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DURBAN – The impact of load-shedding on the individual has been immense, but the cost to big business has seen a massive shift to off-the-grid energy solutions. Recent reports indicate that the elevated levels of load-shedding in 2023 have cost the economy R1.6 trillion in lost economic activity. The launch of global solar supplier UNIPASSION …
Preferred bidders for Battery Storage IPP bid window one announced
The announcement of the four preferred bidders under the first bid window of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Procurement (BESIPPP) Programme marks a “significant development” in South Africa’s pursuit for energy security.
This is according to Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s written remarks at the announcement of the bidders on Thursday.
The preferred bidders were selected following an independent evaluation of the bid submissions process held between August and October this year.
“This first grid-scale energy storage programme in South Africa marks yet another important step towards the development of adequate electricity generation capacity to meet the country’s demand as set out in the Integrated Resource Plan (2019).
“The site-specific BESIPPPP Programme Bid Window 1 is designed to facilitate the procurement of up to 513 megawatts (MW) from facilities that will provide Capacity, Energy and Ancillary Services to Eskom at 5 specified sites, therefore only one Preferred Bidder is appointed per site,” Mantashe said.
The four preferred bidders, chosen from a cohort of at least 17, are:
Mantashe said based on the department’s benchmarking exercise, a fifth bidder is expected to be appointed.
“The appointed preferred bidders have all made economic development commitments, notwithstanding the fact that such commitments were not mandatory for this BESIPPPP BW1 round. The preferred bidders have committed to creating a total of 992 job opportunities for South African citizens (measured in job years), during construction and operations.
“These projects will further spend over R3.2 billion on local content and over R4.4 billion on preferential procurement from BBBEE, black enterprises, QSEs and ESEs and on enterprise development initiatives over the life-time of the projects,” he said.
The Minister announced that project agreements have been signed with an additional bidder under the Risk Mitigation IPP Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP).
The 75MW project is expected to be located in De Aar, Northern Cape and offers a hybrid Solar PV and Battery Storage technology solution.
“The project anticipates reaching commercial close by mid-December 2023, and will start the 24-month construction phase in early 2024. The new generation capacity should therefore be online from early 2026.
“With the signing of this additional project, the total number of projects that have signed agreements under the RMIPPPP have now increased to 6 out of the eleven appointed Preferred bidders, which will add a total of 428MW of dispatchable capacity to the national grid,” he said.
Other IPP programmes
The Minister said that following the opening of several bid windows, at least 1384MW of new generating capacity – all at different stages of the process – have been secured.
“At least nine projects under Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy IPP Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) have now reached commercial close and are in construction. Three more projects are expected to reach commercial close in due course. In total, these projects will add a further 1 234 MW to the national grid from 2025 onwards.
“Moving to Bid Window 6, the 6 preferred bidders that were appointed in December 2022 are finalising all conditions precedent to reaching legal and commercial close. As previously communicated, the unavailability of grid capacity is a major constraint faced by all projects, resulting in delayed project closures.
“[The] department is in the process of finalising governance approvals for the release of the requests for the procurement of additional generation capacity under Bid Window 7 of the REIPPPP, Gas-to-Power, and Battery Storage.
“Further announcements in this regard will follow in the next two weeks,” the Minister added. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 15:13
South Africa, 29 November 2023 – The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, is set to host the 11th annual Mapungubwe Lecture on Wednesday, 06 December 2023. The annual lecture is the institute’s flagship event and has been happening annually since 2012. A highlight on the academic and …
The festive season has arrived bringing with it family, friends, and the hot South African summer! Hosting over the holidays can become quite expensive, especially with food and drinks to accommodate, but fortunately, there is a way to keep everyone refreshed and healthy this festive season without breaking the budget. “This really is such a …
Call to end discrimination against people with albinism
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has joined the National Albinism Task Force of South Africa (NATF) in calling for the end of discrimination, hostility and violence against people with albinism.
The call was made ahead of the court appearance of South African traditional healer Bongolethu “Dr Khehlelezi” Mzozo over a video shared on YouTube in April 2023 that spreads misinformation about people with albinism.
Following the release of the video, in line with Section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 2000 (PEPUDA) (No 4, 2000), the Thembisilemadlala Albinism Foundation, supported by the NATF, lodged a case with the Equality Court against Khehlelezi, arguing that the video was discriminatory and amounts to “hate speech” against people with albinism.
While the case involving Khehlelezi is the issue at hand, the department noted there is a more significant need for addressing discrimination and hate speech against people with albinism.
The department said the approach by the NATF, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Sport, Arts and Culture is to initiate stakeholder engagement conversations, with the aim of having a National Safety Plan for Persons with Albinism.
The department said it has since begun working closely to collaborate with the NATF and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (KZN) to initiate the conversation by facilitating the first Social Cohesion Community Outreach programme.
“The programme aims to raise awareness of the underlying traditional myths and practices that potentially perpetuate stigma and discrimination against, and the persecution of persons with albinism,” the department said.
Meanwhile, people with albinism and organisations, will today convene at Gandhi Park in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal for the continuation of the equality court case hearing between the albinism sector and Mzozo, which is taking place at the Verulam Magistrate Court.– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:26
With the digital age in full swing, having a reliable internet connection at home or in the office is more crucial than ever. In South Africa, the demand for high-speed internet has surged, making the role of wifi routers increasingly significant. This guide aims to provide essential insights into what you should consider when looking …
SA makes progress in addressing anti-money laundering systems
South Africa has made progress in addressing the 20 technical compliance difficulties in its anti-money laundering system.
This is according to the National Treasury following the release of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) technical compliance re-rating follow up report.
“On 27 October 2023, the FATF Plenary formally re-rated 18 of the 20 deficiencies, based on the progress made by the South African authorities in the two-year period following the 2021 mutual evaluation (MER). Of these, fifteen were upgraded to be no longer deficient, as 14 recommendations were now fully or largely compliant, and one recommendation was rated as not being applicable to South Africa.
“Following these re-ratings, South Africa is now deemed to be fully or largely compliant (or not deficient) in 35 of the 40 FATF Recommendations, including in five of the six core FATF Recommendations. This means that South Africa is left with five deficiencies in technical compliance (including three of the 18 which were upgraded from non-compliant to partially compliant), and two which remain as partially compliant since 2021,” the statement read.
National Treasury emphasised that the FATF follow up report does not “address the progress made by South Africa to improve the effectiveness deficiencies” that were identified in the mutually agreed upon Action Plan following South Africa’s grey listing by FATF earlier this year.
“Overcoming the effectiveness deficiencies is essential for South Africa to exit the FATF “grey list”.
This assessment is a distinct process from addressing technical compliance and is conducted under FATF’s International Co-operation Review Group Joint Group (ICRG JG) process.
“South Africa’s progress against its Action Plan is reviewed by the FATF Africa/Middle East Joint Group (FATF AME JG). The Joint Group meets every four months, where South Africa is expected to report on progress in addressing the 22 action items in the Action Plan,” National Treasury said.
The department thrashed out the steps that government has taken to implement the Action Plan.
These steps include the establishment of the Interdepartmental Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing (IDC-AML/CFT) that is chaired by the Director-General of National Treasury.
The IDC-AML/CFT includes government departments and agencies including the:
“Cabinet has been closely monitoring progress by the IDC-AML/CFT and government departments and agencies, as noted in the Cabinet statement of 18 October 2023.
“Through the IDC-AML/CFT, South Africa has reported on its progress against the Action Plan at two AME Joint Group meetings in May and September 2023, and is currently preparing to engage on a third report to the Joint Group. Completing the implementation of the Action Plan is essential for South Africa to exit the FATF grey list,” Treasury said.
On the action items set out by the FATF following South Africa’s grey listing, Treasury said FATF’s October Plenary statement noted that South Africa has recorded “positive progress”.
“However, addressing the remaining actions within the agreed timelines will require a significant effort from all the relevant South African authorities. In doing so, the South African authorities will also need to demonstrate that the improvements are sustainable, before South Africa will be deemed by FATF to have adequately addressed all the action items,” Treasury concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:42
Verdant Capital (www.Verdant-Cap.com) is pleased to announce a USD 2.5 million revolving credit facility for Enable Capital of South Africa. Enable Capital specialises in providing short-term funding solutions to SME subcontractors involved in the physical construction and deployment of local, regional, and national fibre network infrastructure across South Africa.
Enable Capital has built up a successful track record since inception in 2018 - it has provided financial support of more than ZAR 1.5 billion to more than 250 SMEs. In doing so, it has facilitated meaningful growth for businesses in South Africa's SME sector, where access to finance remains a key inhibitor. Enable Capital aims to be the primary funding partner on major projects that have been officially approved by fibre network owners (e.g., Vumatel and Metrofibre).
Enable Capital's funding solutions specifically help address challenges faced by SME subcontractors such as equipment hire, supply of building materials and diesel where Enable Capital deals with suppliers and service providers directly in bulk, to the benefit of the subcontractors.
Enable Capital has a proven track record helping small business in the country grown significantly, transitioning from small subcontractors to large primary contractors, creating many new jobs in the process.
The partnership with Verdant Capital will allow Enable Capital to continue to support SMEs involved with the deployment of fibre while impacting economic growth in areas and communities where it is most needed. This includes the rollout of fibre network infrastructure outside of affluent areas where there is unequal access to the internet, thereby increasing access to the internet for all.
The funding was provided through Verdant Capital's investment partnerships strategy supporting high-impact businesses and financial institutions operating in the African continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.
Media enquiries:
Verdant Capital
Liezel van Greunen
T : +27 10 140 3700
E : liezel.vangreunen@verdant-cap.com
About Verdant Capital :
Verdant Capital is an investment manager and investment bank specialising in the private capital markets and operating on a pan-African basis. www.Verdant-Cap.com
President heads to Dubai for UNFCCC’S COP28
President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week lead South Africa’s delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai.
The President will lead the delegation on 1 and 2 December 2023, however, in total the conference runs from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
“Following the President’s participation this week, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, will stay on and lead the country’s participation for the remainder of the conference until 12 December 2023.
“South Africa’s delegation to the conference will include government and business representatives in recognition of the value of partnerships in dealing with the challenge of climate change and sustainable development,” the Presidency said.
The 18th COP Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP18) and the fourth COP Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) sessions will be convened on the sidelines of the COP28.
The conference will witness the first Global Stocktake (GST), which will provide a comprehensive assessment of progress made since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015.
This will help align efforts on climate action, including measures that need to be implemented to bridge the gaps in progress.
The purpose of the stocktake is to help parties prepare their next nationally determined contributions to the Paris Agreement to raise ambition and accelerate climate action, as well as to enhance international cooperation.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa will next Thursday lead government’s interaction with the Matjhabeng Local Municipality during the second leg of the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the Free State.
The Matjhabeng municipal economy is mainly anchored on the mining of gold and uranium and is the hub of the Free State goldfields.
The Presidential Imbizo will take place at the Kopano Indoor Sports Centre in Thabong, Welkom, within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality.
Under the theme “Leave no one Behind”, the President will be continuing on the last visit undertaken on 9 April 2022 in Bloemfontein at the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
The Lejweleputswa DDM Presidential Imbizo follows on the commitments the Free State Provincial Government made to tackle service delivery challenges during the 2022 Imbizo which was held in Bloemfontein.
Thus, this Imbizo will also take stock of the progress made since the last Presidential Imbizo in the province. During the 2022 engagement, 42 community members representing the seven regions of the Mangaung Metro voiced their concerns to the President.
The towns represented in this discussion included Van Stadensrus, Soutpan, Dewetsdorp, Wepener, Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo and Bloemfontein. Representatives of people with disabilities were also able to raise their concerns.
“As an interactive platform, the DDM Presidential Imbizo allows communities to engage and interact face-to-face with the President, Ministers and the provincial and local leadership face-to-face,” the Presidency said.
The DDM also aims to intensify the delivery of services, promote social cohesion and advance the developmental state agenda, in line with the National Development Plan; and Growth and Development Strategies of the province.
President Ramaphosa will further, on 12 December 2023, host the Inaugural Science, Technology and Innovation Presidential Plenary that will bring together leaders in government, industry, academia and civil society.
“Discussions will focus on progress of the National System of Innovation (NSI) and challenges in this sector, and will explore ways for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and skills development to impact positively on the South African economy,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:45
The Role of Ecommerce Courier Services Ecommerce courier services in South Africa have emerged as a critical component in the digital retail domain. These services have adapted to meet the increasing and varied demands of online businesses and their customers, playing a pivotal role in the ecommerce ecosystem by enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. …
SA tackles plastic pollution
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, says government’s initiatives aimed at tackling plastic pollution are making progress.
South Africa has achieved this through a combination of voluntary approaches to the plastics industry, coupled with improved household and community waste disposal and the creation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.
“The SA Plastic Pact has already identified unnecessary and problematic plastic products, and is committed to eliminating unnecessary and problematic plastics; ensuring that 100% of all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable; ensuring that 70% of plastic packaging is effectively recycled, and using 30% average post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging,” the Minister said on Thursday.
Addressing the South African Plastic CEO Engagement Breakfast in Cape Town, Creecy said in 2020, government adopted the National Waste Management Strategy.
The strategy prioritises the following pillars:
“In 2020, government also introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, which called for EPR schemes for plastic packaging and electrical and electronic equipment amongst other prioritised products.
“This circular economy and EPR initiatives have resulted in the formation of five registered extended producer schemes that support plastic waste collection and recycling.
“Our EPR Regulations aim to influence product design to take environmental considerations into account and are currently being implemented for paper, packaging and some single use products, lighting, electrical and electronic products,” the Minister said.
These efforts have removed 368 600 tons of plastic waste from the environment. They have supported between 60 000 and 90 000 waste reclaimers, as well as create 7 500 formal jobs.
“In 2023, government put a restriction of a minimum of 50% recycled content as part of the product design measures for plastic carrier bags. The intention is that by 2027, plastic carrier bags and black refuse bags should be made from 100% recycled material.
“Because we share industry’s concerns regarding the contribution illegal dumping makes to the leaking of plastics into the environment, we recently launched the Municipal Cleaning and Greening programme.
“This partnership with provinces and municipalities targets clearing 7 251 illegal dump sites by creating more than 37 000 work opportunities under our public works programme,” Creecy said.
Through the Top 40 programme, government has prioritised 40 municipal landfills for improved compliance through a public-private partnership model currently championed by Infrastructure South Africa.
“Together with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and National Treasury, we have revised the Municipal Infrastructure Grant Policy so municipalities can purchase yellow fleet to improve household collection and improve landfill management.
“Since the initiation of this programme, our department has processed applications for specialised waste management vehicles from over 100 municipalities across the country. In the last two years we have spent over one hundred and sixty-four million rand to buy 44 waste collection vehicles and 21 landfill management waste vehicles for 58 municipalities,” the Minister said.
By 30 September this year, 1 299 (or 19%) of the sites were cleared.
“I am confident that with the acceleration of the cleaning programme, 100% of the identified hotspots will be cleared by the middle of next year. The workers clean daily and educate their communities on how to dispose of waste in a responsible manner,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 10:08
It was a targeted attack, says cyber security firm probing the theft from the magazine’s account
Strongbow, the world’s number one cider, has launched, ‘Sisonke,’ a ‘movement’ aiming to highlight and celebrate moments when like-minded spirits are brought together, Strongbow in hand. As the world’s number one cider, Strongbow represents a global community that brings together friends from all over the world to enjoy life in an authentic and self-expressive manner …
But SASSA says it is inefficient and unsustainable to transport cash to a “handful of people”.
“We also faced a very oppressive apartheid regime” says protester
SAPS proud of its men and women in blue
As the country observes the 25th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (25 November to 10 December), the South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on profiling a series of untold stories of its men and women in blue.
This is to celebrate the men and women who go beyond the call of duty to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Today, the spotlight is on Captain Karin Botha, a forensic social worker attached to the Germiston Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit.
Forensic Social Work is a specialised field of Social Work practice within the FCS environment, which is characterised by the social worker's primary function of providing expert testimony in courts of law.
Moreover, a forensic social worker’s core function is to conduct forensic interviews in the investigation of child abuse cases using age appropriate techniques in order to obtain accurate information from child victims to assist courts to make just and fair decisions.
Botha holds a degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Forensic Practice.
Some of her career highlights include when the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria sentenced a 42-year-old father to four life terms and an additional 73 years direct imprisonment on multiple counts of rape, statutory rape, sexual grooming, incest, possession of child pornography and sexual abuse, earlier this year.
The father pleaded guilty to all the charges levelled against him for raping and sexually abusing five child victims - two of whom are his biological daughters, between 2019 and 2020. The victims were aged between nine and 13 around the time of the abuse.
Botha was assigned to obtain these victims' statements and compiled their competency assessment reports, which assisted the court to hand down an appropriate sentence.
She was also assigned to compile a victim impact report and testified in court as an expert witness in the sentencing of Nicholas Ninow, dubbed the ‘Silverton Dros rapist’.
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria sentenced Ninow to life in prison and an additional 10 years imprisonment in 2019 on charges of rape, possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice.
Ninow attacked and raped a 7-year-old girl in the restroom of the DROS restaurant in Silverton, Pretoria, in September 2018.
In 2020, Botha was awarded with a Certificate of Commendation by the Minister of Police for the instrumental role she played in the sentencing of a paedophile to life in prison and an additional 100 years imprisonment for multiple counts of possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography, as well as child abuse.
Botha said she assesses over 100 sexually abused child victims a year, who fondly refer to her as ‘tannie Karin'. Botha feels humbled by her profession that allows her to make a difference in abused children’s lives.
“Parents, caregivers, teachers or any other adult should never doubt or dismiss a child when they are disclosing the possibility of sexual abuse. Contact your nearest police station, open a case and act in the best interest of our children,” Botha said.
Captain Botha is the personification of ‘real heroes do not wear capes’, as she continues to be a voice for ‘voiceless’ child victims. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 09:29
Stock up on the greatest gaming gadgets this Black Friday Gaming has come a long way since the pixelated days of Ridge Racer and Tekken 1. Today, gaming is a dynamic and immersive world where accessories play a crucial role in making releases like The Last of Us, cult classics. With November being International Games …
Minimum norms and standards set ten years ago have not been met, says Equal Education
South Africa’s technology landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with software development playing a pivotal role. The growth of software companies in this region not only marks a substantial shift in the economic and technological paradigms but also highlights South Africa’s burgeoning influence in the global tech arena. The Landscape of Software Development Companies …
In recent years, South Africa has been riding the wave of digital transformation, a pivotal shift that is redefining how businesses operate and interact with their customers. This transformation is not just about adopting new technologies but is a holistic change in how companies think, operate, and deliver value to their clients. The Role …
Introduction In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a significant shift towards cloud computing, marking a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. This move is reshaping how businesses and services operate, with cloud architects and consultants playing a central role. The Role of Cloud Architects in South Africa Cloud architects in South Africa …
Introduction In the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing, becoming an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Advanced Consulting Partner represents a significant milestone for any organization. This status not only showcases technical prowess but also opens doors to a myriad of opportunities, especially in the realm of cloud-based solutions. This article delves into what it …
November 2023, Johannesburg: The South Africa Israel Chamber of Commerce (SAICC) notes with alarm, the current moves within the US Senate to review South Africa’s (SA’s) eligibility for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Democratic Senator, Chris Coons is currently lobbying support for a proposed law to renew AGOA for 16 years that …
July unrest 'instigator' Mdumiseni Zuma slapped with 12-year jail sentence
The Pietermaritzburg Regional Court this week sentenced Mdumiseni Khetha Zuma to an effective 12 years imprisonment for instigating the 2021 July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the 36-year-old’s conviction comes after contravening Sections 17 and 18 of the Riotous Assemblies Act, where he incited people to gather and commit public violence.
“This was done by making an inciteful video, pertaining to the Brookside Mall, and distributing it on the WhatsApp platform. The charges relate to the incidents of looting and public violence, which occurred in July 2021 in parts of the country, especially KwaZulu-Natal.
This, according to the NPA, resulted in the Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg being looted and burnt to the ground.
According to the statement, Senior State Advocate Yuri Gangai led the evidence of video footage, audio clips and the testimony of a guard who worked at the mall.
Gangai further led the evidence of two experts who translated the audio clips.
“In aggravation of sentence, Gangai led the testimony of the manager of the mall, at the time it was burned,” said the NPA.
The manager told the court that the estimated damage caused by the looting and fire was approximately R500 million.
“He further stated that the mall serviced five different communities, as well as about 5 000 people who collected their SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grants there.
“They have all been adversely affected by the burning down of the mall,” the NPA said.
Zuma was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for count one, two years of which are suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of the same offences during the period of suspension.
He was also sentenced to six years in prison, of which two years are to run concurrently with count one.
“This results in the effective sentence of 12 years direct imprisonment,” the NPA explained.
While the NPA in KwaZulu-Natal has finalised several cases in respect of the July 2021 unrest, the agency said this was the first conviction where an individual has been convicted and subsequently sentenced for inciting the unrest.
“We hope that this sentence serves as a deterrent to others who intend on engaging in similar offences. We commend the working relationship between the DPCI [Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation] KZN and the prosecution,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 13:56