MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for South Africa

South Africa

Empowering South African Businesses: Neosun Energy’s Solar Solutions Offer Relief Amidst Electricity Price Hikes

Location: News
Neosun

With local South Africa branches  Global EPC company Neosun Energy (www.Neosun.com) offers affordable  solar energy solutions for local businesses to mitigate the impact of rising electricity prices.

According to South African Government reports, starting from July 2024, Johannesburg residents will experience a 12.72% increase in electricity costs under local authority tariff charges. Eskom's direct customers will increase  all tariff charges, excluding the affordability subsidy charge, from 1st  April 2024 to 31st March 2025.

This price hike will impact both residential and business customers, adding financial pressure across the board. The main issue is that new tariffs will increase business costs and reduce profit margins, which forces companies to increase prices and pass them onto the consumer. It means higher operational costs, potentially affecting profitability and leading to higher prices for goods and services.

In this challenging environment, Neosun Energy can play a pivotal role in alleviating the burden of increased electricity costs. Providing solar energy solutions, Neosun Energy can help businesses and local enterprises reduce their dependence on traditional, more expensive electricity sources.

“This increase will primarily affect businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as their profitability will significantly decrease due to such a hike. The best solution to avoid this is to transition to solar energy, which locks in rates permanently. With solar generation, rates do not rise; they are fixed for the next 30 years. Solar Energy transferring -  is exactly what can help local enterprises gain their independence from constant bill increases, ” emphasized Ilya Likhov, CEO of Neosun Energy.

 Investing in solar energy, businesses can lower their operational costs over the long term, enhancing their profitability and competitiveness.

Today Neosun Energy is presented with 2 local branches in South Africa, located in Cape Town and Johannesburg, bringing to the South African market a high level service of a global company with experience in 16 countries around the world, and saving affordable prices for its customers.

"We firmly believe that establishing local Neosun Energy offices will bring us closer to local businesses and commercial enterprises, enabling us to offer affordable solar energy solutions such as solar plants, innovative energy storage systems, and portable Power Hubs." - added Mr. Likhov.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Neosun.

Media Contact:
For requests: info@neosun.com
CEO Neosun Energy

Social Media: 
Ilya Likhov - LinkedIn: http://apo-opa.co/3Y3WoSi

About Neosun Energy:
Neosun Energy (www.Neosun.com) is an international Solar EPC company that provides Commercial Solar PV & Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) with capacity from 200kW to 10MW for Commercial and Industrial projects Worldwide. The company constructs solar power plants and energy storage systems (ESS) on a turn-key basis, covering all stages of construction including design, equipment supply, construction, and commissioning. The company has implemented solar PV projects in 16 countries worldwide.

Media files
Neosun
Download logo
Read moreEmpowering South African Businesses: Neosun Energy’s Solar Solutions Offer Relief Amidst Electricity Price Hikes

EcoFlow Announces Winter Sale in South Africa

Location: Business
EcoFlow

EcoFlow (www.EcoFlow.com/za) is pleased to announce its Annual Winter Sale, running from 15th July to 19th August. This year's sale features exclusive promotions on top-tier products, specially curated for those looking to prepare for energy interruption and the rising energy cost for a warm and load-shedding-free winter season.

The sale includes a wide array of products ranging from the best-selling portable power stations to the newly launched Alternator Charger. These deals include but are not limited to –

  1. DELTA 2 + 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panels (https://apo-opa.co/4cVKTjY)

This dynamic duo, priced at R19,999 with a 32% discount, is perfect for providing whole-home backup power during winter load-shedding. The DELTA 2's powerful capacity combined with the efficiency of the 220W bifacial solar panels makes for an unbeatable combination.

  1. RIVER 2 Max + 160W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel (https://apo-opa.co/3S6JChX)

For those seeking more versatile power solutions, this combo offers reliable performance and on-the-go power convenience. The RIVER 2 Max weighs only 6.1kg and is an ideal energy partner for users who fancy a winter outdoor escapade. The 160W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel ensures the RIVER 2 Max stays powered up and ready, wherever you are. This combo is available at R8,999 with a 40% discount during the winter sale.

  1. DELTA 2 Max + 800W Alternator Charger (https://apo-opa.co/3S5kgBf)

The newly launched 800W Alternator Charger is a 3-in-1 charger, jump starter and battery maintainer. With demand for accessible energy and off-grid comfort across the RV, overlanding and van life communities, there is a need for unrestricted access to electricity that isn't dependent on fixed power locations or gas generators. The charger offers an exceptionally convenient and effective solution. During the winter sale, consumers can purchase the DELTA 2 Max along with the 800W Alternator Charger and receive an additional 220W solar panel at no extra cost.

EcoFlow is committed to delivering simple, flexible and reliable eco-friendly energy solutions. In face of rising energy costs and increased energy needs during winter, the seasonal sale provides a wonderful opportunity for people to integrate solar energy systems into their daily energy consumption routine.

The EcoFlow Annual Winter Sale kicks off on 15th July and runs until 19th August. Visit the EcoFlow South Africa website store (https://apo-opa.co/4cWYR5a) for more unbeatable savings and product details. For more information, please visit: https://za.EcoFlow.com/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EcoFlow.

Media Contact:
Haochen Zhang
haochen.zhang@ecoflow.com

About EcoFlow:
EcoFlow is a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company with the vision to power a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow aims to become a reliable and trusted energy companion for individuals and families across the world, providing accessible and renewable power solutions at home, outdoors, and in mobile spaces. Today, with operational headquarters located in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered more than 3 million users in over 100 markets worldwide. For more information, visit: https://www.EcoFlow.com/au

Media files
EcoFlow
Download logo
Read moreEcoFlow Announces Winter Sale in South Africa

Nuclear power build will be at a scale “we can afford” – Minister Ramokgopa

Location: News

Nuclear power build will be at a scale "we can afford" - Minister Ramokgopa

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says South Africa will seek to build a nuclear plant for electricity generation at “a scale and speed that we can afford”.

The Minister was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla held in Tshwane at the weekend.

President Cyril Ramaphosa lead the first Lekgotla of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which set out the programme of action government will undertake during the seventh administration.

“In the long term, we need to ensure that we anchor the baseload and nuclear is an important part of that intervention. We are working on the framework for procurement because we don’t want to discredit the process through a procurement process that is not transparent.

“We will do it at the scale and speed that we can afford as a country,” he said.

Turning to issues of electricity affordability, the Minister raised his concern that poorer communities are battling to keep up with increasing costs.

“The poor and those that are located in the townships are finding it exceptionally difficult to afford the increases in electricity. The pricing and the tariff is prohibitive and a lot of our people across the length and breadth of the country are not in a position to afford electricity.

“Those are challenges on the distribution side…and we know that over a period of time municipalities have underinvested in the maintenance, replenishment and protection of the distribution grid and of course we are paying the price now,” he said.

Also speaking to media at the lekgotla, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau assured South Africans that affirmative action policies like Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment will not be scrapped during the seventh administration.

“These are foundational principles to the establishment of the Government of National Unity. Included in there are priorities in relation to social justice, equity and redress. Therefore, these are parties that have come together on the basis of collectively addressing transformation because we have committed to redress in the foundational principles.

“The question is what do we do going forward? Of course, we need to look at the next wave of [BBBEE]…where there are lessons to be learnt, we take those lessons into account and where there are greater opportunities to be introduced we need to be able to introduce those. 

“We have placed this firmly on the agenda of the programmes that would be driven by this administration and that is why we always say we are focussing on industrialisation, but we are equally focussing on transformation,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that the economic growth and development of South Africa is a key priority.

A key priority for the seventh administration will be to “leverage off the back of Operation Vulindela as a key programme”.

“This would be a focus on network industries amongst others…looking at energy, looking at logistics in particular, the digital economy and other areas. The fact that we’ve made significant progress in that regard enables us to use that as a springboard to grow the economy focussed on industrialisation and re-industrialisation.

“But also, a deliberate and conscious focus on transformation because of course, this will enable us to broaden the base of entrepreneurs in the country [and] to broaden the base of participants in the economy of this country and enable us to grow the jobs that this country so much needs,” Tau said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 07/14/2024 - 13:52

90 views
Read moreNuclear power build will be at a scale “we can afford” – Minister Ramokgopa

First GNU Cabinet Lekgotla kicks off in Tshwane

Location: News

First GNU Cabinet Lekgotla kicks off in Tshwane

President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the first Cabinet Lekgotla of the Government of National Unity (GNU) at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane this weekend.

The lekgotla is expected to set out the programme of action government will undertake during the seventh administration. 

Attending the lekgotla are, among others, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Ministers and provincial Premiers.

Speaking to media on the sidelines of the all-important meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the programme of action is guided by the priorities set out in the GNU’s Statement of Intent.

“That will allow us to then go back and consolidate what you know as the Medium Term Strategic Framework. Now we are calling it the Medium Term Development Plan. 

“The set of actions are being guided by the priorities agreed by the parties to the GNU. In those nine priorities there is going to be a number of presentations that will say how we agree on this. And we are guided, as another filter, by the National Development Plan (NDP),” she said.

The priorities, in short, include:
•    Economic growth, job creation and transformation
•    Creating a more just society
•    Stabilising local government, 
•    Investing in people through education, skills development and healthcare
•    Building state capacity
•    Strengthening law enforcement agencies
•    Strengthening the effectiveness of Parliament
•    Strengthening social cohesion, nation-building and democratic participation, and undertaking common programmes against racism, sexism, tribalism and other forms of intolerance
•    Foreign policy based on human rights, constitutionalism, the national interest, solidarity and peaceful resolution of conflicts

“[Some of the priorities] focus on economic growth, inclusive growth and job creation. We are looking at what we should do to unlock the economy to grow so that it can create jobs for the people of South Africa.

“We are focusing on what are the areas of reforms that will unlock the economy, the issues around water, electricity and energy. We’re dealing with the issues around job creation, what the economic growth trajectory look like. 

“To do that we need a partnership with business. We need also a capable, ethical and developmental state to have that capacity,” she said.

The Minister explained that the lekgotla will further be guided by “evidence-based planning and action”.

“The Statistician General [Risenga Maluleke] is going to present in terms of the indicators that we are looking at and what that means in terms of the government programme.

“We’ve tabled the budget of Statistics SA to say we are starting to work on the indicators of how … to support the implementation of the District Development Model to be evidence based…and to strengthen our research capabilities to make sure that we move with speed to achieve the goals of the NDP,” she said.

Ntshavheni clarified that following the lekgotla, Cabinet – which includes Ministers and the President – will adopt the programme of action.

“It has to be adopted by Cabinet. Cabinet is the governing authority of South Africa so it will adopt it and [then] clusters will go and work on their priorities and initiatives. From there departments go and work.

“The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, during that period, will continue to work and make sure that there’s alignment across [departments] and everyone knows what they want to do. 

“We are going to implement government priorities collectively because there’s no ‘DA minister’, there’s no ‘ANC minister’, there is only a ‘minister of government’.

“We are consolidating so that we have a single view and a single programme of action that is agreed to by all and that cascades to provinces,” she said.

President Ramaphosa will communicate the outcomes of the lekgotla during the opening of Parliament on 18 July. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sat, 07/13/2024 - 13:07

102 views
Read moreFirst GNU Cabinet Lekgotla kicks off in Tshwane

Retrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

Location: News

Retrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says he is concerned about the recent retrenchments in the platinum sector.

“Whilst the mining sector employs 489 000 mineworkers, we have noted with concern the recent retrenchments specifically in the platinum sector. In response to these job losses, we have pulled our social partners together and are in discussions to craft an approach to minimise them,” Mantashe said, delivering the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Budget Vote in Cape Town.

He said significant progress has been made by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) who have formed partnerships with industry players to improve the state of infrastructure to support mining.

“The department is currently drafting amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development  Amendment Act (MPRDA) aimed at ensuring that areas that have been identified as weak and those that have been challenged legally are strengthened against international best practice.

“The amendments will also review the licensing regime to reduce red tape and improve the business environment for investors while keeping in sync with South Africa’s social and economic fabric,” Mantashe said.

He said the amendments are a continuation of the regulatory and policy adjustments initiated during the sixth administration.

“Given South Africa’s endowment with considerable mineral reserves of strategic significance to the global economies, we are convinced that increased exploration will enable the country to meaningfully benefit from its global advantage.

“To enable this the department, guided by the country’s exploration strategy, has in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) established an exploration fund to support emerging and junior miners,” Mantashe said.

Government intends to intensify engagements with several fund managers and the investor community to secure additional financing to sustain the fund into the future.

The department has allocated R72 million to fund artisanal and small-scale miners, including women and youth-owned companies.

Mantashe said the health and safety of mine workers remains at the centre of government’s work.“Owing to our strategic partnership with our social partners we have improved our performance towards the zero harm goal,” he said.

The Minister said this is demonstrable in the decline in mine fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases as evidenced by the 49 fatalities being the lowest on record in 2022.

“Although we had set our sights on beating this record in 2023, the regrettable disaster at the Impala Rustenburg that killed 13 mineworkers and many other fatal incidences contributed to the regression resulting in 53 fatalities reported in 2023.

“We have also noted with great concern the emerging trend of fatalities related to motor accidents and disasters involving illegal miners. 

“To this end, the department has entered into an agreement with the industry on the development of minimum standards and guidelines to mitigate against road fatalities, while intensifying the fight against illegal mining,” the Minister said.

In the 2024/25 financial year, the department has been allocated at least R8.84 billion, of which R6.4 billion is earmarked for transfers to public entities, municipalities, and other institutions or implementing agents. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:19

477 views
Read moreRetrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern

African Players, Coaches, and Referees to Participate in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K25 Summer League

Location: News

Basketball Africa League (BAL)
Download logo

Twenty-Five Basketball Coaches from 15 African Countries Selected for NBA 2K25 Summer League; Five Players Who Featured in the 2024 BAL Season (https://BAL.NBA.com/) to Compete in Las Vegas.

Twenty-five basketball coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in the NBA 2K25 Summer League which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 12 -22, 2024.  The selected coaches form part of the Africa Coaches Program, which builds on NBA Africa's and Basketball Africa League's (BAL) commitment to building capacity and expertise of coaches from across the continent, improving the quality of the on-court product, and contributing to the continued growth of basketball on the continent.  Eight of the coaches represent teams that have participated in the BAL.

Please see below for some of the notable storylines, followed by the full roster of the African coaches, players, and referees who will take part in the Summer League.

African Coaches Program

Building Continuity

  • Six teams that took part in the 2024 BAL season will have at least one coach participating – Al Ahly (Egypt), Bangui Sporting Club (Central Africa Republic) City Oilers (Uganda), FUS de Rabat (Morocco), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), and US Monastir (Tunisia). 
  • Sixteen of the 24 coaches will take part in the Africa Coaches Program for the first time.
  • Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu was named 2024 BAL Coach of the Year and led his team to a third-place finish this season.  Rivers Hoopers' head coach since 2009, Odaudu coached the team to five Nigerian Premier League titles.  Since 2019, Odaudu has been a member of the coaching staff on the Nigerian national team. 
  • Two coaches – Francois Enyegue (Cameroon; San Antonio Spurs) and Emmanuel Mavomo (Democratic Republic of the Congo; Milwaukee Bucks) – return to the Summer League for a third consecutive year.  Last year, they coached with the Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz, respectively.  Enyegue is currently the head coach of Bangui Sporting Club (Central Africa Republic) and served as head coach of Team Africa & Middle East Girls at the Jr. NBA Global Championship in 2018.  Mavomo is NBA G League's Austin Spurs assistant coach and served as an assistant coach of Paris Basketball and BC Espoir Fukash during the 2022 BAL season.

Empowering the Next Generation

  • Three players with BAL experience who have decided to take up a career in coaching will be part of this year's program.  John Wilkins (Rivers Hoopers), Mohamed Gaddour (US Monastir), and Radouane Slimane (US Monastir) will respectively join the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat.

NBA Academy Africa Well-Represented

  • NBA Academy Africa players development coaches Goitsemang Ditsheko (South Africa) and Karim Nesba (Morocco) will coach with the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings respectively.  Based at the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal since 2022, Ditsheko is part of the academy coaching staff who worked with NBA Academy Africa's first NBA draftee, Cameroon's Ulrich Chomche, selected with the number 57 overall by the Memphis Grizzlier and traded to the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft.  While enrolled at NBA Academy Africa, Chomche competed in the BAL as part of the BAL Elevate program, representing Rwanda Energy Group Basketball (REGBBC) in 2023 and Cameroon's Forces Armées et Police (FAP) in 2022.  Karim Nesba is a former AS Salé and Morocco National Team player.  He coached the Uganda City Oilers in the 2024 BAL season and the BAL Select Team at Quai 54 this summer.  NBA Academy Africa Alumni Ibou Badji (Senegal) and Babacar Sané (Senegal) will be playing with the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz respectively. Badji who signed a two-way contract with Portland Trail Blazers last season, played 22 games in the 2023-24 NBA season. Sané former BAL Elevate player has played with the G League Ignite since 2022.

Female Participants

  • For the first time, three female coaches will participate in the Africa Coaches Program – Sofia Bey (Morocco; Sacramento Kings), Aliaa Mahmoud Mohamed (Egypt; Washington Wizards), Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Los Angeles Lakers).  They join the Africa Coaches Program as part of NBA Africa's and the BAL's efforts to provide more opportunities for women in basketball.  
  • Sofia Bey (Morocco, Sacramento Kings) is the head coach of Wydad Athletic in Morocco.  Bey participated 2022 FIBA Africa Regional Youth Camp and was selected for the FIBA Young Coach program in 2015.
  • Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Los Angeles Lakers) was the head coach of Espoir Basket Club (Gabon) which participated in Road to the BAL 2023.  Aliaa Mahmoud (Egypt, Washington Wizards) was the assistant coach of FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023.

Please see below for the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K25 Summer League and the NBA teams coaching staff they have joined.

First name

Last name

Country of origin

NBA Team

Mohamed Lamine

Kriedeche

Algeria

New Orleans Pelicans

Stef

Pare

Burkina Faso

Orlando Magic

Francois

Enyengue

Cameroon

San Antonio Spurs

Victor

Samnick

Cameroon

Denver Nuggets

Pierrot

Ilunga

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Toronto Raptors

Emmanuel

Mavomo

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Milwaukee Bucks

Ahmed

Elgarhi

Egypt

Minnesota Timberwolves

Alia

Mahmoud

Egypt

Washington Wizards

Ruth

Bibeyi

Gabon

Los Angeles Lakers

Ahmed

Salam

Morocco

Atlanta Hawks

John

Wilkins

Morocco

Phoenix Suns

Sofia

Bey

Morocco

Sacramento Kings

Karim

Nesba

Morocco

Sacramento Kings

Leonel

Manhique

Mozambique

Brooklyn Nets

Ogoh

Odaudu

Nigeria

Cleveland Cavaliers

Mohamed

Abdulrahman

Nigeria

Utah Jazz

Mugisha Igor

Keys

Rwanda

Boston Celtics

Prosper

Naci

Rwanda

Philadelphia 76ers

Matar

Mbodji

Senegal

Chicago Bulls

Goitsemang

Ditsheko

South Africa

Houston Rockets

Akech Wuoi Garang

Ajak

South Sudan

New York Knicks

Bechir

Hadidane

Tunisia

Memphis Grizzlies

Mhamed

Gaddour

Tunisia

Los Angeles Clippers

Radouane

Slimane

Tunisia

Miami Heat

Andrew

Senyondwa

Uganda

Trailblazers Portland

BAL Season 4 Players*

Five players who played in the 2024 BAL season are set to feature in this year's Summer League: Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (South Sudan; Sacramento Kings), Samkelo Cele (South Africa; New York Knicks), Obadiah Noel (USA; New York Knicks) Devine Eke (Nigeria, Milwaukee Bucks), and Makhtar Gueye (Senegal; Atlanta Hawks).

  • Lual-Acuil Jr. averaged 21.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks during the last BAL season, helping Al Ahly Ly (Libya) to the 2024 BAL Finals.  Lual-Acuil Jr. won the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy as the 2024 BAL Most Valuable Player and the Dikembe Mutombo Trophy as the Defensive Player of the Year.  Lual-Acuil Jr. also emerged as the 2024 BAL Scoring Champion and was named to the 2024 All-BAL First Team and the All-BAL Defensive Team.
  • Cele averaged 20.2 points per game and finished second in scoring in the league.  He led South Africa's Cape Town Tigers to the semifinals and was named to both the 2024 All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive Team.
  • Obadiah averaged 19.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game with Armée Patriotique Rwandaise basketball (APR; Rwanda) in the Sahara Conference last season.
  • Eke registered 16.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, leading Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers to third place in the last BAL season.
  • Gueye represented Burundi's Dynamo Basketball Club in the inaugural Kalahari Conference last season.
  • Cele and Gueye were part of the BAL Select team that featured at the 2024 Quai 54 Streetball Tournament, the world's biggest streetball tournament in Paris, France, last month.

*Rosters are subject to change.

Referees with BAL Experience

Five referees who officiated in the 2024 BAL season will also join the program, including Annie Joyce Muchenu (Zimbabwe).  Muchenu became a FIBA international referee in September 2008 and was appointed to officiate at the FIBA Women's Champions Cup in Nairobi, Kenya the same year.  She has since officiated at major competitions on the African continent including junior and senior tournaments but has also officiated at two All Africa Games (2011 and 2015), three FIBA U-17 World Cups, two FIBA U-19 World Cups, pre-Olympic Qualifiers and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the BAL since the beginning of the competition.  

Please see below the complete list of African referees:

NAME

COUNTRY

Oumar Sy

Mauritania

Yann Davidson

Madagascar

Annie Joyce Muchenu

Zimbabwe

Vitalis Gode

Kenya (Referee Supervisor)

Silver Houngbedji

Benin

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Read moreAfrican Players, Coaches, and Referees to Participate in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K25 Summer League

Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure

Location: News

Water partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure

The Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), has put in place an office to support municipalities in establishing partnerships with the private sector.

This as poor investment in water and sanitation infrastructure by municipalities is one of the biggest challenges in the water sector currently.

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Madojina, said this when she tabled the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Friday.

While South Africa is doing well in terms of mobilising private sector finance for investment in national water resource infrastructure, Majodina said it is not doing so well in terms of private sector financing of municipal water and sanitation infrastructure.

“Aging infrastructure, pipe leaks and lack of operation and maintenance, among others, are some of the main causes of high levels of non-revenue water in municipalities. For example, the water partnerships office is currently supporting the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which result in high levels of non-revenue water,” Majodina said.

She added that other focus areas include private sector investment in municipal water-reuse and desalination projects.

Water resource infrastructure agency

The Minister further announced the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, which will own all the national water resource infrastructure assets and obtain the revenue streams associated with those assets.

This will enable the agency to borrow additional funds on the strength of its balance sheet.

“The establishment of the agency will be one of the major focus areas of the department over the coming year. Parliament passed the National Water Infrastructure Agency Bill before it rose in May this year and we are expecting it to be signed by the President shortly.

“This will involve the transfer of all the national water resource infrastructure assets currently owned by the department to the agency, as well as the staff responsible for the operation and maintenance of the assets,” Majodina said.

The Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) will be merged into the National Water Infrastructure Agency, along with the water trading entity in the department, which is responsible for collecting revenue from the sale of raw or untreated water to the water boards, municipalities and industry.

“A transition plan is in place, and we aim to complete the establishment of the agency by May 2025. During this financial year, the department will be focusing on implementing the major structural changes and staff transfers associated with the establishment of this agency,” the Minister said.

The Minister shared her intentions to ensure that there is continuity of the various reforms and improvements that were initiated by the former Minister Senzo Mchunu. Many of them were mandated by the National Development Plan and the Presidency’s Operation Vulindlela. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 15:04

123 views
Read moreWater partnerships office to support funding for municipal infrastructure

Urology Hospital: Doctors collaborate with African Synergy Health to perform free robotic prostatectomies this Mandela Day

Location: MyPR

This Mandela Day, Urology Hospital (UH) in Pretoria will once again partner with African Synergy Health (ASH) for the ASH Mandela Week Surgical Marathon. From July 15-19, they’ll perform life saving surgeries using cutting-edge robotic surgery. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed in South African men and the fifth leading cause of death globally with …

Read moreUrology Hospital: Doctors collaborate with African Synergy Health to perform free robotic prostatectomies this Mandela Day

‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni

Location: News

'This moment in our history is one for all South Africans' - Minister Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says the mandate given to political parties by South Africans following the general elections is a mandate that all South Africans must act on to create a better South Africa.

The Minister said this when she was delivering the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Budget Vote n Parliament on Friday morning.i

This year’s general election results produced no outright majority winner – tasking various political leaders to work together to form a Government of National Unity (GNU), much like what was required at the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Some 11 political parties are part of the GNU with leaders from some of those political formations appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

“The historic mandate which we are granted to be the seventh administration and the seventh parliament is not confined to political parties. But this is a national effort in which all South Africans must participate as each of us acts to create the South Africa in which we wish to live, raise our children and exercise our economic skills following the general elections.

“This mandate must build on the great strides we have made since 1994 as reflected in the Census 2022 results which paints a picture of a society on the move and which reflects improvements across most indicators despite the challenges confronting us,” she said.

The Minister explained that the GCIS will “dedicate its expertise and resources to supporting the work of the Government of National Unity so that we can provide South Africans and our partners with information that can help us to move forward as a country”.

“Our first task, as the country navigates these unchartered waters is to educate citizens about the establishment of the seventh administration which, in its current form, is unprecedented in the history of our democracy.

“As part of the new administration and with an equally inclusive cohort of communication professionals, GCIS will spearhead a well functioning communication system that prioritises informed and empowered citizens,” she said.

Ntshavheni acknowledged that the task before the department is a “mammoth one”.

The budget allocation for the GCIS over the three years of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) amounts to some R2.3 billion.

“In the coming period, the GCIS will have to be at the forefront of engaging citizens on the work of government with emphasis on mobilising all of society to be part of the unity and change and progress in our country.

“This moment in our history is one for all South Africans to make their voices heard and their actions seen and felt across society,” she said.

Ntshavheni laid out some of the plans the department will embark on to ensure that every citizen has access to information.

“GCIS has put forward bold and decisive plans to use the strong communications system it has developed over the years to ensure that South Africans remain abreast of key developments that take place within the country.

“The department will…use communication to help citizens across the length and breadth of our nation to participate in and enjoy the benefits of our hard won democracy and freedom. It will share critical information on government services and programmes as well as create opportunities to open the economy to more South Africans,” she said.

The Minister revealed that one of the tasks that the government-wide communication system has is to rebuild “trust between citizens and the government the nation has put in place”.

She added that the department will also be tasked with motivating South Africans to “replace cynicism, suspicion and despondency with active citizenship, social investment and confidence in our future”.

Turning to the gains of the past 30 years of democracy, Ntshavheni emphasised that the developments seen across South Africa since 1994 are “not by chance” but are as a result of concerted government programmes and effort.

“Today millions of households have access to housing, water, sanitation and electricity when compared to 1994.

"Our policies have facilitated the greater economic transformation and the empowerment of previously disadvantaged individuals.

“We have introduced laws and policies on worker rights, employment equity and broad based black empowerment. There has been strong investment in infrastructure, public employment programmes and achieving higher levels of economic growth; but the challenges remain.

“This is a journey that has had and will have many facets into the future,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 13:34

140 views
Read more‘This moment in our history is one for all South Africans’ – Minister Ntshavheni

TT Waterproofing Offers Expert Tips on Comprehensive Home Waterproofing

Location: MyPR

Gauteng, South Africa – TT Waterproofing, a well-established market leader in the installation of roofing and waterproofing systems, shares valuable insights on the importance of comprehensive waterproofing for homes and businesses. With over nine years of industry experience, TT Waterproofing has become synonymous with reliable roof repairs and waterproofing solutions across Gauteng, including Pretoria. Waterproofing: …

Read moreTT Waterproofing Offers Expert Tips on Comprehensive Home Waterproofing

Cheapest New Electric Bicycles Available in South Africa Today

Location: MyPR

Much has been written about how e-bikes could solve our transport crisis, reduce greenhouse gases, ease road congestion and contribute to the overall well-being of our citizens. BUT, like all renewable energy products, the initial capital outlay is beyond the reach of most ordinary citizens. As part of our market research into e-Bikes we embarked …

Read moreCheapest New Electric Bicycles Available in South Africa Today

Condolences for family, friends of Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala

Location: News

Condolences for family, friends of Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, has extended the committee’s heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of South African football legend, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.

In a statement issued by the Tshabalala family and Orlando Pirates, Tshabalala (75) died in hospital on Thursday afternoon after succumbing to the injury sustained when he was shot in his home in March this year.

Tshabalala represented South Africa on the field and was head coach when South Africa returned to international football at the fall of apartheid. Until his passing, he remained loved and respected in footballing circles.

McGluwa said “a footballing legend, who taught and coached so many football stars, has fallen”.

He described Tshabalala as one of a special kind and a man who knew the sport inside out.

“His coaching stint at Bafana Bafana is evidence to this fact. The South African football world has lost a star.

“This is one hero whose departure we all should mourn long into the future. It would be difficult to imagine South African football history without ever thinking about a person of Screamer’s influence….South Africa is poorer without him,” McGluwa said.

Details about Tshabalala’s memorial and funeral services are expected to be announced in the coming days. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:28

107 views
Read moreCondolences for family, friends of Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala

Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development

Location: News

Stats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says as government commences with the work of the seventh administration and the next 30 Years of Freedom, it is important to address the challenges that still confront the country with greater performance and momentum.

“We need to continue to support Stats SA and ensure it plays a pivotal role in providing critical socio-economic data that informs decision making across government and business broadly,” Ntshavheni said.

Presenting the Stats SA Budget Vote in Cape Town on Wednesday, Ntshavheni said it is statistical data and information that will give government insight into the nation’s needs and achievements, and will help monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of government policies and programmes.

“Therefore, understanding and managing the data ecosystem is crucial for the country to harness the full potential of data, make informed decisions and adapt to evolving business landscapes,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said this will be achieved through collaboration, partnerships and platforms and that Stats SA must continue to lead in the South African data ecosystem to ensure that the data gap is closed.

“Statistical data is indicating that our economy is three times larger and many times more inclusive and diversified than it was 30 years ago. Millions of citizens have been lifted out of poverty and employment has more than doubled.

“Despite this progress, millions remain unemployed, in particular, the youth who are caught in structural unemployment where the qualifications they possess are not relevant for the job market nor self-employment.

“For South Africa to reach its developmental goals as espoused in the National Development Plan (NDP), there is a need to use data and statistical information to not only improve the performance of government, but all of society,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said as a government that considers itself to be located within communities and society, it will work with all sectors to secure growth, security and prosperity that all wish to enjoy in a lifetime and into the future.

“Therefore, Stats SA will be one of our key institutional assets on this quest for a better future. This asset, Stats SA, is a jewel in the crown of the capacity of the state and its rigour and integrity is globally respected. 

“Stats SA itself has a productive, intergenerational mix of experience and institutional memory alongside the energy and innovation that comes with a cohort of statisticians and other professionals who were born and educated in this democratic dispensation.

“For the richness of Stats SA’s outputs, we are deeply indebted to the millions of South Africans, who trustingly and graciously share their information and time with us so we can have numerical picture of the nation as it goes about living and working,” the minister said.

Ntshavheni said Stats SA’s 2024/25 Work Programme reflects the drive to deliver the statistics that the country needs and can apply to build a better South Africa.

“Stats SA delivered the results of the first digital census to the nation in October 2023. The population census offers us the most comprehensive set of statistical information to the lowest geographic level,” she said.

The Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for Stats SA is R2.65 billion for 2024/25, and R2.75 billion and R2.89 billion in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years, respectively. – SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:52

217 views
Read moreStats SA budget reinforces commitment to country development

SA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported

Location: News

SA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported

Despite heightened public awareness and intensive contact tracing efforts to control the spread of the Monkeypox  disease, or Mpox, as it is known for short, South Africa has reported two additional laboratory-confirmed cases this week.

This brings the total number of infections to 22 since the first case was reported in May this year, while the death toll remains at three. 

According to the Department of Health, available scientific data suggests that the disease is transmitted from person to person within the borders of the country.

“The Department of Health calls for the public to maintain vigilant and never lower their guard against Mpox disease, as the country remains on high alert for a possible surge,” the statement read. 

The latest case involves a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed at a private health facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 6 July 2024.

“The patient is from Johannesburg, Gauteng, but travelled to Durban over the past weekend, where an Mpox-like rash developed,” the department explained. 

The other case involved a 26-year-old man from Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal who presented with an Mpox-like rash at a local hospital.

“Both new cases self-identified as MSM [men who have sex with men] with no international, but local travel history.” 

The department is urging people who experience any of the Mpox symptoms, with or without an international travel history, to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation and confine themselves to one place until their test results are available.

Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.

Meanwhile, contact tracing and monitoring are ongoing in both provinces, especially amongst the close contacts of the patients, said the department. 

“We urge all the identified and suspected contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:05

154 views
Read moreSA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported

Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases

Location: News

Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has emphasised the department’s commitment to forge ahead with implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) in phases in his Budget Vote Speech.

“We will have to start implementing NHI in phases, as we are already in phase 2. The rest of the building blocks of health will easily fall into place,” Motsoaledi said on Thursday. 

Tabling the Budget Vote for the 2024/25 financial year in Parliament, the Minister announced that the department had been allocated R62 218 899, a 3.5% increase from the previous year’s R60.1 billion.

He informed Parliament that his priorities for the next five years consist of six building blocks outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). These include leadership, governance, access to essential medicine, the health workforce, health systems financing, information systems, and service delivery.

“Five of the six building blocks seem acceptable to everybody and debates around them are straightforward and clear. But one of them has generated a lot of heat and sometimes fury in some quarters. This is the health systems financing. In our country we have decided to call this NHI,” he said. 

The Minister said some believe that the country is not ready for the NHI, while others are of the view that it is “very expensive” and the country has no money for it.  

“NHI is a health financing system, called Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the WHO. It is a health financing system, which is meant to be an equaliser between the rich and the poor.” 

Motsoaledi told the Parliamentarians that it was no debate that South Africa is the most unequal society in the whole world. 

“If you want to see what inequality means, come to the health sector in South Africa. Within the borders of the same country, some are getting world-class healthcare, while others get such poor healthcare you may believe we live in different countries.”

However, he said the country can no longer sustain such “gross inequality” and South Africa has been seeking a solution for the past 96 years.

The Minister referenced the WHO, which states that a country should allocate at least 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to health to have a good healthcare system for everyone. 

“This is not 5% of the budget of a country, it is the GDP, the total health of a country. In South Africa, we have far surpassed that recommended 5%. We are at 8.5%. European countries are at 9%.”

This means South Africa’s health system was supposed to be as advanced as countries in Europe, Motsoaledi explained. 

“As is evident that is not the case. The question is why? But the fact remains that 51% of it goes to serve only 14% of the population and the nearly meagre 49% goes to serve a whopping 86% of the population.”

He told the Chairperson that this needs to “stop now” and while there is support for the NHI, there are those who do not support it in its current form.

“Fair enough, but we cannot throw the baby away with the bathwater. Let us discuss which areas need to be ironed out but let us now be obstacles to what poor people have been waiting for close to a century,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 14:13

334 views
Read moreDept committed to implementing NHI in phases

Full Circle 2024: New heights of creativity and courage

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The Creative Circle, an advertising industry NPO has announced the dates for their annual Full Circle events in partnership with Ster Kinekor, official representative of Cannes Lions. Newly elected Chair of the Creative Circle, Carl Willoughby, is looking forward to bringing home the theme of “new heights of creativity and courage” that led the Cannes …

Read moreFull Circle 2024: New heights of creativity and courage

South African Rowing Team Ready to Go for Gold

Location: MyPR

In a vibrant display of national pride and unwavering support, the rowing community gathered at Arbour Café in Birdhaven, Johannesburg, to honour three of South Africa’s national rowing athletes —John Smith, Christopher Baxter, and Paige Badenhorst. These rowing champions are poised to represent our country on the greatest international sporting stage – Paris Olympics later …

Read moreSouth African Rowing Team Ready to Go for Gold

Durbanville Hills Official Wine Partner To Masterchef South Africa

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Durbanville Hills Wine announces its partnership with MasterChef South Africa as the exclusive wine partner for the season to be aired on S3 (previously known as SABC 3) from Saturday, 13 July at 19:30. The cellar, known for its award-winning cool climate wines, is thrilled to partner with the successful culinary show which sees aspiring …

Read moreDurbanville Hills Official Wine Partner To Masterchef South Africa

SA Designers use AI to create unique outfits from Volvo EX30 upholstery

Location: MyPR

Volvo Car South Africa is pleased to announce a unique collaboration in which two innovative South African designers employed artificial intelligence (AI) to help create distinctive fashion items using sustainable upholstery sourced from the fully electric Volvo EX30. Under the slogan “Designed with AI, Crafted by Humans”, fashion designers Fikile Sokhulu and Nao Serati Mofammere …

Read moreSA Designers use AI to create unique outfits from Volvo EX30 upholstery