Removal of Illegal Connections Sparks Protests in Khayelitsha
Residents of Social Distance informal settlement demand electricity supply
Electricity
Final Decision on Free State Municipalities’ Potential Disconnection
Thursday, 20 March 2025: Eskom is actively working with defaulting Free State municipalities to resolve outstanding debt following an intervention by the Minister of Electricity and Energy (MoEE), Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on 17 February 2025. The initiative seeks to develop sustainable solutions for municipalities facing electricity-related financial difficulties. During a meeting in Bloemfontein, Minister Ramokgopa...
Why Loadshedding Was Suspended at 05:00
Thursday, 20 March 2025: Eskom confirms that loadshedding was suspended at 05:00 this morning supported by a constrained but stable power system and adequate emergency reserves. Eskom had sufficient emergency reserves for last night’s evening peak. However, the loss of five generating units before and during this period necessitated the implementation of Stage 2 loadshedding...
Eskom Welcomes NERSA’s Approval of a Distribution Agency Agreement
Thursday, 20 March 2025: Eskom welcomes the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) approval to amend its distribution facility licence, incorporating the Warden and Ezenzeleni areas, into its licensed electricity supply areas in the Free State. This follows the Phumelela Local Municipality’s resolution to transfer electricity services and infrastructure in these areas to Eskom...
Eskom to Implement NERSA-Approved Financial Year 2026 Tariffs: Removing Unintended Subsidies and Introducing Simplified and Transparent Tariffs, Effective 1 April 2025
Wednesday, 19 March 2025: Eskom welcomes the 11 March 2025 decision by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to approve the Financial Year (FY) 2026 Eskom tariffs adjusted with the 2025/26 tariff increase and changes to the tariff structures. The tariffs for Eskom direct customers will increase by 12.74% effective on 1 April...
AEW 2025 Program Launches, Highlighting African Energy Security and Global Investment Opportunities
The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference has officially launched its 2025 program, covering strategic topics from upstream oil and gas to downstream infrastructure and distribution to the energy transition, power industry, energy finance and more. The program offers insight into what this year's edition will offer, as industry leaders, global investors, major operators and think-tanks convene in Cape Town to discuss Positioning Africa as the Next Global Energy Champion.
As the largest event of its kind in Africa, AEW: Invest in African Energies serves as a vital platform to sign deals and drive energy projects forward. This year's event offers an expanded program, featuring a variety of stages covering the entire energy value chain. Additional features include pre-conference workshops, a deal room, the return of the African Farmout Forum, technical hubs, fireside chats and more. The Just Energy Transition concert returns to kick off the week while the African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner celebrates movers and shakers in African energy.
One of the highlights of this year's conference is the G20 Energy Leaders Roundtable, which comes as South Africa hosts the 20th meeting of the G20 group this year. A series of country spotlights will also take place during the course of the week, covering markets such as South Africa, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia and the Republic of Congo, as well as an OPEC roundtable featuring major OPEC-producers. A BRICS roundtable will examine the impact the group has on Africa's energy future while a COP 30 roundtable will discuss Africa's position ahead of the conference this year.
Africa's energy sector is more attractive than ever, as regulatory reforms, ambitious policies and long-term development strategies continue to entice spending. Total capital expenditure for the oil and gas industry alone is estimated to reach $43 billion in 2025, with spending set to reach $54 billion by 2030. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 features an energy finance stage, with discussions covering the African Energy Bank; investment trends in Africa and reducing barriers to entry. The stage will unpack Mergers & Acquisitions; financing cross-border projects; energy access and equity, among other topics.
As one of the final frontiers for oil and gas exploration, Africa is seeing a plethora of projects advance. West Africa is projected to lead oil and gas spending in 2025, accounting for over 50% of the continent's total expenditure. While established producers such as Nigeria remain dominant, emerging producers such as Senegal and Mauritania are attracting high levels of investment. In Southern Africa, Namibia targets first oil by 2029 while South Africa seeks to unlock discoveries in both its offshore basins and onshore shale prospects. Zimbabwe targets onshore gas production while Mozambique advances its pipeline of large-scale LNG projects. AEW: Invest in African Energies Upstream E&P Forum will examine the continent's exploration hotspots. Panels include onshore and shallow water potential; the resurgence of Libya; onshore basins to watch; the outlook for LNG; and deepwater plays.
Amid the continent's oil and gas drive, Africa also seeks to advance a just energy transition, Countries such as Mauritania, Namibia and South Africa are spearheading large-scale green hydrogen developments while solar and wind developments offer increased accessibility for remote communities. Gas-to-power is a central feature of the continents just energy transition, with Algeria, Nigeria and Egypt leading the charge. The AEW: Invest in African Energies Energy Transition stage will unpack strategies for decarbonizing while boosting industrialization. Topics include addressing energy security and climate commitments; clean cooking opportunities; local content; integrated ESG, and more.
As Africa seeks to make energy poverty history by 2030, a fundamental industry is the power sector. Efforts are underway across the continent to revitalize power infrastructure, with both grid-connected and off-grid projects advancing. International partners have a role to play in supporting power projects and the AEW: Invest in African Energies Powering Africa stage will address this. Topics include energy leaders dialogue; energy efficiency; bridging the electricity gap; energy diversification; and integrating renewables into the energy mix.
“Africa is on the cusp of an energy revolution, and AEW: Invest in African Energies is where the deals that will define our continent's future are made. We remain committed to making energy poverty history by 2030, and through this event, we are accelerating the partnerships and policies that will make that vision a reality,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Visit www.AECWeek.com to download your copy today.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Eskom Suspends Services in Part of Khayelitsha After Hijacking
Employees were robbed at gunpoint in Makhaza
Kenya’s President Ruto Awards African Development Bank’s Adesina Highest National Honour
- “I am proud of the journey we started together ten years ago; I can see its fruits. Kenyans can feel its benefits,” President Ruto
- “What a great honour! What a rare privilege! What a historic recognition!” Adesina
Kenya's President H.E. William Samoei Ruto has conferred the country's highest honour, Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart CGH, on the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina (www.AfDB.org).
Dr Adesina becomes the 20th recipient of the honour that was established in 1967 and first awarded to Kenya's founding father and former President, H.E. Jomo Kenyatta. Others include globally renowned leaders such as former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, South Africa's Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Uganda's Yoweri Museveni and Kenya's subsequent Presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and Dr Ruto.
During a colourful investiture ceremony at Nairobi's State House, President Ruto praised Dr Adesina's distinguished service, commitment, and passion for the economic development of Kenya and Africa.
President Ruto congratulated Adesina and told him, “You are amazing. You are a great leader. You deserve this honour and investiture.”
The two leaders share a warm relationship that dates back 20 years when Adesina lived and worked in Kenya for the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, AGRA. At that time Ruto was Kenya's Minister for Agriculture. Both recalled how they worked together to provide subsidies to farmers despite opposition at the time from some donors and global financial institutions.
President Ruto said under his presidency he has continued with the same policy of offering subsidies to farmers, leading to an increase in the country's food production.
“Our maize production increased from 40 million to 70 million bags last year. Our sales from tea, generated more than 220 billion shillings [approximately $1.7 billion], the highest ever earnings.”
“I am proud of the journey we started together ten years ago; I can see its fruits. Kenyans can feel its benefits,” President Ruto told Adesina who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Grace Yemisi Adesina.
In its citation, the Kenya government recognized Adesina as a distinguished economist and a global development leader.
“He transformed the African Development Bank into a globally recognized institution for financial innovation and development impact and grown the Bank's general capital from $93 billion to $318 billion,” the citation reads.
In his acceptance speech, Adesina said: “I am greatly humbled by your incredible kindness! What a great honour! What a rare privilege! What a historic recognition!”
Adesina spoke about Kenya's special place in the history of the Bank which was established in 1964. Since then, the Bank has financed a total of 167 projects, with financial commitment of $7.8 billion.
He said the Bank's current portfolio in Kenya consists of 45 projects worth $4.09 billion. They include, among others:
- The Last-Mile Connectivity electricity project, which has helped to increase the number of Kenyans connected to the national electricity grid from 2.42 million households in 2014 to 9.7 million households in 2024.
- The expansion of the Thika-Nairobi Highway, which has drastically reduced travel time from 2-3 hours to just 30-45 minutes between the two destinations.
- The Bank is providing $634 million for the Kenya Town's Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation project. This includes 314.92 million Euros for the construction of the Thwake Multipurpose Water Dam, to be completed by July 2026. It will provide water to about 1.3 million people in Kitui and Makueni counties, as well as the Konza Techno-City in Machakos County.
- The Bank's support for the private sector in Kenya includes over $700 million in lines of credit to more than eight commercial banks.
President Ruto said the Bank's support to the country's mortgage sector has boosted the government's national housing programme, with 150,000 houses under construction, generating jobs for 260, 000 youth.
Speaking about Kenya's high youth unemployment, Adesina pointed to several youth riots that shook the country last year.
In addition to providing $309 million for eight on-going projects targeting skills development, Adesina said the Bank is preparing for Board approval, financial support for the establishment of a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank of Kenya.
“This will be a stand-alone financial institution, that will be 100 percent dedicated to providing technical assistance, debt and equity financing for youth businesses in Kenya.”
Adesina was accompanied by Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth Dr Kevin Kariuki, the Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Nnenna Nwabufo; the Director General for East Africa, Kennedy Mbekeani; the Executive Director for Eastern Africa, Jonathan Nzayikorera; and his Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Dr Victor Oladokun, who delivered the opening prayer for the ceremony.
“This is an honour that I will cherish for life,” Adesina said. “It will be a constant reminder that the country I love so much, Kenya, loves me back, appreciates and celebrates my leadership at the African Development Bank, and values and honours the incredible contributions of the Bank to its development. I accept this honour with great humility.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
To look at the album click here (apo-opa.co/3FzwNt7).
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Families Charged R5 to Use Mobile Toilets in Dunoon
Residents of informal settlement say they are forced to pay to use stolen toilets
Here’s How We Can Move to Renewable Energy in a Just Way
Mining companies could fulfil their social obligations by investing in these projects
Coming Soon: Fund to Help People Pay Bail
Bail Fund will address the “injustice of being detained simply because of poverty”
Six Arrests for Eskom Procurement Fraud
Saturday, 15 March 2025: The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee, in collaboration with Eskom, continues to make strides in combating corruption and theft within Eskom’s operations. Over the last two days, six individuals were arrested for their involvement in a fraudulent procurement scheme at Kusile Power Station....
Loadshedding Remains Suspended
Friday, 14 March 2025: Eskom confirms that loadshedding remains suspended, supported by a stable power system and adequate emergency reserves. As of today, unplanned outages are significantly reduced to 13 469MW compared to the previous week, while available generation capacity is 27 231MW, sufficient to meet tonight’s forecasted peak demand of 25 193MW. Eskom continues...
China-Africa Business Ties a Key Focus
China has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Africa's drive for enhanced energy access and industrialization, according to speakers at the Invest in African Energies Shanghai Forum. Leveraging China's expertise in technology-driven oil, gas and energy development, African firms can tap into a valuable partnership and greater investment by Chinese firms would further efforts to make energy poverty history in Africa.
With over 600 million people living without access to electricity and 900 million people without access to clean cooking solutions, Africa is seeking to leverage global partnerships to fast-track energy production and development. China stands to play a major part in facilitating this growth and the Shanghai Forum - co-organized by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) and the Shanghai Development Research Foundation - drew insight into strategic areas of collaboration.
“We want to see investments in African energy. The AEC will continue to support Chinese businesses that want to invest in China and give you the priority needed for you to invest in our beautiful continent,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.
For emerging African players seeking to unlock the full potential of their underdeveloped resources, Chinese partnerships have the ability to unlock new capital and technology to advance projects. Partnerships also serve to support mature players enhance their production capacity as Africa drives long-term energy development. Phuti Joyce Tsipa, Consul General, South African Consulate-General Shanghai, highlighted the value of enhanced cooperation with China.
“Together, China and South Africa can work towards building a high-quality international community that can work on a prosperous future, centered on balanced economic growth. Increased energy investment in Africa is at the heart of our future prosperity. We see China as a critical country to partner with, not only with South Africa, but the entire continent,” she said.
The Shanghai Forum sought to bolster China-Africa relations by facilitating market entry and expansion by Chinese firms in Africa. The Forum featured the participation of 100 companies, including consulates, private firms, investors and policymakers, with presentations centering on opportunities for Chinese firms in Africa, strategies for advancing African industrialization and electrification and the impact Chinese technology will have on the African energy market.
Dr. Bieni Da, Chief Representative for China at the AEC and Yide Qiao, Vice Chairman and Secretary General, Shanghai Development and Research Foundation, underscored the need to facilitate energy ties between China and Africa. According to Qiao, “China has strong technology in green energy and cooperation can be extended to Africa.”
Chinese firms are leading in terms of innovative, low-carbon energy solutions. With a national goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2060, China is supporting domestic companies through policy improvements, capital and research and development. Africa stands to leverage this expertise to advance its own development agenda. This expertise extends to the oil and gas sectors and Chinese companies have begun to expand their footprint in Africa.
Dr. Wang Zengye, Deputy Director-General of Policy Research Office, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) provided an overview of the projects CNPC has led in Africa. He said: “Bilateral relationships between China and Africa is already quite strong and high-level cooperation has been established. This ensures that investment can flow.”
China has also effectively established industrial hubs which support the economy by centralizing manufacturing. Bi Mingze, CFO of Yunan County Chuangxing Industrial Investment Group, said that the company has established an industrial hub in Yunan in China. This hub can be replicated across Africa.
The Shanghai Forum served as a prelude to the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, slated for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. As the largest event of its kind in Africa, AEW: Invest in African Energies fosters collaboration and investment in Africa. For Chinese companies, the event offers a strategic opportunity to gain insight into African projects while strengthening ties with African firms.
“If you work in any energy field, we are able to help you connect with key stakeholders. We support policy that enhances local content and infrastructure development. It is time to invest in Africa,” stated Johnson Kayode Obembe, Sales Director, African Energy Week.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Cabinet welcomes 2025 National Budget
Cabinet welcomes 2025 National Budget
Cabinet has welcomed the 2025 National Budget as it seeks to maintain a balance between South Africa’s fiscal framework, fund the priorities of the seventh administration while mitigating negative impact on poor and middle-income households.
The budget was tabled by the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, in the National Assembly, on Wednesday.
He outlined all the financial, economic and social commitments the government will prioritise in its planned expenditure and provided a detailed plan for 2025 spending. This includes proposals for revenue collection to help fund the government’s planned interventions and commitments.
“The allocation of over R1 trillion to infrastructure development over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the establishment of alternative infrastructure financing through a credit guarantee vehicle and the introduction of multiple bid windows on the Budget Facility for infrastructure is a demonstration of commitment to grow the economy through a strong infrastructure-build programme, whilst simultaneously improving service delivery.
“Mechanisms for private sector participation as announced with the Budget, which are part of Operation Vulindlela driven reforms, in the energy, transport and freight logistics sectors indicate government’s commitment to fast-tracking private sector investment and inclusive economic growth,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.
Minister Ntshavheni was briefing the media in Cape Town, following Cabinet’s meeting on Wednesday.
Operation Vulindlela is aimed at stabilising the supply of electricity; creating a competitive and efficient freight logistics system; reducing the cost and improving the quality of digital communication; ensuring a stable, quality supply of water; and reforming the visa regime to facilitate skilled immigration and support tourism.
READ | Operation Vulindlela records notable progress
Since its establishment in 2020, Operation Vulindlela has made real progress in achieving these objectives.
In light of new and persistent spending pressures in health, education, transport and security, government decided to raise value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points in each of the next two years, which will bring VAT to 16% in the 2026/27 financial year.
READ | Government proposes VAT increase over two years
The first 0.5 percentage point increase in the VAT rate will take effect on 1 May 2025 and the second 0.5 percentage point increase will take effect on 1 April 2026.
“Acknowledging the impact of the tax increases, the Budget provides for mitigation measures against the increases such as no increase in the fuel levy, above inflation increases to social grants, with old age and disability grants increasing by R130 to R2315 in 2025 and significant funding allocation to PRASA [ Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa] to improve passenger rail transport which will reduce household income spend on transport costs.
“Most significantly, the tax increases are going to finance sustainability of this country, by maintaining 11,000 teachers in the classrooms, 9300 health-workers in their jobs, the employment of 800 post-community service doctors and allow an additional 700, 000 children (4-years of age) access to early childhood development which is the necessary foundation education they need for a successful education journey,” Ntshavheni explained. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 11:49
58 views
SA Innovators to Showcase Research at Tunisia Engineering and Science
Wednesday, 12 March 2025: South African young scientists are set to showcase their innovative research on the global stage, competing in the environmental science and computer science categories at this year’s International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia (I-FEST²). Eskom Expo International Science Fair 2024 Gold medal recipients, Hamzah Ismail and Vibhav Ramdas,...
Operation Vulindlela records notable progress
Operation Vulindlela records notable progress
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has highlighted the real progress achieved by implementing structural reforms through Operation Vulindlela, which is a joint initiative between the Treasury and the Presidency.
Operation Vulindlela is aimed at stabilising the supply of electricity; creating a competitive and efficient freight logistics system; reducing the cost and improving the quality of digital communication; ensuring a stable, quality supply of water; and reforming the visa regime to facilitate skilled immigration and support tourism.
Since its establishment in 2020, Operation Vulindlela has made real progress in achieving these objectives.
“The energy reforms have created a 22 500 mega-watt pipeline of projects. More than 10 000 mega-watts are formally registered with NERSA [National Energy Regulator of South Africa], which is one of the last steps in the regulatory process. These projects will contribute to reducing power cuts.
“The Freight Logistics Roadmap was approved. The roadmap allows private sector participation and gives third-party access to any operator without discrimination in accordance with the network statement.
“The cost of a 1.5GB data bundle has declined by 51%, allowing individuals and small businesses to access more affordable data,” Godongwana said on Wednesday during his Budget Speech.
He noted that the water-use licenses backlog has been cleared, unlocking billions in investment and freeing projects that had stalled because of the backlog.
The water quality regulatory system was reinstated for the first time since 2014.
“This is the Green Drop, Blue Drop and No Drop certification that enables effective intervention in supporting failing municipalities to provide clean water to citizens. e-Visas for travellers from 34 countries have been introduced to significantly boost tourism. The trusted employer scheme has been established to fast-track visa process for major investors,” the Minister said.
These achievements have eased economic bottlenecks.
Building on the successes of the initiative, Phase 2 of Operation Vulindlela will focus on:
- Following through on existing reforms in energy, water, logistics and visa systems;
- Strengthening local government and improving the delivery of basic services;
- Harnessing digital public infrastructure as a driver of growth and inclusion; and
- Creating efficient, productive and inclusive cities. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 14:43
189 views
Orange level 6 weather warning for parts of KZN
Orange level 6 weather warning for parts of KZN
An orange level 6 weather warning has been issued for parts of KwaZulu-Natal over the next two days due to ongoing disruptive rains in the area.
Forecast models indicate that significant rainfall is expected in the southeastern regions of KwaZulu-Natal from Thursday until Friday.
The heavy rainfall is expected to result in flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage to infrastructure and mud houses.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the affected areas include eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mkhambathini, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, Umuziwabantu, and Umzumbe.
“A cold front is expected to pass through the eastern parts from tomorrow accompanied by ridging high resulting in persistent widespread showers and thundershowers over the southeastern part until Friday evening,” the SAWS warned.
Meanwhile, the government’s meteorological service stated that the heavy downpours pose a danger to life and could disrupt essential services such as water, electricity, and communication.
“If possible, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles.”
The SAWS cautioned that if people are trapped in their vehicles during floods, they should abandon the vehicle and climb to higher ground.
Residents in buildings are encouraged to move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level and turn off the electricity at the building’s supply point.
In addition, the rural residents are encouraged to protect or relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground.
Meanwhile, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has welcomed the declaration of a National State of Disaster for KwaZulu-Natal due to severe weather events that have caused damages amounting to R3.1 billion in recent weeks.
This declaration, promulgated in terms of Section 23(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002, represents a critical intervention to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive response to the devastating consequences of the recent disruptive rainfall, thunderstorms, floods, and powerful winds.
The widespread destruction also led to the tragic loss of 22 lives across the province.
“We wish to reassure the people of KwaZulu-Natal that the department will work diligently to ensure the efficient coordination of response and recovery efforts. Our unwavering commitment lies in providing support and assistance to all affected communities, and in rebuilding robust and resilient infrastructure,” Buthelezi said over the weekend.
Residents across the province are strongly advised to remain vigilant and adhere to warnings issued by the SAWS, as more rainfall is anticipated. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 13:49
18 views
Construction of Homes for Bishopscourt Land Claimants Set to Begin
Displaced community received 12-hectares of prime property in affluent Cape Town suburb
People Living in Abandoned Cape Town Building Face Eviction
About 30 people have been living in 104 Darling Street for more than two decades
Call for collaboration to boost infrastructure investment
Call for collaboration to boost infrastructure investment
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the need for strong collaboration between government and business to scale up infrastructure investment and drive South Africa’s economic growth.
Speaking during a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly on Tuesday, the President highlighted the importance of structural reforms to address key constraints, such as energy supply and inefficiencies in freight and logistics.
“For South Africa to achieve the levels of economic growth it needs, it is essential that government and business work together to scale up investment in infrastructure.
“Government has committed to an ambitious infrastructure build programme. Infrastructure spend by government will encourage and enable greater private sector investment in sectors such as electricity generation, electricity distribution, rail rolling-stock, and water distribution,” the President said.
However, he stressed the distinction between public and private financial resources, particularly pension funds held by financial institutions. These funds, he noted, belong to workers and are intended for their retirement, making them private assets rather than State resources.
To facilitate infrastructure investment, the President said that government needs to provide these savers with a reasonable return and ensure that these funds are safeguarded.
In 2022, National Treasury amended Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act to allow for longer-term infrastructure investments by retirement funds. The changes introduced a definition of infrastructure and set a 45% upper limit for pension fund investments in infrastructure projects.
Further regulatory adjustments have been made to facilitate economic development, including separating the investment limits for hedge funds and private equity. The allocation for private equity assets has been increased from 10% to 15%, allowing for greater infrastructure investments.
In the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement of October 2024, the Minister of Finance announced work underway on mechanisms to complement the changes to Regulation 28 through the development of specific investment vehicles to simplify and incentivise institutional investors.
The President said details on these mechanisms will be published in the upcoming Budget, which is expected to be delivered on Wednesday, 12 March 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:53
271 views
Operation Shanela nets more than 14 000 suspects
Operation Shanela nets more than 14 000 suspects
Through its high-density operation, commonly known as Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 14 165 suspects between Monday, 03 March 2025, and Sunday, 09 March 2025.
“Through Operation Shanela, the SAPS continues to take a bold and decisive approach in dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” the SAPS said in a statement.
All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.
During the period, the following arrests were made:
- A total of 1 870 wanted suspects were arrested. These suspects were wanted for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, business and house robberies.
- A total of 185 suspects were arrested for murder, the majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (37).
- A total of 154 suspects were arrested for attempted murder, 72 more arrests than the previous week.
- A total of 235 suspects were arrested for rape, 96 of these arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal.
- A total of 1 513 suspects were arrested for assault GBH during this period.
- A total of 166 drug dealers were arrested, the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Eastern Cape (43).
- A total of 2 176 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, 650 more arrests than the previous week. The majority of these suspects were arrested in Western Cape (1 237).
- A total of 105 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms.
- Four suspects were arrested for human trafficking during this period.
- A total of 525 drivers were arrested for drunk and driving in the past week.
Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes:
- A total of 155 firearms were confiscated in the past week, 48 more firearms confiscated than the previous week.
- A total of 3 627 rounds of ammunition were confiscated; and
- 50 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week’s operations.
On Friday, 07 March 2025, the National Commissioner for SAPS, General Fannie Masemola presided over a drug destruction process in which R340 million worth of drugs were destroyed, this included cocaine worth R220 million seized during police operations.
General Masemola commended the vigilance and commitment of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and Crime Intelligence officers in the Western Cape following the arrest of two suspects at a storage facility in Bellville, Cape Town.
The arrest of the duo, a man and a woman, followed the discovery of 50 000 mandrax tablets and an arms cache including three AK47 rifles and twelve 9mm pistols amongst other firearms
Also, a shipment of cocaine worth R6 million was detected and seized at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 04 March 2025. The drugs were concealed in boxes disguised as hair products.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the shipment was en route to France from Brazil via South Africa.
Police arrested a 37-year-old suspect for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure; the suspect illegally connected electricity. The team also seized 41 Eskom transformers worth millions in lost revenue during multiple operations carried out in Winterveldt, Erasmia and Diepsloot, last week.
“The police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 14:37
49 views
Koeberg Unit 2 Successfully Restored to Service
Monday, 10 March 2025: Eskom is pleased to announce that on Sunday, 9 March, at 18:17, Koeberg Unit 2 was successfully brought back to service. The unit has been incrementally ramped up to 646MW and will continue to increase its output until it reaches its full capacity of 930MW, in accordance with established operational protocols....
Here’s How a Disabled Person Spent Their Grant
We spent time with 31-year-old Khanyo Mantshi from Khayelitsha who says his grant falls short of his needs