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Here’s how World Cup rugby star and farmer Kwagga Smith prepares for fire season The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) reports that the increasing urbanisation of South Africa’s rapidly growing population is a significant factor impacting the risk of wildfires. They explain: “More and more people, assets and infrastructure are placed on the …
DPWI requests bi-weekly reports on reconstruction of the National Assembly
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has requested the Development Bank Of Southern Africa (DBSA) to supply his office with bi-weekly reports on the progress made in the reconstruction of Parliament’s National Assembly reconstruction site.
This also include monthly cost schedule which will be made available to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure in the interest of transparency.
This according to the department, has been requested to ensure that the contractors to the project are held to agreed upon time periods and budget.
“As someone who called the National Assembly his office for more than 10 years, it is simply heartbreaking to see what has happened to this keystone of our democracy,” said the Minister, adding that he wants to be actively involved in the reconstruction of the National Assembly building to ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget.
During his site visit on Thursday, Macpherson said the reconstruction of the National Assembly building should be moving much faster to avoid any further delay.
“We simply cannot wait any longer,” he said.
The Minister also met with the National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to discuss progress on the National Assembly’s reconstruction and efforts to expedite the construction.
He emphasised that the increased oversight would help avoid abuse of scarce public resources and encouraged members of the public to report any corruption allegations should they arise with evidence to his office to escalate and investigate.
“We have to work together to rebuild the National Assembly building in such a manner that it is protected from future disasters such as fires and theft, while at the same time making it more accessible to the public to learn about this important institution.
“The reconstruction of the National Assembly needs to honour our past while it looks to the future to stand as a testament to the strength of democracy,” Macpherson said.
A fire destroyed the historic Parliamentary buildings in January 2022.
READ | Parliamentary rebuilding project to get underway. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 07/26/2024 - 10:05
KZN works to facilitate economic growth
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, says the provincial government is working hard to create an enabling environment to facilitate the growth of the economy through practical plans that focus on creating employment.
The MEC was tabling the R150.5 billion provincial government budget for the 2024/25 financial year at the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.
Rodgers said the budget proposals presented, ignites hope in that resources are allocated to bring about direct change to the lives of people.
“It is evident that the provincial government is allocating financial resources to facilitate the journey towards achieving a capable and ethical developmental state. The journey will be a long bumpy road with detours and speed humps but, with the commitment of all politicians and public officials to utilise public funds wisely and effectively in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, we will not only reach our end destination, but we will arrive with petrol in our tanks,” Rodgers said.
Good governance
Acknowledging the current socio-economic outlook and the direct impact it has on the province and its citizens, the MEC said the current administration has already started to take the necessary tough decisions to turn the tide.
“All government departments and public entities must follow the principles of good governance, good financial management; take a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. With tight financial controls, this will allow government to direct more funds towards service delivery.”
The MEC also urged the Heads of Departments, including chief executive officers of public entities, chief financial officers, and senior management officials, to share notes on good practice and experiences to improve the public service.
“Government departments, public entities and municipalities must strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of programmes to assess the measurable impact of the programmes over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and to make the necessary adjustments to improve service delivery,” Rodgers said.
Rebuilding the lives of veld fires victims
While acknowledging the immense destruction due to recent veld fires that befell various parts of the province, Rodgers said the incident will not stand in the way of government to grow the province’s economy.
He noted that the destruction impacted people financially and psychologically, and it will take time for those who were affected to recover.
“Government is still assessing the full extent of the damage and the national government will make a determination on whether to declare the incidents as a provincial disaster. Provincial government has allocated resources to rebuild the lives of the victims and reinstate hope in their lives.
“We are extremely encouraged to see that social partners have come closer to partner with government in extending a helping hand to the affected communities. We implore more businesses and social partners to get on board and assist in any way that they are able,” Rodgers said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/26/2024 - 14:24
Providing a guaranteed minimum level of income frees people from vicious cycle of poverty, says Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
SA firefighters to help fight Canadian fires
The Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-Kishugu JV) is deploying a team of more than 200 firefighters and management to the Canadian province of Alberta to assist with fire fighting efforts.
The Guardian reported on Wednesday that wildfires near the Canadian town of Jasper have forced more than 25 000 to flee one of the country’s largest national parks as multiple blazes and thick smoke descended on the Rocky Mountain community.
The report said the town is home to 5 000 full-time residents, alongside 5 000 seasonal workers.
The request for urgent assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) in terms of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Canada and South Africa.
The MOU signed in 2019, provides for exchanging wild land fire management resources between the two countries.
The WOF have been on five deployments to Canada between 2015 and 2023 based on the MoU.
The five deployments include the historic deployment of 860 firefighters and management in 2023, one of the largest deployments of international firefighters to Canada.
The organisation said they have since finalised the deployment list of firefighters and management.
The team is currently at Kishugu Training Academy in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, for a training camp for final preparation before departure.
The group will depart for Canada via a charter arranged by the CIFFC on Friday, 26 July 2024, from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and are expected to be there for 39 days.
Flying the SA flag high
“We extend our best wishes to the team as they embark on their deployment to Canada to help put out the fires raging in Alberta.
“They go to Canada to raise the South Africa flag and share their expertise and camaraderie with colleagues from other Canadian provinces and countries.”
The team includes pump-trained firefighters with valid yellow cards, with more than three years of firefighting experience and physically fit.
Meanwhile, 30% of the selected firefighters in the first deployment are women, including three members of the management team, which the WOF believes highlights its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
In addition, several of the team members have previous international firefighting experience, which further enhances their expertise in tackling complex fire situations.
“We are proud that South Africa is again able to assist Canadian firefighting teams in their battle to bring the wildfires under control. The extensive experience and training of these firefighters will significantly enhance efforts to effectively suppress and manage the wildfires in Alberta.”
Local operations
The WOF has since reassured all their partners and stakeholders that this deployment will not have any impact on South African firefighting operations.
“Every one of our 200-plus firefighting bases in South Africa will continue to provide firefighting and fire prevention services to our partners and landowners.”
The organisation said they will still have just over 5 000 firefighters available at these bases throughout South Africa.
“Should there be major wildland fire activities in our winter fire season provinces, we will, as we have done in the past, be able to deploy our Western and Eastern Cape firefighters to these hotspots. No partner and landowner will be left without any firefighting operations from Working on Fire, and we urge you to communicate with us directly should you have any enquiries.”
WOF is an expanded public works programme (EPWP) aimed at providing work opportunities to young men and women.
The programme, funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, recruits participants from marginalised communities and trains them in fire awareness and education, fire prevention and fire suppression skills. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 14:09
Government leaders pay respects to families of KZN fallen firefighters
Government leaders have expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of six firefighters who died while battling a runaway fire which engulfed a farm in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Sunday.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, visited the grieving families this week to convey their condolences on behalf of the national and provincial governments.
Mabongi Shishane, Ntombikhona Nxele, Nonsikelelo Zuma, Vusi Hudula, Nomfundo Nxele, and Khethiwe Ngcobo, lost their lives while battling a runaway fire at the farm near Mpophomeni.
The firefighters from Famusa, a contracting company that provides Sappi with firefighting services, lost their lives while battling a runaway fire, allegedly started by poachers, along the R617 near Boston and Mpophomeni.
The fires which destroyed hectares of land in Mpophomeni and surrounding areas also caused millions of damages to the farmers.
During the visit, Ntuli, Hlabisa and his deputy Dickson Masemola, KZN MECs, and traditional leaders, amongst others, gathered in Boston, uMngeni Local Municipality to pay their respects and offer support to the bereaved families.
The leaders emphasised the heroism and dedication of the fallen firefighters, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Ntuli expressed his deepest condolences, noting that the bravery and dedication of the late firefighters, will never be forgotten.
“Their commitment to protecting our communities, even at the cost of their own lives, stands as a testament to their heroism. We are here to support you in this difficult time,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli also called for an urgent review of current protocols and resources to prevent such tragedies in the future.
"We must ensure that our firefighters and all emergency responders are equipped with the necessary tools and support to carry out their duties safely," Ntuli said.
Hlabisa echoed Ntuli’s sentiments, emphasising the need for continued support for the families and communities affected by this tragic loss.
"We stand with the families in their time of grief and pledge our ongoing support. The sacrifice made by these firefighters underscores the dangers faced by our emergency responders every day," Hlabisa said.
The Minister also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and victims of the earlier veld fires that ravaged parts of the King Cetshwayo, Ilembe, uThukela, and Zululand Districts, which claimed seven lives.
The leaders also assured the families that both national and provincial governments would provide ongoing assistance to help them through this challenging period.
The traditional leaders present during the visit also pledged their support to the affected families and called for community solidarity during this time of mourning.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), as a key player in the administration and implementation of fire services legislation and related duties, stands ready to support the Midlands Emergency Management Services and KZN local authorities during this period of mourning and recovery. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 10:45
Modern technology to help fight crime
A heightened focus on the use of modern technology to help with crime prevention efforts will continue to be a key priority of the seventh administration.
“A data-driven approach will be used to identify violent crime hotspots and inform the allocation of policing resources alongside prevention measures,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said at the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Thursday.
The President was outlining apex focus areas for the next five years, which will be driven by the Government of National Unity (GNU). After the National and Provincial Elections in May produced no outright majority winner, various political leaders were tasked to work together to form a Government of National Unity, comprised of 10 political parties.
In his address tonight, President Ramaphosa said the country must have capable, sophisticated and independent law enforcement agencies that can fight complex and organised crime.
He committed that the Government of National Unity will continue to tackle priority crimes, including illegal mining, gang violence, cash-in-transit heists and the construction mafia, through specialised police units.
“We will continue to implement the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), and expand victim support services, like the Thuthuzela Centres and GBV desks in police stations,” President Ramaphosa said.
Land reform
Switching focus to the land reform programme, the President announced that government will increase the funding thereof, prioritise the transfer of State land and improve post-settlement support by strengthening the institutional capacity of the structures relevant to the programme.
“To achieve rapid, inclusive growth, we need to fix our struggling municipalities. Growth happens at a local level, where people live and work.
“Our municipalities must become both the providers of social services and facilitators of inclusive economic growth. They must work to attract investment,” President Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, the President expressed words of comfort to families affected by floods in the Western Cape and veld fires in KwaZulu-Natal.
Thousands of people across the Western Cape were left destitute after storms damaged their homes, including businesses and infrastructure in the province.
“In recent days, we have witnessed runaway fires in KwaZulu-Natal, in which 14 people, including six firefighters, lost their lives. The fires also caused the destruction of homes, livestock and grazing land.
‘The thoughts of all South Africans are with all those people who have been subjected to these terrible weather conditions as they work to recover and rebuild,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:03
"New system" is needed to deal with natural disasters in SA
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says South Africa is at an increased risk of natural disasters and needs a “new system” to manage these challenges more effectively.
“I wish to take this time to also convey our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives. We also acknowledge work undertaken to rebuild our societies and we urge all government structures to increase the speed of responding to the plight of communities,” Hlabisa said on Wednesday during his Budget Vote Speech.
He recognised the vital role played by the department following the floods and fires currently affecting communities in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
“We have learned with heavy hearts of the passing of 14 people who died in the veld fires in KZN. Among the 14, six were firefighters, some volunteers. These brave men and women paid the ultimate price to save communities. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of all the victims. May their souls find eternal rest.”
Hlabisa tabled the CoGTA 2024/25 budget, at R395.7 billion, with a significant portion 95.9% (R379.61 billion) to be transferred to municipalities and affiliated entities.
A total of R379.6 billion of the department’s total budget over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period will primarily cover the local government equitable share, disaster relief grant and the municipal infrastructure grant.
The Minister recognised that it was only through the department’s urgent interventions that lives and livelihoods were saved and thanked all those who are collaborating with government to assist distressed communities.
Hlabisa and his team are expected to visit the affected areas in KwaZulu-Natal to assess the situation and provide support.
In Cape Town, over 33 000 households have been affected across the metropole in both formal and informal settings following the floods, affecting some 95 000 people.
“We recognise that the challenges we face in disaster management are largely because South Africa has experienced not only an increase in the number of disasters - such as droughts, floods, COVID-19, and severe weather – but also an increase in their magnitude, severity, and impact.
“These events have occurred either simultaneously or in rapid succession, straining our resources and systems.”
However, the Minister believes that the challenges faced in disaster management are primarily due to deficiencies in regulatory legislation, which are not designed to adapt to the ever-changing risk environment.
“The systemic and structural design of our disaster management delivery, as guided by current laws, results in issues with timing and bureaucracy. Key elements of the disaster management function were assigned to municipalities through legislation, but without funding.”
He told the Members of Parliament (MPs) that this created a contradiction between the Disaster Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act (MSA) which requires sufficient funding and capacity for assigned functions.
“Consequently, municipalities lack the necessary funding and capacity.”
He admitted that government’s response has struggled with agility, efficiency, and effectiveness in risk analysis, prevention, mitigation, emergency preparedness, early warning systems, and recovery services.
He told MPs that the fire and rescue services also face significant hurdles and that in 2022, Cabinet mandated the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to review and overhaul the disaster management system, including fire services.
“In response to this, we are proposing a new system for disaster management and fire services.”
This system, he said, aims to improve governance by reorganising administrative structures and financing models to better respond to growing disaster risks.
“We have since developed a new model based on best practices from New Zealand, Russia, Brazil, Mozambique, California, and Australia. The new model emphasises risk reduction and integrates disaster management into all levels of government planning, ensuring adequate funding and focus on resilience.”
He told Parliament that the NDMC undertook extensive consultations with all stakeholders through existing disaster management structures and across the three spheres of government and that inputs were received and used to refine the proposed model.
“We look forward to working with all stakeholders in the management of disasters, including rolling out training to Houses of Traditional Leadership, particularly those in disaster-prone areas, on disaster management.
“This will enable them to work closely with all spheres of government and stakeholders on the ground to assist in disasters. An implementation plan has been developed in this regard for effective implementation of this training,” he added.
This year, the department also signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Department of Defence that will see the Community Work Programme (CWP) participants playing a role in disaster preparedness and community development. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 07/17/2024 - 11:32
Relentless rain hampers relief efforts
KZN doubles efforts to build temporary homes for veld fire victims
KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, says the department is doubling its efforts to build Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) after 196 homes were destroyed by raging veld fires in Umlalazi Local Municipality.
Duma visited the families in Umlalazi and Mthonjaneni Local Municipalities, who were affected by Sunday's veld fires, to give comfort to the victims, and assess the damage and relief needed to assist the victims.
Among the families visited are the Gazu family, who lost a family member during an incident. Muntukabongwa Gazu (67) sustained severe burn injuries after the family’s five mud houses were reduced to ashes by runaway fires at Ezinyosini - Ward 1 in Umlalazi Local Municipality. Another family member, Japhet Gazu, is currently in the hospital.
“We are here to comfort the family following the untimely death of their father. The heart-wrenching story narrated by Gazu family and the traumatic experience they have gone through calls for all of us to be closer to them and other families,” Duma said.
Duma said the Head of Department, Mdu Zungu, and the entire team will ensure that the family gets a decent house and is assisted with funeral arrangements.
“The Temporary Residential Unit for the Gazu family will be finished this weekend to enable the family to bury their father with dignity. We must hasten to point out that the profiling of affected families is continuing to ensure that accurate information is submitted to the Emergency Housing Unit located in the national Department of Human Settlements.
“Critically, we agree with the Minister of Human Settlements, Mammaloko Kubayi, who suggested that alternative building technology must be introduced to ensure that fire or flood resistant houses are constructed for vulnerable members of society,” Duma said.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of extremely high fire danger conditions in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal today.
The affected areas include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Big Five Hlabisa (Hlabisa), Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ulundi, uMlalazi and uPhongolo.
The provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has urged residents in the affected areas to be on high alert and take this warning seriously and cooperate fully with fire safety measures. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 15:08
KZN disaster teams on high alert after veld fire warning
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged residents in the northern parts of the province to be on high alert following a new veld fire warning.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of extremely high fire danger conditions in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on 11 July 2024.
According to the warning, windy conditions with gusts exceeding 65 km/h, coupled with dry and warm to hot weather, are forecasted for the northern parts of the province.
The Fire Danger Index (FDI) is expected to exceed 75 in these regions, creating conditions highly favorable for the development and rapid spread of fires.
The possible impacts of the veld fires include reduced visibility, damage to property, damage to vegetation, and air and water pollution, amongst others.
Buthelezi said the affected areas include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Big Five Hlabisa (Hlabisa), Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ulundi, uMlalazi and uPhongolo.
“Some communities in these areas have already been affected by veld fires, and further precautions are necessary to prevent additional damage and ensure the safety of residents. We urge the public to take this warning seriously and cooperate fully with fire safety measures,” Buthelezi said.
The department has urged residents to take the following precautions:
• Do not start fires in open areas or leave fires unattended.
• Do not discard cigarette butts out of cars or onto the open veld.
• Do not throw bottles into the veld, as they can magnify the sun's rays and start fires.
• Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner.
• In the event of a large fire, report it immediately and move away to allow professionals to manage the situation.
• If water is scarce, use sand to control the fire.
“The KZN CoGTA emphasises the importance of adhering to these guidelines to prevent further devastation and ensure the safety of all residents,” Buthelezi said.
Buthelezi will today conduct a visit to affected areas in uMlalazi and Nkandla Local Municipalities.
Temporary shelter for Gazu family
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the department has stepped in and provided a Temporary Residential Unit (TRU) for the Gazu family, who lost a family member during Sunday's veld fires in uMlalazi and eShowe.
The family’s five huts were reduced to ashes by raging fires.
Duma said a concrete foundation has been laid for the TRU.
“Following the death of Baba Nuntukabongwe Gazu, our immediate focus is to assist the family to have a dignified mourning and a funeral. A roving team, led by the Head of Department, Mdu Zungu, has visited the Gazu family and is also profiling other families in distress,” Duma said.
Duma has also sent his condolences to the Gazu family and wished another family member, Japhet Gazu, who is currently in the hospital, a speedy recovery. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 11:51
The Winelands Fire Protection Association reports that for every 1-degree increase in global temperatures, there’s a 29% increase in fire risk. This alarming correlation was evident in recent events as stated by The Daily Maverick in February this year. Between 1st December 2023 and 31st January 2024, more than 6,000 fires consumed nearly 100,000 hectares, …
Thousands left homeless as Western Cape braces for second cold front
As an intense cold front moves away from most parts of the country, the Western Cape is still at risk as it prepares for a second cold front, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
“The Western Cape faces another cold front as the rest of the country gets a bit of a break from the hectic weather we've faced over the past few days. Strong interior winds are still forecast,” the SAWS said.
The Northern Cape, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape interior and Western Cape have been experiencing wet, cold, and windy conditions with light snow.
The series of cold fronts hitting the country also brought widespread and disruptive snowfall over the southern and western high ground.
This was accompanied by damaging winds over the interior and the coastline as well as high seas along coastal areas.
The Western Cape saw severe disruptions and damage, including loss of shelter in informal settlements, fallen trees, electricity outages and road closures due to snow or flooding.
The weather services has since upgraded the Western Cape’s weather warning from level 6 to 8.
According to reports, the inclement weather in the Western Cape affected 7 000 structures in informal settlements across Cape Town after 70 neighbourhoods were flooded.
The Liesbeek, Lotus and Eerste rivers in Cape Town have all begun to burst their banks.
“We’re still expecting a lot of strong wind and rain this week. Please stay safe. City teams are addressing each localised flooding situation,” said Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said the wet and cold conditions prevented five schools from re-opening yesterday as public schools began their third term across the country.
According to the WCED, the schools were closed due to either flooding, inaccessibility to access routes or damage to the school building.
In addition, 82 schools have reported damages, of which most cases were minor, with 31 cases regarded as more serious.
“This includes schools where roof sheeting was blown off,” the provincial department said, adding that repair work has already begun on some projects.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde expressed his gratitude to the province’s disaster management teams and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly throughout this difficult period.
“Your steadfast dedication to serving the residents of this province is deeply appreciated,” said Winde.
KwaZulu-Natal
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal has been dealing with extremely high fire danger conditions.
The KwaZulu-Natal department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs confirmed veld fires in uMlalazi Local Municipality in Eshowe where a 67-year-old was burnt to death when his house caught fire.
King Cetshwayo District is said to be one of the most affected areas, with uMfolozi, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni and Nkandla being the hardest-hit municipalities.
According to the provincial department, 144 people in the district were affected, leaving 53 people homeless after 48 homes were partially damaged and 27 destroyed.
“The department is working closely with the municipality to ensure adequate support and relief for the affected families, with social partners setting up soup kitchens.”
Eastern Cape
Strong winds continue to wreak havoc in the Eastern Cape, damaging houses and disrupting the flow of traffic on the roads as vehicles have been toppled over, on the N2 near Dutywa.
“Road users, motorists in particular, are urged to be extra cautious or avoid being on the road completely if their travelling is not essential,” the Eastern Cape Transport Department said.
On Tuesday afternoon, the provincial department finally reopened the Barkly Pass on the R58 Road between Barkly East and Elliot to traffic, after it was closed for 30 hours, due to heavy snowfall, on the morning of Monday.
“Graders had to be used to clear off the thick blanket of snow that stubbornly covered the road surface.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 09:58
KZN veld fires claim one life
Runaway veld fires, which have affected various municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, have claimed one life.
In a statement issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Department, Muntukabongwa Mphikeni Gazu (67), was burnt to death when a veld fire set his home alight on Sunday night, at Ezinyosini area, in Ward 1.
The department said King Cetshwayo District is one of the most affected by wildfires, with uMfolozi, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni and Nkandla being the hardest hit municipalities.
“The King Cetshwayo District is one of the most affected by the wildfires, with uMfolozi, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni, and Nkandla being the hardest-hit municipalities. In the uMlalazi Municipality alone, 11 wards are affected, with one fatality and two injuries reported.
“The veld fires have impacted 144 people in the district, leaving 53 people homeless. Additionally, 48 houses were partially damaged, and 27 were destroyed,” the department said.
The department said it is working closely with the municipality to ensure adequate support and relief for the affected families, with social partners setting up soup kitchens.
CoGTA MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has sent condolences to the Gazu family.
Buthelezi commended the brave men and women of the province’s disaster response teams for their heroic efforts in battling the runaway fires that devastated parts of the King Cetshwayo, uThukela, and uMzinyathi Districts.
Buthelezi said assessments in these areas are underway to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the fires.
“The Provincial Disaster Management Centre will continue to monitor the inclement weather conditions expected across the province this week. Residents are urged to check weather forecasts before making any long journeys,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 13:56
Illegal connections, criminality leads to load reduction in some areas
Eskom has announced that it will resume load reduction in some areas due to network overloading with the onset of winter.
Load reduction is implemented in areas when the demand is higher than the infrastructure - such as transformers - is able to handle. It is not load shedding.
Eskom Group Executive for Distribution, Monde Bala, explained that overloaded transformers can leave customers without electricity supply for an extended period.
“Overloaded transformers as a result of electricity theft present a serious risk to human life. We only implement load reduction as a very last resort for the shortest periods possible after all other options have been exhausted.
“A transformer damaged by overloading can leave an area without power for up to six months, protecting Eskom’s assets is in the best interest of all South Africans,” Bala said.
The power utility said the challenge is particularly prevalent in supply areas in Limpopo, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and North West.
According to Eskom, overloading mainly occurs during peak morning and evening times.
“About 94% of the total overloaded transformers are in these areas as a result of electricity theft and indiscriminate use of electricity.
“Despite continued public information campaigns to customers about the implications of electricity theft activities, Eskom has no other option but to implement load reduction to protect its assets from repeated failures and explosions, which pose a risk to human live,” Eskom said.
Mitigating risk
Eskom revealed that some 2111 transformers across the country are “frequently overloaded” and are at risk of damage with a further 900 already awaiting replacement.
The power utility called on consumers to heed warnings regarding the risks of overloading.
“Eskom’s electricity infrastructure is designed to handle loads based on known demand, which is legally connected customers and actual sales for specific areas.
“Exceeding these loads through electricity theft can overload the equipment, potentially causing explosions that may lead to electrical fires in the surrounding areas. Thus, overloading presents a serious risk to lives and equipment, particularly mini-substations and transformers.
“To prevent load reduction and abrupt loss of supply, Eskom has launched the ‘Save Your Transformers, Save Lives’ campaign that urges customers to reduce their consumption, ensure that the electricity they consume is legally connected, paid for, purchased from legal vendors, and to report illegal activities,” Eskom said.
According to Eskom, the winter season presents a particular challenge due to “exponential increase in energy demand in areas prone to electricity theft, as electricity is often used indiscriminately, leading to network failure due to extreme overloading”.
“Over time, Eskom has invested resources and increased capacity to meet the exponential demand in these areas prone to overloading. Despite these investments, the demand has continued to grow, rendering the situation unsustainable.
“Eskom has been engaging with various communities, educating them on the safe and efficient use of electricity. In some areas, Eskom has removed illegal connections; however, network overloading persists,” the power utility said.
The electricity supplier explained that, regretfully, paying customers cannot be excluded from load reduction.
“While Eskom aims to exclude paying customers from load reduction, the network’s configuration does not allow for dedicated supply lines to paying customers, making it impractical to service them separately.
“To prevent load reduction and abrupt loss of supply, customers are urged to reduce their consumption, ensure that the electricity they consume is legally connected, paid for, and purchased from legal vendors, and to report illegal activities. Additionally, customers are encouraged to switch off non-essential appliances, such as heaters and geysers, and use alternative heating methods,” the power utility said.
To report criminal activities such as illegal connections, theft and vandalism that can damage transformers, mini-substations and other electricity infrastructure contact the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 07/09/2024 - 10:01
People of Bhungeni were moved to make way for a mall which has still not been built
When delving into the intricacies of modern electrical systems, one cannot overlook the critical role of distribution boards. These components are fundamental to ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of electrical power within buildings. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding distribution boards, their types, and the importance of choosing a reliable switchboard …
Winter brings with it a desire to snuggle up in the comfort of our homes. Fireplaces, gas and electric heaters, electric blankets, and hot water bottles become our trusted companions during these chilly months. And, of course, many of us rely on generators and inverters to keep the heat turned up when the power’s out. …
Give us houses, Ekurhuleni municipality told
Call for caution amid expected cold snap
With a drop in temperatures expected in various parts of the country, the City of Tshwane has appealed to residents to stay safe during the cold weather.
“A drop in temperatures over parts of the country, including the City of Tshwane as forecast by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), is noticeable. The possibility of thundershowers with cold and windy conditions is forecast over parts of Gauteng from the afternoon of Sunday, 02 June 2024 extending to Monday, 03 June 2024,” the City’s Emergency Services Department said on Sunday.
The city has called on residents to keep warm but remain safe this winter by observing the following safety precautions:
The city said the safety tips are no exhaustive and encouraged citizens to do everything they possibly can to stay safe.
“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor updates by SAWS and issue further notices when required,” it said.
Floods in Eastern Cape
Meanwhile, some parts of the Eastern Cape are flooded, including the Sarah Baartman, Nelson Mandela, Amathole, OR Tambo and Buffalo City municipalities.
Two people have reported died, two are missing and 65 people have been rescued.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams said teams were on site attending flooded roads and houses.
Emergency services have been working throughout the night and are still working and searching to assist people affected by the flooding.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," said MEC Williams.
He said officials in the Provincial Disaster Management Centre was monitoring the situation as the rain weather is expected to continue until Monday.
Drop in temperatures
In a statement on Friday, the SAWS said that following a relatively dry and warmer-than-usual month of May, South Africans can expect the first significant drop in daytime temperatures over the coming days, with showers and thundershowers possible across most parts and even some snow over elevated areas.
The weather service said this was a result of a developing cutoff low-pressure system (the northwards displacement of a low-pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere) over the western and southern parts of the country from Sunday into Monday.
“Cut-off low-pressure systems are commonly associated with widespread rainfall, snowfall, strong to gale-force winds, and rough sea conditions in winter.”
The weather service added that cold temperatures, between 12 and 17°C, are expected across the western and southern parts of the country spreading to the central and eastern parts (including the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga Highveld, and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal) on Monday.
Very cold temperatures, with a maximum temperatures below 10°C, with mountain snowfalls are possible over the northern high ground of the Eastern Cape, the eastern high ground of the Western Cape, the southern high ground of the Northern Cape, parts of the Drakensberg and in Lesotho on Monday, it said.
The system is expected to weaken and exit over the country's southern coast on Tuesday, with rainfall still expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape.
“The remainder of the country will see the return of clear weather conditions, but temperatures will remain cold,” said SAWS, adding that forecasts might change during the course of the weekend. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 13:43
There are more than 300 shacks in Havelock next to the formal suburb of Greenwood Park
Millennials love adventure and exploration and have been dubbed the ‘Wanderlust Generation’. Based on recent research, travel has emerged as one of the top aspirations of this generation, revealing they travel more than any other age group. Rather than traditional investments such as buying a home, millennials value holidays more, which also helps to achieve …
The importance of security in South Africa cannot be overstated. Businesses, high-profile individuals, and sensitive facilities increasingly require robust measures to ensure the safety of their assets and personnel. This blog explores a variety of high-security solutions, including bulletproof windows and doors, strong room doors, and anti-bandit doors, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these …
Buildings in inner city remain in “complete state of neglect, dilapidation”, says campaign coordinator