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President Ramaphosa pleased with milestones at COP28

Location: News

President Ramaphosa pleased with milestones at COP28

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed satisfaction with the level of engagements at the Conference of Parties (COP28).

This as the President concluded his official visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

The COP28 outcome also included the setting up of a loss and damage fund.

"South Africa applauds the landmark decision of COP28 to operationalise the new fund on loss and damage and welcomes the pledges that have already been made. We would like to see the fund growing along with the implementation of all other commitments that have been made thus far”, said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President Ramaphosa also presented to the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, South Africa’s Implementation Plan of the Just Energy Transition (JET) Investment Plan.

The plan has also been shared with some of the JET Partners who have committed up to 8.5 billion US dollars towards South Africa’s efforts in decarbonising the economy and mitigating the effects of climate change.

The President also called for more countries to participate in efforts to end the effects of climate change in developing economy countries.

 "We are calling for more countries to participate, as our Just  Energy Transition Plan requires much more funding, so that we can enable a more effective and positively impactful transition, particularly with respect to communities that are going to be affected as we transit from fossil fuel sources of energy to renewables.

As the Summit continues in the next two weeks, we want to see sharper focus coming from developed economies with respect to living up to their Paris commitments. We still expect the 100 billion dollars that was promised to be made available to support countries that are least responsible for climate damage manage the effects of climate change”, said President Ramaphosa.

The President asserted the role of multilateralism and solidarity as central to global climate action and cautioned against unilateral, coercive, and trade-distorting approaches, such as carbon adjustment measures that are going to be severely detrimental to developing economies.

The conference underway, commenced on 30 November and will end on 12 December 2023, brings together world leaders to discuss progress and ambition across all pillars of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as adopted in the Paris Agreement in 2015.

The conference seeks to provide momentum and guidance for the remainder of the COP and is presided over by COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber of the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement on Sunday the Presidency said the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy will lead the country’s participation for the remainder of the conference until 12 December 2023.

South Africa’s participation at the conference is in the context of its national determination as set out in the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, to significantly reduce emission in line with the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015.  

COP28 presents an opportunity to fast-track the energy transition by building the energy system of the future, while rapidly decarbonising the current energy system to keep 1.5°C target within reach. -SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Neo
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 11:43

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Developing countries must stand as one – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Developing countries must stand as one - President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged member countries of the G77+China to “stand together in solidarity, to support each other and to speak with one voice at COP 28”.

The President was speaking at the inaugural G77+China Summit on Climate Change held on the sidelines of the Conference of Parties (COP28) held in Dubai.

“Every region and country represented in this group is already experiencing the impact of climate change and its associated loss and damage. This means that we need to stand together in solidarity, to support each other and to speak with one voice at COP 28. We need to contribute our best efforts and to act with urgency.

“Transformative climate action is taking place alongside our efforts to eradicate poverty and inequality. We should therefore coordinate our positions on the transformation of the global financial architecture and reform of the multilateral development banks so that they can support sustainable development,” President Ramaphosa said.

He added that countries who are endowed with mineral resources that are critical for energy transitions need to work together to “ensure that the new economy is fairer, more equitable and offers equal opportunity for all”.

“We should forge a united platform against unilateral coercive and trade distorting measures under the guise of climate action. These include carbon border taxes that have the effect of reversing climate finance flows to the Global North.

“We need to reframe the climate action narrative to better address the realities of developing economy countries, to give appropriate recognition to their rights and to acknowledge their contributions to the global fight against this existential threat,” he said.

The President reiterated South Africa’s position that developed countries must support the energy transitions of developing countries.

“Since developing economy countries are the least responsible for climate change but the most affected, it is critical that the enabling means of implementation support is provided by countries with developed economies.

“The G77 and China, representing the overwhelming majority of the world’s population who live in developing economies, has the opportunity to infuse this vision into the mandate and scope of the new work programme on Just Transition Pathways,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 09:32

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Read moreDeveloping countries must stand as one – President Ramaphosa

SA commends Cuba’s support in water sector

Location: News

SA commends Cuba’s support in water sector

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has commended the Cuban government for its continued solidarity with the people of South Africa, particularly in the field of water and sanitation.

“The unwavering support that we receive from the Cuban government has been amazing and we will forever be grateful for their commitment in ensuring that South Africa is developed into a better state and achieve a great life for its people,” Mahlobo said.

He was speaking during the 7th South Africa-Cuba High Level Panel meeting with Cuba’s Institute of National Hydraulic Resources first Vice President, Bladimir Matos Moya, and a contingent of Cuban engineers deployed to South Africa as part of a long-standing cooperation between the two states.

During the meeting held in Pretoria this week, South Africa and Cuba reviewed the existing cooperation agreement between the two States in the areas of geo-hydrology and engineering services. 

The two also committed to continue working together and strengthening the existing relations.

“The expertise from Cuban engineers has assisted our country and our department a great deal in improving our technical capacity to manage our water infrastructure,” Mahlobo said.

The Deputy Minister commended the experienced engineers from Cuba for imparting their vast knowledge into up-and-coming engineers at the department.

The department has a Learning Academy which is tasked with unearthing young engineers to bridge the skills gap in the water sector. 

“We offer bursaries and then absorb young engineers upon completion of their studies, and we capacitate to acquire the required skills in many ways. This is where the expertise of Cuban engineers come in, to equip our newly graduated engineers to become better,” Mahlobo said.

The Deputy Minister reiterated that water security is dependent on how the country manages its infrastructure and water resources, saying this can be achieved through cooperation with like-minded and developed countries.

The current cooperation agreement between the two States, which was entered into in 2020, is set to lapse in 2025 and upon which, a new agreement is expected to be entered into until 2030.

Mahlobo said the 25 engineers assisting South Africa have been involved in electrical and mechanical operations and maintenance of pump stations and systems, dams, reservoirs associated with the electricity generation, mining industries and food production. 

“They have also been assisting with hydraulic and civil engineering work in regional bulk infrastructure project, control of expenses associated with infrastructure development in municipalities, drought relief programs, [including] COVID-19 projects and approval of water use licence applications. They have also involved in the development of Emergency Preparedness Plans for all dams according to the established regulations,” Mahlobo said. 

The two States have agreed to begin the process of reviewing the cooperation going forward and to expand to other areas of cooperation, which includes infrastructure investment and planning, development of green energy including the development of hydropower, climate change and its impact on infrastructure and national disaster management. 

The projects that the Cuban engineers have been involved in include, among others:
• Conditional assessment of Standerton water supply conduction, treatment, and disposal to the environment of the wastewater, Lekwa Local Municipality, Gert Sibande District Municipality;
• Technical audit of the hydraulic system of the Vaal basin in Johannesburg;
• Technical support and monitoring of the execution of RBIP projects;
• Upgrade of Maviljan Waste Water Treatment Works, Bushbuckridge; 
• Upgrade of Eerstehoek Water Supply phases 1 and 2 Albert Luthuli Local Municipality;
• Upgrade of Bulk pipeline for Empuluzi Methula Water Scheme phase 5, 6, 7 Albert  Luthuli Local Municipality; and
• Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme for Breyten (Cluster 2 phases 1 2 Msukaligwa Local Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 12:24

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Read moreSA commends Cuba’s support in water sector

Lesotho, Zimbabwe exemption permits extended

Location: News

Lesotho, Zimbabwe exemption permits extended

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced that he has issued directives to extend the validity of the exemption permits in respect of Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals to 31 December 2024.

“I call upon all the affected Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals to make use of the window of opportunity to apply for new exemption permits through VFS Global,” Motsoaledi said.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Friday, Motsoaledi said both Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals will be entitled to apply for new exemption permits.

He said a holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to work, seek employment and conduct business in South Africa.

“A holder of the exemption permit, due to expire on 31 December 2023 or such extended period of validity, will be entitled to apply for a new exemption permit. A holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to sojourn in the Republic of South Africa during the validity of the exemption permit,” Motsoaledi said.

Motsoaledi explained that new exemption permits to be issued will expire on 29 November 2025 and that a holder of the exemption permit will not be entitled to apply for permanent residence in terms of sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 or any other provisions in any other law, irrespective of the period of stay in South Africa.

“A holder of the exemption permit will be allowed freedom of movement between Lesotho and South Africa or any other country. A holder of the exemption permit cannot change his or her status in the Republic of South Africa, as contemplated in section 10 (6) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, during the validity of the permit issued.

“When a holder of the exemption due to expire on 31 December 2023 or such extended period applies for a new exemption permit, he or she must disclose and/or register all the minor children born and staying in South Africa,” Motsoaledi said.

Zimbabwe permit

The Minister said affected Zimbabwean nationals will be entitled to apply for new exemption permits under the following terms and conditions:

“A holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to work, seek employment and conduct business in South Africa.

“A holder of the exemption permit due to expire on 31 December 2023 or June 2024 and such extended period of validity will be entitled to apply for a new exemption permit.

“A holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to sojourn in the Republic of South Africa during the validity of the exemption permit and that the exemption permits to be issued will expire on 29 November 2025.

“A holder of the exemption permit will not be entitled to apply for permanent residence in terms of sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 or any other provisions in any other law, irrespective of the period of stay in the Republic of South Africa,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi explained that a holder of the exemption permit cannot change his or her status in the Republic of South Africa, as contemplated in section 10 (6) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 during the validity of the permit issued.

“When a holder of the exemption due to expire on 31 December 2023 or 28 June 2024 or such extended period applies for a new exemption permit, he or she must disclose and/or register all the minor children born and staying in the Republic of South Africa.

Motsoaledi has granted exemptions to approximately 54 653 Lesotho nationals for a period of two years and approximately 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals.

Motsoaledi said a dedicated team will be set up to deal with the applications for new exemption permits.

“VFS Global has also been instructed to fast-track the application process for new exemption permits,” the Minister said.

The first Zimbabwean special dispensation started in 2009 and was called the Dispensation for Zimbabwe Permit. It provided for the documentation of qualifying Zimbabweans for a five-year period. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 14:06

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Multilateralism key to dealing with climate change

Location: News

Multilateralism key to dealing with climate change

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged global leaders to continue working together in efforts to tackle climate change as unilateralism can have detrimental result on developing economies.

“Multilateralism must remain central to global climate action. Unilateral, coercive and trade-distorting measures, such as carbon adjustment measures are detrimental to developing economies,” the President said on Friday.

President Ramaphosa was addressing the high-level segment for the Heads of State and Government during the United Nations climate-focused Conference of Parties (COP28), which is currently underway in Dubai.

Leading South Africa’s participation at the conference, he emphasised the importance of access to finance, skills transfer and technology as tools to help developing economy countries build climate resilience.

“African countries are among the most vulnerable to the effects of a rapidly changing climate, and have to adapt and build resilience within the context of historically low levels of development and a severely limited capacity.

“Innovative financing instruments, such as special drawing rights are needed to ensure that funding does not increase the debt burden of countries that are already struggling to service their debt.

“There can be no substitute for new predictable at scale and appropriate public finance to help developing economy countries build climate resilience. Climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies should be regarded as a global public good,” the President said.

He said nations need to support the right of each country to determine its own developmental trajectory, and provide the necessary space to bring it to fruition.

“As South Africa, we applaud the landmark decision of COP28 to operationalise the new fund on Loss and Damage, and welcome the pledges that have already been made.

“If this Fund is to effectively support those countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, we need to mobilise funding on a far greater scale.

“We must launch the work programme on national and international just transitions that involve all in society and encompass all areas of the economy,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said decisions that will be made at COP28 need to be guided by science, equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

“Climate action is key to South Africa’s sustainable development agenda. The South African government has just approved the Implementation Plan for the country’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan.

“This plan focuses on areas critical to a just transition, including investment in electricity infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green hydrogen, skills development, municipal electricity distribution, and interventions directed at communities most affected by the energy transition.

“South Africa has a successful renewable energy power producers programme that plays a key role in supporting our decarbonisation efforts. There are also promising developments underway in our country to harness the potential of green hydrogen, and to beneficiate critical minerals and rare earths in support of development and driving the green transition,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:04

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Mashatile rallies communities to be involved in HIV interventions

Location: News

Mashatile rallies communities to be involved in HIV interventions

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on communities to actively participate in interventions to combat stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations affecting people living and affected by HIV/AIDS.

“History demonstrates that when communities unite, any challenge can be overcome. Our combined strengths can help us achieve the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats,” he said on Friday. 

The Deputy President was speaking at the official commemoration of World AIDS Day as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC). The event was held in Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal.

He described the 1 December as an opportunity to strengthen unity to fight against HIV, support those living with HIV, and remember those who succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses. 

“Our combined strengths can help us achieve the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats.” 

The Deputy President believes active civil society has also led to significant progress in the prevention, treatment, care, support, and outreach for the vulnerable.

“An additional area that necessitates strong oversight from civil society is the pervasive problem of gender-based violence and femicide, the correlation of which is universally recognised with HIV.”

However, he said he was encouraged by the Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement for its commitment to establish the men’s community parliaments in every village, township, suburb, and community in South Africa. 

“This movement seeks to mobilise men and boys to stand up and be counted in the country’s efforts against mental health in men, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), new HIV infections, and toxic masculinity, and for men to be drivers of the positive socialisation of the boy child.” 

He also rallied communities to hold hands with government to eradicate patriarchy, economic inequality, insensitive social norms, and harmful cultural practices. 

Gender-based violence, according the Deputy President, was detrimental to the state’s efforts towards the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals and National Development Plan. 

Survey

He also touched on the recently published sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behavioural Survey by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

The research found that 7.8 million people are living with HIV in South Africa, a decrease from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022. 

“While the results clearly show that the prevalence of HIV is declining, there are some worrying patterns regarding the age group between 25 and 49 years.” 

Meanwhile, among females, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 35 to 39 years at 34.2% compared to 27.1% in males aged 45 to 49 years. 

The country’s second-in-command also raised concerns about the increased incidence of HIV infection among girls between 15 to 19 years old. 

“It is an indication that older men engage in unprotected sexual activities with girls and young women. We must take extraordinary measures as a society to protect kids against immoral predators. We must ensure that children have a safe environment to discuss the issues influencing their sexual conduct and the pressures they are under. 

“We must stand with them and educate them about their rights and sexual health,” he stressed. 

Government is also worried about the lack of access to treatment by HIV-positive children, young people, and men.

The survey indicated that among those aged 15 and older living with HIV in South Africa in 2022, 90% were aware of their status, 91% of those aware of their status were on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 94% of those on ART were virally suppressed. 

He told the community the state’s primary objective as a government is to integrate all facets of an individual’s healthcare into a unified system, ensuring that everyone consistently gets quality medical care. 

“Another game-changer in our progressive treatment literacy efforts is the integration of the undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) concept into our policy framework.” 

This means that if a person takes their treatment consistently without fail, they will achieve ongoing viral suppression until the level of the virus drops to below 50 copies per millilitre. 

“However, we advocate for safe sex since being undetectable will not prevent you from passing on a sexually transmitted infection to your partner or having an unplanned pregnancy.” 

Stigma

Shifting his focus on stigma and prejudice, he said this can be as traumatic as the illness itself. 

This, he said, could lead to partner or family rejection, social marginalisation, school expulsion, denial of medical services, a lack of care and support, and violence. 

“We encourage our community leaders to engage our communities in order to alter societal attitudes and customs, some of which are influenced by our upbringing.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Gabisile
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:24

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Apple Music announces Maya Amolo as the Latest Up Next Artist from East Africa

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Apple Music today announced Kenyan R&B-soul singer-songwriter Maya Amolo is the latest artist to be featured in its new Up Next artist development program in East Africa. “I’m really excited to be Up Next with Apple Music,” she tells Apple Music. “The scene is buzzing here in Nairobi so I’m always grateful when I have …

Read moreApple Music announces Maya Amolo as the Latest Up Next Artist from East Africa

Heatwave conditions wreck records

Location: News

Heatwave conditions break records

Following the heatwave conditions that prevailed for a number of days in most parts of the country, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) says November records were broken in both the maximum and minimum temperature measurements.

Heatwave conditions prevailed from 19 November 2023 in most parts of the country, with isolated areas having extremely hot conditions for several days in a row.

“Hot conditions reached their peak on 27 November 2023, when extremely hot conditions were experienced in large parts of the country. Preliminary data indicates new temperature records for November over the Northern Cape, Free State and North West provinces.

“More than 10 stations recorded the highest temperature records on the 27th, with the Automatic Weather Station at Augrabies Falls recording the highest maximum temperature of 46.7°C, breaking its previous record of 46.2°C (2019-11-28).

“It must be noted that the highest maximum temperature record for Augrabies Falls remains at 48.6°C, measured on 2016-01-05, and the 46.7°C is the new record for the month of November,” SAWS said on Thursday.

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in an El Niño state and according to the latest predictions is expected to persist through most of the summer months.

ENSO’s typical impact on Southern Africa is in favour of generally drier and warmer conditions during the spring and summer months from October to March.

“However, current global forecasts indicate a great deal of uncertainty for the typical drier conditions that South Africa experiences during typical El Niño seasons, over the eastern parts of the country. Weather extremes will continue to occur from time to time during the summer season as much as drier conditions are expected. 

“Caution is advised at this point, as the El Niño effect might still manifest its influence in the next few months and change the outlook of the rainfall forecast for mid- and late summer. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal countrywide for the forecast period,” SAWS said.

The weather service will continue to monitor the weather and climate conditions and provide updates on any future assessments that may provide more clarity on the current expectations for the coming season.  

Furthermore, the public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio.

Updated information in this regard will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as via the SA Weather Service X account. @SAWeatherService. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:19

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New provincial number dish system unveiled in KZN

Location: News

New provincial number plate system unveiled in KZN

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has unveiled a new number plate system for the province, marking an end to the traditional discrete numbering system to a more dynamic and continuous numbering system. 

Dube-Ncube on Friday said the shift was deemed necessary to align the province with other regions and the national numbering system, while addressing the issue of towns running out of available numbers.

Emphasising the importance of this paradigm shift, the Premier said the new numbering system will come with improved security features, which will assist in the fight against crime.

To ensure a seamless transition, the implementation was planned in two phases, with the first phase starting on Friday, focusing on the registration of new vehicles, change of ownership, and re-registration of stolen-recovered vehicles. 

This initial step lays the groundwork for the subsequent phases of the comprehensive rollout.

The second phase, which is set to commence on 1 March 2024, will encourage the voluntary migration of all vehicle owners from the existing system to the new one. 

Vehicle owners have been given a 24-month window to complete this migration, after which all motor vehicles will automatically be issued with a new format licence number upon licensing.

Accompanied by Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka and eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, Dube-Ncube conducted a thorough test of the readiness of the Electronic National Administration Traffic Information System (ENaTis). – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:39

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National Strategic Region on GBVF must be prioritised – Cabinet

Location: News

National Strategic Plan on GBVF must be prioritised - Cabinet

Cabinet has reaffirmed the need to prioritise the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) of dealing with the second pandemic of gender-based violence and femicide. 

Briefing the media on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet further noted progress that has been made on interventions of the NSP that are driven through the following six pillars:

  • Extensive legal reform;
  • Support for survivors through the provision of evidence toolkits at police stations; 
  • Psychology and social services;
  • The establishment of the GBVF Response Fund which commits both government and the private sector to fund the fight against GBVF;
  • Support for Thuthuzela and Khuseleka Care centres, which provide vital services for GBV survivors; and 
  • The economic empowerment of women.

“Government will continue with consultations with various sectors to mobilise a whole of society approach to dealing with GBVF [gender-based violence and femicide], including localising the NSP using the District Development Model (DDM) approach for implementation at a ward level,”  the Minister said.

In this regard, Cabinet applauded the successful co-hosting of the 3rd African Union (AU) Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity in Leadership to End Violence Against Women and Girls with the Republic of Comoros in Pretoria from 27 to 28 November 2023.

The Men’s Conference provided an opportunity to consolidate the bold efforts that the Heads of State and Government, and other sectors have taken towards ending violence against women and girls on the continent. 

These efforts include accountability for the implementation of the Kinshasa Declaration and the decisions made at the 2023 February Heads of State and Government Conference on negotiating an AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

MSC investment

Meanwhile, Cabinet has also welcomed the opening of the Nelson Mandela cruise terminal by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in a public-private partnership (PPP) contract with Transnet. 

MSC invested approximately R296.7 million in the construction of the new terminal, with an additional R30 million earmarked for expansion of the terminal.

Cabinet echoed the sentiments of President Ramaphosa when he said at the opening of the terminal last week: “The multi-user terminal has made Durban an even more desirable destination for cruise ships from all over the world”. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 09:21

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Read moreNational Strategic Region on GBVF must be prioritised – Cabinet

The Royal Livingstone Hotel By Anantara Unveils Elegant Current Junior Suites

Location: MyPR

A graceful retreat near the roaring Victoria Falls, The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara has revealed its refined new Livingstone Junior Suites. The classically furnished suites, accentuated with local designs, benefit from sweeping views of the Zambezi River and are abundant in modern comforts. Spanning 52 square metres, each of the four Livingstone Junior Suites …

Read moreThe Royal Livingstone Hotel By Anantara Unveils Elegant Current Junior Suites

Don’t miss any of the holiday action at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The weather outside is delightful, which means it’s time to start making those holiday plans! For holidaymakers and residents on the Mid-KZN South Coast, Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh has it covered with an epic festive season programme running from 13 December 2023 to 17 January 2024. “This is one of our favourite times of …

Read moreDon’t miss any of the holiday action at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh

Preferred bidders for Battery Storage IPP bid window one announced

Location: News

Preferred bidders for Battery Storage IPP bid window one announced

The announcement of the four preferred bidders under the first bid window of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Procurement (BESIPPP) Programme marks a “significant development” in South Africa’s pursuit for energy security.

This is according to Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s written remarks at the announcement of the bidders on Thursday.

The preferred bidders were selected following an independent evaluation of the bid submissions process held between August and October this year.

“This first grid-scale energy storage programme in South Africa marks yet another important step towards the development of adequate electricity generation capacity to meet the country’s demand as set out in the Integrated Resource Plan (2019).

“The site-specific BESIPPPP Programme Bid Window 1 is designed to facilitate the procurement of up to 513 megawatts (MW) from facilities that will provide Capacity, Energy and Ancillary Services to Eskom at 5 specified sites, therefore only one Preferred Bidder is appointed per site,” Mantashe said.

The four preferred bidders, chosen from a cohort of at least 17, are:

  • Oasis Aggeneis
  • Mogobe BESS
  • Oasis Mookodi
  • Oasis Nieuwehoop

Mantashe said based on the department’s benchmarking exercise, a fifth bidder is expected to be appointed.

“The appointed preferred bidders have all made economic development commitments, notwithstanding the fact that such commitments were not mandatory for this BESIPPPP BW1 round. The preferred bidders have committed to creating a total of 992 job opportunities for South African citizens (measured in job years), during construction and operations.

“These projects will further spend over R3.2 billion on local content and over R4.4 billion on preferential procurement from BBBEE, black enterprises, QSEs and ESEs and on enterprise development initiatives over the life-time of the projects,” he said.

The Minister announced that project agreements have been signed with an additional bidder under the Risk Mitigation IPP Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP).

The 75MW project is expected to be located in De Aar, Northern Cape and offers a hybrid Solar PV and Battery Storage technology solution.

“The project anticipates reaching commercial close by mid-December 2023, and will start the 24-month construction phase in early 2024. The new generation capacity should therefore be online from early 2026.

“With the signing of this additional project, the total number of projects that have signed agreements under the RMIPPPP have now increased to 6 out of the eleven appointed Preferred bidders, which will add a total of 428MW of dispatchable capacity to the national grid,” he said.

Other IPP programmes

The Minister said that following the opening of several bid windows, at least 1384MW of new generating capacity – all at different stages of the process – have been secured.

“At least nine projects under Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy IPP Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) have now reached commercial close and are in construction. Three more projects are expected to reach commercial close in due course. In total, these projects will add a further 1 234 MW to the national grid from 2025 onwards.

“Moving to Bid Window 6, the 6 preferred bidders that were appointed in December 2022 are finalising all conditions precedent to reaching legal and commercial close. As previously communicated, the unavailability of grid capacity is a major constraint faced by all projects, resulting in delayed project closures.

“[The] department is in the process of finalising governance approvals for the release of the requests for the procurement of additional generation capacity under Bid Window 7 of the REIPPPP, Gas-to-Power, and Battery Storage.

“Further announcements in this regard will follow in the next two weeks,” the Minister added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 15:13

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Read morePreferred bidders for Battery Storage IPP bid window one announced

New Buy Local members extend rural and township tourism on the KZN South Coast

Location: MyPR

Tourism is the lifeblood of the KZN South Coast economy, and while significant strides are being made in various key investment sectors, there is still massive potential yet to be uncovered for tourism beyond the coast. Two new Buy Local members, Monate Outdoor Activities and Kasified Eksperience, are providing visitors with completely unique cultural and …

Read moreNew Buy Local members extend rural and township tourism on the KZN South Coast

Verdant Capital funds Enable Capital

Location: News
Verdant Capital

Verdant Capital (www.Verdant-Cap.com) is pleased to announce a USD 2.5 million revolving credit facility for Enable Capital of South Africa.  Enable Capital specialises in providing short-term funding solutions to SME subcontractors involved in the physical construction and deployment of local, regional, and national fibre network infrastructure across South Africa.

Enable Capital has built up a successful track record since inception in 2018 - it has provided financial support of more than ZAR 1.5 billion to more than 250 SMEs.  In doing so, it has facilitated meaningful growth for businesses in South Africa's SME sector, where access to finance remains a key inhibitor. Enable Capital aims to be the primary funding partner on major projects that have been officially approved by fibre network owners (e.g., Vumatel and Metrofibre).

Enable Capital's funding solutions specifically help address challenges faced by SME subcontractors such as equipment hire, supply of building materials and diesel where Enable Capital deals with suppliers and service providers directly in bulk, to the benefit of the subcontractors.

Enable Capital has a proven track record helping small business in the country grown significantly, transitioning from small subcontractors to large primary contractors, creating many new jobs in the process.

The partnership with Verdant Capital will allow Enable Capital to continue to support SMEs involved with the deployment of fibre while impacting economic growth in areas and communities where it is most needed. This includes the rollout of fibre network infrastructure outside of affluent areas where there is unequal access to the internet, thereby increasing access to the internet for all.

The funding was provided through Verdant Capital's investment partnerships strategy supporting high-impact businesses and financial institutions operating in the African continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.

Media enquiries:
Verdant Capital
Liezel van Greunen
T : +27 10 140 3700
E : liezel.vangreunen@verdant-cap.com

About Verdant Capital :
Verdant Capital is an investment manager and investment bank specialising in the private capital markets and operating on a pan-African basis.  www.Verdant-Cap.com

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