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CSIR Transport Safety Lab to help reduce road crashes

Location: News

CSIR Transport Safety Lab to help reduce road crashes

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has unveiled the Transport Safety Lab at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to enhance road safety policies and products on the continent.

Unveiled on Thursday, the laboratory includes a stationary driving simulator located on the CSIR’s Scientia campus in Pretoria, along with a vehicle equipped with sensors to gather data on driver behaviour and road conditions.

CSIR Smart Society Group Executive, Dr Sandile Malinga, stated that the lab will collect and analyse road safety data from the real world and simulations, which can be used to improve transport safety policies and products.

“This dual approach gives the CSIR Transport Safety Lab a unique sweet spot in the industry, merging laboratory precision with practical, on-the-road experimentation,” he said, adding that it will ultimately help reduce fatalities and the socio-economic burden of road crashes.

The CSIR Senior Researcher, Lerato Kgoa, explained that the lab’s testing vehicle, known as the Drive Lab, can gather live data from South Africa’s roads, enabling researchers to analyse signage visibility, road conditions, and driver behaviour patterns under various circumstances.

Meanwhile, the driving simulator known as the Simulator Lab, will play a complementary role. 

According to  Kgoa, the simulator can recreate hazardous driving conditions in a controlled environment and will allow researchers to observe how drivers respond to dangers like adverse weather conditions, poor visibility or challenging road surfaces.

“By simulating these scenarios without the real-world risks, researchers can gather valuable data on driver behaviour, decision-making processes, and potential improvements in road safety measures,” she added.
The lab features specialists in transport safety, human behaviour, and crash analysis. It has already conducted a successful pilot study on how drivers perceive fluorescent yellow.

Malinga explained that the lab’s research supports the Safe System Approach that South Africa has adopted, where road users, policymakers, transport planners, vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure designers, and road agencies all share the responsibility for improving road safety. 

According to the CSIR, this approach is a globally recognised framework endorsed by the United Nations.
CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, said original equipment manufacturers, transport operators and private investors can use the new facility to test and refine new products such as vehicles, road restraint systems and digital technologies.

“Early involvement ensures that industry leaders gain a competitive edge as they co-develop cutting-edge solutions with the CSIR’s research experts,” Dlamini stressed. 

“We encourage industry partners to join us in reducing road crashes and ensuring sustainable road infrastructure in South Africa and beyond.”

He believes that the lab will also enable evidence-based policymaking aligned with South Africa’s National Road Safety Strategy 2016-2030 and that it will work with continental bodies such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation and the Namibia Road Authority.

“The lab’s insights are set to inform regulatory frameworks, support law enforcement strategies, and influence infrastructure development,” Dlamini added. 

The CSIR Transport Safety Lab is funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Fri, 10/25/2024 - 11:22

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Hlabisa leads delegation to meet SA’s kings and queens

Location: News

Hlabisa leads delegation to meet SA’s kings and queens

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, is leading a government delegation in the first meeting with kings, queens and principal traditional leaders from across the country.

This three-day engagement began this morning in Pretoria, and follows a meet and greet with Their Majesties, which was attended by Hlabisa and CoGTA Deputy Ministers, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe and Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, in August.

Hlabisa is accompanied by several Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who are part of the Task Team on Traditional Leadership. 

The delegation includes the Members of the Executive Council (MECs) of CoGTA, the national and provincial chairpersons of the House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as senior government officials.

“Government recognises and supports the critical role of traditional leadership institutions in South Africa’s constitutional democracy and communities, especially in relation to prioritising development in rural and traditional areas,” CoGTA said. 

According to the department, the recognition of kings, queens and principal traditional leaders is regulated by sec 7 (1)(a) (i) and (ii) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act No 3 of 2019 (the TKLA). 

Kings, queens and principal traditional leaders have a customary role to play as leaders of traditional communities.  They also have a role in nation-building and social cohesion through the promotion of peace, stability and unity within the traditional communities under their jurisdiction.

Furthermore, the department explained that the establishment of a Forum of South African Majesties will ensure a continuous interface between Their Majesties and government, in aid of seamless coordination, particularly on issues of mutual interest and inclusive development. 

“The institution of traditional leadership continues to serve as a reliable and valuable compass of society and the development of the nation. 

“The engagement will receive progress reports from government on matters raised previously by Their Majesties, ranging from land reform, rural infrastructure, socio-economic development, as well as the preservation of culture and heritage, among others,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 10/25/2024 - 10:32

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Highlights: Office of Health Standards Compliance 2023/24 Annual Performance Report

Location: Business

Pretoria – The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) presented its Annual Performance Report for the 2023/24 financial year to the Health Portfolio Committee. This report highlights the progress in implementing the entity’s Annual Performance Plan for 2023/24, based on the OHSC’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025. The report allows the OHSC to evaluate its successes …

Read moreHighlights: Office of Health Standards Compliance 2023/24 Annual Performance Report

Govt lends helping hand to servicing technicians

Location: News

Govt lends helping hand to servicing technicians

The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, has handed over tools of trade to 402 trained and certified refrigeration and air conditioning servicing technicians.

“The tools we are handing over to our refrigeration and air conditioning servicing technicians today will empower them to continue their essential work, ensuring that our cooling systems are efficient, safe and environmentally friendly,” the Deputy Minister said on Thursday in Pretoria.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment plans to further undertake the training of 1 600 more refrigeration and air conditioning servicing technicians in the informal servicing sector.

“This initiative aims to formalise the skills and knowledge of unregistered technicians, promote safe handling of refrigerants, and create an enabling environment for small businesses in this critical sector.

“As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to work together to achieve this objective and to address the challenges posed by ozone depletion and climate change. We must remain vigilant in our efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS), emissions, promote sustainable technologies and support global efforts to protect the ozone layer,” the Deputy Minister said.

She was addressing the World Ozone Day commemoration, which celebrates the role of servicing technicians in promoting the protection of the ozone layer.

World Ozone Day, which was marked on 16 September 2024, commemorates the commitments made by nations in 1987 under the Montreal Protocol, a groundbreaking treaty aimed at protecting both human life and the environment by phasing out ODS.

“The ozone is a critical component of our atmosphere, and its depletion has far-reaching consequences for our health, environment and economy. Through the Montreal Protocol, we have made tremendous progress in protecting the ozone layer, shielding carbon sinks, and safeguarding public health. The protocol is a beacon of hope, showing that political will can lead to transformative global action.

“We recognise the importance of ozone protection and the efforts of our servicing technicians in maintaining the integrity of our ozone layer. We must remain vigilant in our efforts to phase out ODS emissions, promote sustainable technologies and support global efforts to protect the ozone layer,” the Deputy Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 10/24/2024 - 11:33

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Gender equality remains key in climate change adaptation

Location: News

Gender equality remains key in climate change adaptation

Government has affirmed its commitment to addressing gender equality in relation to women being disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change through policy, legislation and action.

Addressing the Climate Change Adaptation and Gender Mainstreaming Dialogue in Pretoria, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, said the increased burden on women necessitates that government makes gender equality a central tenet of the climate change strategies. 

“Our National Climate Change Response White Paper explicitly recognises the special needs and circumstances of rural women, who are among the hardest hit by climate change.

“Gender mainstreaming is not just a theoretical concept but a practical necessity. It means integrating gender considerations into all aspects of climate change adaptation strategies, policies, and programmes. 

“By doing so, we ensure that the unique experiences and contributions of women are not only recognised but are also harnessed in ways that promote sustainable development,” the Deputy Minister said on Wednesday.

She said the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) acknowledges the vital role of women in environmental management. 

“However, we must do more than just acknowledge: we must act! It is through inclusive approaches that we can begin to build resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and address the inequalities that climate change exacerbates.

“While we have made progress in establishing gender-sensitive policies, the challenge lies in effectively implementing these policies on the ground. We must continue to share best practices, success stories, and innovative approaches that have worked in different sectors and regions,” Swarts said.

The Deputy Minister noted that gender inequality has long been a global issue. 

“Despite efforts to address these inequalities through international frameworks like the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the reality is that many women, especially in developing nations, remain disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. 

“Women, particularly those in rural areas, are among the most vulnerable when climate disasters strike. They often face greater challenges accessing resources such as water and food due to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events,” Swarts said. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 10/23/2024 - 13:06

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Just 2

Location: News

Pretoria, South Africa – 23 October 2024: Fifty years since the last Jaguar E-type rolled off the production line, two rarefied Series I Jaguar Classic E-type Commemorative models have been exclusively created for a loyal, discerning client in Southeast Asia to celebrate the iconic sports car. Each example carries references to key moments from E-type …

Read moreJust 2

Suspects Arrested for Alleged Diamond Investment Scam

Location: News

RETORIA – A mutli- disciplinary operation led by Northern Cape Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit resulted to the arrest of eight suspects who are alleged to have been involved in the diamond investment scam. The operation, which resumed last night, rounded up suspects in Gauteng and North West. The suspects includes a couple wherein …

Read moreSuspects Arrested for Alleged Diamond Investment Scam

Presidential well wishes for matric Class of 2024 

Location: News

Presidential well wishes for matric Class of 2024 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished the matric Class of 2024 well for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

“As your parents, teachers, siblings, friends and neighbours, we are proud of all learners who have reached and are ready for this milestone.

“You started out as the Grade 1 Class of 2012 and have succeeded to this point with the help of so many people around you who are supporting and applauding the work you have put in up to this point.

“You are ready now to play back the knowledge you have acquired during these important years of your life.

“Be confident in what you know, believe in yourself and know that you are meant to succeed,” the President said on Sunday.

This as the NSC exams will get underway on Monday. 

“These examinations are not an obstacle; they’re a gateway to your continued success and a new phase of your life in which the adventure of learning and the ability to share your knowledge with others never stops.

“As you continue to prepare for your exams, there will be moments of difficulty. When these come, ask for help from everyone around you and they will support you.

“Motivate yourself and give encouragement to your classmates who, like you, are a generation whose skills and interests will take our country forward.

“You’ve got this,” said the President. 

The President’s good wishes follow Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube earlier media briefing.

At the briefing held in Pretoria, the Minister said the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is ready to administer the exams. 
This year, 727,121 full-time and 155,215 part-time candidates will sit for the NSC matric exams—that's 882,336 candidates from across South Africa. Concerning private schools, some 16 400 students will undertake the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) exams. 

The Minister told members of the media that despite the challenges faced by the Class of 2024, she is confident that collective efforts have prepared the learners well for the upcoming examinations. 

“Their journey has been one of resilience and determination, and we believe that they will rise to the occasion. To the learners, this is your moment to shine. You have worked hard over the past 12 years, and now you have the opportunity to showcase your knowledge, skills, and determination,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Mon, 10/21/2024 - 12:25

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Eskom’s system showing better health 

Location: News

Eskom’s system showing better health 

Electricity and Energy Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that Eskom’s unplanned capability loss factor (UCLF) has significantly improved, indicating that the system is becoming healthier.

“If you look at what the UCLF recorded over the past seven days, you see that we’ve been averaging at about 10 500 megawatts, essentially 10 500 megawatts of capacity that is installed was not available on account of various reasons. [These include] the units failing and units not performing at their optimal capacity. If you had to compare this with the same period last year, it’s an improvement of about 5 000 megawatts. 

“That’s significant, and that’s why we have been able to keep the lights on [for a] very considerable period,” Ramokgopa explained on Monday. 

WATCH | Minister Ramokgopa briefs media 

The Minister was briefing media in Pretoria on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) programme as part of his regular energy security updates. 

“It’s important that we’re able to consistently improve this kind of result. And of course, in numbers, it means that there’s less and less reliance on diesel to power our electricity requirement.”

Starting from 1 April to 17 October 2023, Eskom spent about R18 billion to prevent power cuts, down by R12 billion compared to the same period this year. 

“There’s less reliance on diesel. And if you look at the open cycle gas turbines (OCGT) load factor, the percentage of time that we’re relying on these at the same period last year, we were sitting at about 8.95% and this year, we were sitting at about 4.59%,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister believes that this speaks to the improvement of Eskom’s systems, which he stated will be passed on to the end consumer. 

Load shedding

Ramokgopa said it was an “anomaly” to celebrate the fact that there were 208 days of no load shedding. 

“That should be the standard… The standard is that there shouldn’t be any load shedding, and the standard should further suggest that we should not rely on expensive fuel sources to keep the lights on.

“This is not an achievement but a step in the right direction. An achievement will be when there’s no load shedding and [we] can use a cheaper form of existing generation for us to keep the lights on. And that’s where the Independent Power Producer programme comes in.” 

IPP programme

Shifting his focus to the IPP programme, Ramokgopa said that the programme has procured 15 432 megawatts of renewable energy since its inception in 2011, with 8 231 megawatts currently in the market to be evaluated and 1 897 megawatts under construction.

Ramokgopa said the seventh administration plans to be aggressive in procurement, with interventions to improve the programme’s structure and efficiency.

The renewable energy projects are concentrated in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and the Eastern Cape, leveraging optimal renewable energy resources.

In addition, the Minister said this move has created 85 800 job opportunities and contributed significantly to local economies, with a focus on socio-economic transformation.

Ramokgopa announced that the project has seen significant market confidence, with international and domestic investments totalling R272 billion. 

The focus, he stressed, is on making electricity generation more affordable and competitive, to reduce reliance on expensive fuel sources.

“The focal point of the ministry is to ensure that we can reduce the cost of electricity in the country, make businesses competitive, and ensure that [sustain power] in households.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 10/21/2024 - 14:11

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Loosemore Clinches 2024 Astron Energy Polo Cup Title

Location: Sport

Jason Loosemore is 2024 South African National Astron Energy Polo Cup champion. Wayne Masters took the Masters title and Kyle Visser emerged the top rookie at the Extreme Festival finale on Saturday. Loosemore’s championship title earns him a South African Touring Cars (SATC) SupaCup drive in Volkswagen Motorsport’s Astron Energy SupaPolo for 2025. The weekend …

Read moreLoosemore Clinches 2024 Astron Energy Polo Cup Title

Jonathan Mogotsi is SupaCup Champion

Location: Sport

Volkswagen Motorsport’s Jonathan Mogotsi crowned 2024 South African Touring Cars (SATC) SupaCup champion. Mogotsi secured the championship title with a calculated drive, finishing second overall at the South African National Extreme Festival at Zwartkops Raceway on Saturday. It was a tough weekend for rookie teammate Charl Michael Visser, who still hung on to third in …

Read moreJonathan Mogotsi is SupaCup Champion

Minister, learners sign Matric Exam Pledge for Class of 2024

Location: News

Minister, learners sign Matric Exam Pledge for Class of 2024

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will formally sign the Matric Exam Pledge alongside learners at Pretoria Central High School on Friday.

“The Matric Exam Pledge is a vital moment of commitment for the Class of 2024, marking their dedication to academic integrity, honesty, and discipline as they approach their final National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams,” the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said on Thursday.

By signing this pledge, learners publicly commit to upholding ethical standards during the exams and remaining focused on their goals.

“The signing of the pledge reinforces the gravity of the matric examinations, which are a gateway to further education, employment opportunities, and broader contributions to society. 

“The signing of the pledge encourages learners to remain disciplined and committed to their studies while recognizing the support of their teachers, families, and communities in this crucial period,” the department said. 

The examinations are set to run from 21 October to 27 November 2024, and marking will commence immediately thereafter. 

Last month, the DBE reported that there were 732 448 full-time candidates enrolled for NSC examinations this year, which is 8 400 more than in 2023.

READ | Basic Education ready for 2024 matric examinations. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 10/18/2024 - 09:50

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JLR Shakers and Movers

Location: Business

Pretoria, South Africa, 16 October 2024: As the pace of change in automotive gathers speed, JLR is pleased to announce new appointments to its Executive Leadership Team to support the next phase of its development and transformation. With effect from 21 October 2024, Steve Marsh is appointed Executive Director, Vehicle Programmes, reporting to JLR Chief …

Read moreJLR Shakers and Movers

Government to relaunch initiative for planting trees

Location: News

Government to relaunch initiative for planting trees

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts has announced that her department plans to relaunch an initiative aimed at planting one million trees.

“We want to call on all South Africans – the three spheres of government, forestry sector, private sector, labour, academia, civil society and many others to join this ambitious campaign by pledging and committing to providing and planting trees on that specific day and going forward. Trees are important for life. Plant a tree today,” Swarts said.

Addressing the media on her first 100 days in office, she said the department plans to relaunch the Presidential Ten Million Tree Programme by planting one million trees in one day, on a day to be announced soon. 

The Presidential Ten Million Tree Programme is a clarion call by President Cyril Ramaphosa to all sectors of society led by the department.

As part of the activities for the National Arbor Month campaign, 6 000 trees were planted. 

“The launch [National Arbor Month campaign] was hosted at Freedom Park in Pretoria and the closing ceremony at Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute in Middledrift, Eastern Cape. A total of 6000 trees were planted in both the localities that hosted these ceremonies. 

“The Arbor Month campaign is aimed at raising awareness among South Africans about the importance of conserving, protecting, and planting trees for the benefit of both the environment and society,” the Deputy Minister said.

As part of the Arbor Month launch, she planted the first tree to officially initiate the Forest of Freedom at the designated site at Freedom Park in honour of the heroes and heroines who contributed to South Africa's democracy and liberation struggle. 

“The first 30 trees planted at the Forest of Freedom marks the 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa. World leaders and other luminaries visiting Freedom Park will get an opportunity to plant a tree in the Forest of Freedom, when it is ready,” the Deputy Minister said. 

She was reflecting on the work that has been done since her appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a Deputy Minister.

The President appointed the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George and Deputy Ministers Bernice Swarts and Narend Singh on 03 July 2024 to lead the department under the Government of National Unity (GNU). - SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle
Tue, 10/15/2024 - 13:17

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2024 South African National Astron Energy Polo Cup Title on the Line

Location: Sport

Jason Loosemore is on the cusp of securing the 2024 South African National Astron Energy Polo Cup title at the Zwartkops Extreme Festival finale on Saturday 19 October. However, Ethan Coetzee remains in contention ensuring that the race will be a thrilling conclusion to the championship battle. It’s a similar situation in Astron Energy Polo …

Read more2024 South African National Astron Energy Polo Cup Title on the Line

Mogotsi Leads the March to Pretoria in Historic Supacup Finale

Location: Sport

Volkswagen Motorsport driver Jonathan Mogotsi stands to make history as he leads the South African National SupaCup championship to the Zwartkops Extreme Festival finals on Saturday 19 October. Backed by rookie teammate Charl Visser, Mogotsi is set to add a first championship to his remarkable career, while the team’s young racer Kyle Visser is out …

Read moreMogotsi Leads the March to Pretoria in Historic Supacup Finale