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The Boxer Super Run will create an unforgettable experience for all participants on Sunday 15 October 2023 when it floods the streets of Durban with waves of 5km excitement. “The 5km distance is a global favourite for various reasons,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Boxer Superstores Head of Department: Marketing. “The popularity can be attributed to its …
Leonard Ramatlakane argues that if he did anything wrong it was minor and unintentional
Water tanks are only filled twice a month and people have to fetch water from a river
Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala welcomed South Africa's delegates at this year's World Water Week Conference starting on 21 August 2023, where she will participate in different panel discussions with various representatives from across the globe on different water challenges facing the world.
World Water Week 2023 hosted by Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is focused on innovation, particularly at a time of unprecedented challenges facing water security around the world.
The annual conference is the global leader on water issues and attracts diverse participants and global professionals in the water sector. Various water entities that attend the World Water Week include Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Magalies Water, Bloem Water and Breede Olifants Catchment Management Agency.
The theme of the conference this year is Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World, which invites global leaders to rethink how to manage water and come up with ideas, innovations, and governance systems required in a more unstable and water scarce world.
“This is a platform where all the global leaders and experts in the water sector will come together to discuss ways to improve management to ensure that there is sustained provision of water in the world. This is an opportunity to learn and to also demonstrate how the Department of Water and Sanitation, together with research institutes and the water boards are working together to ensure sustainability of this scarce resource., said Deputy Minister Tshabalala.
Deputy Minister Tshabalala was accompanied by Ambassador of South Africa to Sweden, Ms Brigitte Mabandla who highlighted good international relations between the two countries.
“I should mention that you are in a country that has had good multi-national relationship with South Africa for many years, and it is pleasing that critical and important issues of water will be discussed here. I wish you well in your engagements in this week-long conference and hope that the resolutions achieved here will add more value to water service management for South Africa”, said Ambassador Mabandla.
Deputy Minister Tshabalala will take part in various panel discussions with global leaders and African leaders to deliberate and address pressing water challenges facing the African continent.
“I am also looking forward to participate in the high-level ministerial panel discussions in global water and sanitation issues. This will be a platform to exchange ideas and to form continued collaborations with water experts, academics and policy makers. South Africa's participation in Stockholm World Water Conference will indeed bring solutions to South Africa's quest of finding innovative ways of improving its water and sanitation services to the people”, said Deputy Minister Tshabalala
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.
President Ramaphosa sets pace ahead of BRICS Summit
The expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) grouping is expected to be one of the key issues to dominate discussions as leaders of the bloc gather in South Africa this week.
More than 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the summit. Furthermore, over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.
In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.
This is a sentiment shared by China, whose Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong on Friday said that the body is “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.
“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said, with less than two days to go before the all-important summit.
As a formation, President Ramaphosa said, BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.
“BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics and acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations.
“An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order,” President Ramaphosa said.
The South African Head of State said collectively, BRICS members have used their voice to call for a world that is more equitable, balanced and governed by an inclusive system of global governance.
“Being a BRICS member has created positive opportunities for South Africa. It has enabled our country to have a strategic relationship with China.
“Based on the strategic relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, we will be signing several agreements during President Xi’s State visit.
“We have steadily strengthened trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries alongside collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, security and innovation,” President Ramaphosa said.
Funding development
The President said South Africa has benefited from the New Development Bank, which was established by the BRICS countries in 2015.
“Our country has been funded by the bank in several infrastructure projects to the value of R100 billion in sectors such as roads, water, transport and energy. South Africa has always championed the interests of Africa within BRICS.
“We want to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa so that our continent can unlock opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.
“There are great opportunities for other BRICS countries to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area by locating production and services in various countries on the African continent, including our own, by partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa explained that the BRICS Summit is particularly important as it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that are bound to determine the course of international events for years to come.
“Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured, as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps. Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use.
“It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system.
“In addition to the other African leaders in attendance, we will also be welcoming leaders from several countries of the Global South. These include countries from the Caribbean and South America, from the Middle East, from West Asia, South Asia and South-East Asia,” President Ramaphosa said.
Supporting global stability
President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa is directly involved in a number of efforts to bring peace to Africa.
“We are currently involved in supporting the people of Mozambique and the DRC to ensure that there is peace and stability in their countries,” the President said.
To further strengthen economic ties between African countries and the United States, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is inviting more than 30 African trade ministers and senior US Administration and Congressional representatives to the next forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) scheduled for November this year.
President Ramaphosa said that South Africa is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
“Our decision not to align with any one of the global powers does not mean that we are neutral on matters of principle and national interest. Our non-aligned position exists alongside our active support for the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised in different parts of the world.
“We have always believed that the freedom we won – and the international solidarity from which we benefited – imposes a duty on us is to support the struggles of those who continue to experience colonialism and racial oppression,” the President said.
On Tuesday, President Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.
The welcome ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place from 22 – 24 August 2023.
Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:53
The RUN YOUR CITY (RYC) WARM UP RUN #4 fueled by PUMA Nitro, the final WARM UP RUN before the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series celebrates its Tshwane debut, will take place at the Uitspan, Hillcrest Sports Campus, University of Pretoria, Hatfield at 17:15 on Thursday 24 August 2023. Tshwane residents have one last chance …
Shops looted as residents take to the streets complaining of racism and neglect
Introduction: When planning a holiday, the comfort and joy of our four-legged friends often top the list of considerations. For many, the allure of foreign lands fades when faced with the complexities of pet travel. But, fortunately, tucked away in the heart of the UK are two idyllic locales that perfectly cater to pet enthusiasts: …
Introduction: In the realm of luxury goods, ostrich leather stands out as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. With its distinctive texture and unparalleled durability, it’s no wonder that ostrich leather products have seen a surge in popularity over recent years. This article delves into the allure of ostrich leather, exploring its unique bags, wallets, …
President Ramaphosa to host Chinese President
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday host President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.
The welcome ceremony will take place on Tuesday morning at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place on 22 – 24 August 2023.
The State Visit takes place within the context of celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, while historic ties date back to the Bandung Conference of 1955.
Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).
The State Visit by President Xi on Tuesday will give the leaders and their delegations an opportunity to reflect on developments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to consider further deepening of cooperation.
The visit crowns deliberations in which the two governments have been engaging on implementing structures such as the Bi-National Commission, Joint Working Group, People-to-People Exchange Mechanism and Strategic Dialogue.
South Africa and China enjoy vibrant economic relations, and China is South Africa’s largest global trading partner by volume.
China is an important investor in South Africa and provides support on infrastructure development projects including the Small Harbour Development Project, the TVET Refurbishment Project and the Mzimvubu Water Project, all of which are instrumental in job creation.
Discussions during the State Visit will explore further collaboration and partnerships the two nations can leverage on to solidify existing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations.
The expected outcomes of the visit include:
It is anticipated that several agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed during the State Visit, focusing on socio-economic cooperation, which both sides will ensure implementation that yield results for both countries.
South Africa and China will co-host the China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable scheduled for 24 August, and also engage on cooperation at multilateral level, particularly at the FOCAC level. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 08/19/2023 - 16:01
SA participates in World Water Week
South Africa is set to participate in the World Water Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, which gets underway on Sunday.
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Judith Tshabalala, will lead a South African delegation to the conference, which wraps up next week Thursday.
World Water Week 2023, hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), is focused on innovation, particularly at a time of unprecedented challenges facing water security around the world.
The annual conference is the global leader on water issues and attracts diverse participants and global professionals in the water sector.
The year’s theme for the conference is, ‘Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World’, which invites global leaders to rethink how to manage water and come up with ideas, innovations and governance systems required in a more unstable and water scarce world.
Tshabalala will participate in several panel discussions with her counterparts from across the globe, and among her engagements will be Africa Focus Day, a high-level ministerial panel session aimed at addressing pressing water challenges faced by the African continent.
Africa Focus Day also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration and to bring together water leaders, policymakers, civil society and academia across Africa and beyond.
“We, as the Department of Water and Sanitation, will use this opportunity to participate in various sessions to demonstrate to the world how South Africa is managing the imbalances of the energy and water usage by both households and businesses.
“We will also demonstrate how the department is working to achieve its vision of being a recognised world leader in water management, of course through positive inputs by SA’s Water Boards, research and academic institutions, business and other partners within SA’s water sector participation,” Tshabalala said.
Tshabalala will also be accompanied by two learners, Kelebogile Abrahams and Mahlohonolo Mosia from Emang-Mmogo Comprehensive School in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
The learners will represent South Africa in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition for outstanding young learners participating in science-based projects aimed at improving water management in communities.
The two South African learners won the National South African Youth Water Prize Competition, held by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in May this year.
The aim of the programme is to encourage learners to protect water resources, use water efficiently, and furthermore, motivate them to pursue careers in the water sector. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 08/19/2023 - 15:30
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, host His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.
The welcome ceremony will take place on Tuesday morning at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place on 22 – 24 August 2023.
The State Visit takes place within the context of celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, while historic ties date back to the Bandung conference of 1955.
Relations between South Africa and the People's Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029).
The State Visit by President Xi on 22 August will give the leaders and their delegations an opportunity to reflect on developments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to consider further deepening of cooperation.
The visit crowns deliberations in which the two governments have been engaging on implementing structures such as the Bi-National Commission, Joint Working Group, People-to-People Exchange Mechanism and Strategic Dialogue.
South Africa and China enjoy vibrant economic relations and China is South Africa's largest global trading partner by volume.
China is an important investor in South Africa and provides support on infrastructure development projects including the Small Harbour Development Project, the TVET Refurbishment Project and the Mzimvubu Water Project, all of which are instrumental in job creation.
Discussions during the State Visit will explore further collaboration and partnerships the two nations can leverage on to solidify existing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
a. To reaffirm the close and historic political ties underpinned by solidarity, win-win partnership and people-to-people cooperation – within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and in celebration of 25 years of diplomatic relations.
b. To underscore the urgent need to address trade balance and diversify South African exports to China by identifying broad market access for value-added products.
c. To highlight the importance of sustainable foreign direct investment through supporting manufacturing, infrastructure, and beneficiation and encourage close private sector engagement from both countries.
d. To acknowledge the support of China on bilateral technical cooperation under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in addressing South Africa's domestic imperatives.
e. To exchange views on regional issues in support for development, peace, and security.
f. To enhance multilateral cooperation, specifically within the context of BRICS, the G77 plus China, and the G20 and to seek Chinese support for South Africa and Africa's call for the reform of global governance institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council.
It is anticipated that several Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding will be signed during the State Visit, focusing on socio-economic cooperation which both sides will ensure implementation that yield results for both our peoples.
South Africa and China will also co-host China-Africa Leader's Roundtable scheduled on 24 August, and also engage on cooperation at multilateral level, particularly at the FOCAC.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Households boycotting their bill payments will be dealt with individually, says mayor
The Capital City of South Africa, Tshwane will become the backdrop for an unforgettable experience on Sunday 27 August 2023 as the city prepares to host the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K! “We’re thrilled to celebrate the debut of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in Tshwane on August 27,” expresses Michael Meyer, …
Koeberg units expected to return in November
Eskom’s generation capacity is expected to receive a boost by some 1 860MW when units 1 and 2 at Koeberg Power Station return to commercial availability on November 3 and November 7.
The two units have been offline on a planned refuelling and maintenance outage since late last year.
The power utility said the maintenance project is to make the nuclear power station more efficient and add a further 27MW to the power station’s output.
“The replacement of the steam generators was a first of its kind complex nuclear project to be performed at Koeberg and is the last major plant component out of the three to be replaced at the unit as part of the Long-Term Operation (LTO) project.
“The other two components, namely the replacement of the Refuelling Water Storage Tanks and the Reactor Vessel Closure Heads, have been replaced in previous years on both Units 1 and 2. The replacement of the steam generators is the last of the large components that Eskom deemed necessary to be replaced in support of its application to operate the Koeberg units for another 20 years,” the power utility said.
Eskom explained its decision to apply to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) for an extension to operate the power station for a further 20 years.
The power utility said the delay in returning the two units to service will not have an effect on its application.
“The conservative design of the station, the investment that Eskom has made in continuously improving safety standards, the rigorous maintenance, as well as the testing programme over its operating lifespan, give merit to Eskom’s decision to apply for the licence to operate the plant for an additional 20 years.
“The Koeberg units have operated safely and reliably for almost 40 years. The amendment of the operating licence will enable Koeberg to continue providing safe, clean, and reliable power to the grid, and playing the essential role of stabilising supply in the Western Cape, which Unit 2 has safely continued to do with an excellent energy availability factor of 94.87%, while Unit 1 was on outage,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 09:30
Nearby backyarders hope for houses, though the City of Cape Town says the land is “lost” for housing
Discontented Kleinfontein residents question company rule under share block scheme
Section 63 water intervention lifted in Nelson Mandela Bay
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has lifted the Section 63 intervention in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM).
Mchunu, together with the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams, announced the closure of the department’s section 23 special intervention in the metro during a meeting with the NMBM Council.
Mchunu visited the province on 15 - 16 August 2023 to receive updates and progress reports on water intervention projects in the region.
The metro was placed under the Section 63 intervention early last year to avert Day Zero after facing a high risk of running out of water due to drought, which would have had a dire effect on livelihoods, jobs, the local economy and investment.
Section 63 (2)(B) of the Water Services Act of 1997, (read with section 139 of the Constitution), provides for the Minister of Water and Sanitation to intervene at municipal level and take full control of a service delivery programme in instances were Municipalities fail to provide water services as a basic human right.
Announcing the withdrawal of the intervention programme and exit of the department from the metro, Mchunu said he was satisfied with the progress made in the interventions in the metro to avert Day Zero through various short-, medium- and long-term projects to expand water supply.
However, Mchunu said the current water restrictions imposed on the metro when dams started drying up will remain as gazetted.
He said the municipality is expected, for the next 18 months, to report quarterly to the department on the business transformation progress, with particular focus on water conservation and demand management; improving the level of service, and the implementation of the business turnaround strategy to ensure resilience.
Mchunu lauded the municipality for the progress made in recovering from an imminent Day Zero and addressing all water leaks backlogs.
He further urged the metro to pay more attention to improving their demand and consumption, which has not reduced even during the drought season and "may threaten future water security".
“We hope that after our exit, the metro does not regress and is able to maintain the status quo with all the interventions that have been put in place,” Mchunu said.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary Van Niekerk said, operations are in place to curb the scourge of vandalism. This includes collaboration with communities, security companies and the South African Police Service.
Van Niekerk said the interventions put in place include emergency water supply and expanding water supply through water tankering, and the new groundwater boreholes constructed and linked to distribution system.
Other interventions include upgrades to the Nooidgedacht Water Treatment Works (Low Level Scheme phase 3), which consist of increasing the supply of treated water from Gariep Dam to a total peak supply capacity of 210 megalitres per day, as well as the desalination of sea water as a long-term goal.
Kouga Municipality hailed for innovative and technological solutions
Meanwhile, Mchunu has hailed Kouga Local Municipality for finding innovative and technological solutions to ensure water security in the municipality.
Accompanied by Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, provincial government and local government officials, Mchunu’s working visit started at Jeffrey’s Bay Water Treatment Works in Kouga Municipality, to assess progress on the Drought Relief Project.
The municipality was declared a disaster area in 2016 following severe droughts since 2015. This was after dams, including Kouga, Impofu and Churchill, which supply water to the municipality, were not filling due to lack of rainfall, resulting in the municipality losing most of its water allocation from these dams.
As a response to the drought, the department allocated R57 million to Kouga Municipality from the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) to implement drought relief projects.
The municipality drilled nine more boreholes, followed by the construction of water treatment plants in Jeffrey's Bay, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay and Hankey.
The municipality has also constructed one of the biggest processing plants in Africa for water contaminated by iron and manganese within the Jeffrey’s Bay Plant to treat water from the boreholes and make it drinkable quality.
The municipality said these packages are completed and are currently working to treat water being pumped from the boreholes.
The four water treatment works will allow Kouga Municipality to supply up to 70% of its own average water consumption and rely on the metro for only 30%.
Mchunu said the forward thinking of Kouga is something that many other municipalities can learn from.
Williams implored leadership in the municipalities to address non-revenue water, improve billing systems, and he encouraged water users to pay for their use in order to keep the systems well functioning.
“We would like to thank the Minister for the intervention and support you are continuously providing to our municipalities. Now it is up to us keep these systems well maintained to ensure continuous services by ensuring that we bill all the users and collect revenue, which in turn will be used to service these water infrastructure and systems,” Williams said. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 09:24
Introduction Storing furniture, whether it’s a cherished antique chair or a contemporary sectional sofa, requires more than just placing items in a storage unit. Proper packing ensures the longevity of your furniture, protecting it from potential damage, dust, and pests. This guide will walk you through the meticulous process of packing furniture for storage, ensuring …
Introduction The concept of a home has evolved dramatically over the years. From simple shelters to grand architectural marvels, and now to intelligent living spaces, our homes have mirrored our societal progress. Today, the integration of technology into our residences has given rise to the phenomenon of “smart homes.” But what exactly makes these homes …
A group of organisations have created successful small projects, but now they want to aim bigger
In the bustling streets of Johannesburg, there’s a beacon of hope for those with damaged or non-running vehicles. Lou Appel’s Auto Spares stands as a testament to the idea that a damaged car is not just a piece of junk – it’s cash waiting to be realised. With a legacy spanning over 85 years …
The field deepens as the darling of South African road running, Gerda Steyn, confirms her entry into the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K that will take place in the Jacaranda City on Sunday 27 August 2023. After a record-breaking year in which she shattered her own Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon record (becoming the …
Ward councillor says only six water tankers are servicing all communities in Emfuleni municipality