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In a world where we often focus on our differences, it’s intriguing to uncover the fascinating parallels between human well-being and the health of our leafy counterparts. Delving into the intricate dance of metabolic processes, nutrient uptake, and defence mechanisms shared by humans and plants, Professor Farooqe Azam, R&D VP at Bontera BioAg, lends his …
Communities urged to be cautious as inclement weather still expected
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, has urged communities across the country to be extra cautious as the potential for further inclement and windy weather conditions remains high.
According to the department, the Minister is concerned about the prevailing adverse weather conditions characterised by wildfires and heavy rains affecting most provinces.
“The Minister urges communities across the country to be extra cautious as the potential for further inclement and windy weather conditions remains high,” the statement read.
Nkadimeng has directed respective disaster management centres to activate relief and response measures to ensure the preservation of life through their rescue and recovery efforts.
The Western and Eastern Cape have thus far experienced major flooding, resulting in significant damage to infrastructure and property.
“Sadly, several communities have been displaced and some roads are inaccessible, which is detrimentally affecting lives and livelihoods.”
The department said it has noted the high alert early warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), particularly for the Western and Eastern Cape.
Some of the worst-hit areas include the City of Cape Town, Garden Route, Central Karoo District; West Coast District, Theewaterskloof, Gugulethu, Sarah Baartman and Nelson Mandela.
“Based on the reports and the weather forecast for the next couple of days as predicted by the SAWS, communities must be extra vigilant, especially in coastal areas.”
Warnings have also been extended for some parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga for 27 September 2023.
“The heavy rains are accompanied by strong winds which can lead to high tide, with the ocean's waters creeping up the shore, thus endangering lives.”
To this effect, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is working collaboratively with Disaster Management Teams from across the three spheres of government and other teams to provide assistance where required.
“Minister calls on all social sectors and partners to mobilise aid and resources to respond adequately to the needs of affected communities.”
As more rain is still expected, the Minister calls on communities to observe the following safety measures:
- Be extra vigilant and exercise caution, especially in flood-prone areas.
- Follow regular updates and warning messages from the SAWS.
- Work with relevant authorities and follow safety tips.
- Those residing in low-lying areas must take extra care during storms, as sudden floods might affect them.
- Monitor the rising water levels and evacuate the areas to a safer place in case or water level rises.
- Be cautious of power lines that might be lying on the roads and debris on the roads.
- Cross through flooded roads or bridges or low-lying bridges, streams and rivers – use other safer routes.
- Try not to walk, swim or drive in swift-flowing water. Even if the water is 15 cm deep, it can sweep you off your feet.
- Motorists are urged to drive and park in safer areas.
- The public should contact their municipal disaster management centres or the nearest police station or call the national emergency numbers (112, 10177 or 107) when faced with threats.
- Sensitise children about the dangers of floods.
- Keep important documents in a water-resistant container.
- Keep your cellphone near you and have emergency numbers at hand.
- Be vigilant at night as it is harder to recognise potentially deadly road hazards.
- Beware of possible water contamination due to raw sewage or other dangerous substances. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 10:51
Excitement is building in the Boxer Super Run Elite Men’s Race with a strong contingent of Boxer Athletics Club elite runners, including the likes of Elroy Gelant, Precious Mashele, Kabelo Mulaudzi and Nicholas Seoposengwe, eagerly confirming their participation on Sunday 15 October 2023. With an impressive overall prize purse of R147 200.00 in the Elite …
There is a perception that property is a good investment delivering healthy returns over time. A bonded property requires that the property owner practices financial discipline and makes regular monthly repayments with the end result being a fully paid off asset. Depending on the property cycle when the property was acquired, that perception has held …
EThekwini Municipality says projects are underway to build proper water infrastructure
Western Cape mops up after devastating floods
Developed economies must do more to tackle climate change
President Cyril Ramaphosa has re-emphasised the call for developed economy countries to fulfil their pledge to assist developing nations in their transition to low carbon economies.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.
“While the nations of the world agreed in Paris in 2015 on urgent actions to limit global temperature rises and mitigate the impact of climate change, the effects of climate change are being increasingly felt with greater ferocity.
“Although developed economy countries promised to support developing economies as they transition to low-carbon, climate resilient societies, this support has not been forthcoming at the scale and with the urgency that is needed.
“Among other things, wealthy countries have not provided the promised finance that vulnerable countries need to adapt to climate change and to cover the cost of the loss and damage caused by climate disasters,” he said.
Last week, on the sidelines of the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), UN Secretary General António Guterres held a Climate Ambition Summit.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa used the summit to “reiterate our long-stated position that developed economy countries must fulfil their obligations and honour their past promises to developing economy countries”.
“This is not about charity. It is about economic and social justice. Africa’s people are literally paying the price for the industrialisation and development of the countries of the north.
“It is also about shared interests because the economic and social havoc caused by climate change will make the world more unstable, less secure and will increase competition for scarce resources like water and food,” he said.
Self-development
President Ramaphosa emphasised that although developed countries share the responsibility to assist developing nations, Africa is taking steps to ensure its own climate change resilience.
“As African countries, we cannot be bystanders to our own development. We are putting the necessary measures in place to de-carbonise our respective economies while pursuing sustainable development.
“The transformation of the energy landscape in Africa is a priority. As African countries, we have called on the international community to support efforts to increase the continent’s renewable energy capacity while ensuring energy security for Africa’s people.
“This needs to take place alongside increased investment in smart, digital and efficient green technologies in carbon-intensive sectors such as transportation, industry and electricity,” he said.
The President described South Africa’s own efforts towards de-carbonising the country’s carbon intensive economy.
“As South Africa, we want to use our abundant solar and wind resources to position our country at the forefront of the clean energy transition.
“Regulatory reforms undertaken by this administration have resulted in a confirmed pipeline of renewable energy projects that are expected to produce in excess of 10 gigawatts of electricity,” he said.
A just transition
President Ramaphosa added that de-carbonisation of economies must be “just and inclusive” and also be consistent with “our national circumstances and development plans”.
He warned that some measures like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – aimed at increasing tariffs on imports produced through carbon intensive processes – may “simply further increase the vulnerability of developing economies”.
“This is likely to have a significant impact on South African producers, increase the costs of South African exports into European markets and reduce our economy’s competitiveness.
“In my address to the Climate Ambition Summit, I said that trade mechanisms must enable products from Africa to compete on fair and equitable terms. Trade tariffs and non-trade barriers that have an environmental purpose should be the product of multilateral agreements,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said while South Africa remains committed to “contributing our fair share to the global climate change effort”, the circumstances of developing countries must “must be taken into account”.
“To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, unity of purpose and action between countries is vital, as is a common commitment to multilateralism in the global climate change effort.
“Ultimately, no country should be forced to choose between climate action and meeting their developmental aspirations,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 09:24
Public Service Month
By Nomonde Mnukwa
Local government has long been recognised as the sphere of government that is closest to the people and crucial in improving their lives. It is responsible for the provision of basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation.
This year marks 23 years since local government was established under a democratic government to ensure that basic services are provided in an impartial, fair and equitable way. This milestone would not have been possible without the commitment of public servants, throughout the country, who serve selflessly with dignity and respect.
To mark this milestone, September is recognised annually as the Public Service Month (PSM) to recognise men and women who serve the nation with pride and distinction. These include doctors, nurses, police officers, teachers and many others who play an invaluable role in delivering services and building the country as envisioned in 1994.
This year’s commemoration comes less than a year before we observe 30 years of freedom and democracy. The commemoration will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of public servants in building the South Africa we want.
It is also an opportune moment for public servants to interrogate what has worked and what needs improvement as we build on the achievements of the last 30 years.
As government, we know that the majority of public servants are committed to the cause of improving the lives of people and go beyond the call of duty. These public servants understand that to be a public servant is an honour and privilege and an opportunity to change our society for the better.
We have seen these dedicated public servants during our fight against the COVID-19. Most of them ventured onto the streets every day while other citizens were at home under lockdown because their job and calling in life is to protect and serve. They were first in the line to keep us safe and provided much needed services.
Public servants have showed us during COVID-19 that they have what it takes to provide better services and improve the lives of people. Our challenge now is to extend that commitment, professionalism and selflessness to our daily interactions when serving citizens and contribute to making South Africa great.
It is not simply enough for public servants to wake up and say they are going to work to earn a salary. We should find joy in serving people, it should be about improving the quality of life of the citizens, fixing traffic lights and roads or doing anything else that makes a difference in people’s lives and help us grow our country.
This year’s PSM is held under the theme: “Building a Professional Public Service for Inclusive Quality Service Delivery” which is the foremost priority of the administration. However, building a capable state that will improve the lives of the people of this country starts with having a professional and competent public service in line with the National Development Plan and Batho Pele principles.
The National Development Plan serves as a blueprint for the work that needs to be done to achieve a prosperous society for our country, while Batho Pele guides how public servants must conduct themselves especially when they serve the public.
The vision of building a capable and developmental state has been advanced by various administrations since 1994 and in 2020, Cabinet approved the National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service aimed at ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals are appointed into positions of authority.
The empowerment of public servants is also being done through the National School of Government, which is working with the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority and the Department of Public Service and Administration to provide appropriate training and learning pathways to public servants.
During Public Service Month we strive to showcase the many services offered by government and therefore the Thusong Service Week recently took place to raise awareness of the important services that are offered in Thusong Centres across the country. At the centres, people can access government services including application for identity documents, birth, death and marriage certificates.
They can also get office services such as phone, fax, scan, copy, print and postal services, including advice for small business development and accessing applications for services that are offered by the South African Social Security Agency. Communities can obtain copies of the government newspaper, Vuk’uzenzele and they also are exposed to the other programmes that allow for interaction between government and South Africans.
As we conclude the Public Service Month, we call on public servants to continue to ensure that their professional ethics are beyond reproach. This is the only way we can build a country that works for everyone as envisioned by our founding fathers.
*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director General of GCIS
Janine
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:54
Man dies, apparently from electrocution
New PRIME Hydration Strawberry Watermelon flavour available exclusively at Checkers South African fans of the sought-after drink, PRIME, can look forward to an exciting new addition to the hydration range with Strawberry Watermelon launching exclusively at Checkers on Thursday, 28 September 2023. Bursting with the taste of summer fruit, this bright pink hydration sensation will …
Work underway to resolve KZN water woes
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is working tirelessly to assist municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal that are facing water challenges.
This after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released its final report and recommendations following an investigation into water challenges in that province.
“The challenges are known to the department, and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation is working tirelessly to assist the municipalities in the province, which are Water Services Authorities (WSAs), to meet their constitutional obligation for water and sanitation services provision to citizens.
“The Blue, Green and No-Drop reports, released in June 2023, are regulatory and support mechanisms of the department for municipal drinking water quality, wastewater management and water conservation and demand management. [The reports] also provided evidence of the deteriorating state of water and sanitation situation in most of these municipalities.
“The department… welcomes the report and its recommendations, which align to the findings of the department. The department further acknowledges the critical task of improving the management of waste water and restoration of water quality and reliability of supply, and that this will require increasing investments, ensuring revenue sufficiency ,as well as professional and capable technical and managerial skills,” the department said in a statement on Friday.
The DWS explained the steps it is taking to address these challenges, including funding of some R7.8 billion for several water infrastructure projects.
“Through its water entity, uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, the department has also allocated nearly R2.3 billion for the following projects: Greater Mpofana Bulk Water Supply Project in uMgungundlovu District; the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Project in iLembe District; UMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Project servicing both uMgungundlovu and iLembe Districts, and Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Project in eThekwini.
“uMngeni-uThukela Water Board is also implementing a Bulk Regional Water Scheme for Alfred Duma Local Municipality in uThukela District Municipality, at an estimated cost of R5 billion.
“Earlier this year, Minister Mchunu commissioned the completed Spring Grove Water Treatment Plant in Rosetta and Bruntville Reservoir in Mooi River, in the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal. It is one of the largest rural-based projects to be implemented in recent years and is aimed at providing access to safe drinking water to Mpofana and uMngeni Local Municipalities,” the department said.
According to the statement, the Minister has also invoked Section 63 of the Water Services Act in uMkhanyakude District Municipality.
“This involved providing strong support and direction to the municipality regarding the management, operation and maintenance of its water and sanitation infrastructure in order to restore services within the district.
“The uMkhanyakude District’s multibillion rand water projects include the Greater Ingwavuma Bulk Water Supply Scheme in Jozini Local Municipality, which will supply Jozin, Big Five Hlabisa and Mtubatuba municipalities, and the Mtikini Water Supply Scheme in Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, which will supply safe drinking water to the communities of Skhemelele, Mtikini and eScabazini.
“Ugu District Municipality has also been experiencing difficulties with water and sanitation service delivery, due to old and strained infrastructure and growing demand, exacerbated by illegal connections and vandalism. To address this, the department has allocated R150 million from the WSIG to the district in order to address immediate challenges,” the statement read.
Other steps taken by the department include:
“While all the support provided above is necessary, it is not sufficient to reverse the decline in water services. There is also a need for legislative reform, and the department will shortly be gazetting an amended Water Services Act, which will strengthen and clarify the role of municipalities as Water Services Authorities to ensure that Water Service Providers provide water services in accordance with minimum norms and standards.
“The amendments will also enable the national department to intervene more decisively a last resort when municipalities fail to respond to directives to address deficiencies in the provision of water and sanitation services,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 14:42
FUTURELIFE®, South Africa’s fastest-growing cereal brand, has taken a giant leap in supporting the nutritional needs of expectant and lactating mothers with the launch of FUTURELIFE® MOTHERS FOOD™. This revolutionary range, designed to cater to the unique needs of mothers during the critical first 1000 days of a child’s life, is set to redefine maternal …
The pride of doing simple tasks at home and not having to call and pay a professional – like Straton Electrical – to do it is something that is pretty fulfilling. When it comes to electrical work the scope of work that can be done by a DIY person is limited mostly to non life …
Introduction: In a world where sustainability and durability are becoming increasingly important, heavy-duty plastic chairs, plastic party chairs, and 240-litre wheelie bins have emerged as practical and versatile solutions. These seemingly mundane objects play crucial roles in our daily lives, offering convenience, reliability, and sustainability. Let’s delve into the world of these three indispensable items …
Tea and Scones – a signature Walkersons delight When it comes to indulging in British culinary traditions, the charming ‘afternoon tea’ tradition of with tea and scones stands out as a quintessential delight. Synonymous with leisurely gatherings, the appreciation of fine teas and a delectable array of tea-time treats, afternoon tea originated in 19th century …
The 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will culminate with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Sunday 24 September 2023, and promises to be an extraordinary final with a star-studded field of elite athletes ready to light up the streets of Jozi. Leading the charge in the men’s race will be the in-form …
Three quarters of public schools still don’t have libraries, in spite of a 2013 promise
Msukaligwa Municipality found guilty of polluting water resources
The Middleburg High Court in Mpumalanga has reaffirmed the regulatory role played by the Department of Water and Sanitation when it found Msukaligwa Local Municipality guilty of eight counts relating to water pollution.
The case, which was brought before the court on Wednesday, relates to non-compliance by the municipality with several directives issued by the department, in terms of sections 19 (3) and 53 (1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act no. 38 of 1998).
The municipality failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the pollution of water resources and engaging in water use without authorisation at the Ermelo Waste Water Treatment Works.
This comes after the department’s Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement Unit undertook numerous investigations since 2016, and subsequently issued notices and directives to the municipality.
“The outcomes of the investigations revealed that the Ermelo Waste Water Treatment Works was not authorised to engage in water uses, not functioning adequately, and the sewage was bypassing the process units and discharged straight into water resources, and there were poor operations and maintenance of the plant,” the department said.
Judge Bruce Langa ordered Msukaligwa Local Municipality to:
• Immediately cease unlawful water use at the Ermelo Waste Water Treatment Plant.
• Apply for registration of water use, as set out in section 21 (f and g) of the National Water Act.
• Immediately take corrective measures to stop the discharge of poor quality effluent to prevent further pollution of water resources.
• Appoint a suitably qualified environmental consultant to compile a rehabilitation plan, which must include the nature and impact that pollution has had or may have on water resources, and the measures that will be implemented to remediate the impact (with clear timeframes).
The rehabilitation plan must be compiled within 30 days from the date of the order of the court and submitted to the department for approval.
The municipality must implement all remedial action contained in the rehabilitation plan within 30 days from the approval of the plan by the department.
• The municipality must compile a closeout report after the completion of the rehabilitation, to be submitted to the department within 14 days of completion of the rehabilitation activities.
The costs of the application by the department are to be paid by the municipality.
Judge Langa said the Department of Water and Sanitation acted in good faith and made many reasonable efforts to make the municipality account for its actions or non-actions, including the issuing of notices and directives.
“The applicant, in my judgement, was entitled to approach the court for relief once it became clear that the respondent was not responding to the various notices, in terms of which it was directed to take certain measures to correct the issues identified repeatedly in various reports dating as far back as 2016.
"In this case, the respondent clearly remained supine, despite the critical problem that was raised many times by the applicant,” Langa said.
The department said it will issue a letter of intent to open a criminal case against Msukaligwa Local Municipality, should they fail to submit an action plan with clear timeframes and budget.
“The department is pleased by this court order and hopes that it will send a strong message to other institutions and serve as a deterrent to transgress provisions of the National Water Act,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 09:04
Heritage Is Not Just A Matter Of Aesthetics But A Useful Tool For Sustainable Development 24 September 2023 is South Africa’s Heritage Day to observe the nations rich and diversified people, traditions, and cultures whose continuities survive history. Under the theme “Reclaiming, Restoring, and Celebrating our Living Heritage” the National Movement of Rural Women will …
Environment minister criticises City’s previous lack of engagement
Joburg water reservoirs, towers left empty after thunderstorm
Johannesburg water reservoirs and towers are currently critically low to empty following Tuesday night’s thunderstorm, which caused a power failure at Rand Water's Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant.
This has affected all the municipalities supplied by Zuikerbosch, including the City of Johannesburg.
“This comes as Johannesburg Water systems are already struggling, and Rand Water systems are also strained by high consumption, which is going to exacerbate the situation,” Johannesburg Water said.
The entity said the affected reservoirs and towers include South Hills; the Commando system (Brixton, Hursthill, and Crosby); Midrand systems; Crown Gardens; Eagles Nest; Naturena; Alexander Park; Berea; Linden 1 tower; Quellerina;,and Waterval.
Water status in reservoirs and towers
South Hills tower: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone. Pumping will resume once supply pressure improves.
Commando System
• Brixton reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone. Outlet will be throttled (pressure and flow to be reduced) to 70% overnight to build capacity.
• Brixton tower: The tower is empty. No water is expected in the supply zone. Pumping will resume once the reservoir level improves.
• Hursthill 1 reservoir: Despite attempts to augment supply, the reservoir is still critically low. The supply zone is anticipated to have low pressure to no water.
• Hursthill 2 reservoir: Critically low due to low supply. Low pressure to no water is expected in high-lying areas. Outlet will be closed overnight to build capacity.
• Crosby reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in certain areas of the supply zone.
Crown Gardens reservoir and towers: The reservoir is critically low, and poor pressure to no water will be experienced in high-lying areas of the reservoir zone. Both towers are critically low, and no water is expected in the supply zone. Pumping will resume once reservoir levels improve.
Eagles Nest reservoir: Remains critically low. Customers in this supply zone should expect low pressure to no water.
Naturena reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected.
Alexander Park reservoir: Critically low. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
Berea reservoir: Critically low and on bypass mode. Low pressure to no water expected in the supply zone.
Linden 1 reservoir and tower: The reservoir is critically low, while the tower is supplying normally. Low pressure to no water is expected in the reservoir supply zone.
Midrand systems update
Grand Central reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
Grand Central tower: The tower is low and moving in a downwards trends. Pumping will resume once the reservoir capacity improves.
Errand reservoir 1 and 2: Both reservoirs are critically low. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
Errand tower: Tower is empty and on bypass mode. Pumping will resume once the reservoir levels improve. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
President Park reservoir and tower: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone. The tower is empty and on bypass mode. Low pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
“Alternative water supply has been arranged for the affected customers and will be placed at strategic locations,” the entity said.
Johannesburg Water has also urged residents to observe level 1 water restrictions, which are currently implemented.
“These restrictions prohibit the use of hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, clean driveways, as well as fill up swimming pools and water features between 06am and 06pm. Instead, the use of greywater is encouraged.
“This is to ensure that systems are kept stable throughout the coming months. We urge residents to report any form of vandalism and theft of water infrastructure to 0800 00 25 87,” Johannesburg Water said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 12:00
Shack dwellers say City of Cape Town is slow to respond to complaints
eThekwini municipality has no explanation for delay and no timeline to offer