissions blacklist
The company is among 57 companies in the world responsible for 80% of carbon dioxide emissions
2024
Elections 2024: What the major political parties say about hunger
We sent questions to the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, PA, MK Party and RISE Mzansi
The only post office open in Makhanda has not had electricity for nine months
Staff use their cellphones to light their work
Tshwane shack dwellers say extortion gangs make them pay for water
Municipality says it’s unaware of this
Mokoka enters Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K as part of his 2024 Olympic Games Journey
South African long-distance runner Stephen Mokoka joins an impressive roster of athletes for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K that is set to captivate the Mother City on National Mother’s Day, Sunday, 12 May 2024. Despite failing to finish his debut Totalsports Two Oceans Ultra Marathon this past Saturday (13 April), Stephen Mokoka …
Capetonians support CANSA when you #RunYourCity this Mother’s Day
When registering online for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K (taking place on Sunday 12 May 2024), participants, whether they’re running or walking, can support the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) by making an immediate donation towards this meaningful cause. A non-profit leader in the fight against cancer since 1931, CANSA enables …
SA ranks top three for fiscal transparency
SA ranks top three for fiscal transparency
National Treasury has welcomed South Africa’s ranking by the International Monetary Fund’s Fiscal Transparency Evaluation Report of being among the top three countries worldwide for fiscal transparency.
According to the International Budget Partnership, South Africa has a strong record of fiscal transparency and consistently ranks among the top three countries worldwide for transparency.
“A predictable and transparent fiscal policy underpins macroeconomic stability. The IMF’s Fiscal Transparency Evaluation Report notes a strong performance in fiscal reporting and budget transparency,” National Treasury said on Tuesday.
The report also suggested improvements in three areas, which include:
- Fiscal reporting: Expand and align fiscal reporting to international best practice by including other spheres of the public sector, strengthening tax expenditure disclosure, and improving adherence to audit timelines for published financial statements;
- Forecasting and budgeting: Implement precise, time-bound and stable fiscal rules, and
- Fiscal risk analysis: Enhance analysis of risks in the fiscal risk statement, publish public-private partnership financial data regularly, consolidate transfers to state owned companies to show fiscal impact and set limits on government guarantees.
“Work is underway on all these areas. Government is committed to addressing these areas to enhance fiscal credibility and ensure continued transparency and accountability in the management of public finances,” National Treasury said.
The full report can be accessed from the IMF website on: https://bit.ly/4arlhux. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:11
596 views
Elections 2024: What the major political parties say about a sugar tax
We sent questions to the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, PA, MK Party and RISE Mzansi
Electricity Minister to visit Northern Cape
Electricity Minister to visit Northern Cape
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to undertake an outreach programme with business stakeholders in the Northern Cape.
The programme is expected to be held on Thursday and Friday.
“The programme seeks to forge partnerships between all spheres of government and organised business/industrialists to achieve the Energy Action Plan’s [EAP] target of ending load shedding and creating energy security.
“The programme focuses on localised solutions to energy supply to protect local economies and save jobs and livelihoods,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Minister will be joined by Premier Zamani Saul with the support of provincial and local government.
“On Thursday, the Minister…will be part of marking the reaching of commercial operation of one of the largest hybrid solar and energy battery storage facilities, Scatec ASA. Scatec has now officially commenced producing and supplying electricity to the national grid from their three Kenhardt plants in the Northern Cape.
“With an installed solar capacity of 540 MW and a battery storage capacity of 225MW/ 1140MWh, this innovative and large-scale project delivers 150 MW of dispatchable power to the grid.
“This milestone is in fulfilment of the EAP’s pillars of enabling private investment in generation and fast tracking the procurement of new generation from renewable energy sources, as part of South Africa’s energy mix,” the Ministry said.
The programme will conclude on Friday with an engagement with business representatives in the province to be held in Upington. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 10:54
821 views
IEC ready to print ballot papers for 2024 elections
IEC ready to print ballot papers for 2024 elections
With the finalisation of the list of candidates contesting seats in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024), the Electoral Commission (IEC) can now go ahead with the printing of ballot papers for the elections.
"The 27.79 million registered voters will receive three ballot papers to elect candidates to represent them in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures,” IEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sy Mamabolo said on Tuesday in Centurion.
Addressing a media briefing, Mamabolo said the use of the three ballots follows the amendment of the Electoral Act, which was signed into law in April 2023.
“This amendment revised the electoral system to allow independent candidates to contest in the regional (province-to-national) tier of the National Assembly and the Provincial Legislatures. Although the phenomenon of three ballots will be familiar to voters in various local municipalities, it will be new to voters in metropolitan areas and for the first time in general elections for national and provinces.
“There are a total of 400 contested seats in the National Assembly. The proportional representation compensatory 200 seats will be contested by political parties only and there is a dedicated ballot paper for this tier of the National Assembly.
“The remaining regional or province-to-national 200 seats will be contested by independent candidates and political parties. This tier of the National Assembly will also have a dedicated ballot paper,” he said.
This means that National Assembly elections will be based on two ballot papers – a national ballot and the newly introduced regional or province-to-national ballot.
“Therefore, in respect of the elections of the National Assembly, voters may elect a preferred party on the national ballot and elect another preferred party or independent on the regional ballot. However, in respect of provincial elections, voters will elect a preferred party or independent candidate on a single provincial ballot,” the CEO said.
Mamabolo explained how the three ballot papers would work.
WATCH |
The National Ballot will consist of a list of political parties vying for seats for 200 seats in the National Assembly.
“This ballot will be used to vote for political parties. There are currently 52 parties who will be on this ballot and the configuration will be a dual column. The Regional or Province-to-National Ballots will have political parties and independent candidates contesting for the seats reserved for each province in the National Assembly.
“Voters will use this ballot to elect a political party or an independent candidate to represent them in the National Assembly. The number of contestants range from 30 to 44 on regional ballots. The configuration of this ballot is single column,” he said.
The Provincial Ballots are unique to each province and include parties and independent candidates competing for seats in each respective provincial legislature.
“This ballot will allow voters to choose either a political party or an independent candidate to represent them in provincial legislatures. The number of contestants range from 24 to 45 on the provincial legislatures ballots,” the CEO said.
The Commission has decided that the design of the ballot papers will be underpinned by the following identifiers:
- Full registered name of the party.
- The photograph of the registered party leader.
- Registered abbreviated name of the party.
- The registered emblem or symbol of the party.
In respect of independent candidates, the ballot papers will have:
- The name of the independent;
- The photograph bearing the face of the independent and
- The word “INDEPENDENT.”
The Commission has urged voters to carefully review and mark each of these three ballot papers before depositing them into the ballot box.
“Our appeal to voters is to remember that they can only put one mark on each ballot, more than one mark will result in a spoiled ballot and will not [count]. The Universal Ballot Template (UBT), whose dimensions are benchmarked against the longest ballot paper, is in production and will be available in all voting stations.
“The UBT can be used by blind and partially sighted people, low-vision users, people who are dyslexic, and people with motor and neuron conditions which do not allow for a steady hand,” Mamabolo said.
Voters have been reminded that they may only vote at a voting station at which they are registered.
“Voters who will inevitably be away from their voting districts on Election Day, 29 May 2024, may give a Section 24A notice of their intention to vote at another identified voting station by no later than 17 May 2024,” the CEO said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 12:11
583 views
Mashatile calls on traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections
Mashatile calls on traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged traditional leaders to encourage eligible voters to participate in the May 29 elections, and ensure they are free and fair.
“We will, as a nation, hold the seventh democratic National and Provincial Elections. In this context, traditional leaders should continue to encourage all eligible voters to participate in the elections,” he said on Tuesday.
The Deputy President, as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, delivered a keynote address during a dialogue convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in Pretoria.
“We urge traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections and ensure that all voters exercise their democratic right — a right that was hard fought for and must never be taken for granted.”
He also took the time to urge rural leaders to work with the government to address the killings of traditional leaders.
“As an institution located in rural areas, it is important that we collaborate to identify obstacles that are hampering community development, such as the killing of traditional leaders, especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
“We encourage amakhosi and izinduna to continue working closely with the government to address this challenge effectively.”
The Deputy President condemned acts of violence and urged the community to serve as government’s eyes and ears by reporting those who conspire or have committed such crimes to the appropriate authorities.
“Our law enforcement agencies are also working hard to hold those responsible to account.”
Land
The country's second-in-command acknowledged the urgent need for the State to expedite its rural development efforts, particularly through the implementation of the InvestRural Master Plan.
The InvestRural initiative enables rural communities to unlock their potential and improve their livelihoods.
“Investing in local economies and land ownership is still critical for rural communities’ development.”
He recognised that land tenure and administration are contentious issues and government will work hard to transfer land ownership to its legitimate owners and sustain rural communities.
“Government has also undertaken to divest itself of the communal land it holds in trust for communities.”
The Deputy President assured leaders that government was prioritising land access for rural development and economic transformation.
“We are finalising the Draft Communal Land Bill and Policy, with consultations underway to solicit input from various sectors, including traditional leaders.”
The documents, according to the Deputy President, will be processed through government structures and the Cabinet for public comments during the 2024/25 financial year.
“We are confident that the Draft Communal Land Rights Bill will facilitate the transfer of government-held communal land to communities. It will also allow for communal land registration and dispute resolution mechanisms.”
He believes that it wais important to optimally utilise the land.
“If we can till the land, the people can fight hunger and poverty through small-scale farming or agricultural start-ups.”
Social issues
During the meeting,Mashatile offered to work with leaders to tackle pressing issues such as substance abuse, crime, and gender-based violence.
“GBVF has a negative impact on socio-economic conditions, particularly for women and girls. Therefore, ending this scourge is urgent and critical for our nation's development.
“You must never allow anyone to act violently and abusively against their partners in the name of culture. Together, we must stand firm and say no to all forms of abuse and violence.”
He also touched on the prevalence of HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), particularly among adolescent girls and young women.
“As part of our prevention efforts, we must continue to communicate good and compelling messages to young people about delaying the commencement of sexual interactions as much as possible, and when they do begin, having sexually safe relationships and living healthy lifestyles.”
He also encouraged local Houses of traditional leaders to establish relationships with community organisations to fight the scourge of drugs.
The Deputy President also took the time to congratulate Kgosi Seatlholo, Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, on his recent election as Interim Chairperson of the Southern Africa Network of Traditional Leaders in Drug Demand Reduction.
“The establishment of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders serves as evidence of the government’s dedication to recognising and valuing the viewpoints and contributions of our traditional leaders.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:10
201 views
N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony
N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony
North West Acting Premier Nono Maloyi will lead a sod-turning ceremony on Thursday to mark the official launch of the Mahikeng Student City.
This initiative aims to alleviate the urgent need for student housing in the provincial capital.
The Student City project is a 10 000-bed facility, with provisions for modern amenities such as a fitness centre and health and retail facilities.
In addition, the project is expected to generate 10 000 job opportunities, both short- and long-term.
“This project forms part of ongoing efforts by government to create various socio-economic opportunities for locals and bolster infrastructure development in the province,” the statement read.
The official sod-turning ceremony, which be attended by officials and media, will be at Mmabatho Stadium. There will also be a prayer session led by pastors from various denominations. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:22
145 views
African Oystercatcher bucks the trend in crashing bird populations
Haematopus moquini has gone from “Near Threatened” to “Least Concern” on the Red Data List
Update on Presidential eThekwini Working Group
Update on Presidential eThekwini Working Group
The Presidency has provided an update on the work of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group.
The group was announced following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the area earlier this year and is aimed at improving service delivery, improving business confidence, and repositioning eThekwini as an investment and tourism hotspot.
READ | Presidential Working Group to accelerate resolution of issues impacting eThekwini
It is co-chaired by the Director-General in the Presidency and Secretary of Cabinet, Phindile Baleni, and former KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Economic Development and Tourism, Mike Mabuyakhulu.
“On the 8th of April 2024, Director-General Phindile Baleni and Mike Mabuyakhulu led a series of follow-up engagements with the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, organised labour in eThekwini, and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the Working Group’s eight priority focal areas.
“The focal areas are the outcome of a deliberate consultation process within government and with social partners in eThekwini. The municipality, organised labour, and the business community expressed their commitment to leverage their expertise to support turnaround strategies across the identified focal areas.
“The Working Group represents an intergovernmental collaborative approach to addressing challenges in local government and will include active participation from all levels of government, the private sector, state owned enterprises, organised labour, and civil society,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The group’s focal areas are:
- Governance and financial sustainability
- Water and sanitation
- Safety and security
- Tourism revitalisation
- Roads, bridges, and transport
- Human settlements
- Disaster response
- Communication and stakeholder management.
The statement said the intervention is expected to last some 24 months.
“The Presidential eThekwini Working Group will be responsible for reporting progress on the implementation of turnaround strategies to the President and Minsters every three weeks. The intervention will last 24 months and focus on both short-term and long-term interventions.
“The learnings and outcomes of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group will inform similar interventions in other municipalities facing service delivery challenges,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:25
183 views
Daybreak Management Announces Company Name Change to Daybreak Foods
[Johannesburg, 15 April 2024] – Daybreak Management is pleased to announce the successful registration of its company name change with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission. Formerly known as Afgri Poultry Proprietary Limited (trading as Daybreak Farms), the company will now operate under the new name “Daybreak Foods Proprietary Limited.” The decision to change the …
Deadline for Budget Facility for Infrastructure submissions extended
Deadline for Budget Facility for Infrastructure submissions extended
The deadline for submissions of proposals to the Budget Facility for Infrastructure has been extended to 17 May 2024.
This, according to National Treasury, is in a bid to add more time for project sponsors to package and submit their proposals.
“The department earlier published a call for proposals for consideration by the Budget Facility for Infrastructure [BFI]. The BFI is a reform established in 2016 to support the execution of priority infrastructure projects and programmes through a more rigorous planning, appraisal, and selection process.
“This call for proposals was announced by the Minister of Finance [Enoch Godongwana] during the 2024 Budget Speech. The National Treasury intends to utilise this BFI Window to develop a pipeline of projects and programmes to test alternative financing and funding models,” Treasury said.
Public institutions, including national, provincial, municipal and public entities are qualified to submit proposals with projects and programmes set to form part of the pipeline.
“The primary purpose of this BFI Special Window is to close funding gaps and provide viability gap funding for projects and programmes that will leverage private sector financing and technical assistance.
“The call for proposals is open to projects and programmes that are undertaken under alternative financing and delivery mechanisms and private sector participation frameworks such as public-private partnership and concessions,” Treasury said.
Further information and guidelines can be accessed at https://bit.ly/3U1dnB3. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:37
111 views
No shelter for homeless dog owners
Except perhaps for a farm in the Karoo
Johannesburg precinct sets standards for sustainability
As South Africa migrates to an off-grid economy, one mixed-use precinct is leading the way with its sustainability prowess. Melrose Arch (www.MelroseArch.co.za/) has a thriving waste separating facility, underground cooling plant, gardens and rooftop solar system, providing its hotels, businesses and residential properties with an unparalleled experience.
After blasting and bulk earthworks commenced in the year 1998, Melrose Arch opened with a limited upmarket facility, with phase 1 consisting of only 11 buildings in 2001. It was constructed on a super basement that connects all areas of the precinct and remains the only one of this kind in the country. Parking cars in the basement reduces traffic congestion, and assists in reducing ambient air pollution above ground. Therefore, walking on street level is safe and pleasurable.
Renowned for its upmarket appeal and European street style aesthetic, Melrose Arch's streets are lined with greenery. The precinct has over 700 trees planted within its border, as well as five internal garden spaces creating green lungs for residents and tenants to enjoy.
Melrose Arch has since expanded to house 106 000m² office space, 39 000m² retail space, 17 000m² hotel space, 29 000m² of residential and conferencing space, and 8600m² accommodating health clubs. The integration of sustainability operations has expanded parallel to the 199 600m², with the result of seamless integration.
Eco Centre, Waste Separating Facility
Melrose Arch's waste separating facility, that operates 24/7 separates paper, cardboard, metals, plastics and glass, and sends these for recycling. At the property's approximately 30 restaurants, cafés and bars on the precinct, food waste is separated at source i.e., in the restaurant kitchens.
The food waste recycling works by implementing efficient waste separation methods and commitment, allowing each restaurant to divert food waste from traditional waste streams. By separating the food waste at source, restaurants assist in thorough recycling and processing, transforming waste into valuable resources such as compost.
The food waste is taken offsite and directly to the Urban Farms Recycling Centre, where it is converted into organic fertiliser. This organisation's vermiculture facility in Modderfontein is the largest of its kind in South Africa. After the majority of the waste is recycled, the balance goes to a landfill, where the eco center aims to minimise the amount each day.
In February 2024, of the 92.578 tons of waste collected across the precinct, 88% was recycled. A total of 77,303.58m³ CO2, 712,447.19L of water and 312,494.50 kWh energy was saved. Additionally, the eco center creates employment and enhances community participation in climate-relevant mitigation and adaptation measures.
Melrose Arch Cooling Plant
The provision of efficient indoor climate and comfort, particularly in the offices and commercial buildings, has been prioritised since the inception of Melrose Arch's development. The precinct boasts its own 1,471m² district underground cooling plant, that operates 24/7. This remarkable facility includes 8 chillers that are 2722.94kW in size, 12 cooling towers and 5 building water pumps.
Operated by a Building Management System, the plant is energy efficient. The cooling is centrally produced and distributes cold water to each building through a closed distribution network. Environmentally-friendly and economically savvy, this center helps to regulate the temperature inside buildings across the entire precinct.
The cooling plant's machinery and equipment have a nameplate capacity of 4,324.74KW, but for safety, are never operated at full capacity. The kVA demand for the plant during the summer months is set at 8.5kVA, which means that the plant regulates itself depending on demand, but it will limit itself to 8.5kVA. The average monthly kWh consumption for the plant is 494,914.08kWh.
Intricate Solar System
The Melrose Arch precinct's rooftop solar system is intricately accommodated across 16 different roof surfaces, and every building under the precinct's joint venture agreement that can host solar panels does. Currently featuring 7,811 solar panels and multiple inverters, generating approximately 3.2MW of clean energy annually, the grid-tied system integrates with multiple generators during load-shedding.
Some of the commercial operators on the property such as the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch operate their own solar systems, providing further sustainability. “We are committed to a target of 30% renewable energy across all of our properties by 2025, and becoming net zero for carbon emissions by 2050,” said Richard Collins, Area Vice President: Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriot International.
Melrose Arch is investigating the expansion of its current solar capacity, looking to increase its clean energy supply by a further 3MW per annum. Melrose Arch is also investigating a battery plant solution, tied into its own grid, to be powered by the solar plant, which will provide the precinct with up to 4 hours of standby energy in the event of outages.
Back up water
Melrose Arch has two sources of underground water. Through its water treatment plant, water is filtered and cleansed before being converted to potable water. This water is channeled to Melrose Arch's standby tanks, which are in place to enable the precinct to continue to enjoy water when there are interruptions to the local supply.
This system keeps the precinct's gardens green throughout the year and ensures that less water is wasted. Last year alone, the precinct saved 3,500,000 litres of water in this way. Furthermore, Melrose Arch/the precinct has a water back-up system with sufficient supply to keep operations flowing for up to 72 hours at any given time.
“Melrose Arch's prominence in the commercial and residential sector is underpinned by its robust operational sustainability integration that includes solar power, waste separation, a cooling plant, water backup and more,” says Reiner Henschel, Operations Director at Melrose Arch. “However, our commitment doesn't end there. We are resolute in continually integrating sustainability into our operations, ensuring that the precinct maintains its position as a leader in environmental responsibility in South Africa,” he concluded.
For further details on Melrose Arch, visit https://MelroseArch.co.za/
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Melrose Arch.
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RecoMed and Bankmed Bring e-Pharmacy Accessibility to South African Members
The e-Pharmacy service provided by RecoMed and Bankmed reimagines access to medication for patients across South Africa. • Bankmed’s e-Pharmacy solution, e-Pharm, developed in collaboration with RecoMed is integrated with a nationwide pharmacy network for quick and easy script filling and delivery. • Deliveries are next-day and co-payments are managed by a mobile point-of-sale machine. …
Don’t miss your chance to enter the 1 Mile leg of the 2024 Oceans 8 Charity Swim
Swimmers keen to compete in an achievable, open water competition – while raising much-needed funds for charity – can book a spot on the 1 Mile event of this year’s Oceans 8 Charity Swim along Durban’s shores. Taking place on Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16 June from the Durban Undersea Club, the 1 Mile swim …