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The wait is finally over. Betway SA20 Season 3 is finally here. The six team captains along with Commissioner Graeme Smith exuded excitement as they addressed the media in Cape Town ahead of the competition opener between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town at St George’s Park tomorrow. The feeling that an “Incredible” South …
FRANSCHOEK: South Africa U19 Women have clinched a 2-0 lead in their three-match T20 series against USA U19 Women following a...
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the South Africa Under-19 Men’s squads for the upcoming Youth One-Day International and...
Smallholder farmers and workers are the backbone of global food production, supplying nearly one-third of the world’s food. Despite their essential role, these farmers and workers are often trapped in cycles of poverty due to unfair global market practices that undervalue their work and products. Now, more than ever, fair pricing is critical to securing …
STELLENBOSCH: The USA U19 Men’s cricket team spoiled the Southern Superstars’ party, upsetting the previously undefeated hosts in the Cubs Week...
Pakistan have been fined 25 per cent of their match fee and penalised five ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against South Africa in the second Test in Cape Town. Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Pakistan were ruled to be five …
STELLENBOSCH: The final of the 2025 Cubs Week will be a rematch of the opening day clash between the hosts, the...
FRANSCHOEK: The South Africa U19 Women delivered an impressive performance to secure a 27-run victory against the USA U19 Women in...
Schalk Boonzaaier, NSRI Kleinmond station commander, said: Police are monitoring, following eyewitness reports of a male diver suspected to have gone missing in the sea, in the vicinity of Kleinmond tidal pool, on Saturday, 4 January. NSRI Kleinmond duty crew were activated at 17h22, Saturday, 4 January, following eyewitness reports of a diver appearing to …
For many, the term “employee monitoring” conjures images of surveillance, distrust, and invasive oversight. This perception is outdated and misaligned with the evolving needs of modern workplaces. According to Warren Bonheim, co-founder of WorkStatz, the award-winning business management software, monitoring isn’t about policing—it’s about supporting management. “It’s about bolstering employee focus, enabling efficiency, and aligning …
Summer is here, and with it comes the chance to throw open your doors and transform your home into a cool and vibrant retreat. This season, the latest runway trends are making their way indoors, bringing a wave of colour that energises and uplifts. From bold jewel tones and soft pastels to gleaming metallics, these …
The Western Cape Government expresses its concern over the 106 fatal crashes and 122 fatalities recorded on municipal and provincial roads during the festive period from 1 December 2024 to 3 January 2025. While these figures represent an improvement compared to the same period last year, they underline the critical need for heightened road safety …
STELLENBOSCH: Southern Superstars and Western Legends are the only two unbeaten sides left after the second day’s play of Cricket South...
NEWLANDS: In a proud and symbolic moment, the South Africa U19 Women’s World Cup Squad were officially capped at a special...
STELLENBOSCH: Namibia and the USA U19 teams added an exciting international flavour to the 2025 Cubs Week, Cricket South Africa’s prestigious...
On 3 January 2025, Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku narrowly avoided a potential collision when the vehicle he was travelling in was almost driven off the road by a reckless driver on the N1 between Three Sisters and Beaufort West. The incident highlights the ongoing dangers posed by negligent and reckless driving, especially during …
South Africa’s recent National Minimum Wage (NMW) increase from R25.42 to R27.58 per hour, in March 2024, reflects a critical shift towards fairer compensation for workers across various sectors, including domestic staff and agricultural workers. Roughly 432 million small-scale farms produce an estimated 46% of the world’s food. Despite their critical contribution, research suggests most …
Eskom synchronises Koeberg’s Unit 2 to the grid
Eskom has successfully synchronised Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town, to the national grid.
The unit was synchronised to the national grid on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the Generation Operational Recovery Plan and South Africa’s pursuit of a dependable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy supply.
“This achievement follows an extensive Long-Term Operation (LTO) programme designed to extend Unit 2’s operational lifespan by an additional 20 years,” the power utility said in a statement on Tuesday.
It said that the maintenance programme for Unit 2 included the replacement of three steam generators, comprehensive inspections, and refuelling activities to ensure the reactor's continued safe and efficient performance.
“These enhancements align with Eskom’s broader strategy to secure the future of Koeberg’s reactors, which are critical to the country’s energy security. With a 930MW contribution, Unit 2 plays a significant role in Eskom’s goal to increase its capacity by 2 500MW by March 2025,” it explained.
The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is anticipated to decide on the extension of Unit 2’s operational license in 2025.
“This comes after the successful renewal of Unit 1’s license, which extends its operation until 2044. Unit 1, contributing 930MW to the grid, has shown exceptional reliability since its return to service. Combined, Units 1 and 2 will supply 1 860MW - approximately 5% of South Africa’s total electricity - playing a vital role in reducing loadshedding and stabilising the grid.”
The Koeberg Nuclear Power Station which celebrated 40 years of safe and efficient operation in 2024, stands as a cornerstone of Eskom’s energy portfolio.
The successful completion of Unit 1’s LTO programme in 2023 has set the stage for similar advancements with Unit 2, further solidifying Koeberg’s critical role in South Africa’s energy landscape.
Unit 1 has consistently delivered high levels of performance, and Unit 2 is expected to match or exceed these achievements.
The utility said that Koeberg’s enduring success underscores its significance in meeting South Africa’s energy needs and supporting its transition to a low-carbon economy.
“By forming strategic collaborations with international designers, suppliers, and industry leaders, Koeberg has established itself as a hub for nuclear innovation. These partnerships are anticipated to be crucial as South Africa explores advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs). This could position the country as a leader in cutting-edge nuclear solutions while continuing to build and maintain a skilled nuclear workforce,” said the Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo.
“As South Africa phases out some of the aging coal-fired power plants by 2030, nuclear energy is poised to provide a reliable and stable baseload supply. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear power ensures continuous electricity generation, meeting the needs of both residential and industrial users. Its ability to produce carbon-free energy also supports South Africa’s climate goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” concluded Nxumalo.
Reliability
Eskom anticipates Koeberg’s enhanced performance will be fully realised in the 2026 financial year, with Unit 2’s record of 498 consecutive days of operation and a 93% energy availability factor serving as a benchmark for future reliability.
“While projects like the LTO programme necessitate a higher initial upfront investment, the long-term benefits - including decades of affordable, low-carbon energy - make them indispensable. Koeberg exemplifies how nuclear power can align economic and environmental priorities to create a sustainable energy future. Through the successful execution of the LTO project, our Koeberg team has once more demonstrated the exceptional skills we have to support our country’s nuclear ambitions,” said Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.
The utility said that as the country advances toward a greener economy, Koeberg remains central to its energy strategy.
“Eskom is dedicated to optimising nuclear power’s potential, ensuring a cleaner, more secure, and cost-effective energy supply for generations to come,” it said. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 01/02/2025 - 10:38
RTMC to assist Eastern Cape to improve road safety
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has announced that it will step in to strengthen efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities in the Eastern Cape as holidaymakers prepare to return to the cities and workplaces in the coming days.
In a statement, the RTMC said the interventions will involve the mobilisation of traditional leaders, engagement of public transport operators and will seek to reduce crashes and fatalities in a district with a number of high crashes and fatalities in the province.
“The analysis of fatal crash statistics since the start of the festive season has revealed the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape as one of the top ten districts experiencing a high number of crashes and fatalities nationally.
“The district is one of seven districts in the province and it stretches from Idutywa to Fort Beaufort and includes towns such as Butterworth and Stutterheim,” the RTMC said.
Statistics have further revealed that fatal crashes in this district involved public transport vehicles that had driven long distances between the Western Cape or Gauteng without sufficient rest.
“Law enforcers and the South African Taxi Council have observed that some drivers did not depart from designated areas in district during peak period and travelled inter-provincially to pick up passengers and were fatigued when the crashes occurred,” the RTMC said.
Other districts that will be given attention due to the high number of fatal crashes are eThekwini, City of Johannesburg, City Cape Town, City of Tshwane, Capricorn, Ekurhuleni, Cape Winelands, Vhembe and Fezile Dabi.
“Traffic is expected to peak again from January 1 to the 6th and law enforcement will intensify focus on public transport and visibility. A dedicated team has been put in place to monitor implementation of the road interventions and progress.
“Motorists are reminded to plan their routes appropriately and avoid travelling at night. Statistics show that 37.6% of fatal crash occur between 18:00 and 01:00 and involved pedestrians,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 01/02/2025 - 09:28
Thousands expected at Cape Town Waterfront for New Year celebrations
The City of Cape Town says it expects some 35 000 people to make their way to Waterfront in Cape Town for the New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration tonight.
The city is gearing up its enforcement forces to deal with the surge in visitors all over the city, including on beaches.
“As New Year’s Eve approaches, the City’s enforcement services are gearing up for the celebrations and increase in visitors to beaches, public spaces and party spots. While beaches will be a particular focus area, other City facilities and public amenities will also be monitored by enforcement staff.
“The City urges residents to please celebrate responsibly, with due regard for their own safety and that of those around them,” a statement from the city said.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, called on the public to “work with enforcement staff so we can all ring in the New Year with fanfare”.
“I want to urge residents to celebrate responsibly, especially if they will have children along and to take cognisance of their own safety and those around them.
“Our staff will be going the extra mile to ensure safety across the city and I want to thank all the departments, both within the City and our external partners, who will be working hard to make the celebrations safe for everyone,” Smith said.
He further urged residents to use fireworks responsibly during celebrations.
Fireworks may not be exploded within 200 metres of any hospital, clinic, petrol station, old-age home, nursing home, or animal welfare organisation, inside any building or on a public street, in any other public place or recreational area, unless you have valid permission to do so.
“Despite the trauma and stress caused to pets and neighbourhoods, there are still those who delight in setting off fireworks.
“Annually we receive numerous calls of fireworks disturbances and injuries caused by these mini explosions. We encourage residents to supervise children and to celebrate responsibly,” Smith said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 12/31/2024 - 08:22
Govt assists families who lost homes in Cape Town fires
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has handed over building materials to households affected by the recent fires in the City of Cape Town.
The Deputy Minister joined the Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane and Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala.
Mhlauli joined various teams led by the Minister and Deputy Minister.
The hand over on Monday was in line with government’s emergency housing guidelines to rebuild damaged structures.
The response programme covers Du Noon where fires started on Christmas Eve and the Masiphemelele, Nomzamo and Kosovo informal settlements in Cape Town.
"The intention of government is to assist those that have lost their belongings in the fire. The government will continue with these efforts in other affected areas," Mhlauli said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 12/31/2024 - 08:25
Tuesday, 31 December 2024: Eskom has successfully synchronised Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station in Cape Town to the national grid yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the Generation Operational Recovery Plan and South Africa’s pursuit of a dependable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy supply. This achievement follows an extensive Long-Term Operation (LTO)...
Simelane to visit communities affected by Cape Town fires
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane will today oversee the delivery of building materials to communities affected by fires in Cape Town.
The Minister will be joined on her visit by Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala where they will engage with informal settlements dwellers affected by the recent fire disaster.
They will also assess progress being made with regards to the provisions of the emergency housing guidelines - that is rebuild, relocation, restoration and repairs.
“Their programme will include a visit to the Wag ‘n Bietjie informal settlement; Nomzamo in Strand where a 30-year-old man lost his life due to smoke inhalation whilst they battled a fire that left more than 200 people displaced on the morning of Christmas Eve,” the Ministry of Human Settlements said ahead of Monday’s visit.
The Ministers’ visit is expected to get underway at 3pm at the Dunoon informal settlement.
Last week, the Ministers Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Tertius Simmers and MMC Carl Pophaim visited the informal settlements affected by fires.
In a social media post last week, City of Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis said that city’s Human Settlements staff are working with staff from the National Department of Human Settlements to deliver reconstruction kits to communities as soon as possible.
“We thank the National Department for their co-operation in making this as speedy as possible,” said the mayor at the time. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Mon, 12/30/2024 - 11:24
Beach tagging programme reunites lost children with their families
The City of Cape Town’s Identikidz programme tagged 25 770 children over the public holidays, reuniting 169 lost children with their families.
Coordinated by the Community, Arts, and Culture Development Department, the busiest beaches were Strandfontein (3 264 tags), Strand (3 183 tags) and Monwabisi (3 005 tags).
Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Patricia van der Ross, said the number of children tagged is an indication of how packed the beaches were.
“It is easy for young children to lose sight of where their family is located and get lost in the crowds. A number of the lost children in the past two days were not tagged.
“Parents and caregivers can rest assured that their information is confidential and is only used when their child is lost and it helps us to keep your little ones safe,” van der Ross explained.
With more holidays and good weather coming up, van der Ross encouraged parents and caregivers who visit the beach with children to find the Identikidz registration desks and get their little ones tagged.
The tag helps reunite lost or displaced children with their families.
The team collaborates closely with the provincial Department of Social Development, the city’s enforcement agencies, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the safety and successful reunification of these children.
The rest of the participating beaches returned the following statistics:
• Camps Bay: 1 933
• Muizenberg: 2 904
• Mnandi: 2 589
• Sea Point: 460
• Harmony Park: 1 815
• Gordon’s Bay: 1 486
• Fish Hoek: 1 109
• Milnerton Beach: 1 165
• Melkbosstrand: 664
• Silwerstroom: 893
• Lagoon Beach: 332
• Big Bay: 785
• Maiden’s Cove: 183 – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 12/27/2024 - 11:10