SA News

4 December 2023

President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Prof Harry Seftel

Location: News

President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Prof Harry Seftel

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the passing of veteran clinician, researcher and academic, Prof Harry Seftel, who passed away less than a month before his 95th birthday.

In a statement, the President sent his deep condolences to the Seftel family and the late Dr Seftel’s friends and associates around the country and internationally.

Seftel spent more than 50 years in the Department of Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand.

“Prof Seftel’s passing at the end of an extended life with which he was blessed is another instance of loss among a generation that defined the South Africa of the 20th century.

“Prof Seftel’s life journey includes his university-days friendship with Nelson Mandela. Harry Seftel’s journey was one of continuous curiosity and discovery, with the aim of assisting individuals and entire communities to make healthy lifestyle choices and enjoy a healthy life.

“He was a relentless achiever, who passionately educated generations of medical practitioners and researchers. He will be remembered for sharing his knowledge in the most accessible and entertaining ways, which endeared him to his students and millions of people who learned from him via public platforms,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said Seftel was a national treasure, whose love for his work and for the people of South Africa must be celebrated at this time of mourning and remembrance, and must live on in the ethos of all health care professionals. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:48

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4 December 2023

Government activities for the week 04 December – 07 December 2023

Location: News

Government activities for the week 04 December – 07 December 2023

On Monday, 04 December, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will host the 28th session of the African commission on agricultural statistics at Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.

On Tuesday, 05 December, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will release the Drop Reports on drinking water quality, provision and waste water management in the country.

On Wednesday, 06 December, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development Dipuo Peters will officially launch the Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility project and hand over business equipment to over 70 beneficiaries who are operating around Mangaung, Free State.

On Thursday, 07 December, the Presidential District Development Model Oversight Imbizo will be taking place in the Matjhabeng Municipality in the Lejweleputswa District in the Free State Province.

Janine
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:09

77 views

4 December 2023

Matric exams enter final week

Location: News

Matric exams enter final week

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says the department has done all it can to ensure that the final matric examinations for this year go smoothly.

This as the matriculants enter the final week of exams with only six National Senior Certificate (NSC) papers left to write.

The Minister was briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday.

“At all times we aim to conduct our exams error free and uphold the integrity of our certificate. We did all we could possibly do to support the children.

“We provided them with materials to support them and we know provinces and schools went out of their way to have matric camps and all the necessary support that our learners needed,” she said.

The NSC examinations commenced on Monday, 30 October 2023 with government having said that more than 717 377 full time candidates and 181 143 part-time candidates in the public education system were registered to write the final examinations across 6 898 centres nationwide.

“We can confirm that indeed these exams went well. By Friday the 1st of December, we were on day 25 and we are only left with three days to finish the exams. Up to date, 225 papers have been written. We are only left with six papers before we finish the exams.

“We are very grateful to all stakeholders who have played a role in making sure that we run these exams as well as we did.”

The Minister warned the matriculants to “stay safe” as they celebrate the end of exams.

“There are lots of…disturbing incidents that we see on social media. We really appeal to our kids to avoid. We have noted with concern learners hosting and attending what they call ‘pens down’ parties all over the show.

“What is clear is that as much as it really is the time for celebrating, hundreds of our children are overindulging in alcohol, binge drinking and even finding themselves [against] the law. At this stage we want to urge parents, communities and care givers to support their kids to stay safe and grow,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 13:29

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3 December 2023

Sting operation prevents trafficking of 443 kids

Location: News

Sting operation prevents trafficking of 443 children

A joint sting operation between the Border Management Authority (BMA), Home Affairs and the South African Police Service has stopped more than 40 buses travelling into South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post carrying children who are alleged to have been trafficked.

This was revealed by Commissioner of the BMA Dr Michael Masiapato during a press briefing on Sunday.

“They were able to stop and search about 42 buses trying to enter the republic and out of that we found about 443 children under the age of eight that were in those buses without any parent or any guardian. Fairly, they were being trafficked into South Africa.

“We were able to take them out of those buses. We were then able to engage with the Zimbabwean officials and we handed them back to Zimbabwe for processing back into the country,” he said.

Masiapato also revealed some of the successes that the BMA were able to achieve in their work protecting the country’s borders.

These include the interception of more than 44 000 thousand individuals attempting to illegally enter South Africa.

“We got them arrested. We got them fingerprinted, we declared them undesirable, and we got them deported on the spot. Further, about 100 452 individuals overstayed in the country. We got the hit from our movement control system when they arrived at the ports. We then declared them undesirable, and we banned them from entering South Africa for the next five years.

“About 98 150 individuals were refused entry into the country for various reasons. Some of them were criminal elements who are listed on the Interpol list for having committed different types of crimes in other jurisdictions in the world,” he said.

Other achievements by the BMA are:

The arrest of more than 2200 people for various crimes around the ports of entry
Detection of about 279 high value stolen vehicles as criminals tried to exit them from South Africa
Detection and interception of some 396 blasting cartridges commonly used during cash in transit robberies
Interception of some 641kg of dagga at eSwatini and Lesotho border
Interception of 8.1kg of the date rape drug, Rohypnol

“This is a summary of some of the key success of the [BMA] having been realised in a short space of time. We however commit to do more and fully address the country’s perennial problem of porous borders,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 12:19

558 views

3 December 2023

Matric final exams enter final week

Location: News

Matric final exams enter final week

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says the department has done all it can to ensure that the final matric examinations for this year go smoothly.

This as the matriculants enter the final week of exams with only six National Senior Certificate (NSC) papers left to write.

The Minister was briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday.

“At all times we aim to conduct our exams error free and uphold the integrity of our certificate. We did all we could possibly do to support the children.

“We provided them with materials to support them and we know provinces and schools went out of their way to have matric camps and all the necessary support that our learners needed,” she said.

“We are very grateful to all stakeholders who have played a role in making sure that we run these exams as well as we did.”

The Minister warned the matriculants to “stay safe” as they celebrate the end of exams.

NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 13:29

170 views

3 December 2023

Interfaith leaders urged to succor address societal difficulties

Location: News

Interfaith leaders urged to help address societal difficulties

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has encouraged the church to help government to tackle societal challenges.

“We strongly encourage the church, in its capacity as a moral and social leader, to engage in a collaborative effort with us to effectively tackle any societal difficulties. The government relies on you as the religious sector to point out mistakes in a constructive manner and recommend solutions,” the Deputy President said on Sunday.

The second in command was addressing the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ (TACC) International Thanksgiving Day celebrations held at the Absa Stadium in East London, in the Eastern Cape.

“There is an open-door policy in my office, so you can come in whenever you want to talk about the problems you are having and how to fix them,” he said adding that despite the challenges South Africa faces, the country has much to be grateful for.

He included gender-based violence as some of the challenges facing South Africa.

“We need you to be part of our initiatives to fight gender-based violence in our society and promote equality. We need you to be the voice of women and children who are abused. We need you to be the refuge and defender of women's and children’s rights.

“We must speak against sexual violence and rape of young children and women. We must not be silent when we witness acts of abuse or rape against women and children by our brethren or family members.”

He also reflected on the role played by the church in the fight against apartheid.

“We have achieved democratic freedom, which entails the freedom to practice any religion without fear of persecution among others. Collectively, we can agree that South Africa is a better place than it was three decades ago.

“Despite the significant progress our great nation has undeniably made over the years, it is of utmost importance to conscientiously acknowledge that we have not yet fully attained our desired goal, including complete economic freedom for our people.”

He said that government together with the church, wants to establish an atmosphere favourable for growth and development.

“It is widely acknowledged that social cohesion is a fundamental element of each society, necessitating the active participation of every member in the joint goal of establishing a cohesive community.

“We must steadfastly persevere in our collective efforts to promote a spirit of inclusivity amongst all individuals, regardless of the diverse tapestry of our racial, religious, or cultural origins, for in the divine gaze of the Almighty, we are all the same.”

Mashatile said without the cooperation of interfaith leaders, “I will not be able to successfully carry out my assigned role of promoting social cohesion”.

“As a government, we need interfaith and traditional leaders to strengthen relationships and the sense of solidarity among community members,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 14:14

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3 December 2023

Border Management Authority ramps up festive season operations

Location: News

Border Management Authority ramps up festive season operations

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it is implementing a comprehensive plan including longer border post operating times and more boots on the ground for its festive season operations.

This according to the BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato who was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday.

He said the BMA expects at least six million people to move through South Africa’s borders during the festive season.

Masiapato said the BMA has engaged with South Africa’s six immediate neighbouring countries on the “synchronisation of processes and other work modalities” including working hours.

“While some of our busiest ports already operate on a 24-hour basis, the Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has already approved our request to extend the operating hours on other identified critical ports on certain dates that we agreed with our immediate neighbouring countries,” he said.

The following working hours will now be operational at ports of entry:

Grobler’s Bridge to Botswana: 6am to midnight on 15, 16, 22 and 23 December
Swartkopfontein to Botswana: 6am to 8pm from 14 to 17 December, 22 to 24 December, 2 to 4 January as well as 13 and 15 January
Kosi Bay to Mozambique: 6am to 6pm from 14 December to 14 January
Mahamba to Swaziland: 7am to midnight on 15, 23, 24 December
Jeppes Reef to Swaziland: 7am to 10pm from 22 December to 2 January
Mananga to Swaziland: 7am to 8pm from 18 to 23 December
Sanipass to Lesotho: 6am to 8pm on 15, 16 December as well as 21 to 24 December
Caledonspoort: 6am to midnight 15, 16 and 23 December and 2 January. On 22 December, the port will operate for 24 hours.
Van Rooyensgate: 6am to midnight on 15, 16 and 24 December as well as 8 January. It will operate for 24 hours on 23 December and 2 January
Monontsa Pass: 7am to 6pm on 23 and 24 December as well as 2 and 3 January
Pekabridge: 8am to 6pm on 23 and 24 December as well as 2 and 3 January

“In addition, we will be deploying about 380 additional personnel at the selected busiest ports of entry to assist with the delivery of services and provision of technical support during this period. There are also a number of senior members from the Border Technical Committee (BTC) who have been allocated individual ports for their visitation during the identified critical dates to provide support to the operational teams on the ground,” he said.

Load shedding

Masiapato said additional infrastructure has also been sought including generators to mitigate the effects of load shedding on operations.

“After engagement with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), they will be providing additional infrastructure such as temporary lighting, ablution facilities, special temporary barricades, Jojo tankers for the provision of water to the travellers at the identified critical land ports.

“In addition, generators with the appropriate un-interrupted power system are well serviced ready to provide required energy during instances of load shedding. We have also deployed additional IT support teams to various ports to immediately address any kind of system glitches experienced on the ground,” Masiapato said.

Illegal activities

He emphasised that the BMA will also be keeping a close eye on any illegal activity.

“We would also be focusing on curbing illegal movement of persons and goods with specific focus on cross-border organised criminal elements and other general crimes perpetrated in the ports of entry and border law enforcement area.

“We have put all measures in place to detect and confiscate narcotics, contraband, illicit goods, and even stolen vehicles. We therefore want to urge all travellers to desist from committing any act of criminality as they will be detected, arrested, declared undesirable, and then deported.

“On the corridors leading to our land ports of entry, we would like to urge all drivers to desist from disregarding existing traffic laws, including instructions from the traffic officers on the ground as that has the potential to cause traffic jams which poses serious challenges of traffic flow towards our ports entry. Drivers are encouraged to accordingly follow the que and in no time, they would be assisted,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 12:21

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3 December 2023

President Ramaphosa pleased with milestones at COP28

Location: News

President Ramaphosa pleased with milestones at COP28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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3 December 2023

Developing countries must stand as one – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Developing countries must stand as one - President Ramaphosa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2 December 2023

SA commends Cuba’s support in water sector

Location: News

SA commends Cuba’s support in water sector

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

432 views

1 December 2023

SA joins world in marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Location: News

SA joins world in marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will on Sunday join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which aims to promote the rights of people with disabilities at every level of society.

Observed every year on 3 December, the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.

Globally, the day aims to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities at every level of society and to raise awareness of the situation and conditions of people with disabilities in all aspects of social, economic and cultural life.

The 2023 IDPD will be commemorated under the theme: “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities”.

The organisations of the United Nations are expected to reaffirm the United Nations Disability Inclusion strategy that provides a foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion towards the complete realisation of the human rights of all people with disabilities is an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

As a member of the United Nations, the department said South Africa ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007, and the African Union Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa in March 2022.

“In contributing to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 7, South Africa has approved a White paper on the rights of persons with Disabilities with an implementation matrix with set clear indicators for implementation by duty bearers. The indicators also find expression in the National Development Plan 2030 and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework,” the department said in a statement.

The 3rd of December also marks the end of Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) observed from 3 November to 3 December with 3 December as the National Day for Persons with Disabilities.

Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Sunday join the Gauteng Provincial Government and Special Olympics Committee, including organisations of and for people with disabilities and South Africa to observe and commemorate National Day of persons with disabilities.

The event is scheduled to take place at St Benedict's College, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, from 9am. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 13:57

325 views

1 December 2023

Lesotho, Zimbabwe exemption permits extended

Location: News

Lesotho, Zimbabwe exemption permits extended

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zimbabwe permit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1635 views

1 December 2023

Govt, community-based organisations meet on housing

Location: News

Govt, community-based organisations meet on housing

Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has commended the long history of community-based organisations (CBOs) in advocating for people-centred and community-driven approaches to development.

“These organisations have played an important role in facilitating community participation in the delivery of sustainable integrated human settlements,” Kubayi said.

The Minister was speaking at the Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations Summit, currently underway in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.

The two-day summit, which kicked off on Thursday, is convened in the spirit of forging closer partnerships between the government and various stakeholders in the sector to accelerate sustainable and integrated human settlements.

The summit is being held under the theme: Strengthening Partnership to Deliver Better, Safer and Secure Sustainable Human Settlements.

Government alone cannot resolve all the housing challenges, said the Minister, emphasising the importance of including civil society and community-based organisations in the development and review of human settlements policy.

“They should not be excluded from being service-delivery agents in the implementation of sustainable and integrated human settlements programmes. NGOs and CSOs have the immense potential to contribute to the acceleration and delivery sustainable and integrated human settlements to the vulnerable groups in society,” Kubayi said.

She said the summit provides an important opportunity for government and organisations to reflect on where they have come from and where they still need to go.

“We firmly believe that community driven programmes cannot be only about housing and top structures but must also ensure participative planning and engagement with housing support. The approach must be incremental with the full range of functions ultimately delivered, including community facilities.”

Kubayi acknowledged that at times non-governmental and civil society organisations have had to use the courts as an avenue through which to make their voices heard.

“It is unfortunate that government and NGOs and CSOs, while seeking to achieve the same goal, have to interact through the courts on matters of human rights and basic service delivery issues.

“Overall, NGOs and CSOs have done a sterling job in holding government accountable [and] I wish to assure you that as government, our actions are driven by the desire to change our society for the better.

“This desire, which I believe we all share, should act as a centripetal force that brings us closer together to collaborate and engage constructively in a manner that reduces litigation,” the Minister said.

She further noted the demand for adequate housing is still huge and includes households in informal settlements and backyard shacks that are dependent on the intervention of government for housing.

According to Census 2022, published by Statistics South Africa, the number of households who reside in informal dwellings has declined from 13.6% in 2011 to 8.1% in 2022, and households residing in formal dwelling units increased to 88.5%, an increase from the 65.1% recorded in 1996.

Kubayi said the decrease in the number of informal dwellings has been happening despite a marked increase in the number of informal settlements.

“This means that the provision of formal housing is increasing at a faster rate than that of informal settlements,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 14:36

265 views

1 December 2023

Multilateralism key to dealing with climate change

Location: News

Multilateralism key to dealing with climate change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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1 December 2023

Mashatile rallies communities to be involved in HIV interventions

Location: News

Mashatile rallies communities to be involved in HIV interventions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Survey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stigma

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

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

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

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

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1 December 2023

Mashatile launches SA Chapter of the Global Alliance to Conclude AIDS in Kids by 2030

Location: News

Mashatile launches SA Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030

Deputy President Paul Mashatile officially launched the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, led by his wife, Humile Mashatile.

“We are concerned with HIV treatment gaps in children. Children living with HIV aged 15 years and below are left behind in the global HIV response when compared to the general population,” he said.

The country’s second-in-command was speaking at the official commemoration of World AIDS Day as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) at the Mandeni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.

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

Globally, he said only 52% of children who are living with HIV are on lifesaving treatment, compared to 76% of the adult population.

According to the Deputy President, this results in children accounting for 15% of AIDS-related deaths on an annual basis despite that 4% of people living with HIV are children.

Meanwhile, he said stigma, discrimination, punitive laws and policies, violence, and gender inequalities in Eastern and Southern Africa remain some of the barriers that hinder access to treatment, care, and support for women, girls, and children.

“Unfortunately, South Africa has the largest population of children living with HIV in the world, and as of June 2023, our treatment coverage for children is alarmingly low, coming in at 67%.”

He said the data raises concerns and emphasises the urgent need for increased efforts and resources to guarantee that every child who is HIV-positive receives the care and treatment they require.

In response to this challenge, government is working with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), by coordinating United Nations (UN) agencies including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The other partners include the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, together with civil society, in establishing the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children by 2030.

“The proclamation was first made at the 24th International AIDS Conference in Canada in 2022. South Africa was among the first 12 countries to join this alliance. As the South African government, we are determined to fulfil our commitment to end AIDS in children,” he stressed.

This, according to the President, could be achieved by strengthening case finding among HIV-exposed infants and children and scaling up the initial HIV regimen to pregnant and breastfeeding women as per the revised clinical guidelines.

Meanwhile, government aims to also boost regular retesting of pregnant and breastfeeding women, increasing access to social protection programmes and addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), sexual assault, and abuse of infants, children, adolescents, and women.

Government will also work around the clock to scale up advocacy for the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice.

“Collectively, we should strive to ensure universal access to treatment, eliminate mother-to-child transmission, and confront prevailing prejudice and discrimination to foster a society that accepts and supports all individuals living with HIV, including our children.

“Together, we have the power to end the epidemic of HIV and AIDS,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:44

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1 December 2023

Heatwave conditions wreck records

Location: News

Heatwave conditions break records

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

305 views

1 December 2023

Motorists urged to prepare adequately for festive season travel

Location: News

Motorists urged to prepare adequately for festive season travel

With 14 days left before the start of the festive season peak travel period in South Africa, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on freight and public transport operators to ensure their drivers are fit and healthy to be on the road.

“This is also an opportune time for all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and comply with relevant legislation. Vehicle licence discs must be renewed and defects such as cracked windows, worn out wipers, smooth tyres and brakes must be fixed,” the RTMC said on Friday.

To renew without hassles, drivers can log on to online.natis.gov.za where they can opt for their discs to be delivered to their doorstep.

“Tyre bursts and slippery wet surfaces account for 2.5% and 2.4% respectively as contributory factors to fatal road collisions thus highlighting the importance of having properly functioning brakes and tyres in vehicles.

“With rainfall predicted on some of the traveling days, it is important to fit proper wipers and functioning lights to ensure visibility on the road. Drivers should opt to travel during the day instead of at night where possible, as visibility is drastically reduced when it’s dark,” the RTMC said.

Motorists are further advised to ensure they always carry a valid driving licence card. Driving without a valid driving licence card is an infringement and is punishable by law.

Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the extended operational hours to renew their driving licences at Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs).

RTMC DLTCs centres are open seven days a week between 7am – 9pm.

“With chronic lifestyle diseases reportedly on the increase, it is pivotal for freight and public transport operators to ensure that their drivers are allowed to undergo medical tests and those on treatment receive their medication before embarking on long distance travel.

“Drivers of private vehicles are also urged to ensure that they are in a fit and healthy state before embarking on long distance travel. Drivers must have sufficient sleep before travel and have access to fresh water during trips to avoid dehydration,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:35

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1 December 2023

New provincial number dish system unveiled in KZN

Location: News

New provincial number plate system unveiled in KZN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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1 December 2023

National Strategic Region on GBVF must be prioritised – Cabinet

Location: News

National Strategic Plan on GBVF must be prioritised - Cabinet

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MSC investment

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

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

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

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

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30 November 2023

Premier calls for swift arrest in rape of female security officers

Location: News

Premier calls for swift arrest in rape of female security officers

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has called on law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators involved in the attack and rape of female security officers at the Transport Department offices in Durban.

According to reports, about eight armed criminals entered the Department of Transport offices at Merebank in eThekwini by scaling the wall and took hostage all six security guards on duty, bound them with their own shoelaces and assaulted them at gunpoint.

In another room, three female officers were raped at gunpoint in full view of their colleagues. The criminals also stole equipment belonging to the Department of Transport which is used for road maintenance.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has strongly condemned the sexual attack of the three female security officers.

“We would like to offer our support to the victims of this senseless and barbaric act of criminality and violation of women’s dignity. The latest sexual attacks and rape of these three women is an embarrassment and an indication that some men do not belong in our society and should be stripped of all the freedoms set aside for normal people,” Dube-Ncube said.

She said it was unfortunate that the attack comes at a time when the province should be observing the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

“This incident comes as the country is thick in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) having launched the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign only on Saturday.

“We are deeply saddened that these barbaric and animalistic attacks on women still persist. The men who commit these crimes against their sisters and mothers, in all honesty are less than human, and should be condemned to long-term imprisonment without the option of a parole,” Dube-Ncube said.

The Premier described the incident as a heinous act that has shaken the province to its core.

“We also urge communities to come together in solidarity and support for gender-based violence survivors, fostering an environment where survivors feel safe to report such crimes and seek the help they need,” the Premier said.

The provincial government has assigned psycho-social support to the victims and affected staff, as well as the necessary protection to support the victims.

The Premier commended the Department of Transport for speedily visiting the site and attending to the staff traumatised by the incident. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 14:46

403 views

30 November 2023

Load shedding expected to ease into the weekend – Ramokogopa

Location: News

Load shedding expected to ease into the weekend - Ramokogopa

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says he expects the intensity of load shedding to decrease going into the weekend.

The Minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the handover of the first consignment of energy equipment donated by the People’s Republic of China.

“We have been able to return the units much earlier; Kusile [power station] Unit 2 – in the midst of Stage 6 [load shedding] has come back to give us an additional 800MW. So once we stabilise the emergency reserves, I’m more than confident that going into the weekend, you’ll start seeing that the intensity of load shedding is going to go down,” he said.

Turning to the equipment donated by the Chinese government, the Minister said the equipment will help to “preserve life” as they will serve health facilities and schools, among others.

The consignment includes at least 450 gasoline generators which are expected to be distributed to public facilities such as clinics, schools and courts to use as backup energy sources.

“The Chinese were very enthusiastic and demonstrated levels of solidarity and comradery…that we have enjoyed over a period of time to say that as you resolve the bigger question of ending load shedding, you need some alternative supply or some solution to ensure that there is uninterrupted supply,” he said.

Meanwhile, Eskom has announced that it will lower the intensity of load shedding.

“Due to improved generation recovery and emergency reserves, Stage 3 load shedding was implemented at 10am today [Thursday] until 4pm.

“Thereafter, Stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm until 8pm, followed by Stage 5 load shedding from 8pm until 5am on Friday,” the power utility said on X. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 14:53

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30 November 2023

Preferred bidders for Battery Storage IPP bid window one announced

Location: News

Preferred bidders for Battery Storage IPP bid window one announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oasis Aggeneis
Mogobe BESS
Oasis Mookodi
Oasis Nieuwehoop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other IPP programmes

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

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

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

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

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

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

419 views