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Department of Health commemorates World Environmental Health Day

Location: News

Department of Health commemorates World Environmental Health Day

The Department of Health is joining the global community in commemorating World Environmental Health Day (WEHD). 

The 26th of September 2024 marks the 13th WEHD to raise awareness about environmental health issues and promote actions to improve and protect the environment for the wellbeing of all living creatures, including humans. 

South Africa’s WEHD kicked off today, 25 September, and will continue until tomorrow at the Wild Coast Sun International, in Port Edward, Eastern Cape. 

According to the department, environmental health is critical in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, and disaster risk reduction to create resilient and sustainable communities. 

“Climate change and disaster risks are fundamental threats to sustainable development, the living and health conditions for all humans on the globe and the reduction of poverty,” the department said. 

The department believes the negative impacts of environmental health issues threaten to roll back decades of development gains. 

“Building resilient and sustainable communities means addressing both climate change and disaster risks, and integrating these risks and potential opportunities into development planning and budgeting.”

This year’s WEHD commemoration will focus on creating resilient communities through disaster risk reduction and climate change mitigation and adaptation, which has been adopted in alignment with all the environmental health functions.

The event will be attended by political principals and environmental health experts. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 09/25/2024 - 10:22

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Let’s be alive to the impact of climate change – Acting President Mashatile

Location: News

Let’s be alive to the impact of climate change – Acting President Mashatile

As South Africa celebrates Heritage Day, Acting President Paul Mashatile emphasised the need to recognise the growing impact of climate change on the nation's well-being and cultural heritage. 

Delivering the keynote address during Heritage Day celebrations in Ficksburg, Free State, Mashatile urged citizens to be mindful of how climate change threatens both livelihoods and cultural traditions.

The Acting President expressed his honour in addressing the nation on Heritage Day but noted that celebrations were overshadowed by severe weather affecting parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Free State.

“It is a great honour and privilege to address you at this significant occasion as we celebrate our country’s Heritage Day. Unfortunately, as we were looking forward to this day, some parts of our country, which include Kwa-Zulu Natal, Eastern Cape and Free State, were impacted by severe weather conditions, exacerbated by climate change.

“In celebrating our heritage, we must be alive to the impact of climate change on not only our wellbeing, but also on our culture. Extreme weather conditions such as those witnessed over the past few days affect some of our cultural and heritage sites, therefore undermining our national goals to protect and preserve our culture for generations to come,” he said. 

Mashatile expressed empathy for those affected by the recent extreme weather events in parts of South Africa.

“We empathise with those who were affected by the widespread extreme weather. We would also like to commend Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Government Departments for their prompt and robust multi-sectoral response. Additionally, we commend the provinces that were impacted for their prompt activation of their disaster response structures,” the Acting President said. 

He said the response teams led by NATJOINTS remain on standby to respond to any eventualities and continue to assist affected communities. 

“Even while these teams are committed to helping and saving those in need, we nonetheless ask that our people exercise caution and pay close attention to any warnings issued by the South African Weather Service. 

“These meteorological conditions emphasise even more how important it is to increase our investments in technology that may improve weather predictions. 

“We can save lives by providing early warnings of storms, heat waves, and disasters. Our sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones,” he said. 

The Acting President urged the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to explore policy considerations concerning the impact of climate change on the nation’s historical heritage, but also provide direction on how best the country can preserve the national identity in this era of multiple global challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 09/24/2024 - 14:36

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SA Weather Service forecasts warm week followed by light snow

Location: News

SA Weather Service forecasts warm week followed by light snow

South Africa is set to experience a mix of warm and cool temperatures in the coming days, with a significant drop in temperatures and even light snowfall expected later this month, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

This after the weekend’s freezing temperatures and snowfall in some parts of the country caused havoc on the roads, resulting in one fatality.   

READ | Heavy snowfall on N3 claims life of a 39-year-old woman

Forecaster at the South African Weather Service (SAWS) Lehlogonolo Thobela provided an outlook for the week ahead, highlighting warm conditions across much of the country.

“Today we are expecting just warm temperatures over the central parts, ranging between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius, that’s on average in the Northern Cape province. 

“In Gauteng, the weather will be cooler in the south but warm in the northern areas, with maximum temperatures reaching about 25 degrees in the north and about 24 to 22 degrees over the southern parts,” Thobela said.

The Eastern Cape will experience varied conditions, with cool weather in the northeastern parts but warmer and even hot temperatures in the south. 

“It will be quite cool over most parts of the northeastern parts of the Eastern Cape but warm over most of the province and hot over the southern parts,” Thobela explained.

The Western Cape, meanwhile, will see cooler conditions in the west but warmer weather in the east. 

“Just warm temperatures are expected across the country,” Thobela said.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, Thobela forecasted hot temperatures in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, with highs of 34 degrees Celsius, and similarly warm to hot conditions in Limpopo. 

“It will be warm over most parts of the country, with maximums between 25 and 30 degrees over the central parts,” he noted. 

He said that cooler weather will persist in the Western Cape, especially along the west coast, where temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 22 degrees.

The heat is set to continue through the week, especially in Limpopo and the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with hot conditions predicted for the 26th and 27th of September. 

“It will be hot over most parts of Limpopo on the 26th and 27th,” Thobela said.

Central regions like the Free State, North West, and Gauteng will remain warm during this period.

However, a significant temperature drop is expected later in the month, starting on the 29th of September. 

“It will be cold over the southern parts, and the Western Cape will be very cold, with maximums ranging between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius,” Thobela said. 

The Eastern Cape will remain cool, with colder conditions in the central and southwestern parts.

On the 30th of September, cold conditions will spread to KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Free State. 

“There is some light snow expected over the highland areas of the Eastern Cape, as well as the southwestern parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the border of Lesotho, between the 30th [of September] and the 1st of October,” Thobela revealed, though he assured that the snowfall would be light.

The cold snap will extend to the escarpment of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal on the 1st of October, with temperatures starting to recover by the 2nd.

South Africans are advised to prepare for fluctuating temperatures and possible snow in high-lying areas over the next week. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 09/24/2024 - 13:09

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Temps to start recovering in the next few days, says weather service

Location: News

Temps to start recovering in the next few days, says weather service

While warmer weather is expected throughout most of South Africa in the coming days, the south western parts of the country can expect a cold front on Wednesday.

This after the weekend’s freezing temperatures and snowfall in some parts of the country caused havoc on the roads, causing one fatality.  

Forecaster at the South African Weather Service (SAWS) Samkelisiwe Thwala said on Monday rain showers are expected this afternoon over the central and western parts of the Western Cape, spreading to other areas this evening.

“Tomorrow will be mostly partly cloudy for most of the country in the morning. This will clear from the west throughout the day,” Thwala told SAnews.

She said the weather service expected isolated showers in the extreme parts of the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape. This will move into the Eastern Cape and Free State and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Temperatures will start recovering in the next couple of days. “We are expecting temperatures to be warm in most parts of the country, but still relatively cool over Gauteng and Mpumalanga.”

On Wednesday, however, a cold front will be approaching from the west and showers are expected in the south western parts of South Africa, spreading along the south coast. 

Meanwhile, all roads affected by the recent snowstorm, including the N3 Toll Route, were reopened to traffic last night. These include key routes in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. 

“The extensive backlog of traffic between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State has been cleared. Motorists are advised to resume their travels on Monday, 23 September 2024. 

“Although the roads are cleared, road users are urged to drive cautiously as some roads remain slippery, and weather conditions limit visibility.

“Government thanks all citizens, emergency services, government entities, humanitarian organisations, and stakeholders for their support during this time,” said the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Sunday night. 

READ | Tips for safer driving on icy roads

Regrettably, a 39-year-old woman died on Saturday while trapped in the blizzard that engulfed the N3 between Van Reenen’s Pass, connecting KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine
Mon, 09/23/2024 - 17:11

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Minister commends progress made in land claims matter  

Location: News

Minister commends progress made in land claims matter  

Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Mzwanele Nyhontso, has welcomed the latest developments in the case against a suspended official implicated in alleged financial irregularities within the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR), regional Land Claims office in the Eastern Cape.

Nyhontso approved the immediate suspension of the officials who worked at the regional Land Claims office in the Eastern Cape, who were implicated in alleged financial irregularities.

Chief Land Claims Commissioner, Nomfundo Ntloko said the commission had been in full support of investigations by law enforcement agencies and remained committed to rooting out corruption related to the restitution of land rights process.

Nyhontso said the CRLR, where the official was based, had been cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks), to ensure compliance with all necessary and relevant processes.

The official together with her alleged accomplices have been arrested and are expected to appear in the East London Magistrates court on Monday.

“Corruption within the department will not be tolerated, and tough action will be taken against any officials implicated,” Nyhontso warned. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Mon, 09/23/2024 - 11:48

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Shaping Inclusive Fisheries and Transforming Gender Roles in South Africa’s Coastal Communities

Location: News
The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)

Coastal communities in South Africa were represented in a lively two-day community workshop that sought to promote gender inclusivity in environmental management and the conservation of aquatic biodiversity. The workshop, which was co-hosted by AU-IBAR, Mabuyi Development Planners, and Blue Wild Coast NPO, aimed to provide a thorough Gender Plan of Action for NGOs engaged in small-scale fisheries.

Fifty people showed up at the event in East London, South Africa. Among them were ladies from the seaside towns of Hamburg and Port St. John's, as well as officials from the government, non-governmental organisations, the business sector, and foreign organisations. The workshop sought to incorporate gender-sensitive practices into environmental management, with a heavy emphasis on gender mainstreaming. This was especially important in small-scale fisheries, where women are crucial but under-represented.

Workshop Objectives and Background
After successfully recruiting a Technical Consultant to assist South African environmental NGOs, the Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Project continued its earlier efforts with the workshop. Site visits, a gender assessment report, an MoU, and a Gender Plan of Action were all part of the consultant's remit to guarantee that women and disadvantaged communities would be a part of environmental sustainability initiatives.

Prior consultations verified the inception report, which laid the groundwork for this workshop. Recognising the importance of local women as guardians of aquatic biodiversity, we set out to understand the difficulties they encounter in small-scale fisheries and find strategies to support them. Workshop participants also had the opportunity to confirm the consultant's report's findings and work together to develop ways to increase gender inclusion in the sector.

Opening Session: Setting the Stage for Change
A panel of speakers stressed gender equality in small-scale fisheries and aquatic biodiversity management at the inaugural session.

At the outset of the session, Ms. Elethu Duna, Executive Director of Blue Wild Coast NPO, acknowledged the importance of women in small-scale fishing in South Africa and highlighted their lack of representation in decision-making bodies. She emphasized that addressing gender inequities offers potential for permanent change and expressed gratitude to AU-IBAR and partners for the session. Duna strongly encouraged participation in developing a substantial Gender Plan of Action.

Mr. Zamkhaya Maseti from the Premier's Office, Government of South Africa, recognized the need for additional action in rural communities while emphasizing the government's dedication to empowering women through policies. He highlighted the importance of women in fisheries, noting that they are sometimes overlooked, and described the session as a crucial step in addressing this disparity. "The time for talk is over," Maseti declared as his final rallying cry. Now is the moment to take action.

Ms. Thabisa Sigwela, representing the Buffalo City Maritime Cluster, emphasized the need for women's economic empowerment and advocated for organized investments in financial inclusion and capacity building. She pledged to support businesses run by women and stressed the importance of providing women in underserved coastal communities with easy access to economic opportunities.

Ms. Mashebane Thosago, from the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET), highlighted the obstacles women in the fishing industry face, including a lack of education and financing. She spoke about how AWFISHNET is working to connect women across Africa and how this training can empower those involved in small-scale fishing to make a difference.

Ms. Fransciscar Mhuriro, representing AU-IBAR, reiterated the organization's commitment to gender equality, calling for women to be recognized as leaders in the fisheries industry. She stressed that AU-IBAR is responsible for promoting gender-responsive policies and enabling knowledge-sharing to ensure the Gender Plan of Action is a living tool for change.

Finally, Ms. Nozuko Ntsokota from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE) discussed the need for practical application of existing gender policy. She highlighted the importance of collaboration to equip women with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in small-scale fisheries and pledged continued support for initiatives that emerge from the session.

The workshop focused on gender issues in small-scale fisheries through technical sessions. The first session introduced the importance of integrating gender principles into fisheries management. Key presentations included the roles of men and women in small-scale fisheries, the marginalization of women, and the role of women in vulnerable coastal communities. The second session, moderated by Stephanie Achieng, discussed legislative frameworks, financial exclusion, tenure rights, and infrastructure challenges in small-scale fisheries. A draft gender plan of action was introduced, based on input from local fisherwomen.

Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Cooperatives
Ms. Thosago Mashebane of AWFISHNET and SANWFA highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women in fisheries cooperatives. Issues included unfriendly working environments, inadequate infrastructure, and limited financial inclusion. Despite the existence of cooperatives for over a decade, women continue to struggle with access to resources, funding, and tenure rights. Ms. Mashebane emphasized the need for improved legislative frameworks, increased capacity-building initiatives, and the creation of financial tools tailored to the needs of women in coastal communities.

Proposed Solutions and Commitments
Participants discussed potential solutions, such as the establishment of organized forums for women in cooperatives, improved sustainability of interventions, and stronger policy frameworks. The workshop also proposed the development of business models for women cooperatives, alongside measures to increase their representation in decision-making institutions at local and national levels. Notably, SANWFA committed to connecting women cooperatives from the Eastern Cape with buyers in the Western Cape, fostering new economic opportunities.

Key Workshop Outcomes
Key conclusions from the event will guide future efforts and the Gender Plan of Action. As a means of identifying and addressing critical obstacles, participants evaluated current frameworks and policies that affect women in coastal areas. They looked at different ways to help women participate more in small-scale fishing, with an emphasis on financial inclusion, capacity building, and access to resources. Involvement from women in coastal communities, local NGOs, and government stakeholders led to the development of a thorough Gender Plan of Action. This plan outlines methods for capacity building, advocacy, and monitoring. The significance of public-private partnerships was also highlighted, with organisations such as the South African Maritime Association and the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) being identified as vital for long-term success.

Next Steps and Recommendations
The subsequent actions were outlined as follows: 

After the Gender Plan of Action is finalised, workshop participants will receive a draft of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and have the opportunity to review and provide input on it before the deadline. When completed, it will be a part of larger plans to manage fisheries on a national and regional level. The importance of ongoing support from AU-IBAR and Blue Wild Coast NPO was highlighted, as was the need for continuous capacity building for women cooperatives in Port St. Johns and Hamburg. For the purpose of tracking and adjusting progress, gender-sensitive monitoring and evaluation indicators will be created and integrated into the M&E framework of the participating NGOs. Sustainable business models in small-scale fishing will also be a priority, therefore we'll be working to connect women's cooperatives with buyers and funding options.

Conclusion
For South African small-scale fisheries, the community workshop was a watershed moment in the fight for gender parity. At this event, women from coastal communities, along with representatives from government and NGOs, worked together to develop strategies that will empower women and involve them in managing aquatic biodiversity. Participation and representation of women in coastal communities in environmental management discussions will be enhanced by the workshop's outputs, which will play a pivotal role in informing future policies and interventions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Media files
The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)
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Read moreShaping Inclusive Fisheries and Transforming Gender Roles in South Africa’s Coastal Communities

Roads reopened to traffic after snowfall

Location: News

Roads reopened to traffic after snowfall

Government has announced that all roads affected by the recent snowstorm, including the N3 Toll Route, have now been reopened to traffic. 

These include key routes in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. 

“The extensive backlog of traffic between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State has been cleared.

“Motorists are advised to resume their travels on Monday, 23 September 2024. 

“Although the roads are cleared, road users are urged to drive cautiously as some roads remain slippery, and weather conditions limit visibility.

“Government thanks all citizens, emergency services, government entities, humanitarian organisations, and stakeholders for their support during this time,” said the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Sunday night. 

READ | Tips for safer driving on icy roads

Regrettably, a 39-year-old woman died on Saturday while trapped in the blizzard that engulfed the N3 between Van Reenen’s Pass, connecting KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

The GCIS has urged citizens to stay informed by tuning in to local radio stations and following government social media pages for updates. 

“Thank you for your cooperation, South Africa! Let us all continue to prioritise safety on the roads,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Sun, 09/22/2024 - 21:30

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Majodina hands over James Kleynhans Water Treatment Plant to Makhanda community

Location: News

Majodina hands over James Kleynhans Water Treatment Plant to Makhanda community

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, has handed over the James Kleynhans Water Treatment Plant to Makana Local Municipality to address the ongoing water shortages in the area. 

The R393 million water treatment plant, with a capacity upgrade, was handed over on Friday, 20 September 2024.

The water treatment now has an increased capacity of pumping 20 megalitres from 10 megalitres per day. 

The project was funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), with Amatola Water Board as the implementing agent. 

Speaking during the handover, the Minister emphasised the importance of effective operation and maintenance of infrastructure to improve the delivery of water to the affected communities.

“I cannot overemphasise enough how important it is for the local municipality to ensure that the water treatment plant is well maintained. The maintenance of infrastructure is not just a nice thing to do, but an obligation by law that it should be done,” Majodina said. 

The plant is set to benefit 97 815 people and created employment opportunities for 90 locals during construction.

Meanwhile, in Gqeberha, the Minister undertook oversight inspections of bulk water leaks meters, which have been installed in different parts of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro as an intervention from the Ministry of Water and Sanitation to help the metro to address non-revenue water challenges. 

Part of the ministry’s intervention was a directive to the metro to implement a robust leak detection and fixing programme aimed at addressing the amount of water that was unaccounted for.  

Nelson Mandela Bay Metro supplies about 310 megalitres per day of water to 1.3 million residents within its boundaries, and smaller municipalities outside its boundaries. 

In the past several financial years, the department said 40% to 50% of the water supply was deemed non-revenue water.

“Therefore, the programme is aimed at reducing water losses to 20%. The installation of Generation Meter Adapters (GMAs) and District Meter Area (DMA) meters can indicate areas where the highest water losses occur, and where to implement interventions. 

“South Africa is a water-scarce country. It is, therefore, unacceptable that water is being lost through leaks, which then affects the security of water. Through the leak detection and fixing programme, it is evident that the war on leaks can be won,” Majodina explained.  

So far, 12 429 water leaks have been successfully repaired on the water reticulation network and 34 494 on domestic repairs. 

She reiterated the department’s commitment to effectively implement bulk water projects in several parts of the Eastern Cape to ensure water security for current and future generations. 

The Minister was supported by Makana Local Municipality Mayor Yandiswa Vara in Makhanda and Deputy Mayor Babalwa Lobishe in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality in Gqeberha, as well as several officials of the department and Amatola Water. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 09/22/2024 - 12:30

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Government urges caution amid severe snowfall and road closures

Location: News

Government urges caution amid severe snowfall and road closures

Government is advising against any travel on the roads hit by heavy snowfall that affected Gauteng, the Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

While most of the roads have been cleared of snow and motorists who were trapped have been rescued, mop-up operations are still ongoing. 

This after heavy snowfall caused havoc on the N3 toll route and other regional roads on Friday night, leaving scores of motorists, including truck drivers and bus commuters, stranded. 

According to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the N3 toll route remains closed to incoming traffic, apart from the section between Van Reenen’s Pass and the vicinity of Swinburne and Montrose for rescue and recovery operations. 

“Progress with clearing Van Reenen’s Pass is steady, and it is badly affected by abandoned trucks that are being cleared. Therefore, the Van Reenen’s Pass is still closed as rescue and recovery continues,” the statement read. 

Both Wilge and Tugela plazas are currently closed to traffic, while the N5 from Bethlehem to Harrismith is open, though dangerous driving conditions persist 30 km from Harrismith due to melting snow. 

“Travel on this route is strongly discouraged,” the GCIS stressed. 

The R57 from Kestell to the R714 junction is open with dangerous conditions, while traffic is also flowing from the same junction from Bethlehem to Warden but melting snow is causing hazardous driving conditions. 

The N11 route is open between Ladysmith and Volksrust. However, according to the GCIS, it is very misty through Majuba Pass, making it difficult to drive and citizens along this route are urged to stay at home. 

“All passes in the Eastern Cape have been opened for motorists. However, government appeals to motorists to be cautious as the road is still slippery.”

Government also warned that affected provinces are still experiencing snowfall and heavy mist, and fog is limiting visibility. 

“Citizens are urged to remain patient and cancel travel on closed routes.” 

In addition, emergency teams continue to work on clearing the snow and restoring accessibility. 

“Government will advise when conditions of the roads have improved and declared safe for use.” 

The State, through the coordinated efforts of disaster management authorities and emergency services, continues to respond to the situation to provide the required assistance. 

These include the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). 

Stranded road users

Meanwhile, the GCIS said all stranded road users along the N3 toll route have now been assisted. 

“Government extends its appreciation to the assistance by humanitarian organisations for the relief.” 

Emergency provisions and medical support are being distributed in all affected provinces, and additional air support will be provided as soon as weather conditions permit. 

“The public is encouraged to stay informed by tuning in to local radio stations and checking government social media channels for the latest updates on road closures and relief efforts.” 

Borders

Regarding ports of entry, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and its partners have temporarily closed certain ports as a safety precaution. 

“However, operations have now resumed at all ports of entry that were affected by the snowfall, except for the Sani Pass due to the melting snow, which is causing roads to be slippery.” 

Travellers seeking to enter Lesotho are advised to use the Ficksburg Port, Caledonspoort, Makhaleng, Boesmansnek, Monontsha and Maseru as alternative ports of entry. 

“Those who are trapped in the snow must remain in their vehicles, signal for help, and wait for assistance from disaster management authorities and police. It is safer to stay inside your vehicle and wait for help.” 

In addition, citizens are advised not to leave their vehicles to search for assistance unless help is visible within a reasonable distance. 

“Government thanks all citizens for their cooperation during this challenging time and urges patience and adherence to safety precautions to minimise any further impact of these severe weather conditions. Stay home, stay informed and stay safe,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 09/22/2024 - 15:05

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Read moreGovernment urges caution amid severe snowfall and road closures

Tips for safer driving on icy roads

Location: News

Tips for safer driving on icy roads

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has warned motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving on icy roads. 

Severe snow and wet conditions have been reported in parts of the country, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

READ | Government prioritises providing shelter for stranded motorists in anticipation of more snow

“The South African Weather Service has issued an alert for strong surface winds, severe thunderstorms affecting Gauteng, and snow fall affecting the Eastern Cape and some parts of the country,” the RTMC said at the weekend.

During this period, the RTMC advises road users to adhere to Arrive Alive road safety messages and follow the advice below: 

Driving safely on icy roads

  1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

  2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

  3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

  4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.

  5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

  6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

  7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently travelled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

  8. Don't pass snow ploughs and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

  9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on icy roads. - SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Sun, 09/22/2024 - 14:09

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Motorists urged to avoid travelling

Location: News

Motorists urged to avoid travelling

The Ministry of Transport has advised motorists, who plan on travelling between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, to delay their trips due to the severe weather conditions. 

Heavy snowfall continues to blanket the N3 highway, particularly between Warden and Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, making travel extremely hazardous. 

“The ministry is deeply concerned about the situation, especially as many travellers spent the night stranded at filling stations and along the N3, unable to move due to the road closures.

“[Transport] Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister [Mkhuleko] Hlengwa are receiving regular updates through the Road Traffic Management Cooperation and SANRAL on the ongoing rescue efforts coordinated by State agencies and other stakeholders,” the Transport Department said.

Emergency services, including paramedics and other necessary personnel, are being deployed to assist those affected. 

The N3 Toll Route remains closed between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State due to the dangerous snowy conditions. 

Motorists are urged to avoid the affected areas, and follow the guidance of authorities, and prioritise their safety by delaying non-essential travel.

The severe weather conditions have brought heavy snowfall across parts of Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. 

Motorists across the board are advised to cancel their trips until conditions improve. 

Those who are trapped in the snow are advised to remain in their vehicles, signal for help, and wait for assistance from disaster management authorities and police, who are already on the ground. 

No deaths or injuries have been reported so far. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Sat, 09/21/2024 - 14:52

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Government dealing with outbreaks including bilharzia affecting Limpopo

Location: News

Government dealing with outbreaks including bilharzia affecting Limpopo

Efforts are underway to contain the outbreak and assess water quality in affected areas, following the emergence of the waterborne parasitic disease, bilharzia, in various locations within the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, situated in the Mopani District.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who addressed the media on Friday regarding the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

According to the latest reports, the bilharzia outbreak has significantly impacted areas such as Nkowankowa, Khujwana and Dan villages.

Earlier this month, the provincial department said over 150 learners from Malwandla Primary School were diagnosed and are receiving treatment with anti-parasitic medication. 

Bilharzia is described as a waterborne disease transmitted through contact with contaminated water.

The public is urged to prevent children from swimming in contaminated water and to seek medical treatment immediately if symptoms arise.

Meanwhile, the Limpopo provincial government has established a provincial testing centre to address the outbreak after several people contracted the disease. 

Bilharzia can present a range of symptoms, which include but are not limited to abdominal pain, fever and chills, bloody diarrhoea, blood in urine, urine tract infections, persistent headaches, and fatigue.

The Minister said early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing and treating bilharzia effectively.

In addition, the Minister said there has been a restriction on animal movement in the Eastern Cape due to a foot and mouth disease outbreak in the Kouga and Koukamma municipalities that falls under the Sarah Baartman District Municipality. 

“Cabinet reminded South Africans that the transportation of livestock from one place to another requires a transport permit from a local state veterinary office,” Ntshavheni said. 

The Minister also touched on the importance of non-pharmaceutical measures to mitigate the spread of Mpox disease in South Africa.

She emphasised regular hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitisers to prevent the disease's transmission after 25 cases were reported since the outbreak. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/20/2024 - 13:26

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Eastern Cape Ncop Delegation Calls for Resuscitation of Delayed Infrastructure Development Projects

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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On the last day of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) 2024 Provincial Week Programme, the Eastern Cape's Permanent Delegates to the NCOP expressed their displeasure with the rising number of delayed infrastructure development projects in the province.

The delegation reiterated this displeasure during the last day of its week-long oversight visit to the selected infrastructure projects in the Chris Hani District Municipality as part of the NCOP's Provincial Week Programme. The delayed projects included Fikile Gwadana Road, Louis Rex Primary School and the Komani Economic Industrial Park.

The delegation heard that the newly established Queenstown Economic Industrial Area project started on 14 February 2022 and was expected to be completed on 13 February 2023. However, due to a court action, the project was delayed for eleven months, from August 2022 to July 2023. The new completion date was 30 September 2024, but the project is still far from completion, mainly due to budgetary constraints.

The Louis Rex Primary School in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality has 33 prefabricated temporary classes. The project, which is at 54% completion, encountered a delay mainly due to poor performance by the first contractor.

The school's principal informed the delegation that the school is overcrowded and has no recreational facilities, school clerk, staff room, or security guards. As a result, the school is vulnerable to all forms of crime emerging in the region, including extortion.

The Komani Industrial Park, situated within the greater Komani urban area, comprises two existing industrial areas of Queendustria and Ezibeleni township and is one of the district's economic hopes.

The delegation heard that the park is faced with problems that include relocation of investors due to, among other things, water shortage, insufficient electricity supply, lack of ICT connectivity, insecurity, and lack of funding for park operations.

The delegation called on the leaders of the district and local municipalities where these projects exist to ensure that all of them are resuscitated and accordingly budgeted for so that they can be completed.

The leader of the delegation, Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana, said, "It is high time that we commit ourselves to salvaging the situation. Let us engage all the roleplayers to ensure that all these projects become alive and the objectives for which they were planned are fulfilled."

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreEastern Cape Ncop Delegation Calls for Resuscitation of Delayed Infrastructure Development Projects

Basic Education ready for 2024 matric examinations

Location: News

Basic Education ready for 2024 matric examinations

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) says all systems are in place for it to administer the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations for the Class of 2024.

The department briefed the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education this week on a preliminary report regarding the state of readiness for this year’s Grade 12 final examinations.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule and Director-General Mathanzima Mweli led the departmental delegation to Parliament.

The examinations are set to run from 21 October to 27 November 2024, and marking will commence immediately thereafter. 

“There are 55 053 markers appointed, who will be stationed at 188 marking centres. The results will be released to candidates on 16 January 2025. The Minister will announce the results on 15 January 2024,” the department said. 

Delivering opening remarks, Gwarube said the DBE had done a lot of work to prepare both the candidates and the system for this year’s examination. She said this was a pivotal moment for the learners, who are in their last weeks in the basic education system.

In terms of system readiness, the Chief Director for National Assessment and Public Examinations, Dr Rufus Poliah, reported that there were 732 448 full-time candidates enrolled for NSC examinations this year, which is 8 400 more than in 2023.

“KwaZulu-Natal has the largest Grade 12 population with 172 213 candidates, while Gauteng contributes the second largest number with 136 620. Eastern Cape has 103 975 and Limpopo has 94 236. Mpumalanga has 68 455 and the Western Cape has registered 64 552 candidates. The North West has 41 480, while the Free State has 37 737 and the Northern Cape has 13 180 registered candidates this year. 

“There are 136 195 part-time candidates registered to sit for various subjects this year. The examinations will take place in 6 909 centres across the nine provinces,” the department said.  

Poliah said a total of 162 question papers for the 2024 October/November examinations have been approved by Umalusi and are ready for handover to provinces for printing.

The Class of 2024 is the seventh cohort that will sit for South African Sign Language (SASL) Home Language (HL) examinations in November 2024. Twenty- three schools in nine provinces have 210 candidates registered for SASL HL, compared to 134 candidates in 2023.

In terms of learner readiness, the Deputy Director-General for Curriculum, Dr Barney Mthembu, highlighted several factors that need to be taken into account regarding the current cohort of Grade 12 learners. 

“Firstly, the Class of 2024 was in Grade R in 2012, the year of implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) in foundation phase. Secondly, they entered Grade 8 in 2020 at the height of COVID-19, which means their transition from primary to secondary school was seriously disrupted.

“Thirdly, their Grade 9 year (2021), which is crucial for subject selection in Grade 10, was also disrupted due to COVID-19,” Mthembu said. 

He said learners experienced social distancing, which limited group work between teachers and group assessment activities. Rotational attendance affected coverage of the curriculum and created content gaps. At the height of COVID-19, teacher absenteeism affected teacher curriculum coverage negatively for this cohort.

In spite of these disruptions, the department said this cohort started to benefit from the Learning Recovery Programme at primary school.

“Strategies and interventions aimed at addressing the academic setbacks of COVID-19 were introduced. In Grade 10 (2022), the system was beginning to recover from the COVID-19 restrictions, which led to a return of the majority of learners to school.

“This saved this cohort from rotational attendance and loss of teaching and learning time. It also helped them to complete the Grade 10 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs). In Grade 11 (2023) this cohort had an advantage of the removal of social distancing and other related restrictions. This helped it to cover the Grade 11 Annual Teaching Plans,” the department said. 

This year, in Grade 12, they are benefiting from a wealth of resources that were developed to assist the classes of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 with learning and studying. These include previous diagnostic reports, question papers and study material.

Mweli has visited 162 study camps in different parts of the country throughout the year to support the Grade 12 learners.

The department further highlighted that the Class of 2024 has also benefited from being taught by teachers who have improved subject results in 2022 and 2023, making them motivated to improve performance in 2024. 

The Class of 2024 reached Grade 12 when schools had mastered the skill of using the diagnostic reports of the previous years for examination preparation. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:23

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Cooler weekend expected, says weather service

Location: News

Cooler weekend expected, says weather service

While many South Africans are experiencing a hot to very hot start to spring with the first heat wave of the season occurring over parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, cooler weather is expected from Thursday.

Weather conditions are expected to change significantly as a cold front and cut-off low-pressure system will introduce wintery conditions to the Western Cape, southern parts of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape from Thursday, 19 September 2024. 

Significantly colder conditions will then spread to KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and Mpumalanga on Friday, 20 September, and reach Gauteng, North West and Limpopo on Saturday, 21 September.

“Disruptive snowfall and bitterly cold conditions are expected to affect the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape (especially the north-eastern high-ground) from Thursday, spreading to the eastern and southern high-ground of the Free State, the western and southern high-ground of KwaZulu-Natal and extending as far as the southern Highveld of Mpumalanga on Friday into Saturday morning,” the SA Weather Service (SAWS) said in a statement. 

The public and small stock farmers are advised to take the necessary precautions ahead of the expected adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety and health of their animals.

A cold front arrives in the Western Cape today resulting in showers and rain over the south-western parts, spreading to the Garden Route and Little Karoo by this evening and to the Eastern Cape tomorrow. 

“It will be cold to very cold over parts of the Western Cape interior and the Eastern Cape on Thursday. Strong to near-gale force winds with rough seas of 4 to 6 metres are likely along the Western Cape coast today, spreading to parts of the Eastern Cape coast overnight and to the coast of KwaZulu-Natal tomorrow.  

“Light snowfalls are likely to occur over the eastern mountains of the Western Cape and the northern high-ground and mountains of the Eastern Cape, mainly from Thursday afternoon into the evening, while becoming disruptive over the north-eastern high ground of the Eastern Cape later in the evening,” the Weather Service said.

In contrast, very hot to extremely hot temperatures - exceeding 38 to 40°C - are expected to occur over parts of the Limpopo Valley and Lowveld of Limpopo ahead of this system.

On Friday, an intense cut-off low pressure system will develop along the border of the Northern and Eastern Cape provinces and will move into the southern parts of the Free State in the evening.

This system will result in widespread showers and thundershowers over parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal (with possible heavy rainfall along the coastal regions), while scattered thunderstorms are possible over parts of Gauteng, western Limpopo, the eastern parts of the North West and the Free State as well as parts of Mpumalanga. 

Bitterly cold daytime temperatures of 4 to 8°C can be expected over the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, the eastern Free State, and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal, where widespread snowfall is likely. 

SAWS said current numerical weather prediction models indicate the possibility of light snowfall over the southern parts of Gauteng and the remainder of the Highveld of Mpumalanga on Saturday morning. 

“However, there is significant uncertainty regarding this outlook, as the forecast may still change.”

Disruptive snowfall of 15 to 30 cm can be expected over the north-eastern high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, the western and southern areas of KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern Free State and the southern Highveld and escarpment of Mpumalanga, mainly on Friday continuing into Saturday morning. 

“This may result in the closure of mountain passes, loss of livestock and crops, and affect major traffic routes (parts of the N3, N5 and N11). Cold to very cold daytime temperatures (8 to 12°C) can also be expected over Gauteng and the eastern parts of North West on Saturday, 21 September. 

The cut-off low is expected to weaken and exit the country from Saturday afternoon. Daytime temperatures are expected to recover quickly from Sunday into Monday across eastern South Africa. 

The weather service will therefore continue to monitor any further developments relating to this weather system and will issue subsequent updates as required. 

The public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 14:58

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Read moreCooler weekend expected, says weather service

Community Workshop to Develop a Gender Plan of Action for South African Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Small-Scale Fisheries

Location: News

The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR)
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In recognition of the critical role that gender plays in the sustainability and success of small-scale fisheries, AU-IBAR, Mabuyi Development Planners, and he Blue Wild Coast Non-Profit Organization (South Africa) are hosting a two-day community workshop in East London, South Africa. The workshop, running from September 18-19, 2024, aims to develop a Gender Plan of Action for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in small-scale fisheries to support aquatic biodiversity conservation efforts in South Africa. This event serves as a vital platform to address gender disparities in the fisheries sector, amplify the voices of women, and establish gender-sensitive policies and strategies.

Objective of the Workshop

The workshop engages stakeholders from various sectors to co-create and enrich a Gender Policy Document for environmental NGOs. Specifically, it seeks to mainstream gender into aquatic biodiversity conservation and environmental management efforts. Through this collaborative process, the event addresses gender inequalities in small-scale fisheries, enhances female participation in decision-making, and ensures that women's roles are better recognized across the fisheries value chain.

Participants and Stakeholders

This multi-stakeholder event brings together representatives from AU-IBAR, government agencies, local cooperatives, private sector actors, and gender advocacy organizations, including the South African Network for Women in Fisheries (SANWFA) and the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET). Collectively, these organizations focus on strengthening the roles of women and youth in small-scale fisheries and advancing gender mainstreaming in the sector.

Opening Remarks and Keynotes

The first day of the workshop opens with welcoming remarks from the Blue Wild Coast NPO, emphasizing the importance of civil society in empowering communities with fishing rights and elevating the often-overlooked contributions of women in fisheries.

- Ms. Francisca Mhuriro, who represented the Director of AU-IBAR, delivered an address, emphasising the need for gender equality in aquatic biodiversity conservation. “Equal participation of both men and women in conserving aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems is crucial for Africa's blue economy development,” she stated. “Yet, women are often marginalized in decision-making due to cultural norms. These constraints limit their access to resources and participation in the sector.” Ms. Mhuriro highlights frameworks such as the Beijing Declaration and Malabo Declaration, which call for affirmative actions to include women in economic opportunities and urges participants to adopt inclusive approaches in fisheries management.

- Mr. Zamkhaya Maseti, representing the Premier's Office of the Eastern Cape, shared insights into the Eastern Cape province's Blue Oceans Economy Master Plan, developed in partnership with Nelson Mandela University. “For our province to realize its potential in the blue economy, access to equipment and capacity-building for women is crucial,” he noted. Maseti called for more partnerships with civil society organisations to empower coastal communities, urging for protection from exploitation by external investors.

- Ms. Thabisa Sigwela, from the Buffalo City Maritime Cluster, spoke about her organization's work supporting projects related to coastal marine tourism, ocean governance, and small harbor development. “South Africa's 3,000-kilometer coastline is vital for improving the livelihoods of coastal communities,” she noted. Sigwela stressed the need for strategies that balance the exploitation of natural resources with long-term sustainability, emphasizing the importance of involving rural communities, especially women and youth, in these initiatives.

- Ms. Mashebane Thosago, representing SANWFA and AWFISHNET, called for greater female leadership in the fisheries sector. “Gender issues affect every aspect of our lives, and women must be at the forefront of shaping policies that influence their livelihoods,” she stated. Thosago encouraged participants to engage openly in discussions, noting that while sensitive issues may arise, such dialogue is necessary to foster inclusivity and progress.

- Ms. Nozuko Ntsokota, from the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), addressed the barriers women face in accessing markets and infrastructure. “Market access is a significant challenge for small-scale fishers, especially women,” she noted. Ntsokota highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to open opportunities for women in fisheries cooperatives and praised the mentorship programs being developed for traditional fishers.

Workshop Structure and Themes

Throughout the workshop, participants are expected to gain valuable insights from key stakeholders who discuss current challenges and opportunities for gender equality in small-scale fisheries. The workshop is structured around several key themes:

1. Gender Mainstreaming in Fisheries: Participants will explore concepts of gender mainstreaming and how these apply to aquatic biodiversity conservation. Case studies demonstrate how gender integration can enhance sustainability in fisheries management.

2. Gender Roles in Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation: A dedicated session will examine the distinct roles men and women play in aquatic biodiversity conservation. Although women often engage in fish processing and trading, their involvement in resource management and decision-making is frequently overlooked.

3. Small Group Discussions: Participants break into stakeholder-specific groups to identify challenges faced by women in the fisheries value chain. These discussions focus on practical solutions to improve women's access to resources and leadership positions.

4. Capacity Building and Policy Development: On the second day, SANWFA will lead a session on gender analysis tools, providing participants with practical strategies for addressing gender disparities. The workshop concludes with the development of a comprehensive Gender Action Plan, which serves as a guide for NGOs working in small-scale fisheries across South Africa.

Why This Workshop Matters

Small-scale fisheries contribute significantly to food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation in South Africa. However, women remain underrepresented and face substantial barriers to participation and leadership. This workshop provides a platform to address these challenges through dialogue, gender-sensitive policy development, and capacity building.

By the end of the two-day workshop, participants are expected to create a comprehensive Gender Action Plan tailored to the realities of NGOs working in small-scale fisheries. This collaborative effort promotes more inclusive and sustainable fisheries management in South Africa, aligning with the goals of the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity Project under the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The African Union – Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

Read moreCommunity Workshop to Develop a Gender Plan of Action for South African Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Small-Scale Fisheries

Green Hydrogen programme makes progress 

Location: News

Green Hydrogen programme makes progress 

Since the gazetting of nine Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) by Infrastructure at a Capex value of R300 billion, the Green Hydrogen National Programme (GHNP) has attracted projects with the Capex value of over R800 billion with about 20% of the total investments at the bankable feasibility stage.

This is according to Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Sihle Zikalala, who was speaking at the Green Hydrogen Devac conference in Sandton, Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The gazetting of the SIPs was done by Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) which is an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in 2022.

According to Zikalala, most of these projects are at different stages of development ranging from prefeasibility to execution.

These projects include the Isondo Precious Metals (IPM) in Johannesburg which entails a fuel cell and electrolyser component manufacturing facility in Gauteng, the Prieska Energy Cluster Green Ammonia Production facility in the Northern Cape, Boegoes Bay Green Hydrogen Port Rail and Infrastructure Project driven by the Northern Cape provincial government.

Other projects include the Hive Green Ammonia export project in the Eastern Cape, Arcelor Mittal South Africa (AMSA) Saldanha Green Steel Project in the Western Cape and the Sasolburg 60MW H2 production in Gauteng.

Zikalala said South Africa only needed one percent of the country’s land area to support green hydrogen economy initiatives, creating jobs and improving the economy. He said this was unusable land for agriculture and human settlements.  

The Deputy Minster said ISA acted as one of the government enablers for the South African green hydrogen opportunity.

He said that by gazetting the GHNP as a SIP, ISA enabled projects to be placed on an expedited path to development with prescribed and shortened timeframes for various project approvals and authorisations.
‘The seventh administration has identified three priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state," said the Deputy Minister.

He called on green hydrogen players to work with government in the creation of jobs in the green hydrogen economy.

“We look up to you to take a lead in facilitating green hydrogen manufacturing capability in a manner that localises the production of upstream and downstream value-added products. Working together, South Africa can realise its potential to produce six to 13 million tons of green hydrogen and derivatives per year by 2050.  

“We reiterate that South Africa as a green hydrogen investment destination still offers substantial additional investment opportunities including green shipping, green fertiliser production, electrolyser manufacturing, pipeline development, green field port developments’, said Zikalala. - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/18/2024 - 15:26

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The Future of Building Automation

Location: MyPR

Gqeberha based BA Systems have completed a number of high profile projects in Nelson Mandela Bay, the Eastern Cape, South Africa and abroad. In this article we explore the benefits and cost savings that Building Automation and Management Systems offer to the industrial, commercial, retail and domestic consumer. What is Building Automation? Key Components Benefits …

Read moreThe Future of Building Automation

Trek Africa Hunting 2024 Hunting in Africa Packages

Location: MyPR

Trek Africa has launched their 2024 Hunting Packages and hunters can be assured of thrilling hunting experiences with an all-inclusive service from start to finish. Trek Africa will organise your customised hunting safari based on the species you wish to hunt across Africa and guarantee an unforgettable hunting experience. Their experienced professional hunters and support …

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EC government collaborates with business to support commercialisation of farmers

Location: News

EC government collaborates with business to support commercialisation of farmers

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) has introduced innovative funding mechanisms to support the commercialisation of Black farmers. 

Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, said the department established the Eastern Cape Agriculture Blended Funding Scheme to provide access to finance for Black farmers to become commercial and participate in the value chains.

This was made possible through collaboration with the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), Eastern Cape Development Cooperation (ECDC), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and Land Bank. 

In 2023/24, DRDAR and ECDC distributed R32 million to 18 agricultural enterprises, creating 455 jobs.

The funding has enabled businesses to invest in equipment, infrastructure, and production inputs, enhancing their revenue.

“We are committed to this initiative with a budget of R75 million allocated to attract equal or more funding from development finance institutions (DFIs) and the private sector over the Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The budget for 2024/25 is R25 million,” Kontsiwe said.

The department recently entered into an agreement with the Land Bank to collaborate on funding and developing clustered and aggregated commodities value chains in the province.

“This collaboration aims to facilitate access to affordable funding for farmers without stringent terms to support primary and agro-processing activities, to enable Eastern Cape farmers to access the R300 million allocation from the Land Bank.

“The finalised aggregation model and financing tools will be tested in pilot projects for grains, wool, mohair, citrus farming, dairy, vegetables, and livestock in the province,” Kontsiwe said.

Kontsiwe added that the department, in partnership with the ECRDA, aims to support Black commercial farmers in exporting their produce to international markets, thereby boosting their competitiveness.

“The revolving credit facility is designed to offer operational funding to address the financial needs of high-value and export-oriented commodities during production cycles. A budget of R4 million has been earmarked for the ECRDA to implement this program in the 2024/25 financial year, serving as an incentive to attract more Black commercial farmers to participate in export markets,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 11:43

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Read moreEC government collaborates with business to support commercialisation of farmers