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Government committed to dealing with challenges facing traditional leaders
Government remains committed to swiftly addressing issues confronting traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking at a gathering on Tuesday called by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in Bloemfontein, Free State.
“We will continue to support initiatives that benefit our indigenous communities. We will also continue to provide sufficient funding for education, healthcare, and social services so that no one falls behind,” Mashatile told the leaders.
Mashatile, who was leading the meeting in his capacity as chairperson of the inter-ministerial task team on matters of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, called on the private sector to actively engage with traditional communities through investing in local businesses and projects.
“Through initiatives such as skills development programmes, entrepreneurship training and mentorship, we can collectively unlock the entrepreneurial spirit that resides within our traditional communities,” the Deputy President stressed.
As government works towards the promotion of development and social cohesion in traditional communities, Mashile reminded the leaders that the journey requires collective effort.
“Let us recognise the immense potential that lies within our traditional communities, waiting to be unleashed. Together, we can create a future where traditional and modern ways of being thrive side by side, where development and social cohesion go hand in hand.”
The Deputy President said he was inspired by the unwavering commitment to overcoming the complex developmental challenges that traditional communities face.
“It is important for all of us to come together and collaborate in order to achieve a future that is not only prosperous but also united in diversity and anchored on the prospects of a greater South African nation that has, at its core, the interests of improving and nurturing the lives of those in our rural communities.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa established the inter-ministerial task team in 2020 to consolidate all efforts and unblock issues that impede the resolution of matters.
“We are also committed to play our part in supporting this institution of traditional leadership, for the advancement of all our people.”
Providing support for traditional authorities and rural communities is, according to the Deputy President, of paramount importance.
He also vowed that the state will find ways to bridge the gap between traditional and modern practices to strike a delicate balance that preserves cultural heritage while propelling the nation forward.
“We must preserve our history and knowledge systems, such that these may also shape the future that we imagine, a future that is both inclusive and progressive.
“The South African government remains committed to protecting the rights of traditional authorities and their communities.”
He also spoke about dealing with discrepancies between the rural and urban, in terms of development, service delivery and overall well-being.
Mashatile acknowledged that rural communities still face several challenges.
These, he said, include limited access to information and communication technology services in rural communities, gender-based violence and femicide, teenage pregnancy, drugs and substance abuse, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and inadequate access to water and electricity.
In the same breath, however, he said the government has made some progress over the years.
According to Mashatile, government has provided water between 1996 and 2022, with the percentage of households with no access to piped water dropping from 19.7% to 8.7%.
“This is a significant milestone and has improved the lives of our communities, especially women and girls in rural areas,” he said, adding that the State was looking to fast-track development in rural areas.
On technology, he said it was crucial to strategically allocate investments towards the infrastructure networks in rural regions.
He believes that this will enable people to attain essential amenities, including water and sanitation facilities, reliable electricity supply and maintained road networks.
In addition, Mashatile said it would establish connectivity between their residences, workplaces, educational establishments, and healthcare facilities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:19
Kubayi leads SA delegation to Ghana
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, is leading a government and business delegation on an official visit to the Republic of Ghana to participate in government-to-business engagements focused on creating an environment for investment conducive for affordable housing development.
The high-level engagements between the Ghanaian and South African government, which get underway from 25-27 October 2023, will focus on policy and technical exchanges, including a bilateral between Kubayi and the host Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso- Boakye, to review areas of mutual interest.
“The visit will contribute to the strengthening of partnerships between South Africa and Ghana's business sector, while promoting South Africa’s capabilities and policy expertise in the development of human settlements and infrastructure development in general,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 12:48
Premier calls for faster assessment of rain-damaged schools in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube says the provincial Education Department must speed up its assessment of schools that were damaged by the recent heavy rains, which battered most parts of the province over the weekend.
Dube-Ncube made the call during her visit to the uMtubatuba Local Municipality in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, where she conveyed her condolences to the victims and families, who lost their loved ones and belongings during the heavy rains.
“We’ve asked the Department of Public Works, working with the Department of Education, to ensure that we immediately attend to the schools because we don’t want learners to be disturbed, especially as they prepare for writing exams, and we know that the primary classes must write so that they can make space for matric exams to continue,” Dube-Ncube said.
She said in uMtubatuba alone, more than 120 households have been affected, with the majority of them partially damaged. More than 40 were completely damaged, leaving the families homeless.
According to the provincial Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) preliminary reports, at least five people have lost their lives in uMtubatuba due to thunderstorms, which blew roofs off houses, damaging infrastructure, including power cables, roads, bridges and cars.
The department said places, including community halls and churches, have been opened to the public, while others opted to find alternative accommodation with relatives.
Meanwhile, the Premier has convened an urgent meeting to discuss interventions to assist the families affected. The meeting was attended by COGTA MEC, Bongi Sithole-Moloi and Human Settlements MEC, Sipho Nkosi. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 11:43
EThekwini municipality to assess buildings’ conditions next week
As part of GE Vernova's (https://www.GEVernova.com/) commitment to support communities in areas it operates in, GE Vernova's Steam Power business, is proud to announce the handover of the Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre, a first-of-its-kind primary healthcare facility in Delmas, Mpumalanga, South Africa. The clinic was officially handed over to the Mpumalanga Department of Health and marked by an official opening ceremony in Nkangala District of Victor Khanye Local Municipality.
The Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre represents an approximated R75 million investment towards the turnkey construction and full equipment kitting of the clinic in efforts to uplift the local healthcare infrastructure. The clinic will play a critical role in meeting the growing healthcare demands of the community and its surrounding areas. Up to 100 000 local beneficiaries will have access to comprehensive primary healthcare services including 24-hour emergency care, maternity, dentistry, eyecare, medical dispensary, and mental healthcare services.
While Botleng Extension 6, part of a rapidly growing settlement in Victor Khanye Local Municipality was being serviced by a mobile clinic with restricted services that visits the area twice a week, the new clinic will alleviate the community's burden of travelling great distances to access quality healthcare services. The state-of-the-art facility boasts of a cutting-edge maternity ward equipped with premium GE Healthcare ultrasound/V-scan equipment, ensuring precision healthcare for expectant mothers and their babies. In addition to this, GE Healthcare will roll-out technical, clinical, and soft skills training programmes for nurses and midwives at the clinic, enhancing the quality of healthcare services.
Premier of Mpumalanga, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane expressed the provincial government's gratitude for this significant contribution to the healthcare infrastructure in the region. "This facility will be heralded and safeguarded by generations to come. Not only has it exceeded our standard infrastructural requirements but should be used as a benchmark for public service and infrastructural excellence," Mtshweni-Tsipane stated. "Thank you for leading by example and being a prime example of how private public partnerships can significantly aid our efforts and serve as catalysts for sustainable employment opportunity creation in our communities."
In line with its continuous strategy to empower local businesses, GE Vernova's Steam Power business supported local businesses and communities throughout the construction process where GVK-Siyazama Construction served as the principal contractor, overseeing construction activities. A minimum of 30% of the work was sub-contracted to local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and the general workforce was sourced entirely from the local community and empowered through accredited trade and skills development trainings. It was critical for the clinic's design approach to incorporate ecologically conscious solutions like rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient fittings and low maintenance landscaping throughout the construction process.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Emmanuel Thouet, GE Vernova's Steam Power SSA Regional Leader, expressed the company's commitment to driving social change through public-private partnerships. " Over the years, large infrastructure projects have provided us opportunities to create jobs and develop the critical skills needed to drive continuous growth in the energy sector. We recognize that for us to make a sustainable impact, we must be deliberate in our efforts to support social change," he stated. "Through our expertise and innovation, we are able to address social challenges by creating shared value. We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will significantly improve the social and economic vitality of the Botleng Extension 6 community."
Zandile Shange, Eskom General Manager for Kusile Power Plant Project, expressed her enthusiasm for the community-centric partnership Eskom enjoys with GE Vernova's Steam Power business in delivering this essential healthcare facility. " Health and wellness are fundamental human rights for all South Africans," Shange said. "The Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre represents a crucial step in providing accessible healthcare services to the people of this region. We are proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our mission to support the well-being of our communities and in accordance with one of our core values, ‘Sinobuntu'."
The Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between industry leaders, government agencies, and the community to address critical healthcare needs and uplift local communities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kashumba Macombe
Middle East & Africa Content Creation & Communications Specialist
GE Vernova
+27 71 372 3110
Kashumba.Macombe@ge.com
About GE Vernova:
GE Vernova is a planned, purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses of Advanced Research, Consulting Services, and Financial Services. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world's challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 80,000 employees across 140+ countries around the world. GE Vernova's Steam Power business provides a broad portfolio of technologies and services that help industrial and non-renewable energy power plants deliver reliable power as they transition to a lower carbon future.
GE Vernova's mission is embedded in its name –it retains its legacy, “GE,” as an enduring and hard-earned badge of quality and ingenuity. “Ver” / “verde” signal Earth's verdant and lush ecosystems. “Nova,” from the Latin “novus,” nods to a new, innovative era of lower carbon energy. Supported by the Company Purpose,The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova will help deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (https://www.GEVernova.com/) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3Qc09j6).
Climate change may bring more variable weather but we can reduce the risk of disasters
Mashatile to address National House of Traditional Leaders gathering
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to participate and speak at a gathering convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.
According to the Presidency, he will meet with the leaders as Chairperson of the inter-ministerial task team on matters of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, at the Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein, Free State, on Tuesday, 24 October.
The 2023 Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders Xivijo, will focus on promoting development and social cohesion in traditional communities through cooperation with government and the private sector.
The meeting will emphasise the purpose and objective of building cohesive communities driven by the vision for development, Ubuntu and self-sustainability.
Xivijo is a Xitsonga expression of a gathering, usually called by the traditional leadership.
Representatives of the National, Provincial and Local Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), the Royal Leaders of South Africa (Rolesa), National Khoi-San Council, government and private sector representatives are expected to attend the gathering.
The aim, the Presidency said, is to engage on all matters affecting the institution of traditional leadership and its contribution to rural development.
“Established by the President, the inter-ministerial task team led by Deputy President Mashatile, will during this candid session, present progress reports on work carried out by various work streams led by Cabinet Ministers in addressing issues raised by the traditional leadership.”
This programme will include progress achieved in several areas including:
• Advancing land ownership, tenure rights and fast-tracking socio-economic development of rural communities.
• Building institutional capacity and ensuring support to traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
• Advancing infrastructure investment and skills development in rural communities.
• Promoting unity, social cohesion and nation-building in rural communities.
• Fast-tracking the finalisation of policy, legislative and constitutional matters.
“Government is committed to work together with the institution of traditional leadership in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country and it is also dedicated to strengthening the significant role they play, in the reconstruction and development of the country, especially in rural areas,” said the Presidency.
The Deputy President will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:37
Human Rights Commission report slams failure of water supply in Limpopo
Mompati Mall is set to transform Vryburg in the North West province with its brand-new shopping experience that will launch to the public on 26 October 2023 with a spectacular grand opening. Vryburg’s very first mall, the ground-breaking new 22 700sqm shopping centre development by Twin City, is set to be a retail game-changer, introducing …
Disaster teams respond to damage caused by heavy rains in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management teams are currently assisting people affected by heavy rainfall and strong winds that caused widespread destruction, particularly in Mtubatuba in the northern part of the province, at the weekend.
According to the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ (CoGTA) initial report, at least four people from Mtubatuba lost their lives due to a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds over the weekend.
The storm ripped roofs off houses and caused damage to infrastructure, including power cables, roads, bridges, and vehicles.
“Up to now more than 70 houses in the Somkhele and KwaMyeki areas have been identified as destroyed. Some houses suffered complete damage, rendering families homeless.
“There are also reports of damaged vehicles and in certain areas Eskom poles and cables are scattered across roads and people's properties. Community halls and churches have opened their doors to the public, while others have sought alternative accommodation with relatives,” the department said in a statement.
In the Harry Gwala District, the Greater Kokstad Municipality has also experienced heavy rains and a hailstorm in the Pakkies Location. Approximately six households were affected, with no reported fatalities, injuries, or displaced individuals at the time of the report.
In the Umzimkhulu Municipality, heavy rains in the Madakeni location affected four households, with no fatalities reported, while in the Umgungundlovu District, about 23 households in the Rosetta informal settlement under the Mpofana Local Municipality were affected by the hailstorm on Saturday.
In Ulundi, under the Zululand District Municipality, a block of rental rooms was blown away by strong winds, with no reported injuries.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has conveyed her sincere condolences to the families and friends affected by the incidents.
Sithole-Moloi said disaster management teams will continue on-site assessments and provide relief including mattresses, blankets, food, and plastic sheeting.
“We are collaborating with other government departments, such as social development and human settlements, to aid all victims. Our teams, in conjunction with municipalities, will persist in assessments to determine necessary government intervention.
“We extend condolences to those who lost loved ones during this period. While we acknowledge that certain incidents are unavoidable, such as the thunderstorm with strong winds that devastated houses in Mtubatuba, we encourage communities to take safety precautions, such as relocating to safer areas where possible,” Sithole-Moloi said.
As heavy rains persist across various parts of the province, the MEC said provincial disaster management teams remain on high alert.
She said ongoing assessments will lead to an updated report, once the preliminary findings are consolidated.
Meanwhile, the MEC will today visit the affected families in Mtubatuba to convey her condolences to the families, and also conduct an assessment of the extensive damages in the area, where several homes were destroyed. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 10:27
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Intensifying efforts to combat illegal cross-border operations
The net is closing in on unscrupulous operators, as the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) launches its law enforcement unit this week.
On Monday, the C-BRTA will officially launch the unit, leading the way to intensifying efforts to deal with the prevailing scourge of illegal cross-border operations and ensure road safety by the Road Transport Inspectorate (RTI).
The agency will use the launch to inform the public about the RTI and its operations, following its return from the Road Traffic Management Corporation on 1 April 2023.
The primary role of the inspectorate is to ensure compliance on cross-border road transport through inspections and prosecutions of illegal operators.
Furthermore, during the launch, the Agency will promote its legislative mandate, which includes law enforcement.
Activities for the day will include the unveiling of the law enforcement badge, handing over of law enforcement vehicles and showcasing of the law enforcement official uniform.
This event also serves as one of the C-BRTA’s October Transport Month (OTM) campaign activities.
OTM is recognised as one of the flagship programmes of the National Department of Transport. Its aim is to highlight the important role that transport plays in the economy and society in general.
This year’s campaign takes place under the theme: “Sakhile - we have built better infrastructure, growing South Africa Together”. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 13:48
Potchefstroom community raises concerns
Members of the community in Potchefstroom in the North West have raised various service delivery challenges with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the leadership from the three spheres of government during the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo held at the Ikageng Sport Complex.
The President kicked off the second round of the District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo in the North West province after visiting all nine provinces to address service delivery challenges.
This visit provides an opportunity for the President to assess progress made in implementing the interventions pronounced during his visit on 12 March 2022 in Mahikeng.
Major service delivery challenges raised by community members at the Presidential Imbizo include basic services such as water and electricity, housing, the neglect of NGOs for disabled people, disabled people not being considered for employment, poverty and unemployment, corruption, dilapidated infrastructure in schools and limited healthcare facilities.
One of the community members, Edith Ndindwa, from Ward 15 in Jacaranda pleaded with the President to assist with her RDP house, which has been in construction for over two years.
“The project has now stopped Mr President. Please assist us with this project to be completed. We do not even have toilets. We do not have electricity and water. Disabled people help themselves outside their houses. Please assist us in this regard,” she said.
Another resident, Maki Ntayi, asked the President to assist with funding for NGOs for disabled people in the North West.
“We can’t get funds for the NGOs we run to assist disabled people. I am pleading that you assist us with electricity connection. President please take disabled people into consideration. Our centre is not in a good condition,” she said.
The President and various Ministers provided some solutions to the issues that were raised by the community and also gave an update on progress made since the last Imbizo visit in the province.
“I thank you for giving yourselves time to come and listen to government’s plan and to voice your concerns to us. Plans to improve your lives in the North West. When we hold Izimbizo we allow everybody to speak so that we can get a clear understanding of what their concerns are,” said the President.
“We have heard you clearly, even I have written down what you are saying and the officials present have listened and taken note of your concerns. Now we have a clear understanding of how life is in this district. You all share similar concerns including the sewerage system, water, roads, jobs and housing.”
Some of the other issues raised included red tape when starting farming businesses and mining rights.
The president said he would call different Ministers to respond to the issues that are relevant to their departments.
“Almost all of Cabinet is here to listen and respond to the various issues raised and explain what the State’s plans are.”
President Ramaphosa started his morning with an oversight visit at the Potchefstroom Water Reservoir Project in Ikageng, in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in the North West.
The upgrading of the Potchefstroom Water Treatment Works project will see a 25 megalitre reservoir that will convey water to Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Ext. 1,4,5 9,12, Potchindustria, Mohadin and the Northern portion of Ikageng Ext. 7.
The position of the new reservoir site is also suited to cater for any future developments once the urban edge is extended to the northwest of the reservoir site.
President Ramaphosa was received by Acting Premier Nono Maloyi and Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu. Also, attending were Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng and Deputy Minister Parks Tau. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 15:00
Work underway for better water provision in the North West
The Department of Water and Sanitation has rolled up its sleeves to accelerate the provision of water in the North West, through an initiative geared towards enhancing access to consistent and reliable water supply in the province.
This is evident in the construction of the Ikageng 25 mega litres ground reservoir in the JB Marks Local Municipality.
The reservoir construction forms part of the Potchefstroom Water Treatment Works project upgrading which consists of six phases, including the refurbishment and upgrading of the treatment plant, the extension of AC pipeline, upgrading of the Ikageng Pump Station, and the construction of a New Rising Main and Bulk Distribution Pipeline in Ikageng.
The project is one of several mega water projects which are being accelerated by the department and other role players, through the Operation Bulela Metsi initiative, to ensure reliable water supply in the province.
The department said the construction of the reservoir is funded through the department’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), with the municipality as the Water Services Authority (WSA) appointed as the implementing agent.
The construction of the reservoir commenced in January this year and is expected to be completed by July 2024, with more than 100 job opportunities for local people in the pipeline.
“The reservoir and the new bulk distribution (gravity) pipeline will supply water to communities in Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Extension 1,4,5 9, 12, Potchindustria, Mohadin, as well as the Northern portion of Ikageng Extension 7.
“The project came about as a result of the decommissioning of the Ikageng West Reservoirs, which rendered the Ikageng Proper and Potchindustria networks without any storage capacity.
“A new reservoir had to be constructed to meet the required storage capacity, with special care taken to position a new reservoir to ensure that it is not constructed in a dolomite risk zone. Close to 22 000 households and a population of 94 201 will benefit from the successful completion of the reservoir,” the department said.
The department added that the reservoir site is suitable to cater for the future developments at Mooibank to the south of the N12 and the platform will be ready to accept additional ground reservoirs.
“The position of the new reservoir site is also suited to accommodate any future developments once the urban edge is extended to the northwest of the reservoir site, as proposed in the recent Spatial Development Framework,” the department said.
Operation Bulela Metsi project is a culmination of the hard work carried out by technical task team established by Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu and the Provincial Government in January this year to conduct an assessment on the state of water and sanitation services provision in the province, and come up with measures to address the challenges and ensure sustainable provision of the services.
Meanwhile, during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s oversight inspection of the construction site on Friday, as part of the District Development Module (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in North West, Mchunu made a commitment to fast-track the implementation of bulk water projects in water strained communities.
The department said it was working with the provincial government and its entities, as per the Minister’s directive, with an aim of ensuing water security in the province and across the country. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 15:16
Durban beaches closed following damage to shark nets
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has closed all Durban beaches until further notice after the recent heavy rains in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The municipality said the decision to close the beaches follows advice from the Natal Sharks Board.
Murky water which is full of logs and other unsafe objects, as a result of the heavy rains, has resulted in the shark nets at most beaches breaking - making beaches unsafe for the public to use.
“All water activities are prohibited. However, residents can still enjoy other activities along the beach that do not require them to come into contact with sea water,” the municipality said in a statement.
The municipality said teams are hard at work fixing the nets and infrastructure that was damaged by the heavy rains and urged the beachgoers to heed the warning.
All city’s beaches are therefore closed until further notice.
Camps Bay tidal pool
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town has announced that the city’s Coastal Management branch will commence with work at the Camps Bay tidal pool on Monday, 23 October 2023.
The city will be levelling the beach that was badly washed out due to the recent storms.
The City’s Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews said during the recent storms the adjacent river flooded and washed away a significant portion of the northern section of the Camps Bay tidal pool beach, depositing a significant amount of sand in the near shore.
“This has resulted in a large sand bank that is impacting the functional space of the pool. On Monday the city will commence mechanical activities to remove as much of the sand bank as practically possible and to reinstate the beach.
“These works will require lowering the water level in the pool. As such, the pool will experience lower water levels during the execution of the works and will take a day or two to fill up to capacity depending on the tides and swell size post the work,” Andrews said.
The Deputy Mayor urged all visitors and regular users of the tidal pool to visit another facility, while the work is underway.
“While the pool will not be closed in its entirety, it is recommended that the public consider visiting one of the city’s other facilities during this period, such as Maidens Cove, Saunders Rocks or Milton Pool. We thank the public for their patience while we do our best to restore this facility as efficiently as possible,” Andrews said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:04
Taking place during the 2023 edition of African Energy Week (AEW) the Invest in Uganda Energies country spotlight served to showcase the various investment and partnership prospects available across the East African country's energy sector.
Sponsored by Uganda's National Oil Company (NOC), the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) Limited, and featuring the participation of high-level public and private sector players, the session shone a light on Uganda's energy journey, with a focus on new investment opportunities in the East African energy hub.
“For the energy space, in terms of regulation, in terms of policy, in terms of opportunities, there is huge potential for private sector players to participate in Uganda,” stated Aggrey Ashaba, Uganda Chamber of Mines General Secretary.
Boasting approximately 1.4 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil reserves and significant gas resources, Uganda ranks among Africa's fastest growing energy markets, and has emerged as an attractive investment destination for global energy companies and investors alike.
“In respect to licensing, the laws require that we follow a production sharing regime, which creates a certain level of certainty; compliance to international standards on safety, environment, and social aspects; and regulate the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors,” stated Ali Ssekatawa, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda.
The country aims to produce first oil in 2025, having achieved a Final Investment Decision for the $10 billion Lake Albert Development – comprising the Kingfisher and Tilenga oilfields as well as the 1,443km-long EACOP – alongside oil and gas supermajor, TotalEnergies, and Chinese National Oil Company, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation in 2022.
“We are currently building an investment portfolio of over $10 billion,” stated Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO of UNOC Limited, adding, “This will be to develop resources of about 1.4 to 1.7 billion recoverable barrels of oil while monetizing and developing our downstream sector.”
“As we charge the future, we need to leverage past experiences,” stated Sandisiwe Ncemane, Interim CEO for South Africa's NOC, PetroSA, adding, “When it comes to infrastructure, we see value in having invested in that infrastructure, even as we witness changes in attitude towards energy sources.”
On the mid- and downstream fronts – in addition to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline – the country is inviting foreign investors to fund a series of infrastructure projects, both in-country and across the region. Representing a relatively new market, opportunities for players across the refining, transportation, service provision, and associated industries are growing.
“We currently have a project resource portfolio of about $15 million as a local entity,” stated Job Kahigwa, Chairman and CEO of construction company, ROHI Investment Ltd., adding, “For enabling Uganda's supporting industries, we have a huge opportunity to source from the country's population to promote and develop local content while engaging in partnerships with other local entities.”
Meanwhile, the country's boasts substantial renewable energy resources, with over 80% of its generation mix being driven largely by hydropower. Meanwhile, it was noted that the country is poised to increase its generation capacity two-fold by 2040, largely driven on the back of renewable energy.
“Today, our energy mix is largely driven by hydropower, so we are boasting an energy mix where only 7% is driven by hydrocarbons,” stated Eng. Ps. Irene Batebe, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of Uganda, adding, “Our total installed capacity is over 2,000 Mw, but in our ambitious plan to industrialize, we are looking to increase our generation capacity by 52,000 MW by 2040.”
Taking place in Cape Town from 16-20 October, #AEW2023 is held under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets'. AEW is the African Energy Chamber's annual event, uniting African energy stakeholders with global investors to discuss the future of African energy.
#AEW2023 takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Featuring a diverse group of influential women leaders in the energy sector, a Women in Energy Roundtable Discussion was held during the African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 conference and exhibition. The panel explored innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to ensure access to affordable and reliable energy for all Africans, with women at the forefront of progress.
Moderated by Grace Orife, CEO of Adelaar Energy, the roundtable was hosted by the African Women Business Energy Network and bp SA.
The discussion kicked off with Sarah Baashan, Head of Global Insights and Engagements, Saudi Aramco, providing insight into how Africa can address its current energy challenges while also ensuring a sustainable future. She stated that, “We need to increase energy generation capacity while guaranteeing that energy produced is affordable. At the same time, we should not forget decarbonization, as it is crucial for a healthy environment.”
Baashan added that the continent hosts the world's youngest workers, and therefore, should prioritize creating more job opportunities to advance sustainable socioeconomic development. Ibi Ogunbiyi, Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi, added that the continent needs to adopt a “compromised strategy where we are having hydrocarbons producing baseload power and off-grid and other renewable systems providing access to underserved communities.” She also believes that, “Gas should serve as a transition fuel.”
Additionally, the panel identified a lack of adequate infrastructure and project financing across the value chain as key challenges hindering the expansion of African energy economies. Commenting on how the continent can address infrastructure deficits, Oluseyi Afolabi, Principal Consultant/CEO at Reservoir and Facilities Solutions Nigeria, stated that it starts with African governments prioritizing the development of assets which allow secure and resilient generation and transportation of energy to both rural and urban communities.
“Investments in the research and development of innovative solution needs to also be prioritized while streamlining the deployment of projects and ensuring construction is fast-tracked. Lastly, there is a need for maximizing value addition in local content development in projects rollout,” added Afolabi.
Echoing Afolabi's notion, Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Hughes, said increasing investments in Africa's capacity building initiatives is crucial for the diversification of Africa's energy mix and for the continent to be able to reduce the reliance on international aid.
Commenting on the factors that have influenced the current state of Africa's energy industry, Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of bp SA, stated that, “Energy demand is growing by at least 3% a year while investments in new projects have been slow. We have also failed to define our own principles, hence we have significant inequality which are compromising [progress regarding] Sustainable Development Goals. We need to exploit all the energy resources we have including coal, gas and oil before we do into the transition.”
Ayanda Noah, Chairperson of South Africa's Central Energy Fund, provided insight into best practices for the continent to improve its current energy status. According to Noah, governments should improve cooperation with the private sector, and that “Connectivity and collaboration at the basic level is crucial. Africa has tangible examples of interconnectivity success projects such as the Southern African Power Pool which we can maximize to enhance energy security. Women have the potential to be innovative, coming up with out-of-the-box solutions to critical energy challenges.”
Amb. Martha Nyamal Choat, Deputy Managing Director and CEO, Nile Petroleum Corporation, shared similar remarks, adding that for African projects to be able to attract private investments, governments need to ensure security and market stability which are absent in an increasing number of African countries.
Shirley Webber, Head of Natural Resources & Energy at ABSA, concluded the session by adding that in addition to market stability, governments need to prioritize Environmental Social Governance and the adoption of a mix of financing mechanisms for the different energy infrastructure development projects.
#AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber – takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.aecweek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Cabinet welcomes White House response to Lady R matter
Cabinet has welcomed the acknowledgement of the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, of the seriousness with which President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed the Lady R matter.
This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was addressing media on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
This is after Sullivan’s call with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s National Security Advisor, Sydney Mufamadi, early this month.
The two officials, according to Ntshavheni, also reaffirmed the strong relations between the two countries.
According to the statement released by the White House, the two advisors reaffirmed the strong partnership between South Africa and the United States.
The parties also recommitted to advancing shared priorities, including trade and investment, infrastructure, health and climate.
This is after the United States Ambassador, Reuben Brigety, accused South Africa of having weapons, intended for Russia, loaded onto the Lady R when the container ship docked near Cape Town in December.
However, the independent panel appointed by President Ramaphosa found no evidence that weapons had been loaded.
Sullivan, according to the White House, also thanked the South Africans for hosting the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in early November.
He also underscored the importance of this landmark legislation for United States relations with the region.
“In addition, he expressed his condolences on the passing of South African politician, diplomat, and anti-apartheid activist, Aziz Pahad, who inspired both South Africans and Americans for his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and racial equality,” the White House statement read.
Just Energy Transition
Meanwhile, Cabinet said it noted progress on developing the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) implementation plan.
“Cabinet further welcomed the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Denmark as members of the JET IP International Partners Group (IPG) and welcomes the new JET IP pledges made by these countries, as well as by Canada, Spain and Switzerland in 2023.”
Meanwhile, the Executive Authority, said it remains concerned about the non-commitment of developed countries to meaningful funding through grants to the JET and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to a just transition in line with its energy needs. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 11:56
Southern African Litigation Centre says reports of war crimes must be probed
Water project for Libode started in 2016
A high-level panel at Critical Minerals Africa 2023 – organized by Energy Capital & Power (https://www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) – discussed how sustainable practices, localized supply chains and integrated mining operations will help secure critical minerals supplies of the future.
Moderated by Olimpia Pilch, Founder and COO of Critical Minerals International Alliance, the panel featured Kwasi Ampofo, Head of Metals and Mining, BloombergNEF; Alex Benkenstein, Head of the Climate and Natural Resources Programme, South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA); Dr. Marit Y. Kitaw, Interim Director, African Minerals Development Center (AMDC); Deshan Naido, Managing Director, AQORA; and Duma Sisulu, Co-Founder & Chief Analyst, Parime Battery Minerals.
The panel sought to explore the future of Africa's minerals economy in light of growing demand for clean energy technologies and mounting pressure to decarbonize existing mining activities and maximize resource efficiency.
Speaking to the scope of demand growth for energy transition mineral and metals, Kwasi Ampofo noted: “We currently use 50 million metric tonnes of metals going into transition technologies and accompanying infrastructure. By 2050, if we reach the scenario based on current policies and economics, we will need about 140 million metric tonnes. If we reach the net-zero scenario, this goes up to 250 million metric tonnes.”
In evaluating the strength of Africa's currently local and regional supply chains, panelists evaluated strategies that can be implemented to ensure their resilience and build more localized value chains, which can help achieve market stability.
“There's a lot of discussion around demand, but we don't see the same enthusiasm around funding supply. There is a shortfall in supply, which then spikes demand. Every time the price drops – for example, in nickel – there will be producers who are unable to match the current supply at that price. We will then have a continuation of these supercycles, which is not sustainable,” commented Duma Sisulu.
“If the critical minerals supply chain doesn't change, then we have failed as Africans. We have the opportunity to do what the international oil giants did 50-60 years ago. We have the bargaining power for the deposits that sit on the continent,” said Deshan Naido.
According to the panel, the future of Africa's critical minerals will involve mining companies diversifying their operations across multiple sectors, while fostering synergy among mining and energy sectors, owing to Africa's acute energy deficit. Establishing value-added activities will also be essential to maximizing resource efficiency and ensuring the sustainability of the extractive sector.
“Africa does not have to accept its position within global supply chains… Mineral processing is energy intensive and requires a steady supply. This is not an absolute barrier – it can be rectified – which has been seen by the influx of investment by mining companies in South Africa to invest heavily in renewable energy technologies,” stated Alex Benkenstein.
“The only way to transform lives is to add value – job creation, skills transfer, economies of scale, transformation and growth. This gives us the opportunity to set the agenda — we need processing, refining and value addition,” emphasized Dr. Marit Y. Kitaw.
The Critical Minerals Africa 2023 summit is currently taking place from October 17-19 and serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week 2023 conference (https://AECWeek.com/) on October 16-20, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Zikalala calls for efficient monitoring of projects
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Sihle Zikalala, has called on officials to work closely with contractors to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Zikalala said failure to deliver projects will also cost not only the department but the individuals concerned as well.
Speaking at the latest Siyahlola engagement in the North West town of Matlosana, Zikalala said it is important for officials to be diligent in checking up on projects.
He said that projects do not just collapse on their own; the problem often arises if the project management approach is not tight from the side of the departmental project managers, which eventually lead to delays and problems.
“The delays are caused by the lack of coherent planning between the department and the client department.
“Our project managers are not hands on enough. Long explanations as to why projects are delayed for a long time, do not help. We must be hands on and the department must deliver as expected,” he said on Tuesday.
Zikalala indicated that all regional managers must be part of technical structures of the District Development Model (DDM) so as to know what is being planned and co-ordinated at all levels of government.
The Minister’s visit comes ahead of the second leg of the DDM Presidential Imbizo which will be held on Friday, 20 October at J.B. Marks Local Municipality in Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.
Speaking at the same event, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Executive Mayor, Nikiwe Num, who was accompanying the Minister, dedicated the district leadership to be the ears and eyes of the Minister on projects and how they were being implemented.
Num said as part of the DDM work, impromptu site visits will be conducted to see to it that projects do not stall and that all blockages are reported to the Minister.
She advised that no trial and error should be tolerated on sensitive projects like the Klerksdorp Correctional Centre.
The Klerksdorp Correctional Centre is a R94. 4million project. The spectrum of work that is being covered includes building related work as well as civil, electrical and mechanical work.
The project will also replace site sewer reticulation, cold water mains, internal warm water piping and irrigation water mains. The perimeter fencing is also being replaced. The project is expected to be finalised in 2025.
Meanwhile, the North West provincial government said the imbizo aims to create an interactive platform for President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ministers and the provincial leadership to engage with communities and find solutions to challenges of socio-economic concerns confronting them on a daily basis.
The provincial government said the imbizo is aimed at intensifying the provision of services, promoting social cohesion, and advancing developmental programmes aimed at creating economic opportunities for locals. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/18/2023 - 09:35
African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 featured a Saudi Arabia-Africa Energy Investment Forum roundtable that explored the untapped potential for stronger economic ties between Saudi Arabia and African nations.
The roundtable discussion kicked off with opening remarks by Saudi Arabia's Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade, Hussam Y. Algheraimil, who spoke on the Middle Eastern country's strategy to implement financial relations with African countries while contributing towards attracting investment to the continent.
“Our main goal is to contribute to attracting investment, exploring access, and representing Saudi Arabia,” Algheraimil stated, adding, “We are currently working to create easy trade between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and African countries by helping stakeholders find appropriate financial instruments in the short, medium and long-term.”
The roundtable discussion served as an engaging conversation on how increased trade, particularly in petroleum products and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and collaboration across upstream, midstream and downstream segments can contribute to addressing energy poverty across Africa, with Saudi Arabia serving as a strategic gateway.
“We want to build strong, win-win partnerships,” stated Rene Awambeng, Director and Global Head of Client Relations of the African Export-Import Bank, adding, “Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the African opportunity. They are uniquely placed in this environment to take advantage of what is happening on the continent.”
“LPG can help us in South Africa in a big way in terms of ensuring supply and access to energy. Saudi Arabia has a different problem, they have too much energy. We have a lot of people in the country and region with no access to power and I believe there is a big opportunity to bring LPG from Saudi Arabia to use here,” stated Godfrey Moagi, CEO of the strategic solutions organization, the Strategic Fuel Fund.
The roundtable discussed the role Africa's vast, and yet unexploited oil and gas resources play in delivering a just and inclusive energy transition. As such, South Sudan's Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol, stressed the importance of turning the continent's resources into value and engaging with international partners to ensure the facilitation of investment and knowledge transfer.
“My expectations with regard to Africa, is having Saudi Arabia engage in direct conversations with the continent, because we are ready to do business with them and we have the necessary laws to facilitate investment on the continent,” Minister Chol stated.
As Africa seeks to maximize the development of its entire energy resource base, including oil, gas, coal and renewable energy for a secure and sustainable energy mix that will support the continent's efforts to accelerate electrification and drive socioeconomic development, the roundtable speakers highlighted cooperation regarding knowledge sharing, skills development, project deployment and financing with global parties as vital for the continent's energy goals.
“The bilateral cooperation in place between Saudi Arabia and South Africa has opened an opportunity for us,” stated Sandisiwe Ncemance, Acting CEO for the state-owned Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa, adding, “It would be an indictment on us not to seize those opportunities. There is untapped potential for economic ties to increase trade between Saudi Arabia and South Africa and also collaboration through all facets of the energy sector, through the down-, mid-, and upstream.”
As one of the world's premier hydrocarbons producers and exporters, Saudi Arabia's participation during this session, titled, ‘Partnering with Africa's Private Sector to Drive Energy Growth', served to shape discussions around the challenges and opportunities for local content development and the beneficiation of the local market.
“Local companies are able to add tremendous value in our ability to implement and develop projects,” stated Nanda Bhula, Country Manager for electric power generation company, ACWA Power South Africa, adding, “Local companies have a big understanding of local conditions, more so than international investors. Local companies also understand things like supply chain management and local labor laws, so we see a lot of benefits in terms of their understanding of the local market.”
Africa boasts an estimated 125.3 billion barrels of crude oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, resources that will be essential to lift the continent's over-600 million people living in reliable access to electricity out of energy poverty. As such, the Saudi delegates speaking at the roundtable discussion spoke on the importance of drilling more oil and gas wells and building more refineries and pipelines whilst reducing emissions for energy independence, reliability, and affordability.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has established leadership in this domain, and we always want to continue playing that role of leader in energy,” Dr. Gasem Fallatah, Deputy Manager for the sustainability initiative, the Oil Sustainability Program stated, adding, “Leadership comes with responsibilities, it comes with accountability, and we do recognize that. We will determine together what will be the agenda that we can work on, so we can determine together, the future that we would like to see.”
Representing one of the world's largest oil and gas reserve holders as well as one of the most established hydrocarbons markets, the Saudi delegation drove the dialogue on how Africa can boost investments, production activities, infrastructure rollout across the mid- and downstream sectors, as well as enhance the use of monetization of hydrocarbon resources to make energy poverty history across the continent by 2030. It was noted that these efforts and strategies are poised to improve the continent's GDP and contribute towards global energy security.
“Saudi Arabia, with huge financial capacity, they designed the model that can help Africa stabilize and grow their own energy potential. As African countries, what we need to look at, is the strategic position of how Saudi Arabia is increasing their businesses. There's a lot to learn in how they are engaging and in doing business, and we need to create new markets for our products and crude to expand our business framework,” stated Kola Karim, Managing Director and CEO for power solutions company, Shoreline Energy International.
Taking place under the theme, ‘The African Energy Renaissance: Prioritizing Energy Poverty, People, the Planet, Industrialization and Free Markets', the roundtable also highlighted renewable energy and sustainability as key aspects towards Africa's energy development. Boasting similarly abundant solar and wind resources, it was noted that Saudi Arabia's and Africa's renewable energy potential also has an important role to play in alleviating energy poverty while promoting socioeconomic development.
Representing the largest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent, #AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber – prioritizes sustainable development, integration, and collaboration as a means to support explorers and producers across Africa. Centered around partnering with the private sector to drive energy growth, the Saudi-Arabia Energy Investment Forum showcased how emerging synergies between Africa and its global partners will reinforce the continent's job creation, skills development, and economic empowerment.
#AEW2023 takes place this week in Cape town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for more exciting information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.