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Eastern Cape women entrepreneurs aim high

Location: News

Eastern Cape women entrepreneurs aim high

A Sara Baartman District Women Entrepreneurs Awards (WEA) winner aspires to be a fabric design factory owner who will in turn be able to employ the local people of Makhanda.

Kholiswa Seti of Kholi Designs was named the best smallholder in the rural development category, during the WEA ceremony hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) in the Sarah Baartman and Amathole districts.

As part of the annual Women Entrepreneur Awards, the provincial department has been recognising top performing women who are contributing to economic development and job creation through the agricultural sector.

The objective of the awards is to empower and honour women in agriculture and agro-processing sectors by recognising their contributions.

The awards are an instrument through which the contribution of women in the fight against poverty, hunger and joblessness is recognised to increase participation and visibility of women in the sector.

Expressing her joy in winning the award, Seti--who was displaying her products at the National Arts Festival held this week--said her win happened at the time when she “just identified my niche market.”

She said it was only on Monday when she got great reviews about the quality of her work when she decided to have two pop-ups stalls to showcase her products in a solo marketing venture.

Government assistance

“Just when the excitement got the better of me about this idea, the question was ‘where are you going to get the money girl?’ So, this prize money (R20 000) will make me pull-off this idea of pop-up stalls and I am grateful. Slowly but surely my dreams are coming true [and] soon I will be able to employ more people and have a factory, thanks to the government,” an elated Seti said.

Seti, who received an overlocker and straight industrial sewing machines last year from DRDAR, said before the assistance, she only had one domestic machine and was working alone. Now, she has been able to hire someone on a full-time basis and another part-time.

“I call the industrial machine I received from the department ‘magic machine’ because it is fast and delivers great quality while the overlocker is doing wonders,” she explained.

Kholi Designs produce traditional wear, smart to causal wear, as well as matric dance attire. She said the designs catered for specific seasons, adding that she is currently displaying and selling winter wear at the festival.

Seti is not new to winning awards having won the Best Designer range at the 2017 Nelson Mandela Bay Fashion Week.

Farming for the future

Another winner, Bongeka Gebuza from Khanyisa Agro-organics in Ngqeberha, was awarded the Youth Special Award for her sterling work in her rabbit farming enterprise.

Speaking about her love for rabbits and organic farming, the Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture student at Nelson Mandela University, said she was “always interested” in rabbits, especially their nutritional value and how to take care of them.

“When I was gifted three rabbits, I managed to breed them until I had 72,” Gebuza said.

The 34-year-old Gebuza is currently busy with her honours degree research on rabbit manure.

She said her research seeks to look at the soil nutrition where she is planting spinach, using rabbit manure on one side and chemical on the other one.

Gebuza, who casually eats and sells her rabbits, said the prize money will assist her with buying the expensive rabbit feed and improve their cages.

She said she will continue with farming.

“One day I want to be the supplier of rabbit manure. I do not have interest in working as I am more interested in entrepreneurship, but we need funding for that as young people,” an optimistic Gebuza said.

Gebuza encouraged the youth to look into the farming sector, as it has more job opportunities.

“They need to explore and start small while looking for funding,” she said.

The district winners will compete for silverware at the provincial awards ceremony to be awarded by new DRDAR MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe. The contestants will later represent the province nationally at the awards ceremony to be held in August. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:33

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Read moreEastern Cape women entrepreneurs aim high

Nelson Mandela Bay Cross Country Legacy Series – Second League Results

Location: MyPR

The second league of the Nelson Mandela Bay Cross Country Legacy Series took place on Saturday, at Varsvlei, in Bethelsdorp. As expected, the 10km race had an exciting finish with Melikhaya Frans, of Ikhamwa athletics club, crossing the finish line one second ahead of his team-mate, in 32.20, with Simon Sibeko finishing second in 32.21. …

Read moreNelson Mandela Bay Cross Country Legacy Series – Second League Results

Investing in public transport to enhance accessibility 

Location: News

Investing in public transport to enhance accessibility 

Government has invested a cumulative total of R69 billion in public transport, which was spent towards infrastructure and operations in an effort to enhance accessibility to public transport and mobility.

Addressing a media briefing on the state of the transport sector, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, said a total of R55 billion was spent in 13 cities between 2006 and 2024.

This has translated into 131 stations; 253 kilometres of dedicated and bidirectional trunk routes; 302km of mixed traffic by-directional trunk routes, as well as 260km of two-way cycling, pedestrian, and non-motorised transport facilities.

In addition, 2 628 bus stops were built; 11 depots were constructed; 44 million passengers were carried per annum as of 2023/24. Integrated Public Transport Networks (IPTNs) are operating at 14 – 20 operational hours daily, with approximately 1 020 vehicles.

Eight cities are implementing initial phases and planning expansions to other areas that include Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, George, Polokwane, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Rustenburg.

“It must also be noted that 14 Vehicle Operating Companies have been established and contracted by municipalities to provide public transport services in IPTNs.

“The most important benefit has been the formalisation of informal taxi operators and their economic empowerment in the IPTN. The majority of these Vehicle Operating Centres are run by taxi operators," Chikunga said on Monday in Centurion.

Taxi industry

Government has continued to implement taxi industry reforms to improve the industry.

“To date, from a target of 135 894 old taxi vehicles to be scrapped, a total of 83 713 taxis have been scrapped and about R5.9 billion has been paid out to operators through the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (TRP),” Chikunga said.

Moreover, the Department of Transport has committed to the various commercial projects for the taxi industry, which include the Taxi Broad-Based Ownership Structure, where the taxi industry owns 60% of the taxi scrapping entity, with 40% owned by a technical partner. 

A Memorandum of Agreement has been signed between the parties.

Chikunga said the signing into law of the Economic Regulation of Transport Bill by the President will see the consolidation of the economic regulation of transport into a unified framework and policy. 

“It aims to primarily promote the development of a competitive, efficient, and viable South African transport industry, contributing to economic growth and development.

“It will also promote the development of an integrated system of economic regulation for the transportation of passengers and goods through airports or ports and by road or rail; as well as promote efficiency, reliability, safety and performance in the management and operation of transport facilities and services, in accordance with recognised international standards and public demand,” she said.

The bill also seeks to establish appropriate institutional arrangements and procedures, which will support the consistent economic regulation of transport facilities and services.

It will also enhance transparency in the management of transport facilities and services.

Last year, the Department of Transport tabled at Cabinet the Draft National Public Transport Subsidy Policy.

“The basic principles of the public transport subsidy are to have a subsidy that is user-targeted, equitable and sustainable in the medium to long term. We have, irrespective of our challenges and constraints, managed to realise major milestones in the area of public transport, almost as much as we have progressed with improvements in the implementation of other mandates, and these have positively affected the lives of ordinary South Africans,” the Minister said.

Learner transport

Chikunga said the National Learner Transport Programme remains an important avenue towards easing mobility for learners, the provision of safe transport to educational centres, improved school attendance and academic performance. 

“We have been able to implement that in 4 204 schools nationally. This programme is fully funded and provides a free service to learners with a budget allocation of R4.7 billion.

“The 2001 National Bicycle Programme, known as Shova Kalula, adds an important facility for the mobility of learners who do not fit the criteria for scholar transport. To date, 122 307 bicycles were distributed to learners as part of the National Learner Transport Policy,” Chikunga said.

Under the sixth administration, the Department of Transport distributed 32 307 bicycles nationally in all provinces, targeting underprivileged and rural learners. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 14:41

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Read moreInvesting in public transport to enhance accessibility 

KZN government calls for helping hand for flood victims

Location: News

KZN government calls for helping hand for flood victims

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has appealed to the public to extend a helping hand to flood victims by donating essential items such as building materials, as restoration work is underway in the northern parts of eThekwini Metropolitan.

The provincial government is currently on the ground providing relief and humanitarian services to hundreds of people of uThongathi, who lost most of their belongings during the storm that hit the area.

“The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government is currently coordinating humanitarian aid relief in uThongathi following the disastrous freak storms, which caused loss of life, damage to property, and left many members of the community without food, clothing and shelter.

“You are urged to help those in need by donating what you can, particularly building materials,” the provincial government said.

Donations can be delivered at the KZN Provincial Disaster Management Centre at 66 Shortts Retreat Road, Pietermaritzburg, 3212. The donations can also be delivered at the uThongathi Sports Centre in Gandhi’s Hill, uThongathi, 4399.

Power supply restored

The eThekwini Municipality reported that power supply has been restored to most areas where electricity infrastructure was severely damaged when the storm hit.

“Affected areas include Burbreeze, Sandfields, Greylands, eMagwaveni, Maidstone and La Mercy. Electricity teams have restored power supply to most of areas in Fairbreeze, Sandfields, Jan Roz and Burbreeze.

“Temporary arrangements are still in place for a continuous supply of electricity. Repair teams are working round the clock to ensure power restoration to Magwaveni area,” the municipality said.

Search for two missing people continues in Kariega

Meanwhile, the search for two missing people following the recent floods in Kariega in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is still underway.

The municipality’s Disaster Management Official, Thomas Cameron, said the metro’s Fire and Emergency Services and lifeguards had joined the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Coastal Water Rescue in the intensified search efforts.

"Currently, we have the SAPS [South African Police Service], who are still busy with the search operations. They are assisted now by other organisations, including our NMBM teams. Their team has now increased to make the search more efficient,” Cameron said.

While a total of 575 residents have been moved from halls and churches and accommodated at lodges and student accommodation facilities, Cameron said more residents were expected to be relocated to newly identified facilities from Sunday.

Cameron said joint operation centres are still running and meetings are being held daily.

“A few people in Gqeberha were displaced and moved to the accommodation centres. There are also two accommodation centres in Gqeberha and six accommodation centres in Kariega,” Cameron said. 

Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, said it will cost the provincial government an estimated R6 billion to repair damaged infrastructure.

Williams said government will find permanent accommodation for displaced communities by 31 July 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 06/12/2024 - 10:46

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CoGTA Minister to visit KZN following severe storms

Location: News

CoGTA Minister to visit KZN following severe storms

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembi Nkadimeng, will visit KwaZulu-Natal today to assess the impact of the heavy storms that ravaged parts of the province, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the heavy rains and strong winds have affected districts including eThekwini, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities.

“Minister Nkadimeng is visiting the affected areas as she is responsible for National Disaster Management in the country. 

“The visit will provide the Minister with the opportunity to see the extent of the damage, and engage various stakeholders and role players who are already on the ground assisting the affected communities,” the department said in a statement.

The Minister has reiterated government’s commitment to assist those affected by the recent storms.

Nkadimeng has lauded government agencies that have been on the ground providing humanitarian support and assisting the affected communities that have been displaced. 

At least 11 people lost their lives, including seven people from uThongathi in the north of Durban, and four in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa.

Meanwhile, over 55 people were also reported to have suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital.

“Minister Nkadimeng conveys her sincere, heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones as a result of this disaster. She also wishes those who suffered injuries a speedy recovery,” the department said. 

Last week, Nkadimeng and Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, visited areas devastated by floods in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape. 

READ | Government hastens flood relief efforts in the Eastern Cape

This is after parts of the Eastern Cape were flooded, with the most affected areas being the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 06/12/2024 - 09:33

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Read moreCoGTA Minister to visit KZN following severe storms

Government hastens flood relief efforts in the Eastern Cape

Location: News

Government hastens flood relief efforts in the Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has assured residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality that government is putting together resources to improve the dire situation caused by the deadly floods this week.

"Currently, government is conducting an assessment of damages and requests communities to remain united, vigilant, and monitor weather updates as further rainfall is anticipated", Mabuyane said.

Parts of the Eastern Cape were battered by floods earlier this week, with the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros being the most affected areas.

Homes have been destroyed and over 1000 families have been displaced. There has been massive damage to infrastructure.

The rains have claimed the lives of at least 10 people.

Mabuyane called on the private sector to partner with government in lending a hand to the victims. This as government is fast-tracking relief efforts.

He joined a Ministerial delegation representative of all three spheres of government who conducted an oversight visit to flood-stricken areas in Gqeberha on Wednesday.

The day started with a technical meeting between the three spheres of government where they received feedback from the Disaster Response Teams on the work being done to provide humanitarian relief to those affected and the implementation status of further interventions. 

The visits to Qunu, Izinyoka, Nomakanjani and Bongweni informal settlements and Kariega were led by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, together with Mabuyane, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Members of Mayoral Committees and the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. 

Minister Kubayi called for the urgent relocation of families currently housed at mass care centres to temporary emergency accommodation, inclusive of safer places for mothers and small children, as an immediate action and temporary residential units as a medium to long-term intervention.

Kubayi reiterated government’s calls for the public to remain vigilant during heavy rains or flooding and urged all road users to be cautious on the roads. 

Nkadimeng has instructed the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to work closely with the Joint District Operations Centre, the Eastern Cape provincial government, as well as the affected municipalities to further provide assistance and support to those affected by the floods. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 09:31

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Rehabilitation of Lower Sundays Canal delayed after recent floods

Location: News

Rehabilitation of Lower Sundays Canal delayed after recent floods

The Department of Water and Sanitation has announced the postponement of the emergency rehabilitation of parts of the Lower Sundays River Canal, which was planned to start from Monday, 10 June to 15 August 2024.

The department said the postponement of the project is due to the recent heavy rainfall that resulted in flooding in various areas of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), which may have compromised infrastructure, including water supply systems. 

“This is to afford the municipality time to complete its disaster assessment and response, as well as the resumption of the state of readiness for the project,” the department said in a statement.

The Lower Sundays River Canal forms part of the Lower Sunday’s Government Water Scheme (LSGWS).

The LSGWS canal system supplies two main users with bulk water, including agricultural users, the Sundays River citrus producing area, and domestic users, Kirkwood, Uitenhage, Enon, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro amongst others.

The LSGWS forms part of the greater Orange-Fish-Sundays Inter Basin Transfer Scheme and it transfers 740 million kilolitres of water annually from the Gariep Dam to the Eastern Cape through the 80 km Orange-Fish Tunnel. 

The repair of the canal is a result of a May 2017 incident, where a section of the canal embarkment slipped, about 4.4km south of Enon. 

The department then had to construct a temporary embarkment using a plastic membrane to ensure the continuous supply of water to users. However, a secondary embankment failure has occurred, with 200m downstream of the initial embankment and canal failure.

The work on the canal includes demolishing the existing canal at the upstream and downstream tie-in sections, surface preparations, and the placement of a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liner over the upstream and downstream tie-ins.

The department emphasised that during the tie-ins construction, the canal will not be completely shut down, but there will be intervals at which, upon completion of certain segments that are being repaired, water will be allowed to flow through to the dams for end users. 

“During this period, on average, the canal will be closed for seven to ten days for construction and be opened for seven days for the flow of water to fill up dams for the areas to be impacted by the temporary shutdowns. The major domestic users to be impacted by the canal supply interruptions will be the towns of Addo, Paterson and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. 

“However, measures are being put in place to ensure less interruptions to these areas. Kirkwood, which is located upstream of the shutdown point will continue to be supplied from the main canal. Addo and Paterson which are supplied from the Caesar’s Balancing Dam, downstream, which will be filled prior to canal shutdown, and continuously recharged during the seven days open flows,” the department said.

The department also noted that balancing dams are designed to act as multipurpose reservoirs and are commonly used to serve as distribution points from where water is diverted into pipelines, canals, or to serve as pumping stations or store water for short period and immediate usage. 

It said the seven days closure and opening interval of the canal was determined based on the storage capacity of these dams. 

Considering the developments, the department said it will continue with its consultations on the new start date of the canal tie-in to bring all stakeholders on board to enable them to plan for this period and inform their customers. 

“The department continues to hold meetings with these stakeholders to discuss action plans to mitigate any possible challenges and bottlenecks when the planned dry period gets implemented. It is important to note that the emergency rehabilitation to be carried out is critical for the reliability and sustainability of supply to the users. If the damaged canal remains not repaired, the scheme stands a total collapse,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 10:15

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Read moreRehabilitation of Lower Sundays Canal delayed after recent floods

Ministers to visit flood-stricken areas in E Cape

Location: News

Ministers to visit flood-stricken areas in E Cape

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thembi Nkadimeng and Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will visit areas devastated by floods on Tuesday in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Eastern Cape. 

This is after parts of the Eastern Cape were flooded this week, with the most affected areas being the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros. 

“The floods have unfortunately resulted in the loss of lives, while others were rescued. The floods have also displaced several people after their homes were severely affected, with some being swept away,” a government statement read. 

Government is currently assessing the extent of damage and is assisting the victims with humanitarian relief.  

During the visit, the Ministers and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane will provide direction about further government interventions.

“Government continues to urge communities to exercise caution and be extra vigilant, especially in areas prone to flooding, and follow the regular updates and warning messages from the South African Weather Service, as well as other authorities.” 

The SABC reported that the number of people who have died because of floods in the Eastern Cape has risen to 10 after the body of a female, who went missing in the Rocklands area, was found yesterday afternoon.

According to the Eastern Cape CoGTA Department, the worst affected area in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro is Kariega. 

To date, over 500 people have been evacuated and placed in community halls. 

The strong rains also damaged the road infrastructure, bridges, and electricity power stations. 

The provincial department said the rains have destroyed the sewerage network in Kariega, resulting in blockage of stormwater drains. 

Water infrastructure in KwaNobuhle is said to have also collapsed and the community does not have running water because of the flooding.

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal government is on the ground providing humanitarian support and assisting families that have been displaced following heavy rains and strong winds that hit parts of the province on Monday evening.

This has wreaked havoc in different parts of the province, affecting five districts, including eThekwini metro, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi, Amajuba and Umkhanyakude District Municipalities.

According to officials, preliminary reports indicate that at least 11 people have died, with seven of them being from uThongathi in the north of eThekwini metro. 

The other four fatalities were reported in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa. 

In addition, over 55 people suffered minor to moderate injuries, and are receiving medical treatment in hospitals. 

Dozens of people have been displaced and three temporary shelters have been established where the affected families are receiving humanitarian aid. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 06/05/2024 - 10:24

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Read moreMinisters to visit flood-stricken areas in E Cape

Gelant sets sights on another Sub-28 finish this time at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Location: MyPR

Fresh from winning his second national title in four weeks, Elroy Gelant has confirmed that he will line up at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 7 July 2024. Lining up on a course that produced the SA All-Comers Record of 27:16 set by Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei in 2018, Gelant knows …

Read moreGelant sets sights on another Sub-28 finish this time at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Sundays River Canal to be closed for rehabilitation work

Location: News

Sundays River Canal to be closed for rehabilitation work

Water users in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality have been informed of the upcoming three-month shutdown of parts of the Lower Sundays River Canal for urgent rehabilitation work.

The Lower Sundays River Canal forms part of the Lower Sunday’s Government Water Scheme (LSGWS).

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Lower Sundays River Water User Association, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBMM) has announced that the planned shutdown of the LSGWS canal is scheduled for 10 June to 15 August 2024.

The LSGWS canal system supplies two main users with bulk water, including agricultural users, Sundays River citrus producing area, and domestic users, Kirkwood, Uitenhage, Enon, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro amongst others.

The LSGWS forms part of the greater Orange-Fish-Sundays Inter Basin Transfer Scheme and it transfers 740 million kilolitres of water annually from the Gariep Dam to the Eastern Cape through the 80 km Orange-Fish Tunnel. 

The repair of the canal is a result of a May 2017 incident, where a section of the canal embarkment slipped, about 4.4km south of Enon. 

The department then had to construct a temporary embarkment using a plastic membrane to ensure the continuous supply of water to users. However, a secondary embankment failure has occurred, with 200m downstream of the initial embankment and canal failure.

In a joint statement, the DWS, Association and NMBMM said the rehabilitation work to be carried out is critical for the reliable and sustainability of supply to users, warning that if the damaged canal is not repaired, the water scheme will be at risk of collapse. 

The work on the canal includes demolishing the existing canal at the upstream and downstream tie-in sections, surface preparations, and the placement of a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liner over the upstream and downstream tie-ins.

“It is important to note that during the construction of the tie-ins, the canal will not be completely shut down, but there will be intervals at which, upon completion of certain segments that are being repaired, water will be allowed to flow through to the dams to supply end users. The major domestic users to be impacted by the shutdown will be the towns of Addo, Paterson and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro,” the statement said. 

Minimising interruption

However, the stakeholders have assured the public that measures have been put in place to minimise interruptions to water supply in these areas, and Kirkwood, which is located upstream of the shutdown point, will continue to be supplied from the main canal. 

The stakeholders said the Caesar’s Balancing Dam, which supplies Addo and Paterson, will be filled prior to canal shutdown, and will be continuously recharged during the intervals when the canal is opened. 

They explained that the NMBM, which ordinarily receives 70% of water supply from the scheme through the Nooitgedaght Water Treatment Works, will be supplied from the Scheepersvlakte Balancing Dam for the duration of the canal shutdown period. 

“The reduced supply to the Nooitgedacht WTW [Water Treatment Works] will also be offset by increased supply from the western systems through Loerie and Churchill Dams, and Loerie and Elandsjacht Water Treatment Works managed by Gamtoos Water User Association and the Metro respectively.  

“The Loerie and Scheepersvlakte Balancing Dams will be filled to 100% capacity before the shutdown commences and refilled during open flows,” the statement said.

The DWS said it has consulted extensively on the planned shutdown, to bring all its stakeholders on board and for them to plan for this period and inform their customers. 

“The department continues to hold meetings with these stakeholders to discuss action plans to mitigate any possible challenges and bottlenecks as the planned shutdown gets implemented,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 06/04/2024 - 11:14

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Shoprite assists Nelson Mandela Bay flood relief efforts

Location: MyPR

Shoprite immediately acted to help community members affected by the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape’s Nelson Mandela Bay this past weekend. The Shoprite Mobile Soup Kitchens have been serving warm meals to hundreds of displaced residents at various locations in Kariega since Sunday morning. Blankets are also being distributed in partnership with Gift of …

Read moreShoprite assists Nelson Mandela Bay flood relief efforts

Historic Win for Gelant at Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon

Location: MyPR

Ten years after winning his first Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon title, Elroy Gelant turned back the hands of time with another memorable performance at South Africa’s premiere 21km race. The Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, incorporating the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Half Marathon Championships, got off to a wet and windy start on Marine …

Read moreHistoric Win for Gelant at Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon

Condolences for Eastern Cape flood victims

Location: News

Condolences for Eastern Cape flood victims

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones due to severe flooding in the Eastern Cape.

By Monday morning, at least seven people had lost their lives in the floods with reports of some 1200 people displaced.

Areas most hit by the inclement weather are Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City and Kariega.

“The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans.

“The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a statement, the Presidency said the President urged South Africans to heed weather warnings

“President Ramaphosa commends the way in which authorities, communities, non-governmental organisations and individuals are dealing with rescue and recovery efforts, including the rehousing of a significant number of families who have been displaced.

“Given the potential impacts of the winter season on various parts of the country, President Ramaphosa urges the public to keep safe by heeding weather alerts and exercising greater care and restraint on our roads in poor weather conditions.

“The President also calls on citizens to reach out to vulnerable members of their families and communities, to make this season as comfortable and safe as possible for people who have limited resources or live on their own,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 11:36

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Read moreCondolences for Eastern Cape flood victims

Stellar Lineup for NMB Half Marathon

Location: MyPR

A stellar lineup of top athletes will guarantee an exciting finish on Saturday at the 10th edition of the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, which also has ASA Championship status, at Pollock Beach on June 1. The event, organised by Eastern Province Athletics in partnership with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, saw a thrilling finish last …

Read moreStellar Lineup for NMB Half Marathon

Construction of Stellantis forges ahead

Location: News

Construction of Stellantis forges ahead

The final building blocks have been laid for the establishment of South Africa’s latest automotive manufacturing site, paving the way for construction to begin at the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay, in the Eastern Cape.

Stellantis, the world’s third biggest automotive manufacturer by volume, and South Africa’s largest development funder, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have concluded key milestones that will lead to a joint venture. 

The investment estimated at R3 billion is expected to facilitate the creation of massive employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape. 

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC), which is supplying the ground on which the factory will be built, has begun preparing the site for the start of construction.

“I welcome the progress made with concluding all modalities with Stellantis that will enable construction to commence this year and start of production of a new auto model to roll off the assembly line by the end of 2025,” said Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“The SA auto industry is Africa’s largest producer of cars, bakkies and trucks and this new investment by Stellantis will consolidate the country’s position, helping us to achieve the goal of producing 1.4 million vehicles by 2035.

“The biggest attractions for new investors are the size of the domestic market, together with the auto industry masterplan, which supports local production for both South Africa and export markets,” said the Minister.

He added that Stellantis has a strong growth vision with an excellent range of vehicles in its global stable. 

“We look forward through this investment to increasing the range of locally manufactured cars available to motorists,” Patel said.

The Minister said it was heartening to see the manner in which the combination of expertise within the collective of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the IDC, CDC and Stellantis united to form a cross functional team that is making excellent progress.

“It’s this teamwork that will realise not only having Stellantis as SA’s eighth OEM, but most importantly in realising the plans for employment and investment in South Africa and support our industrialisation drive. 

“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Stellantis and South Africa,” Minister Patel said.

Stellantis Middle East Africa (MEA) COO, Samir Cherfan, Stellantis SA MD Mike Whitfield, IDC interim CEO David Jarvis, including CDC Acting CEO Themba Khoza agreed with Patel’s sentiment stating that progress made so far was in line with their respective organisation’s strategic development goals.

“The construction of this plant is critical to Stellantis’s Dare Forward 2030 strategy. This strategy also speaks to the South African industrialisation plan which is a very important tool in helping us achieve our target to produce a million units in the MEA region by 2030 – a factor that will help us attain 22% market share in this region. 

“Our medium to long-term objective is to ensure that 90% of vehicles sold in the MEA region are sourced from our production plants in this region,” said Cherfan.

The project is a major vote of confidence in South Africa as an investment destination and as a gateway into Africa. 

“We are very proud of being involved in this; the construction of this plant is a major statement of faith in this country and the capacity of South Africans to be entrusted with running a project of this magnitude. 

“This is a factory of which we can all be proud of, not just because of what it will represent to the people of the Eastern Cape, but also because of the technological advances that it will incorporate and the environmentally conscious way that it has been planned, will be built and will be operated,” Cherfan added.

All fauna and flora have been successfully removed from the site and rehomed as per the environmental impact study conducted by Coega.

Coega Acting CEO Themba Koza said: “Coega is focused on delivering the finest plant for Stellantis, reinforcing the Coega SEZ as an automotive hub in the country, in line with its vision to be the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development. 

“The impending construction of the Stellantis factory has acted as a catalyst to other investors. We have had numerous requests to support the automotive sector in Coega and to rapidly grow our planned supplier park.”

IDC’s Jarvis said the new company to house the Stellantis-IDC JV is on track to be registered. 

“The milestones concluded thus far will help to kick start a project that will significantly improve the economic fortunes of the Eastern Cape,” Jarvis said. 

He added that the IDC is pleased to be partnering with such a reputable automotive manufacturing company of Stellantis’s stature. 

“Stellantis’s success with other manufacturing plants around the world is well-known. Together, we are highlighting the IDC’s intent to continually participate and drive investment to develop the regional automobile value chain,” Jarvis said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 12:44

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Read moreConstruction of Stellantis forges ahead

Huge Field Is Expected For 10th Edition Of The Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon

Location: MyPR

Over a thousand runners are expected to line-up to celebrate the 10th edition of the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon at Pollok Beach, Summerstrand, on the 1st of June. Organisers are expecting the biggest turnout ever this year with the support of 88 clubs from all over South Africa already confirmed and nearly 200 hundred …

Read moreHuge Field Is Expected For 10th Edition Of The Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon