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SANPC to Showcase Strategic Vision at IAE 2025

Location: Business
Energy Capital & Power

South Africa's newly established South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) will host an investor roadshow at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris this May, highlighting its strategic vision and the more than R95 billion in untapped market and investment opportunities in South Africa's oil and gas sector. Under the theme "South Africa's Energy Future: A New Age State Entity," the presentation will be led by SANPC CEO Godfrey Moagi, following the company's official launch, scheduled for April 2025.

With a clear mandate to promote energy independence and diversification, SANPC is set to drive large-scale investments in the oil, gas and clean energy sectors. SANPC's strategy includes ring-fencing all non-functioning assets, identifying assets that can be moved to the NOC and ensuring these assets can be traded and utilized effectively. At the IAE 2025, delegates will gain an exclusive look into SANPC's far-reaching goals, including the creation of a state-backed energy company that will enhance the country's energy security, facilitate the transition to cleaner energy sources and create employment opportunities for the nation's youth.

IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4h81CCe) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

SANPC's strategic vision aligns with South Africa's National Development Plan, which outlines the country's goals to expand access to affordable, reliable energy while navigating the energy transition. The creation of SANPC marks a bold step toward achieving these objectives, acting as a catalyst for new ventures, partnerships and large-scale infrastructure projects. As South Africa's energy landscape undergoes reform, SANPC aims to drive the rapid deployment of new projects while adhering to the highest sustainability standards and fostering regional integration in oil and gas.

SANPC's participation at IAE 2025 is part of the company's series of investor roadshows, first launched at the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2024 conference in Cape Town. These roadshows support the company's commitment to attracting foreign investment and offer stakeholders the opportunity to engage with SANPC leadership, while gaining insight into the company's vision for an energy future that fosters both economic and environmental sustainability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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SA presses forward for a just society 

Location: News

SA presses forward for a just society 

Family law and the creation of a just society were some of the issues under scrutiny at the launch of Human Rights Month on Friday.

“We’re gathered here today because we are all interested in creating a just, equitable, and sustainable society given our past, which was characterised by a range of injustices and lack of access to justice for the majority. Creating such a society requires a paradigm shift,” Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said.

The Minister hosted a stakeholder engagement session at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus.

The session also focused on matters related to civil and criminal law, among others.

The session with civil society organisations also served as the official launch of Human Rights Month supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as the custodian of National Days.  

The democratic government declared 21 as March Human Rights Day to commemorate and honour those who fought for the country’s liberation and the rights citizens enjoy today.

“Again, I must say that today, the context will be us launching this Human Rights Month. We took a decision that we should not launch a Human Rights Day as just an event, but through a dialogue that reflects those 30 years we’ve been in this democracy.

“How far we have travelled and what other lessons [have been] learned? What is it that we need to improve? What are the issues that as a society, as South Africa, we still have to deal with?” she remarked.

The Minister said the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 is the framework and foundation upon which the transformation of law, State, and society is anchored. 

“Accordingly, the preamble of the Constitution proclaims that the new paradigm can only be created by establishing a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights and improving the quality of life of all citizens of the Republic.” 

Kubayi said the engagement was part of a collective introspection into the work done over the years to advance the constitutional imperative of expanding access to justice for all, including the poor and the most vulnerable. 

“Our quest to expand access to justice is based on the saying that everyone is equal before the law and has a right to equal protection and the benefit of the law. That equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. 

“It also goes on to highlight that everyone has an inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.” 

Shifting her focus to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the Minister described it as a pandemic.

“Today, the State bears a constitutional duty to provide effective remedies against domestic violence.”

She also said the law now provides for means whereby same-sex couples can enjoy the same status, entitlements, and responsibilities accorded to heterosexual couples through marriage and that employers may not discriminate against anyone based on their HIV positive status. 

“Because today they have become normal, but we’ve got to understand that it is through this democracy that we’ve attained these freedoms, “she added. 

She called on South Africans to dedicate this Human Rights Month to commemorating and honouring those who have lost their lives for the attainment of freedom and human rights, to promote the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, while acknowledging the injustices of the past. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 15:44
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Minister Creecy outlines plans to reinvigorate logistics sector

Location: News

Minister Creecy outlines plans to reinvigorate logistics sector

The South African government is committed to reinvigorating the country’s logistics sector as an enabler of economic prosperity.

This is according to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy who delivered remarks at the launch of a new World Bank report titled: “Driving Inclusive Growth in South Africa: Quick Wins with Competitive Markets and Efficient Institutions".

“[Government has] established the National Logistics Crisis Committee [NLCC]…comprised of representatives from the Presidency, various government departments and the private sector.

“Its work includes securing strategic logistics corridors handling commodities that are essential to the export market and economic growth; addressing backlogs and congestion at strategic border crossings; combatting congestion in key national highway corridors such as the N1 and N3, as well as interventions to combat cable theft and maintenance backlogs at Transnet. 

“This collaboration has seen modest improvements in our logistics performance,” she said on Friday.

The department and Transnet have set a target of moving at least 250 million tonnes of freight on the Transnet network by the year 2030 up from 150 million tonnes in the 2023/24 financial year.

Investment 

Creecy highlighted that to achieve this, the rejuvenation of the rail sector is a key objective, which began with the Cabinet’s approval of the White Paper on National Rail Policy in March 2022. 

“The Rail Policy introduces structural reforms in the sectors that are intended to enable private sector investment, optimal utilisation of the rail network, and effective economic regulation of rail that will facilitate equitable access to the rail network and ensure that it is properly managed. 

“As part of this process a Private Sector Participation [PSP] Unit is being established by the department in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa. Once established, this unit will help direct and coordinate private sector investments in priority rail projects requiring capital investment.”

The Minister revealed that the department is currently in the process of issuing Requests for Information “regarding potential investment in the rail and port sector”.

“This serves to share information with the public regarding possible PSP projects, but also to allow the department, and by extension Transnet, to gather information on projects with the potential for third party involvement.

“I want to emphasise again that throughout this process all rail and port infrastructure will remain under the government’s ownership. We are also in the process of consulting with organised labour regarding the details of our freight logistics roadmap. 

“We cannot continue with the status quo, where derailments and port blockages cost our economy billions of rands, and thousands of jobs in all sectors of our economy are at risk,” Creecy said.

Port efficiency

Turning to inefficiencies at South African ports, the Minister said Transnet has launched a recovery plan aimed at “increasing and stabilising port and rail volumes”.

“The establishment of various war rooms for specific corridors and commodities has allowed Transnet and the private sector to collaborate and share expertise and address challenges such as derailments and unplanned maintenance.

“As part of Transnet’s Recovery Plan, replacement and refurbishment of crucial ports infrastructure such as cranes, gantries and straddles is planned in the short, medium and long term, and continued collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) has ensured that spare parts for essential machinery can be secured when necessary. 

“This has resulted in improvements we are seeing in our ports which have cut down on ship waiting times and queuing times for trucks,” she said.

Creecy told stakeholders at the launch that collaborations have also assisted to address bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

She insisted that all the measures set out by government will “enable us to meet the targets that we set for the logistics sector, based on pre-pandemic figures”.

“Transnet and the department have set the goal of 250 million tonnes of freight per year, moving on the Transnet network by 2030. Transnet achieved 150 million tonnes of freight per year during the 2023/ 2024 financial year. At our ports, the target is to improve gross crane moves per hour from the 2024 average of 16 to 30 by 2030. 

“These ambitious targets cannot be achieved within the existing Transnet system and will require significant private and public investments in infrastructure, rolling stock and digital systems. 

“This can only be achieved through a partnership between government and the private sector, where technical knowledge, experience, [the] world’s best practice and funding can be shared,” Creecy concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 13:44
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Over R20 million allocated to boost North West economy 

Location: News

Over R20 million allocated to boost North West economy 

The North West Provincial Government has allocated R24 million to establish a Development Fund to accelerate development initiatives across the province.

The fund will be established with a special focus on stimulating economic growth and creating sustainable job opportunities.
This is according to the North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi who delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the provincial legislature on Thursday.

He informed the Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) that the efforts of the Economic and Investment Advisory Council are starting to produce positive results.

The Council is responsible for assisting the province to drive its industrialisation programme, lure investments, and see to the full implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy.

“We envisage establishing a Regional Research, Innovation and Development Office, which will be in, and coordinated by, the Office of the Premier with a specific focus on Science, Technology and Engineering,” he said on Thursday. 

The SOPA outlined the province’s strategic priorities for the next five years, focusing on inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable and ethical State. 

Mokgosi highlighted the province’s challenges, including high unemployment and poverty rates, and emphasised the need for aggressive measures to address these issues.  

He announced several initiatives, such as the expansion of the National School Nutrition Programme to provide two meals per day to learners in more schools and the launch of the “Ntime o Mphele Ngwana Poverty Alleviation Programme” to combat hunger among children and youth. 

In addition, infrastructure development was a key focus, with significant investments in road projects, water and sanitation improvements, and the construction of new schools and clinics. 

The Premier also announced plans to revitalise the Taung irrigation scheme and other agricultural projects to boost food production and support emerging farmers. 

“The collaborative work between the Vaalharts Water Users Association, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality will result in an increase of water supply to households in areas such as Taung, Pudimoe, and Huhudi.” 

Jobs and attracting investment

Mokgosi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating job opportunities through public employment programs, such as expanded public works, community health workers, community works, and labour activation programmes.

These initiatives aim to create over 150 000 job opportunities in the next five years, targeting women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The provincial government is fostering relations with the private sector to address infrastructure backlogs and attract investment.  

The Premier cited the Mekgareng Smart City project, which is expected to create 20 000 jobs for the people of Madibeng Local Municipality and attract investments of between R10 and R25 billion.

The smart city project is a collaborative development initiative between the North West and Gauteng, coordinated by the national Department of Human Settlements.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has partnered with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Phila Jordan Academy to provide training opportunities to 3 000 beneficiaries in artisanal and tooling programs.  

In addition, more than 1 200 young people are participating in a National Youth Service programme, and over 7 000 youth have been provided with skills and job placements.

The Premier hopes that these comprehensive measures will help reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth in the North West. 

In addition, he covered efforts to promote clean governance, combat corruption, and improve audit outcomes.  

He concluded with a call for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to tackle the province’s socioeconomic challenges and build a better future for all residents. 

“Ours is a skewed past centered on exploitation, exclusion, and oppression but we remain hopeful about the socio-economic prospects of our province, and we are unflinching on our commitment to creating a better life of all, irrespective of race, class, and gender or creed,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 02/27/2025 - 15:36
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Motsoaledi urges men to take the lead in fight against HIV, AIDS

Location: News

Motsoaledi urges men to take the lead in fight against HIV, AIDS

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has urged men to actively participate in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

This as he kicked off a campaign aimed at enrolling 1.1 million individuals in HIV treatment by December 2025.

Statistics show that 65% of those tested in a 2010 campaign were women, underscoring the need for increased male participation.

“When you go to the clinic, you don't find men. Now, when we ask them, after realising that less than 30% of them are testing, they say, my wife has tested… please help women fight this battle,” the Minister urged attendees on Tuesday at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg.

He officially launched the campaign in collaboration with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and other stakeholders in the health sector.

The drive is part of the country’s ongoing interventions to enhance the uptake of life-saving HIV treatment to ensure 95% of people diagnosed with HIV receive and adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) to achieve viral suppression.

South Africa has 7.8 million people living with HIV and AIDS, and 7.5 million of them know their status, while at least 5.9 million are on ARV treatment.

The country is making progress towards achieving the ambitious targets, but despite these remarkable achievements, significant challenges persist regarding prevention, treatment initiation, adherence to ART, and retention in care.

The gathering focused on the launch of a campaign to eliminate HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The campaign also aims to build on past successes in eradicating diseases like smallpox and polio, emphasising the need for collective will and action.

The Minister urged action against tuberculosis (TB), citing the history of neglecting other diseases.

“We have known the existence of TB since 1882. But other diseases [we] were able to get rid of them. For instance, the world got rid of smallpox after it achieved 300 million people because there were campaigns to get rid of it. There was a vaccine, but that vaccine did not just get into the bodies of people. Men and women stood up and ran through the whole length and breadth of the world, the whole corner of the world and vaccinated people.”

He used the platform to urge everyone, particularly men, to take an active role in contributing to this important battle.

Motsoaledi also announced that the campaign aims to address cervical cancer. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 15:25
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Traditional leaders urged to help build a better SA 

Location: News

Traditional leaders urged to help build a better SA 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on traditional leaders to work alongside the Government of National Unity (GNU) in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future for South Africa.

Addressing the annual opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town, the President reaffirmed the vital role of traditional leadership in the country’s development.

“As the Government of National Unity, I once again call on Amakhosi to join hands with us as we embark on a new, glorious future for South Africa and its people,” said President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.

The National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders comprises traditional leaders who are delegates from the Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders of South Africa and represent the Provincial Houses at national level.

He highlighted the historical significance of traditional leadership, noting that traditional leaders support governance in many rural and peri-urban communities, often facing the harshest conditions of poverty, inequality, and climate change. 

The President expressed concern over the recent devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, which led to loss of life and destruction of property and infrastructure. He urged Amakhosi to work with disaster management teams to protect rural communities from extreme weather events.

“The recent floods in parts of KwaZulu-Natal have led to loss of life, damage to farming land, and the destruction of property and infrastructure. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected communities. 

“I want to use this opportunity to call on you as Amakhosi to work with the disaster management response teams in our provinces and support the work that is being done to protect our rural communities against extreme weather,” he said. 

READ | Level 2 heavy rain warning issued for KwaZulu-Natal

Killings

President Ramaphosa strongly condemned the increasing assassinations of traditional leaders, calling the attacks an “affront to our nation". 

He referenced the recent killing of Contralesa NEC member and Ndzundza-Fene Traditional Council Chairperson, Kosi Thugwana, in Mpumalanga, stressing that such violence must be rooted out.

“Even one killing is one too many. Be assured that our law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crime are brought to book.”

Shared prosperity 

The President reiterated the government’s commitment to working with traditional and Khoi-San leaders to foster unity and development. He also emphasised the importance of their participation in the upcoming National Dialogue, a platform aimed at fostering inclusivity and shaping the country’s future.

He said that government will rely on the traditional leaders’ guidance to rally people towards a future of shared prosperity and inclusivity.

“It will be important that traditional leaders and the communities they lead [to] participate in the National Dialogue so that the process produces a plan that reflects the interests and aspirations of everyone.

“The Medium Term Development Plan that we have adopted as the Government of National Unity intends to advance three strategic priorities: to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state,” the President explained.

He also highlighted ongoing consultations to review the White Paper on Local Government and emphasised the role of Amakhosi in shaping policies that affect rural communities.

The Deputy President has been mandated to facilitate dialogues with traditional leaders, further strengthening collaboration between government and traditional institutions.

Legislative developments

Following the Constitutional Court’s ruling that declared the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act unconstitutional, the President confirmed that steps were being taken to reintroduce a revised bill in Parliament. 

He urged traditional leaders to actively participate in consultations to ensure their interests are reflected in the legislation.

In addition, President Ramaphosa addressed the longstanding issue of customary initiation practices, particularly in the Eastern Cape, where fatalities and injuries continue to be a concern. 

The government has gazetted regulations for public comment and is working towards drafting guidelines to regulate initiation school fees and prevent exploitation.

READ | Hlabisa and traditional leaders discuss safer customary initiation plan

Turning to the issue of land reform and economic development, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to land reform, noting the passage of the Expropriation Act as part of efforts to ensure that land is equitably shared.

The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development has completed its work on the Communal Land Tenure Bill and is set to conduct public consultations.

Tackling gender-based violence and Forum of Majesties

The President urged Amakhosi to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide, emphasising that such crimes have no place in African culture. He commended the House for its existing initiatives and called for greater involvement in protecting women and children.

“We know that such violence is not part of any culture. Violence against women and children is not part of the nation we want to build.”

Turning to traditional leadership, President Ramaphosa welcomed the launch of the Forum of South Africa’s Majesties, chaired by His Majesty King Makhosonke II, and acknowledged efforts to establish a similar platform for Queens. 
He also encouraged traditional leaders to continue engaging with government ministries, particularly in sectors such as mineral resources, to ensure communities benefit from the country’s natural wealth.

G20 and National Budget

With South Africa set to host the G20 Summit for the first time later this year, the President urged traditional leaders to use the opportunity to showcase the nation’s diverse cultural heritage. 

He also addressed the postponement of the Budget Speech, explaining that further discussions were necessary to align the priorities of the multi-party GNU.

READ | Government continues working for the people, despite Budget postponement

“In the interests of consensus-building, we are undertaking further discussions so that we can arrive at a budget that everyone can have confidence in a budget that promotes inclusive growth, supports job creation and that tackles poverty and inequality,” he said. 

The President further emphasised that despite many challenges, it is through cooperation and partnership that a better South Africa can be built in which everyone enjoys equal opportunity and can lead lives of dignity. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 13:17
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SA crafts guidelines for green hydrogen development

Location: News

SA crafts guidelines for green hydrogen development

In a major step towards cementing South Africa’s position as a global leader in green hydrogen, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has overseen the launch of two game-changing environmental planning mechanisms. 

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guideline for green hydrogen projects and the South African Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas will remove regulatory uncertainty, drive investment, and accelerate South Africa’s transition to a green hydrogen economy.

Developed in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and GFA Consulting Group, these mechanisms will provide critical guidance for responsible and sustainable green hydrogen development.

In a statement of Tuesday, the Minister hailed the mechanisms as a victory for South Africa’s economic and environmental ambitions, reinforcing his commitment to positioning the country as a leader in clean energy innovation. 

“This is a defining moment for South Africa’s green economy. By taking proactive steps to provide regulatory clarity and scientific insights, we are ensuring that green hydrogen becomes a major driver of sustainable economic growth, investment, and job creation. This is about unlocking South Africa’s potential while protecting our environment for future generations,” he said.

Under the Minister’s leadership, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has strengthened the central role it plays in developing clear, science-based guidelines that provide certainty for investors and developers. 

“The EIA Guideline will ensure that projects are planned responsibly, while the Green Hydrogen Atlas offers a powerful, interactive tool for mapping the country’s most promising locations for green hydrogen production.

“With abundant solar and wind resources, strategic port infrastructure, and a central location on global shipping routes, South Africa is uniquely positioned to become a green hydrogen powerhouse. 

“Green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy, has the potential to replace fossil fuels in industries like steel, cement, and heavy transport, reducing emissions while creating new economic opportunities,” the department said.

The department said the launch of these mechanisms sends a clear message to international investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.

“South Africa is ready to lead in green hydrogen innovation and production,” the department said.

The EIA Guideline can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/SAGH2eia. - SAnews.gov.za
 

 

nosihle
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 11:09
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AEW 2025 to Fuel Regional Investment as Southern Africa Advances (O & G) Development

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

From significant oil deposits in Namibia's Orange Basin to untapped potential in South Africa to gas frontiers onshore Zimbabwe and developments in Mozambique and Angola, Southern Africa has emerged as a highly-promising oil and gas market. However, to unlock the full potential of the industry, investors need to rally, providing the much-needed capital and technology to boost energy development across the region.

African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies – taking place September 29 to October 2, 2025 - will highlight Southern Africa's energy potential, from major projects and exploration campaigns to investment opportunities and emerging challenges. By uniting regional governments, major operators and global stakeholders, the event fosters collaboration, serving as a catalyst for South African energy development.

Angola Drives Exploration Towards Near-Term Production

Sub-Saharan Africa's second-largest oil producer, Angola continues to leverage industry reform to accelerate exploration and development. Seeking to maintain oil output above one million barrels per day while increasing natural gas production, the country is preparing to launch the final bid round of its six-year licensing strategy in Q1, 2025. Offering nine blocks for exploration in the deepwater Kwanza and Benguela basins, the round is expected to entice major deepwater players to expand their portfolios offshore Angola. To further support production growth, the country introduced five marginal fields for exploration in 2024 and continues to promote blocks available on direct negotiation. Major projects such as the Cabinda Oil Refinery (2025); the New Gas Consortium (early-2026); and the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development (mid-2026) are also set to fuel production.

Mozambique Targets LNG Advancement

With over 100 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas resources in the Rovuma Basin, Mozambique is pushing ahead with several large-scale LNG projects. These include the operational 3.4 million ton per annum (MTPA) Coral South FLNG project; the under-development 3.37 MTPA Coral North project; the 18 MTPA Rovuma LNG project; and the 13 MTPA Mozambique LNG project. Despite delays, operators are committed to accelerating development. While pushing the Mozambique LNG project timeline from 2027 to 2029/2030, TotalEnergies expects a U.S. loan approval to be restored under the Trump administration in the coming weeks. ExxonMobil also anticipates FID for the Rovuma project by 2026, paving the way for advanced development.

Namibia: The Next Deepwater Oil Producer

Following a string of discoveries in the offshore Orange Basin, Namibia is working towards first oil production by 2029. The Venus-1X discovery by TotalEnergies is at the forefront of this goal, with the French major seeking to finalize its phase one development plan in 2025 and make FID in 2026. However, the development of the Mopane well – situated in PEL 83 and operated by oil and gas firm Galp - could bring the timeline to first production much closer. Two discoveries were made at the Mopane 1-A well and the Mopane 2-A well, and the operator is now seeking a farm-in partner to develop the asset. Other companies such as Shell, Petrobras, Africa Oil Corp, Chevron and more are also investing offshore while independents including ReconAfrica and Sintana Energy are conducting exploration and appraisal drilling onshore.

South Africa Prioritizes Gas Exploration, Renewable Expansion

Two offshore basins have generated significant interest by foreign player in South Africa: the Southern Outeniqua Basin and the Orange Basin. Southern Outeniqua featured two major gas discoveries made by TotalEnergies (Luiperd and Brulpadda) in 2019 and 2020, representing some of Africa's biggest finds made during the period. While TotalEnergies exited the Southern Outeniqua basin in 2024, the company has turned its attention to South Africa's Orange Basin, hoping to mirror upstream success in neighboring Namibia. Other firms including Africa Oil Corp, Shell and Petrobras are investing in the Orange Basin, and all eyes are on future discoveries offshore South Africa.

Zimbabwe: An Onshore Gas Frontier

Zimbabwe made headlines in 2022 when Invictus Energy announced successful drilling activities at the Mukuyu-1 well at the onshore Cabora Bassa Project. This was followed by the discovery of gas at the Mukuyu-2 well in 2023, with the find revealing the potential for 20 TCF of gas resources. In 2025, the company completed an independence review of the Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement, which would enable the Invictus Energy to unlock value-sharing from the project. Going forward, the company is pursuing a 3D seismic survey alongside appraisal drilling and well testing to further delineate the resource potential while refining development plans and improving the operational efficiency. All eyes are on the project as Zimbabwe strives to bring its first natural gas development to fruition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
AEW: Invest in African Energies 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.

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South Africa’s National Astro-Tourism Strategy

Location: News

Department of Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa
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On Tuesday, 18 February, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, supported by Ms. Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Ms. Maggie Sotyu, Deputy Minister of Tourism, led the presentation of South Africa's National Astro-Tourism Strategy to Parliament.

Last year, the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia De Lille, tabled the National Astro-Tourism Strategy in Cabinet. Subsequent to this, in September last year, Cabinet approved this Strategy and in the same month, Minister De Lille and Minister Nzimande presided over the launch of this Strategy in Carnarvon in the Northern Cape.

This past Tuesday, this Strategy was presented at a joint sitting of the Portfolio Committees of Science, Technology and Innovation and Tourism.

In highlighting the strategic importance of astronomy and tourism to South Africa, Minister Nzimande stated that “South Africa is fast becoming one of the leading nations in the discipline of astronomy and this is why in August last year, we hosted the prestigious General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union. This was first time this prestigious gathering was hosted on the African continent.

Equally, we also have a very robust tourism sector as a country, which is a major contributor to GDP and is expected to grow significantly over the next 5 to 10 years.”

Minister Nzimande also used the briefing to highlight some of South Africa's most notable investments in astronomy infrastructure, during the democratic era, which include the 10-metre Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland, which is the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.

The MeerKAT telescope in Carnarvon, which is a precursor to the SKA project, which he said was “going to be South Africa's single biggest scientific infrastructure.”

Outlining the benefits of these investments, Minister Nzimande indicated that "the investments in these high calibre scientific instruments in astronomy enabled an exponential increase in the number of South African astronomers from 60 (only 5 of them were radio astronomers) to about 300 in the last 30 years.”

The Minister Nzimande also used the opportunity to explain what astro-tourism was and further outlined the objectives of South Africa's Astro-Tourism Strategy.

The Minister stated that “… science tourism involves experiences enjoyed when visiting scientific attractions such as scientific landmarks, including museums, laboratories, observatories, and higher educational institutions where research is conducted.

It is also important to realise that astro-tourism is built around the traditions inherited from our ancestors by different ethnic cultures in observing the skies from time immemorial. Astro-tourism therefore draws heavily from the vast and untapped reservoirs of our indigenous knowledge systems.

Astro-tourism also encompasses all offerings such as observatories, telescopes, museums, planetariums, meteorite sites, visitor centres, amateur astronomy clubs, stargazing, tour-guides, astro-routes, and accommodation establishments, etc.”

In outlining the strategic importance of the Astro-Tourism Strategy, Minister Nzimande stated that “We regard science and tourism as mutually reinforcing and therefore building on our competitive advantages in astronomy and tourism, we seek to use the Astro-Tourism Strategy to achieve the following:

  • Enhance the performance of South Africa's astronomy tourism sector through infrastructure developments and improvements, optimal functioning of various streams of astronomy with tourism offerings and boosting transformation by enhancing the livelihoods of local communities;
  • Position South Africa as a world class Astro tourism destination that will yield sustainable benefit-sharing opportunities by maximising appropriate investments, improving marketing efforts, and enhancing visitor experience in South Africa;
  • Educate communities about the importance of preserving our dark skies and radio silence as this is a geographic advantage that needs to be protected for astrotourism to thrive; and
  • Most importantly, we also seek to use this strategy to drive meaningful socio-economic development within poor and rural communities, through science tourism.”

The Strategy is anchored on three pillars, which are: indigenous celestial narratives and human capacity development; infrastructure development; and inclusive tourism growth and partnerships – and requires an estimated budget of over R352 million.

The implementation of the Astro-Tourism Strategy is the joint responsibility of the Departments of Science, Technology and Innovation and Tourism, which have established a Steering Committee that comprises officials from both departments, the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The DSTI's entity, the National Research Foundation (NRF) and its sub entities the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) and South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), also form part of this Steering Committee.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.

Read moreSouth Africa’s National Astro-Tourism Strategy

Mpumalanga strengthens fight against GBVF

Location: News

Mpumalanga strengthens fight against GBVF

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has launched the Provincial Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide that will improve access to essential services for GBVF victims.

Wednesday’s launch in Secunda marked a step forward in the province’s commitment to addressing the deep-seated inequalities and GBVF that plagues communities.

The newly established council will focus on improving access to essential services for GBVF victims, including shelters, counselling, legal support, and healthcare. 

It is envisaged that the structure will develop an action plan for the implementation of the Provincial Strategic Plan on GBVF (PSP-GBVF), recently approved by Members of the Executive Council (EXCO).

Ndlovu said the launch affirms the provincial government’s commitment to fight the GBVF pandemic, given the increase in GBVF cases in the province.

Ndlovu said the statistics of sexual offences, which increased from 641 in March 2022 to 746 in March 2023, underscores the urgency of the structure. 

“Through the provincial structure, we are bringing together government, civil society, and the private sector to create a collective response to GBVF. The structure will effectively coordinate all GBVF intervention programmes, in our quest to eliminate the pandemic.

“We stand in solidarity with survivors, dedicating ourselves to rebuilding their lives, and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their heinous crimes. Justice will be served, and no offender will go unpunished. This initiative is a testament to our unwavering resolve to create a safer, more equitable society for all,” the Premier said.

The council will be constituted by government representatives, with the Premier as a co-Chairperson, the private sector, the civil society, and traditional leadership.

A pledge was signed at the end of the event as a commitment by all stakeholders to fight GBVF.

The launch aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of GBVF as a national crisis and a second pandemic. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Thu, 02/20/2025 - 16:18
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Gauteng Legislature bemoans night club incident

Location: News

Gauteng Legislature bemoans night club incident

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, has called on law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible for the inhumane treatment of patrons at ZanZou nightclub in Pretoria, are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

The committee strongly condemned the shocking videos circulating on social media, which depict the alleged brutal and barbaric handling of patrons perpetrated at Zanzou nightclub.

Committee Chairperson, Bandile Masuku said the incident is a grave violation of human rights and an abuse of the dignity of the individuals involved.

“The committee is deeply concerned by the inhumane treatment of the patrons, which is completely unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. This incident serves as a painful reminder of our apartheid past, where Black men and women were subjected to torture and dehumanisation at the hands of the racist apartheid security forces.

“We cannot allow such atrocities to be repeated in a free and democratic South Africa. Such actions have no place in a democratic society that is founded on the principles of human dignity, equality, and the rule of law,” Masuku said in a statement on Tuesday.

The committee has called on Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni and all relevant law enforcement agencies, to ensure those responsible are swiftly apprehended and held accountable.
The committee also called for a comprehensive investigation into allegations that there might have been some form of police complicity in concealing and not acting appropriately in dealing with such violations.

The committee further called for the immediate closure of ZanZou nightclub and other establishments known to endanger the safety and rights of their patrons.

“No individual or entity should be allowed to violate the rights of others in such a manner, and those responsible must face the full might of the law. The committee has already written to the Provincial Police Commissioner to request a detailed status report on the investigation into this matter.

“We will continue to monitor developments closely to ensure that justice is served, and that such incidents are prevented in the future,” Masuku said. 

Masuku’s comments come as the SAPS has launched a manhunt for at least eight foreign national suspects in connection with the incident that is making the rounds on social media platforms.

This as video clips of the incident have been circulating on social media.

READ | Police launch manhunt following Pretoria night club incident

Masuku reiterated the committee’s commitment to upholding the principles of community safety, warning that it will take any necessary actions to ensure accountability.

“The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety stands in solidarity with the victims of this incident and urges anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward and report to the relevant authorities. Together, we must work towards a society where the rights and dignity of every individual are respected and protected.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has condemned the incident.

READ | Government strongly condemns acts of dehumanisation

– SAnews.gov.za
 

 

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Wed, 02/19/2025 - 11:06
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Police launch manhunt following Pretoria night club incident

Location: News

Police launch manhunt following Pretoria night club incident

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt for at least eight foreign national suspects in connection with a Pretoria night club incident that is making the rounds on social media platforms.

This as video clips of the incident have been circulating on social media.

In a statement on Tuesday, the SAPS said that its Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit had taken over investigations into the incident.

The FCS unit is responsible for the investigation of sexual related offences.

“The main charges that are being investigated by the SAPS are the following: compelled rape, assault, crimen injuria, intimidation and kidnapping. Following a call by the SAPS for victims to come forward, the SAPS confirms that only three victims aged 20, 21 and 22 reported at the Brooklyn police station on Monday evening. 

“According to the victims, the[re] were a group of five friends who were subjected to the abuse. Police are confident that the other two victims will be traced and their statements will also be included in the docket,” said the SAPS. 

The victims allege that the incident happened in January 2023 wherein a dispute arose between the five friends, bouncers and manager of the night club.

The bouncers and manager allegedly forced the five victims into a storeroom and began assaulting them, instructed them to insert alcohol bottles into their private parts and forced them to perform sexual acts on themselves.

“Police are also calling on a man who claims to be a former bouncer of the night club who goes by the name of Pablo on social media to also come forward to assist police investigations. Pablo has made numerous allegations and police are of the view that he would be instrumental in assisting police to solve this case,” said the SAPS.

Meanwhile in statement posted to social media platform X on Monday, Zanzou management said it was aware of the circulation of “disturbing historical videos which depicts security personnel employing excessive and violent force in response to incidents of phone theft by the individuals therein".

“At the time when management became aware of these practices, an immediate investigation was conducted which resulted in the immediate halting of such as well as the dismissal of security personnel responsible for the perpetration thereof, in line with our commitment to ensuing a safe and secure environment,” it said.

The night club said it remained steadfast in its dedication to the safety and well-being of its patrons.

“We are fully prepared to cooperate with law enforcement authorities in any investigations related to his matter,” it said.

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has commended the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni and his team for the speed in which they have attended to the case. 

“General Masemola is satisfied with the level of response and assures the victims that police will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted to ensure perpetrators are brought to book,” said the SAPS.

The police also called on those who have knowledge of the whereabouts of the suspects to report to the Brooklyn police station or call the Crime Stop Hotline number on 0860010111. Those with smart phones are encouraged to download the MYSAPS app to share information. “Those reporting are reminded that they may remain anonymous,” said the police. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 02/18/2025 - 09:56
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NBA Africa and Safaricom’s M-Pesa Launch League’s Most Expansive Youth Development Program in East Africa to Date

Location: Sport
Basketball Africa League (BAL)

NBA Africa and Safaricom (NSE: SCOM- https://apo-opa.co/4gKHaas), the region's leading technology company, on Saturday launched the M-PESA Jr. NBA program that will provide basketball development and financial literacy programming to more than 10,000 boys and girls in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu, marking the league's most expansive youth development program in East Africa to date.   

The first year of the M-PESA Jr. NBA program, which tipped off with a clinic for more than 100 local coaches at SABIS International School in Nairobi, will consist of four regional tournaments for youth ages 13-16 in Nairobi (Feb. 22-23), Mombasa (March 8-9), Eldoret (March 15-16) and Kisumu (March 22-23). 

In each city, 20 boys' and 20 girls' teams will participate in skills development sessions and competitive games. The top 80 players will then be grouped into four boys' teams and four girls' teams that will play games in a round-robin format. The top 16 boys and girls from each city will be selected to attend an elite top 100 camp at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa in April.

In addition to the basketball development programming, M-PESA, Safaricom's innovative mobile payment platform, will host financial literacy workshops for the participating youth, empowering them to develop healthy financial habits.

“Tipping off our multiyear collaboration with Safaricom is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to make basketball more accessible to Kenyan boys and girls,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “We look forward to positively impacting youth and coaches across the country through basketball development and life-skills programming.”

“Our collaboration with NBA Africa could not have come at a more opportune moment, as Safaricom's M-PESA will celebrate its 18th anniversary this March, marking a significant milestone in our journey,” said Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa. “Through M-PESA Go, this collaboration transcends beyond basketball. It is driven by a shared vision to create a lasting impact, not only in sports but also in the broader context of youth empowerment. We are committed to nurturing potential, building character, and equipping the next generation with the tools necessary for success. We firmly believe that the association between M-PESA Go and the Jr. NBA program can pave the way for growth and financial health, enabling young athletes to develop their skills and seize opportunities at the next level.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fifth season in April 2025. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3ELjWny) and @ theBAL (https://apo-opa.co/3ELjWE4) on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

About Safaricom:
Safaricom is the leading telecommunication company in East Africa. Our purpose is to transform lives by connecting people to people, people to opportunities, and people to information. We keep over 45.9 million customers connected and play a critical role in the society, supporting over one million jobs both directly and indirectly while our total economic value was estimated at KES 393 billion ($3.1 billion) for the 12 months through March 2022.

Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and with annual revenues of close to KES 335.4 billion as of March 2024, Safaricom provides connectivity through wide range of technology, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G in aggregate covering over 99% of Kenya's population.

Safaricom is an equal opportunity employer, actively recruiting staff from different backgrounds reflecting the communities that we serve. We are committed to equal gender representation at all levels. Our target is to achieve 50:50 senior management gender parity by 2025.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we continue to work towards improving energy and resource efficiency in our network and facilities to reduce carbon emissions and our fuel consumption. We remain committed to becoming a Net Zero carbon-emitting company by 2050.

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South Africa’s New National Petroleum Company Signals Shift in African Energy Governance

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

The upcoming launch of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) on April 1, 2025 marks a significant step in South Africa's ongoing efforts to restructure its energy sector and improve efficiency within state-owned enterprises. This move, which consolidates PetroSA, iGas and the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF), aligns with broader regional trends in energy governance, where NOCs are increasingly being positioned as catalysts for investment, security of supply and economic development.

The South African government first announced plans for SANPC in 2020 as part of its strategy to rationalize state-owned enterprises and create a more competitive and investment-friendly energy sector. The merger process, overseen by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) Group under the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, has progressed steadily, with agreements in place to ensure a smooth transition for employees. However, questions remain over asset management, particularly regarding how viable and non-viable assets will be handled post-merger.

SANPC's establishment comes at a time when Africa's energy sector is striving to create a more enabling environment for investment, a theme that will take center stage at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town on September 29 - October 3. As South Africa works to streamline its state-owned energy enterprises, other African nations are similarly evaluating how to strengthen their own NOCs to attract investment, drive economic growth and navigate the global energy transition.

In Angola, Sonangol has embarked on a restructuring process to enhance its operational efficiency and financial sustainability, including divesting non-core assets and increasing transparency to attract private sector investment. Similarly, Ghana's GNPC has pursued strategic partnerships with IOCs to maximize offshore exploration and production while ensuring local participation in energy projects. These efforts reflect a broader trend across the continent, where governments are leveraging regulatory reforms and governance improvements to make their NOCs more competitive in the global energy market.

Nigeria has also taken significant steps with the transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), a commercially driven entity under its Petroleum Industry Act. The shift aims to position NNPC as a profit-oriented enterprise, reducing government dependence on oil revenues while fostering a more attractive investment climate. The success of these reforms will serve as a key reference for SANPC and other emerging NOCs in Africa, underscoring the importance of strong governance, fiscal discipline and strategic partnerships in the sector.

A key aspect of SANPC's establishment is its impact on local content development. The latest report from the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources indicates that the integration of employees from PetroSA, iGas and SFF is progressing smoothly, with agreements in place to ensure job security and a seamless transition. This is a crucial development, as maintaining a skilled workforce and prioritizing local expertise will be essential for SANPC's operational success. As the newly established NOC progresses, its approach to workforce integration and skills development will serve as a benchmark for other state-owned enterprises in Africa looking to balance efficiency with social responsibility.

With regulatory and policy frameworks playing a crucial role in shaping investor confidence, SANPC's structure and governance will be closely watched by industry stakeholders. Its success – or challenges – could offer valuable lessons for other African countries seeking to optimize their state energy assets while balancing the transition to cleaner energy sources. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will provide a platform to discuss these critical issues, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and investors to explore solutions for Africa's energy future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

About AEW: Invest in African Energy:
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.

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Minister George announces actions to grow SA’s green economy

Location: News

Minister George announces actions to grow SA’s green economy

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has announced key actions to accelerate South Africa’s green economy, create sustainable jobs, and to stimulate economic growth.

These actions focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and circular economy initiatives.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Minister said these actions will contribute to environmental targets while fostering economic opportunities.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is prioritising renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and hydropower. 

It has streamlined environmental authorisation processes to speed up project approvals, including the exclusion of solar and battery facilities from environmental authorisation in low and medium environmental sensitivity areas.

Furthermore, 11 renewable energy zones and five transmission corridors for incentivised green energy projects have been identified.

“Efforts to incentivise renewable energy development include identifying strategic zones where the environmental review will take just 194 days, instead of the usual 300.

“These measures will stimulate job creation in installation, maintenance, and in other related sectors, specifically targeting underserved communities,” the department said.

The Minister emphasised the importance of improving energy efficiency across sectors. 

“Through energy-saving programmes and technology incentives, we aim to reduce consumption and cut costs,” George said.

The DFFE is also investing in waste management to support the transition to a circular economy. 

The circular economy refers to a model in which products are re-used and recycled, waste is reduced, and products are re-designed.

“Initiatives like the Recycling Enterprise Support Programme (RESP) and e-waste projects in Bushbuckridge and Nkomazi municipalities are providing economic opportunities for communities while addressing waste,” the department said.

Earlier this month, government launched two E-Waste Recycling pilot projects in Mpumalanga that will enable residents to bring their old and unused electronic waste, such as cell phones, computers, televisions, and other electrical appliances.

Another green economy initiative that the department is driving is the launch of a Green Hydrogen Guideline, which will be launched on 17 February 2025. 

The guideline will help to streamline approvals for green hydrogen projects, which will support the country’s energy transition.

The Minister said that all of these initiatives are not only designed to preserve the environment but will also create much-needed jobs, especially in disadvantaged areas, while driving long-term economic growth. 

“By focusing on the green economy, we’re not just protecting the environment, but creating a sustainable future with meaningful jobs,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za

 

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Wed, 02/12/2025 - 09:32

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Residents urged to handle waste disposal wisely

Location: News

Residents urged to handle waste disposal wisely

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has called on residents and businesses to exercise caution and follow protocols for the safe handling and disposal of all types of waste, especially hazardous waste.

“Failure to do so exposes people to serious health hazards,” Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Health, Thsonono Buyeye warned.

The call follows the unfortunate death of a 13-year-old child, who is suspected to have consumed a poisonous substance from a refuse bag in Bluewater Bay recently.

Following the unfortunate incident, the city’s Waste Management Sub-Directorate, under the Public Health Directorate, has embarked on an intensive stakeholder awareness and engagement programme to empower the public and businesses regarding guidelines on how to safely manage hazardous waste.

Buyeye said the stakeholder awareness and engagement programme will form part of a project called the Separation at Source Programme (SSP), which is currently underway.

“Separation at Source is a practice of sorting waste materials into different categories (like paper, plastic, glass and, etc.) at the point where they are generated, like in a household or factory, before they are disposed of, essentially preventing recyclable materials from going to landfills by separating them from other waste streams at the source,” Buyeye explained.

Buyeye said the sessions will include public education meetings, including door-to-door registration in Blue Water Bay, where the second phase of the SSP will be introduced on Tuesday.

Addressing the residents during a recent public engagement meeting in Bluewater Bay, Buyeye committed that the work currently underway will place special focus on hazardous waste handling and disposal.

"We will be working in partnership with waste pickers, households, businesses and the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) to improve in this area. It is unfortunate that the child’s death occurred at the time when the Directorate was about to launch the SSP in Bluewater Bay and surrounding areas,” Buyeye said.

He said engagements with business will include the education of businesses on the separation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials, with the intention of reducing the opportunity for waste reclaimers accessing dangerous waste items, and to ensure that hazardous substances are safely disposed of.

Buyeye said that the directorate is also engaging with the Nelson Mandela University to get access to, and benefit from the wealth of knowledge and expertise in various fields, including environmental science, waste management and chemical safety.

“The municipality also hopes to benefit from the university’s research to improve its waste management practices, especially concerning the safe handling and disposal of chemicals,” Buyeye said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 10:04

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Government puts measures in place to boost tourism

Location: News

Government puts measures in place to boost tourism

While South Africa’s tourism sector continues to grow, government aims to further grow the sector through several measures which include making it easier for tourists to apply for visas. 

“The tourism sector is growing rapidly, with close to nine million tourists having visited our country last year. We will grow tourism through our visa reforms, through increasing the number of flights to key destinations, and through marketing South Africa as the best country in the world to visit,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday night.

The 2025 SONA was the first to be delivered under the seventh administration’s Government of National Unity (GNU). 

“As part of our reform agenda, we will continue to enhance our visa system to make it easier for skilled people to invest in our country and to grow tourism,” the President said at the SONA that was held at the Cape Town City Hall.

He said government will launch an an Electronic Travel Authorisation system to enable a secure, fully digital visa application process. 

“This system will use artificial intelligence and automation to reduce the scope for corruption and enable rapid turnaround times for tourist visas.  We have cleared over 90 percent of the backlog of more than 300,000 visa applications. These changes send a strong message that South Africa is open for business and tourism,” the President said.

Earlier this week, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said Africa continues to drive the majority of the country’s arrivals, contributing 76% of all tourists from January to December 2024.

This as the latest international arrivals data from Statistics South Africa confirmed that South Africa’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total arrivals reaching 8.92 million in 2024 -- a 5.1% increase compared to 2023.

The Minister said growth from other regions signals steady recovery. Although the sector has yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels (2019), it now contributes 8.8% to gross domestic product (GDP) and supports 1.68 million jobs, according to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates. 

READ | Surge in international arrivals a major boost for SA tourism

According to the data, tourist arrivals from the Americas saw a strong 10.9% growth from 2023, reaching 505 579 arrivals in 2024. Tourist arrivals from Europe reached 1 258 706 in 2024, reflecting a 1.1% increase compared to 2023. -SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 23:10

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Government concerned about impact of pausing aid for HIV, TB programmes

Location: News

Government concerned about impact of pausing aid for HIV, TB programmes

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern at the potential impact of the decision by the United States government to suspend some of its funding for HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) programmes in African countries for 90 days.

“This funding accounts for about 17% of our country’s HIV spend. We have been able to provide funding from our fiscus for our HIV and TB programmes over the years,” the President said on Thursday, in Cape Town.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, the President said government was looking at various interventions to address the immediate needs and ensure the continuity of essential services.

The review of the grant funding programmes affects the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme, which is aimed at supporting HIV prevention, care and treatment. The programme supports several countries, including South Africa, to achieve HIV epidemic control.

“We are encouraged by the great progress the country has made towards ending HIV and AIDS as a public health threat.

“By the end of March 2024, 96 percent of people living with HIV knew their status, 79 percent of these were on antiretroviral treatment and 94 percent of those on treatment were virally suppressed.

“To ensure that we reach our target of 95-95-95, we will this year launch a massive campaign to look for an additional 1.1 million people who are not on treatment,” the President said. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 21:46

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Government activities for the week 1 – 7 February 2025

Location: News

Government activities for the week 1 – 7 February 2025

From 1 to 5 February, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, undertakes a G20 science, technology and innovation visit to the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

On Monday, 3 February, the South African delegation, led by the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, participates in the 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba convened under theme: “Future-proofing African Mining, today!”.

On Monday, 3 February, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, oversees the commencement of the single dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive at Welizibuko Primary School in Klipspruit, Soweto.

From Monday, 3 February, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will host pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) outreach activities from in the Western Cape province. 

  • Day One: Monday, 3 February 
    11h00: Service delivery outreach, Guga S’thebe Arts Centre.
     
  • Day Two: Tuesday, 4 February 
    15h30: Western Cape Community Media consultative session, Khayelitsha Thusong Service centre.
     
  • Day Three: Wednesday, 5 February
    13h00: Oversight visit to Mitchells Plain Thuthuzela Care centre
    15h00: Community Radio Simulcast Broadcast panel discussion, Mitchells Plain Labour Centre.

On Tuesday, 4 February, the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, will visit and handover digital migration equipment to a gender-based violence victims shelter in Western Cape, Cape Town.

On Tuesday, 4 February, the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, together with the Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, will launch of the SITA STEM Cyberlab in Lansdowne.

On Tuesday, 4 February, the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, chaired by Mpho Khunou, will hold an oversight meeting with the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, together North West Parks and Tourism Board, over delayed payment of salaries at the entity, and other concerning matters in different entities of the department.  

On Wednesday, 5 February, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, will host an Outreach Programme at the JL Zwane Memorial in Gugulethu - Western Cape Province - to share information on the department’s capacity and empowerment programmes with a view to encourage active and inclusive participation by the Youth, Women and Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) who seek to advance their career or business in the tourism sector.

On Thursday, 6 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address in Parliament. 

Matona
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 15:33

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Government takes bold step towards a cleaner environment

Location: News

Government takes bold step towards a cleaner environment

South Africa has demonstrated its commitment to reducing landfill waste, increasing recycling rates, and promoting a circular economy with the launch of two new E-Waste Recycling pilot projects in Mpumalanga.

According to Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Bernice Swarts, the improper disposal old electronic devices is a concern, as these devices contain harmful materials, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can have devastating effects on the environment and public health if not properly managed.

In response to this challenge, government has launched two E-Waste Recycling pilot projects in Mpumalanga that will enable residents to bring their old and unused electronic waste, such as cell phones, computers, televisions, and other electrical appliances.

“In South Africa, we generate over 360,000 tons of e-waste annually, and unfortunately, only a small fraction of 10% of this is properly recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, or worse, is illegally dumped, posing serious risks to our ecosystems,” Swarts said.

On Friday, the Deputy Minister launched the first E-Waste Recycling pilot project in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, and on Saturday, the same project was launched in Schoemansdal, Nkomazi Local Municipality. 

“As we all know, the municipality faces challenges with waste management, and (e-waste) is one of the most problematic. The increasing number of electronic devices being used without a proper system for disposal has led to the accumulation of waste that harms our environment and contaminates water and soil. 

“Today’s launch of the E-Waste Recycling Project is our response to this growing crisis. The goal of this project is to test and implement a sustainable system for recycling e-waste in Nkomazi,” the Deputy Minister said.

This initiative was launched in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Nkomazi Local Municipality, Industry and the Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs). 

“Through this collaboration, we aim to not only manage and dispose of e-waste responsibly but also raise awareness among communities about the importance of recycling and the dangers of improper e-waste disposal.

“The wheelie bins provided by the Producer Responsibility Organisation (eWASA) to the Nkomazi Local Municipality will be placed at designated sites, which will be determined by the Nkomazi Local Municipality and communicated widely to the community,” she said.

These bins will serve as dedicated receptacles for collecting e-waste, ensuring that it is separated from general household waste and directed to specialized recycling channels. 

E-Waste collection enterprises that are based in Nkomazi will be charged with the responsibility of servicing these designated sites through collecting the e-Waste. 

The enterprises will be led by Previously Disadvantaged Individuals and with a particular demonstration of transformation and inclusivity.

“The collection and recycling of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) will prevent toxic substances from leaching into the soil and water, protecting both our environment and our health.

“One of the key aspects of the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations is the legal requirement for Producer Responsibility Organisations to provide a service fee for waste collection by the informal waste sector, waste pickers,” Swarts said.

This service fee is over and above the money that waste pickers get for “selling” the waste.

“Furthermore, this project is about more than just waste management, it is about creating jobs and stimulating local economic development. Through this initiative, we are engaging more Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) to facilitate the increase of e-Waste recycling. 

“These organisations play a crucial role in managing the end-of-life phase of electronic products and are an important part of the national effort to promote a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled rather than discarded. 

“Through collaboration with these organisations, we can ensure that this project is sustainable and scalable, with the potential to expand across other regions in the future. The importance of this project cannot be overstated. Not only will it help Nkomazi manage its e-waste problem more effectively, but it will also contribute to our country’s broader environmental goals,” the Deputy Minister said.

 As part of the National Waste Management Strategy 2020, South Africa has committed to reducing waste sent to landfills, increasing recycling rates, and promoting a circular economy. 

“The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which place responsibility for end-of-life products on producers, are key to this vision. By encouraging industry involvement in waste management, we are ensuring that those who create waste are also part of the solution.

“In the coming months, we will monitor the progress of this project to ensure that it meets its objectives. This includes tracking the volume of e-waste collected, the effectiveness of the community awareness campaigns, and the number of local jobs created through the project. 

“Our goal is to ensure that this project becomes a success story and a model that can be replicated across other municipalities in Mpumalanga and beyond,” the Deputy Minister said. -SANews.gov.za

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Sun, 02/02/2025 - 10:02

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