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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said on Wednesday that the effects of climate change in the province are no longer only a theory but a reality. 

“We experienced some of the most devastating floods in our history in April 2022, which killed over 400 people and caused damage worth billions of rands. 

“The challenge, therefore, for all of us is to act locally and to tackle our challenges by looking at what is happening globally,” she said. 

The Premier was speaking at the BRICS Urbanisation Forum in Durban. 

The forum, which is currently underway, is taking place under the theme: “Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations”.

The upcoming BRICS Summit will be preceded by several events and activities taking place in the host country, including this week’s BRICS Urbanisation Forum gathering. 

The Premier said she believes that the task of major emerging economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa is to play a significant role in localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

This includes implementing actions at the local level to address all the challenges related to sustainable development, urban resilience and rapid urbanisation. 

“As part of BRICS, we too can play a leading role locally and impact globally in climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies.”

Dube-Ncube also believes that the meeting is an opportunity to cement the global partnerships for the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, sustainable urbanisation, continued investment in industrial decarbonisation and building of environments that are safe and healthy.

“We would like to take this opportunity to call on all our friends who are part of this conference to identify sectors for potential investment across our economy including the maritime, agriculture, transport, finance, education, and many other sectors.”

In addition, she said government was building integrated human settlements for its citizens as the country deals with the challenge of affordable housing. 

“Our country has a population of more than 60 million people and KwaZulu-Natal has the second largest population size in South Africa with approximately 12 million inhabitants.”

In the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, known as Durban, there is a population of about four million - just over one-third of the population of KwaZulu-Natal. 

The Premier told delegates that eThekwini was the only metro in the province, accounting for approximately 60% of the provincial economic activity. 

“That is a big weight to be carried by one metro. As a result, Durban has a challenge of approximately 600 informal settlements – some of which are large-scale, homelessness and backyard informal homes,” she said, adding that the current backlog of housing is estimated at 470 000."

This has resulted in constraints relating to bulk services in particular water, sanitation and solid waste management. 

“Government is building integrated human settlements for our people and we are also now able to upgrade the privately-owned land using current legislation to create a more sustainable liveable environment in which a range of economic and social opportunities can be created.”

In addition, government viewed the private sector as a significant partner in retail, commercial and light industrial developments.

She said the gathering will help the province focus its attention on addressing urban resilience in the face of challenges faced including climate change.

“As the province of KwaZulu-Natal, we are keen to learn from the experience and expertise of countries and states which are part of the BRICS forum but also those who may today be outside and who are part of this gathering.”

She noted that part of the developing world, South Africa was responsible for the least causes of climate change. 

“But we have come to realise that when a house is burning, it is not only those who started the fire who have the responsibility to extinguish that fire.” – SAnews.gov.za 

 

An independent analysis following the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, did not find any presence of a cholera strain from water sources used for domestic purposes.

This was revealed during a media briefing on Wednesday by the Water Research Commission (WRC).

The WRC was commissioned by the Department of Water and Sanitation on 31 May 2023 to undertake an independent analysis of the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, focusing on the role of water, sanitation and hygiene in the spread of the disease.

The study focused on the role of water, sanitation and hygiene in the spread of the disease within the Hammanskraal area in the Tshwane Metro Council.

Presenting the main findings of the study, WRC Research Manager, Dr Eunice Ubomba-Jaswa, said the water samples collected from selected sources used for domestic purposes, did not show any presence of the toxigenic cholera strain, while analysis of water samples collected from various points in natural bodies within the designated area, revealed a very high degree of faecal contamination.

“This was confirmed by the presence of excessive numbers of E. coli and the presence of other known enteric pathogens such as Salmonella [a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract] and Shigella [a bacterium that causes a diarrheal illness]. Therefore, the very poor microbiological quality of the river indicates that it is not acceptable for recreational use including religious rituals baptisms, swimming and bathing.

“Only one of the samples collected along the Apies River downstream from the Temba Wastewater Treatment Works tested positive for the presence of the toxigenic Vibrio cholerae strain. This observed presence downstream could be attributed to the general circulation of the strain in the community,” Ubomba-Jaswa said.

Ubomba-Jaswa added that a cholera strain was detected in water samples collected from the Kaalplaasspruit, which flows into the Apies River further downstream in the Hammanskraal area.

She noted that although the study was unable to pinpoint the source of the Hammanskraal cholera outbreak “it highlighted some important public health risks which may well contribute towards causing future cholera and/or other waterborne disease outbreaks”.

Although toxigenic vibrio cholerae was not detected within the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works and Temba (drinking) Water Treatment Works, Ubomba-Jaswa said the results from the assessment showed that both plants are dysfunctional. 

“Both the final treated wastewater and final treated drinking water was found not to be compliant with the regulated water quality standards, highlighting the community’s susceptibility to health risks,” she said.

Ubomba-Jaswa noted that during the outbreak period, both the rainfall patterns and temperature were suitable for the occurrence and transmission of the cholera in the environment. 

Additionally, excessive pollution levels were observed in both the Pienaars and the Apies Rivers systems, manifested by the dominant visual presence of blue-green algae and water hyacinth. 

“This presents potential water use related health risks.”

Status of water and sanitation

On the status of water, sanitation and hygiene services, Ubomba-Jaswa said it was noted with great concern that some areas had no running water to flush the shared toilet facilities due to the prevalence of intermittent water supply, pushing the affected residents to riskier alternatives. 

In the RDP sections of the settlement, most of the wash basins that were previously installed outside the toilets are dysfunctional and have detached from the walls. 

“The absence of running water, hygiene facilities and soap within the toilet area implies that most individuals in the affected areas seldom wash their hands with soap after using the toilet, leaving the community vulnerable to the risk of any faecal pathogen transmission. 

“Illegal solid waste dump sites within the Hammanskraal area present a threat to water bodies in the area and presents a source of faecal contamination that can perpetuate disease transmission,” Ubomba-Jaswa said.

Recommendations

The study recommended an integrated water and wastewater quality surveillance into early warning systems for cholera outbreaks and considering the impacts of climate change, and early detection, surveillance, treatment and case management, which are critical in managing the spread of cholera.

“Improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, promotion of safe household water treatment, storage and handling, as well as safe hygiene practices are vitally important in preventing the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases,” the study recommended.

Water Research Commission CEO, Dr Jennifer Molwantwa, said the lessons from the Hammanskraal outbreak can help build resilience for the future. 

Molwantwa said the WRC has established a panel of advisors and subject matter experts who will continually provide valuable insights and support on setting up key indicators that can serve as early warning signs for future waterborne diseases.

They will also advise on the establishment of a communication network to disseminate early warnings and preventive measures to communities, and strengthen current contingency plans and protocols for responding to waterborne disease outbreaks. – SAnews.gov.za

Dikeledi Molobela 

St. Petersburg, Russia - President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation to lead South Africa’s participation in the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit, which takes place on Thursday and Friday. 

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor and Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. 

The summit, which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent, was first convened in October 2019, with a commitment to continue meeting every three years. 

In a statement on Wednesday, The Presidency said the 2nd Summit is expected to consider four declarations and a three-year Action Plan, which will be presented for consideration.

“These submissions will focus on strengthening cooperation between Russia and African States in politics, security, trade, science, IT, humanitarian support, education, culture, sports, youth and the environment. 

“The declarations seek to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the prevention of an arms race in outer space and information security,” the Presidency said. 

Scheduled side events at the summit will include an exhibition to showcase investment opportunities in Russia and Africa, an innovation space to demonstrate new technologies and a Business Development and Social Partnership Zone for networking between the heads of global corporations, government officials, business and the media.

The summit background will also offer an opportunity to African Heads of State, who are part of the African Leaders Peace Mission, to continue talks with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on the confidence-building measures that will create conducive conditions for a path to peace between Russia and Ukraine.

The Presidency said South Africa will use the summit backdrop to further engage Russia at a bilateral level to finalise the contents and substance of the upcoming BRICS summit. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, says investing in resilient infrastructure is crucial amid an array of challenges that global cities are currently facing. 

“Our cities must have reliable and sustainable water supply, sanitation, energy, transportation and communication systems.”

By adopting innovative technologies and embracing nature-based solutions, Nkadimeng believes that the adaptability of infrastructure can be strengthened to tackle climate change and other disruptive forces.

The Minister was speaking at the BRICS Urbanisation Forum in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The forum, which is currently underway, is taking place under the ‘Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations’ theme. 

The upcoming BRICS Summit is preceded by several events and activities taking place in the host country.

Therefore, the forum provides a platform for governments, organisations, experts and scholars from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to engage with some of the issues expected to arise at the summit. 

Nkadimeng also acknowledged that big cities bear the brunt of numerous challenges. These include climate change, social vulnerabilities, and natural disasters placing immense strain on infrastructure, resources and communities.

“It is imperative that we recognise the urgency of these challenges and work together to build resilient environment that can withstand and recover from the shocks, stresses, and risks we all face.   

She also emphasised the importance of effective governance and policy frameworks, which are vital in advancing urban resilience.

Meanwhile, she said the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) plays an important role in strengthening national priorities towards sustainable development and building urban resilience.

“By localising the SDGs, we align global aspirations with local realities, ensuring that our efforts are targeted and impactful.”

Nkadimeng is of the view that this requires inclusive planning processes that engage communities, civil society organisations and the private sector. 

Citing China as an example, she said the country has “sponge cities”, integrating green infrastructure to absorb and manage stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding.

“Brazil has been focusing on favela upgrading programs in cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, improving infrastructure and social services in informal settlements to enhance resilience.”

Russia, she said, has embraced green building practices, while India has prioritised climate-resilient housing and urban greening initiatives in various cities.

“Lastly, South Africa has been upgrading informal settlements and integrating renewable energy sources in its urban development plans.

“These examples demonstrate the diverse approaches and innovative practices employed by BRICS countries to enhance urban resilience.”

These, according to Nkadimeng, also showcase the importance of context-specific solutions, driven by effective governance and policies that align with national priorities and the localisation of the SDGs. 

“However, our work does not end here. As we navigate the complexities of building urban resilience, let us acknowledge the advent of urban data intelligence.”

She said there is also a need for strategic use of data to become of utmost importance. 

“This allows for targeted investments in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and capacity-building programmes. 

“Therefore, we must embrace data-driven approaches, invest in data collection systems and build analytical capacities.”

By harnessing the power of data, she said it can monitor the effectiveness of resilience measures, make informed decisions and optimise resource allocation.

COGTA Deputy Minister, Parks Tau, said urbanisation is at greatest momentum within the BRICS bloc.  

This means increasing pressure on urban areas to provide critical access to infrastructure, economic and housing opportunities. 

“Developing urban areas sustainability, inclusively, equitably and productively is the challenge for all conference attendees and we look forward to being inspired by shared innovations between us as collaborators and partners.”

In South Africa, Tau said he has witnessed extensive urbanisation, with close to 70% of the population living in cities and towns.

“In the historic context of apartheid, which denied access to urban life for the majority of South Africans, innovations to deliver substantive infrastructure, affordable housing, access to services and economic opportunities have been critical in the work of spatial transformation,” Tau said. 

Meanwhile, Nkadimeng said the journey towards urban resilience requires unwavering commitment and collective action. – SAnews.gov.za

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, is travelling to India to participate in the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial meeting in Chennai, India, later this week.

“Climate change issues are mainstreamed in discussions across the thematic working groups of the G20 and will therefore also feature prominently in the Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial meeting,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Wednesday.

The Ministerial meeting will consider recommendations prepared by senior officials in the G20’s Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG).

The Indian G20 Presidency has focused on three priority issues under the ECSWG, namely:

• Arresting land degradation and accelerating ecosystem restoration via an ecosystem-based approach, and enriching biodiversity;
• Promoting a sustainable and climate-resilient blue economy to protect the natural environment and the lives and livelihoods dependent on marine resources; and
• Encouraging resource efficiency and circular economy to move towards sustainable production and consumption systems.

“South Africa has an important role to play in the G20 in advancing an ambitious environment and climate agenda in the context of sustainable development and seeks to ensure that priority issues of African and fellow developing countries are included in G20 outcomes.

“In this regard, developing countries are keen to ensure that our approach to building environmental sustainability assists with addressing developmental challenges including addressing poverty and ensuring shared prosperity. The support from developed countries for the climate transition and biodiversity agendas of developing countries remains a priority,” the department said.

The Group of 20 (G20) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union.

The Minister Creecy will have an opportunity in India to meet face to face with Minister Dan Jorgensen from Denmark to take forward the task assigned to the two Ministers by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the incoming COP 28 President to facilitate discussion on the Global Stocktake.

The two Ministers hope to begin consultation with some of the parties attending the G20 on an approach to the Global Stocktake. – SAnews.gov.za

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of a five year-old girl, allegedly by her cousin.

On Tuesday afternoon, police and paramedics received information about the body of a child found in the bushes.

Upon arrival at the scene, they found the lifeless body of the little girl with her throat slit, as well as stab wounds on her upper body.

She was certified dead by the medical personnel on the scene and police have opened a murder case.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the girl left home with her male cousin to a nearby tuck shop to buy some snacks.

However, the cousin returned alone without the little girl, saying that she had gone to play with other children in the neighbourhood.

However, the family was concerned that something could have happened to the child and they began searching for her until they made the gruesome discovery of her body in the nearby bushes. They immediately alerted the authorities.

Police in Bushbuckridge arrested the suspect on the same day and charged him with murder.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Bushbuckrigde Magistrates' Court soon. Investigations are ongoing. It is not yet clear if the girl was raped or not, and that will form part of the probe.

Manamela urged parents and guardians to be vigilant with their children.

"It is disheartening and disappointing to learn that some family members are found to be the ones allegedly perpetrating crimes against children, whereas they have been entrusted to safeguard them," she said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has sent a strong warning to community members about hitchhiking. 

This comes after an incident, where a 28-year-old man was robbed of cash and his cellphone in the bushes along R81 road, Xukukwami village at Giyani Policing area.

According to the police report, the incident took place on Tuesday when the victim was allegedly hitchhiking at the traffic lights of Siyandhani along R81 going to Malamulele, when a silver Datsun car with two occupants, including the driver, stopped. 

The victim, together with another man was offered a lift, and on the way, the driver told the occupants that he needed to pass by the nearby bushes to buy firewood.

While at the bushes, the driver allegedly stopped the vehicle and everyone, including the other hitchhiker threatened the victim with a knife and firearms, demanding money. 

“The three suspects, robbed him off a cell phone and money. They also tried to access funds from his bank account through an App but it was insufficient. 

“They pushed him out of the vehicle and drove off at a high speed. The victim immediately notified the police and a manhunt to arrest the suspects was launched,” Lieutenant General Hadebe said.

Hadebe warned people against hitchhiking, and emphasised that it is safer and more reliable to use public transport. 

“People can avoid becoming victims in the hands of these ruthlessness and heartless criminals by making use of public Transport. Your precious life is more valuable so, take it seriously," Hadebe said.

Hadebe said a case of robbery with a firearm has been opened and the investigation is underway.

He urged anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Detective Warrant Officer Hobyani at 071 1637 272 or crime stop number 08600 10111, or contact the nearest police station or MySAPSApp. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Tuesday endorsed the five strategic areas recommended by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to fight the scourge of youth unemployment. 

The report, developed by UNDP and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), highlights that youth unemployment is a defining development challenge that limits the earning potential of youth, stymies economic growth, threatens social cohesion, and puts pressure on public resources. 

The South Africa National Human Development Report (SANHDR) 2022, highlighted the escalating youth unemployment, which stood at 61% for youth aged between 14 and 24 and 39.9% for those who are 25 to 34 years old, according to the latest data. 

This is while the overall national unemployment rate is sitting at 32.7%. 

However, figures mask significant disparities among provinces, with rates ranging from 22.5% in the Western Cape to as high as 42.4% in the Eastern Cape.

Speaking at the launch of the report named ‘Harnessing the Employability of South Africa’s Youth’, the Deputy President said it was obvious that government’s efforts to empower young people must be premised on a growing and inclusive economy.

He told the delegates the state approves the comprehensive strategies proposed in the report to tackle youth unemployment.

These include urgent prioritisation of public sector investment in education and skills development as well as scaling up initiatives that harness youth participation in the economy. 

The document has also called for developing one-stop job services that consolidate existing tools and services, expanding youth entrepreneurship in technology-based and green industries, women’s economic empowerment and strengthening and expanding the National Youth Service to bridge the school-to-work gap.

“We agree with the UNDP when you say, ‘There is no doubt that the high unemployment rate is a ticking time bomb’,” he said. 

“Accordingly, in addressing youth unemployment, the country will simultaneously address poverty and income inequality. Addressing and tackling youth joblessness is not only sound economics but also a development imperative.”

He assured the guests that the government was pursuing several youth empowerment programmes.

These, according to the country’s second-in-command, include the Youth Employment Service Programme, part of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, which has already provided over 100 000 jobs. 

He also spoke about the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI), the Public Service Graduate Internship and Learnership Programme and the National Rural Youth Service Corps Programme.

“Evidently, the challenge is not one of a lack of programmes. It is one about the effectiveness, acceleration and massification of our programmes.”

He acknowledged that government needs to address “leakages” throughout the public policy system. 

“For example, the report we are launching found that those without a matric qualification make up a significant proportion of the youth unemployment rate at around 40%, in contrast with only 13% of graduates who are unemployed.”

Meanwhile, he said government still needs to understand factors that lead to dropouts throughout the schooling system. 

“Implicit in this fact is a deficit of skills and exposure for the young person who does not possess a matric. This means that our interventions have to be more specific and targeted, considering the urban-rural divide, race, gender and the availability of opportunities.”

He believes that the quality of the tuition in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges also needs to be examined. 

“To derive maximum benefits to the enormous public resources we are expending into this important sector. None of us needs any tutelage about the importance of skills development.”

He pointed out that South Africa will host the BRICS Future Skills Challenge, in which young people from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will compete to show solutions to the 21st century’s most pressing challenges. 

The skill areas include aircraft maintenance, building information modelling, cyber security, data science, drones, robotics, mobile app development, renewable energy and robotic process automation.

“It goes without saying that to compete amongst the BRICS nations and the world on a sustained and sustainable basis, we cannot but empower the youth with the wherewithal to acquire the skills of the 21st century.” – SAnews.gov.za