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Good news stories don’t come along every day. And with two of South Africa’s biggest problems being food security and sustainability, the work that Siyazisiza Trust is doing in this area inspired Tourvest to become involved. With Tourvest’s mission being to create sustainable income and ensure food security within some of the poorest rural communities …
In the realm of outdoor lighting, solar garden lights have taken center stage, revolutionizing the way we brighten our outdoor spaces. These innovative lighting solutions harness the power of the sun to provide eco-friendly, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing illumination for gardens, patios, pathways, and more. In this comprehensive guide, we will shed light on solar …
Bloom where you’re planted There’s a gardener in everyone, and a garden waiting to take root in every space this spring. Gardeners everywhere are returning to sow and plant, but what to do if you don’t have a large soil-and-lawn garden but feel the spirit of the season stirring in your heart? Gardening has never …
City of Ekurhuleni warns residents of snakes
With the weather warming up, the City of Ekurhuleni has warned the public to be on the lookout for snakes.
It is during this period of the year that snakes are on the prowl in search of food.
Snake season starts in the middle of August until late May. This is the period when a number of snakes, harmful and harmless get out of hiding.
Snakes such as the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.
The rinkhals or ring-necked cobra is a fast-moving multi feeder, which is good at faking death. It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.
The city cautioned pet owners to be on high alert and to keep an eye on their pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
“On the same note, while the community is cautioned to be vigilant against the harmful snakes, there are also snakes that are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, arora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake that are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food like rodents,” the City of Ekurhuleni said in a statement on Monday.
Due to their harmlessness and less defensive nature, these species tend to be easily killed or captured as pets, a practice that is discouraged because it is illegal and punishable if you do not have a legal permit.
When encountering snakes, residents can call the city’s snake catchers: Makhosonke Mabena on 071 833 6549, Sonny Katisa on 073 988 8131, Mapaseka Maleka on 079 180 9231, Lucky Mahlangu on 083 237 7137 and Mbali Masango on 081 043 5354. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:27
Gauteng school finalists in National EduPlant School Garden Competition 2023 September 2023. Five schools based in Gauteng have been selected as finalists in the annual national EduPlant School Gardening Competition 2023. Boitumelong Secondary School, Gahlanso Primary School, and Peter Zongwane Primary School in Tembisa; Masizani Primary School in Atteridgeville, Tshwane; and MC Weiler School in …
Food security takes centre stage during Thusong Week
Efforts to boost food security and the cleaning up of communities were among the top priorities during this year’s Thusong Service Centre Week.
While a special focus was placed on targeted campaigns from 18 - 22 September, Thusong Service Centre Week forms part of the Integrated Public Service Month.
During the week commemorated under the theme, ‘Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery’, the Thusong Programme was promoted by showcasing the integrated mobile outreach programme and its effectiveness in responding to the needs of citizens.
The 2023 in-week activities profiled the work of public servants, particularly frontline officials based at Thusong Service Centres and their contribution to the envisioned efficient Public Service, which anchored on putting people first.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, led the opening of the 2023 Thusong Service Centre Week in Rawsonville, Western Cape.
He commended the fact that to date, there are 121 operational centres that continue to bring services closer to the communities by housing different government departments and entities.
During the opening event, a food security dialogue was held, with a focus on promoting backyard gardens, sustainability and integration into the local economy.
The dialogue was led by the University of the Western Cape through its study conducted within the municipality on food security.
Dedicated public servants were also presented with certificates of appreciation, followed by an integrated outreach, where various government departments and entities showcased their exhibitions and provided services to citizens.
During the week, various Thusong Service Centres across the country hosted 88 activities, with 26 of these focusing on cleaning and food security campaigns, with an emphasis on backyard gardens.
The aim is to encourage citizens to participate in cleaning communities as part of persevering the environment and establishing backyard gardens as another way of combating poverty, hunger and food insecurity.
The closing event of 2023 took place in the Northern Cape at Loeriesfontein Hub. The closing event promoted food security, with a bias to the establishment of food gardens at the Thusong Service Centre, as well as the planting of trees.
Acting Government Communication Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, encouraged South Africans to play their part in securing food supply through their homes or community food gardens.
“If every person sets up a small garden in their home, it will go a long way to ensuring that individuals and communities meet their sustenance needs.
“Through our collective actions, we can ensure that no South African goes to bed hungry. It was heartening to see that the Thusong Service Centres continue to play a part in this vital campaign.
“The continued offering of services and information from government departments, bodies of civil society and community organisations, through the Thusong Centres, shows well how these centres play a key role in bettering the lives of South Africans,” Mnukwa said.
All citizens are invited to visit www.gov.za to locate a Thusong Service Centre near them. Citizens are encouraged to make use of their centres frequently. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 14:03
Government concludes this year's Annual Thusong Service Centre Week, which took place from the 18 - 22 September 2023 and was commemorated under the theme: “Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery”.
The Thusong Service week formed part of the Integrated Public Service Month and it sought to promote the Thusong Programme by showcasing the integrated mobile outreach programme and its effectiveness in responding to the needs of the citizens.
The 2023 in-week activities of the Thusong Service Week profiled the work of public servants particularly front line officials based at Thusong Service Centres and their contribution to the envisioned efficient Public Service which is putting people first.
On Tuesday, 19 September 2023, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, led the opening of the 2023 Annual Thusong Service Centre week at the NG Church Hall, in Rawsonville, Western Cape Province who lauded that to date there are 121 operational centres which continue to bring services closer to the communities by housing different government departments and entities.
During the opening event a food security dialogue was held with a focus on the promotion of backyard gardens, sustainability, and integration into the local economy. The dialogue was led by the University of the Western Cape through their study conducted within the Municipality on food security. Dedicated public servants were also presented with certificates of appreciation, followed by an integrated outreach wherein various government departments and entities showcased their exhibitions and provided services to the citizens.
During the week, various Thusong Service Centres across the country hosted 88 activities with 26 of these focusing on cleaning and food security campaigns with an emphasis on backyard gardens. The aim is to encourage citizens to participate in cleaning communities as part of persevering the environment and establishing backyard gardens as another way of combating poverty, hunger and food insecurity in communities.
The, the closing event of 2023, took place in the Northern Cape Province at Loeriesfontein Hub. The closing event promoted food security, with a bias to the establishment of food gardens at the Thusong Service Centre as well as the planting of trees.
“South Africans can play their part in securing food supply through their homes or community food gardens. If every person sets up a small garden in their home it will go a long way to ensuring that individuals and communities meet their sustenance needs. Through our collective actions we can ensure that no South African goes to bed hungry. It was heartening to see that the Thusong Service Centres continue to play a part in this vital campaign. The continued offering of services and information from government departments, bodies of civil society and community organizations, through the Thusong Centres, show well how these centres play a key role in bettering the lives of South Africans”, said GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa.
All citizens are invited to visit www.gov.za to locate the Thusong Service Centre near them and encouraged to make use of their centres frequently.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Government Communication and Information System.
The October holidays are just around the corner, and depending on where in the country you are venturing off to, being Spring you could encounter a rainy day or two. To help you make the most of your holiday, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts …
Tea and Scones – a signature Walkersons delight When it comes to indulging in British culinary traditions, the charming ‘afternoon tea’ tradition of with tea and scones stands out as a quintessential delight. Synonymous with leisurely gatherings, the appreciation of fine teas and a delectable array of tea-time treats, afternoon tea originated in 19th century …
The Friends of Liesbeek Association has withdrawn a town planning appeal, but a court case remains to be settled
Joburg water reservoirs, towers left empty after thunderstorm
Johannesburg water reservoirs and towers are currently critically low to empty following Tuesday night’s thunderstorm, which caused a power failure at Rand Water's Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant.
This has affected all the municipalities supplied by Zuikerbosch, including the City of Johannesburg.
“This comes as Johannesburg Water systems are already struggling, and Rand Water systems are also strained by high consumption, which is going to exacerbate the situation,” Johannesburg Water said.
The entity said the affected reservoirs and towers include South Hills; the Commando system (Brixton, Hursthill, and Crosby); Midrand systems; Crown Gardens; Eagles Nest; Naturena; Alexander Park; Berea; Linden 1 tower; Quellerina;,and Waterval.
Water status in reservoirs and towers
South Hills tower: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone. Pumping will resume once supply pressure improves.
Commando System
• Brixton reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone. Outlet will be throttled (pressure and flow to be reduced) to 70% overnight to build capacity.
• Brixton tower: The tower is empty. No water is expected in the supply zone. Pumping will resume once the reservoir level improves.
• Hursthill 1 reservoir: Despite attempts to augment supply, the reservoir is still critically low. The supply zone is anticipated to have low pressure to no water.
• Hursthill 2 reservoir: Critically low due to low supply. Low pressure to no water is expected in high-lying areas. Outlet will be closed overnight to build capacity.
• Crosby reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in certain areas of the supply zone.
Crown Gardens reservoir and towers: The reservoir is critically low, and poor pressure to no water will be experienced in high-lying areas of the reservoir zone. Both towers are critically low, and no water is expected in the supply zone. Pumping will resume once reservoir levels improve.
Eagles Nest reservoir: Remains critically low. Customers in this supply zone should expect low pressure to no water.
Naturena reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected.
Alexander Park reservoir: Critically low. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
Berea reservoir: Critically low and on bypass mode. Low pressure to no water expected in the supply zone.
Linden 1 reservoir and tower: The reservoir is critically low, while the tower is supplying normally. Low pressure to no water is expected in the reservoir supply zone.
Midrand systems update
Grand Central reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
Grand Central tower: The tower is low and moving in a downwards trends. Pumping will resume once the reservoir capacity improves.
Errand reservoir 1 and 2: Both reservoirs are critically low. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
Errand tower: Tower is empty and on bypass mode. Pumping will resume once the reservoir levels improve. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
President Park reservoir and tower: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone. The tower is empty and on bypass mode. Low pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
“Alternative water supply has been arranged for the affected customers and will be placed at strategic locations,” the entity said.
Johannesburg Water has also urged residents to observe level 1 water restrictions, which are currently implemented.
“These restrictions prohibit the use of hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, clean driveways, as well as fill up swimming pools and water features between 06am and 06pm. Instead, the use of greywater is encouraged.
“This is to ensure that systems are kept stable throughout the coming months. We urge residents to report any form of vandalism and theft of water infrastructure to 0800 00 25 87,” Johannesburg Water said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 12:00
Elopement, once synonymous with clandestine and impromptu weddings, has evolved into a romantic and intimate alternative to traditional ceremonies. In our modern era, elopement signifies a deliberate decision by a couple to escape the usual fanfare and opt for a private exchange of vows. These gatherings, while not necessarily impromptu, are meticulously crafted as intimate …
There’s a gardener in everyone, and a garden waiting to take root in every space this spring. Gardeners everywhere are returning to sow and plant, but what to do if you don’t have a large soil-and-lawn garden but feel the spirit of the season stirring in your heart? Gardening has never really gone out of …