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In industrial settings, laboratories, and numerous other environments, accidental spills are not just inconvenient—they can pose significant health, safety, and environmental risks. Enter the spill kit. A lifesaver in many emergency situations, spill kits are specially designed to contain and clean up various types of spills efficiently. But what exactly is a spill kit, and …
In a rapidly evolving world where technology, sustainability, and efficiency are critical, it’s more important than ever to find innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges. Companies have to work smart to stay ahead, and this is where engineered solutions come into play. Let’s explore how tailored solutions are revolutionising sectors from mining to agriculture. …
Introduction Pumps are ubiquitous in every industry, whether you’re working in agriculture, food processing, or mining. The right pump can make all the difference in efficiency, productivity, and operational costs. But how do you choose the perfect pump for your specific needs? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of pumps used in …
DWS warns against bogus employment recruiters
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has sent a stern warning to bogus employment recruiters who prey on vulnerable and unemployed people, claiming to be recruiting for a training programme on behalf of the department.
This comes after the department was inundated with calls and email queries in the past 24 hours about an alleged mass training programme which targets unemployed young people and pays a salary of R 5 800 per month.
Departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said the bogus recruiters are conducting an illegitimate and criminal recruitment process, masquerading as officials from the department.
The department has not put out any training programme anywhere.
“We would like to put it on record that there is no such a programme in the department. All official employment adverts are placed on the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) job circular and can also be found on our official website,” Mavasa said on Tuesday.
Mavasa urged members of the public to be vigilant, avoid giving out their personal information and documents to anyone, or any institution without the relevant official identification. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/13/2023 - 09:08
South Africa’s three time SA Champion in the 1500m, Nkosinathi Sibiya (Sophiatown, Johannesburg), has cast his eye on the fifth and final Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race in 2023, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K that will take place on National Heritage Day (Sunday 24 September). Renowned for his tactical acumen, the PUMA …
Science for the People seminar tells the story of the city’s water supply since 1650
Boasting a fast, flat route, the inaugural Boxer Super Run is set to make waves in the streets of Durban on Sunday 15 October 2023. “The lightning-fast route is set to inject a thrilling dose of excitement into the Men’s and Women’s Elite Races,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “We’re confident the …
The application raises concerns over water use in the Western Cape
Magalies Water welcomes BCCSA ruling
Magalies Water says it has noted the judgement issued by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) which ruled in its favour against SABC News.
The matter relates to a news report broadcast and published on 21 June 2023 across SABC News platforms about alleged water quality non-compliances recorded at the Mmabatho Water Treatment Plant.
Magalies Water said in a statement on Monday that the plant, through agreement with the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality (NMMDM), is managed and operated by Magalies Water on behalf of the district municipality.
“While Magalies Water is on record admitting that prior to taking over the operations at the water treatment plant, which was previously operated and managed by the erstwhile Sedibeng Water, numerous operational challenges had affected water quality output, as was reported in the Blue Drop Watch Report for the 2021/22 financial year, the situation has improved.
“Within reasonable time, through collaboration many of the identified challenges were resolved,” said Magalies Water.
The NMMDM, as the asset owner and a responsible arm of government, would have not continued to maintain a working relationship with Magalies Water at the detriment of the residents who are the primary recipients of this important service.
The progress was consequently reported to the accounting authority – the Department of Water and Sanitation - and this information was supplied to SABC News as well, during their own investigations relating to the allegations of continued water quality non-compliances.
“Magalies Water’s Scientific Services, through its SANS 241 accredited scientific laboratory ensures that water treatment processes at the water treatment plant, result in potable water of the highest quality, which is certified as safe for human consumption and does not pose any health-risks to the consumers.
“To date, the water treatment plant, is regularly monitored and tested for non-compliances. Where noncompliances are observed, Magalies Water immediately activates quality assurance processes in line with the water sector standards, to resolve such,” said Magalies Water.
In its judgement, according to Magalies Water, the BCCSA found that SABC News failed to comply with provisions of Section 12 (3) of the code of conduct, which reads: “Clause 12(3) of the Code of Conduct determines if a person who has stated that he or she is not available for comment or such a person could not reasonably be reached to comment on a public issue, it must be stated in the programme. If there is no response from a person or party whose issues are to be discussed, or if, as in this instance the response is not received timeously, the Broadcaster is obliged to mention this fact on air. Applied to the facts of this case the Broadcaster should have indicated that the Complainant was asked for its comment but that their response had not reached the Broadcaster at the time of the broadcast.”
The Commission has assured Magalies Water that SABC News has been reprimanded in accordance with the ruling.
Magalies Water Chief Executive Sandile Mkhize said the judgement vindicated the water utility’s position and reaffirmed its integrity as a reputable bulk water services provider.
He said SABC News’ approach, story treatment and delivery fell short of the BCCSA code of conduct as Magalies Water’s complaint was based on fairness.
“We are not only relieved but also vindicated. It has always been our position that the SABC needed to act responsibly and not be sensationalist in its approach.
“The misrepresentation that Magalies Water suffered extended to doubts in the minds many, as it relates to our capacity, skills, and technical knowledge to improve water quality within the area of operation.
“We appreciate the role of the media as the fourth estate and its watchdog function, however, it is critical that the conduct of journalists and editors alike is beyond reproach given their responsibility to society” Mkhize said. - SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 19:50
Runners and walkers can take a positive step by participating in one of the standout challenges of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY (RYC) Series on Strava – the World Cleanup Day Challenge on Saturday, 16 September 2023. “Plastic pollution remains an urgent global concern, especially for our oceans. We’re calling on the RYC Community to …
Tshwane residents urged to use water sparingly amid high demand
The City of Tshwane has appealed to residents to use water sparingly as the city has experienced a sharp increase in water consumption beyond what can sustainably be supplied.
The city said the increase in water demand has resulted in some reservoirs within the city struggling and some areas being without water.
“The current high demand situation is putting customers at risk of having stringent restrictions imposed, which comes with additional costs for residents. Communities are implored to use water sparingly,” the city said in a statement.
According to the city, the areas where water consumption is significantly higher than what they should be consuming are Nellmapius; Leander Road Meter; Blair Athol Reservoir; Louwlardia Reservoir; Laudium Reservoir; Wonderboom Reservoir; Klapperkop H14; Lotus Gardens; Kosmosdal, and Doornkloof Reservoir.
Other areas with high consumption include Klapperkop Reservoir; Bakenkop Reservoir; Magaliesberg Reservoir; Garsfontein Reservoir; Soshanguve; Waterkloof Ridge Ext No 2; Constantia Park; Gastonbury Reservoir, and Grootfontein.
The city also noted that the Mooikloof Reservoir has been struggling with low to no water supply due to increased water consumption.
The city urged the residents to make the following water conservation measures part of their normal lifestyle:
• Do not water or irrigate gardens with hosepipes or sprinkler systems between 6am and 6pm;
• Do not wash vehicles with hosepipes; and
• Do not fill swimming pools.
“Furthermore, residents are urged to start using greywater to water gardens and flush toilets. Residents should report water leaks, burst pipes and all incidents where water is wasted. Where possible, water saving devices should be installed,” the city said.
Plan to respond to peak demand period
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has given Rand Water and the City of Tshwane two weeks to put together a medium- to long-term plan on how they are going to respond to the peak demand period that is exacerbated by high temperatures, interruptions in storage capacity recovery due to load shedding, non-revenue water, as well as how the city will receive the extra water to be allocated from Rand Water.
Mahlobo gave the directive during a meeting between Rand Water and the City of Tshwane.
During the meeting, the technical team -- led by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Provincial Head Justice Maluleke; Rand Water Chief Executive Sipho Mosai and the City of Tshwane’s Group Head for Water and Sanitation Stephens Notoane -- presented a report back on progress made on the action plan.
The plan had been presented and committed to by Rand Water and Tshwane, in order to restore water supply in areas that were experiencing challenges, and ensure sustainable and efficient supply in the city.
The meeting reported significant improvements, as water supply has been restored in most areas. However, it noted that some parts of the city, especially in high lying areas, are still grappling with water supply challenges as the system recovers.
Mahlobo expressed his appreciation to the city and water utility in how they handled the situation. He urged the two institutions to continue strengthening proactive cooperation and communication for the benefit of the citizens.
The Deputy Minister also reiterated the city’s call on residents to be considerate when using water, as some reservoirs in the city are experiencing slow recovery due to high water usage by people in low-lying areas.
He further urged the city to include in the plan how they will address the issue of leaks that is contributing to water losses in the distribution system. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 10:16
WHIP UP SOME LOVE IN THE KITCHEN WITH THIS QUICK AND EASY CREAMY CHEESY POTATO BAKE RECIPE By: Tamaryn Green – former Miss South Africa, Model, Entrepreneur and Medical Doctor sharing her mouth-water recipe using her favourite secret ingredients. Cooking is often seen as a mundane task, but why not make it an exciting adventure …
Swellendam mayor met residents on Tuesday, but issues remain unresolved
Government working to address eThekwini challenges
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the government is working with various departments and stakeholders to help the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to address its challenges.
“I am aware that the Minister of CoGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA] and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal are working with various provincial and national sector departments such as the National Treasury, Water and Sanitation, to assist the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to address its challenges such as the recent flooding disasters, and the looting which took place during the July 2021 [unrest].”
The Deputy President was replying to a question about actions to be taken regarding the refusal by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to cooperate with Section 154 invoked by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government.
The country's second in charge was speaking in Parliament on Thursday where he was answering oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on a range of issues.
Former Director-General, Cassius Lubisi, has been roped in to lead a group of senior technocrats to help turn around the embattled municipality to prevent its placement under administration.
“I am unaware that eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has refused to cooperate with the proposed implementation of Section 154 intervention as outlined in the Constitution,” he added.
Deputy President Mashatile said the collaboration aims to support and strengthen the municipality, particularly damaged water and electricity infrastructure.
“This is because, as per Section 154 (1) of the Constitution, national and provincial governments must bolster the capabilities of municipalities in managing their affairs and carrying out their functions.
“Section 154 of the Constitution is important as it serves as a constitutional mechanism that effectively bolsters and fortifies the capacity of cities.”
Deputy President Mashatile said this move will enable the national and provincial governments to support and strengthen municipalities to fulfil their responsibilities to provide quality services to the people.
Crime
Shifting his focus to crime, he told Members of Parliament that government is taking additional measures to ensure public safety in cross-border communities, townships and informal settlements.
This, according to the Deputy President, will be achieved through increasing the number of police officers on the streets and creating specialised teams that will focus on specific types of crime.
He noted that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has committed to recruiting 12 000 new police personnel, of which over 10 000 recruits have already graduated from police academies.
“As a government, we are determined to tackle the issue of violent crime and other forms of criminal activity.
“We are actively pursuing national, provincial, and local measures to prevent crime and ensure that all individuals in our country feel safe and secure. We believe that by working together as government, civil society and the private sector, we can make meaningful progress in creating safer communities.”
In addition, he touched on the Border Management Authority Act, which paved the way for the establishment of the Border Management Authority (BMA).
The BMA is mandated by legislation to facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of people within the border law enforcement area and at ports of entry.
In addition, it facilitates and manages the legitimate movement of goods within the border law enforcement area and at ports of entry.
According to the Deputy President, it also cooperates and coordinates its border law enforcement functions with other organs of state, border communities or any other persons.
He said the BMA has intercepted thousands of people attempting to enter the country illegally and recovered numerous stolen items. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 08:59
Deputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on social partners to work with government to deal with the country’s pressing issues, especially unemployment and climate change.
The Deputy President took to the podium at the National Economic Development Labour Council’s (NEDLAC) 28th Annual Summit in Johannesburg on Friday to reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said intensified economic setbacks, resulting in high unemployment and loss of jobs.
He also spoke about the current condition of the labour market, which he believes is indicative of the legacy of apartheid.
“We have inherited a labour force characterised by racial and gender inequities, skills shortages and high unemployment rates, particularly among Africans,” he told the delegates.
He welcomed the decline in the unemployment rate to 32.6% in the second quarter of this year, this is down from 32.9% in the first quarter.
“The best that can be said here is that the trend is heading in the right direction, albeit at a slow pace. Serious concerns such as job losses in manufacturing remain.
“In this regard, organised business, labour, government and the community sector at NEDLAC have turned to each other to seek ways of turning our economy around, reversing unemployment and building inclusive growth.”
Through collective efforts, one purpose and shared values, he said, they hold the power to determine the trajectory of South Africa.
The Deputy President cited President Cyril Ramaphosa who has called for a social compact between the government and the social partners in his 2022 State of the Nation Address.
He noted that NEDLAC has historically sought to collaborate about the big policy choices that face the country.
“However, in South Africa, where unemployment is so high and those who work support many of those who do not, this type of trade-off may be difficult to attain. The most pressing challenge appears to be one about ideological positions among social partners with respect to the path to growth, which have not shifted despite the enormous crisis the country faces.
“We must summon enough bravery to discuss this matter openly in order to prevent the ticking time bomb of poverty, inequality and joblessness from going off. This is not impossible to achieve.”
Meanwhile, he said the Presidency and Business for South Africa has initiated an important partnership with government to focus on energy, logistics and crime.
“It has offered to bring in resources and expertise to accelerate progress and address the current impediments to economic growth.”
He also urged social compacts to avoid being mere “talk shops”.
“NEDLAC has a responsibility to demonstrate to the nation that there can be win-win situations and that we can proceed with the best potential or least worst outcomes.”
Climate change
He also touched on the impact of climate change whether it is the flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, persistent drought in the Eastern Cape, high temperatures in Upington or poor air quality in Mpumalanga.
“[This makes] it impossible to cultivate fields… climate change is here.”
“Government’s response has been to prepare for a just transition from the world as we know it, to one which is friendlier to the environment and ultimately gives our children a safe future.”
He believes it will only be through partnerships that they can ensure that everyone is supported to transition to new employment or better livelihoods and provided with the necessary social support mechanisms.
“If not, those that are negatively affected now will resist this transition, to the detriment of future generations.”
In addition, social partners should focus on preparing for and building resilience in the face of challenges, especially health crises, natural disasters, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising levels of disruptive crime and vandalism.
“The reality is that some terrible aspects of our country cannot be wished away. Instead, we must indeed prepare for these crises to preserve lives and livelihoods and then address systemic challenges such as climate change and improved water access.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 11:42
The City of Cape Town says it has followed a fair and independent process and consulted a community committee
The building’s residents say they need help not eviction
Owning a home comes with its fair share of responsibilities, and one of the most underrated yet crucial ones is monitoring for leaks. Whether it’s a dripping tap or a more sinister leak behind the walls, early leak detection can save you a lot of time, money, and stress. In this blog post, we’ll discuss …
eThekwini municipality says it can’t electricify the shacks because the informal settlement is on private land
Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa seeks to build largest container plant
With a total of R3.3 billion invested in the South African economy in the last two years, Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa aims to build the largest container production plant in the continent.
Ardagh is one of the companies that heeded the call by President Cyril Ramaphosa for more investment into the South African economy.
Their staggered investment kicked off in May 2022 with a R1.5 billion set aside for the expansion of its facility in Nigel, Ekurhuleni. A further R1.8 billion was added later for expansion at the same facility.
Ardagh Glass Packing Africa exists after it took over the company, Consol, which had been in existence since 1944.
The company is headquartered in Johannesburg and operates four modern glass production facilities. These are in Bellville, Clayville, Nigel and Wadeville and are producing around five billion glass containers per annum.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa, Paul Curnow, says demand for sustainable packaging in Africa is growing strongly, supported by factors such as rising income levels and growing sustainability awareness.
He said Ardagh is committed to investing in its people and its asset base to serve this strong demand growth over the near term.
“The expansions have also been designed with the environment in mind. They provide significant energy, water efficiency and environmental benefits, representing another important step in Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa’s journey to decarbonise the glass production process and to reduce emissions in the communities in which it operates,” Curnow said.
He adds that the expansion projects together are expected to create around 300 direct jobs and significant ancillary supply-chain expenditure in local communities.
The company also estimates that at least five indirect jobs are created for every direct job, indicating a much larger impact in job creation. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 11:59
Ndifuna Ukwazi and Reclaim the City plan to strengthen fire safety protocols in two buildings occupied by activists
KZN youth-owned businesses to benefit from R90m fund
Fifty-nine youth-owned businesses are set to benefit from the R90 million KwaZulu-Natal Youth Empowerment Fund.
Announcing the youth businesses approved for funding during a ceremony held in Durban on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the event marks an important milestone in government’s quest to push back the frontiers of the stubbornly high rate of youth unemployment in the province.
She said moment marks the fulfilment of a pledge made during the State of the Province Address earlier this year, which was delivered under the theme, ‘Taking Decisive Action in the time of Renewal and Hope as we Rebuild a Better, Prosperous, and Resilient KwaZulu-Natal’.
The Youth Fund was established by the Office of the Premier in 2018 as part of government’s concerted efforts to crank up youth development and empowerment in the province.
According to the fund structure, 90% of the fund received by each beneficiary is channelled to buy equipment in order to lower their cost of business, while 10% is for working capital.
Dube-Ncube said during the first phase, R60 million was disbursed to 51 youth-owned businesses. In the current phase, which was opened in July 2021, a total of 4 016 applications were received for funding.
“Of those applications, 2 854 were disqualified for various compliance and other reasons while 1 162 were processed by the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund, an entity of government that is responsible for the disbursement process and management of the Youth Fund.
“A further rigorous evaluation process was undertaken, and 352 applications were shortlisted for the due diligence stage. Ultimately, site visits were conducted, which resulted in the 59 [businesses] that are today the recipients of the funding. The funding ranges from R200 000 to R2 million,” Dube-Ncube explained.
The Premier said youth-owned businesses that benefited from the current window operate in various strategic sectors, including water security, transport and logistics, farming technology, the digital economy, automotive and maritime industries.
“We could not have asked for a better present to mark the close of Women’s Month, as evidenced by the fact that 42% of the approved applicants are women. This is a significant improvement, if we consider that only 15% women applicants had benefitted previously.
“Our goal, moving forward, is to ensure at least a 50-50 access between men-owned and women-owned businesses,” the Premier said.
The Premier said they are encouraged by the fact that there is adequate geographic spread in terms of the distribution of beneficiaries as they come from across all the districts in the province.
She said the provincial government is decisively addressing the divide between urban and rural, the poor and affluent. They believe that all people must benefit equally from government’s interventions.
The Premier noted that the fund also approved businesses that are owned and managed by unemployed graduates and youths from professional sectors, including medical, engineering and accounting disciplines.
The Premier also announced that the new window (for R100 million funding) will be opened soon. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 13:04
Govt reviews Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act
President Cyril Ramaphosa says government has embarked on a comprehensive review of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act of 2005, to ensure that the different spheres of government work in a joined-up and coordinated manner to secure the well-being of the people of South Africa, among other things.
“In the design of our democratic unitary state, we introduced cooperative governance to ensure that the three spheres of government worked together to meet the needs of the people. Each sphere of government has constitutionally assigned powers and functions that cannot be encroached upon, but need to be mutually respected.
“Chapter 3 of the Constitution requires all spheres of government to cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by, among others, fostering friendly relations and assisting and supporting one another. Importantly, the Constitution says that all spheres of government must secure the well-being of the people of the Republic,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said the District Development Model (DDM) is geared towards improving and strengthening the intergovernmental relations system as an approach towards giving effect to the Constitutional principles of cooperative governance.
“The District Development Model approach has made great strides in ensuring that the principles of cooperative governance guide how we plan, budget and implement key government programmes and projects across the country. This is demonstrated through the Presidential Izimbizo and implementation of key catalytic projects identified in intergovernmental long-term One Plans.”
To date, the President said, experiences in the implementation of the DDM have placed greater emphasis on the requirements to undertake a review and re-look at the policy instruments framing and guiding of intergovernmental relations system, and cooperative governance.
Progress in addressing challenges identified at Imbizos
President Ramaphosa highlighted some of the progress made and key service delivery interventions through Izimbizo, and these include road maintenance projects in Mpumalanga, the provision of title deeds in North West, measures to tackle livestock theft in the Free State, and the provision of water in North West, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.
The President said through the Izimbizo government has further identified opportunities for skills development in key economic sectors in districts such as mining and agriculture in North West and Limpopo and energy programmes in Northern Cape.
“Through the information and contribution collected during the various Izimbizo, it has been possible to identify interventions that are required in many localities across the country. The benefit of these engagements therefore extends beyond the communities in which they take place as they are able to improve service provision more generally,” President Ramaphosa said.
He added that the documenting and tracking of key resolutions emanating from the Izimbizo are part of the design of the Izimbizo.
“Quarterly implementation reports indicate that measurable progress is being made in addressing the challenges identified, which are done in an intergovernmental manner. The various intergovernmental platforms established through the Izimbizo protocols are also tasked to address challenges where these occur.
“District Development Model political champions are assigned for each district and metro, and are tasked to provide regular updates not just to the established intergovernmental platforms but also to the respective communities,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:01
A MUST: 5 THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN THIS SPRING Visiting Cape Town, South Africa in spring is an unparalleled experience. As the Mother City sheds its winter cloak, it comes to life with a burst of vibrant wildflowers, breathtaking scenery, and a mild and inviting climate. Spring here promises the allure of colorful …