MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
New Styler Features a Handheld, High-Pressure Steamer, the Dynamic Moving Hanger, and the Dual TrueSteam Technology LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its advanced, new LG Styler clothing care solution at CES 2024. Incorporating a handheld, high-pressure steamer, the Dynamic Moving Hanger™ and Dual TrueSteam™ technology, the latest Styler delivers faster and more effective clothes-refreshing cycles with …
Lead generation, one of the most sought-after skills in marketing, is in demand more as we move into 2024. The buyer’s journey is evolving with greater access to information and options, leading to increased demands for personalised and relevant experiences. This shift makes it tougher for businesses to attract and retain buyer interest and trust. …
DPWI Minister to assess two schools in uMlalazi local municipality
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala is to visit two schools under the Umlalazi Local Municipality on Thursday to assess school functionality and engage with communities on the impact of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The schools are Isandlwana Technical High School and Umbambiswano High School.
During the visit, the Minister will be accompanied by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi and Public Works and Human Settlements MEC, Sipho Nkosi.
The visit will be followed by a community engagement session to be held at eSikhawini TVET College in Richards Bay.
“The session will focus on the impact of the EPWP on job creation, poverty alleviation and community development in the King Cetshwayo District,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/17/2024 - 13:37
Company’s Game-changing Innovation Leverages the Latest AI, Autonomous Mobility Technology and Conversation Services for a Smarter Life at Home LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its innovative smart home Artificial Intelligence (AI) agent at CES 2024. LG’s smart home AI agent boasts robotic, AI and multi-modal technologies that enable it to move, learn, comprehend and engage in …
President Ramaphosa to launch Northern Cape housing project
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to launch a housing project in the Northern Cape on Thursday which, when complete, is expected to deliver more than 4 000 housing units.
According to the Presidency, the project is expected to deliver some 4 168 houses, with at least 2 500 of those homes to be completed within the next year.
“Working with National Treasury, the Northern Cape Provincial Government has sought a R600 million loan from the Development Bank of South Africa to supplement its baseline grant allocation for housing.
“The housing units established in this project will address the pressing need for housing opportunities in the province, where approximately 162 informal settlements and nearly 80 000 households lack adequate housing.
“Presently, 18 000 serviced stands across the province are prepared for the construction of housing structures,” the Presidency said.
President Ramaphosa is expected to perform a sod-turning ceremony at a site.
“This location will host fully subsidised houses and diverse housing opportunities, including First Home Finance and social housing,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/17/2024 - 13:31
2024 UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor Lineup Introduces Pixel Sound Technology, Delivering Clear, Cinematic Audio That Brings a New Dimension to Gaming LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its latest lineup of UltraGear™ OLED gaming monitors, designed to provide superior gaming experiences. The expanded lineup includes the highly anticipated 32-inch 4K gaming monitor (model 32GS95UE), which boasts a …
Matric 2023 learners can access results on Matric Results Online System
The Gauteng Department of e-Government has urged learners who wrote their matric exams last year to use the Matric Results Online System to access their results.
The matric results for the National Senior Certificate exams are expected to be released on Friday, 19 January, while the ministerial announcement on the results will be made on Thursday, 18 January.
The Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, e-Government, Research and Development, Mzi Khumalo, said the system empowers learners.
“The Matric Results Online System is a testament to our commitment to harnessing the power of technology to enhance our education system. We believe in this case that technology not only facilitates access to information but also empowers learners to make informed decisions about the success of their education.
“This initiative aligns with our broader vision of creating a transparent and accessible education system. By providing instant access to matriculation results, we are fostering a culture of openness and accountability within our education sector,” Khumalo said.
The department explained that the digital platform provides “easy access to matriculation examination results for learners, parents, and educators alike”.
The platform can be accessed at https://results.gauteng.gov.za/.
“The Matric Results Online System is a user-friendly platform that allows learners to conveniently access their matric results on their smartphones or other digital devices as soon as the results are out.
“It is a safe platform to use and also offers insightful data analytics, allowing learners to track their performance trends over multiple examinations.
“Parents and guardians can also utilise the app to access their children's results, fostering a more collaborative and supportive approach to education. Additionally, educators can use the platform to gain valuable insights into the performance of their learners, enabling them to tailor teaching strategies to address specific needs,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/17/2024 - 11:47
As we head into 2024, the renewable energy sector is set to see innovation that will transform the way energy is accessed, stored and deployed across Africa. Paul van Zijl, Group CEO at Starsight Energy (https://StarsightEnergy.com/), discusses 4 key trends that he thinks will profoundly shape the industry over the next year.
Batteries will provide benefits far beyond backup for behind-the-meter projects
One of the most significant shifts in solar technology revolves around the integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS) – especially for behind-the-meter solar (also known as onsite solar). Traditionally, batteries were seen primarily as backup storage when paired with a solar system, ensuring a steady power supply during cloudy days, nighttime or when the grid is unavailable. However, in 2024, the focus is vastly shifting towards load management, where batteries play a dynamic role in optimising energy consumption.
As the trend for the deployment of batteries across the continent grows, cutting-edge management systems will become a key part of solar installations with an integrated battery component. These systems use advanced algorithms to predict energy demand patterns. This allows for the strategic use of battery storage – discharging it during expensive peak times and charging it using solar energy or the grid during off-peak – to reduce the costly demand charges that come with variable tariff structures. Along with enhancing the efficiency of solar systems, integrated battery storage solutions can also contribute to grid stability by reducing strain during high-demand periods.
When it comes to front-of-the-meter (or offsite) storage, BESS is also set to play a bigger role in the deployment of utility-scale renewable energy technology like wheeling - where power is generated at an offsite location (like a solar or wind farm) and transported using the available power network to different off-takers.
In South Africa for example, the national energy provider Eskom announced the deployment of around 343 MW in BESS projects as part of an overall 500 MW BESS initiative aimed at addressing the country's long-running electricity crisis. The systems will be in remote areas (with limited access to Eskom's network) but still close to renewable energy plants built by independent power producers (IPPs).
This collaboration between the public and private sectors supports more widespread deployment of utility-scale power and the adoption of renewable energy projects. By adding battery storage components to the national grid, businesses and consumers can gain quicker access to reliable electricity while the power utility can address peak energy demands more easily. This also ensures that the increasing amount of power generated from utility-scale solar projects can be stored and consumed outside of daylight hours to avoid stranded grid capacity.
Data, banking and tourism: The rise of sustainable off-grid solar solutions
Off-grid renewable energy solutions, including stand-alone systems and mini-grids, offer a unique opportunity to expand modern energy access services. The distributed nature of these systems allows them to be tailored to local conditions, tap into available renewable resources, deliver diverse energy services, and utilise local capacity to ensure long-term sustainability.
We will see a rise in these solutions as more and more commercial and industrial businesses realise the value of effectively moving off-grid. This will be prevalent in three industries:
Data centres: Africa is a global hub for data centres. According to research from African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), there is around 250 MW of installed data centre capacity across Africa – with the demand for centres in Africa expected to exceed supply by 300% by 2030. These powerhouses of technology rely heavily on a steady and safe electricity supply. From operating to maintaining their vast cooling systems, large data centres simply can't afford the risk of a grid collapse or any possible power interruptions. Power autonomy is the name of the game here, making battery storage a necessity from the get-go.
Banking: While the prevalence of mobile financial services continues to soar on the continent, there is still a tangible need for brick-and-mortar banks and ATMs in countries where access to these services remains essential. These sites need to remain operational should there be any sort of grid collapse or catastrophic power failures - making an off-grid solution a non-negotiable component of the future of banking in Africa.
Tourism: With the rise of conscious consumerism and eco-tourism, sustainability is fast becoming the differentiating factor for discerning travellers choosing their next holiday destination. Luxury lodges in popular destinations in East and Southern Africa are fast moving towards fully off-grid solar battery operations to offer their guests uninterrupted access to power while boosting the lodge's green credentials in the process.
As more and more businesses become aware of the benefits of off-grid solar, it is likely that we will see an even greater adoption of this technology in the coming year.
Seamless access to renewables through a reimagined aggregation model
We will certainly see a shift towards aggregated solutions, wherein energy providers will consolidate diverse technologies and services into comprehensive packages in 2024. This trend is driven by the recognition that a holistic approach to energy solutions is not only more convenient for consumers but also more effective in optimising energy production and consumption.
This can be done in several ways. For example, trading of electricity in South Africa allows a service provider of solar energy to buy and sell, excess wind energy without having to invest substantial capital expenditure amounts. Similarly, instead of having gas-powered energy compete with renewable energy, the aggregation model will also allow providers of such services to aggregate their energy solutions and provide the client with a holistic offering. The goal is to provide consumers with a seamless and integrated final product that maximises the benefits of renewable energy across various aspects of their daily lives. The real value for customers lies in a collaboration of providers who can meet their specific needs and power the entire energy lifecycle.
Tackling complexities through an increasingly consolidated sector
As the solar industry matures, a trend towards consolidation will become increasingly evident in 2024. Larger energy companies will consider merging or acquiring smaller players, creating more robust and diversified entities. This consolidation is driven by the desire to achieve economies of scale, increase market share, and foster innovation by pooling resources and expertise.
Consolidation in the industry is not limited to manufacturers but extends to service providers, research and development firms, and energy management companies. By joining forces, these entities can tackle the complexities of the evolving energy landscape more effectively, driving down costs and accelerating the adoption of alternative energies across the continent.
This trend is fostering the emergence of holistic service providers capable of providing end-to-end solutions that address the diverse needs of businesses, consumers and communities. Our recent market-milestone merger between Starsight Energy (https://StarsightEnergy.com/) and SolarAfrica (https://SolarAfrica.com/) is a case in point. Customers in Eastern, Southern and Western Africa can access our comprehensive mix of cost-effective solutions that provide power security and carbon reduction. These include solar energy, battery storage, wheeling, and energy management, among others.
The future is bright. If 2023 was anything to go by in terms of transformation for the energy sector, 2024 will be marked by accelerated innovation and a collective commitment to harnessing the full potential of renewable energy that holds the promise of a more resilient, more sustainable, and more tightly connected energy future for Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Starsight Energy.
Presenting Impressive Image Quality, Access to Entertainment and Productivity Apps via webOS even without having to connect to a PC LG Electronics’ (LG) new lineup of ‘LG MyView’ smart monitors was revealed at CES 2024. Designed for productivity and entertainment, each monitor comes with the acclaimed webOS platform and offers a variety of user-friendly features …
Msunduzi Municipality blames ageing infrastructure, improper waste disposal, and illegal connections
Alleged fraudster appears in court
Nhlanhla Sizani (24) has appeared briefly before the Pretoria Magistrates Court on charges of fraud, alternative forgery and uttering after he was issued with a summons on 12 December 2023.
It is reported that during the 2021 Local Government Elections (LGE), Sizani submitted a fraudulent letter with the United Nations (UN) insignia, requesting South African Police Service (SAPS) escort to polling stations for the duration of the elections.
Sizani is said to have misrepresented himself as a United Nations (UN) Ambassador/Diplomat and thus was escorted by SAPS Diplomatic Police Unit to various polling stations as an observer.
Through an investigation by the Hawks' Crime against the State within Serious Organised Crime Investigation, the UN confirmed that Sizani was not an Ambassador/Diplomat (observer) and the request for escort was not requested by them.
SAPS suffered financial loss as a result of the misrepresentation.
The case was postponed to 23 January 2024 for the accused to obtain legal representation. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/17/2024 - 11:06
Coming to Earlier LG Smart TV Models, webOS Re:New Program Gives More Users Access to the Elevated Home Entertainment Experience Most Recent Platform Provides LG Electronics (LG) announced that it is offering the latest upgrade* of the webOS smart TV platform to owners of older LG Smart TVs, effectively evolving their smart TV into the …
Company Outlines Direction and “Break Through Limits” Management Policy During Press Conference in Las Vegas LG Electronics’ (LG) CEO William Cho and key company executives introduced the strategies LG is implementing to achieve its ‘Future Vision 2030’ goal, during a press conference held for Korean media in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A., on January 10. The …
With Immersive Sound, Versatile LG TV Integration and Enhanced Features, LG Provides Elevated Audio Experience With Their Latest Soundbars LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its 2024 soundbar lineup, including the S95TR, SG10TY and S70TY models. Crafted to seamlessly complement LG TVs, these soundbars promise an elevated home cinema experience through their robust sound quality, well-rounded features …
22-year-old rising star Hermann sparkles with maiden T20 hundred Tuesday, 16 January 2024: From the inaugural Betway SA20 season, it...
SASSA says the SRD grant has placed a massive burden on the agency and plans to implement new software to help prevent fraud
Load shedding downgraded to Stage 2
Eskom has announced that it will implement Stage 2 load shedding – down from Stage 3 – until 4pm on Wednesday.
The power utility explained that lower demand and improved generating capacity contributed to the downgrading of the severity of load shedding.
“Eskom Power Station General Managers and their teams’ efforts in returning units to service over the past weekend resulted in the improvement in generation capacity. This, combined with the slightly lower than anticipated electricity demand, allowed load shedding to be suspended at 9:35pm on Sunday night until 5am on Monday.
“The sustained improvement in generation capacity and the anticipated lower demand also necessitated the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding at midday [on Monday] until 4pm on Wednesday. A further update will be provided on Wednesday afternoon. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes should it be required,” an Eskom statement read.
As of Monday, unplanned outages stood at some 13 449MW with a further 8 383MW unavailable due to maintenance.
“Eskom Power Station General Managers and their teams will continue to work diligently to ensure that the 739MW of generating capacity is returned to service [Monday] evening, as planned.
“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 17:00 to 21:00, 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
NeoB
Tue, 01/16/2024 - 09:13
N2 closed between Izingolweni and Harding
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has warned motorists that the N2 between Izingolweni and Harding has been closed due to a part of the road being damaged by heavy rainfalls.
“The closure of this part of the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal is necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of roadusers as that is our top priority,” said Samantha Dladla, SANRAL’s Project Manager responsible for Routine Road Maintenance in the Eastern Region.
As a result of the closure, motorists are advised to use the alternative route via the P58 road between Booker and Harding. The route has been identified as the most suitable detour.
Furthermore, heavy vehicles are specifically urged to seek alternative routes via Umzimkulu, Ixopo, and Bizana.
These routes have been deemed more suitable for heavy motor vehicles and will help prevent congestion, potential delays and related risks.
“SANRAL is currently assessing the extent of the damage and will be working around the clock to repair the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Updates on the progress of repairs will be provided to the public in due course,” Dladla said.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and to follow all detour signs and instructions provided by traffic officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 01/16/2024 - 14:30
GCIS mourns passing of Octavia Hlungwani
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has expressed its condolences to the friends and family of former Association of Independent Publishers Board member, Octavia Hlungwani.
According to the statement released on Tuesday Hlungwani passed away on Wednesday, 10 January 2023, after a short illness.
At the time of her passing, she was also the publisher of a monthly newspaper, Phofula Golden Highway Voice.
“The GCIS enjoyed a close working relationship with Octavia both in her capacity as the Association of Independent Publishers Board member and as a community media journalist.”
The GCIS described her as a leader who was “progressive” in her thinking as a journalist and always appreciated the collaborative relationship between the media and government.
“Her passion for the print media sector was immediately noticeable in all her interactions with the GCIS officials. She leaves an indelible mark in the community media sector and may her soul rest in peace.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 01/16/2024 - 14:41
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has urged citizens to be vigilant and maintain personal hygiene as the country has recorded two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera in Limpopo.
According to the Department of Health, both cases are imported from Zimbabwe.
The first case was confirmed in the Musina sub-district in the Vhembe District after a 43-year-old male patient tested positive and has since been discharged from Musina Hospital.
“The second case is a 27-year-old man, also from Zimbabwe, who presented at Helene Franz Hospital under Capricorn District Municipality, with a history of abdominal cramps, watery diarrhoea and vomiting that started on 11 January 2024,” the department explained.
The department said this particular patient travelled to Zimbabwe on 9 December 2023 and returned to South Africa on 10 January 2024.
According to the statement, the patient's health condition is stable and they are currently in isolation at the hospital.
“His contacts were identified, and the local outbreak response team has been activated to conduct further investigations and provide health education to contacts.”
The department said the country remains on high alert for possible imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe, which is currently battling the outbreak of the disease, which so far claimed over 200 lives.
The department, in collaboration with the Border Management Authority (BMA), has since intensified health screening at the Beitbridge border post to mitigate the imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe.
The Deputy Minister has since thanked suspected cholera patients for being honest with their travel history and fully cooperating with health officials.
He appealed to all those with a travel history to cholera outbreak areas to do the same to save lives and prevent further transmission to other people.
“We say to all travellers along N1 from Musina and other parts of the country, please avoid using known or suspected contaminated surfaces, especially in public places and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection,” said Dhlomo.
All people who experience cholera-like symptoms, with or without travel history to cholera endemic countries and areas, are also encouraged to present themselves to the nearest health facilities without delay.
The symptoms to look out for include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, dehydration and vomiting.
The department has advised people to never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams or streams unless boiled or disinfected first.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Government Communication and Information System.
“My daughter was a year old when I last saw water coming out of our taps. She will be 14 next month,” says frustrated Bester resident
DMRE to hold renewable energy bidders' conference
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is expected to hold three virtual bidders’ conferences in respect of the recently released bid windows under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).
The three bid windows are REIPPPP Bid Window 7; Battery Energy Storage Capacity IPP Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) Bid Window 2; and gas to power IPPPP Bid Window 1, and the call for the procurement of:
“In support of this significant milestone in the IPP Programme, and to engage with potential bidders and other energy sector stakeholders, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, and the Independent Power Producers' Office, will host three virtual Bidders’ Conferences on Wednesday, 17 January 2024 and Thursday, 18 January 2024.
“The conferences will allow all stakeholders to engage with members of the DMRE and IPP Office on queries or clarification questions in relation to the released RFPs,” the department said.
The virtual conferences will be held as follows:
The department said registered participants will have access to recordings of the proceedings and presentations.
The REIPPP is aimed at bringing additional megawatts onto the country’s electricity system through private sector investment. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/16/2024 - 10:10
Structural reforms remain key for SA economy
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to engaging in structural reforms that will foster an environment fertile to economic growth and competitiveness.
The Minister was speaking during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting held in Davos, Switzerland.
Godongwana is leading the South African delegation to the critical meeting.
Structural reforms in South Africa are targeted at – among other things – electricity, infrastructure, water and logistics, and are driven by Operation Vulindlela.
Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery. It aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport and digital communications.
The objectives of the reforms are aimed at:
“There are a number of things we are doing to deal with structural reforms. One of the perennial problems we’ve had has been on the energy front. Massive structural reforms… are dealing with that question.
“A new challenge has been the logistics sector, where we are investing a lot in it. We have been trying to change the skills composition to the extent that we don’t have and we have provided an environment where we can import skills with ease.
“So there are lot of structural reforms that we have engaged in in order to make sure that we can grow the economy and be competitive,” Godongwana told the panel.
Historical commitment
During the pre-WEF media breakfast briefing held last week, Godongwana emphasised that structural reforms remain crucial.
“Structural reforms remain crucial to revive medium-term growth prospects amid a constrained policy space. We remain steadfast in carrying out structural reforms to support and accelerate economic recovery.
“As government, we remain resolved to deal with the energy and logistics challenges that are adversely impacting our economy,” he said.
In his Medium Term Budget Policy Statement delivered in November last year, Godongwana presented the reforms specifically targeted at Eskom and Transnet.
On Transnet, he said: “Rail underperformance is estimated to have cost up to 5% of GDP in 2022, with losses in the region of R50 billion in the minerals sector alone.
“Given the scale of the challenges, the National Logistics Crisis Committee was instituted to broaden reforms in the sector and prioritise reforms aimed at resolving the immediate crisis, while also addressing the structural aspects hampering the sector.”
On electricity, Godongwana said: “[We] recognise the potential loss of revenue due to private electricity generation, and the fact that traditional revenue models relied on by public entities like Eskom, face serious disruption.
“It is for these reasons that our electricity reforms are holistic, evidenced-based, and geared to find a balanced solution to our electricity supply challenges. They take into account not just a particular entity but the transformation of the sector as a whole.” – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/16/2024 - 12:18
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo urges members of the public to be vigilant and maintain personal hygiene as country records two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera in Limpopo.
Both cases are imported from Zimbabwe.
The first case was confirmed in the Musina sub-district in Vhembe District. The 43-year-old male patient tested positive and has since been discharged from Musina hospital.
The second case is a 27-year-old man, also from Zimbabwe who presented at Hellen Franz hospital under Capricorn District Municipality, with history of abdominal cramps, watery diarrhoea and vomiting that started on 11 January 2024.
The patient travelled to Zimbabwe on 9 December 2023 and returned to South Africa on 10 January 2024. His health condition is stable and still in isolation at the hospital. His contacts were identified, and the local outbreak response team has been activated to conduct further investigations and provide health education to contacts.
The country remains on high alert of possible imported cholera cases from the neighbouring Zimbabwe which is currently battling the outbreak of the disease which has so far claimed over 200 lives.
The department in collaboration with the Border Management Authority, has intensified health screening at Beitbridge border post to mitigate against the imported cholera cases from Zimbabwe.
Deputy Minister Dhlomo thanks these suspected cholera patients for being honest with their travel history and full cooperation with health officials and appeals to all those with travel history to cholera outbreak areas to do the same in order save lives and prevent further transmission to other people.
“We say to all travellers along N1 from Musina and other parts of the country, please avoid using known or suspected contaminated surfaces especially in public places and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection”, said Deputy Minister Dlhomo.
All people who experience cholera-like symptoms (stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and dehydration and vomiting), with or without travel history to cholera endemic countries and areas, are also urged to present themselves to the nearest health facilities without delays. Never drink water from unsafe sources such as rivers, dams, streams, unless boiled or disinfected first.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Health.