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A powerful new voice joins one of the festival’s most anticipated moments and Kyle Shepherd’s world premiere performance moves to a bigger stage Prince Albert, Western Cape – Journey to Jazz is proud to announce that acclaimed South African vocalist Zoë Modiga will perform a special sunset celebration tailored specifically for the Swartberg Pass on …
Teenage pregnancy, low birth weights, and high neonatal mortality plague the areas around Beaufort West and Laingsburg
The Journey to Jazz Festival (J2J) returns for its fourth staging from 30 April – 3 May 2026, and with its first artist announcement, it reaffirms why this remarkable Karoo festival has become one of South Africa’s most meaningful music experiences – where world-class jazz meets purpose, people, and place. The first artists announced include some of the country’s …
The families say SAPS only took their statements a week after the incident
Prince Albert, South Africa, 16 June 2025 – On this Youth Day, a powerful new short film is being released that shines a light on what is possible when young people are given not just a platform – but a purpose. Capturing the spirit of the 2025 Journey to Jazz Festival, the five-minute video documents …
Slaughter may await rescued animals if farm’s buyer obtains eviction order
The 2024 African Conservation Awards, hosted by the Game Rangers' Association of Africa (GRAA) (www.GameRanger.org) is an opportunity to celebrate just some of the outstanding work by African conservationists. It is the GRAA's privilege to be able to showcase the exceptional contributions to protecting Africa's natural heritage. In 2024, the GRAA modified categories in this prestigious event to ensure Marine Rangers are also recognised and celebrated.
These awards continue to remind us of our responsibility to rangers working across Africa, many of whom are working in challenging environments with a lack of resources. Every organisation and individual nominated for these awards has displayed remarkable resilience and determination, despite their overwhelming odds and have remained steadfast in their dedication to achieving their conservation goals, inspiring us all with their unwavering commitment. Rangers should be acknowledged and celebrated.
The Winners for the 2024 African Conservation Awards are:
Best Field Ranger
Winner: Modiki Claver, Ranger Team Leader, Dzanga Sangha Protected Areas, Central African Republic (CAR)
Modiki Claver, the Team Leader of Dzanga Sangha Protected Area's law enforcement section in CAR, has risen from starting as a porter in 2010 to becoming the top team leader in the landscape. Leading a team of seven rangers across the Congo Basin, including parts of Noubale-Ndoki National Park and Lobeke National Park, Claver exemplifies leadership by dismantling snares, seizing weapons, and making arrests. He has significantly contributed to scientific research, including tracking elephant populations, assessing the impact of logging, and monitoring illegal hunting activities. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Claver has fostered strong relationships with local communities and youth, guiding them toward conservation careers. During the 2013 military-political unrest, he demonstrated exceptional courage by covertly tracking rebel movements and providing critical information to protect wildlife. Known for his field skills, ethical leadership, and commitment to the rights of indigenous people, Claver is an inspiring role model in conservation.
1st Runner Up: Sekibibi Bareke Désiré, Central Sector Manager, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
2nd Runner Up: Jean Claude Kyungu, Former Head Ranger Maiko National Park, DRC
Best Marine Ranger
Winner: Chanel Hauvette, Senior Marine Field Ranger, Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area and Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, South Africa
Chanel Hauvette is a Senior Marine Field Ranger who demonstrates extraordinary dedication to marine conservation, leading stranding responses, law enforcement, biodiversity monitoring, and community engagement across Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area. As coordinator of the Plett Stranding Network, she manages hundreds of annual strandings, from seals and birds to endangered turtles, often stabilizing animals at her own home. Despite challenges like limited resources and transportation, Chanel forges strong partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and residents to secure support. Her leadership, innovative protocols, and passion for conservation inspire her team, educate communities, and ensure the protection of marine biodiversity.
1st Runner Up: Emily Nyevu Simba, Ranger Corporal, Watamu Marine Protected Area, Kenya
2nd Runner Up: Clive Hendricks, Section Ranger, Addo Elephant National Park - Marine Section, South Africa
Best Ranger Team
Winner: South Luangwa Rapid Response Unit for Human-Wildlife Conflict, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
The South Luangwa Rapid Response Unit for Human-Wildlife Conflict (RRU-HWC) is a joint initiative between Conservation South Luangwa and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. It has significantly improved coexistence between communities and wildlife through proactive education, innovative solutions, and swift conflict resolution. Reaching over 4,000 people, their educational outreach fostered awareness and led to a 44% improvement in predator-proof livestock enclosures, reducing livestock predation. The team also tackled challenges like elephant crop raids and predator attacks with rapid responses and non-lethal deterrents, earning trust within the community. Despite resource limitations, the RRU-HWC has empowered local wildlife committees, inspired community-led initiatives, and strengthened partnerships with government and NGOs. Their dedication has not only mitigated conflicts but also fostered a culture of conservation, ensuring long-term benefits for both people and wildlife.
1st Runner Up: Tango 1 Mobile APU Team, Tana Delta, Kenya
2nd Runner Up: South Luangwa K9 Unit, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Best Ranger Supporter
Winner: Munene Kamundi, Strong Ranger Initiative, Kenya
Munene Kamundi is a dedicated advocate for wildlife ranger wellbeing, leveraging his expertise in occupational health and safety to address critical challenges faced by rangers in conservation. Despite financial hardships and resource limitations, he has reached over 400 rangers this year, aiming to support 5,000 annually. Through his innovative wellness ambassadors program, Kamundi promotes mental health, safety practices, and emergency response training, aligning with global biodiversity frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal agreement. His tireless commitment, even in the face of adversity, highlights his transformative leadership and vision to integrate ranger wellbeing into sustainable conservation efforts across Africa.
1st Runner Up: Amon Koutoua Benoît, Technical Director, Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves, Côte d'Ivoire
2nd Runner Up: WCS Congo Counter-Wildlife Trafficking Teams (North and South), DRC and Republic of Congo
In a poignant video message, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, esteemed Patron of the African Conservation Awards, paid homage to the brave conservation heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice. He solemnly honored the memory of the 64 rangers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year, safeguarding our planet's invaluable natural heritage. Prince Albert expressed profound gratitude to these fallen heroes and to all of Africa's rangers, who selflessly dedicate their lives to protecting our natural spaces. He urged collective action to support the 30x30 global initiative, emphasizing that achieving these ambitious goals requires providing rangers with the resources, infrastructure, and tools they urgently need. His message carried a deep reverence for the thousands of rangers who face immense risks daily, serving as steadfast guardians of our planet's biodiversity and natural wonders.
"Every year we are reminded of the dedication, commitment and resilience required to be a ranger in Africa. This year is no different and those recognised today are some of Africa's best working in seven different countries across our continent. We are humbled to call them our colleagues and to be able to bring their work out into the light for all to see. It is particularly exciting to be recognising Marine Rangers this year who do such inspiring work on our oceans and coastlines to conserve our marine resources. Well done to the winners, runner ups and nominees of the African Conservation Awards 2024! Thank you for what you do for our planet and its people!" - Andrew Campbell, CEO, Game Rangers Association of Africa
The African Conservation Awards are hosted annually by the Game Rangers' Association of Africa (GRAA) and are endorsed by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is committed to the protection of endangered species through the support of his Foundation, is the Patron of the African Conservation Awards.
For more information about the African Conservation Awards, please visit https://apo-opa.co/4eD5JFr.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Game Rangers Association of Africa.
Media Contact:
Game Rangers Association of Africa
Louise de Bruin
Email: info@gameranger.org
GRAA background:
The Game Rangers' Association of Africa (GRAA) is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1970 which provides support, networks and representation for rangers across Africa. The GRAA is a proud member of the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) where it serves as the voice of the African ranger.
Information:
African Conservation Awards: https://www.ConservationAwards.africa
Game Rangers Association of Africa: https://www.GameRanger.org/
Festival’s 2024 activity programme goes beyond music to offer road trippers an experience that is a feast of fun and cultural opportunities. Prince Albert, 2 April 2024 – The Journey to Jazz festival, now in its second year, is so much more than music. Being a celebration of the human spirit and cultural delights, it …
Prince Albert, 19 March 2024 – The Journey to Jazz festival, now in its second year, is so much more than music. Being a celebration of the human spirit and cultural delights, it offers locals and visitors to Prince Albert, a wide range of extended events and activities with which to fill their days and …
Women of the World (from the Berklee Indian Ensemble), Skyjack and break-out star, Giuliette Price, will join the prestigious Journey to Jazz line-up 1 – 5 May in Prince Albert The second annual Journey to Jazz festival (1-5 May 2024), is shaping up to be a world of fabulous music, right in the cultural capital …
Recovery plan for power outages in Karoo underway
Eskom says its electricity supply recovery plans for towns in the Karoo, which lost power due to severe damage to infrastructure during inclement weather, are progressing well.
The damage cut electricity supply to Sutherland, Roggeveld, Laingsburg, Ladismith, Leeu Gamka, Swartberg, Merweville, Matjiesfontein, Prince Albert, Fraserburg and the surrounding areas.
“Eskom's recovery plan to repair the infrastructure… is making significant progress with the electricity restoration date (ETR) in sight. The ETR remains this Thursday, even though teams are pushing to secure an earlier date and time to bring back electricity supply to the affected towns in the Karoo,” the power utility said.
Eskom assured customers that repairs are “near completion”.
“To date, the intermediate structures have been planted. Two conductors, with one phase each, are running along the intermediate structures as part of the stringing process. The remaining four conductors will be run today, with stringing to commence.
“Eskom understands the frustration of these customers that must endure such a prolonged period without electricity and can assure them that the multiple teams onsite are working around the clock to bring back supply as soon as possible.
“Eskom thanks all its stakeholders for their continued support and the affected customers for their patience and understanding,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 09:58
Western Cape supports Eskom to fix electricity outage in Central Karoo
The Western Cape provincial government says it is ramping up efforts to step in to support Eskom to fix the electricity outage in the Central Karoo.
This comes after a thunderstorm ravaged the district municipality earlier this month, damaging infrastructure.
According to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, the Central Karoo is currently facing hard rock formations, faulty equipment, and Stage 6 load shedding.
“Staff across the Western Cape provincial government have been assisting with all sorts of support that Eskom needs to expedite this issue, from procuring drilling equipment to transporting and moving generators and equipment to the affected areas, they are working tirelessly,” Winde said, thanking all their staff and partners.
“I want to reassure the residents of the Karoo that we are working flat out to help Eskom restore electricity to you.”
Eskom, said the provincial government, reported that a hard rock formation on the site between Touws River and Laingsburg led to the breakdown of its rock drill, which is now preventing the completion of the last four 2.4 metres deep holes that are needed to anchor the remaining temporary poles to support the new electrical lines as part of the outage repair work underway in the Karoo.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial government has already at the weekend reached out to equipment and transport contractors to assist Eskom in procuring another drilling rig as well as an additional 20-ton and 35-ton excavator.
“The faulty rock drill is currently being fixed but we need to do everything in our power to avoid delays on this project. As such we will support Eskom where we can with procurement and logistics,” Bredell said.
However, he said the rapid acceleration of load shedding to level 6 has further compounded matters for the affected Karoo towns, as generator availability in the province is stretched to the limit.
“Many of these generators are from an R88 million allocation that the WCG made to municipalities at the beginning of 2023 when they needed to secure safe drinking water and water treatment as the worst impacts of Eskom’s load shedding were becoming increasingly felt.
“I never anticipated that this intervention would be so deeply needed under circumstances like this where entire Karoo towns have been without Eskom power since Saturday, 3 February,” said Winde.
He said the province is also seeing loan generators being called back from the Karoo towns as they are needed by their owners to cope with the extended load shedding.
“We must allocate generator capacity where it is being utilised optimally at this stage. As such, it was worrying to learn of a large 65kVA loan generator from the Garden Route District Municipality that broke down in Kannaland over the weekend. We will investigate the cause of the breakdown.”
Bredell explained that at least four additional generators are required to provide power to critical infrastructure in Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert Road at this stage.
Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Social Development is providing food relief to indigent households across the Central Karoo.
The department has also enabled three old age facilities in Prince Albert, Laingsburg, and Ladismith, to buy diesel for generators as their diesel supplies have been running low.
Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, said food relief efforts were taking place over the weekend.
“DSD staff have been working around the clock on assessments and vetting processes to ensure food relief goes to the residents who need it most.
“Hundreds of beneficiaries were assisted through this weekend’s efforts, in various towns, and the work continues. Thank you to the incredible staff on the ground, and the municipalities and stakeholders for working with us to help our vulnerable residents for whom these power outages have been especially hard,” Fernandez added.
According to the province, Eskom has indicated the project is still scheduled for completion by Thursday, 15 February. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 10:10
Premier Alan Winde, Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning as well as senior members of the Western Cape Government were this morning updated by Eskom on the electricity outage in the Central Karoo and parts of the Overberg.
The Western Cape Government is monitoring the situation closely and is prioritising safe drinking water, food security and access to critical health care for affected residents. “Thank you to everyone from across government and all our partners for the work you are doing to assist our residents. I am also very grateful to the teams that are keeping our health facilities like our hospitals running and our schools open in the affected areas,” noted Premier Winde.
Premier Winde was tragically informed earlier this morning that an 18-year-old person died, and another adult is in hospital. While the cause of death still needs to be confirmed it is suspected that they may have been overcome by fumes form a generator being run inside a house to power a spaza shop in Leeu Gamka. “My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. My thoughts are with you. I understand how difficult the situation is for people who have been without power for over four days now. This is why we are meeting with Eskom regularly to ensure that all the repair work is prioritised and supported because we know how critical electricity is for our residents. While I understand how difficult the situation is, I want to appeal to residents to please use any alternative power sources, such as generators, according to the safety guidelines.”
According to Eskom management, essential construction material was delivered on site in the Karoo, and the first of three large construction teams are already active on the site to prepare for the erection of temporary structures needed for the eventual reconnection of the Touwsriver-Laingsburg 132KvH line, which as been down since Saturday, 3 February.
Eskom also reported that the fault on the Hawston Farmer 1 Line has to a large degree been restored. A mini substation still needs to be replaced today, and power should be restored in the entire region by the end of today.
Minister Bredell said that after visiting affected communities in Prince Albert and Laingsburg yesterday, he cannot emphasise enough the urgency needed to restore power to these communities. “As a provincial government, our focus remains the safety and well-being of our residents. We are constantly monitoring the status of essential services. We will continue to offer all possible support to Eskom in repairing the line as fast as possible.”
Minster Bredell confirmed the delivery of several generators to communities to support essential services such as drinking water and sewage management. “100 kVA generator for Water Treatment in Laingsburg was installed. A 45 kVA generator for water provision in Matjiesfontein is being installing today. A 100 kVA and a 40kVA generator for water provision in Prince Albert will be delivered today.”
The following large generators will be dispatched for installation in central business areas:
According to the Provincial Department of Health, the use of generators, open fires, as well gas appliances in poorly ventilated areas brings with it the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as posing as a fire risk. Carbon monoxide is often difficult to detect, due to it having no odour or colour. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide leads to it replacing the oxygen in the blood stream. This will lead to progressive onset of symptoms such as headache, weakness, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. Should carbon monoxide poisoning be suspected, it is important to urgently get the victim out of the poorly ventilated environment. Fresh air is required, and medical assistance should be immediately sought.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa.
The second annual music festival will also feature a tribute to the piano in 2024 – Early Bird Tickets available for a limited period. Cape Town, 18 January 2024 – All roads point to Prince Albert 1 – 5 May 2024, with the second annual Journey to Jazz Festival (J2J) set to be a feast …