The Health and Economic Costs of Emissions at Kusile Power Plant
Eskom has an exemption to operate without flue gas desulpharization until March
infrastructure
Hawks crack down on criminals
Hawks crack down on criminals
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, will continue to pursue criminals without fear, favour or prejudice.
This is according to Hawks Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, who briefed the media on Sunday to outline progress and take stock of milestones achieved during the second quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.
“The DPCI remains committed to its mandate of investigating, preventing, and combating national priority offences without fear, favour or prejudice. The DPCI has made significant inroads in apprehending individuals involved in high-profile cases, thus ensuring accountability and justice for the victims.
“These arrests targeted people involved in serious corruption, serious organised crime, serious commercial crime, including fraud, theft, money laundering, police killings, cash-in-transit robberies, illegal mining, drug trafficking, damage to essential infrastructure and trafficking in endangered species,” he said.
During the reporting period, some 818 natural and juristic persons were arrested and appeared in courts around the country.
Most of the suspects were arrested in Gauteng, the North West and KwaZulu-Natal.
During these arrests, some 84 firearms and 2 049 rounds of ammunition were seized. Seven clandestine drug laboratories were dismantled, with a total value exceeding R17 million.
“During this same period, the Directorate secured convictions on 301 accused. Of these convictions, 285 accused persons, inclusive of 13 juristic persons, were sentenced, while the balance of 16 convicts are to be sentenced on dates after the quarter under review.
“Of the 272 sentenced natural persons, 164 are South Africans, while 108 are foreign nationals. Most of these convictions and sentences were secured in the Gauteng province.
"Of these convictions, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit secured 143, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation secured 120 and Serious Corruption Investigation secured 22. We shall, in the coming months, analyse the 16 convicts, as and when they are sentenced,” Lebeya said.
Furthermore, the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation has “contributed towards the issuing of a combined 75 freezing and forfeiture orders”, amounting to more than R72 million.
“An amount of R8 178 798.87 has been deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account. These [bring] the total recorded successes on arrests, convictions and attachment of assets to 1 194.
“[In] line with our moto of 'Seek, find and strike', the DPCI shall continue to execute its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice, in accordance with the Constitution and other laws of the Republic,” Lebeya said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/13/2024 - 11:49
408 views
Public Works Committee Calls for Urgent Forensic Audit of Telkom Towers
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure is currently conducting oversight over the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). The oversight includes engagements with the Property Trading Management Trading Entity including precinct development programmes and entities in the Public Works portfolio.
One of the committee's key issues were the challenges preventing the South African Police Service from fully utilising the Telkom Towers building. This must be addressed transparently, given that public funds have been spent on these facilities, the committee said.
The committee made site visits to Telkom Towers yesterday and was unimpressed with the state of the building. The committee said it is shocking that a building meant to display DPWI's excellence in managing the government's property portfolio can be left in such a state.
The DPWI told the committee that 90% of the necessary renovations to the north Telkom Tower, earmarked for the South African Police Services, have been completed. The committee noted that despite this progress, the building remains uninhabitable and in need of maintenance. The committee is concerned that the Telkom Towers issue has dragged on for too long with nobody taking accountability for the state of the buildings.
Ms Carol Phiri, the Chairperson of the committee said, “The committee wants a full forensic audit of the Telkom Towers that will bring everything to light. Because government money just went to the drain purchasing the buildings and at an additional cost of over R200 million on renovations and still to remain empty is a great concern; someone needs to take accountability for this.”
Meanwhile, committee was impressed with the work at the Salvokop government precinct during its visit to the site. The Salvokop government precinct is a collaborative effort between the three spheres of government to build government headquarters, commercial buildings and a shelter for the vulnerable. The DPWI bought the 43-hectare site from Transnet. The committee commended the DPWI for the progress achieved in developing the site, including well-designed offices for Statistics South Africa, which have already been handed over. According to the DPWI, the Salvokop site has generated over 390 jobs.
The committee resolved to prioritise quarterly briefings from the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure and stakeholders on the progress achieved on the Telkom Towers project.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Government’s “Headless Chicken Approach” to the Billion-Rand Shoddy National Police Headquarters
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure conducted an oversight visit at the Telkom Towers complex on Thursday
31 Years Into Democracy and NMB’s Bucket System Isn’t Going Away Any Time Soon
The bucket eradication programme, started in 2012, has been through three departments and five implementing agents
SA’s G20 Presidency a significant moment for the country’s young democracy, says Lamola
SA’s G20 Presidency a significant moment for the country’s young democracy, says Lamola
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola believes that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will be a significant moment in the country’s young democracy.
“After the [2010] World Cup and the collective fight we mounted as a nation against COVID-19, it will be our biggest national project,” he said on Friday.
The Minister was speaking during his keynote address at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA) Conference, in Sandton, Johannesburg.
South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency from Brazil in December this year.
READ | SA committed to prioritising Africa’s development during G20 Presidency
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the theme of South Africa’s Presidency will focus on solidarity, cooperation and sustainable development.
According to Lamola, South Africa plans to prioritise discussions on the Just Energy Transition, financing for development, transforming global financial structures, infrastructure development, and other critical issues. These include artificial intelligence, food security, and the debt trap.
“We must reverse the uneven distribution of resources for just transition. It is inconceivable that Africa receives less than 3% of the global climate change financing, while being the most affected continent. We will advocate for more resources to be allocated to Africa for climate change.”
On Thursday, International Relations and Cooperation Director-General (DG) Zane Dangor emphasised South Africa’s commitment to prioritising Africa’s development and equality during its G20 Presidency.
Dangor, who also serves as South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, was speaking during a consultation meeting on the G20 with his African Union Commission (AUC) counterpart, Ambassador Albert Muchanga.
He stressed that South Africa would place Africa’s development at the top of the agenda.
The DG said he hopes that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will bring to the fore the needs, not just of African countries, but other developing nations as well.
“The idea of strengthening the voice of the South is going to be very critical,” said Dangor. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 13:24
194 views
AEW 2024 Ministerial Lineup to Foster Strategies to Alleviate Energy Poverty in Africa
Energy and hydrocarbon ministers from across Africa have joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference to discuss investment opportunities while engaging with financiers and project developers. Representing the entire energy value chain from oil and gas to renewable energy to power and infrastructure, regional ministers will unpack the continent's strategies to make energy poverty history by 2030.
North African countries such as Libya and Algeria have set ambitious production targets for the coming years, aiming to plug Europe's energy gap while enhancing domestic energy access. Libya aims to boost output to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in the next two to three years while Algeria aims to produce over 1.5 million bpd in 2025. Meeting production goals requires accelerated exploration, with both countries promoting investments in upstream drilling. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, North African energy and hydrocarbon ministers will provide insight into these opportunities. They are joined by ministers representing global and African oil and gas organizations, including:
- Khalifa Abdulsadek, Minister of Oil & Gas, Libya
- Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Energy and Mines, Algeria
- Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General, OPEC
- Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of APPO
In Southern Africa, the region is ripe with opportunity. An estimated 11 billion barrels has been found off Namibia's coast since 2022; over 100 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas found offshore Mozambique; and an estimated 200 tcf likely held onshore South Africa. While Angola - the second largest oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa – still offers significant potential in both on- and offshore basins, Southern African countries such as Zambia are largely underexplored, presenting strategic opportunities for exploration companies. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Southern African energy and hydrocarbon ministers will outline strategic basins and upcoming projects. Speakers include:
- Carlos Zacarias, Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources & Energy, Mozambique
- Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum, Angola
- Gwede Mantashe, Minister, Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, South Africa
- Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity, South Africa
- Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zambia
- Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines and Energy, Namibia
Recent offshore projects have positioned West Africa as a global hydrocarbon hotspot. Mauritania and Senegal's Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project will start production this year, following the start of operations at Senegal's Sangomar Oil Project in mid-2024. Nigeria's Dangote Refinery – the largest in Africa at 650,000 bpd – recently secured a 400,000-bpd feedstock supply from the government a year after its start while Ivory Coast's Belaine project – the first net-zero upstream development in Africa – plans to commence phase two operations this December. Regional ministers will provide an update on ongoing projects, future investments and efforts to unlock additional reserves at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024. Ministers include:
- Aboubacar Camara, Minister of Energy, Hydropower and Hydrocarbons, Guinea Conakry
- Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines Republic of Senegal
- Chief. Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Collins Adomako-Mensah, Deputy Minister of Energy in Charge of Power, Ghana
- Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Nigeria
- Foday Mansaray, Director General, PDSL
- Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Nigeria
- Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy, Ghana
- Mohamed Ould Khaled, Minister of Petroleum & Energy, Ministry of Petroleum, Mines & Energy, Mauritania
- Nani Juwara, Minister of Energy and Petroleum, The Gambia
- Viriato Luis Soares Cassama, Minister of Environment & Biodiversity, Guinea-Bissau
- Yacouba Zabré Gouba, Minister of Energy and Mines, Burkina Faso
Central Africa – with major producers such as Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of Congo – are inviting investors to support diversification efforts in production and refining. Leveraging natural gas, these markets aim to unlock reserves in both domestic and regional basins while boosting export capacity and intra-African trade. The Republic of Congo exported its first LNG cargo in 2024 from the Tango FLNG facility, targeting 3 million tons per year by 2025, while Equatorial Guinea forged an agreement with Nigeria to import and process gas at its Punta Europa facility. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, regional ministers will outline these initiatives, while sharing insight into available opportunities in natural gas. Ministers include:
- Antonio Uburu Ondo, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea
- Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons, the Republic of Congo
- Marcel Abeke, Minister of Petroleum, Republic of Gabon
As a frontier market, East Africa is incentivizing exploration in both on- and offshore basins while driving infrastructure and field development projects forward. Uganda inked a deal with Ethiopia in 2024 to export crude via pipeline while South Sudan is seeking diversified export routes and promoting exploration onshore. Regional ministers will share more insights at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024. Speakers include:
- Ing Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Minister of Water and Energy, Ethiopia
- Okasaai Sidronious Opolot, Minister of state for Energy, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda
- Puot Kang Chol, Minister Petroleum, South Sudan
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Government invests billions in road infrastructure projects in KZN
Government invests billions in road infrastructure projects in KZN
With an investment of billlions of rands into the N2 and N3 road infrastructure projects in KwaZulu-Natal, the province is witnessing the biggest road infrastructure upgrade campaign that has been undertaken by government in several decades.
This investment is expected to play a key role in unlocking economic growth and has to date provided training for 1 000 young people, including civil engineers, quantity surveyors, chartered accountants and artisans.
“Once completed, we will have covered 135 kilometers, including the east, west and north and south areas. The total value of the project will be in the region of about R50 billion.
“Easing traffic congestion, making these roads safer both for passengers and freight is a major objective of the project. At the moment, these areas have been plagued by congestion.
“Seventy percent of the freight that moves on land moves through this N2 and N3 corridor to the ports of Durban and Richards Bay,” Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said on Thursday.
As part of the Transport Month programme, Creecy assessed the progress on the projects, starting by vising the Key Ridge project in Peacevale, before making her way to the EB Cloete project upgrades and the N2 KwaMashu to Umdloti River Bridge.
The visit signaled the South African government’s commitment to fast-track the delivery of critical road infrastructure, which is key to unlocking economic growth and the potential of the country.
“The first objective is to widen the existing roads. On the N3, we want to increase the lanes to four or five lanes. We also want to increase the number of lanes on the interchanges.
“This particular project is extremely interesting because it is about efficiency and road safety. Once it has been completed, there will be a new roadway that connects the N3 from one high level piece of ground to another high-level piece of ground.
“This will eliminate the sharp descent areas and the very sharp curves. That will have an enormous impact on road safety. It will also cut down on travel time and make it much more efficient,” the Minister said.
This work will promote the work of small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) and the work of young people, whether they are in the artisan class or whether they are university graduates.
“They have an opportunity to undertake onsite training so that they can be registered as professionals or as artisans in their particular category of work.
“One of the major problems that we face in this country, in terms of economic development and growth from a construction point of view, is that it is difficult to for small construction companies to grow and attain the necessary experience so they can move up the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registration ladder,” Creecy said.
Contractors, who wish to work in the public sector, must register with the CIDB. The Register of Contractors (RoC) supports clients in infrastructure procurement, and categorises and grades contractors from 1-9, according to financial and works capability.
“Thirty percent of the spend of this huge project is on subcontractors. The total value of this particular package of work is about R8 billion. The intention is to make sure that by the time a company is finished their particular package of work, they are able to upgrade their CIBD grading and in the future, be able to undertake a higher-level category of work and work of greater value.
“With this project, we have trained 1 000 young people to date, including civil engineers, quantity surveyors, chartered accountants and artisans. Once they have completed their training, they will be able to register as professionals,” Creecy said.
Throughout the history of South Africa, State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) have played an important role in giving practical training to graduates of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and universities.
“In... this project, we are spending R340 million on the training of young people. The intention is that overtime, there will be 2 000 young people that will receive their formal technical training on all these construction sites,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:22
209 views
CoGTA reflects on 100 days in office
CoGTA reflects on 100 days in office
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says while much progress has been achieved in the first 100 days of office, the work is far from complete.
Hlabisa, who was sworn in as the CoGTA Minister just over three months ago, said while the foundation has been laid in his portfolio, a significant journey lies ahead to address the deep-rooted challenges facing municipalities, local governance and service delivery across the country, as well as strengthening relations with traditional leaders.
The department said the Minister was determined to continue driving real, lasting improvements for the future.
“From improving infrastructure and governance systems, to enhancing cooperative governance and ensuring accountability, the Minister continues to drive forward a robust, inclusive agenda to ensure that every municipality works and delivers essential services to its citizens,” the department said.
Yesterday marked 100 days since retired Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
READ | GNU Cabinet announced
The swearing-in ushered in the leadership, headed by Hlabisa, alongside Deputy Ministers Dr Namane Dickson Masemola and Prince Burns Ncamashe.
“The first order of business of the new leadership was to thoroughly review reports from our predecessors and engage a broad range of key stakeholders… These engagements have driven the sector closer to delivering on its mandates,” the department said.
In June this year, the department presented its Budget Vote, led by Hlabisa, which touched on the mandate to improve coordination across the three spheres of government in aid of integrated planning, implementation and monitoring that underpins the principles of a capable and developmental State.
“This mandate, we believe, is the cornerstone that will drive the country to a developmental, efficient and ethical local government that can impact the lives of citizens positively. Key priorities include stabilising local government, strengthening cooperative governance, and aligning responsibilities across all spheres of government.
“Additionally, the traditional leadership's role in governance is under active review, with a focus on deepening their integration into the national framework.”
In addition, the leaders have engaged with officials, local government and traditional leaders to enhance coordination across all levels, in line with the District Development Model (DDM).
Meanwhile, the department said it remains committed to serving the people of South Africa as part of the seventh administration under the ‘Every Municipality Must Work’ theme.
“The initial milestones achieved in the first 100 days serve as catalysts for the comprehensive reforms that are still to come.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:48
48 views
Majodina to participate in Africa and Cairo Water Weeks
Majodina to participate in Africa and Cairo Water Weeks
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to participate in the 9th Africa Water Week (AWW) and 7th Cairo Water Week (CWW) from Sunday.
The session will be held from Sunday, 13 October to Thursday, 17 October in Cairo, Egypt.
The 9th edition of the Africa Water Week will this year be held jointly with the Cairo Water Week, hosted by the government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, through the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
The Africa Water Week is an African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) flagship initiative to facilitate the dissemination, sharing, networking and brokering of knowledge and information on water management and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services provision in Africa.
Since the establishment of the AWW, participants have included Ministers and representatives responsible for water affairs in Africa; development partners and civil society organisations from Africa and beyond.
Held under the theme “Placing Water and Sanitation at the Heart of Achieving Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, “Africa Water Week will have three running sub-themes.
The sub-themes include financing, investments and resource mobilisation; water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and wastewater; and water infrastructure for economic production, climate resilience, and disaster risk reduction.
“With less than two years before the end of the Africa Water Vision 2025, the 9th Africa Water Week aims to evaluate progress made in implementing the vision, consolidate the gains and derive lessons for the future,” Majodina said.
Meanwhile, the Cairo Water Week to be held under the theme “Water and Climate: Building Resilient Communities” aims to explore the intricate relationship between water and climate, emphasising their collective impact on community resilience.
Discussions will extend beyond recognition, delving into the need for sustainable and adaptive practices that fortify communities against the challenges of climate change and water scarcity.
Climate change
As part of the event, various related sub-themes and sub-topics will be explored in plenary and technical sessions organised by international and regional organisations.
Majodina said government is standing at a defining moment as climate change is a lead conversation with rising sea levels that increase chances of floods, its impact on droughts and changing weather patterns that force changes in agricultural productions.
She said the impacts are global, hence the importance of the Cairo Water Week Theme.
“As a country, we are constantly working towards Goal Six of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. I look forward to engaging with my counterparts from across the continent and learning from their work and taking some of the lessons home,” Majodina said.
During her visit, Majodina will attend high-level plenary sessions and will be meeting with her Egyptian counterpart, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister, Professor Hani Sewilam.
The Minister will also be delivering keynote addresses at sessions convened by Water and Sanitation on the African Transboundary Management Benchmarking and Youth, Gender and Social Inclusion workshop, among others.
The Youth, Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy is aimed at addressing power imbalances and social inequalities based on various social identities.
Taking an action-oriented, and youth and women-led approach; it is improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society - improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those who have been disadvantaged based on their identity. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 10:34
26 views
African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 National Oil Companies (NOC) Lineup to Unlock Project, Partnership Opportunities in Oil and Gas
African energy demand is projected to more than double by 2050, with fossil fuels anticipated to account for up to 60% of the continent's energy mix by 2040. This trend highlights the growing importance oil and gas will continue to hold in Africa. In partnership with international oil companies and private E&P firms, the continent's national oil companies (NOC) are responding to this projection by prioritizing fast-tracked project development, promoting collaborative exploration and production to bring new reserves online.
The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – scheduled for November 4-8 in Cape Town – features a strong lineup of African and global national oil companies (NOC). This lineup reflects a strong intention by NOCs to collaborate, unlock additional reserves and drive oil and gas projects forward across both emerging and mature markets in Africa.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Southern Africa has yielded some of Africa's biggest oil and gas finds in recent years. Namibia – which featured a string of offshore finds since 2022 – has rapidly emerged as an oil and gas hotspot, with Galp Energias' Mopane discovery estimated to hold 10 billion barrels alone. In South Africa, the 2019 Brulpadda discovery accounted for 10% of the overall discovered volumes in Africa that year while the Luiperd find accounted for 80% of the continent's volumes discovered in 2020. Mature producers such as Angola also continue to unlock additional reserves, with ExxonMobil announcing a discovery at the Likember-01 research well in Block 15 this year. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Angola's NOC Sonangol, Namibia's NAMCOR and South Africa's SANPC will speak on these discoveries and future opportunities.
East Africa is one of the world's final frontiers for oil and gas exploration, with major discoveries made in recent years showcasing the potential for billion-barrel projects. In exploration, offshore basins in Tanzania have shown trillions of cubic feet of gas while onshore acreage in Uganda holds the promise of new oil supplies. While various cross-border infrastructure projects, LNG facilities and field developments are underway, the region offers significant potential for exploration. During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, East African NOCs including the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation; Uganda National Oil Company; and National Oil Company of Malawi will unpack this potential, sharing insight into ongoing projects and untapped investment opportunities.
Contrastingly, West Africa holds some of the biggest oil and gas producing markets on the continent. These include the Republic of Congo – which is diversifying its energy matric through billion-dollar gas investments; Equatorial Guinea – which is diversifying LNG feedstock through agreements signed with regional neighbors; and Gabon – which aims to boost production to 220,000 barrels per day. Concurrently, markets such as Cameroon, Liberia and Ivory Coast hold strategic potential for exploration firms, with recent finds underscoring opportunities in frontier drilling. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, NOCs to the likes of Société nationale des pétroles du Congo; GEPetrol; Gabon Oil Company; and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation are participating. Additionally, the National Hydrocarbons Corporation of Cameroon; the National Oil Company of Liberia; and Petroci have joined.
While West African countries account for a large share of African hydrocarbon production, the same can be said for North Africa, with Algeria representing the largest natural gas producer in Africa. The country's production measured over 100 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2023, with ambitions to exceed 200 bcm in production over the next five years. During 2024, up to 8 oil and gas discoveries have been made, with the NOC Sonatrach signing several exploration agreements with the likes of TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and more to unlock additional basins. Sonatrach is participating at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024.
In addition to African NOCs, global counterparts including the respective NOCs of Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan have also joined the conference to discuss investment opportunities, future collaborations and how knowledge-sharing can support the next generation of oil and gas projects. Saudi Aramco, for example, which represents one of the biggest gas producers worldwide, offers a wealth of expertise for African NOCs. Similarly, the National Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic, an expert in refining and infrastructure development, stands ready to support Africa as it scales-up domestic refining capacity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Water curtailment implemented throughout eThekwini
Water curtailment implemented throughout eThekwini
The uMngeni-uThukela Water Board has implemented water curtailment throughout eThekwini Municipality, effective from today, to reduce the volume of water abstracted from the uMngeni system.
This follows a recent announcement made jointly by eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba and the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board.
The water curtailment is being implemented at the directive of the Department of Water and Sanitation, which issued a notice to uMngeni-uThukela Water Board to reduce the volume of water abstracted from the uMngeni system to their licensed volumes of 470 million megalitres per annum (m3/annum), meaning a reduction on the current sales and abstraction volume of 8.4%.
Xaba said the curtailment is aimed at enabling continued water availability, including during periods of below-average rainfall.
“The risk of not enforcing the abstraction limit is that should a drought occur, there would not be sufficient water in the system for uMngeni-uThukela Water to continue providing the eThekwini Municipality with a reliable water supply,” Xaba said.
Xaba emphasised that the water curtailment is not water shedding, where there is a schedule for water cuts at certain times.
“The purpose of the water curtailment is to avoid water shedding by bringing down the total volume used in a controlled manner,” Xaba said.
The mayor reiterated his call to eThekwini residents to use water sparingly to assist in reducing high water consumption.
“The demand for water in eThekwini far outstrips supply, and we continue to plead with all stakeholders - both our residential and business customers - to work with us to address this challenge. Some of the contributing factors to the high-water usage include rapid urbanisation, and aging infrastructure, which causes water leaks and illegal connections,” Xaba said.
The average water consumption in eThekwini is very high, as it is between 270 and 298 litres per capita (person) per day (l/c/d), compared to the international average of 173 l/c/d.
Xaba said the curtailment is expected to be implemented for a period of 12 months, and during this process, the city’s teams will be monitoring the system and manage excessive water demand.
In ensuring that residents are not adversely affected, the city will be implementing the following interventions:
• Installation of restrictors in water metres to all consumers.
• Pressure reduction in the reticulation network.
• Metering all unmetered consumers.
• Improving turnaround time in repairing leaks and pipe bursts through deployment of ward-based plumbers.
• Community education in water conservation.
• Disconnection of illegal connections. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 14:21
153 views
Macpherson welcomes appointment of DDG Lwazi Mahlangu
Macpherson welcomes appointment of DDG Lwazi Mahlangu
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson has welcomed Cabinet’s appointment of Lwazi Mahlangu as the Deputy Director-General for Governance, Risk and Compliance within the department.
The appointment follows the Ministers intention to fill critical vacancies within the department which has seen acting officials for a number of years.
“Mr Mahlangu’s appointment will go a long way to bring leadership and stability to a critical division within the department as we work to build a strong foundation to end corruption and improve service delivery,” Macpherson said on Thursday.
This as Mahlangu’s appointment was announced at a post Cabinet media briefing addressed by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday.
“Mr Mahlangu brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served in it in an acting capacity, and over the years he has earned the respect of public officials.
“Together with other actions we are taking in the department such as the readvertisement of Deputy Director-General positions and the reform of the Human Resources Department, I believe that we are building a professional public service within the department,” he said.
Within 100 days in office, Minister Macpherson has taken decisive action to stabilise the public service within the department having appointed Carmen-Joy Abrahams as Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate Services to addresses concerns about irregular practices.
Abrahams has also been asked to complete a skills audit of all those in the Senior Management Service of the department to ensure it has the skills necessary to fill full its mandate.
Following the closure of applications for further senior positions, Minister Macpherson said the department will move with speed to conduct interviews and take those outcomes to Cabinet.
“There is truly a new energy within the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to take action to stabilise the department and improve service delivery.
“We will build on this momentum to implement meaningful reforms within the department to turn South Africa into a construction site and use public assets for public good. Let us build South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 15:05
44 views
Over a hundred informal traders to receive equipment
Over a hundred informal traders to receive equipment
Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams will on Thursday handover machinery and equipment to 104 business owners in Greater Tzaneen in the Limpopo province.
“This equipment comes from the various programmes offered by the Department of Small Business Development and its agencies. It is from the Asset Assist Programme (AAP), Cooperatives Development Support Programme (CDSP) and the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development (IMEDP),” the Department of Small Business Development said.
Ndabeni-Abrahams will be accompanied by her Deputy Minister, Jane Sithole, during the handover to the beneficiaries of the IMEDP, which is a 100% grant offered to informal traders.
“Their mission is to handover machinery and equipment to business owners from the region. Informal and Micro enterprises have been promised these implements and this is a promise to be kept.
“The AAP is designed to provide Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) with essential business assets, financial guidance, and expert advisory services. This initiative is vital for ensuring that small businesses have the tools they need to succeed and contribute to economic growth,” the department said.
The CDSP offers blended financing to eligible cooperatives, combining grants and loans to support activities such as the purchase of machinery, equipment, and infrastructure.
This program is key to developing sustainable and competitive cooperative enterprises across South Africa. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 09:46
184 views
DPWI Minister reflects on 100 days in office
DPWI Minister reflects on 100 days in office
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has reflected on the work done in his department since coming into office 100 days ago.
The Minister’s focus has been on building a firm foundation in order to turn the country into a construction site and use public assets for public good.
Macpherson was appointed Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure on 3 July 2024.
Measures the Minister has implemented over the past three months include:
- Reforming and strengthening the role of Infrastructure South Africa to become a single point of entry for all priority infrastructure projects to ensure that they are completed on time and within budget.
- Meeting with a large number of financial institutions, technical advisory and construction specialists to drive new interest in the country’s construction book.
- Tackling maladministration and corruption head-on by launching investigations into failed public sector construction projects, such as the nearly R1 billion that was spent on the Telkom Building projects in Tshwane.
- Working with municipalities such as Tshwane, eThekwini and Cape Town to establish technical task teams between the cities and the department to address problem State-owned buildings, and to work together to use State assets for the public good.
- Finalising two orders in Cape Town to remove people who have invaded State-owned properties at the Castle of Good Hope and the Waterloo properties to ensure the properties are used for the public good.
- Tackling the construction mafia by organising an urgent summit in KwaZulu-Natal to develop a comprehensive response to the construction mafia with Ministers in the law enforcement cluster, and Public Works Members of the Executive Council (MECs) across the country.
- Improving oversight of property management by moving the Prestige Unit, which was responsible for the Nkandla scandal, back to Director General’s office, and removing the ability of officials to spend up to R20 million without Accounting Officer approval.
The Minister said while a lot of progress has been made to bring stability to the department, these efforts need to be accelerated to turn the country into a construction site and use public assets for public good in order to grow the economy and create jobs.
“South Africans urgently need to start seeing the fruits of our interventions. I applaud the government officials and stakeholders in both the public and private sector, who have worked tirelessly with me over the past three months. There is truly a new energy within the department to deliver on our mandate.
“In the weeks and months ahead, we need to expedite our efforts to ensure that we get shovels into the ground, so that communities across the country can see the fruits of our work in practice.
“In the weeks and months to come, there will continue to be difficult decisions we have to make, but the choices we make today will be to our advantage in the future,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:00
282 views
SOEs urged to provide opportunities to young engineers
SOEs urged to provide opportunities to young engineers
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) have a critical role to play in providing economic opportunities to young people, which will enable them to gain practical work experience in the construction sector.
Addressing media on Tuesday after inspecting the Germiston to Katlehong commuter rail line, the Minister said historically, SOEs played an important role in helping small enterprises to gain experience so that they can move up the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) register.
Contractors, who wish to work in the public sector, must register with the CIDB. The Register of Contractors (RoC) supports clients in infrastructure procurement, and categorises and grades contractors from 1-9, according to financial and works capability.
“In order to be able to do major construction, you must demonstrate that you have become accredited. This is an important role that SOEs have played historically, and it’s a role we want to ensure that these enterprises are once again being supported [to play].
“With regard to the training that we are offering young engineers, it’s really important that we give practical experience to young professionals. One of the major reasons we have so many unemployed graduates in our country is young engineers, particularly, struggle to complete the practical training that is required to become fully fledged and independent professionals.
“We really want to play our role in that regard because we believe that we have incredible talent in our country and we want to make sure that the talent is properly used for all the important infrastructure projects that we need to happen in our country,” the Minister said.
Work to upgrade the Germiston to Katlehong commuter rail line cost about R400 million. The upgrade will ensure that commuters have access to affordable public transport, as a ticket costs R14.50 while a monthly season ticket costs R169.
The upgrade included the rebuilding of a number of stations and rebuilding a substation to ensure a reliable source of electricity.
“In the course of this work, we have created 500 jobs for the local community. We have also been able to involve 34 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), and overall, throughout the whole country, we have 33 young engineers that are assisting us on our recovery programme,” the Minister said.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) recovery programme includes recovering passenger rail services, improving safety and security, protecting assets, providing sound leadership as well as executing its capital programme.
“Our vision is that rail must form the backbone of our transport system for both passengers and freight. [We seek] to achieve 250 million tonnes of freight per annum through our freight corridors and 600 million passenger trips per annum by 2030.
“This will not only ensure that we are creating an affordable public transport system for working people and other commuters, but it will also ensure that we have a sustainable and reliable revenue stream for PRASA, so that we can continue to do the maintenance work that this whole system requires,” Creecy said.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 20% of the working population walk to work due to being unable to afford other forms of transport that are available.
“This is a great inconvenience, time waster and decreases the productivity of those individuals who have to walk between 5kms and 10kms every day. It’s very important that we make this form of transport available for working people again.
“We still have nine priority lines that we must conclude, and we are close to having repaired 300 stations, but there are many more to be repaired. We are taking preventative measures to ensure the safety of our rail infrastructure.
“Seventy-five percent of the copper has been removed from this cabling and we have put in aluminium cabling, which is of less interest to the scrap dealers,” the Minister said.
Moreover, security guards have been deployed to ensure the safety of these lines.
“We are introducing technology, drone technology and technology that will alert us if there is consistent tampering with the line, and that will be helpful to the security guards because they will know where to look for intruders. We hope that these measures will ensure that rail transport is safer,” she said.
The Minister’s inspection took place as part of the department’s flagship October Transport Month campaign, which is now in its 19th instalment. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:41
366 views
Can Africa Secure Its Future in a Changing Energy Landscape?
The pipeline of gas projects being developed in Africa has never been stronger. However, if the continent is to be competitive in an extremely dynamic international gas market, it must ensure that it offers value.
This means shaping an offer that meets the financial and environmental sustainability needs of stakeholders. Africa's gas investment proposition must be relevant and future-proof, if it is to continue to attract global capital.
This was the consensus at a panel discussion on Day 1 of AOW: Investing in African Energy – Africa's leading oil, gas and energy event.
Over the past few years, gas development ambitions have grown – in the public and private sector – supported by renewed exploration and production activity and pragmatic energy transition plans. This is especially true now, with gas increasingly accepted as the ideal bridging fuel, balancing the continent's growing energy needs with its decarbonisation commitments.
“Natural gas is at the centre of what we are doing in Africa,” said Mario Bello, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Region at Eni. “It's the cleanest fossil fuel, producing fewer emissions than coal, so it plays an important role as we transition to renewables.”
Eni enables this through its Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) projects, particularly in Mozambique and the Republic of Congo. Bello emphasised the technology's ability to unlock stranded offshore gas resources, accelerate project timelines, and contribute to both domestic energy security and export revenue. “Floating LNG is the key to unlocking the region's gas potential, making it easier and faster to develop offshore resources,” Bello explained.
However, financing these ambitious projects remains a significant hurdle. Paul Eardley-Taylor, Head of Oil & Gas, Southern Africa, at Standard Bank, emphasised the need for bankable projects that address investor concerns, particularly around sovereign risk. He highlighted the transformative potential of both large-scale LNG projects and smaller, domestically focused gas ventures.
“The impact of these projects in African markets is incalculable,” Eardley-Taylor said, citing the potential for job creation, economic growth, and improved energy access. He further emphasised the importance of small-scale LNG and helium projects, particularly in markets like South Africa and Namibia.
Equinor's Senior Vice President for Africa, Nina Birgitte Koch, stressed the importance of a stable investment climate to attract international capital. She highlighted the need for competitive projects with strong environmental credentials, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. “CO2 is the key criteria,” Koch said. “It's not just a ‘nice to have' any more. I don't think it's possible to get capital to a big LNG project unless it's highly competitive when it comes to CO2."
The panel also discussed the critical role of technology and regional cooperation in maximising the benefits of Africa's gas resources. Gianluca Ciricugno, Africa Director, Enterprise Customer Solution at Baker Hughes, emphasised the need for a long-term vision and collaboration between governments, investors, and technology providers.
“It requires a broader vision, probably government and all the people around the table, with a long-term approach… and not just four-year terms,” Ciricugno urged, highlighting the need for stable regulatory frameworks and a commitment to infrastructure development.
Dr Tshepo Mokoka, Group COO of South Africa's Central Energy Fund (CEF), echoed the call for government intervention to address market failures and unlock investment. He outlined CEF's role in enabling critical gas infrastructure projects, such as the Romp pipeline and LNG import terminals. “We need to solve the market failure,” Dr Mokoka said, highlighting the need for government-backed gas offtake agreements and risk-sharing mechanisms to attract private capital.
ExxonMobil's Executive Director Global, LNG Marketing, Deri Irawan, emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to project development, considering not just the technical and economic aspects but also the social and political landscape. He highlighted the need for strong partnerships and stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term project success. “It is insufficient to just bring a commodity to the doorstep,” Irawan explained. “You also need to unlock that value chain.”
With Africa on the cusp of a gas revolution, the panel's message was clear: the continent has the resources, the ambition, and the opportunity to become a major player in the global gas market.
However, success hinges on creating a stable and attractive investment climate, embracing technological innovation, and fostering regional collaboration to ensure that Africa's gas resources benefit both its people and the planet.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AOW: Investing in African Energy.
Owned by Sankofa Events, AOW (https://apo-opa.co/3ZVcWNe): Investing in African Energy is Africa's leading oil, gas & energy event, uniting industry leaders to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape Africa's energy future. The event runs from 7 – 10 October 2024 at the CTICC 2, Cape Town.
SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms in KZN
SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms in KZN
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of potentially severe thunderstorms over the northwestern parts of KwaZulu-Natal with damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail on Wednesday.
“Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, otherwise isolated,” the weather service said on Wednesday.
The impacts of these weather conditions include localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, vehicles, livestock and livelihoods.
SAWS has warned of localised injuries and danger to life due to lightning, as well as power surges due to excessive lightning.
Last week, SAWS encouraged the public to remain vigilant as the upcoming months of October and November could be affected by heatwaves, severe storms and the possibility of damaging winds.
READ | Weather Service warns of severe weather conditions
Seasonal Climate Watch
According to the Seasonal Climate Watch, dated October 2024 to February 2025, minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal countrywide for the forecast period.
“The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently still in a neutral state and is predicted to weaken further. Current predictions indicate the development of a La Niña state during the start of the summer season. However, there is still significant uncertainty in the predictions.
“It is advised to monitor the ENSO system during the start of the summer season, as it may change the rainfall outlook for the summer rainfall regions, if and when the La Niña materialises,” SAWS said.
Current predictions focus on the early- and mid-summer seasons and indicate wetter conditions over the interior of the country.
“The northeastern parts, however, at this stage indicate drier conditions extending through to the mid-summer period. These predictions may change if the ENSO predictions become more certain towards a La Niña state and as such, continued monitoring of future seasonal climate watches are advised.
“The anticipated wetter conditions over the interior of the country during the early- and mid-summer seasons may improve water levels, particularly in regions that receive most of the rainfall in the summer season.
“Drier conditions, coupled with above-normal temperatures in the northeastern parts of the country, are likely to increase water loss and reduce water storage levels through evapotranspiration and drought, among other factors,” SAWS said.
The predicted wetter conditions during early- and mid-summer seasons over the interior of the country are likely to increase the likelihood of flooding in areas with inadequate drainage, posing immediate health risks such as drowning, injuries and hypothermia.
SAWS has encouraged the public to take precautionary measures and follow the guidance of local authorities.
“The forecast indicates nationwide temperatures above the average, heightening the risk of prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure, potentially exceeding level 3 on the World Meteorological Organisation's UV Index. This elevated UV exposure could result in a greater incidence of sunburn and other UV-related health issues.
“Moreover, the increased temperatures are expected to heighten pollen levels and heat exposure, enhancing the likelihood of skin and eye allergies, and accelerating the growth of food-borne pathogens.
"This escalation poses a heightened risk of foodborne illnesses. The public is advised to maintain strict food hygiene and adhere to local health guidelines under these conditions,” SAWS said.
Agriculture
Above-normal rainfall is forecasted for the central parts and the southeastern coastal areas of the country during the early and mid-summer seasons.
“This above-normal rainfall forecast for these summer rainfall regions will likely have a positive impact on crop and livestock production. However, below-normal rainfall is expected over most parts of the northeastern areas of the country, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
“Therefore, it is recommended that the relevant decision-makers advise farmers in these regions to implement soil and water conservation measures, proper water harvesting and storage techniques, establish effective drainage systems, and adopt other appropriate farming practices,” SAWS said. -SANews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 10:51
130 views
IT Leaders Forum 2024
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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.
Media Contact:
Nonhlanhla Kunene
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In This Village Some People Say They Drink Just One Cup of Water a Day
Water infrastructure was installed in uMsinga in KwaZulu-Natal years ago but has never worked
KZN hosts Emerging Property Developers’ Summit
KZN hosts Emerging Property Developers' Summit
Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala will on Thursday address the maiden Emerging Property Developers' Summit, organised by the KwaZulu-Natal Property Sector Association in Zimbali, north of Durban.
The summit aims to assess progress made in the transformation of the property sector through access to land and finance by the emerging property developers.
The summit will also reflect on the emerging trends such as remote working on the property industry, obstacles and opportunities for previously disadvantaged sectors in the property industry.
The property sector, which is taking strain from the prevailing economic challenges, has experienced a huge decline.
Zikalala will give an update on the latest state of the property sector in South Africa and its reengineering programme, with the inclusion of emerging and young property players. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 10:08
175 views
Human Settlements aims to improve rural landscape
Human Settlements aims to improve rural landscape
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says improving rural human settlements, both in terms of the rural ecological environment and the creation of a healthy rural human settlements environment, are areas that require intensive research.
“Not only will this help us to reinvigorate rural development, but it will also assist us with mitigating climate change and its effects,” Kubayi said.
Kubayi was speaking at the launch of the Human Settlements Research Strategy held in Kempton Park, Gauteng, on Monday.
The research strategy launch, which coincided with World Habitat Day celebrated around the world on the first Monday of October, provided direction and identified the long, medium, and short-term timelines of research activities.
The launch aimed to set up partnerships with research institutions within the built environment and the human settlements sector. It also aims to outline collaborative arrangements and roles and responsibilities of partnering stakeholders.
In her address, Kubayi said the human settlements sector is faced with many challenges, including climate change, population growth, low economic growth, urbanisation, slow spatial transformation, and governance instability at local government level.
In the world that is undergoing rapid urbanisation, Kubayi said many villages are facing a series of problems such as depopulation, population ageing, insufficient infrastructure, and public service facilities.
She said while most of government’s work has been focused on responding to the challenges of accessing urban land for human settlement, including the sprouting of informal settlements and the rise of inner-city slums, the challenges of unsustainable human settlements in rural areas have received little or no attention.
“Well-researched solutions are required as an antidote to these challenges so that we can be able to create a peaceful, economically sustainable, and stable country. It, therefore, stands to reason that we would like to place more emphasis on applied research, which will help us to provide solutions to an existing problem,” Kubayi said.
The Minister highlighted that the research agenda launched has been developed to do to inform planning, policy development and review, as well as implementation processes within the human settlement sector.
“The Research Agenda will assist to uniformly identify problematic areas that need to be resolved within the policy and implementation space,” Kubayi said.
The research has also been developed to signal to funders and development partners what research areas require investment; assist the department to guide resource allocation for research; encourage research collaboration in dealing with common problematic areas; and to drive capacity building by encouraging students to participate in the human settlements sector research, amongst others.
Kubayi also noted that the nexus between policy, research and practice is not linear but highly complex.
Influencing long-term policy and practice
She said the department is of the view that research cannot be expected to serve only current policies, but it is also expected to influence policy and practice in the long-term.
“The scope of the human settlements research agenda is therefore broad, so that the selection of certain areas and topics for priority will not be exhaustive. However, it marks the focus in the next three financial years.
“There is extensive research in human settlements that has already conducted across many institutions. We plan to leverage on this existing research and invest in further research in the sector,” Kubayi said.
The Minister added that research collaboration, where different organisations will work together to fund specific research of common interest will be encouraged, and the department will pursue various collaborative approaches.
Research chairs to support higher learning institutions
The Minister also announced that the department intends to establish research chairs, where institutions of higher learning will support research based on their expertise.
The Minister explained that through research chairs, post graduate students will be encouraged to select their academic topics from the research agenda or have a topic within the thematic areas established in the research agenda.
“The departmental research committee will approve the topical issue that the student selected for funding. Part of the research will be funded directly by the department though the commissioning of research, call for papers as well as providing part of the funding to students’ academic programme,” Kubayi explained. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 15:05
189 views
Joburg’s Water Woes Are Self-Inflicted
The temporary shutdown of the supply from Lesotho is not the problem
Interview: Western Cape Premier Alan Winde Answers Questions on Social Housing
Winde explains why R500-million meant for housing went unspent