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Johannesburg precinct sets standards for sustainability

Location: News
Melrose Arch

As South Africa migrates to an off-grid economy, one mixed-use precinct is leading the way with its sustainability prowess. Melrose Arch (www.MelroseArch.co.za/) has a thriving waste separating facility, underground cooling plant, gardens and rooftop solar system, providing its hotels, businesses and residential properties with an unparalleled experience.

After blasting and bulk earthworks commenced in the year 1998, Melrose Arch opened with a limited upmarket facility, with phase 1 consisting of only 11 buildings in 2001. It was constructed on a super basement that connects all areas of the precinct and remains the only one of this kind in the country. Parking cars in the basement reduces traffic congestion, and assists in reducing ambient air pollution above ground. Therefore, walking on street level is safe and pleasurable.

Renowned for its upmarket appeal and European street style aesthetic, Melrose Arch's streets are lined with greenery. The precinct has over 700 trees planted within its border, as well as five internal garden spaces creating green lungs for residents and tenants to enjoy.

Melrose Arch has since expanded to house 106 000m² office space, 39 000m² retail space, 17 000m² hotel space, 29 000m² of residential and conferencing space, and 8600m² accommodating health clubs. The integration of sustainability operations has expanded parallel to the 199 600m², with the result of seamless integration. 

Eco Centre, Waste Separating Facility

Melrose Arch's waste separating facility, that operates 24/7 separates paper, cardboard, metals, plastics and glass, and sends these for recycling. At the property's approximately 30 restaurants, cafés and bars on the precinct, food waste is separated at source i.e., in the restaurant kitchens.

The food waste recycling works by implementing efficient waste separation methods and commitment, allowing each restaurant to divert food waste from traditional waste streams. By separating the food waste at source, restaurants assist in thorough recycling and processing, transforming waste into valuable resources such as compost.

The food waste is taken offsite and directly to the Urban Farms Recycling Centre, where it is converted into organic fertiliser. This organisation's vermiculture facility in Modderfontein is the largest of its kind in South Africa. After the majority of the waste is recycled, the balance goes to a landfill, where the eco center aims to minimise the amount each day.

In February 2024, of the 92.578 tons of waste collected across the precinct, 88% was recycled. A total of 77,303.58m³ CO2, 712,447.19L of water and 312,494.50 kWh energy was saved. Additionally, the eco center creates employment and enhances community participation in climate-relevant mitigation and adaptation measures.

Melrose Arch Cooling Plant

The provision of efficient indoor climate and comfort, particularly in the offices and commercial buildings, has been prioritised since the inception of Melrose Arch's development. The precinct boasts its own 1,471m² district underground cooling plant, that operates 24/7. This remarkable facility includes 8 chillers that are 2722.94kW in size, 12 cooling towers and 5 building water pumps.

Operated by a Building Management System, the plant is energy efficient. The cooling is centrally produced and distributes cold water to each building through a closed distribution network. Environmentally-friendly and economically savvy, this center helps to regulate the temperature inside buildings across the entire precinct.  

The cooling plant's machinery and equipment have a nameplate capacity of 4,324.74KW, but for safety, are never operated at full capacity. The kVA demand for the plant during the summer months is set at 8.5kVA, which means that the plant regulates itself depending on demand, but it will limit itself to 8.5kVA. The average monthly kWh consumption for the plant is 494,914.08kWh.

Intricate Solar System

The Melrose Arch precinct's rooftop solar system is intricately accommodated across 16 different roof surfaces, and every building under the precinct's joint venture agreement that can host solar panels does. Currently featuring 7,811 solar panels and multiple inverters, generating approximately 3.2MW of clean energy annually, the grid-tied system integrates with multiple generators during load-shedding.

Some of the commercial operators on the property such as the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch operate their own solar systems, providing further sustainability. “We are committed to a target of 30% renewable energy across all of our properties by 2025, and becoming net zero for carbon emissions by 2050,” said Richard Collins, Area Vice President: Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriot International.

Melrose Arch is investigating the expansion of its current solar capacity, looking to increase its clean energy supply by a further 3MW per annum. Melrose Arch is also investigating a battery plant solution, tied into its own grid, to be powered by the solar plant, which will provide the precinct with up to 4 hours of standby energy in the event of outages.

Back up water

Melrose Arch has two sources of underground water. Through its water treatment plant, water is filtered and cleansed before being converted to potable water. This water is channeled to Melrose Arch's standby tanks, which are in place to enable the precinct to continue to enjoy water when there are interruptions to the local supply.

This system keeps the precinct's gardens green throughout the year and ensures that less water is wasted. Last year alone, the precinct saved 3,500,000 litres of water in this way. Furthermore, Melrose Arch/the precinct has a water back-up system with sufficient supply to keep operations flowing for up to 72 hours at any given time.

“Melrose Arch's prominence in the commercial and residential sector is underpinned by its robust operational sustainability integration that includes solar power, waste separation, a cooling plant, water backup and more,” says Reiner Henschel, Operations Director at Melrose Arch. “However, our commitment doesn't end there. We are resolute in continually integrating sustainability into our operations, ensuring that the precinct maintains its position as a leader in environmental responsibility in South Africa,” he concluded.

For further details on Melrose Arch, visit https://MelroseArch.co.za/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Melrose Arch.

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Melrose Arch
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Navigating the World of Courier Services: From Local to International

Location: MyPR

In today’s fast-paced world of eCommerce and global connectivity, courier services play a vital role in facilitating seamless logistics and efficient delivery solutions. Whether you’re sending packages locally or shipping goods internationally, choosing the right courier company can make all the difference in ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction. Let’s explore the diverse landscape of …

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Over a million travellers processed over Easter period

Location: News

Over a million travellers processed over Easter period

The Border Management Authority (BMA) facilitated about 1 136 250 travellers across the country’s 71 ports of entry over the Easter period.

This represents a 24% increase or 222 391 more travellers than last year, the BMA announced on Sunday.

This as the BMA’s Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato, announced the results of the 10-day Easter plan implementation that ran from 26 March to 4 April 2024.

Masiapato identified OR Tambo International Airport, the Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique, and Beitbridge port of entry to Zimbabwe as the top three ports that processed the majority of travellers with a total of 528 042 individuals.

“In fact, OR Tambo facilitated the most travellers at 217 855, followed by Lebombo at 157 069 and ⁠Beitbridge at 153 118 travellers,” he said at a media briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) head office in Pretoria. 

He added that at the Cape Town harbour had seen an increase in the number of holiday makers boarding cruise ships for various destinations, according to border law enforcement officials.

The BMA also processed about 36 675 private vehicles, 1 893 minibus taxis, 1 309 buses and over 2 621 aircrafts at various international airports. 

It also handled 252 vessels across seaports of which 119 were for crew changes through the off-port limit mechanism. 

“This has to do with the facilitation of crew changes for vessels that have not docked at the port. During the implementation of this plan on people movement, we deployed proactive preventative measures for the speedy detection of non-compliances on the set port protocols.” 

The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.

Of the 3 841, about 2 403 did not have any documents, 1 019 were refused entry for being “undesirable”, while about 419 were found to be “inadmissible” to enter the country due to various reasons. 

“The majority of those arrested without documents were intercepted at the vulnerable segments of the borderline. They were processed, declared undesirable for five years, and were deported.”

According to Masiapato, most of the “inadmissible” individuals had invalid passports, fraudulent visas or simply failed to produce relevant documents such as valid yellow fever certificates. 

“We would like to indicate that the success of this Easter operations can be attributed to the consistent implementation of all proactive measures and those include effective corridor management which was done in full collaboration with the respective local traffic authorities. As such, none of our key arteries leading to any of the land ports of entry experienced any kind of congestion.” 

He also expressed his gratitude to all motorists for observing traffic laws and adhering to the instructions of traffic authorities. 

He also applauded the Stockpoort port of entry for processing and recording data of all passengers who were on the bus en route from Botswana to Moria in Limpopo for the Easter pilgrimage. 

“Despite our limited resources, our officers continue to work tirelessly to ensure the smooth flow of legitimate travellers while upholding the highest security standards. We are extremely proud and appreciative of the resilience of our border officials in rendering a stable service in very difficult conditions,” he said.

Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Botswana counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi visited the site of the bus crash which claimed the lives of 45 Botswana nationals.

The only survivor of the crash was an eight-year-old child. SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 11:39

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Apply for your ID this weekend

Location: News

Apply for your ID this weekend

The Department of Home Affairs offices are now open on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm until 25 May 2024.

The department will provide several services, including the collection of identity documents (IDs), processing of new applications, and issuing temporary identity certificates. 

The offices will also be resolving challenges pertaining to duplicates, amendments, rectifications and dead-alive cases with the required supporting documents.

In addition, mobile offices are also scheduled to return to deliver IDs in the remote areas where they took applications.

Local offices working with stakeholders such as councillors will communicate the dates, times and venues of those visits. 

The department has also introduced a Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS), which allows clients to book appointments to collect their smart ID cards and green barcoded ID books before visiting offices.

BABS can be accessed on the department’s website, www.dha.gov.za.

However, clients have the option to visit the offices without prior booking.

“We invite people who have applied for their IDs, particularly young people who are first-time applicants, to come to our offices to collect their documents. This initiative gives people more options to collect their enabling documents,” said Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza.

He also encouraged clients who have applied for IDs and have received their SMS notifications to seize this opportunity by visiting their Home Affairs office to collect their documents.

Doors will be closed on 27 April 2024, as it will be a public holiday. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 04/12/2024 - 10:55

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Securing Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide to Business Security Products

Location: MyPR

In the ever-evolving landscape of business security, staying ahead of potential threats is paramount. From safeguarding valuable assets to protecting sensitive information, businesses rely on a range of security products to fortify their premises and ensure peace of mind. Let’s explore the diverse array of business security products, from anti-bandit doors to safes, and understand …

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Maximise Your Brand Visibility with Perkal’s Promo Wall and Desk Clocks

Location: MyPR

Introduction In the dynamic world of marketing, finding innovative ways to keep your brand in the spotlight is crucial. Branded wall and desk clocks emerge as exceptional promotional items, offering a unique blend of utility and visibility. Unlike other promotional products, clocks and watches are not just glanced at once and forgotten; they command attention …

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RS Imports’ Office Chairs Collection

Location: MyPR

A comfortable and ergonomic office chair is essential for maintaining productivity and well-being during long hours of work. At RS Imports, we understand the importance of having quality seating options in the workplace, which is why we offer a diverse range of office chairs to suit every need and budget. Let’s explore the selection available …

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Unlocking Malawi’s Trade Barriers Through One-Stop Border Posts

Location: News

The World Bank Group
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Malawi's economy suffers from a lack of investment and high trade costs due to poor logistics and infrastructure; Clearing goods at the Malawi-Dedza border post with Mozambique previously took an average of three days; One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) reduce border waiting times and the cost of cross-border transactions.

The Dedza border post, situated between Malawi and Mozambique, is a busy place. On average, more than 80 trucks are cleared daily, carrying shop merchandise from South Africa to Malawi including fertilizers for Malawi's agriculture sector.

For the past few years, before the construction of the new One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) facility, it took about 24 to 36 hours to clear a truck carrying items such as wheat, fertilizers, groceries, and raw materials for Malawi's manufacturing industry. Drivers and clearing agents had to dash from one office to another between the two countries to clear the goods. Malawian traders traveling to and from South Africa through the Dedza–Mozambique border had difficulty locating the appropriate offices to present the required paperwork. In addition, the lack of parking facilities meant that the road leading to the border post was always congested, as trucks scrambled for space to park while waiting to be cleared.

Establishing One-Stop Border Posts

In 2015, the Government of Malawi embarked on an ambitious program to construct border posts in Dedza and Mwanza (both bordering Mozambique) and Songwe (bordering Tanzania), set up OSBPs with these neighboring countries, and establish the National Single Window (NSW). The NSW is an electronic platform system connecting international trade and transport stakeholders to fulfill all imports, exports, and transit border control procedures. World Bank support of $91.7 million was provided through the Southern Africa Trade and Transport Facilitation Project. The objective was to reduce the cost of cross-border transactions by supporting the modernization, simplification, and harmonization of the trade and transit procedures and policies.

The Dedza One-Stop Border Post, which was completed in 2023, boasts two examination bays for goods, parking spots for 100 freight trucks, and a modern passenger terminal.

“We now take less than half a day to process all the paperwork to clear the goods that we have carried, which is far less than the minimum of three days that we used to spend here,” says Flatella Makwakwa, a truck driver who has been using the Dedza border for more than three years. He also acknowledges the benefits of the new system when it comes to facilitating the passing of trucks and making life more comfortable for the users.

The new office infrastructure has made the process of clearing goods easier for the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), various other border officers, and users. The OSBP concept requires border officers from adjacent countries to be hosted in the same building. “It now feels good to go to work as the environment looks spacious and comfortable and we are looking forward to hosting our Mozambique counterparts very soon,” says Lucy Chikhawo, the MRA Station Manager for the Dedza border post which hosts more than a hundred government officers—including those from the Malawi Bureau of Standards, Immigration, Police, Agriculture and Health.

Traders also have access to better sanitation facilities as they wait for their goods to be cleared.

“From the feedback we have received so far about the Dedza OSBP, we feel encouraged to support the government in fast-tracking the completion of the other two border posts at Mwanza and Songwe in Karonga. Our main goal is to support initiatives that reduce time to clear passengers and goods, as any impediments are costly to the economy of the country,” says Chikondi Nsusa, Senior Transport Specialist at the World Bank Malawi Country Office, who is also the Task Team Leader for the project.

Improving Malawi's Trade, Logistics, and Infrastructure

The latest Malawi Country Economic Memorandum report highlights that Malawi's economy suffers from a lack of investment and high trade costs. Key reasons include poor logistics and infrastructure, compounded by being a small and landlocked country, as well as other non-tariff barriers at the borders.

According to the document, “the presence of non-tariff barriers at the border and in neighboring transit countries such as Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia add to the costs of trade for Malawian exporters and importers and there is lack of coordination between Malawi and its neighbors to address this issue that likely reduces both the number of firms exporting and the total value of exported goods.” In this context, establishing more OSBPs is a big step in the right direction.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

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1 000 permanent officials appointed for the Correctional Services

Location: News

1 000 permanent officials appointed for the Correctional Services

The Department of Correctional Services’ National Commissioner, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, has approved the permanent appointment of 1 003 learners as correctional officials for the 2024/25 financial year.

According to the department, the move is a demonstration of government’s foremost priority of creating opportunities for young people and supporting them to access work opportunities. 

This means the youngsters, who took part in the 12-month Correctional Services Learnership NQF Level 4 programme in 2022 and were subsequently hired as auxiliary support officials on a contractual basis, have now been offered permanent positions starting from 1 April 2024.

The learnership programme also includes practical training at correctional centres. 

As per the statement, 466 correctional officials were appointed in the Western Cape, 214 in KwaZulu-Natal, 107 in the Eastern Cape, 75 each in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West, 69 in both Free State and the Northern Cape, 64 in Gauteng and eight at head office. 

Thobakgale believes the appointments will strengthen security at correctional facilities. 

“These appointments will go a long way to strengthen security in correctional centres and ensure more boots on the ground. This serves as a direct response to contributing to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration, and the rehabilitation and social reintegration of inmates,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 15:38

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uMhlathuze Municipality called to improve security measures

Location: News

uMhlathuze Municipality called to improve security measures

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, has advised the uMhlathuze Local Municipality Executive Council to implement stringent measures to improve security and control firearm access within the municipality's premises.

The MEC’s call follows an incident where two bodyguards responsible for the Mayor and City Manager of uMhlathuze Municipality in Richards Bay died during a shooting at the municipal office two weeks ago.

According to reports, the shooting took place at the municipal office, where the two bodyguards were scheduled to attend a meeting in the office of Deputy City Manager for Community Services, Mathews Oliphant.

Sithole-Moloi convened a meeting with uMhlathuze Municipality’s Executive Council on Tuesday to discuss the recent developments. 

During the meeting, uMhlathuze Municipality Mayor, Xolani Ngwezi, and his team provided the MEC with updates on security measures and other necessary steps that have been taken to ensure officials’ safety, and the public within the municipality’s premises.

Sithole-Moloi described the incident as unprecedented and condemned it in the strongest possible terms.

Sithole-Moloi also raised concerns about the state of security within the council and advised the council to implement stringent security measures.

"As the KZN CoGTA, we would like to assure the residents of uMhlathuze Municipality that we are investigating the matter, and stringent measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of councillors, staff, and the community," Sithole-Moloi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:53

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Progress made in addressing socio-economic inequalities

Location: News

Progress made in addressing socio-economic inequalities

Government has made significant strides in addressing socio-economic inequalities through social welfare programmes in housing, healthcare, education and social services.

“Over the past few decades, the South African government has taken significant steps to address historical injustices and strive towards achieving social cohesion and socio-economic empowerment for all its citizens,” said Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Tuesday. 

The Deputy President was delivering a special public lecture on the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy at the invitation of the University of Johannesburg’s School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, in partnership with the College of Business and Economics.

He also touched on the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) policies, which he believes have promoted economic transformation and ensured the marginalised become part of the mainstream economy. 

To demonstrate government’s commitment to building an inclusive and growing economy, he said the state has raised R1.5 trillion in new investment commitments, of which over R500 billion has already flowed into the economy.

“We have made further strides in addressing load shedding, ensuring energy security, enhancing logistics systems, and improving ports and rail networks.” 

In addition, the country’s second-in-command said government was on track to accelerate land redistribution. Black South Africans, he said, now own around 25% of farmland, while the state supported 1 000 industrialists in Black-owned firms.

However, despite these achievements, challenges remain in achieving a more inclusive and equitable society. 

“The triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, as well as corruption, continue to pose obstacles to the nation’s progress. In addressing these challenges, we are conscious that, as government, we must strengthen social compacts by working together with all sectors of society.”

Achievements

Deputy President Mashatile highlighted the achievements that have been made over the past 30 years. 

These, according to the Deputy President, include investment in transport infrastructure such as the Gautrain, the Freeway Improvement Project and Bus Rapid Transport, the agricultural sector, the financial services sector as well as a thriving automotive sector. 

He said infrastructure investment was key to the country’s growth and told guests that projects worth about R21.4 billion have been completed. 

“I would like to see more young people and women-led businesses being involved in these projects because young people are the future of our country and women carry the hardest burden of communities.” 

The Deputy President also took the time to acknowledge some of the challenges that the youth in the country face. “Hence, over the years, we have been investing in initiatives for the development of our youth and our future.” 

Water and sanitation 

In addition, he said government has decided to move with speed to professionalise the public sector. 

“I would like to assure you and the people of our country that, as the government, we are committed to the delivery of quality services to our people.” 

This includes dealing with increased water and sanitation issues, as well as the energy availability factor. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed the Deputy President to lead a task team on the water crisis in the country, and one of the urgent priorities is to fix the ageing infrastructure. 

“We have already started this work. Just this evening, we are meeting as the Water Task Team; on Friday we will be visiting eThekwini as well as other regions later on to engage with the province as to how best we can resolve the eminent water challenge.” 

Since the announcement of the Water Task Team’s establishment, his office has received numerous requests from individuals seeking to assist and collaborate with the government. 

He said the Department of Water and Sanitation has already allocated R10.1 billion to municipalities through the regional bulk infrastructure grant, R4.6 billion through the water services infrastructure grant, and R1.4 billion through the municipal recovery disaster grant to address water challenges. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 04/09/2024 - 14:59

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Understanding the Impact of Prolonged Seating on Posture: Insights from The Chiropractors

Location: MyPR

Menlyn, Centurion – In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves spending extended periods in a seated position, whether at work, while binge-watching TV shows, or due to remote work arrangements, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While initially providing relief, prolonged sitting can lead to various health concerns, particularly concerning posture, as highlighted by The …

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