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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 …
Disaster response teams on the ground amid rains
Communities in the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) in the Eastern Cape have been urged to remain vigilant amid the rainy weather conditions.
The municipality said it has experienced heavy rains in most parts of the district, which has caused severe damage to houses and caused roads and bridges to overflow.
“Communities are urged to remain vigilant and on high alert during this time and at all costs avoid crossing overflowing bridges, roads and rivers. ADM disaster teams are on the ground conducting assessments working closely with the local councillors.
“The extent of damage will only be clear once this has been concluded. Affected communities are encouraged to report damages to their ward councillors to expedite ADM disaster response,” said municipal spokesperson, Nonceba Madikizela-Vuso.
Durban motorists must exercise caution
Meanwhile, in Durban, the eThekwini Municipality has urged motorists to buckle up, switch on headlights and drive safely as many roads have been affected by heavy rainfall.
A number of roads were closed on Monday night due to heavy rainfall.
The affected roads include Curnick Ndlovu Highway N2 bridge, N2 North bound in Umlazi, R102 and Glen Anil, M4 southern freeway, M25 towards Phoenix and KwaMashu Highway, Kloof Village Road and Maytime offramp in Hillcrest, Duffs Road and Glen Anil in Durban North, Sparks Road from Sherwood towards Randles Road, M4 South from Victoria Embankment, Plamview Drive near Palmview Primary School, and South Coast Road near Delta.
According to the South African Weather Services outlook for 16 to 17 October 2023, showers and thundershowers will be experienced in the eastern parts of the country with widespread rains over the eastern parts on 16 October 2023 and over the north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on 17 October 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 11:26
Celebrating its fourth anniversary on World Food Day, leading food rescue and hunger relief organisation SA Harvest reflects on its remarkable achievements over the past four years. This milestone coincides with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) theme of ‘Water is Food, Water is Life,’ a message that resonates deeply with SA Harvest’s …
Tokkie Livingstone, NSRI Port Edward deputy station commander, said: At 12h35, Friday, 13 October, NSRI Port Edward duty crew were activated following reports of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts in progress at TO Strand, Main Beach, Port Edward. NSRI Port Edward, medics and rescue swimmers, responded in their private vehicles while Medi-Vac ambulance services and the …
KZN Premier welcomes provincial 4IR commission
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube says the Provincial Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Commission is a game-changer in the march towards positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a smart province.
Speaking at the 4IR Commission inaugural meeting at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Mayville, Durban, on Friday, Dube-Ncube said the establishment of the commission is a "good progression from the approval of the Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy by the Executive Council in May 2020", whose main objectives is to guide the province towards government automation, integration and digitisation of services.
All this, Dube-Ncube said, is aimed at making service delivery efficient, and seizing economic opportunities and innovation to drive the digital transformation strategy of the province.
The 4IR Commission was appointed by the Premier after endorsement by the Executive Council in May 2023.The main target is to develop an integrated provincial 4IR strategy to achieve competitiveness in the key economic sectors, including agriculture, the oceans economy, finance, mining, manufacturing, information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics, tourism and business with science, technology and innovation, as a cross-cutting enabler.
Dube-Ncube said the commission will also accelerate the implementation of the Provincial Digital Transformation Strategy, and gain insight from professionals within the ICT sector.
The Premier said the commission represents a significant step forward in the province's journey towards embracing the transformative power of technology and innovation in a rapidly changing world and bridging the digital divide.
In establishing the 4IR Commission, Dube-Ncube said the province is demonstrating its commitment to harnessing the vast potential of this new era.
“We have assembled a distinguished group of experts, including innovators and thought-leaders, who will serve as the guiding force in navigating this uncharted territory. Their collective knowledge and wisdom will be instrumental in shaping our nation's approach to the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Dube-Ncube said.
The 4IR Commission comprises the following members:
• Dr Leon Rolls: Chairperson of the 4IR Commission.
• Professor Chris Adendorff: Deputy Chairperson of the Commission.
• Langelihle Zulu: Commissioner.
• Dr Stella Bvuma: Commissioner.
• Dr Sibongiseni Thosetjane: Commissioner.
Rolls underscored the need for the 4IR Commission to build hope for a better and smarter future for KZN.
“We must be a connected smart province with a thriving digital economy. The time for talking and unending learning from other countries is over. We are going to vigorously implement this strategy now,” Rolls said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 11:19
JOHANNESBURG: Dafabet Warriors continued their winning streak in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) 1 Day Cup after thumping AET Tuskers by...
JOHANNESBURG: The Jukskei derby saw DP World Lions claim victory against Fidelity Titans in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Professional Domestic...
JOHANNESBURG: DP World Lions secured their first win in the 2023/24 Cricket South Africa (CSA) 1 Day Cup in Boland Park...
Boxer Athletics Club athletes Precious Mashele and Glenrose Xaba showcased their remarkable speed at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Durban on Sunday 15 October 2023, becoming the fastest South Africans to complete a 5km run on home soil with their astonishing finishing times of 13:44 and 16:03, respectively. According to Mashele, every time that …
The municipality claims it faced violent resistance when it was carrying out shack demolitions
“Some of our colleagues have been brutally murdered while at the workplace”
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, …
Shongweni Park to comprise 1 260 apartments in 20 phases over the next four years at Westown, near Hillcrest in outer west Durban Complements its two coastal estates in Umhlanga and Ballito Shongweni Park lifestyle estate will be developed according to Balwin’s Classic brand and include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments Each apartment sold with a …
60 families left homeless after a fire in Foreman informal settlement on Sunday
The streets of Durban will be filled with excitement this coming Sunday, 15 October 2023, as runners and walkers of all ages and fitness backgrounds, from elite athletes to social participants, come together to celebrate the debut of the much-anticipated Boxer Super Run. “The Boxer Super Run welcomes participants of all backgrounds, whether they’re elite …
Borehole drilling underway in eThekwini
As part of interventions to resolve water challenges, the eThekwini Municipality has started the drilling of boreholes in several wards, particularly in the rural parts of the city.
This follows the recent launch of the borehole project that will see 20 boreholes drilled in areas affected by irregular supply of water.
Launched by eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, the project will ensure that residents have access to clean, safe water as an interim measure, while longer term solutions are sought.
“In areas where there is inadequate water infrastructure, the municipality has reprioritised funding for the drilling of boreholes. We are pleased to report that teams have already started drilling boreholes,” Kaunda said.
Kaunda said the wards where the projects have started include Ward 3 in Umzinyathi, Ward 105 in Mfume, Ward 59 in oGunjini, and Ward 108 in the eNyoni and Mkhumbane areas.
Giving an update on the restoration of water supply in uMhlanga, Durban North and surrounding areas, Kaunda said as a proactive and preventative measure, the municipal teams will be installing pressure gauges at strategic points on the bulk aqueduct pipeline.
“They will link this up with our telemetry system where we monitor the reservoir levels. We have also approached the South African Police Service to speed up the investigation on the criminal case of sabotage the municipality has opened,” Kaunda said.
The Mayor also reported that the sanitation technical teams continue to work around the clock to ensure all beaches are open during the festive season and beyond.
Kaunda said there is a collaborative effort between the scientific services and the mechanical and wastewater network departments to clearly identify the sources for any identified coastal pollution.
“It is important for the public to know that the pollution of beaches is caused by a combination of factors including pump failure, load shedding, vandalism or poor network infrastructure.
“Therefore, the streamlining of our processes has resulted in us being able to prioritise and track non-functioning infrastructure on a daily basis to ensure repairs are effected promptly,” Kaunda said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 10:21
JOHANNESBURG: The Dafabet Warriors claimed a consecutive win in their 109-run victory against Momentum Multiply Titans in the Cricket South Africa...
“In the 90s, the Post Office was reliable but now it seems as if everything is falling apart,” says KwaMashu pensioner
At this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair, young scientists have reaped the benefits of their hard work and ingenuity, receiving full- and partial bursaries, cash prizes, laptops, tablet computers, and opportunities for work-based exposure during their school holidays. The fair was held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg from …
At around 13h00, Tuesday, 3 October, NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) were alerted by MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) of an EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon) activation approximately 30 nautical miles off-shore of Port St Johns. NSRI Port St Johns was placed on alert while Telkom Maritime Radio Services broadcast an all ships alert. …
President Ramaphosa mourns Prof Hoosen ‘Jerry’ Coovadia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of Professor Hoosen Mahomed “Jerry” Coovadia, a leading scientist, health policy innovator, and anti-apartheid activist who has passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Durban.
The President described Coovadia as an outstanding scientist and committed anti-apartheid campaigner who dedicated himself to the liberation struggle.
The President has offered his deepest condolences to Coovadia’s wife Dr Zubeida Hamed, his son Prof Imraan Coovadia, and daughter Dr Anuschka Coovadia, on behalf of government and the nation.
The Prof, the President said, dedicated himself to the physical well-being and social inclusion of people all over the world through his enterprising mission as a scientist and architect of public health policies.
“His pioneering, globally acclaimed research into mother-to-child transmission of HIV has rendered an immeasurable legacy to humanity in terms of which persons living with HIV can live long and healthy lives subject to early detection and access to treatment.
“Our nation’s loss will be felt globally but we can take pride at and comfort from the emergence of a giant of science and an icon of compassion and resilience from our country,” the President added.
Although he faced numerous obstacles in apartheid South Africa, Coovadia established himself as a top paediatrician and became an international authority on HIV/AIDS, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
Those who have been paying their tribute have described his passing as a great loss to the scientific community and remarked that his contribution will always be remembered.
According to reports, he was appointed Associate Professor at the University of Natal now known as the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 1982 and ad hominem Professor in 1986.
From 1990 to 2000, he served as Professor and Head of Paediatrics and Child Health at the UKZN.
Director of Biomedical Science at the Centre for HIV/AIDS Networking (HIVAN), and the scientific director of the Doris Duke Medical Research Institute at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine at the UKZN.
He was awarded the 2013 AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility. He has also received the 1999 Star of South Africa Award from President Nelson Mandela and the 2000 Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights.
The National Research Foundation (NRF), said during his career, he served as the Chairman of the Board of the UKZN Children’s Hospital Trust, a Commissioner for the National Planning Commission, and Associate Scientific Director at CAPRISA, which is home to the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 13:12
Revitalisation of uMkhomazi multi-billion rand water project underway
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced that the R23 billion uMkhomazi Water Project has been resuscitated, after being delayed for several years.
Mchunu made the announcement during a media briefing held in Durban to give an update on water security in eThekwini and other districts, particularly Phase I of the uMkhomazi Water Project.
Mchunu said the uMkhomazi Water Project will increase water security in the uMngeni Water Supply System which supplies eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, iLembe, Ugu, Harry Gwala District Municipalities and Msunduzi Local Municipality, and ensure water security in 2030.
He said, this represents progress after a number of meetings with the Ministers of Finance, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and eThekwini Mayor.
Mchunu explained that the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), a state-owned entity charged with financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects, will implement the raw water component of the project, while the potable water component will be implemented by uMngeni-uThukela Water.
“This means that, the ball is now in eThekwini’s court to start consultations and complete them as soon as possible so that the project can really start without any further delays. These consultations will also enable TCTA to start raising 50% of the finance required for the project on the market.
“The remaining 50% will be funded by National Treasury, through a 25% loan to the TCTA and a 25% grant. The contribution to the project from the fiscus enables the water that will be provided to be affordable to the municipalities. We now want TCTA to proceed with planning and design work right away so that construction can start as soon as possible in 2024 / 2025,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu also reported that the department has completed the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall by 7.02 metres, which will put additional water to eThekwini, following the floods which left Aqueducts 1 and 2 damaged.
The Minister said the repairs to Aqueduct 1 and 2 have been completed and they are back online, and will be commissioned soon.
“The shortages of water in the South and other areas require a number of accelerated activities, including the completion of repairs to eThekwini’s own south-bound Aqueduct. We are aware of several infrastructure projects by eThekwini, and these represent a positive development,” Mchunu said.
The Minister said the next priority activities would be to deal with non-revenue water and physical losses, including operations and maintenance, billing, and revenue collection.
He said the department is working in partnership with National Treasury and CoGTA to support eThekwini to improve its water and sanitation services.
In this regard, he said the city has put in place a Water and Sanitation Turnaround Strategy and the private sector as an additional component in the accelerated efforts, will play a role.
On wastewater infrastructure in the city, Mchunu announced that eThekwini and Umngeni-Uthukela Water have agreed on an immediate target of 10 wastewater plants for refurbishment, operation and maintenance, representing 90% of the effluent that the city treats.
He emphasised that eThekwini needs to sign the Service-Level Agreement soon.
Appointment of uMngeni-uThukela Water Board
The Minister also used an opportunity to introduce the newly appointed 12-member board for uMngeni-uThukela Water, which includes Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo as the Chairperson and Nothando Mkhize as the Deputy Chairperson.
Other board members are Senamile Masango; Khanyisani Shandu; Sylvia Mhlongo; Lavandran Gopaul; Hlengiwe Mvubu; Timothy Cornish; Diana Hoorzuk; Sipho Mtolo; and Sibusiso Mkhize.
“The newly appointed 12-member Board comprises of individuals who collectively possess Science, Engineering, Law, Accounting and Finance competencies,” Mchunu noted. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 13:26
Ruahn Beattie, NSRI Shelly Beach deputy station commander, said: At 16h22, Tuesday, 3 October, NSRI Shelly Beach STATION 20 duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress near to Umzumbe Beach, KZN South Coast. 3 persons were reported to be being in difficulty on the North side of Umzumbe Beach. Simunye Lifeguard …