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Reforms to support public infrastructure investment

Location: News

Reforms to support public infrastructure investment

Government is introducing fundamental and far-reaching reforms to infrastructure financing and delivery in an effort to optimise the infrastructure value chain to be effective and efficient. 

“In this way, we will strengthen the public investment management and the associated value chain. We will also attract private sector participation,” Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said on Wednesday in Parliament.

According to the 2024 Budget Review, over the next three years government plans to invest R943.8 billion in infrastructure.

This includes investments of R486.1 billion by state-owned companies and public entities, R213.8 billion from municipalities and R224.8 billion from provincial and national government.

Consolidated spending on buildings and other fixed structures will increase by an average of 15.9 per cent over the next three years.

“We gazetted the amendments public-private partnership (PPP) regulatory framework for public comments earlier this week. The amendments seek to reduce the procedural complexity of undertaking PPPs, create capacity to support and manage PPPs, formulate clear rules for managing unsolicited bids, and strengthen the governance of fiscal risk. 

“We are reviewing institutional arrangements and governance for catalytic infrastructure. The intention is to create clearer mechanisms for accountability, cooperation and coordination.  We are also consolidating similar functions to reduce duplication and inefficiencies. The intention is to fast-track delivery, particularly of blended finance arrangements,” the Minister said.

Government is also introducing several new financing instruments, such as infrastructure bonds and concessional loans.

“As part of this, a flow-through tax vehicle for specific infrastructure projects, similar to trusts and other investment vehicles, is being considered. A new funding window for proposals under the new dispensation of financing instruments will be opened to public institutions shortly. 

“Through these reforms, greater efficiency gains and infrastructure delivery will be fast-tracked. This will benefit network sectors, social infrastructure, PPPs and blended finance projects,” the Minister said.–SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 14:45

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Accessing accurate public information

Location: News

Accessing accurate public information

By Zanele Mngadi

Through social media apps, websites, and other digital tools, the internet gives us a lot of ways to connect with each other. This makes information easy to find.

However, the ease with which we get information online makes it hard to determine how true it is. The COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of this challenge because knowledge spread very quickly through our phones and social media sites.

During this dark time, scary fake news spread very quickly, making it harder for people to get the right information and stay safe, which was bad for their health and made them less likely to trust others.

In order to fight fake news, the South African government set up many ways for people to easily get true and accurate information. This included the SA Coronavirus website, social media accounts, and regular updates for the whole country.

Lessons from the pandemic

Because of the pandemic, government learned that giving people easy access to reliable information gave them the tools they needed to make smart choices about how to protect their health.

Building on the success of spreading information widely during COVID-19, government has adopted a multi-media approach that uses all forms of media to give South Africans more power by giving them accurate information about problems facing the country, the government's solutions, and programmes meant to bring about change.

Government just recently set up two WhatsApp channels, governmentza and the PresidencyZA, that people can follow to get regular updates on things that affect everyone, like chances for legal education and work.

This adds to government’s social media platform GovernmentZA, which lets people get true information right away and talk to the government directly. People should follow these social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube, as well as government websites like https://www.gov.za, https://www.gcis.gov.za/, and https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/, to get accurate news about issues that affect the whole country.

The GCIS also has its own in-house news agency, SAnews (https://www.sanews.gov.za/) which provides regular news updates on matters of public concern, at no cost.  In addition the GCIS launched a podcast, Vuk Talks to give people more access to information about government programmes. It’s on YouTube and Spotify.

Our online presence adapts to the changing needs of our citizens, but we also make sure that people who don’t have access to the internet can still get information.

The government tries to get accurate and reliable news to millions of people in rural areas and townships. Over the years Vuk’uzenzele newspaper has touched the lives of many people. It also brought the government to closer to the people through Izimbizo and partnerships with local community radio stations.  From April 2024 on, the newspaper will only be available online, but its articles will still be useful to everyone in South Africa.  We have also partnered with SABC 2 on the 13-part series Citizens Connect in an attempt to educate more citizens.

The value of accurate information

All of these online platforms let people to easily get reliable information directly from the government about their lives, our country, and the world we live in. Reliable information is essential to make democracy work. The opposite is equally true: inaccurate information, often a result of fake news, can be dangerous to democracy, especially during big national events such as elections.

As the seventh national and provincial elections get closer, people are being warned to be careful of fake news online, especially since new technologies make it hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction.

With the rise of deep fake content, fake content can seem credible. Dishonest people use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make fake videos, pictures, and audio recordings of other people. Public figures, such as our political leaders, are often the targets of these attacks.

Be vigilant at all times

Government urges every citizen to be wary of falling victim to fake news. Pay close attention to face features and lip movements that don’t match up on videos because that can be a sign of deep fake content. If in doubt, verify the information you receive via trustworthy information sources (such as government platforms). That’s how you can learn the truth  and make smart decisions about your future.

If you use social media and websites as sources of information, make sure that they are real. It’s easy to miss fake accounts or profiles because their names sound a lot like real ones. So, double-check the writing of the profiles and websites you follow.

Every South African needs to make sure that the news they spread comes from reliable sources. Let’s all stay alert all times to avoid being duped by fake news. Let’s all play our part to make our democracy strong. Let’s fight disinformation.

*Zanele Mngadi is Chief Director: Products and Platforms at the GCIS

 

Janine
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 10:38

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Sashy And Slay In The Bay

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Get ready to sashay and slay at Bay Harbour Market’s dazzling Drag Show on the 1st of March 2024. Join us for jaw-dropping performances, vibrant costumes, and unforgettable entertainment by the crowd favourites Kat Gilardi and Manila von Teez! Clap, cheer, and sing along as these stunning queens take the stage and do what they …

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Leveraging the POWER of ‘NO’: Setting Boundaries for Leadership Success

Location: MyPR

In the fast-paced world of business and leadership, the word “no” can sometimes carry a sense of taboo. Many leaders, especially women, often find themselves hesitant to use it, fearing it may be perceived as uncooperative or unambitious. “However, the power of saying no and setting boundaries cannot be understated. It is a vital skill …

Read moreLeveraging the POWER of ‘NO’: Setting Boundaries for Leadership Success

DARJYO Charts New Course into Agritech: A Tech-Infused Vision for the Future of Agriculture

Location: MyPR

Today marks a significant milestone for DARJYO as it announces a strategic move into the agricultural space, embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving world of Agritech. Founder and Technical Co-founder, Darshani Persadh, shared insights into the startup’s motivation for this transition, emphasizing the potential for technology to revolutionize traditional agricultural practices. “In …

Read moreDARJYO Charts New Course into Agritech: A Tech-Infused Vision for the Future of Agriculture

The Battle of the Blades

Location: MyPR

AutoMowers vs. Ride-On Mowers vs. Traditional Mowers – Which is Best for You? When it comes to lawn care, homeowners, landowners and even greenspace professionals are faced with an array of mower options with which to achieve a beautifully manicured lawn. Choosing between a traditional mower, ride-on mower or automower can pose a challenge though …

Read moreThe Battle of the Blades

Maloyi says encouraging signs of recovery in the province 

Location: News

Maloyi says encouraging signs of recovery in the province 

Economic growth in the North West remains slow despite the province’s abundant mineral resources, according to Acting Premier Nono Maloyi.

“While our province is endowed with vast mineral deposits, we continue to be inundated by high levels of poverty and unemployment. 

“Economic growth remains sluggish, and this has had an adverse impact on our efforts to
create jobs for our people,” Maloyi said on Tuesday, delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA).

However, the Acting Premier, announced that there are encouraging signs of recovery. 

During his speech to the provincial legislature, he highlighted that the North West was one of only three provinces that experienced significant employment growth in the third quarter of 2023, resulting in the creation of over 61 000 jobs.

“The unemployment rate in the North West gives us sleepless nights, particularly because it affects mainly women and the youth.”

According to Maloyi, two investment promotion events were held with major investors. 

These include the North West BRICS Investment Conference held during the BRICS Summit last year and the Premier’s Dinner with investors in September 2023 at Sun City, of which both events have yielded positive outcomes.

Both initiatives yielded 34 investment pledges with a total value of over R104.1 billion.

To date, Maloyi told the members, 14 have confirmed investment projects to the tune of R13.5 billion, which are in the pipeline for the Bojanala Special Economic Zone.

These investments will create an additional 10 000 jobs.

Tourism

Meanwhile, he said the province’s Tourism Recovery Plan has begun to realise growth in the number of both domestic and international visitors.

“Between 2022 and 2023 our industry has risen from the ashes of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has generated R6.9 billion in revenue for the province thereby creating and preserving 24 000 jobs.” 

He said this government has already started the process of revitalising the Pilanesberg and George Dick Montshiwa Airports.

“Both these airports will add capacity to the province to grow tourism and open new economic frontiers in cargo hauling, hanger, and airline services. We have sent Request for Proposals for running these two airports and lure investments,” he explained, adding that the preferred bidders will commence work by May this year.

In addition, the Acting Premier announced that the agricultural sector is yet to reach its full potential through the meaningful participation of emerging farmers in this growing sector.

Economic policy

“Honourable Speaker, economic development challenges require coherent policy responses backed-up by long-term planning.”

In addition, the province has now finalised the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) with a primary aim to provide a broad economic policy-planning guide and anchor interventions to meet the goals as set out in the National Development Plan 2030.

This, he said, has now enabled the provincial government to complete the resuscitation of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council.

The council will provide strategic support and coordination in the implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, and promote integrated economic planning and sector contributions.

Internships

During this financial year, close to 900 internships and learnerships benefitted young people in various departments, municipalities, State-owned entities (SOEs) and the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETAs).

He announced that the North West would prioritise young people in various infrastructure projects that will be rolled out in the 2024/25 financial year.

“Women are the backbone of our provincial economy. Eight women-led cooperatives and individuals will benefit from R1.4 million, which has been set aside for their upskilling and business growth.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 12:23

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WC pig owners urged to heighten biosecurity to contain swine fever

Location: News

WC pig owners urged to heighten biosecurity to contain swine fever

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has urged pig farmers to heighten biosecurity measures following laboratory results confirming African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George.

ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease.

The department said the new outbreak confirmed recently is the fourth outbreak of disease in the Garden Route area since 2022. 

“Previously, there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023, which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022, which remains a concern. It is estimated that about 45 pigs have died thus far, with about 250 pigs remaining in the area,” department spokesperson Daniel Johnson said. 

Johnson said the area has been placed under quarantine, and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Johnson has also emphasised that ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals. 

“The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection. Pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption,” Johnson said.

Critical measures to minimise the spread of ASF 

•    All carcasses should be disposed of safely.
•    Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease.
•    Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig. 
•    Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs. 
•    Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.

Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs, and in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite. 

“Occasionally, the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit. Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office at https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease,” Johnson said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:21

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North West govt commits to completion of infrastructure projects

Location: News

North West govt commits to completion of infrastructure projects

Acting North West Premier Nono Maloyi has committed to meeting with the contractor responsible for the construction of Nelson Mandela Drive, which is a crucial node for the economy of the province.

Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, Maloyi apologised for the delayed refurbishment and maintenance of the road. Nelson Mandela Drive has been described as the busiest road in Mahikeng and an economic transport arterial road, which carries large volumes of traffic, especially during peak hours. 

“We acknowledge and apologise for the delays in the construction of Nelson Mandela
Drive in Mahikeng. This has impacted negatively on businesses along the road and the public who use the road daily,” Maloyi said. 

However, according to Maloyi, there has been progress on the road, as 3.2 kilometres have already been completed, with 450 metres nearing completion.

“After this address, I will be visiting the project to meet with the contractor to emphasise the commitment to complete the project,” Maloyi promised. 

Meanwhile, he said the rehabilitation and widening of the Phelindaba to Pecanwood Road is progressing well and is due for completion in December 2026.

In addition, the Hartbeesfontein to Ottosdal Road is envisioned to be completed ahead of schedule in June this year.

As part of addressing road infrastructure backlogs, Maloyi told the provincial legislature that 12 roads have been transferred to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) for construction.

This includes portions of roads on the N18 from Mahikeng to Vryburg and the R30 that will cover Klerksdorp to Ventersdorp, as well as Orkney.

The Acting Premier explained that the remainder of these projects will be spread across Bojanala-Platinum, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts.

Potholes

Maloyi said over 320 kilometres of potholes across the province will be resealed, creating 429 job opportunities.

“Municipalities such as Matlosana and JB Marks are to insource road maintenance and pothole patching on an ongoing basis, as a municipal function undertaken by municipal employees.” 

He explained that this initiative will be emulated in other municipalities across the province.

In addition, work on the Lichtenburg to Koster and Derby to Magaliesburg will commence in the new financial year.

“We have terminated and appointed a new contractor to start working on the Majakaneng to Sun City Road," Maloyi said. 

Load shedding

Maloyi acknowledged that the provision of electricity has increased significantly from 58.1% in 1996 to over 94.7% to date.

Shifting his focus to power cuts, he acknowledged the devastating impact of load shedding on their provincial economy and households.

As a result, he said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is coordinating efforts to assist municipalities to implement renewable and alternative energy sources.

To help put an end to load shedding, the province has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese National Import and Export Corporation.

The agreement aims to construct gas to electricity power stations worth R16 billion in the City of Matlosana and Moses Kotane Local Municipality, respectively.

The first phase of this project, he said, will see Matlosana producing 198 megawatts of electricity. 

Construction is earmarked for a maximum of 90 days per 100 megawatts.

The Chinese Import and Export Corporation, in addition to their project investment, has committed to investing further resources to assist in eradicating mud houses in the province by building 500 houses every year for the duration of this MoU.

This project is expected to create a minimum of over 10 000 jobs.

Improving governance in municipalities 

The Acting Premier said the provincial government is continuing to provide dedicated support to all municipalities to improve financial management through the implementation and monitoring of Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs).

This is after the province has finally exited the section 100 intervention phase, with the full restoration of all executive functions of provincial departments after it was placed under administration in 2018. 

Maloyi said the Executive Council has approved the appointment and deployment of Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) to implement financial recovery plans for identified municipalities, under the joint coordination of the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

In addition, he said the provincial government has rolled out skills and qualification audits in all municipalities, with 5 487 employees already being audited. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:36

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E-tolls ‘will be history’ in Gauteng – Premier Lesufi

Location: News

E-tolls 'will be history' in Gauteng - Premier Lesufi

The Gauteng e-toll scheme is expected to be delinked from the end of March this year.

This was announced by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Monday evening.

“E-tolls are a system that was introduced in the province by national government on the basis that we wanted to improve our road network. We have now reached a stage where we all accept that the people of Gauteng have rejected e-tolls.

“We had a meeting with all affected parties. We held a meeting with the Minister of Finance [Enoch Godongwana]; we also held a meeting with the Minister of Transport [Sindisiwe Chikunga]. All of us now have reached an agreement that by the 31st of March this year, the formal process to switch off and de-link e-tolls will begin and e-tolls will be history in our province,” he said.

Lesufi added that the Finance Minister will provide more detail.

The scrapping of e-tolls has long been in the pipeline and Minister Godongwana, during the mini budget speech in October 2022, called for moving on from “debates of previous years and find solutions to this challenge”.

During that speech, the Minister explained that the Gauteng provincial government had agreed to “contribute 30 percent to settling SANRAL’s debt and interest obligations” related to the tolls.

“Gauteng will also cover the costs of maintaining the 201 kilometres and associated interchanges of the roads and any additional investment in road will be funded through either the existing electronic toll infrastructure or new toll plazas, or any other revenue source within their area of responsibility.

“Government proposes to make an initial allocation of R23.7 billion from the national fiscus, which will be disbursed on strict conditions,” the Minister said then. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:38

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Ramokgopa sets sights on accelerated transmission line expansion

Location: News

Ramokgopa sets sights on accelerated transmission line expansion

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says government is targeting to expedite the expansion of transmission lines to the Cape provinces in order to potentially unlock at least 2 335MW of energy in the short-term.

He was speaking during an engagement with business stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.

Ramokgopa explained that there are renewable energy projects that are already producing electricity but the lack of transmission lines is hampering their ability to add to the ailing grid.

“In the short-term, we can unlock about 2 300MW of stranded electrons. That is the route that we are taking and as the Minister, I’ll be making the necessary announcement. We already know the corridors where we are going to get this 2 335MW. It’s in Upington, the Juno Gromis 400kV line and all that in the Nama transformer in Upington (sic).

“Once we make those interventions, we get an additional 2 300MW. We don’t have to wait for 10 years. It’s the interventions that we are making now but we need to design a bespoke financing solution to help us to address the issues of transmission,” he said.

In the longer-term, some 14 000km of new transmission lines are to be built in South Africa to connect renewable energy projects and further strengthen the grid.

Turning to demand side management, Ramokgopa said the appetite – from both private persons and business – for rooftop solar has grown exponentially since government announced tax incentives and financial support to those willing to invest.

He said connected rooftop installed capacity has grown from some 983MW in 2022 to 4 412MW by mid-2023.

“Our anticipation is that the rate of growth will exceed what we would have seen in the previous calendar year. Two things are an impediment to an aggressive rollout of roof top solar. Firstly, it’s the availability of equipment.

“South Africa, compared to many countries in the world, has had the biggest import of solar panels. We have had conversations with some of the biggest manufacturers across the globe – invariably from China – to localise production here. We are confident we are going to do that.

“The second impediment is the skills to install these solar panels. We will be recruiting about 25 000 people to be able to install. In every crisis, there is an opportunity and that opportunity must be taken. We are looking to industrialise and… we are looking to create these new skills so that we get people into jobs,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:31

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N West making progress in eliminating mud houses

Location: News

N West making progress in eliminating mud houses

Acting North West Premier Nono Maloyi has during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) announced that the province has allocated R198 million to eradicate 1 356 mud houses.

The Acting Premier said on Tuesday that of these, 579 units have already been delivered.

Although there are still challenges, Maloyi said the province has experienced unprecedented levels of development in the last 30 years.

He told the provincial legislature that the number of households had increased from 591 145 in 1996 to over 1.14 million in 2022. 

This means that 88% of houses in the North West are now considered formal housing. 

“Honourable Members, from 2019 to 2023, we have constructed 19 307 houses. By the end of 2023, we had delivered 2 768 houses,” he told them. 

In addition, he announced that the provincial government has now cleared all the hurdles that delayed the Deelpan floods project and reported that 104 houses will be completed at the end of next month.

The Acting Premier said 317 more houses would be built following the donation of land by Kgosi Kogodi Molete of Bakolobeng and his traditional council.

He was also looking forward to launching the R2.6 billion N14 mixed-use development project in Ventersdorp in the coming weeks. 

The development will see the installation of bulk services for 400 sites and create over 600 jobs for locals. 

“The small town of Ventersdorp which comes from a bad history of occupation by a right-wing racist group called AWB will never be the same again. We are restoring the dignity of our people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the integrated accelerated service delivery approach, Thuntsha Lerole Programme, has to date delivered 6 283 title deeds to beneficiaries across the four districts.

Water

In addition, over 80% of households in the province have access to piped water either inside their dwellings, yards or community stands, as compared to only 20% in 1996.

Last year, the provincial government, in cooperation with the Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu, launched the R106 million Dinokana Water Supply Intervention Project.

Maloyi said the North West was pushing ahead with the construction of a R36 million bulk water sewer pipeline at Agisanang township in the Tswaing Local Municipality is due for completion this year.

“We can report to the people of Madibeng Local Municipality that the Brits Water Treatment Plant will be completed by May this year,” he said. 

The completion of this project is expected to bring an additional 20 mega-litres that will ensure the provision of water in Oukasi, Mothotlung, Damonsville, Mmankau, Brits, Elandsrand, Letlhabile and Sonop.

The pipeline from Mafenya to Tlhabane will be completed in April.

He told members that the 25 mega-litre Tlhabane reservoir is 99% complete and will be handed over within the next two weeks.

Meanwhile, additional boreholes have been drilled and equipped for both the Rooigrond Waste Water Treatment Plant and water augmentation project to address water provision challenges in Mahikeng.

“The communities of Ramosadi and Seweding in Mahikeng have for the past few months been subjected to inhumane sewer spillage in their households and locality.

“We have intervened and a contractor has now returned to the site to complete the project of constructing a new pipeline to be delivered by Mahikeng Local Municipality and funded by Ngaka Modiri Molema District.” 

Maloyi also confirmed that all water leaks at Tigane and Hartebeesfontein have been fixed and now there is a stable water supply.

The construction of the over R200 million water pipeline from Pudumoe to Huhudi began in September last year to improve the bulk water supply. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:52

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New Season Of The Met: Live In Hd Features Nine Sumptuous Operas From The Met Stage To The Big Screen, Exclusively At Ster-Kinekor Cinemas

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The Met: Live in HD, the Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning series of live high-definition cinema simulcasts, is into its 17th season exclusively at select Ster-Kinekor and Cinema Nouveau cinemas. Still to come in the 2023–24 Live in HD season are new productions of Bizet’s Carmen and Verdi’s La Forza del Destino; and revivals of Gounod’s Roméo …

Read moreNew Season Of The Met: Live In Hd Features Nine Sumptuous Operas From The Met Stage To The Big Screen, Exclusively At Ster-Kinekor Cinemas

Gauteng to establish solar park

Location: News

Gauteng to establish solar park

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) will go ahead with plans to establish a solar farm park which is expected to harvest at least “800 megawatts of solar power and supply it to the electricity grid”.

This was revealed by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the State of the Province Address delivered in Johannesburg on Monday.

“We are pleased to announce that the long term plan with Sibanye-Stillwater Board, has approved the land leases of the appointed six independent power producers who will develop a photovoltaic power station, also known as a solar farm cluster, in the Merafong Local Municipality.

“This is designed to harvest at least 800 megawatts of solar power and supply it to the electricity grid, which will be a game changer for our province,” he said.

Furthermore, the province is expected to add at least 100MW to the grid from April.

“This is an initiative of the GPG implemented by City Power on our behalf using the Open Cycle Gas Turbine technology facilities in Johnware and Durban Street. This will be available from the 1st of April 2024.

“We will continue to expand to 300 megawatts in the new financial year. This investment combined with smart metres can generate the megawatts needed to cushion our residents against two stages of load shedding, a critical step toward energy stability for the nation’s economic hub,” he said.

Other interventions

In the immediate term, the province has moved to protect some 21 healthcare facilities from load shedding with the installation of Solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems.

A pilot project for a microgrid in Alexandra township is also being rolled out which, the Premier said, will “provide a stand alone solution to meet basic power needs for low-income households within townships and informal settlements”.

The project is expected to expand to 13 other communities.

“Having identified the hardship of many of our communities languishing in the dark, some for up to three years due to illegal connections, cable theft, vandalism, and chronic non-payment, we intervened to address the situation,” Lesufi said.

The Premier added that the provincial government, together with Eskom and City Power, partnered to deliver some 429 transformers to communities.

“To date, 333 have already been installed and switched on, benefitting no less than 32 000 township households. We have impacted the communities of Kagiso, Boiphelong, Doornkop, Orange Farm and others.

“We will intensify this programme until every township and household has been legally switched on, especially Evaton, Ivory Park, Winterveld and many other communities,” he said.

Lesufi reflected on the effects that load shedding has on residents and the economy.

“The protracted electricity crisis has caused significant hardship for people in our province and has had a detrimental effect on the growth of Gauteng’s economy. Power shortages have a negative impact on the availability of healthcare services, food and water, the level of crime, and unemployment rates, amongst others.

“Although energy is not a competency of the province, load shedding’s crippling effect on the functionality of the state and its impact on broader society compelled us to intervene,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 11:37

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Read moreGauteng to establish solar park

Unlocking the Power of Search: Click Results Shares Insights on SEO Strategies

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, South Africa – In today’s digital age, the battle for online visibility is fierce. With millions of websites vying for attention, landing on the first page of search results has become the holy grail for businesses looking to attract new customers and drive traffic to their websites. Click Results, a leading digital marketing firm …

Read moreUnlocking the Power of Search: Click Results Shares Insights on SEO Strategies

Win a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle at the Absa DASH YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Location: MyPR

Celebrating its second anniversary in the friendly city on Sunday 07 April 2024, all entrants of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K will have the exciting chance to win a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle valued from R279 000. “We are thrilled to announce that every participant in the Absa RUN YOUR …

Read moreWin a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT Vehicle at the Absa DASH YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Safeguarding Your Wealth: Asset Security in the Fintech Era

Location: MyPR

The financial technology (fintech) law and regulatory landscape is constantly evolving and could present first-mover fintech opportunities for those who keep up-to-date with these developments. In this article we delve into strategies and best practices for asset protection for those venturing into the realm of fintech investments. The Fintech Landscape Fintech has revolutionised the financial …

Read moreSafeguarding Your Wealth: Asset Security in the Fintech Era

Crocworld’s rehabilitated tortoise needs a current name!

Location: MyPR

In the few months that the three-legged leopard tortoise has lived at Crocworld Conservation Centre, it has already befriended a fellow ‘tripod’ tortoise who is also being rehabilitated at the Scottburgh centre. To make the latest Crocworld resident really feel part of the family, the team at Crocworld is calling on the public to suggest …

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Nespresso invites coffee lovers to drift into a Californian dream this summer

Location: MyPR

The latest collection brings together iced coffees, accessories and trendy recipes for a summer inspired experience that ignites the taste buds Nespresso is embracing the South African season of sunshine and warmth with a refreshing Californian Dream inspired experience. With a lineup of delicious coffees crafted to be enjoyed over ice, beautifully designed accessories and …

Read moreNespresso invites coffee lovers to drift into a Californian dream this summer