MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Cape Town, October 17, 2023 – In a commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, Zarcare, a prominent telemedicine provider, has partnered with the University of the Western Cape to present a free online health talk aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer. This event is taking place this coming Saturday, October 21, 2023. The session aims …
Imtiaz Sooliman calls for negotiations and compromise. “The only way to solve the problem is to do what is just.”
“We’ve been waiting for files for years”
On Thursday, 19 October 2023, the Multi-Party Charter (DA, IFP, FF Plus, ActionSA, ACDP, ISANCO, UIM and SNP) will host an event on the steps of Parliament, Cape Town to formally welcome the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) as the Charter’s newest member. The event will include a signing ceremony where the ACDP leadership will …
Africa can produce more energy than it requires - Minister Ramokgopa
Africa can produce more energy than it requires within the next 30 years if it takes advantage of its natural resources.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was delivering a keynote address on Green Hydrogen at the Africa Energy Week held in Cape Town.
“We need to have a Pan African view in the exploitation of this energy carrier and our view is that by 2040 Africa can produce up to 50 times more energy from renewables than the world’s estimated demand.
“This is as a result of our location advantages. I think we have some of the radiation levels of any parts of the world and we also have some of the best wind speeds along the coastal areas,” he said.
The Minister emphasised, however, that Africa must provide its own “interpretation” on what a just energy transition constitutes.
“We have got an opportunity to define a Just Energy Transition with African characteristics and in this instance, it is about universal access, the exploitation of critical minerals that are key to development of green hydrogen and realising its potential.
“We can see that by smelting African iron ore locally, we are likely going to create much needed jobs and therefore the skills that are required to support that transition. In that way, in addition to broadening the industrial base, we are really getting people in good quality jobs…this is in addition to the decarbonisation agenda,” he said.
Honing in further on green hydrogen, Ramokgopa moved to allay fears that green hydrogen production will bear a heavy toll on South Africa’s water resources.
“It is important that in the conversation around the potential of green hydrogen, we confront what essentially is an objective inherent risk associated with the exploitation of this resource and the strain that it’s putting on our water resources.
“There’s a rich body of literature that suggests that coastal countries can use sea water to produce green hydrogen and therefore eliminating the strain that is likely it’s likely going to place on limited water resources...especially countries like South Africa where water is a scarce commodity,” he said.
The Minister explained that Sub-Saharan Africa’s resources have the capacity to “produce anything between 5000 and 13 000 million tonnes per year” of green hydrogen.
“We think that could come at about $2 per kilogram…essentially by 2050 and therefore making green hydrogen financially competitive compared to other energy sources.
“I did make the point that it could also contribute significantly to the national revenue funds of many African countries of up to $20 billion and that could distributed to ensure that we are able to expand on social infrastructure, improve the quality of life of our people and ensure that we put Africa on a pedestal for significant growth going into the future,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 15:29
Leading South African truck and trailer body building company Serco’s premises in Gauteng are now fully powered by solar energy! The company’s ongoing commitment to green initiatives have seen a state-of-the-art 150kW hybrid solar system introduced with 370 x 405Watt panels, and the latest high voltage inverters coupled with 320kW’s of batteries, installed at the …
The municipality has suspended fishing at Zeekoevlei due to high heavy metal levels, but people are still fishing in the Lotus River canal
Andre Barnard, NSRI Hermanus duty coxswain, said: Just after 04h00, Sunday, 15 October, NSRI were alerted to a 73 year old fisherman on a fishing boat suffering a medical complaint deep-sea off-shore between Agulhas and Hermanus. NSRI EOC, NSRI Agulhas duty controllers, NSRI Hermanus duty controllers, WC Government Health EMS Metro Control and an EMS …
Berlin/Cape Town/Zug – October 2023 – UBUNATION, a dynamic community and platform driven by compassion, kindness, and respect for others, is thrilled to unveil its inaugural campaign and collection in partnership with the We Love Football Academy (WLFA). WLFA, a non-profit organization headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, is dedicated to empowering youth for a …
National Safer Festive Season campaign yields positive results
National Safer Festive Season operations have started on a high note with police in the Western Cape seizing R75 million worth of counterfeit goods and R200 000 in cash from a shopping centre in Bellville, Cape Town.
The counterfeit goods raid, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), took place on Saturday as SAPS rolled out its nationwide Safer Festive Season operations.
Through heightened visibility, police are intensifying operations to deal decisively with crime. Regular roadblocks, stop and searches, as well as the tracing of wanted suspects are being intensified as the SAPS ushers in the busy festive period.
In the Western Cape, the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, handed over 36 vehicles to assist police to bolster their crime combatting efforts and heighten visibility in gang-ridden areas, where murders are prevalent.
The SAPS Safer Festive Season operational plan was rolled out on Saturday in all the provinces. The plan will see heightened focus on seven areas, which include gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), combatting of serious and violent crimes such as aggravated robberies, border security, strengthening by-laws, road safety, as well as illegal mining.
“We are not going to co-govern with criminals. We are going toe-to-toe with them. Our priority is the safety and security of all the inhabitants of this country and their property. Police officers are instructed to also sharpen their responses to the most vulnerable in society during the holiday period and beyond,” Cele said.
SAPS has also launched a service rating platform, where members of the public will now be able to rate the service they receive from all police stations across the country.
This online rating platform will allow everyone in South Africa to rate the service they receive at their local police station.
“We encourage all people to rate every single service they receive from us, so that we can have a clear picture of our performance in an effort to enhance our service offering.
“We want to win back the trust of our communities and we can only do so if we deliver and intervene if there are gaps,” said National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.
The Rate My Service online platform will give an opportunity to members of the public to respond to a predefined questionnaire to rate the SAPS service.
This can be done as and when they interact with SAPS services or at a later stage.
SAPS hopes this project will encourage members of the public to sponsor suggestions for improved service delivery through participating in the online survey.
SAPS management is also encouraging all SAPS members to put more effort in rendering a professional, effective and efficient service at all times that the public deserves. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 09:29
Green hydrogen economy plays prominent role in SA’s just energy transition
President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the vital role the green hydrogen economy plays in the country’s development and just energy transition.
“The hydrogen economy has a prominent role to play in our country’s just energy transition, providing employment and support to vulnerable workers, communities and small businesses.
“It has been estimated that the hydrogen economy has the potential to add 3.6% to our GDP by 2050 and approximately 370 000 jobs. We must act with purpose to harness the potential of the green hydrogen economy,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa was delivering remarks at the second iteration of South African Green Hydrogen Summit (SAGHS) in Century City, Cape Town, on Monday.
The inaugural SAGHS, held in 2022, reaffirmed South Africa as an investment destination of choice and a world leader in the green energy space. It focused on scaling up regional cooperation around green hydrogen.
This second summit aims to highlight South Africa’s exceptional potential as an early stage, large scale and low cost world-class green hydrogen production hub, and total value chain investment destination.
South Africa’s Investment Strategy, approved by Cabinet earlier this year, lists green hydrogen as one of the big frontier strategic sectors expected to attract foreign and domestic direct investment.
The President emphasised the nation’s goal to position itself as a globally competitive player in this dynamic and growing industry.
The President noted that 64 countries, accounting for 89% of global emissions, have announced net zero targets by 2050. He further said that is anticipated that global green hydrogen demand will increase sevenfold by 2050.
He said that for the world to limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius, green hydrogen will need to constitute 10% to 20% of the global energy mix.
“South Africa has committed to ambitious emission reduction targets. Our own estimates indicate that green hydrogen has the potential to remove 10% to 15% of our domestic emissions and contribute to our nation’s long-term energy security,” he said.
Green Hydrogen Alliance
The President acknowledged the collaboration efforts being made through the African Green Hydrogen Alliance, which includes Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Ethiopia, Angola and South Africa.
The alliance aims to harness Africa’s potential in developing green hydrogen industries. It aims to make joint calls for technical support, funding and market access to international public and private sector partners.
“The inaugural summit laid a strong policy foundation. This year’s summit has a dedicated project focus, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the degree to which projects have matured and advanced. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate technological developments and advancements in the green hydrogen space.
“Close cooperation between public, private and financial partners will be key to unlocking Africa’s green hydrogen potential. This will enable mass-scale domestic and international demand for green hydrogen, and increase cooperation on green hydrogen production, storage and distribution infrastructure,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President emphasised that if investment is significantly scaled-up, green hydrogen can deliver the equivalent of more than one third of Africa’s current energy consumption, increase the collective GDP, improve clean water supply and empower communities.
He said proper planning, regulation and incentive schemes are critical to mobilise private sector investment.
“South Africa has deep capital markets, with world-class conditions for generating renewable energy through solar and wind power, which are key drivers of the production of green hydrogen.
“Funding green hydrogen projects will require innovative financing structures sourced from multiple stakeholders,” President Ramaphosa said.
Building the green hydrogen industry
In June 2023, South Africa concluded a Heads of Agreement with the intention to launch the SA-H2 Fund. This is an innovative blended finance fund that will facilitate the development of a green hydrogen sector and circular economy in South Africa.
SA-H2 aims to secure $1 billion in funding raised directly in South Africa or via indirect channels. The Fund is a partnership of private and public enterprises, locally and globally.
Since the last Summit, the President said advances have been made towards building the green hydrogen industry in the country.
These include a Joint Declaration of Intent with the German government, focusing on market access, off-take opportunities and value-additive benefits in the production of green steel and green fertiliser.
South Africa has also signed a MOU with the Netherlands as an off-taker for green hydrogen derivative products.
“It is encouraging to note that a Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed at this conference by three multinationals in the green hydrogen mobility space, namely Sasol, Anglo American and BMW.
“Sasol will serve as a supplier to Anglo and BMW as part of their focus on commercial and passenger fleet transformation. These are important initiatives within the context of carbon border adjustment mechanisms,” the President said.
He thanked all the partners and sponsors that have made this summit possible. He sent a special mention to Anglo American, BMW, Sasol, the Industrial Development Corporation and GIZ.
“I wish business and government delegations at this summit well as we work to shape Africa’s green hydrogen agenda for the benefit of our economies and societies, now and into the future,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 13:20
Today, the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, and Provincial Minister for Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers visited the McGregor bridge access road construction site. This is ahead of the placing of the final layer on the McGregor Bridge approach 21 days after the approach to the bridge was washed away. Critical infrastructure at the approach to the …
A total of 8 Western Cape-based tourism and hospitality brands were crowned winners at the World Travel Awards Africa, released today. Recognised as the gold-standard of awards, World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Western Cape Minister of …
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 October 2023 – Dutch-based technology platform Lisa BV will launch its smart leasing platform in South Africa after acquiring its core leasing technology platform from Inospace, South Africa’s largest last-mile logistics operator. Rael Levitt, founder and CEO of Inospace, announced Lisa’s breakthrough market entry today and confirmed that Inospace has …
Growthpoint Properties’ (JSE: GRT) purpose-built student accommodation developments excelled at the recent SAPOA Property Awards in Innovative Excellence, winning two prestigious categories that recognise development distinction within the real estate industry. Peak Studios in Observatory, Cape Town, was awarded top place in the Heritage category and Apex Studios in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, won the Student Accommodation …
A substantial group of Tygerberg MTB Club members is eagerly awaiting SA’s MTB Party of the year, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, that is set to showcase the sport of mountain biking against the backdrop of Stellenbosch’s legendary trails on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023. “The Savanna Origin of Trails MTB …
“We are not here because we want to be here. We are here because we need homes.”
Two-way passengers through the Cape Town International Airport’s (CTIA) international terminal remained strong between January and August 2023, reaching more than 1.7 million passengers in the year to date, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 107% and growing by 64% compared to January and August 2022. Two-way passengers through George Airport reached 511 919 between January and …
JOHANNESBURG: The Jukskei derby saw DP World Lions claim victory against Fidelity Titans in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Professional Domestic...
JOHANNESBURG: The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Professional Domestic Women’s League is in full swing and months after the inaugural ICC U19...
Police must 'hit hard' against criminality during festive season
Police Minister General Bheki Cele has called on law enforcement to step up their efforts to squeeze out criminality during this festive season.
The Minister was speaking the launch on Friday of the National Safer Festive Season operations.
“South Africans and all our visitors have a right to enjoy life, have a right to enjoy the festive season. Make sure that these South Africans, wherever they are, whether they are in the malls, whether they are in their houses, whether they are on the beaches, whether they are out dancing…wherever they are, make sure that they are safe.
“Give criminals a run for their money. Make sure that criminals are squeezed,” he said.
Cele gave criminals a stern warning that police will “hit hard”.
“There are criminals who want to co-govern with the people that are elected. You are not going to move around breaking into people’s houses, robbing people, raping people, going for cash heists, bank robberies and you believe…that we won’t do anything.
“I’m calling on those police officers who are given the responsibility to deal with those heartless criminals - that think they run the world and the country - don’t be kind to them. Hit and hit hard. Criminals have declared war against communities and society. I’m making a call to those police…to protect the communities,” he said.
Cele called on communities to work with the police to root out criminality.
“Don’t hide those criminals among yourselves because they will hurt you. As you protect that criminal, tomorrow he’s coming back for you,” he said.
The Minister also called on the police to do their job within the bounds of the law.
The festive season operations have already scored a victory after Western Cape police seized R75 million worth of counterfeit goods and R200 000 in cash at a shopping centre in Cape Town. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 10:02
Official death toll rises to 3,000 - over 1,200 Israelis and about 1,800 Palestinians - as violence escalates
After months of intense preparation and practice in kitchens across the country, excitement reached its pinnacle as the nation’s most talented young chefs and bakers battled it out at the RCL FOODS Young Chef & Baker Challenge 2023. The grand finale, held on 12 October in Umhlanga, was a showcase of South Africa’s culinary excellence, …
Premier Alan Winde has welcomed a tender soon to be issued by the Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) which will seek competitive proposals from independent power producers to create power generation plants from which the municipality will buy its electricity. The tender will go to market by the end of October 2023 for five months. Saldanha …