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Friday, 13 September 2024: Eskom joins the rest of South Africa and the global community in mourning the passing of former Public Enterprises Minister, Mr. Pravin Gordhan. Mr. Gordhan was a pivotal figure in Eskom’s transformation, driving critical reforms that set the foundation for the utility’s future. He was instrumental in initiating the legal separation...
President mourns the passing of former Minister Pravin Gordhan
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness over the passing of lifelong activist and former Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan.
Gordhan passed away in hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after a battle with cancer, his family announced. He was 75 years old.
President Ramaphosa has offered his deep condolences to Gordhan’s wife Vanitha Raju, daughters Anisha and Priyesha, the former Minister’s older brother Manecklal, and sister Shanta Harilal.
He said his thoughts were also with Gordhan’s extended family, comrades, associates and organisations he established relationships with, as a family and community member, freedom fighter, public sector executive and member of the National Executive.
Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and 2015 until 2017.
He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 to 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until he announced his planned retirement in March 2024.
The late activist was also appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.
His involvement in the public sector stemmed from his participation in the anti-apartheid struggle.
This included his role in student and civic movements in the 1970s and 80s, as an executive member of the Natal Indian Congress, and as a military operative in the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC).
During South Africa’s transition to democracy and in the early years of the new dispensation, Gordhan played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) multi-party dialogue. He was later appointed as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee.
Last year marked 50 years since Gordhan graduated from the University of Durban-Westville with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. This led to him working at the King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban from 1974 to 1981.
In the early 1980s, his activism led to his dismissal from the hospital, as well as detention by police and banning orders.
President Ramaphosa said: “We have lost an outstanding leader whose unassuming persona belied the depth of intellect, integrity and energy with which he undertook his activism, his duty as a parliamentarian and his roles as a member of Cabinet.
“Pravin Gordhan’s personal sacrifices and his endeavours and achievements in various sectors of our society endowed him with the insights, empathy and resilience that fuelled his service to the nation.”
President Ramaphosa commended him for his role as a leader in the country’s anti-corruption efforts during his later years of service to the nation.
“Gordhan stood up to derision and threats emanating from some in our nation who were scorched by his insistence that justice be dispensed against those who sought to undermine our democracy and raid our public resources and assets.
“During his decades of revolutionary dedication to making South Africa a better place, Pravin Gordhan and his family were deprived of much-needed and deserved time together.
“As we mourn his passing, we remain grateful for his life of sacrifice and service and his sustained striving for the realisation of the vision and dictates of our Constitution.
“We carry his family in our thoughts and prayers at this time.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/13/2024 - 09:40
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Nuclear build will follow the science - Ramokgopa
The South African government will pursue a new nuclear build that is led by scientific evidence.
This is according to the Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who addressed the Nuclear Seminar hosted by the Ministry on Thursday.
“We are going to be evidence led in terms of our policy choices. The beauty about evidence and science is that it removes emotion. It’s important that those who can bring the political dimension, bring it to the fore [and] marry it with the science and we find solutions.
“We have a duty to ensure that as many people as possible or those who have an interest must understand what the science [of nuclear] is so that we are able to dispel these myths [about nuclear], we are able to undermine and push back against those who have no clue about the conversation we are having today,” he said.
Ramokgopa insisted that the withdrawal of the ministerial determination for government’s planned procurement of at least 2 500MW was to protect the process from legal challenges.
“We made the point that we have nothing to hide. So if there are complexities or the process of the 2 500MW build programme is compromised…we have a duty to pull it back, to clean it so that you don’t conflate the science and the process.
“Then on the basis of the science we’ll be able to make a compelling story to the South African people. [We want to] clean the process, make it as democratic as possible. Those who have objections, raise those objections on the basis of the science because the process would have allowed you an opportunity to do exactly that,” he said.
The Minister noted that the global move towards the use of nuclear energy is a “return to realism”.
“We will converge on the science that this is the path that must be pursued for us to be able to achieve energy security to ensure that we are able to green the sources of energy generation.
“Nucelar is part of the energy mix…it’s part of the future. It’s indispensable to the resolution of an attainment of energy sovereignty in this country. We will answer the question of at what scale, what pace that will not undermine the issues of affordability and not compromise the fiscus. I am more than confident that nuclear has got a place, has a got a role,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 12:30
Expert panel to advise on new nuclear build
An expert panel is expected to be convened to advise Energy and Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on government’s planned procurement of some 2 500MW of nuclear energy to the grid.
The Minister revealed this during a media briefing on the sidelines of the Nuclear Seminar held in Gauteng on Thursday.
“We’re putting together an expert team that will advise me in relation to the pace and scale that we can afford. Once we answer that question then we will be able to articulate on the public consultation process, what the timelines are and then simultaneously we’ll begin to work out a procurement framework.
“It is the procurement framework that we will then take to Cabinet to seek an in principle approval of the framework. The actual execution of that procurement will be discharged through an avenue that we will announce,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that as it takes care of its people, government has a right to choose which sources of energy it taps into.
“As a country we reserve the right to determine what are those technologies and fuel sources that we are going to use. That is a sovereign right. We do accept that in the energy complex that are opposed to this or that technology.
“To the extent that we can justify and illustrate that it’s in the interest of the sovereign, we will pursue that,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that the department is open to having frank conversations about the sources of energy powering the country.
“The conversations are democratic, they are open. We are going to discuss all technologies, all fuel sources because all of them are needed to help us…on the energy side. But also to ensure that we achieve conditions of energy sovereignty and also we pursue other peaceful uses outside of powering the South African economy.
“Nothing is off the table as far as this Ministry is concerned. We are going to discuss everything and pursue these opportunities that we have identified in the interest of the country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:19
SA must keep pace with international nuclear players
Eskom Group Chief Executive (GCE) Dan Marokane says South Africa should “move with pace” to keep up with the global move towards new nuclear build.
Marokane was addressing stakeholders at the Nuclear Seminar held by the Ministry of Energy and Electricity on Thursday.
“We are for nuclear. We understand that the energy mix is an important component of us achieving our strategic objectives as a country. This is not a discussion about either or. We’ve always argued that it is about the use of [energy] technologies to be complimentary.
“We are looking forward to participating in the process that will be led by the Minister [of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa] to show that we can get to a point of making decisions very quickly. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We have fallen behind and we have an opportunity to catch up and we need to move with pace,” he said.
READ | Nuclear build will follow the science - Ramokgopa
Marokane emphasised that it is very important that government has a clear stance on the use of nuclear energy in the country’s ambitions to lower carbon emissions.
“What I would like to appreciate is the very clear government perspective on the strategy of nuclear and where it sits on the energy mix and its importance for us marching towards net zero targets.
“We exist within the global community and clearly there’ve been movements within the world…the world around has reawakened to the reality that [nuclear] is essentially an important component of baseload power generation going forward and us reducing emissions going forward.
“We have heard about the ambitions for nuclear on the continent, Egypt being quite advanced in this area. It would be sad of us to be overtaken having had so many years of operation…both from a perspective of skills and technical contribution to the continent and opportunities,” he said.
The GCE highlighted that the economic spinoffs from using nuclear energy are “quite huge”.
“For us as a country that is emerging out of the history that it has, the social inequalities that it has, this is an element that is going to contribute meaningfully for us. Our presence in the Western Cape has contributed immensely to the economic activities in the value chain.
“We have experienced quite tremendous positive spin offs from a green stability point of view with the Koeberg [Nuclear Power Station] units that are contributing…into the system. We have just…[installed] new steam generators so that we can have a life extension for the next 20 years.
“We will continue to look at the opportunities for exploiting this for even longer,” Marokane said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:33
Nuclear energy still a 'critical component' of SA energy mix
There is global affirmation that nuclear energy has a part to play in responding to the question of climate change.
This is according to Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity Samantha Graham-Maré who was speaking during the Nuclear Seminar hosted by the department in Tshwane on Thursday.
“There is global acceptance of nuclear energy as an integral part of the solution to mitigate the impact of climate change. We therefore need to work together to ensure that nuclear energy becomes an important part of the Just Energy Transition.
“It is clear that nuclear is a critical component of South Africa’s energy mix – offering a low carbon, reliable source of energy that can contribute significantly to the country’s energy security and climate goals, she said.
Graham-Maré said South Africa remains committed to fulfilling the objectives of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019, while refining the IRP 2023.
“[The IRP] sets out a requirement of 2 500MW of nuclear power to ensure the stability of South Africa’s power grid. In turn, driving the reindustrialisation of our economy and the promise of economic growth that leads to job creation,” she said.
The Deputy Minister added that although new nuclear build is urgent for ensuring energy stability, the Ministry will not compromise on “public participation, adherence of statutory regulatory requirements and openness and transparency in decision making, procurement and the implementation of our new nuclear build”.
In that regard, the Ministerial determination for the procurement of the nuclear energy was withdrawn last month.
She said the negative perceptions around nuclear energy must be changed.
“Nuclear still carries somewhat of a stigma. Much of this is ignorance perpetuated by [a view of] government shrouded in secrecy manned by scientists in hazmat suits and the fear generated through the cold war era of the total destruction of the planet as a result of a nuclear war. It is up to all of us to change these perceptions.
“This summit is the first leg of that process. Given South Africa’s expertise and commitment to nuclear energy over the years, this summit is a key engagement with the nuclear industry in SA that we hope will become a regular feature of our agenda,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 10:37
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Wednesday, 11 September 2024: Following a notice given on 2 July 2024 to the National Treasury and Emfuleni Municipality (Emfuleni), Emfuleni is no longer a beneficiary of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 124 Debt Relief program due to multiple breaches. Consequently, the Sheriff of the Court has successfully attached Emfuleni’s four bank accounts to...
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores childhood cancer, its types, signs, and what to expect if your child is diagnosed. “September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognise the challenges young cancer patients and their families face,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While childhood cancer is relatively …
The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has expressed its relief at hearing that TotalEnergies remains a major player in the South African energy sector.
The committee expressed this view after it was briefed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources on the impact of TotalEnergies' withdrawal from Block 11B/12B, off the country's southern coastline, and Block 5/6/7 off the West Coast.
Although regretting the cessation on projects with huge potential economic spinoffs to the country, the committee was encouraged that TotalEnergies is still involved in exploration work in South Africa at Block 3B/4B of the orange basin in the West Coast.
The committee is also comforted to hear that Block 11B/12B and Bock 5/6/7 have sufficient resource reserves still open to be explored by other investors.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, is pleased to announce the resounding success of its participation in Solar & Storage Live, Cape Town’s premier renewable energy exhibition held last week. The event marked a significant milestone in Sungrow’s commitment to driving the energy transition in South Africa, showcasing the company’s advanced solar and …
Work underway to prevent truck congestion in Richards Bay
A team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate will work with municipalities and stakeholders, including Transnet, to prevent truck congestion from the N2 highway leading to the Port of Richards Bay.
This was among the commitments made during a meeting held by the KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements Departments.
Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, recently met with the management and all categories of staff from both departments working in King Cetshwayo, Zululand and UMkhanyakude Districts.
The meeting aimed to ensure that the two departments work collectively to accelerate the construction of roads and human settlements for the benefit of communities.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Duma said the stakeholders have decided to act decisively as the issue of truck congestion is resurfacing. Other stakeholders include the Road Freight Association and Zululand Chamber of Business.
“In addition, we commit to work with Transnet and Richards Bay Bulk Terminal to ensure safe and effective movement of coal destined for exports. Our roads have been damaged and created challenges such as truck related accidents that continue to claim innocent lives.
“There is a special team of traffic officers, uTalagu, that has been assigned to monitor the movements of trucks. Addressing these challenges means that as government we must invest in the development of infrastructure to accommodate the movement of goods and people,” Duma explained.
A need for all stakeholders to work hard to improve the railway networks and tap into aviation and maritime sectors to facilitate the movement of goods, was also emphasised.
He noted that the province is not only a construction site but strategically located along the longest coastline in Africa.
“This means that our economy is driven largely through the transport and logistics sectors based on the two major ports housed in the province, namely the Port of Richards Bay and the Port of Durban.
“Both ports are economically strategic not only to the province of KwaZulu-Natal, but also to the national economy of South Africa since they are linked to the economic heartland of South Africa, Gauteng, via road and rail networks.”
The MEC said the Port of Durban is also a transit point for cross border container traffic for neighbouring countries - a gateway to Southern Africa.
“The Ports of Richards Bay and Durban are important contributors to international trade and a significant enabler for South Africa’s and the province’s economic development. We are working with national government to ensure the expansion of road networks - the N2 and N3, along with our ports,” Duma said.
Apart from speeding up construction of houses for communities, the MEC acknowledged that there will be a growing demand for human settlements and pressure on road networks.
He added that with Richards Bay Industrial Economic Zone being a haven for foreign direct investment and a site for energy infrastructure, the province must be ready to be the host of the 3 000 MW gas-to-power plant to be constructed by power utility Eskom. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:28
SA records one more mpox case
The Department of Health has called for continued public vigilance as the country records one more laboratory-confirmed case.
According to the department, the patient is a 38-year-old man who sought medical intervention at a private medical practice in Cape Town on Wednesday last week.
This is after he experienced typical mpox lesions on the face, trunk, thorax and genitals. He also had a headache, light sensitivity, sore throat and muscle pain.
“The patient was not admitted but urged to home-isolate while waiting for test results. The results came back positive on Friday, 6 September,” the statement read.
According to the investigation report, the patient has no recent international travel history nor had contact with a suspected or confirmed mpox case.
The outbreak response team in the province has since been activated, while the contact tracing and monitoring activities are ongoing.
This increases the total number of positive cases recorded in the country since the outbreak in May this year to 25 cases, including three deaths.
Twelve of these were reported in Gauteng, 11 reported in KwaZulu-Natal and now two in the Western Cape.
“The patient is home isolating and in a stable condition. We urge all the identified and suspected contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.
“The healthcare workers understand the importance of confidentiality in managing reported and suspected cases of notifiable medical conditions.”
Meanwhile, according to the department, the risk of wider transmission remains low in the country, but anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race.
Some of the common symptoms of mpox include a rash which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.
“The painful rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, and so on,” the department explained. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 13:14
By Arnaud Bouraima, Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, Webb Fontaine (https://WebbFontaine.com/).
In the face of mounting global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and increasing focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) awareness, sustainable trade practices and supply chains have the potential to radically transform Africa's economic future.
From green logistics to fair trade and circular economy principles, sustainable trade practices have a significant positive impact on global and local trade. In addition to environmental benefits, they enhance market competitiveness and open access to new markets that value a commitment to sustainability.
However, the transition to eco-friendly and sustainable supply chains is reliant on several factors, not least a significant investment in the infrastructure and technology needed to streamline port and customs operations and ensure a smooth entry of goods into the country in question. An understanding of the importance of digital transformation by governments and regulatory bodies is also a key factor in adopting digital solutions over more traditional manual systems.
African countries that understand and embrace these requirements are well on their way to laying the groundwork for sustainable trade practices.
As an example, the port of Cotonou in the West African country of Benin handles an average of 80 to 90 merchant vessels monthly. According to the African Development Bank (https://apo-opa.co/3MF9Kxi), Cotonou deals with 90 percent of the country's international trade, serving up to 100 million consumers. In 2022, the port handled 12.5 million tonnes of goods, a figure that is predicted to almost double by 2038, reaching 23 million tonnes.
In a gesture of confidence, the recent extension of an €80 million loan (https://apo-opa.co/3MF9Kxi) by the African Development Bank for significant infrastructure upgrades will expand the port's operations even further. Yet despite the vast and complicated operations of one of Africa's busiest ports, Benin has jumped to 66th place on the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (https://LPI.WorldBank.org/), an astonishing leap of approximately 100 places in just under a decade, positioning the country as West Africa's key trade hub.
But this wasn't always the case. High shipping costs, low efficiency, and poor logistical facilities threatened to stifle any hopes the port had of becoming a key trade route, despite the fact that the country is a crucial transit route for West Africa, connecting millions of people in the landlocked countries of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and the northern regions of Nigeria.
Technology is revolutionising trade practices
The solution? Leveraging technology to break through the complexities, inefficiencies, and obstacles impeding effective trade, and transform Benin into an economically competitive trade hub.
This is a story that replicates itself in trade ports along Africa's entire coastline. Operators and customs entities are constantly looking for ways in which to alleviate the backlogs and delays caused by the high volumes flowing through these trade entry points, and digitisation, along with improved physical infrastructure, is proving to be an extremely effective solution. Partnerships and collaborations with specialist service providers hold the key to success.
The Webb Fontaine and Benin story
Backtracking from the current situation, and highlighting the importance of long-term public-private collaborations in modernising and streamlining trade landscapes, Webb Fontaine started working with Benin's Ministry of Finance and Benin Control in 2017. Implementing a suite of innovative solutions including Webb Single Window, Webb Transit Tracking, Webb Valuation, Webb Ports, and Webb Customs, we are proud to be playing a pivotal role in transforming trade in the country.
Webb Single Window has been a game changer. It forms the basis of GUCE Benin, a digital platform with over 6,500 users in the logistics chain that facilitates import, export, and transit operations, and incorporates electronic payment via Paylican, Webb Fontaine's official payments partner. Webb Single Window has also automated the processing of key administrative operations like issuing licenses and authorisations, overseeing currency exchange operations, managing exemptions, and communicating with tax services.
In practical terms, this means streamlining the process needed to get containers out of the port. Digitising processes to create efficiencies, using new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), reduces the time spent on clearance of goods, for both customs brokers and administrators. Benin now ranks as West Africa's top port and holds the third-highest rating in Africa behind Egypt and South Africa. Release times have been reduced by 30%, with a remarkable 50% of containers being released within only two days.
Along with operational efficiency at the ports themselves, economic growth is a key benefit. From digital skills development to higher revenues as a result of streamlined operations, technology is playing a crucial role. For example, reducing the clearance time from 47 days to only a few days allows for more cycles of importation, increasing tax revenue and creating a healthy economic cycle. This also attracts foreign direct investment, making the port more attractive for investors and traders.
However, the use of technology in port operations is just one aspect in a larger framework of sustainable trade. The resultant benefits, such as automated systems and data analytics have the potential to lead to more efficient operations, reduced emissions, and less waste, which are all key components of sustainable trade practices. For instance, quicker turnaround times not only reduce the carbon footprint of shipping and logistics operations, but they also reduce the need for extended storage, in turn decreasing energy consumption and waste.
Is Africa ready for sustainable and eco-friendly supply chains?
Despite the challenges faced by African countries, many are making great strides. Togo's new container platform, Nigeria's planned green port, Liberia's green economy reforms – all are notable examples. Yet much still needs to be done to fully embrace the digital transformation journey, while at the same time addressing issues like infrastructure development.
All stakeholders have a role to play in implementing sustainable and eco-friendly trade practices and policies. African governments, for instance, can make a commitment to investing the funds and resources needed to create infrastructure that will support both trade and digital advancements, as well as support sustainability initiatives. The African Continental Free Trade Area can play a crucial role in developing a standardised approach to these issues, based on learnings from other countries on the continent.
Africa is a continent that has immense potential when it comes to creating and maintaining sustainable trade practices that will drive economic growth. The continent's success stories demonstrate this, and serve as a call to governments, industry stakeholders, policymakers and the private sector to work together to find tangible solutions that will promote further growth and development. Webb Fontaine is already playing a crucial role in supporting Africa's governments on their trade facilitation journeys, with specialised port technology that is securing customs revenue, mitigating trade fraud, and streamlining clearance times. In the same way, when all stakeholders collaborate and contribute to improvements in their respective areas, Africa's economies will reap the collective rewards.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Webb Fontaine.
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South Africa’s most social 5km run, the Boxer Super Run, is set to make its exciting debut in Tshwane on Sunday, 10 November 2024, at TUKS (Uitspan), with the action starting from 07:00. This highly anticipated event will bring together runners of all ages and abilities for a day of fun, fitness, and camaraderie in …
'New era of opportunity' for China, South Africa cooperation
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the relations between South Africa and China have entered a new “era of opportunity”.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter following an official State Visit to the People’s Republic of China last week.
“During the state visit, China and South Africa agreed to upgrade our relationship to an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era. This signifies the strengthening of the political, economic and social ties between the two countries.
“The strengthening of ties with major trading partners like China continues to yield benefits for the South African economy and people. It is clear that relations between South Africa and China have entered a new era of opportunity.
“Our visit has strengthened trade and investment ties and cemented our shared commitment to grow our economy, create jobs and advance prosperity for the people of our two countries,” he said.
Trading partners
The President revealed that during the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed that he would like to see more finished goods from South Africa entering Chinese ports.
The Asian country is South Africa’s largest trading partner but, President Ramaphosa pointed out, there is an “imbalance in the structure of our trade”.
“South Africa exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to China and imports largely manufactured products from China.
“During our discussion, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his support for the development of South Africa’s manufacturing capacity and to receive greater volumes of finished goods from South Africa.
“President Xi has committed China to open its markets to more South African products and would seek to further broaden the frontiers for Chinese investment in the South African economy,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President added that government is buoyed by potentially increased cooperation between the two countries in “pursuit of low-carbon, climate resilient economic growth” and infrastructure.
“For example, South Africa has investment opportunities in the electric vehicle sector, renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy storage – and China has a proven track record in developing innovative solutions in these areas.
“There is also great potential, and much interest, for Chinese private commercial firms, state-owned enterprises and banks to invest in our country’s infrastructure build programme. This aligns with our plans to modernise our infrastructure by investing in the expansion of ports, rail and road networks,” he said.
Beyond our shores
President Ramaphosa emphasised that enhanced relations between China and South Africa can bring opportunities beyond the two countries.
While on the State Visit, the President attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) where the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its potential were discussed.
“The [AfCFTA], which will provide access to a market of over 1.3 billion people, provides an even greater incentive for investment by China and other countries in Africa’s manufacturing capacity.
“This was underlined during the FOCAC summit attended by more than 50 African countries, where President Xi announced ten partnership actions that China would take together with African countries to support the modernisation of their economies. These actions cover areas like trade, industrial development, agriculture, health and infrastructure.
“At a time when African economies are growing closer together, China’s technological capabilities can support Africa’s industrialisation and enable the continent to export more than just raw commodities,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 10:07
Minister George weighs in on future of circular economy in Africa
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George says the circular economy has the potential to address some of Africa’s “environment complexities”.
The Minister was speaking at the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) Ministerial briefing dinner held in Côte d'Ivoire.
The circular economy refers to a model in which products are re-used and recycled, waste is reduced, and products are re-designed.
“The circular economy holds the potential to address many of the environmental complexities we face, including the issues related to the theme of this AMCEN [African Ministerial Conference on the Environment] 10th Special Session — drought resilience, land degradation, and desertification.
“Circular agriculture, for instance, offers solutions for regenerating degraded soils and reducing water stress. By utilising organic waste as a resource, we can enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and restore ecosystems,” George said on Friday.
He emphasised that tackling plastic pollution, “which continues to degrade our lands and rivers”, is as important.
“The ACEA must play a prominent role in providing technical knowhow on [the] circular economy and extended producer responsibility implementation in processes such as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
“In addition, the recent research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveals that agricultural soils may receive greater quantities of microplastics than oceans, affecting both the quality of our soils and our food systems. This is where a circular economy can play a key role in mitigating and addressing plastic pollution,” the Minister explained.
Taking the lead
George told the gathering that Africa – with all of its rich natural endowments – must be at the forefront of change.
“Africa must take the lead in developing sustainable alternatives, promoting recycling technologies, and integrating circular economy principles into the plastics value chain. Moreover, we must consider the role and governance of critical minerals, which are essential for the global green energy transition.
“Africa’s mineral wealth is unparalleled, but we must extract and manage these resources in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. A circular approach can ensure that we maximise the value of these materials while minimising environmental and social harm.
“This includes developing frameworks for ‘materials as a service’, extending the lifecycle of products, and fostering technological innovation to reduce the need for new extraction.”
The Minister highlighted that land has a “critical role” to play in Africa’s future circular economy.
“Africa’s rich biodiversity and vast landscapes are both our greatest asset and our greatest responsibility. The Abidjan Legacy Programme, launched at the UNCCD [United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification] COP15 in May 2022, provides a clear roadmap for advancing towards Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030.
“I believe that integrating circular economy principles into this programme will not only help us restore degraded lands but will also contribute to building resilient communities and achieving food security.
“We have the opportunity to redefine our economic model, not only for the benefit of our environment but also for the future prosperity of our people. Let us seize this moment, using the power of circularity to combat environmental degradation, create jobs, and build the sustainable Africa we envision in Agenda 2063,” George concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 13:06
Vulture conservation comes under the spotlight
South Africa is contributing to a situational analysis on vulture conservation across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region which will inform a SADC Vulture Strategy.
In a statement on Saturday, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) said the initiative is part of the Second State of Protected and Conserved Areas (SOPACA) Report, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders working together to ensure the survival of vulture species and the continued provision of their essential ecosystem services.
“The goal is to reduce and ultimately stop the intentional poisoning of vultures and to work alongside traditional medicine practitioners to promote sustainable practices that will aid in the conservation of these vital species.
“Education efforts aimed at communities will continue, highlighting the critical ecosystem services and health benefits provided by vultures while fostering a deeper understanding of their cultural significance,” it said.
The department’s comments come as South Africa joined the global community in commemorating International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD). The day is observed annually on the first Saturday of September.
IVAD seeks to raise awareness about the vital role vultures play in ecosystems and the urgent need for their conservation.
According to the DFFE, vultures are ecologically significant birds that are facing numerous threats, putting several species at risk of extinction.
“In recognition of their critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, International Vulture Awareness Day serves as a coordinated global effort to spotlight the conservation of vultures and the crucial work being done to protect them.”
Decline in vulture population
The African continent is home to 11 of the 15 species of Old-World vultures, with South Africa hosting nine species, seven of which are currently threatened with extinction.
These include the Bearded Vulture and Cape Vulture, which nest on cliffs, as well as tree-nesting species like the Hooded Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-headed Vulture, and Palm-nut Vulture.
“Notably, the White-headed, Hooded, and White-backed Vultures are listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Vultures are indispensable to the environment, acting as nature’s cleanup crew by swiftly and efficiently disposing of carcasses. This service prevents the spread of disease and contributes to the overall health of
ecosystems.
“However, over the past 30 years, African vultures have seen a dramatic decline due to factors such as poisoning, collisions with energy infrastructure, illegal harvesting for traditional medicine, and habitat loss.
The decline and threats faced by vultures vary across the continent. In Southern and East Africa, vultures often die after consuming carcasses intentionally poisoned by poachers targeting wildlife like rhinos and elephants or by those involved in human-wildlife conflict.
In Southern Africa, vultures are also deliberately killed for use in traditional medicine and as a result of direct persecution, often linked to the illegal wildlife trade.
”Research indicates that the situation is critical, with vulture populations declining rapidly across Africa. The loss of vultures could lead to serious ecological and public health consequences, such as the spread of disease from unprocessed carcasses and increased human-wildlife conflict, including the rise in stray dog populations and associated rabies cases.
Additionally, the consumption of poisoned vulture body parts in traditional medicine poses a significant, yet underreported, threat to human health.”
National Vulture Task Force
In response to this crisis, the department established a National Vulture Task Force (NVTF), which developed a Multi-Species Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) published for implementation in March 2023.
The BMP aligns with the recently published White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity and emphasises the shared responsibility of conservation among various stakeholders, including traditional leaders, health practitioners, communities, and civil society. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 12:32
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts today completed a review of long term operational safety of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in South Africa.
The Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) follow-up review mission was requested by the plant's operator, Eskom. Koeberg Units one and two started commercial operation in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Koeberg's Unit 1 received a license to continue operating until 2044 in July this year, and Eskom is planning to extend operation of Unit 2 until 2045.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant is located approximately 30 kilometers north of Cape Town, South Africa, and provides around 5 per cent of the country's electricity, playing a vital role in reducing reliance on coal. It is the only commercially operating nuclear power station on the African continent. Koeberg is equipped with two pressurized water reactors with a combined capacity of 1934 MW(e), making it a key component of South Africa's energy infrastructure.
During the 3 to 6 September mission, the SALTO team's review focused on aspects essential to the safe Long Term Operation (LTO) of both units. The mission reviewed Koeberg NPP's response to recommendations and suggestions made during an IAEA SALTO mission in 2022, which built upon an initial IAEA pre-SALTO mission held at the plant in 2019.
“The team observed that the plant is addressing the SALTO team's suggestions and recommendations from the 2022 review,” said team leader and IAEA Nuclear Safety Officer Bryce Lehman. “Based on its efforts, the plant has made significant improvements in ageing management and resolved most of the issues identified in 2022. The plant is on track to complete the remaining items in a reasonable timeframe.”
The team – comprising two experts from the Czech Republic and Slovenia, and two IAEA staff members – said the plant had:
The team noted that the plant needs to continue its work to ensure that:
Plant management expressed a determination to maintain the level of preparedness for safe LTO and to further cooperate with the IAEA in this area.
“For us, this is an integral part of the IAEA's supporting service to ensure safe operation of the Koeberg reactors during the LTO period for the next 20 years. The IAEA SALTO missions, and technical cooperation, helped to improve our continued focus on safe operation,” said Keith Featherstone, Chief Nuclear Officer, Nuclear Operating Unit, Eskom. “Eskom has worked diligently to demonstrate and ensure the safe operation of the Koeberg plant today and into the future and together with the IAEA carried out four review missions and several technical support discussions. We appreciate the IAEA's support and the independent review against international safety standards. We will continue to collaborate in the future as part of our drive to continuously improve,” he added.
The team provided a draft report to the plant management and to the South African National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) at the end of the mission. They will have an opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. A final report will be submitted to the plant management, the NNR and the South African Government within three months.
Background
General information about SALTO missions can be found on the IAEA Website. A SALTO peer review is a comprehensive safety review addressing strategy and key elements for the safe long term operation of nuclear power plants. They complement OSART missions, which are designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. Neither SALTO nor OSART reviews are regulatory inspections, nor are they design reviews or substitutes for an exhaustive assessment of a plant's overall safety status.
LTO of nuclear power plants is defined as operation beyond an established time frame determined by the license term, the original plant design, relevant standards, or national regulations. As stated in IAEA safety standards, to maintain a plant's fitness for service, consideration should be given to life limiting processes and features of systems, structures, and components (SSC), as well as to reasonably practicable safety upgrades to enhance the safety of the plant to a level approaching that of modern plants.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Friday, 06 September 2024: Loadshedding remains suspended as a structural shift in the performance of the generation fleet continues to yield positive results, with Eskom achieving 163 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024. This achievement includes a winter period free from loadshedding, a milestone last reached six years ago in 2018,...