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Workshop highlights importance of effective water resource management

Location: News

Workshop highlights importance of effective water resource management

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Judith Tshabalala, has reiterated the importance of the effective management of water resources in promoting development in the country. 

"It is not the intention of the department to make the lives of our citizens difficult by going through the tedious journey of having to apply for a water use licence [but] we do it because we have been entrusted with powers to ensure that water is managed in the best interest of all citizens,” Tshabalala said.

Tshabalala was speaking during a community engagement on water use license applications at the Westonaria Banquet Hall in the Rand West District Municipality, Johannesburg on Friday.

The workshop aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the application process, engage on sustainable water management practices, facilitate networking opportunities and empower disadvantaged communities.

Tshabalala said the workshop allowed users the space to network, including people who applied for water use licenses, those who have been on the waiting list, and those who have been experiencing challenges regarding water licensing.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of water use licenses to ensure effective water resource management.

“Activities that require water use authorisation include the development of facilities or infrastructure for animal concentration such as pigs, rabbits, crocodiles, ostriches, poultry aquaculture, the development of facilities or infrastructure for animal slaughter such as poultry, game, red meat, and more. 

“Additionally, water use authorisation is required for the development and operation of hatcheries or agri-industrial facilities; for an area of 300 square meters or more of indigenous vegetation in specified geographical areas; and of 1 hectare or more of indigenous vegetation,” Tshabalala explained.

During the question-and-answer session, the community members and stakeholders commended the department for the initiative, saying the workshop will make things easier for the disadvantaged when they undergo the application process.

However, they expressed their concerns about water regulations in the country, requesting the government take immediate action against those who claim to sell purified water in their shops. 

The community members asked for government’s intervention in spaces where racism is rife and less-literate individuals are taken for granted and are unwittingly made to sign away their land and water use licenses.

The Deputy Minister noted the concerns and promised that a follow-up meeting would be convened to provide feedback regarding the concerns raised.

"We welcome your input and complaints with an open mind and we are very much resolute in our quest of addressing whatever challenge you have in water use licensing,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Sun, 04/21/2024 - 09:17

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Read moreWorkshop highlights importance of effective water resource management

Y’Africa, the TV show that showcases African talent: Orange announces a third season dedicated to the continent’s athletes

Location: News
Orange Middle East and Africa

Orange (www.Orange.com) is launching the third season of its flagship program Y'Africa, which will be broadcast weekly from mid-April on 15 national TV channels across Africa; This new season is dedicated to the journeys of 28 rising sporting talents from 12 countries; Like the first two seasons, it is directed by Dan Assayag and produced by Fame Productions; Season 3 has 7 episodes, each 52 minutes long.

The Y'Africa project was launched by Orange in February 2020. The first two seasons were very successful, not only on the 15 African terrestrial TV channels on which it was broadcast, but also on social media, where content from the series has racked up 80 million views. The first two seasons highlighted the richness and diversity of African culture by profiling 63 artists. The third season presents 28 high-level Olympic and Paralympic athletes and champions, each of them represents the continent's hopes.

Inspired by the extraordinary pool of talent seen across the continent, Y'Africa celebrates the vitality and plurality of modern Africa and its people. The name of the program also reflects this connection, “Y'Africa” is the contraction of “Africa Ya lelo”, or “Africa today” in Lingala.

Breathtaking images, extraordinary stories

Season 3 of Y'Africa involved 18 months of filming in all corners of the world: South Africa, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Spain, the US, Ethiopia, France, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia. Among our 28 athletes are 13 Olympic champions, world champions, or world record holders, including:

  • Tigst ASSEFA (Ethiopia), World Marathon Women's Record Holder
  • Hugues Fabrice ZANGO (Burkina Faso), 2023 Triple Jump World Champion
  • Cheick Sallah Junior CISSÉ (Ivory Coast), 2023 World Champion, gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Taekwondo Olympics
  • Tamirat TOLA (Ethiopia), 2022 World Marathon Champion
  • Amane BERISO SHANKULE (Ethiopia), 2023 World Marathon Champion
  • Amos KIPRUTO (Kenya), bronze medalist at the 2019 World Marathon Championships
  • Sabastian KIMARU SAWE (Kenya), 2023 Road Half Marathon World Champion
  • Khadija EL MARDI (Morocco), World Heavyweight Champion in Amateur Boxing 2023
  • Nicolas Pieter DU PREEZ (South Africa), gold medalist at the Beijing 2020 Paralympic Games in Road Cycling
  • Djamel SEDJATI (Algeria), 2022 World Vice-Champion in the 800 Meters
  • Kaylia NEMOUR (Algeria), 2023 Vice-World Champion, Uneven Bars
  • Soumaya BOUSAID (Tunisia), bronze medalist at the Beijing 2020 Para-JOs in the 1500 Meters T13
  • Oussama MELLOULI (Tunisia), gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics in the 10 Kilometer Open Water

Y'Africa Season 3 covers 21 Olympic disciplines, from traditional favorites (such as athletics, swimming, boxing, gymnastics, fencing, and judo) to the most exciting new ones (including BMX, skateboarding, and surfing). As well as the acclaimed athletes profiled in the series, we also feature rising athletes, training for top-level international competitions through sheer rigor and commitment, despite having not yet won a title. Their journeys, their preparation, and their stories are worth hearing.

Season 3 was also the occasion for last summer's launch of the Y'Africa Facebook page (https://apo-opa.co/4d04OPE). With more than 350,000 followers to date, this exceptional communication platform will help us continue to promote African talent.

Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East: “Season 3 of Y'Africa marks a new stage in our commitment to highlighting the wealth and diversity of African talent. This series offers a unique platform to celebrate our ambitious and determined youth. I am delighted that the Orange Group is once again playing a key role in highlighting these inspiring stories.”

Caroline Guillaumin, Executive Director of Communications at Orange: “In this Olympic year, we have decided to highlight the sporting talents of the African continent. After two seasons dedicated to artists, Y'Africa returns with an exceptional series of portraits of athletes, women and men, champions, and their aspirations, all arranged around the theme of surpassing oneself. Through this program, launched in 2020, we want to share the dynamics of the African continent with as many people as possible. It is also another way of consolidating the Orange brand by establishing a sincere dialogue with audiences.”

Dan Assayag, Director: “I have admired the beauty, grace, agility, and power of athletes when they realize their full potential. I have understood why motivation is nothing without discipline. I have observed that top athletes have an above-average work capacity. I have also seen their tolerance of pain. I have understood that Olympic sport is a world of its own. And they made me understand, all in their own ways, what it meant to represent your country as an African. For all these reasons, Season 3 of Y'Africa is special for me.”

Discover the first episode of the new season: https://apo-opa.co/49KN1ci

Password: Y'africa

Additional information on Season 3 of Y'Africa is available on Orange.com

And here (https://apo-opa.co/3Jp4axr) you can find the biographies of the athletes, photos and a trailer, as well as the broadcast schedule for the program in the different countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange Middle East and Africa.

Press contacts:
Elodie Filopon
ef@35ouest.com
+225 07 89 031 724

Ibtissame Nafii
ibtissame.nafii@orange.com
+33 6 37 38 60 50

About Orange:
Orange is one of the main telecommunications companies in the world, with a turnover of 44.1 billion euros in 2023 and 137,000 employees as of December 31, 2023, including 73,000 in France. The group served 298 million customers on December 31, 2023, including 254 million mobile customers and 25 million fixed broadband customers. The group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also one of the world leaders in telecommunications services to multinational companies under the Orange Business brand. In February 2023, the group presented its Lead the Future strategic plan, built on a new business model, and guided by responsibility and efficiency. Lead the Future capitalizes on high-standard networks to strengthen Orange's leadership in quality of service.

Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (ORAN).

For more information, see www.Orange.com, www.Orange-Business.com, and the Orange News app, or follow us on Twitter: @presseorange.

Orange and any Orange product or service mentioned in this press release are trademarks owned by Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

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Orange Middle East and Africa
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Read moreY’Africa, the TV show that showcases African talent: Orange announces a third season dedicated to the continent’s athletes

New Tiger Brands facility a sign of confidence in SA

Location: News

New Tiger Brands facility a sign of confidence in SA

Tiger Brands’ new R300 million state-of-the-art peanut butter manufacturing plant is a sign of confidence in the South African economy, said Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Nomalungelo Gina.

The Deputy Minister was speaking during the official launch of the company’s facility in Chamdor, Krugersdorp in Gauteng.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said the plant is located on more than 8000 square meters of land within Mogale City, with 62 full time employees. 

“The company says up to 70% of the peanuts used in the production process are procured locally and the remaining 30% from markets outside South African due to local farmers not being able to meet the actual need,” said the dtic.

Gina also commended Tiger Brands for its commitment to the economic transformation agenda and growing Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME) through Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD).

“As government, we insist on this policy direction because we know that SMMEs contribute 34% to the national GDP [gross domestic product]. As the country, we are under pressure to maximise employment in this country as we are pursuing [the] re-industrialisation of the economy. SMMEs will remain an important aspect of growing our economic base. Big corporates have an obligation to use the ESD model effectively through empowerment measures such as ESD mechanisms,” she said. 

Gina further urged Tiger Brands and South African based companies to fully utilise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA) to ensure their own advancement and those of the South African and African economies.

The African Continental Free Trade Area creates the world’s largest free trade area by number of countries, and has the potential to bring transformative change and tremendous opportunities to African economies and businesses. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 15:56

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Read moreNew Tiger Brands facility a sign of confidence in SA

2024 Dart 18 Nationals: A Twice As Nice Sailing Experience

Location: MyPR

The Dart 18 is a double-handed, high-performance sailing catamaran that offers an exhilarating and fast-paced experience on the water. This international class is popular with both recreational and competitive sailors, thanks to its unique design and exceptional handling. Unlike traditional catamarans, the Dart 18 utilizes skegs instead of centerboards, making it ideal for beach sailing …

Read more2024 Dart 18 Nationals: A Twice As Nice Sailing Experience

Tamper Code Reset for Hexing Private Prepaid Meters | Straton Prepaid Meters

Location: Business, News

My Hexing Prepaid Electricity Meter Has Gone Into Tamper, What Now? In the realm of prepaid electricity meters, encountering a tamper condition can be a source of frustration for consumers. However, fear not, as there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue and restore functionality to your Hexing prepaid electricity meter. These […]

Read moreTamper Code Reset for Hexing Private Prepaid Meters | Straton Prepaid Meters

My Hexing Prepaid Electricity Meter Has Gone Into Tamper, What Now?

Location: MyPR

In the realm of prepaid electricity meters, encountering a tamper condition can be a source of frustration for consumers. However, fear not, as there are steps that can be taken to rectify this issue and restore functionality to your Hexing prepaid electricity meter. Straton Prepaid have supplied us with these essential steps to clear a …

Read moreMy Hexing Prepaid Electricity Meter Has Gone Into Tamper, What Now?

Comprehensive intervention to address Johannesburg water challenges

Location: News

Comprehensive intervention to address Johannesburg water challenges

The City of Johannesburg has presented a comprehensive intervention plan to address ongoing water supply challenges in the city.

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, together with his Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, met with Johannesburg City officials, led by Executive Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, to receive an update on the city’s plans to deal with the current water challenges and future water supply sustainability plans for the metro.

The meeting held this week was a follow-up to a meeting held on 5 March 2024, where the department presented a comprehensive assessment report on the state of water provision in the city amid regular water supply interruptions experienced by residents.

At the meeting held on 5 March, the city was requested to come back with an action plan to address all the issues raised in the report, including how it will deal with the infrastructure challenges and non-revenue water, which is contributing to the water supply challenges.

During this week’s meeting, the city presented a wide-ranging plan on immediate, medium- and long-term measures to ensure a sustainable water supply. These include infrastructure projects to refurbish, upgrade and construct new storage reservoirs and pump stations, as well as associated infrastructure to augment storage capacity.

The plan also includes addressing non-revenue water through the implementation of water conservation and demand management technical interventions to reduce demand.

The city also presented technical interventions, which include repairing leaking reservoirs and tower infrastructure; replacing water pipes, domestic and large consumer meters; retrofitting and removal of wasteful devices, and enforcement of by-laws, including removal of illegal connections and customer bypass connections. 

Gwamanda said these projects are at various stages of implementation, while others still require funding.

The meeting also heard that the city infrastructure backlog is estimated at around R27 billion but agreed that focus should be on what can be done with the current and upcoming budget in July.

Gwamanda commended the support from Water and Sanitation Ministry, saying that the city is looking at various options to mitigate water supply interruptions.

“We have set aside about R100 million for the electricity supply entity, City Power, to put alternative power supply infrastructure to key infrastructure that contributes to the water supply network,” Gwamanda said.

Mchunu acknowledged the efforts of the city’s water entity, Johannesburg Water, to deal with infrastructure backlogs, and various interventions implemented to deal with the current recurring water outages.

Mchunu urged the city to work on its turnaround time in responding to pipe bursts and leaks in their distribution network, as this contributes to the high physical water losses. 

“It is clear that the city requires serious interventions and funding to deal with its water infrastructure renewal programme, and the department will work with Joburg Water in packaging some of their key infrastructure projects that require blended finance, including from the private sector. 

“We have agreed, collectively, that over and above the technical interventions to address non-revenue water, there is a serious need for a compressive public awareness campaign to conscientise residents on the importance of water conservation and water use efficiency as part of the Water Conservation and Water Demand Management Strategy,” Mchunu said.

The metro’s non-revenue water currently sits at 46.1%, while the consumption rate is at 280 litres per capita per day. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 03/20/2024 - 10:27

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Read moreComprehensive intervention to address Johannesburg water challenges

Local Government Association, South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Calls for Adequate Funding

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has called for more funding to improve the financial sustainability of municipalities. SALGA briefed the Standing Committee on Appropriations on the 2024 Budget and the Division of Revenue as part of the Money Bills and Related Matters Act on Tuesday, 12 March.

SALGA welcomed the increased allocation of R177 billion to local government. However, they argued that this still did not address the broader issue of inadequate funding at the local level. Ms Lerato Phasha, the representative from SALGA, highlighted the struggles many local municipalities face in covering their expenditures due to high levels of unemployment, poverty, and reluctance to pay for services by communities.

According to SALGA, the R484 million in conditional grants allocated for the financial year 2024/25 was inadequate considering the substantial infrastructure backlogs in municipalities. The organisation called for more funding for local government to address the infrastructure backlogs and cover expenditures in the face of high unemployment rates and poverty levels.

The committee, in response, recommended public-private partnerships with local spheres of government. This approach would involve redirecting revenue from companies operating in provinces toward the areas they operate in and in so doing, they contribute to local investment and development.

The committee also suggested that the local government sphere should not solely rely on the national government but should work towards revitalising and mobilising local businesses to attract local investment. By doing this, municipalities can strengthen their revenue streams and ultimately improve the quality of services they provide to communities. The committee told SALGA that a comprehensive strategy would help alleviate the financial burdens of municipalities and enable them to address their infrastructure backlogs more effectively.

Meanwhile, SALGA also welcomed the rollout of smart meters to the tune of R2 billion for its members in the local government sphere. However, SALGA wants all member municipalities to benefit from this rollout without restricting it to defaulting municipalities that fall under the Eskom debt relief package.

According to SALGA, the rollout should not be left to municipalities alone, but there should be end-to-end support until municipalities can run the installation themselves.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreLocal Government Association, South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Calls for Adequate Funding

Kempsdale Dam wall expansion to ensure reliable water supply

Location: News

Kempsdale Dam wall expansion to ensure reliable water supply

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, is looking forward to the start of construction to raise the Kempsdale Dam Wall from four meters to 7.8 meters in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. 

According to the Minister, the expansion will address the current water shortages and secure future demand for the Greater Kokstad community.

Mchunu further reiterated government’s commitment to fast-track service delivery projects, particularly those meant for the provision of adequate and consistent water supply, as water is one of the essential services and a basic human right.

The Minister was on a working visit in Kokstad, in the Harry Gwala District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday. 

The Executive Mayor of the District, Councillor Zamo Nxumalo joined him in conducting a sod-turning ceremony to signal the handover of the raising of Kempsdale Dam wall to the appointed contractor. 

The delegations included Greater Kokstad Mayor, Councillor Lwanda Madikizela, other local mayors from the district, traditional authorities, and departmental and municipal officials. 

The R160 million project, which is anticipated to take three years to complete, is envisaged to boost raw water capacity in the dam to meet a projected future demand up to 2040. 

The project will also ensure there is an adequate, safe, reliable, and sustainable potable water supply in areas such as Kokstad town, Kokstad C-Max prison, and Shayamoya and Bhongweni areas. 

“The development involves the raising of the existing Kempsdale Dam wall height from four meters to 7.8 meters and the construction of a new pump station downstream of the dam to be treated at the already existing 18 megalitres per day Kokstad Water Treatment Works,” the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS explained. 

The current water demand for Kokstad is 10.35 millilitres per day and is estimated to increase to 14.45 millilitres per day by 2030. 

The project will benefit eight wards within the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality with uninterrupted, adequate and clean water supply upon completion of the collaborative initiative between the DWS, municipalities concerned, farming communities, businesses and residents.  

Speaking at the construction site during the handover, Mchunu and Nxumalo indicated that the Kempsdale Dam wall would ensure there is enough water storage which will be supplied to the communities. 

“What is happening today is a culmination of what the district has been doing with our support. there is going to be quite a substantial increase of the dam wall, it is clear that the water services here in Kokstad are working very well,” Mchunu said.  

The District Mayor echoed the Minister’s sentiments and highlighted that water supply interruptions would now be a thing of the past. 

“The project is aimed at alleviating water challenges in Greater Kokstad Local Municipality for a period of 50 to 100 years, and this will be dependent on the development of the area,” Nxumalo stated.  

The leaders also took the opportunity to engage various stakeholders and the community of Kokstad. 

Mchunu acknowledged there were challenges. However, he reiterated government’s commitment to ensure that basic services such as water and sanitation are provided to the people and made an undertaking that the situation will improve. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 03/10/2024 - 11:17

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Error 017 on Your Prepaid Water Meter: What It Means and How to Fix It

Location: MyPR

Having water flow freely is essential, and a prepaid water meter with an error code can be frustrating. If you’re facing “Error 017” on your water meter display, don’t panic! This article explains what this error signifies, how to potentially fix it, and where to find more information about prepaid water meter error codes. Understanding …

Read moreError 017 on Your Prepaid Water Meter: What It Means and How to Fix It

EPA Track & Field Championships 2024

Location: MyPR

After a challenging Track and Field season, the EPA Championships was a great success this past weekend. The EPA Championships, which form part of the NMB Legacy Project sponsored by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, attracted an impressive 330 athletes, aged between 12 to 73, participating in 535 events. “Due to ongoing protests at the …

Read moreEPA Track & Field Championships 2024

What Problems Does Straton Prepaid Solve?

Location: MyPR

Straton Prepaid primarily caters to individuals who use prepaid electricity and water meters, aiming to solve several problems they might face: 1. Managing prepaid meters: Problem: Difficulty understanding meter readings, managing balances, and topping up credit conveniently. Solution: The website offers information on different types of prepaid meters,their features, and troubleshooting tips. It also provides …

Read moreWhat Problems Does Straton Prepaid Solve?

Municipalities sign up for Eskom debt relief programme

Location: News

Municipalities sign up for Eskom debt relief programme

At least 70 municipalities have applied for and been approved for the Eskom debt relief programme introduced by National Treasury last year.

The debt relief programme is aimed at assisting ailing municipalities to pay off their bulk electricity supply debt to the power utility.

This was revealed in the 2024 Budget Review drafted by National Treasury.

“By December 2023, 72 applications had been submitted, totalling R56.7 billion or 96.9 % of total municipal debt owed to Eskom at end‐March 2023. [Some] 70 applications totalling R55.2 billion had been approved as of January 2024, said Treasury.

Once municipalities are admitted into the programme, strict conditions set by Treasury have to be followed in order for the debt to be written off over a three-year period.

“These conditions include enforcing strict credit controls, paying their monthly electricity accounts and enhancing revenue collection,” Treasury said on Wednesday.

Smart meter conditional grant

In the Budget Speech tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godogwana, Treasury announced that a new conditional grant will be introduced to increase the rollout of prepaid smart meters.

“A new conditional grant will be created to fund the rollout of smart prepaid meters, initially in municipalities that have been approved for Eskom debt relief. The National Treasury will distribute this grant.

“A total of R2 billion has been allocated for the grant, made up of R500 million in 2024/25, R650 million in 2025/26 and R800 million in 2026/27,” the department said.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:15

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Read moreMunicipalities sign up for Eskom debt relief programme

Bloemfontein: Private Prepaid Meter Suppliers | Straton Prepaid Meters

Location: Business

Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa, is a bustling city that requires efficient utility services. To meet the needs of residents, several private prepaid meter suppliers have emerged in Bloemfontein. These suppliers offer private prepaid electricity, gas, and water meters, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to manage and control utility consumption. In this […]

Read moreBloemfontein: Private Prepaid Meter Suppliers | Straton Prepaid Meters

Eskom load limiting project moves to Eastern Cape town

Location: News

Eskom load limiting project moves to Eastern Cape town

State power utility Eskom says it will be going live with the piloting of load limiting at Bedford in the Eastern Cape.

This comes after the successful implementation of the project in another Eastern Cape town, Adelaide.

Eskom Cape Coastal Cluster General Manager Mbulelo Yedwa said: “Electricity load limiting through smart meters is being implemented to better balance the supply and demand of electricity on the grid during Stages 1 to 4 of load shedding allowing customers to continue to use essential appliances with the capacity of up to 10 Amperes.”

The power utility explained that instead of being load shed during Stages 1 to 4, customers with smart meters in Bedford will have their load limited.

“An hour before the start of load shedding, these customers in selected pilot areas will be prompted to reduce their consumption from 60 Amperes to 10 Amperes by sending a message to the Customer Interface Unit (CIU) of the smart meter.

“Customers will also be notified by text message. If the customer load is still above 10 Amperes, the smart meter will automatically make two more attempts 30 seconds apart. After three failed attempts, the next reset will be in 30 minutes,” Eskom said.

The initiative, according to Eskom, is aimed at reducing the impact that load shedding has on customers with the following benefits:

  • Customers will still be able to use essential appliances during load limiting e.g lights, TV, cellphone charger, fridge, security.
  • No more delayed restoration of supply after load shedding due to failure of equipment.
  • Avoid theft and vandalism of Eskom infrastructure. Protect equipment fatigue from repetitive switching.
  • Reduction in cable faults

“It is the responsibility of the customer to reduce consumption by switching off non-essential appliances and only keep connected essential appliances up to a maximum of 10 Amperes for the duration of the load limiting period,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 10:10

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Read moreEskom load limiting project moves to Eastern Cape town

De Berg Nature Reserve Declared as South Africa’s 30th Ramsar site

Location: News

South African Government
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The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, has welcomed the declaration of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa's 30th Ramsar site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

“The conservation and restoration of wetlands is crucial to achieving many of our national and global sustainable development goals. Estuaries, marshes and vleis, rivers and lakes, and the biodiversity that they preserve, matter for our health, food supply, tourism, and jobs. Wetlands are vital for humans, ecosystems and our climate, providing essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, including flood control and water purification,” said Minister Creecy.

“Through the Working for Wetlands Programme, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has invested over R1.4 billion in the rehabilitation of 1,873 wetlands and created 43,662 jobs. The Working for Wetlands Programme, which commenced in the year 2000, is being implemented in all 9 provinces of South Africa by a dedicated team of experts working closely with communities,” added Minister Creecy.

De Berg Nature Reserve is located along the headwaters of the Dwars River in the highest part of Mpumalanga approximately, 20 kilometres north of the town of Dullstroom, and lies adjacent to the Verloren Valei Ramsar Site. At an elevation of just over 2300 meters above sea level, the Ramsar site contains the highest altitude wetlands in Mpumalanga, consisting of numerous valley bottom, seep wetlands and mountain streams and represents some of the most pristine and habitat diverse watercourses in the South African grassland biome.

The Ramsar site, which is a biodiversity hotspot, not only supports numerous pristine headwater wetlands but also supports numerous threatened, critically endangered, and vulnerable species of plants and animals. The site falls within the Lydenburg and Sekhukhune centres of plant endemism and has a total of 878 indigenous plant species, which includes 30 plant species that are threatened and near threatened and includes a new species of Bulbine, (B decastroi) which can be found in the valleys of the Reserve.

This site also has 18 species of frogs, 71 reptile species, 432 bird species and a 120 mammal species, including Vandam's girdled lizard (Smaug vandami), various crane species such as blue crane and grey-crowned crane and mountain reedbuck. Many of these species are also rare and vulnerable species and include flocks of up to 30 of the vulnerable Southern Bald Ibis which roosts on the cliffs above Ibis Falls, one of 10 iconic waterfalls which can be found at the site.

Although wetlands cover less than 3% of South Africa's land area, they offer diverse benefits that enrich human well-being. Wetlands are increasingly regarded in South Africa as socio-ecological systems as opposed to only ecological systems.  Many of our wetlands are in urban areas and are often the last remaining open areas for recreational use by the public.

“The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) – an entity of DFFE - is also actively contributing to wetland conservation through its comprehensive approach to mapping and understanding this critical ecological infrastructure, emphasizing that informed action today can make a significant difference for the future of wetlands, human well-being and biodiversity. Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) are crucial to South Africa's water security, and various SANBI projects provide insight into land use and protection levels in these strategically important national assets,” said Minister Creecy.

“Through the development of partnerships to monitor, protect and rehabilitate wetlands, by ensuring our wetlands are kept free of litter and invasive alien plant species and by ensuring that we follow best practices to ensure that wetlands are sustainably used for their services we show our appreciation for and acknowledge the value of wetlands and ensure that they remain in place to provide future generations with the same services,” added Minister Creecy.

The designation of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa's 30th Ramsar Site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance coincides with World Wetlands Day (2 February) which is commemorated under the theme “wetlands and human wellbeing”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Read moreDe Berg Nature Reserve Declared as South Africa’s 30th Ramsar site

Eskom rolls out load limiting in Gauteng

Location: News

Eskom rolls out load limiting in Gauteng

Eskom is rolling out its load limiting project – aimed at optimising electricity consumption – across Gauteng following the project’s successful implementation in Fourways, Johannesburg.

According to the power utility, load limiting aims to better balance the supply and demand of electricity during Stages 1 – 4 of load shedding.

“Through load limiting measures during Stages 1 to 4 of load shedding, customers’ electricity capacity will be reduced from 60/80 Amps to 10 Amps. This will allow customers to continue with the minimal use of electricity for essential appliances such as lights, TVs, Wi-Fi routers, fridges and security systems.

“An hour before the start of load shedding, Eskom will prompt customers to reduce their consumption to 10 Amps by sending a message to their cellphone. The system will provide the customer with four opportunities to reduce their consumption. Thereafter, if the load has not been reduced, the meter will automatically switch off the electricity supply for 30 minutes before supply is restored,” Eskom said.

The next areas where the project is due to be implemented in Johannesburg are Buccleuch, Kelvin, Paulshof, Marlboro, Sunninghill and Waterfall, where customers use smart meters.

“The initiative focuses on select customers with smart meters, as these have the technical functionality to be controlled remotely.

“The power utility urges all its customers with compatible meters, where load limiting will be implemented, to support the initiative, which ensures that they continue to have electricity for the duration of load shedding.

“The success of the project depends on the partnership between Eskom and the cooperation of customers, and their willingness to reduce their electricity consumption to below 10 Amps,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 09:22

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Read moreEskom rolls out load limiting in Gauteng

Is installing a private prepaid meter in a tenanted section of my property actually a marvelous investment?

Location: MyPR

Deciding whether to install a private prepaid meter in a tenanted section of your property requires careful consideration, as there are various factors to weigh and both potential benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision: Potential benefits: Reduced risk of unpaid bills: Prepaid meters ensure tenants pay for the …

Read moreIs installing a private prepaid meter in a tenanted section of my property actually a marvelous investment?

Pairing Your New Black Keypad with Your Amanzi Prepaid Water Meter | Straton Prepaid Meters

Location: Business

Congratulations on the new black keypad upgrade for your Amanzi prepaid water meter! This sleek addition not only enhances your home’s aesthetics but also empowers you to take control of your water usage like never before. But before you dive into the crystal-clear waters of convenience, let’s guide you through the pairing process, making sure […]

Read morePairing Your New Black Keypad with Your Amanzi Prepaid Water Meter | Straton Prepaid Meters