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If ever there was a sophisticated cocktail that conjures up European piazzas and boulevards, it’s the negroni. Its ruby-hued, refreshingly bittersweet glow reflects haute couture rather than club tropicana. Not a Caribbean beach or a paper parasol in sight, the negroni should be simply garnished with a twist of orange peel to enhance the tantalisingly …
Science must be at the centre of water policy formulations
Policymakers in the water sector have been urged to put science at the centre of their policy formulations to ensure informed decisions are made that will propel the country to greater heights.
The appeal was made by Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, who was speaking at the opening of the 50th Congress of International Association of Hydrogeologists, currently underway in Cape Town.
The congress, taking place from 19 to 22 September 2023, brings together speakers from several institutions across the globe and groundwater experts who are engaging on alternative water sources, particularly surface water and underground water governance and charting a way forward on water security.
In his address, Mahlobo warned that a country that does not invest in science will perish and emphasised that South Africa needs to improve on this aspect.
“As scientists and engineers gathered here, you need to make your mark and direct future policy positions of the water sector, particularly the use of groundwater as an alternate measure that will ensure universal access.
“We need you to guide us and take us to task to come up with policies that will get us into finding lasting and sustainable solutions to the water challenges around the globe,” Mahlobo said.
Challenging the delegates, Mahlobo said the weeklong convergence should not be just a talk shop, but come up with solutions that will benefit generations to come.
Mahlobo reflected on South Africa’s progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation for all.
He said the country has attained a lot in redressing the dignity of people who were previously unserved, while acknowledging that a lot still needs to be done.
The country has achieved almost 90% of its target of ensuring access to water, and the Deputy Minister emphasised that access to water should have meaningful impact in terms of economic benefits to the country, food security, social and environmental benefits, among other things.
Mahlobo admitted that the country still has enormous challenges, including assurance to water supply which has declined due to a number of factors.
“Communities can go for days on end without water supply, and this is caused by our neglect of operation and maintenance of our infrastructure. Because we have not invested in operations and maintenance, we are experiencing a lot of water losses in our system which is between 30% to 45%.
“The other challenge is the lack of investment in our infrastructure that matches the population growth and migration from other countries and people moving from rural to urban areas,” he pointed out.
Work is underway to ensure more funds are sourced from the private sector and other private partners to build more infrastructure across the nine provinces.
In addition, the department is addressing the issue of skills shortages that has hindered the efficiency of the water sector to ensure that all systems function optimally, and communities have reliable and uninterrupted water supply.
The Deputy Minister called on the department, as a regulator of the sector, to bite more and take to task all the mining companies that are degrading the quality of groundwater.
The International Association of Hydrogeologists is a scientific and educational charitable organisation of more than 4 000 scientists, engineers, water managers and other professionals working in the fields of groundwater resource planning, management and protection. It was founded in 1956. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 11:42
Calling all Rising Stars! Boxer Super Run Event Organisers have introduced an exciting Schools Challenge that is guaranteed to spark exhilarating racing while offering a staggering R20 000.00 PUMA Voucher to the school with the largest learner turnout on Sunday 15 October 2023. “The Schools Challenge will add even more excitement to an already entertaining …
Telkom FutureMakers donates 10 motorbikes to help Delivery Ka Speed achieve its expansion strategy Telkom announced that it has appointed Delivery Ka Speed, a 100% black youth-owned and township-based fast food delivery service Small & Medium Enterprise (SME), as one of its strategic consumer dealers to deliver its products in townships of Gauteng, Limpopo and …
SIU authorised to probe Amajuba District Municipality affairs
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is expected to launch an investigation into allegations of maladministration and corruption in the affairs of the Amajuba District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
The probe will also recover any financial losses suffered by the State uncovered during the investigation.
This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the SIU to launch the probe.
“Proclamation R 137 of 2023 authorises the SIU to probe the procurement of/or contracting to construct reinforced concrete for Braakfontein Reservoirs in Amajuba District Municipality. The contract under investigation included work like earthworks, fixing of reinforcement steel, concrete and forming of construction joints for the new water-tight reservoir and associated valve and flow meter chambers.
“Furthermore, the municipality sought a service provider to supply and install steel interlinking pipelines and refurbish existing pipe manifolds and valve chambers to connect the new reservoir to the existing reservoirs,” the SIU said.
The corruption busting unit added that it will also investigate “any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by Amajuba District Municipality or the State”.
“The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the Amajuba District Municipality, the applicable suppliers or service providers or any other person or entity.
“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 August 2019 and 11 September 2023, the date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 1 August 2019 and after the date of the Proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, incidental to the matters or involves the same persons, entities or contracts investigated.
“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses,” the SIU said.
Any evidence of criminal conduct that may be uncovered will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority “for further action”.
“The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the unit concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 11:29
Government turned down Limpopo-based Nekwana Trading Enterprise’s application because of shortcomings in basic impact assessment
World leaders called to champion women, children health agenda
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Heads of State and Government to join the Global Leaders Network to champion the women, children and adolescent health agenda.
The President was addressing the High Level Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) event on Monday at the UNICEF headquarters in New York, USA.
“As Heads of State, we can provide leadership and inspire ambitious action. We have the convening power to mobilise our peers and advance policies, programmes and financing initiatives for improved outcomes.
“As part of our agenda, we must challenge the disregard in many communities and countries for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President spent the first and second day of his working visit to the United States - for the 78th United Nations General Assembly - discussing sustainable development goals and investments in South Africa.
On Sunday, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with Professor Klaus Schwab, CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), to discuss South Africa’s participation at WEF and the progress the country is making on the reforms aimed at advancing inclusive economic growth.
The President also met with United States Congressman, Gregory Meeks. Both President Ramaphosa and Congressman Meeks acknowledged the need for greater cooperation between the US and South Africa in tackling global issues that are impacting the African continent, primarily, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on Africa.
“Congressman Meeks welcomed the briefing on the conclusion of the investigation into the docking of the LadyR vessel in Simmons Town, South Africa, and expressed his commitment to contributing to the strengthening of US-Africa diplomatic and trade relations, and to attending the AGOA forum in South Africa later this year,” the Presidency said.
President Ramaphosa concluded his first day of engagements with a meeting with the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.
The two leaders discussed developments related to the reform of the international financial architecture and other initiatives in support of the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the reform of the United Nations Security Council. The Secretary General commended South Africa for its important role in advancing these efforts.
The President also delivered remarks at the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, where he joined the call to address the fundamental development challenges that have long characterised an unequal world.
“The President emphasised the need for targeted investment, technology transfer and capacity building support especially in key areas such as industralisation, infrastructure, agriculture, water, energy, education and health. The President further underscored the requirement for sustained financial support, including supportive trade policies from the international community,” the Presidency said.
Later on Monday, President Ramaphosa led the business roundtable discussions with the US Chamber of Commerce and the US-Africa Business Center.
President Ramaphosa used the occasion to position South Africa’s economic reform agenda, which is focused on expanding industrial capacity as an opportunity for more US investment that can leverage off the demonstrated manufacturing base of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 12:01
Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay loves supporting and showing their love to local businesses who are making a difference. Therefore, we bring you another heartfelt story from 30 South, a company that produces sustainable sunglasses to make a positive impact on the environment. What is the meaning of 30 South? The name 30 South …
Following her win at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K in August this year, Ethiopia’s 18-year-old Debash Desta has now set her sights on the final leg of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K that will take place on National Heritage Day (Sunday 24 September). Desta showcased …
73 people left homeless by the blaze on Saturday night
Jozi runners and walkers have one last chance to warm up with PUMA and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY (RYC) JOBURG 10K Team before race day at the action-packed Absa RYC WARM UP RUN #4 fueled by PUMA NITRO that will take place on Thursday, 21 September 2023 at Marks Park (Emmarentia). “The event week …
Jozi runners are invited to join the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Team at a fun ‘City Clean Up’ at the Absa Towers West on Saturday, 23 September 2023 in the build up to SA’s largest Heritage Day Celebration, the 6th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. “We’re thrilled to wrap up the 2023 …
SAWS issues weather alert for damaging waves
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a severe weather alert for damaging waves between Plettenberg Bay and Richards Bay on Monday.
“The damaging waves are expected to result in localised disruptions to beachfront activities, localised disruption of small harbours and/or ports, difficulty in navigation of vessels at sea, and small vessels being at risk of taking on water and capsizing,” SAWS said.
On Sunday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) warned residents along the Western Cape's coastal areas to exercise caution, as a high spring tide was expected. It caused waves to wash over railings, washing into homes and sweeping cars away along the coast.
According to the NSRI, an elderly woman, 93, died after being swept off her feet in the Wilderness area of the Southern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 10:05
High water usage puts strain on system
Rand Water and Johannesburg Water have urged consumers and citizens to use water sparingly as demand is exceeding supply.
In a joint stamen issued on Sunday, the utilities said they are noticing an increase in water consumption from customer meters that are in the system.
The utilities warned the increase is putting strain on the system.
"Consumers and citizens can assist by reducing their water consumption.
“Rand Water’s primary and secondary stations are operating at their maximum capacity. However, the entity is unable to maintain its reservoirs at high water levels because of high consumption by consumers and citizens in the metro and surrounding areas.
“As a result, reservoir levels remain at their lowest due to high consumption by consumers. Due to the system being integrated, even customers that are using water sparingly are being affected.
"High potable water consumption may result in the collapse of the system, which will result in intermittent water supply,” Rand Water spokesperson, Makenosi Maroo, said.
Maroo reiterated that South Africa is a water-scarce country.
“Consumer behaviour is important in ensuring sustainable and equitable water supply," she said.
Water saving tips
Customers, including consumers and all citizens, are urged to conserve water by implementing the following water saving tips:
• Avoid watering lawns and gardens with clean drinking water.
• Refrain from filling-up swimming pools until consumption has reduced.
• Do not clean paved areas and driveways with clean drinking water.
• Wash your cars only on weekends using buckets.
• Take a two-minute shower instead of using bathtubs.
• Do not leave your tap running when brushing teeth.
• Fix all leaking plumbing features in your houses.
• Flush toilets only for the brown and not the yellow.
• Report leaking water pipes to the respective local municipalities within the City of Johannesburg.
“Rand Water and Johannesburg Water commit to constant provision of high quality drinking water to all its customers and citizens, thus ensuring the sustainable security of water supply. Citizens and all other consumers are requested to assist in this endeavour and use water sparingly and wisely,” the utilities said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 11:18
[Johannesburg, 7 September 2023] — Kwikspace, Africa’s foremost provider of modular buildings for rent or sale, is thrilled to announce its successful attainment of the Level 1 B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) certification for the second consecutive year. This prestigious achievement reflects Kwikspace’s steadfast commitment to advancing South Africa’s transformation agenda. Recognising Exceptional Efforts Kwikspace …
World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) is celebrated on 18 September each year. The South African Department of Water and Sanitation, under the slogan; “Enhancing accountability and sustainability for every drop!” says that World Water Monitoring Day is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness of the importance of protecting water resources around …
Residents of Hooggenoeg and Scotts Farm say the sewer system has been dysfunctional for over a decade
The delegation of the North West's permanent delegates to the NCOP has unequivocally expressed its discontent regarding the slow pace of the completion of the construction and refurbishments of the bulk wastewater development infrastructure projects in the North West Province.
North West Province is one of the water scarce provinces in South Africa. The province has the potential to develop top-notch modernized bulk wastewater treatment plants if the provincial and the local government can all focus on turning the current poor state of affairs in many district and local municipalities.
The delegation received a briefing yesterday in Madebeng Local Municipality on the state of wastewater treatment plants in the province from the provincial government. The delegation heard that several bulk wastewater treatment plants in the province have reached their design life span and are failing to cope with the increased demand for water and sanitation services to the local communities.
The delegation heard that across the province, this has resulted to many bulk wastewater treatment plants to constantly experience sewer spillages, burst water pipes and leakages, malfunctioning pump stations and contaminated natural water sources among other things.
Throughout the week, the NCOP delegation received briefings on the province's identified bulk wastewater infrastructure development treatment plants under the theme of this year's NCOP Provincial Week: “Building viable provincial and municipal infrastructure for effective delivery of services to communities.”
The plants were the Groot Marico Water Waste Treatment Plant, Zeerust Water Waste Treatment Plant, Potchefstroom Bulk Water Supply and Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Project. Notwithstanding the challenges that include funding, stop and start of the contractors on site, shortage of machinery and construction, shortage of prerequisite expertise and experience, the delegation was provided with completion and hand over dates that will take place early in 2024.
Most of the contractors have reported that they have increased capacities regarding the required resources needed by the projects to accelerate the pace with which the projects move to complete them within the revised target dates.
The delegation stated its concerns regarding the commitments made for completion and handing over of the projects as some of them took more than ten years to be completed and so the sudden change and the guarantee to conclude these projects within the short space of time is raising eyebrows as it seems impossible to complete them within the targeted timelines, in particular for the bigger projects.
The delegation is also concerned about the low local employment figures in these infrastructure projects despite large sums of funds being invested by the province which include the outsourcing of the work to external contractors who do not transfer skills to the province and depriving the local small-to-medium enterprises. The delegation is particularly concerned about the growing trend of building new infrastructure projects without maintaining the existing ones.
With all these concerns, the delegation requested the provincial government to provide an updated report on the completion timelines for all the bulk wastewater projects. The report should include an update on employment and skills transfer plan for local SMMEs and individuals to be submitted to the NCOP on or before 31 October 2023.
‘'It is clear that there are problems in all the wastewater treatment plants and other related projects and we are unhappy with the stumbling blocks, fraud and corruption reports, and no consiquence management. Water is life and so we must all be concerned with the slow pace in completion of the projects. However, we are inspired by the commitment of the provincial government to overcome all these challenges.” Said the leader of the delegation, Mr China Dodovu.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Repairs to damaged Etwatwa water infrastructure underway
The City of Ekurhuleni says repairs to the damaged water infrastructure at Etwatwa in Germiston, is estimated to be completed on Saturday.
This follows the vandalism of the Etwatwa Extension 19 reservoir pump station on Tuesday, leaving residents without water.
The city’s spokesman, Zweli Dlamini said the incident was discovered by municipal workers on Wednesday morning.
Dlamini said, technicians are on site conducting repairs to the damaged infrastructure and the estimation is that “repairs will be completed on Saturday, 16 September.”
The areas affected by the incident include, Emaphupheni; Mandela; Citicon; Etwatwa East; and Etwatwa extensions 19 and 36.
“The city condemns such acts of vandalism in the strongest possible terms. Many innocent ratepayers are now feeling the pinch of this senseless act of thuggery. The cables that were cut were discovered at the scene, however, the electrical panel is extremely damaged hence the delay in the repairs.”
Roving water tankers have been provided to the affected areas, and updates on any developments will be communicated through the city’s digital platforms.
The city appeals to members of the public to protect municipal infrastructure and report any suspicious activities to 0860 54 3000.
The city has also urged residents to put an end to illegal dumping and report it on 086 453 000. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 12:29
Africa's boldest and most ambitious cleantech start-ups will take part in the Energy Investment Village (https://apo-opa.info/468SsAw), an exciting deal-pitching event at the Green Energy Africa Summit (https://GreenEnergyAfricaSummit.com), to be held in the heart of South Africa's Cape Town on 10-11 October at the CTICC2.
Held under the theme, “Unlocking Africa's Sustainable Energy Potential,” the Green Energy Africa Summit (GEAS) will provide unrivalled opportunities throughout its two-day programme for the continent's leaders in energy, finance, and social development, to meet with international investors, to find sustainable solutions to Africa's energy needs and a just transition to a green economy.
This highly anticipated event advocates for the harmonisation of Africa's natural resources, as well as policy reforms, to help usher in an energy transition that ensures the continent remains competitive and attractive to global finance. With over 1000 delegates from 67 countries, GEAS invites both public and private stakeholders across the energy value chain to collaborate, offer solutions, and build partnerships to help unlock Africa's true socioeconomic potential.
GEAS is thrilled to welcome its strategic industry partners, including The Banking Association of South Africa (https://www.Banking.org.za/) and The African Forum for Utility Regulators (https://AFURnet.org/). This year's agenda features a strong mix of discussions within dedicated content streams, from the Energy Strategy Forum on day one, to the Green Energy and Green Finance Forums on day two. Attendees can look forward to country and regional spotlights on South Africa and West Africa, as well as sessions led by finance and energy heavyweights. Find the full GEAS 2023 agenda here: https://apo-opa.info/3rfJNxm
The Energy Investment Village (EIV) is the GEAS's Lion's Den-style pitching event for cleantech companies, which will be held on 11 October. The finalists will be given an extraordinary opportunity to gain exposure, network with potential clients, and receive vital market validation. Most importantly, they will be given the chance to pitch for funding (https://apo-opa.info/468SsAw) from international investors.
“Africa's traditional, fossil-fuel-based energy cannot keep pace with its swift development. While the continent's abundance of natural resources can enable clean energy innovations, constraints like access to finance impedes the opportunities for local clean-tech innovators. Events such as the EIV open up direct pathways to decision-makers and funders, and are a critical enabler of the clean-tech ecosystem,” says RIIS CEO Davis Cook.
In partnership with Saldanha Bay Innovation Campus (https://www.InnovationCampus.co.za/), RIIS (https://EnablingInnovation.Africa/), and Anza Capital (https://Anza.Holdings/), and supported by Africa Scotland, JSE, Oceanhub-Africa, Savant, Firecracker, CHIETA, and SASOL, the EIV is delighted to introduce the outstanding finalists that have been selected to present their projects, which aim to revolutionise the energy landscape and promote sustainable development in Africa:
Don't miss out on the chance to engage with these visionary entrepreneurs and experts, as they demonstrate how their projects will address the energy challenges across Africa. From scalable solutions for rural communities, to innovative grid technologies, these finalists promise to inspire, educate, and shape a greener future for the continent.
Organised by Hyve Group Plc., the Green Energy Africa Summit is where the world connects with the African Energy sector. Register to attend here https://GreenEnergyAfricaSummit.com/. Attend the Green Energy Africa Summit to be part of the solution and connect with industry leaders, charting the way towards a sustainable clean energy transition for Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Green Energy Africa Summit.
Media Contact:
Amie Sparrow
PR Manager
amie.sparrow@hyve.group
About Green Energy Africa Summit:
The Green Energy Africa Summit is a high-level gathering advocating for policy reforms and the harmonisation of Africa's natural resources, to help pave the way for a just energy transition to ensure Africa remains competitive and attractive to global finance. Green Energy Africa Summit takes place in the heart of Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC2) from 10-11 October 2023.
Magalies Water warns of possible water supply interruptions
Magalies Water has warned consumers receiving water supply from the Cullinan Supply Scheme of possible water supply interruptions due to increased water demand.
The entity said the higher-than-normal water consumption patterns have strained the supply.
“This has caused reduced abstraction rates from the Wilge Dam, through which the supply scheme is linked, and will result in water supply interruptions until the scheme subsidises.
“Due to increased water demand and the subsequent strain on the scheme, we urge consumers to use water sparingly, in order to prevent prolonged water supply interruptions. Magalies Water apologises for the inconvenience that this may cause,” said Magalies Water spokesperson David Magae. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 09:33
Nestled along the Dolphin Coast in KwaZulu-Natal, Ballito has steadily transformed from a sleepy holiday town into a burgeoning property hotspot. With its stunning beaches, dynamic culinary scene, and promising real estate market, the town beckons both holiday-goers and serious property investors. But what makes Ballito stand out when it comes to purchasing property? Let’s …
“I believed they were going to injure me, take my gun and shoot me”