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Thursday, 17 October 2024: Eskom Group Chief Executive (GCE) Dan Marokane has announced the first four of seven new executive appointments to further address the current business challenges and future-proof the organization through the delivery of strategic initiatives to enable growth and long-term sustainability. Eskom is aligning its executive execution capability and capacity to focus...
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President Ramaphosa to address SA Automotive Week
President Ramaphosa to address SA Automotive Week
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the South Africa Automotive Week on Thursday.
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe are expected to accompany the President.
“Government has played a pivotal role in fostering a favourable policy and regulatory environment that has supported growth, transformation, and innovation within the automotive industry.
“The South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM 2035) sets the objective of growing South Africa’s vehicle production to 1% of global output and aims to increase the annual export value of the South African automotive industry from approximately R201 billion in 2019 to R400 billion by 2035.
“The effective functioning of the logistics and infrastructure sector is paramount to maintain competitiveness, as expenses associated with shipping and transportation play a vital role to determine the competitiveness of our exports,” the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.
The week is expected to be held under the theme “Reimagining the Future, Together: Celebrating 100-Years of Automotive Heritage, Passion, Resilience, and Ingenuity”.
“SA Auto Week is distinguished as Africa’s leading and pre-eminent annual automotive thought leadership event bringing together auto industry leaders; global OEMs; vehicle component manufacturers and suppliers; international investors; policy-makers; law-makers; decision-makers; regulatory bodies; and journalists across the entire automotive value chain,” said the Presidency.
The South African Automotive Week takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/15/2024 - 09:03
28 views
Deadline looms to upgrade Nelson Mandela Bay prepaid electricity meters
Deadline looms to upgrade Nelson Mandela Bay prepaid electricity meters
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has urged prepaid electricity customers to update their meters before the November 2024 deadline.
This, as the municipality started the process of updating prepared electricity meters in April 2022.
The programme is being implemented in phases to replace the old KNR1 meters with the new KNR2 system.
The municipality’s Electricity and Energy Portfolio Head, Zanele Sikawuti, commended customers for updating more than 146 921 meters to date.
She urged the remaining customers to join the programme, as the current devices will expire on 24 November 2024.
The directorate is employing various strategies, including door-to door visits, call centre assistance, and an enhanced communication drive to reach the thousands of residents who have not yet updated their meters.
A total of 1 263 meters were updated between 9 September and 4 October 2024.
“However, we still have 169 868 meters that need to be updated, including those that have been tampered with, damaged, or are faulty. We continue to urge all residents and business owners with prepaid electricity meters to update their meters before the current devices expire in November 2024,” Sikawuti said.
Sikawuti reiterated the municipality’s commitment to delivering an uninterrupted power supply to customers and ensured that the 24 November 2024 deadline would cause minimal disruption to electricity provision for all customers who purchase electricity.
She urged residents to cooperate with the municipal teams and be at home when they visit.
“Ward councillors have the information on when our teams will visit wards and residents must allow us access to their homes. The refusal of access has been a challenge and, while we understand there are various reasons for this, our teams are clearly identified as municipal workers.
“It is critical for customers to update their meters. After the deadline, they might be able to buy electricity, but tokens will not be accepted by the outdated meter,” Sikawuti said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 10:44
1726 views
Government activities for the week 14 – 18 October 2024
Government activities for the week 14 – 18 October 2024
From 13 – 17 October, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina participates in the 9th Africa Water Week and 7th Cairo Water Week. The event concludes on 17 October.
From 13 – 14 October, the leadership of the North West Provincial Government, led by Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi, will hold a two-day EXCO Planning Lekgotla to identify the provincial government’s key priorities for the next five years.
On Monday, 14 October, the Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, briefs media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.
On Monday, 14 October, the Public Service Commission (PSC) briefs media on the PSC’s Quarterly Bulletin titled, ‘The Pulse of the Public Service for the period: 01 April to 30 June 2024’.
On Monday, 14 October, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule, joined by North West Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, will host a media briefing following a Listening and Learning visit to the North West.
On Monday, 14 October, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) hosts a career day aimed at exposing about 70 learners from Mamelodi, Soshanguve, Soweto, Tembisa, and Kempton Park to diverse career paths within the agency and the broader rail industry.
On Monday, 14 October, the Department of Employment and Labour hosts a career and jobs fair in the North West province this week. The jobs fair will conclude on 16 October.
On Monday, 14 October, the Department of Employment and Labour hosts an Occupational Health and Safety conference with the construction industry. The conference will conclude on 15 October.
On Tuesday, 15 October, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, and Deputy Ministers Bernice Swarts and Narend Singh, will brief media on their 100 days in offices in Cape Town.
On Tuesday, 15 October, the Western Cape provincial government will conduct free inspections for vehicles of scholar transport operators in the Cape Town and Swartland areas at the Gene Louw Traffic College and Malmesbury Testing Centre from 08h30 to 15h00.
On Wednesday, 16 October, the Department of Employment and Labour launches the Occupational Health and Safety Prevention Accord and will unveil the OHS strategy.
On Wednesday, 16 October, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, will launch the department’s R80 million cropping programme in Ngxakaxha village, Dutywa on World Food Day. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 13:30
28 views
Improved sentiment is rooted in real economic progress – President
Improved sentiment is rooted in real economic progress - President
With just over 100 days since the members of the Government of National Unity were sworn into office, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the county has witnessed a marked increase in confidence in the direction of the country.
In his weekly newsletter, the President noted that South Africans across various sectors were increasingly supporting government’s efforts, which is reflected in recent opinion polls.
One of the polls conducted by Ipsos revealed that the proportion of participants who believe the country is on the right track has doubled since the last surveys were conducted in April and June this year.
“There is also rising confidence in our country’s economic growth prospects by business and local and international investors. This was evident in the engagements I recently had with business leaders in Beijing and New York, and that Deputy President Paul Mashatile had with business leaders in London,” the President said.
In September, the Bureau of Economic Research and Rand Merchant Bank published its first Business Confidence Index since the formation of the new administration. It pointed to “cautious optimism” about improving business conditions in key economic sectors. It said improved electricity supply and political certainty following the elections had likely contributed to this improved business confidence.
“Sentiment is more than a ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling. It is made possible by real developments in the economy and the country. Business confidence goes beyond discussion in boardrooms and conference halls.
“It is about the interest that is shown in our economy by all investors, both local and offshore. Sentiment has a direct impact on people’s lives as it can manifest itself in increased investments that can result in job creation,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa stressed that this rising confidence would have a tangible impact on the country’s fiscal health.
“Improved investment sentiment will benefit our country’s fiscus. A stronger economic outlook will improve South Africa’s credit rating, which in turn will facilitate greater access to global capital markets and lower our borrowing costs.
“When we spend less money on debt servicing costs, government has more space to increase its expenditure on building public infrastructure and providing education, healthcare, basic services and social support,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa noted that improved sentiment had strengthened the currency, lowering the cost of imports like oil, which in turn reduces fuel prices and the overall cost of living for South Africans.
“Increased business confidence attracts higher levels of private investment in the economy. When investors are more optimistic about their business prospects, they are more likely to invest more capital and expand their existing operations. Improved confidence also encourages the start-up of new businesses.
“More business activity creates more jobs and opportunities for our people. As businesses grow, they need to hire more employees and are able to increase wages,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa explained that when people feel secure in their jobs and income, they spend more, boosting economic activity and increasing government revenue.
He attributed the improved sentiment to the successful transition to the new administration, which enjoyed broad support and ongoing reforms that were addressing key economic and social challenges.
Another key development has been the country’s successful efforts to resolve the energy crisis.
“The country has had more than 200 days without load shedding. This has made a considerable difference to the lives of citizens and the operations of businesses. This work has also unlocked unprecedented levels of investment in the energy sector,” President Ramaphosa said.
Reforms in the logistics sector were also gaining momentum, with improvements in the operational performance of the nation’s port and rail networks. These advances are expected to boost not only economic activity but also the everyday lives of South Africans.
While President Ramaphosa acknowledged that economic growth has yet to accelerate, he expressed optimism that the government was laying a solid foundation for long-term progress.
“It is still early days for the Government of National Unity. The growth of our economy is still to pick up pace. However, a firm foundation is being laid, our growth prospects are being revised upwards and we are heading in the right direction,” the President said.
The President concluded by emphasising the importance of maintaining this momentum.
“It is clear that the improved confidence of the South African people and the positive sentiment among investors are well-founded.
“Our task now is to work together to further encourage hope and optimism by making a real and substantial difference in the lives of all South Africans," he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 11:29
48 views
Minister attributes Eskom performance to hard work
Minister attributes Eskom performance to hard work
Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has lauded the performance of Eskom and its fleet over the past two months, as not a "miraculous” act but a testament to science, leadership and the workforce of the State-owned company.
Ramokgopa was speaking during a media briefing on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan, held at the Lethabo Power Station in the Free State on Monday.
On Sunday, the power utility marked 200 consecutive days of not implementing load shedding.
READ | Eskom records 200 consecutive days of no load shedding
“There was an effort to ensure that at a station level, we get people with the right skills, credentials, people with the opposite experience to be able to help us to resolve that challenge.
“[The team] identified about six stations that are responsible for about 70% of the losses. There’s a great deal of science that the board and the executive team applied in the resolution of this question. So, this is not an act of miracle (sic)…. It’s steeped in science and the team was able to fashion a cogent response,” he said.
He praised the leadership and ongoing efforts shown in all spheres to turn around the power utility.
“When we dissect these 200 consecutive days of no load shedding, there’s an appreciation that there are multiple elements – some not in your face – that contributed to this. [What] I want to put first and foremost is the issue around leadership.
“Someone had to be in the leadership of executing that. Leadership is key…[and] sacrosanct to the resolution of any problem.
Eskom is an exceptional template and illustration of what can be achieved if we were to invest in leadership,” Ramokgopa said, adding that tackling the load shedding question also required finding the right people with the right skills.
“What the team did was to ensure that all the critical vacancies are filled. The team could do that on the back of an Eskom that is performing but also on the back of the fiscal support that was received from National Treasury.
“Leadership stability and not just stability but appointing the right people with the right credentials and not only that, but ensure there’s alignment in relation to their credentials and where you assign to discharge their responsibilities,” he said.
Energy Availability Factor
Although the Minister praised the Eskom team, he warned that there is more work to be done to completely eradicate load shedding.
“When we come to a period in our life here in South Africa, and I suspect it will be very soon, where we stop celebrating and counting the number of 'no load shedding' days, then that will represent a major victory for us. The fact that we are celebrating this, it means that we [are] still in an awkward place. We are not necessarily out of the woods yet, so we will not tell any lies or claim easy victories.
“This generation recovery has not necessarily reached its full potential. We are on the right path and all matrices are pointing to a positive performance. In fact, we are far exceeding where we expected to be at this time. We still have an ambition of achieving that 70% [Energy Availability Factor] by 2025 and the team is on course to do exactly that,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 10:42
9 views
R800 million spent to recover rail lines in Durban
R800 million spent to recover rail lines in Durban
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has to date spent R800 million in recovering commuter rail lines in the City of eThekwini as part of its recovery programme.
PRASA’s recovery programme includes recovering passenger rail services, improving safety and security, protecting assets, providing sound leadership, as well as executing its capital programme.
As part of Transport Month, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy conducted an oversight visit to the Merebank to Crossmoor commuter line on Friday, 11 October. A ticket from Merebank to Crossmoor in Durban costs R7.50.
“In this city, there are eight lines that transport passengers into the metro and so far, we have recovered six of those lines, and we have recovered 70 of 102 stations.
“This recovery is not an easy task. It requires replacing rails, dealing with the flood damage of 2022, and dealing with the electricity overheard power lines that power the electric trains.
“We have had to rebuild a traction substation so that there is adequate power on this line. All the stations were severely vandalised. Work that has been done on the five stations on this particular line includes ticket sales, ablution facilities, weather protection and supplying water and electricity,” Creecy said.
She said the Merebank to Crossmoor commuter line is the pioneer line for the new modern signalling technology.
“That contract for signalling has already been awarded and we are in the design phase. Signalling allows us to dramatically increase the number of trains that we are running.
“At the moment, with every train that is running, there has to be direct contact with the driver and we can only run one train on a line, and when it gets to the end of the line, it goes back because we don’t want an accident.
“Once, you have automatic signalling, the train is controlled electronically from a central control centre and we can run the trains at three or five minute intervals during peak times. This will allow us to ramp up the numbers for passengers,” the Minister said.
The signalling will also allow PRASA to open the second line and the trains will be able to run at the same time.
“This station has increased capacity so that we are able to run the trains at short intervals because there is enough power for all of the trains that will be running.
"There are security guards [on site]. In due course, we will also have electronic surveillance on the line. If anybody is tempering with the line, the message will go to the central control system,” Creecy said.
Government plans to achieve 250 million tonnes of freight per annum through the country’s freight corridors and 600 million passenger trips per annum by 2030.
“In the City of eThekwini, the contribution to passenger trips should be 126 million per year. At the moment, we are running 13 million and nationwide, we should be running 40 million passenger trips at the end of this financial year.
“Our next big project is going to be the recovery of the South Coast line and that line is already out to tender, and we hope to start the work in 2026,” the Minister said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:09
1546 views
Eskom records 200 consecutive days of no load shedding
Eskom records 200 consecutive days of no load shedding
Eskom has recorded 200 days without implementing load shedding in South Africa, with the last day of load shedding being on 26 March this year.
The power utility on Sunday said the implementation of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan has yielded a reduction of [about] 8.6% in unplanned outages, and an improvement in the Energy Availability Factor by [about] 7.7%.
“The plan is projected to contribute to a potential 2% growth in the South African economy and improve Eskom’s financial performance for the financial year 2025,” Eskom said.
Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane called it a “significant moment”.
“We are in an incredibly exciting industry at a moment of tangible change. In preparation for a competitive electricity market, this is a significant milestone to ensure energy security and attracting investment to South Africa.
“We are days away from a further milestone that demonstrates the stability of our fleet... We are on track to reach 206 days [on Saturday] without load shedding, a result we last delivered five years ago on 15 October 2019,” Marokane said.
The power utility’s Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, praised Eskom officials for the work they have put in to address load shedding.
“The dedication of all Eskom employees has been crucial in driving these positive outcomes, and their contributions are clearly reflected in today’s results.
“We wish to convey our thanks to all our employees for reaching this achievement and we recognise that this is the result of immense hard work and time spent away from friends and families to deliver a national imperative in a high pressure turnaround environment,” Nxumalo said.
Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati, explained that when it came in, the board conducted an “independent investigation and consulted with power station management using a data-driven approach to create the Generation Recovery Plan”.
“Today’s achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team in implementing this plan. It demonstrates that with the right leadership, strategic planning and unwavering commitment, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
“Eskom’s journey towards a stable and reliable power supply is well on track, and we remain focused on sustaining this progress for the benefit of all South Africans.
“The Eskom Board is grateful for the support and collaborative efforts of all our key stakeholders, including government and the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) members, who enabled us to reach this milestone today,” Nyati said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 09:42
135 views
200 days of loadshedding suspension leads to predictions of 2% GDP growth for South Africa
Sunday, 13 October 2024: Eskom has today successfully delivered 200 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024 as a result of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan. This plan has not only reduced unplanned outages by ~8.6% and improved the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) by ~7.7%, enhancing the reliability of our generation fleet,...
Happy 200 Days – As Loadshedding Suspension Remains in Force
Friday, 11 October 2024: The Generation Operational Recovery Plan continues to deliver on-going structural improvements and efficiencies to the coal fleet, successfully keeping loadshedding suspended for 198 consecutive days and providing uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024. Eskom will reach 200 days of loadshedding suspension on Sunday, 13 October 2024, a period that includes...
AEW 2024 Ministerial Lineup to Foster Strategies to Alleviate Energy Poverty in Africa
Energy and hydrocarbon ministers from across Africa have joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference to discuss investment opportunities while engaging with financiers and project developers. Representing the entire energy value chain from oil and gas to renewable energy to power and infrastructure, regional ministers will unpack the continent's strategies to make energy poverty history by 2030.
North African countries such as Libya and Algeria have set ambitious production targets for the coming years, aiming to plug Europe's energy gap while enhancing domestic energy access. Libya aims to boost output to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in the next two to three years while Algeria aims to produce over 1.5 million bpd in 2025. Meeting production goals requires accelerated exploration, with both countries promoting investments in upstream drilling. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, North African energy and hydrocarbon ministers will provide insight into these opportunities. They are joined by ministers representing global and African oil and gas organizations, including:
- Khalifa Abdulsadek, Minister of Oil & Gas, Libya
- Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Energy and Mines, Algeria
- Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General, OPEC
- Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO
In Southern Africa, the region is ripe with opportunity. An estimated 11 billion barrels has been found off Namibia's coast since 2022; over 100 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas found offshore Mozambique; and an estimated 200 tcf likely held onshore South Africa. While Angola - the second largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa – still offers significant potential in both on- and offshore basins, Southern African countries such as Zambia are largely underexplored, presenting strategic opportunities for exploration companies. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Southern African energy and hydrocarbon ministers will outline strategic basins and upcoming projects. Speakers include:
- Carlos Zacarias, Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources & Energy, Mozambique
- Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, Angola
- Gwede Mantashe, Minister, Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, South Africa
- Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity, South Africa
- Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zambia
- Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia
Recent offshore projects have positioned West Africa as a global hydrocarbon hotspot. Mauritania and Senegal's Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project will start production this year, following the start of operations at Senegal's Sangomar Oil Project in mid-2024. Nigeria's Dangote Refinery – the largest in Africa at 650,000 bpd – recently secured a 400,000-bpd feedstock supply from the government a year after its start while Ivory Coast's Belaine project – the first net-zero upstream development in Africa – plans to commence phase two operations this December. Regional ministers will provide an update on ongoing projects, future investments and efforts to unlock additional reserves at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024. Ministers include:
- Aboubacar Camara, Minister of Energy, Hydropower and Hydrocarbons, Guinea Conakry
- Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines Republic of Senegal
- Chief. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Collins Adomako-Mensah, Deputy Minister of Energy in Charge of Power, Ghana
- Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Nigeria
- Foday Mansaray, Director General, PDSL
- Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nigeria
- Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy, Ghana
- Mohamed Ould Khaled, Minister of Petroleum & Energy, Ministry of Petroleum, Mines & Energy, Mauritania
- Nani Juwara, Minister of Energy and Petroleum, The Gambia
- Viriato Luis Soares Cassama, Minister of Environment & Biodiversity, Guinea-Bissau
- Yacouba Zabré Gouba, Minister of Energy and Mines, Burkina Faso
Central Africa – with major producers such as Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of Congo – are inviting investors to support diversification efforts in production and refining. Leveraging natural gas, these markets aim to unlock reserves in both domestic and regional basins while boosting export capacity and intra-African trade. The Republic of Congo exported its first LNG cargo in 2024 from the Tango FLNG facility, targeting 3 million tons per year by 2025, while Equatorial Guinea forged an agreement with Nigeria to import and process gas at its Punta Europa facility. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, regional ministers will outline these initiatives, while sharing insight into available opportunities in natural gas. Ministers include:
- Antonio Uburu Ondo, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea
- Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, the Republic of Congo
- Marcel Abeke, Minister of Petroleum, Republic of Gabon
As a frontier market, East Africa is incentivizing exploration in both on- and offshore basins while driving infrastructure and field development projects forward. Uganda inked a deal with Ethiopia in 2024 to export crude via pipeline while South Sudan is seeking diversified export routes and promoting exploration onshore. Regional ministers will share more insights at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024. Speakers include:
- Ing Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Minister of Water and Energy, Ethiopia
- Okasaai Sidronious Opolot, Minister of state for Energy, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda
- Puot Kang Chol, Minister Petroleum, South Sudan
AEW: Invest in African Energy 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.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Benin to Contribute $2 Million to the African Development Fund
Benin joins six other African countries that contribute to ADF; 74 million people in Africa have benefitted from improvements in agriculture for food security through the Fund.
Benin has pledged $2 million to the next replenishment of the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group.
The country's Minister of Economy and Finance, Romuald Wadagni, made the announcement in Cotonou, at the opening session of the Mid-Term Review of the 16th Replenishment of the Fund.
It came shortly after the head of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina invited Benin's President Patrice Talon to be a champion of ADF 17 and encouraged him to “pledge financial support.”
Announcing his country's pledge, Minister Wadagni said the African Development Fund was a trusted partner for low-income countries and recommended that each “recipient country demonstrates rigour and transparency.”
He said one of Benin's objectives was “to ensure that we can use the ADF instrument in the form of guarantees and raise money in order to benefit from its leverage effect.”
The current three-year financing cycle, which received a record $8.9 billion ends in 2025. Benin becomes the seventh African country to contribute, joining Algeria, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Morocco and South Africa.
“Our ambition is encouraging more African countries to become state participants in the ADF,” said Adesina, citing Kenya's pledge of $20 million to ADF, announced last May by President William Ruto during the Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group in Nairobi.
He said the African Development Fund is providing Benin with $108.2 million towards general budget support for economic governance and private sector development program focused on improving the overall business climate, supporting agro-industrial sector and strengthening the development of Special Economic Zones, like Glo Gjigbe, that ADF delegates visited as part of the Mid Term Review program.
Across the continent, Adesina said the African Development Fund is achieving impactful and impressive results.
“15 million people have been provided with access to electricity. 74 million people have benefitted from improvements in agriculture for food security. 45 million people have benefitted from improved transport. And over 8,700 kilometers of roads have been built or rehabilitated,” said Adesina.
“I am proud of what this institution has achieved in its 50 years of existence,” he added, pointing out that the Fund has been ranked “the second-best concessional financing institution in the world for the quality of its development assistance.”
The Cotonou meeting was attended by ministers, representatives of donor and beneficiary member countries, the Bank Group's Board of Directors, senior management and staff.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact:
Amadou Mansour Diouf
Communications and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
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
Follow the Water: Tracing Lesotho’s Uncertain Water Supply to Johannesburg
The long-term viability of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project faces various threats
Western Cape Town “Held to Ransom” by Cable Theft Syndicate
Repeated extended blackouts as electricity poles are cut down and cables stolen
Relocation of Langa Rail Line Occupiers Delayed by Regulations
Rezoning application to move people living next to the Central Line has taken more than a year
SOEs urged to provide opportunities to young engineers
SOEs urged to provide opportunities to young engineers
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) have a critical role to play in providing economic opportunities to young people, which will enable them to gain practical work experience in the construction sector.
Addressing media on Tuesday after inspecting the Germiston to Katlehong commuter rail line, the Minister said historically, SOEs played an important role in helping small enterprises to gain experience so that they can move up the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) register.
Contractors, who wish to work in the public sector, must register with the CIDB. The Register of Contractors (RoC) supports clients in infrastructure procurement, and categorises and grades contractors from 1-9, according to financial and works capability.
“In order to be able to do major construction, you must demonstrate that you have become accredited. This is an important role that SOEs have played historically, and it’s a role we want to ensure that these enterprises are once again being supported [to play].
“With regard to the training that we are offering young engineers, it’s really important that we give practical experience to young professionals. One of the major reasons we have so many unemployed graduates in our country is young engineers, particularly, struggle to complete the practical training that is required to become fully fledged and independent professionals.
“We really want to play our role in that regard because we believe that we have incredible talent in our country and we want to make sure that the talent is properly used for all the important infrastructure projects that we need to happen in our country,” the Minister said.
Work to upgrade the Germiston to Katlehong commuter rail line cost about R400 million. The upgrade will ensure that commuters have access to affordable public transport, as a ticket costs R14.50 while a monthly season ticket costs R169.
The upgrade included the rebuilding of a number of stations and rebuilding a substation to ensure a reliable source of electricity.
“In the course of this work, we have created 500 jobs for the local community. We have also been able to involve 34 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), and overall, throughout the whole country, we have 33 young engineers that are assisting us on our recovery programme,” the Minister said.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) recovery programme includes recovering passenger rail services, improving safety and security, protecting assets, providing sound leadership as well as executing its capital programme.
“Our vision is that rail must form the backbone of our transport system for both passengers and freight. [We seek] to achieve 250 million tonnes of freight per annum through our freight corridors and 600 million passenger trips per annum by 2030.
“This will not only ensure that we are creating an affordable public transport system for working people and other commuters, but it will also ensure that we have a sustainable and reliable revenue stream for PRASA, so that we can continue to do the maintenance work that this whole system requires,” Creecy said.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 20% of the working population walk to work due to being unable to afford other forms of transport that are available.
“This is a great inconvenience, time waster and decreases the productivity of those individuals who have to walk between 5kms and 10kms every day. It’s very important that we make this form of transport available for working people again.
“We still have nine priority lines that we must conclude, and we are close to having repaired 300 stations, but there are many more to be repaired. We are taking preventative measures to ensure the safety of our rail infrastructure.
“Seventy-five percent of the copper has been removed from this cabling and we have put in aluminium cabling, which is of less interest to the scrap dealers,” the Minister said.
Moreover, security guards have been deployed to ensure the safety of these lines.
“We are introducing technology, drone technology and technology that will alert us if there is consistent tampering with the line, and that will be helpful to the security guards because they will know where to look for intruders. We hope that these measures will ensure that rail transport is safer,” she said.
The Minister’s inspection took place as part of the department’s flagship October Transport Month campaign, which is now in its 19th instalment. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:41
366 views
New Blasting Limits Set for Mines
Chief Inspector of Mines publishes South Africa’s first mine blasting standards
Government discussing reduction in administered prices, including petrol
Government discussing reduction in administered prices, including petrol
Government is in discussions to intervene in the reduction of administered prices, including the petrol price, in South Africa.
This is according to Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who was delivering the welcome address at the Africa Oil Week 2024 on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Mantashe explained that the price of fuel directly influences the cost of living for South Africans.
“If the fuel price goes up, the cost of living goes up, which is not good for our society. To make life more affordable for all South Africans, we have already begun discussions on reducing administered prices, including the price of fuel and electricity. Included in the discussions of fuel prices are discussions on, but not limited to, the general fuel and the Road Accident Fund levies.
“In the fuel price, there is the general fuel levy, there is the Road Accident Fund linked to the price of fuel. Our argument is that you are distorting the price of fuel. Let’s find a formula of separating them and have the price of fuel visible, and when there is intervention in the fuel price, we can see it (sic),” the Minister said.
He said government intends to conclude those discussions “in the shortest possible time”.
Boosting economic growth
Mantashe said government is making concerted efforts to develop the country’s petroleum resources in an equitable way.
In that regard, he said, the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill is ready for assent by President Cyril Ramaphosa after it was passed by both Houses of Parliament.
“This is the first of its kind in South African history as the Upstream Petroleum Industry has always been regulated as an appendage to other industries.
“We are convinced that once the bill is enacted into law, it will not only pave the way for an orderly development of the Upstream Petroleum Industry but will boost the country’s economic growth to 8% as is the case with Namibia which increased its potential to double its economy by 2040 on the back of its recent discoveries of oil and associate gas,” he said.
The South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) has also been established to “ensure that South Africans enjoy maximum benefits from their national patrimony, their petroleum resources” and to “carry the State share in petroleum projects and exploit some resources in its own right”.
“The [SANPC] Bill is undergoing Cabinet processes ahead of its onward transmission to Parliament for consideration and adoption. The enactment of the bill into law will enable the SANPC to operate as South Africa’s leading player in the petroleum industry, thereby ensuring energy security, foster partnerships, and propel economic growth on the back of petroleum resources.
“Additionally, the Petroleum Products Amendment Bill is also undergoing Cabinet processes for approval to publish for stakeholder comments. The bill seeks to, firstly, promote the transformation of the petroleum and liquid fuels sector by encouraging participation and equity; secondly, ensure that the persons involved in the manufacturing or sale of liquid fuels are regulated, and lastly, to ensure that the petroleum sector contributes to the country's economic development,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:12
209 views
Four arrested for bypassing electricity meter
Four arrested for bypassing electricity meter
Eskom has welcomed the arrest of four contractor employees who were allegedly paid R10 000 by a resort owner to bypass an electricity meter.
According to the power utility, the four were arrested “for facilitating the unlawful consumption of electricity without payment” and face charges of electricity theft and meter tampering.
“These actions not only constitute a serious criminal offence but also place a financial strain on Eskom and in turn its ability to return to profit and remove itself from being dependent on the fiscus. We strongly condemn such illegal activities as they violate the law and undermine efforts to provide reliable and sustainable electricity,” Eskom said.
The power utility explained that the scheme was halted following a report from a member of the public.
“Eskom commends the member of the public who reported the incident, our internal security team for their thorough investigation, and the South African Police Service for their swift action in arresting the suspects. Such cooperative efforts are crucial in the fight against crime and corruption.
“Eskom reminds all customers that tampering with electricity meters is punishable by law, and anyone found guilty may face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment. Customers are urged to report any suspicious electricity-related activities, theft, illegal connections, meter bypasses, and other illegal operations on the network,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:29
18 views
Unions Take to the Streets to Demand Decent Work
Hundreds of workers march in Cape Town, Joburg and Durban
Tshwane Non-profit Social Housing Company in Business Rescue
Yeast City Housing is fighting for survival with debt of over R30-million