How Cheap Chinese Imports of African Fabrics Has Hurt the Famous ‘Nana-Benz’ Women Traders
Chinese manufactured cloth has undermined the monopoly on the trade of Dutch African print textiles that Togolese traders once enjoyed.
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Ghana’s Security Strategy Has Kept Terror Attacks at Bay: What Other Countries Can Learn From Its Approach
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In 3 Years the World Will Run out of Time to Avoid the Worst Impacts of Climate Change
Planet Earth is living on borrowed time, a new global report reveals. The world must stop burning fossil fuels now and take urgent steps to reduce global warming.
Chimamanda’s Lagos Homecoming Wasn’t Just a Book Launch, It Was a Cultural Moment
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Nelson Mandela Was a Hard Man Who Played a Hard Game. What if He Was in Ramaphosa’s Shoes?
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Green Energy and Protecting Nature Get the Thumbs up in Climate Change Study in 68 Countries
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South Africa’s Winter Weather Pattern That Increases Wildfire Risks
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Devil Worship, Muti and Murder: What’s Behind the Growth of Occult Gangs in South Africa
There are about 40 occult-related gangs operating in one province. Understanding what draws young people to them is key to combating them.
Poor Service Delivery in Tshwane Has to Be Addressed
The impression created by the Tshwane Metro coalition government’s propaganda about their hard work to clean up and resolve service delivery issues stands in stark contrast with the reality on grass-roots level. Large parts of the Metro are plunged into darkness at night due to broken streetlights, motorists must navigate inaccessible roads and visitors are […]
The post Poor service delivery in Tshwane has to be addressed appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Khayelitsha Residents Take over Sassa Meeting to Voice Grievances
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No Money to Upgrade Cape Town’s Rundown Hostels
We visited hostels in Gugulethu which were overcrowded and falling apart
In 2013, Zakes Mda Was Horrified to See 110 Learners in a Class in This School. Twelve Years Later, Nothing Has Changed
A third of schools in the Eastern Cape do not meet minimum norms and standards
Troubling Questions as Minister Gives Ithuba Another Year to Run Lottery
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And the Next Lottery Operator Is…
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Ramaphosa Has to See Reason Regarding BEE and Its Destruction of the South African Economy
After 31 years, there is still no end in sight to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), and President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC still cannot understand why a party such as the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is opposed to it. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s response today to the Freedom Front Plus’s question about economic growth plans […]
The post Ramaphosa has to see reason regarding BEE and its destruction of the South African economy appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Castle Lager Sign On As Sponsors For Proteas’ ICC World Test Championship Final
JOHANNESBURG: Castle Lager will be the official team sponsor to the Proteas Men for the duration of ICC World Test...
Africa’s Solar Boom: How to Reap the Benefits
With 2.5 gigawatts-peak (GWp) (http://apo-opa.co/4iQtUCp) of solar capacity added across Africa in 2024 and 194.34 GWp expected in 2025, the continent is fast becoming a global hotspot for solar energy growth. Leading this shift are the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors, where photovoltaic (PV) systems are being installed on-site at businesses, educational institutions, and government facilities to meet their own energy demands.
Dr Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at CBi-electric: low voltage (www.CBi-lowvoltage.co.za), explains that multiple factors are accelerating the continent's switch to solar. “Energy poverty remains a major issue across Africa, with reliable grid electricity reaching only 14% (http://apo-opa.co/4jICofV) of Zimbabweans, for example.”
He adds that unreliable power supply is another key driver. “Persistent nationwide blackouts are affecting countries like Botswana (http://apo-opa.co/3EZvQKM), disrupting day-to-day operations. And in hydro-electric dependent countries such as Zambia (http://apo-opa.co/3RRqvrX), climate change is reducing water levels, leading to lower electricity generation and higher prices.”
Dr Dickson points out that in countries like Namibia which are dependent on electricity imports, affordability is a growing concern, with N$8.8 billion (http://apo-opa.co/3EZvSlS) expected to be spent between January 2024 and December 2025. “As a result, Namibia now has the highest (http://apo-opa.co/3EZvSSU) electricity prices in Southern Africa. Yet it has a unique geographic advantage: its solar PV systems can produce twice (http://apo-opa.co/3EZvSSU) as much electricity as comparable systems in central Europe.”
Some African nations are proactively investing in solar to reduce their grid dependence. “Malawi is rolling out its National Compact for Energy (http://apo-opa.co/3GMlxKC), which creates a competitive framework for private-sector investment in off-grid solar through grants, subsidies, and credit lines that improve access to foreign exchange,” he notes.
Safeguarding solar investments
The shift to solar is also being driven by cost-effectiveness. Dr Dickson shares that on-site solar is now cheaper (http://apo-opa.co/3YDs1BD) than the electricity tariffs paid by C&I clients in at least seven sub-Saharan markets.
Pointing to research by GreenCape (http://apo-opa.co/3Z6UyzC), which found that solar PV can reduce business energy costs by 15%, with a return on investment reached within three to 12 years, he highlights that after that, businesses can benefit from up to 15 years of free electricity.
However, Dr Dickson stresses that unlocking these savings requires protecting system components from damage and disruption. “Voltage spikes caused by lightning or grid instability can seriously damage inverters and batteries. Installing surge protection devices (SPDs) is critical, not just to prevent damage, but also to avoid voiding manufacturer warranties.”
Arcing is another serious threat. “When electrical currents jump across gaps, the heat generated can damage components or even start fires,” he explains. “DC circuit breakers designed specifically for solar systems are essential for mitigating this risk. They're built to handle the direct current generated by PV panels, ensuring safer and more reliable operation.”
Smart tech enables smarter solar use
In addition to physical protection, Dr Dickson advises businesses to embrace smart energy management tools to extend system life and optimise performance. “A smart power indicator can detect grid interruptions and send immediate alerts, helping businesses respond quickly. These systems can temporarily disconnect non-essential high-energy devices during an outage to prevent overload and preserve battery life. At the same time, they ensure that essential systems like security and lighting continue operating during downtime.”
Optimising solar ROI in 2025
He believes that the key to unlocking solar's full potential lies in strategic system design and management. “By combining surge protection, DC breakers, and monitoring tools, businesses can reduce unexpected costs, minimise downtime, and extend the life of their investment.”
“As Africa's solar energy market continues to expand in 2025, organisations have an opportunity to capitalise on its long-term benefits. With the right technologies and safeguards in place, solar is not only a clean energy solution it's a strategic asset that pays off,” concludes Dr Dickson.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CBI-electric: low voltage.
About CBi-electric: low voltage:
- Established in 1949, CBi-electric: low voltage is a manufacturer and supplier of quality low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment. Previously known as Circuit Breaker Industries or CBI, the company specialises in the design, development, and manufacturing of circuit breakers, residential current devices, surge protection, wiring accessories, and metering products.
- Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company is a subsidiary of renowned JSE listed industrial group Reunert (http://apo-opa.co/4iV5abY), established in 1888, with international operations across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and USA.
- CBi-electric: low voltage can be found in almost every home and has firmly become a market leader over the last 75 years while supplying products to authorities, utilities, manufacturers, commercial property developers, industrial, mining, telecommunications, and general power distribution applications.
- In 2021, the brand launched its smart IoT (internet-of-things) home automation range, called the Astute Range.
Lesotho Under Pressure to Approve Starlink Licence
Prime Minister says his government is removing obstacles to US investment, including Starlink, in the wake of the tariff hike
Five sluice gates remain open at Vaal Dam
Five sluice gates remain open at Vaal Dam
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says the five sluice gates remain opened at the Vaal Dam, while outflows at Bloemhof Dam are to be increased to manage rising water levels.
“Since the opening of the fifth sluice gate [on Sunday] morning due to the heavy inflows into the Vaal Dam, the Department of Water and Sanitation will keep all the five sluice gates opened and there will be no changes in the dam’s outflow…
“However, should there be increased inflows into the Vaal Dam, it may result in additional gates being opened. The DWS will continue to monitor Vaal Dam and effect changes on the outflow as and when necessary,” the department said in a statement on Monday.
The department reported that the water storage level at the Vaal Dam was at 111.11% on Monday morning, rising from Sunday’s 109.3% full supply capacity.
This is due to the continuous high inflow of water at 1002.25 mᵌ/s from the upper catchment.
The Bloemhof Dam storage level has also increased from 107% on Sunday to 112.08% full supply capacity on Monday morning.
As a result, the department said water releases at the dam will be increased at different times on Monday and will be staggered from the current 1 400 m3/s to 1 550 m³/s at 12pm to 1 700 m³/s at 2pm, and the last increase will be 1 850 m³/s at 4pm.
Possible overtopping of riverbanks downstream
The department warned that the current controlled water releases by the five sluice gates may lead to possible overtopping of riverbanks downstream, and this will affect infrastructure built in lower-lying areas within the 1 in 100-year floodline.
“People living within the floodline of the Vaal River downstream of the Vaal Dam and the Bloemhof Dam should evacuate and move to a safe area and remove valuable equipment, movable infrastructure and livestock,” the department said.
One sluice gate remains open at Grootdraai Dam
One sluice gate remains open at Grootdraai Dam in Mpumalanga in the Upper Vaal River Catchment, upstream of the Vaal Dam, to enable water releases.
On Monday morning, the dam recorded 102% full supply capacity.
The department reiterated that these necessary controlled water releases at the dams are being implemented, as part of dam safety precautions to safeguard the infrastructure and protect human life.
“The DWS is continuously monitoring the water levels in the Vaal River System. Through various platforms, the department continuously shares hydrology reports and provides regular updates regarding the water levels in the dams, with recommendations in order to provide early warnings in case of flooding.” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 15:22
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Fifth sluice gate opened at Vaal Dam
Fifth sluice gate opened at Vaal Dam
A fifth sluice gate has been opened this morning at the Vaal Dam to manage water levels, which have increased overnight as a result of the ongoing rainfall in the Vaal River catchment.
This is in about 24 hours after the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) had opened the fourth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam.
Water storage levels at the dam stood at 107.82% on Saturday but as of this morning, the levels have risen to 109.39%. The outflows at the dam will move from 550 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s) to just under 700 mᵌ/s. The inflows into the dam are currently 1 000 m3/s.
Bloemhof Dam storage levels have also risen from yesterday’s 103.23% to 106.91% this morning, and water releases will be staggered incrementally from the current 1 000 mᵌ/s to 1 100 m³/s at 10am; 1 200 m³/s at 12h00; 1 300 m³/s at 14h00, and the last increase at 16h00 to 1 400 m3/s.
The increased outflows from Vaal Dam are expected to reach the barrage in about six hours and Bloemhof Dam in three to four days, and will result in water levels rising in both the dam and the river, overtopping of the riverbanks.
Due to increased water releases by the five sluice gates, there might be a possible overflowing at the riverbanks downstream and this will affect infrastructure built in lower lying areas.
At Grootdraai Dam located in Mpumalanga in the Upper Vaal River Catchment, upstream of Vaal Dam, one sluice gate remains opened at 2.5 metres to enable the water releases. The dam is currently sitting at 102.41%.
The department is implementing these necessary controlled water releases at the dams as part of dam safety precautions to safeguard infrastructure and ensure that there is full storage capacity after the rainfall season.
The department, through various platforms, continuously shares hydrology reports and updates on a regular basis with recommendations in order to send early warning systems and activate evacuation plans in case of flooding. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/06/2025 - 11:22
197 views
Refugees Evicted From UNHCR in 2023 Reduced to Eating Frogs
The families have been living in an old school building in Bronkhorstspruit for two years
World Cancer Day 2025: 194 Scholarships in Oncology
- Merck Foundation marks World Cancer Day with African First Ladies by providing 194 scholarships of Oncology Training to African doctors from 32 countries.
- Merck Foundation together with Africa First Ladies and Ministries of Health has been building cancer care capacity and increasing the limited number of Oncologists in their countries by providing close to 200 Scholarships of One-, two- and three-years fellowship, diploma and Master Degree of oncology to African doctors from 32 Countries.
- Merck Foundation is making history in Africa by training the First African Oncologists and First Cancer Care Teams in Countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Burundi, Malawi, Niger, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Cancer Day 2025' together with Africa's First Ladies and Ministries of Health. Through their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation is is building quality and equitable cancer care capacity in Africa.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation, highlighted, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day not just as a single day, but as a our continued commitment to transform and advance cancer care in Africa.
Together with my dear sisters, the Africa's First Ladies, we are have enhanced the cancer care capacity in the continent by providing 194 scholarships to young African doctors from 32 countries, significantly increasing the number of oncologists in Africa. We are making history together by providing these important scholarships for the first oncologists and /or the first cancer care teams in many countries across Africa.”
Merck Foundation in total provided more than 2100 scholarships to doctors from over 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
The Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program provides One, two- and three-years fellowship, Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of oncology for doctors from Africa. The clinical training has been conducted in India, Egypt and Kenya. Additionaly, Merck Foundation also provides scholarships for 2 years online PG Diploma in Cancer and Clinical Oncology, 01 year online PG Diploma in Medical Oncology and 1 year online PG Diploma in Pain Management from reputed Universities in UK like University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.
Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of clinical training in Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopaedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Surgical Oncology - Genital Urinary System, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, Oncology Nursing.
Merck Foundation through its Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program has provided 194 scholarships of Oncology to doctors from 32 countries including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“In several of these countries, there wasn't even a single oncologist. We are proud to be making history in Africa by training the first oncologists and establishing the first cancer care teams in nations such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, and Niger. Merck Foundation remains committed to transforming the landscape of cancer care across the continent and leading Africa toward a healthier future,” explained Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Africa records around 1.1 million new cases of cancer, resulting in up to 700,000 deaths, every year, as per WHO data. The mortality rate of cancer patients is very high in Africa, as compared to the rest of the world.
“One of the key reasons is also the late diagnosis of the disease. Therefore, these scholarships are very important” added Senator Kelej.
Merck Foundation has also created awareness materials including awareness leaflets and videos on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.
Dr. Chifundo Kajombo, Merck Foundation Alumni from Malawi shares, “I am privileged to be awarded a scholarship by Merck Foundation to pursue the Surgical Oncology fellowship training program at Tata Memorial Hospital, India. I managed to advance from basic surgical oncology principles to the advanced level. This has helped me improve my understanding of cancer and operative principles. Since returning back home, I have managed to change the structure of how our breast clinic runs and modified it to incorporate a number of new things that we probably could not have possibly included. I am so proud to share that I have just been awarded the Best Surgeon for 2023 in Malawi. I would not have achieved this feat without Merck Foundation's scholarship. I am very thankful.”
Watch testimonials videos of Merck Foundation Oncology Fellowship Alumni: https://apo-opa.co/41OIaF9
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
More images: https://apo-opa.co/4iRW3JJ
Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4bOL5SX
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/41N19zX), X (https://apo-opa.co/4iMYFZc), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/41PwZfx), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4iRZtfA), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4l4QxW7) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4iQjTp3).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Families Charged R5 to Use Mobile Toilets in Dunoon
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SA-EU Summit a ‘watershed’ moment for trade and investment relations
SA-EU Summit a 'watershed' moment for trade and investment relations
The 8th South Africa-European Union (EU) Summit held in Cape Town last week was a “watershed” moment for trade and investment relations between South Africa and the regional bloc.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who reflected on the summit in his weekly newsletter on Monday.
“As a bloc, the European Union (EU) is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners and the source of much investment in our country. Our economic ties with European countries go back to colonial times. Since the advent of democracy 30 years ago, we have steadily been growing the volume and value of trade.
“This summit will be remembered as a watershed moment in the development of our trade and investment relations. While expanding our traditional areas of cooperation, we are now focused on working together to develop the industries of the future,” the President said.
READ | South Africa-European Union Summit concludes
He stated that South Africa and the EU agreed to work together towards a Clean Trade and Investment Partnership.
“This partnership will support the development of value chains that are more environmentally sustainable. It will make South Africa and the EU more competitive in a low-carbon global economy by improving conditions for investment in the extraction and local beneficiation of rare minerals, renewable energy, low carbon hydrogen and clean technology.
“This partnership will improve cooperation between South Africa and the EU on some of the regulatory issues that constrain greater levels of trade. This work should enable South African companies to export products like sustainable fuel and electric and hybrid vehicles to the EU,” he said.
A key outcome of the SA-EU Summit was an announcement of a €4.7 billion (approximately R90 billion) investment package aimed at supporting investment projects in the country.
READ | President Ramaphosa engages EU on new investment package
According to the President, the package will “include grants and loans from European financial institutions and businesses”.
“Among other things, this investment will be used to build South Africa’s vaccine production capacity and boost local pharmaceutical value chains.
“The package will also support South Africa’s just energy transition through the development of critical raw minerals and low carbon hydrogen. In addition to investments in transport and digital infrastructure, the package will provide resources for skills development,” President Ramaphosa said.
On the global stage
The summit also reaffirmed the “unwavering commitment of South Africa and the EU to multilateralism, the consistent application of international law and the centrality of the United Nations Charter”.
“We agreed that a collective effort was needed by all countries to overcome global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, rising inequality and conflict.
“The EU shares South Africa’s view that the UN Security Council needs to be reformed so that it is more inclusive, efficient and democratic. In its composition and actions, the Security Council needs to better reflect the realities of today’s world. We also agreed to strengthen efforts to safeguard and advance human rights across the world,” he said.
Furthermore, the EU expressed its support for South Africa’s G20 Presidency this year and welcomed the country’s “focus on forging partnerships between G20 members and other African countries”.
The President said the two parties agreed that collective global effort is needed to overcome current global challenges.
“We share similar views on how to navigate these difficult times, by standing together to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, to adhere to international law and to strengthen the institutions of global cooperation.
“Above all, we are committed to the mutual well-being and development of the peoples of South Africa and all the member states of the European Union. We have a shared vision of the future and we are determined to work together to achieve it,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/17/2025 - 13:28
68 views