In 2013, Zakes Mda Was Horrified to See 110 Learners in a Class in This School. Twelve Years Later, Nothing Has Changed
A third of schools in the Eastern Cape do not meet minimum norms and standards
Water
Opposition Parties’ Request to Postpone Adoption of Langeberg Budget Rejected
The Freedom Front Plus and other opposition parties’ request to postpone the Langeberg Local Municipality’s council meeting to approve its draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year was rejected by the DA-controlled Council. Opposition parties received the document of 1 450 pages the afternoon before the council meeting, leaving insufficient time to examine it thoroughly. […]
The post Opposition parties’ request to postpone adoption of Langeberg budget rejected appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
2,000 Households in Katlehong Without Electricity and Clean Toilets
Residents demand municipality fulfil its promises
Sewage Floods the Streets in This Part of Durban
Lamontville has been battered by floods
Emfuleni’s Unfunded Budget Has Far-Reaching Consequences
On Thursday, the Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging) approved its seventh unfunded draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year, which will have far-reaching consequences for residents. This unfunded budget means projected expenditure will exceed expected revenue, potentially hampering service delivery and causing further financial instability. The draft budget highlights the […]
The post Emfuleni’s unfunded budget has far-reaching consequences appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Ilogical Amendment of Ekurhuleni’s Indigent Support Policy Rejected
On Thursday, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) objected to a council decision that now allows individuals who own more than one property to apply for classification as indigent. This provision grants limited free water, electricity and other basic municipal services to such individuals. The amendment is absurd and defies common sense. The purpose of […]
The post Freedom Front Plus rejects illogical amendment of Ekurhuleni’s indigent support policy appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Ekurhuleni Budget Declares War on Taxpayers
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) rejects the Ekurhuleni Metro’s draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year, viewing it as a declaration of war on taxpayers which offers no growth or stability. The budget reflects financial decline, exorbitant tariff increases and a municipality that has lost control. It merely punishes taxpayers. Under the guise of […]
The post Ekurhuleni draft budget: a declaration of war on taxpayers appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Johannesburg Metro’s 2025/26 Budget Plunges City Deeper Into Chaos
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) did not support the Johannesburg Metro’s budget for the 2025/26 financial year due to its utter lack of vision and its detriment to the city’s residents. On 24 April 2025, the party met with the Mayor, Dada Morero, and the Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Margaret Arnolds, and made […]
The post Johannesburg Metro’s 2025/26 budget plunges city deeper into chaos appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Protesters Try to Block Cape Town’s Central Line
The group lives on the rail reserve along Stock Road in Philippi East and is demanding that PRASA move them to permanent accommodation
Vacant Land: From Occupation to Ownership
GOOD Speech by Brett Herron,GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament 29 May 2025 *Note to editor: This speech was delivered by GOOD Secretary-General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament Brett Herron during today’s interpellation on public land under the authority of the Western Cape Government. A week ago, I stood here […]
The post VACANT LAND: FROM OCCUPATION TO OWNERSHIP appeared first on For Good.
We Reject Tshwane Metro’s Draft Budget
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) rejects the Tshwane Metro’s draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year, which will subject residents to excessive taxes, unfair levies and questionable financial practices. This budget prioritises revenue generation over ethical governance, ignores economic realities and fails to ensure financial fairness. The Freedom Front Plus does not support the […]
The post VF Plus rejects Tshwane Metro’s draft budget appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Disabled Man Sleeps Outside Municipal Office Demanding Road to Be Fixed
He says the road to his house is not wheelchair friendly
Drakenstein Municipality Budget: No Relief, No Vision
GOOD Statement by Keagen Gertse,GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Whip 28 May 2025 The GOOD Party cannot, in principle, support or vote in favour of the 2025/2026 Drakenstein Municipality budget. This budget fails to reflect the deep and growing economic hardship facing the majority of residents in Drakenstein. It is not pro-poor, and it lacks […]
The post DRAKENSTEIN MUNICIPALITY BUDGET: NO RELIEF, NO VISION appeared first on For Good.
Budget 2.0: Relief Secured, but the Fight Continues
GOOD Statement by Anton Louw ,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor 28 May 2025 Today, we mark an important, though partial, victory for the people of Cape Town. The City has released amendments to its Draft Budget. While the increases remain steep and significant challenges lie ahead, the initial changes are clear evidence that public […]
The post BUDGET 2.0: RELIEF SECURED, BUT THE FIGHT CONTINUES appeared first on For Good.
GE Vernova modernizes Sasol’s Secunda power plant in South Africa
- The new upgrade increases operational efficiency at Sasol's plant, while reducing NOx emissions significantly
- Project is expected also lead to water consumption savings equivalent to about 64 Olympic pools per turbine annually
- GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com) announced this project at Enlit Africa 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) today announced the successful completion of the modernization of global energy and chemical company Sasol's Secunda power plant in Mpumalanga. The modernization included the replacement of the existing pre-combustor system with a new DLN1+ combustor supplemented by the Fuel Gas Module (FGM) skid to increase the operational efficiency of the two installed 9E gas turbines and reduce carbon emissions.
This project serves as a model for modernizing power plants across Africa. As the continent faces increasing energy demands, initiatives like this highlight how innovative solutions can enable more efficient energy production with reduced emissions, without requiring entirely new infrastructure.
The upgrade led to significant improvements, including:
- Reduction of NOx emissions significantly below the guaranteed values of 25 ppm, representing a reduction of three quarters from previous level.
- Avoidance of using water as a diluent with the DLN technology, with an expected water consumption saving equivalent to about 64 Olympic pools per turbine annually.
- There was an efficiency improvement compared to the previous combustor, translating to approximately 10,000 metric tons less CO2 emitted per gas turbine, supporting Sasol's environmental objectives.
- Extension of the maintenance intervals, reducing downtime and operational costs.
- Enhanced reliability of the power supply delivered to the national grid.
"This project exemplifies our purpose to electrify the world," said Joseph Anis (http://apo-opa.co/4k6G5fI), President and CEO of GE Vernova's Gas Power business in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. "Building on our advanced combustion technologies, we are helping Sasol address South Africa's energy needs more efficiently. Together, we are demonstrating how advanced technologies can deliver tangible benefits for both businesses and communities."
This project will be showcased at Enlit Africa (http://apo-opa.co/4k3OEYH), taking place from 20 – 22 May at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa. GE Vernova's participation will include interactive activities at booth C22 in Hall 3 and speaking sessions covering a wide range of topics, including: a keynote on technology driven transformation, smart grids and the future of energy management, digitization and modernization of projects and accelerating women in energy.
GE Vernova has contributed to the development of the energy infrastructure in Africa for over a century, supporting power generation, transmission and distribution solutions, energy sector software applications, talent development, and community outreach.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.
Additional Link: https://apo-opa.co/4dJXJnj
Notes to editors:
© 2025 GE Vernova and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
For more information, contact:
Media Contact – GE Vernova
Winnie Gathage
Africa Communications Leader
GE Vernova
winnie.gathage@gevernova.com
Laura Aresi
Media Relations Leader, Power
GE Vernova
Laura.aresi@gevernova.com
Lesego Malete
Group Account Director
Burson Africa
lesego.malete@bursonglobal.com
About GE Vernova:
GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world's challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 75,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. Supported by the Company's purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (www.GEVernova.com), GE Vernova in Middle East & Africa (https://apo-opa.co/435wb81), and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4jY25JD). GE Vernova's Gas Power business engineers advanced, efficient natural gas-powered technologies and services, along with decarbonization solutions that aim to help electrify a lower carbon future. It is a global leader in gas turbines and gas power plant technologies and services with the industry's largest installed base.
Forward Looking Statements:
This document contains forward-looking statements – that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. These forward-looking statements often address GE Vernova's expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and the expected performance of its products, the impact of its services and the results they may generate or produce, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “preliminary,” or “range.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about planned and potential transactions, investments or projects and their expected results and the impacts of macroeconomic and market conditions and volatility on the Company's business operations, financial results and financial position and on the global supply chain and world economy.
Unlocking Africa’s $180 Billion Digital Trade Economy
The future of African trade is digital, and it's unfolding. From Dakar to Durban, a quiet but steady transformation is taking shape. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, with developing economies, including Africa, playing a growing role in that expansion.
The African Free Continental Trade Area offers the largest free market, including 55 countries, a population of 1.3 billion and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. The opportunities are vast, yet the strategies required for industrial players to source, move and manage raw materials and finished goods remain a challenge.
“The continent's digital economy is projected to reach $180 billion by 2025, up from $115 billion in 2020, thus contributing significantly to Africa's GDP, creating new job opportunities, and expanding regional trade. Digital trade is transforming the continent's economic landscape, creating new opportunities for real economic growth, productive job creation, and poverty reduction.” H.E. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment
“Building on this rapid expansion, our focus must shift from isolated digital initiatives to a fully integrated ecosystem that streamlines every step of trade—sourcing, supplying, logistics and payments. By integrating these functionalities on a single platform, Matta enables manufacturers to navigate sourcing headaches and suppliers to manage cross-border complexities with confidence and unlocks new markets in Africa in real time. This holistic approach is what will transform digital trade's potential into tangible, inclusive economic growth across Africa.” Mudiaga Mowoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matta.
Launched to enable sustainable African economies, Matta's integrated ecosystem—today powered by the Matta digital marketplace (www.Matta.Trade) and the Flux logistics management tool, with Oxide Finance (Matta's upcoming trade-financing and cross-border payments platform) arriving soon—empowers manufacturers and suppliers across food & beverage, home & personal care, paints & coatings, agro-processing, automotive assembly, textiles, construction, and beyond with truly end-to-end sourcing, movement, and settlement. Rather than supplanting traditional trade networks, this unified platform amplifies human partnerships through real-time visibility, traceability, and seamless transactions.
This evolution in digital trade and industrial growth is one of the key conversations that will take centre stage at the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition, set to take place from October 21-23, 2025. West Africa IMT is a high-level platform for government leaders, investors, manufacturers, and technology innovators to align practical solutions and policy frameworks for accelerating Africa's industrial transformation.
Matta, Africa's integrated ecosystem for industrial trade, will join other industry stakeholders across the continent at West Africa IMT 2025 to discuss the potential opportunities for industrial growth in the West African sub-region. As manufacturers increasingly seek more innovative, more efficient ways to power production beyond physical infrastructure and policy support, there's an urgent need for systems that simplify sourcing, enhance transparency, and ensure supply chain reliability. Matta addresses these challenges by connecting African manufacturers directly to verified suppliers of raw materials and commodities, ensuring business continuity in an environment where procurement bottlenecks often slow production timelines.
Digital platforms address multiple challenges simultaneously: procurement complexities, logistics coordination, payment processing, and data-based planning. By integrating these capabilities into industrial operations, West African economies can accelerate development timelines and establish competitive manufacturing centres that participate effectively in global markets.
As African nations chart independent economic paths, digital trade platforms like Matta will significantly influence how quickly and effectively new industrial capabilities develop. The transformation in African trade is already underway, with effects that will continue to reshape economic relationships for years to come.
West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit & Exhibition
21-23 October 2025 I Landmark Centre | Lagos | Nigeria
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of dmg Nigeria events.
Contact Details:
Roshan Jan-Mahomed
Head of Marketing – Africa
Email: info@westafricaimt.com
www.WestAfricaIMT.com
About the West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing & Trade Summit and Exhibition 2025:
The Pre-eminent Global Gathering Driving West Africa's Industrial Revolution
The West Africa Industrialisation, Manufacturing and Trade (West Africa IMT) Summit and Exhibition will unite the industrialisation ecosystem, including energy, finance, infrastructure, manufacturing, raw materials, logistics/supply chain, technology, trade and security, to accelerate a sustainable industrial revolution for West Africa. As governments across the region have declared industrialisation as a key priority, the Strategic Summit will feature the visions from Heads of government seeking public–private partnerships to drive industrial revolution across the region. Decisive action is at the core of the agenda, providing solutions for sustainable resource valorisation and opening up trade pathways for economic development and prosperity.
Participation is expected from across the global industrialisation value chain including the following industries: Aerospace, Agriculture, Automotive, Chemicals, Construction, Energy & Utilities, FCMG, Heavy Industries, ICT & Electronics, Infrastructure, Logistics & Transportation, Machine & Equipment, Maritime, Medical, Mining, Plastics & Rubber, Pharmaceuticals, Retail, Technology Solution Providers, Textiles, Water & Utilities.
● 15+ African ministers
● 25+ countries represented from around the globe
● 70+ expert industry speakers
● 250+ exhibiting companies
● 500+ conference delegates
● 2,500+ attendees
About dmg Nigeria events:
dmg Nigeria events is a subsidiary of dmg events. dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT), an international portfolio of information, media and events businesses.
DMGT manages a diverse, multinational portfolio of companies, with total revenues of around £1 billion, that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. Its venture capital business, dmg ventures, holds minority stakes in early-stage businesses and focuses particularly on disruptive consumer media propositions.
Headquartered in Dubai, UAE since 1989 with offices in Canada, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and the UK. dmg events is an international exhibition, conference and intelligence company, attracting more than 1,000,000 attendees to a portfolio of over 80 events each year.
This global portfolio works closely with key stakeholders across the industry to facilitate pragmatic dialogue, serving as a platform for the latest discussions at the forefront of change.
For more information on dmg events, visit: www.dmgevents.com
Probe into illegal blockages of Middle Letaba Dam tributaries complete
Probe into illegal blockages of Middle Letaba Dam tributaries complete
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, is currently studying the final report of an independent investigation into the alleged illegal blockages of tributaries feeding the Middle Letaba Dam in Limpopo.
Commissioned by former Minister Senzo Mchunu, the investigation was prompted by mounting complaints from local farmers and community members about unlawful obstructions and diversions of watercourses flowing into the dam.
These alleged illegal activities are believed to have significantly contributed to the dam's alarmingly low levels, currently at an approximate 8%.
“The Middle Letaba Dam, which depends on inflows from the Middle Letaba, Koedoes, and Brandboontjies rivers within the Olifant Catchment Area, is a vital water source for households, agriculture, and industry across the region.
“It’s diminished capacity has had far-reaching implications, severely limiting the supply of water via the 60 km canal to the Middle Letaba, Mapuve, and Giyani Water Treatment Works,” the Department of Water and Sanitation said on Saturday.
The report was compiled by a panel led by retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe and was handed over to the Minister on Friday, 16 May 2025.
“The Minister will announce the department’s course of action in due course. Nonetheless, there is a clear and urgent need to uphold the recommendations of the report to restore accountability, reinforce lawful water governance, and protect the integrity of South Africa’s water resources,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 12:25
297 views
Funding skills training programmes critical for service delivery
Funding skills training programmes critical for service delivery
The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, has emphasised the importance of funding skills training programmes in the water sector to improve service delivery at municipal level.
“We must continue to make every effort to fund, support and incentivise such programmes to ensure that we harness the skills we need to improve the state of our municipalities,” Seitlholo said on Saturday.
The Deputy Minister was addressing the five-year celebration of the Young Engineers Changemakers Programme (YECP) organised by Water Research Commission (WRC) in partnership with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.
The YECP was launched five years ago to empower a new generation of municipal engineers in efforts to contribute to sustainable service delivery.
It also provides opportunities for young South African engineers to partake in testing potential innovative water and sanitation solutions in real world sites and to gain the necessary skills required to drive municipalities of the future which are sustainable, liveable and builds socio-technical infrastructure and services.
To date, 50 young engineers from 21 municipalities around the country have been trained over the last five years.
The Deputy Minister congratulated the young engineers and reminded them that their core purpose was to make a positive contribution in arresting the decline of engineering skills in the municipalities.
“We meet here to celebrate both the milestone of this important programme as well as to take stock of its potential and future in helping us address the challenges which threaten to cripple our democracy. We cannot fix South Africa without fixing municipalities.
“For us to fix municipalities, requisite skills and capacity should be taken into consideration and should be prioritised. It is for this reason that we should acknowledge the joint efforts by the WRC and Department of Science, Innovation and Technology to empower the engineers,” Seitlholo said.
He said a cause of failing infrastructure was a lack of capacity and skills in municipalities, particularly engineering skills.
The Deputy Minister highlighted that municipal water and sanitation services are deteriorating, as it was revealed by the recent Green Drop, Blue Drop and No Drop assessment reports released by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Sixty four out of 144 Water Services Authorities (WSAs) scored ‘critical’ on average across their water supply systems and/or wastewater systems in the 2023 Blue Drop and 2022 Green Drop assessments.
“This is a bleak sign that municipalities, constituting a majority of WSAs, are in crisis. If the state of governance in municipalities does not improve and we do not capacitate municipalities with skilled engineers and planners, we will face a crippling water crisis. And unlike with our electricity crisis, water is a resource that cannot be replaced,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said the YEPC was a positive initiative that will help turn things around as municipalities are in dire need of capacity and skills.
He said the department and other sector role players will continue to provide targeted support to local government through various support and intervention programmes aimed at improving water services. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 13:12
161 views
Donkey Sanctuary’s Promised Land Turns Sour
Slaughter may await rescued animals if farm’s buyer obtains eviction order
Concern raised over Lesotho Water Project non-compliance
Concern raised over Lesotho Water Project non-compliance
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has expressed concern over wastewater management non-compliance by a contractor involved in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 (LHWP2) which is currently under construction in Lesotho.
This comes after the reports that contractor responsible for the construction of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel, Kopano Ke Matla (KKM), failed to adhere to regulations governing effluent discharge.
In light of this, the Department of Water and Sanitation convened an urgent meeting on Wednesday, with South Africa’s delegation to the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC) and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), to receive a full briefing on the matter.
The contractor has since been suspended on-site by the implementing agency, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA).
In a statement on Thursday, the department confirmed the suspension of Kopano Ke Matla following several warnings of non-compliance issued to the contractor for polluting water courses with raw effluent during tunnel construction.
Through its engineer, the department said LHDA had issued a targeted suspension of works to the Polihali Transfer Tunnel contractor, KKM, due to non-compliance with contractual environmental obligations, specifically regarding wastewater management.
“The suspension was prompted by persistent failures to meet treatment standards across multiple sites, despite prior warnings and formal Non-Conformance Reports emanating from concerns on the inadequate management and treatment of wastewater and effluent generated during tunnel construction activities.
“This measure was implemented to uphold environmental, health, and safety standards on a nationally and regionally significant infrastructure project and did not constitute a project-wide shut down. Contractual enforcement of environmental obligations is standard and necessary on infrastructure projects of this scale to protect the environment, communities, and the workers,” the department explained.
Due to the suspension, the contractor was compelled to send home approximately 1 300 workers as a precautionary step to avoid further environmental risk and protect worker safety.
The department revealed that the contractor has been given until 26 May 2025 to submit a comprehensive remedial plan and compliance roadmap, with clear and measurable milestones and interim controls to address the deficiencies in wastewater treatment works.
The suspension will not impact tunnel’s overall completion date, as the project is currently ahead of schedule.
Work continues in unaffected areas of the project, including the Polihali and Katse zones, to minimise any broader delays.
“The LHDA whose role is to safeguard the public, the workforce, and the environment through responsible oversight of contractors and the Engineer, continues to ensure that interim containment and treatment measures are in place to avoid further environmental risk while the main upgrades are pursued,” the department said.
“The Ministry has since directed the South African delegation, TCTA and the Department of Water and Sanitation to reinforce monitoring of the projects, to ensure no further delays occur.
The LHWP Phase 2 includes the construction of an approximately 165m high Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam at Polihali, downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Sengu (Orange) Rivers and a 38km long concrete-lined gravity tunnel connecting the Polihali reservoir to the Katse reservoir.
Other Phase 2 activities include construction of the Senqu bridge, accommodation, power lines and telecommunication. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/16/2025 - 12:16
840 views
Igniting Africa’s Energy and Water Future – Just One Week to Go!
The countdown is on! From 20-22 May 2025, the vibrant city of Cape Town will host Enlit Africa, the continent's most electrifying gathering of power, energy and water professionals. This is not just an event—it's a call to spark transformation, forge connections and power a sustainable future for Africa and beyond. With a dynamic programme bursting with innovation, inspiration and actionable insights, Enlit Africa is set to be the unmissable epicentre of Africa's energy and water revolution.
A powerhouse of vision and innovation
Enlit Africa 2025 is where the brightest minds, boldest ideas and cutting-edge technologies converge to shape the future of Africa's power, energy and water sectors. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this three-day extravaganza will bring together utilities, policymakers, innovators, investors and thought leaders from across the continent and the globe. Expect nothing less than a high-voltage experience, with over 200 expert speakers, thousands of attendees and a programme designed to ignite change and challenge the status quo
From the Keynote Stage, where global visionaries like Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO of Siemens South Africa and Bronwyn Williams, Futurist at Flux Trends, will set the tone for transformation, to the Strategise Stage, tackling critical topics like nuclear energy and regional interconnectors, Enlit Africa is a catalyst for progress. The Innovate Stage will showcase breakthroughs in smart grids and digitalisation, while the Power Hub dives deep into generation and distribution advancements, including the game-changing potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and green hydrogen.
Water Security Africa: A Vital Focus
Running alongside Enlit Africa, Water Security Africa will tackle one of the continent's most pressing challenges—sustainable water management. With sessions on desalination, smart metering and climate-resilient infrastructure, this dedicated track features trailblazers like Sean Phillips, Director General, Department of Water & Sanitation and Jay Bhagwan, Water Research Commission, who will share strategies to secure Africa's water future. Highlights include the Youth in Water Forum, spotlighting young innovators and a GreenCape-hosted workshop to scale water security initiatives.
Unparalleled networking and business opportunities
Enlit Africa is more than a conference—it's a networking powerhouse. Connect with peers, partners and pioneers at the Engage Networking Dinner (sponsored by Standard Bank) or the Networking Function (sponsored by Actom).
Dive into exclusive roundtables, masterclasses and the Projects & Investment Network, designed to turn ideas into bankable projects. For those looking to explore real-world innovation, site visits on 23 May to Robben Island, Western Cape Water facilities and more offer a front-row seat to Africa's energy and water infrastructure.
The Women in Energy programme on 21 May is a highlight, celebrating female leadership with the launch of Standard Bank's Future Females in Energy Initiative and powerful discussions on tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and fostering inclusive workplaces. With speakers like Candice Hartley, Chief People Officer at Eskom, this session is a call to action for equality and empowerment.
Why you can't miss Enlit Africa 2025
- Premium networking: Forge partnerships with utilities, municipalities, developers and investors.
- Expert insights: Hear from over 200 speakers, including Calib Cassim, CFO of Eskom and Monde Bala, Group Executive: Distribution, Eskom.
- Practical learning: Masterclasses and workshops deliver hands-on knowledge from industry veterans.
- Business opportunities: Explore the latest technologies and innovations in the expansive exhibition floor.
- Career advancement: Stay ahead of trends in nuclear, renewables, smart grids and water management.
- Inspiration: Engage with a community passionate about transforming Africa's energy and water landscape.
Programme highlights
- 20 May: Kick off with keynotes from South Africa's Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and a panel on technology's role in powering Africa's future.
- 21 May: Dive into climate finance, nuclear energy's strategic role and regional interconnectors, with insights from Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa.
- 22 May: Join the Energy & Infrastructure Skills Development Taskforce workshop to shape the workforce of tomorrow.
For water enthusiasts, Water Security Africa offers roundtables on projects like South Africa's National desalination initiative and discussions on municipal water delivery with leaders like Shyam Misra, Group MD of Siza Water.
Join the movement
With just two weeks to go, now is the time to secure your spot at Enlit Africa 2025. Choose from a range of attendance options, from the Free Expo Visitor Pass to the Platinum Package, which includes exclusive access to strategic sessions, networking dinners and site visits. Visit Enlit Africa on www.Enlit-Africa.com or contact Vuyisa Mfobo at vuyisamfobo@wearevuka.com or +27 66 305 7203 to upgrade your experience.
Don't miss your chance to be part of the event that's lighting up Africa's energy and water future. Enlit Africa 2025 is where connections are made, ideas are born and the continent's sustainable tomorrow takes shape. Let's power up, innovate and transform—together!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vuka Group.
Note: Programme details and speakers are subject to change.
For media inquiries, contact:
VUKA Group Media Team
Email: media@wearevuka.com
Website: www.Enlit-Africa.com
About Enlit Africa:
Enlit Africa celebrates 25 years in the African power, energy, and water sector. A game-changing event, it brings the top manufacturers, associations, institutions, and government leaders together to shape a sustainable, prosperous energy and water future for Africa. A leading power, energy and water conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa is designed to provide a unique platform to connect decision-makers and determine Africa's future direction of travel.
Enlit Africa takes place from 20 - 22 May 2025 at the CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa. The event is CPD accredited by the SAIEE and SAICE, thereby contributing to the professional development of industry experts.
For more information, please visit the Enlit Africa website at https://Enlit-Africa.com/ or contact our team at info@enlit-africa.com.
About The Vuka Group:
VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations to reach the next level of growth in their industry ecosystem. With 20 years of experience in Africa, the group serves the Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport and Retail sectors, through a range of industry touchpoints across digital, print and in-person platforms. With a commitment to data at its core, the group is well-positioned to support industry stakeholders today and into the future. Operating from Cape Town, South Africa the group is actively involved in projects across continental Africa and boasts a diverse African team who take great pride in the work they do for the sectors and markets they serve.
Minister Dion George Concludes South Africa’s Participation at Copenhagen Climate Ministerial
Minister Dion George, South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has concluded an impactful participation at the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial in Denmark on 7-8 May 2025, reinforcing South Africa's commitment to a resilient, sustainable future. Representing the nation ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Minister Dion George championed South Africa's priorities, ensuring the voices of its people, wildlife, and ecosystems shape the global climate agenda.
The Ministerial was a critical platform to advance the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target, with direct implications for South Africans. Climate change threatens livelihoods through droughts, floods, and rising temperatures, impacting food security, jobs in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, and endangering iconic wildlife and vital marine resources. Minister Dion George's leadership secured progress on ambitious climate commitments that drive job creation, poverty reduction, and biodiversity conservation, embedding community and environmental upliftment. He advocated for a just transition, protecting workers in high-carbon sectors while unlocking opportunities in renewable energy and green technologies. Minister Dion George also championed increased climate finance for adaptation, including water infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture, and marine conservation, to improve daily life and protect ecosystems. From coastal communities to rural farms and wildlife reserves, South Africa promoted solutions to strengthen resilience against climate impacts.
These outcomes translate into tangible benefits: cleaner air, safer water, healthier oceans, and new jobs in green sectors. South Africa's engagement secured stronger global partnerships, clearer funding pathways, and renewed momentum to tackle climate change, empowering communities and safeguarding natural heritage.
Minister Dion George stated, “Our work in Copenhagen is a step toward a future where South Africans thrive in a low-carbon economy, with resilient communities and protected biodiversity. We will carry these engagements forward into the G20, ensuring our priorities continue to shape global climate action.”
South Africa returns from Copenhagen with commitments to advance its climate agenda, delivering resources, technology, and support for its people and environment. The nation is poised to build on this momentum at the G20 and beyond, driving a just and sustainable future for all.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo Calls for Bold Investment to Secure Southern Africa’s Water Future
The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Sello Seitlholo, has called for intensified investment in the water sector to secure Southern Africa's future in the face of climate change and growing water demands.
Speaking at the ORASECOM Climate Resilient Investment Conference in Maseru, Lesotho on Thursday, 08 May 2025, Deputy Minister Seitlholo highlighted that resilient water infrastructure and cross-border collaboration are critical to the region's economic development, environmental sustainability, and long-term water security.
As a proud and committed member of the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), South Africa continues to champion regional cooperation for the sustainable and equitable management of shared water resources. Deputy Minister Seitlholo reaffirmed the country's support for the Commission, noting South Africa's role as host country and consistent contributor to its operations and basin-wide studies.
“Water is the foundation upon which our economies, communities, and ecosystems rest. In Southern Africa, it also binds us together across borders. Our shared future demands that we invest boldly and wisely in securing this most precious resource,” he said.
South Africa is undertaking major reforms to create an enabling environment for water investment. Deputy Minister Seitlholo said that these include legislative amendments to strengthen water governance, reduce inefficiencies, and attract private-sector involvement through improved regulatory certainty and streamlined project processes.
He pointed to multiple opportunities for investors, ranging from bulk infrastructure and wastewater treatment to innovative technologies in reuse and smart metering. Public-private partnerships are being pursued with urgency, including through the Water Partnership Office in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). “Investing in water is not just a necessity; it is a generational imperative. Our policy reforms, institutional innovation, and partnerships demonstrate that we are ready to work with all stakeholders to make water investment a success story,” he emphasised.
The Deputy Minister highlighted sustainability, technological advancement, and climate adaptation as key pillars of the country's water strategy. He emphasised the need for robust risk management to address droughts, floods, and pollution, backed by government funding instruments such as the Water Services Infrastructure Grant and the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant made available by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Deputy Minister Seitlholo stressed that communities must be at the heart of water solutions. South Africa's water governance model prioritises public participation and inclusive development, particularly through forums supporting youth, women, and civil society engagement. Partnerships with NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector continue to drive innovation and ensure evidence-based planning.
In closing, Deputy Minister Seitlholo reaffirmed South Africa's unwavering commitment to regional leadership and global engagement in the water sector. He announced that South Africa will proudly host the Africa Water Investment Summit in August, a strategic platform aimed at unlocking large-scale investment and galvanising multi-sector partnerships for water infrastructure development across the continent.
Furthermore, as South Africa has assumed the G20 Presidency, the Deputy Minister committed that water financing will be elevated as a key agenda item, positioning water not merely as a development issue but as a central pillar of economic resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable growth.
“South Africa stands ready to lead by example, mobilising political will, catalysing investment, and fostering cross-border cooperation to build a water-secure future for Africa and beyond,” he affirmed.
“Let us seize this moment to mobilise the partnerships, political will, and financing needed to ensure a climate-resilient and water-secure future for our region. What we decide today must shape a legacy of inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity for generations to come,” concluded Deputy Minister Seitlholo.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.
Africa’s Solar Boom: How to Reap the Benefits
With 2.5 gigawatts-peak (GWp) (http://apo-opa.co/4iQtUCp) of solar capacity added across Africa in 2024 and 194.34 GWp expected in 2025, the continent is fast becoming a global hotspot for solar energy growth. Leading this shift are the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors, where photovoltaic (PV) systems are being installed on-site at businesses, educational institutions, and government facilities to meet their own energy demands.
Dr Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at CBi-electric: low voltage (www.CBi-lowvoltage.co.za), explains that multiple factors are accelerating the continent's switch to solar. “Energy poverty remains a major issue across Africa, with reliable grid electricity reaching only 14% (http://apo-opa.co/4jICofV) of Zimbabweans, for example.”
He adds that unreliable power supply is another key driver. “Persistent nationwide blackouts are affecting countries like Botswana (http://apo-opa.co/3EZvQKM), disrupting day-to-day operations. And in hydro-electric dependent countries such as Zambia (http://apo-opa.co/3RRqvrX), climate change is reducing water levels, leading to lower electricity generation and higher prices.”
Dr Dickson points out that in countries like Namibia which are dependent on electricity imports, affordability is a growing concern, with N$8.8 billion (http://apo-opa.co/3EZvSlS) expected to be spent between January 2024 and December 2025. “As a result, Namibia now has the highest (http://apo-opa.co/3EZvSSU) electricity prices in Southern Africa. Yet it has a unique geographic advantage: its solar PV systems can produce twice (http://apo-opa.co/3EZvSSU) as much electricity as comparable systems in central Europe.”
Some African nations are proactively investing in solar to reduce their grid dependence. “Malawi is rolling out its National Compact for Energy (http://apo-opa.co/3GMlxKC), which creates a competitive framework for private-sector investment in off-grid solar through grants, subsidies, and credit lines that improve access to foreign exchange,” he notes.
Safeguarding solar investments
The shift to solar is also being driven by cost-effectiveness. Dr Dickson shares that on-site solar is now cheaper (http://apo-opa.co/3YDs1BD) than the electricity tariffs paid by C&I clients in at least seven sub-Saharan markets.
Pointing to research by GreenCape (http://apo-opa.co/3Z6UyzC), which found that solar PV can reduce business energy costs by 15%, with a return on investment reached within three to 12 years, he highlights that after that, businesses can benefit from up to 15 years of free electricity.
However, Dr Dickson stresses that unlocking these savings requires protecting system components from damage and disruption. “Voltage spikes caused by lightning or grid instability can seriously damage inverters and batteries. Installing surge protection devices (SPDs) is critical, not just to prevent damage, but also to avoid voiding manufacturer warranties.”
Arcing is another serious threat. “When electrical currents jump across gaps, the heat generated can damage components or even start fires,” he explains. “DC circuit breakers designed specifically for solar systems are essential for mitigating this risk. They're built to handle the direct current generated by PV panels, ensuring safer and more reliable operation.”
Smart tech enables smarter solar use
In addition to physical protection, Dr Dickson advises businesses to embrace smart energy management tools to extend system life and optimise performance. “A smart power indicator can detect grid interruptions and send immediate alerts, helping businesses respond quickly. These systems can temporarily disconnect non-essential high-energy devices during an outage to prevent overload and preserve battery life. At the same time, they ensure that essential systems like security and lighting continue operating during downtime.”
Optimising solar ROI in 2025
He believes that the key to unlocking solar's full potential lies in strategic system design and management. “By combining surge protection, DC breakers, and monitoring tools, businesses can reduce unexpected costs, minimise downtime, and extend the life of their investment.”
“As Africa's solar energy market continues to expand in 2025, organisations have an opportunity to capitalise on its long-term benefits. With the right technologies and safeguards in place, solar is not only a clean energy solution it's a strategic asset that pays off,” concludes Dr Dickson.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CBI-electric: low voltage.
About CBi-electric: low voltage:
- Established in 1949, CBi-electric: low voltage is a manufacturer and supplier of quality low voltage electrical distribution, protection, and control equipment. Previously known as Circuit Breaker Industries or CBI, the company specialises in the design, development, and manufacturing of circuit breakers, residential current devices, surge protection, wiring accessories, and metering products.
- Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company is a subsidiary of renowned JSE listed industrial group Reunert (http://apo-opa.co/4iV5abY), established in 1888, with international operations across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and USA.
- CBi-electric: low voltage can be found in almost every home and has firmly become a market leader over the last 75 years while supplying products to authorities, utilities, manufacturers, commercial property developers, industrial, mining, telecommunications, and general power distribution applications.
- In 2021, the brand launched its smart IoT (internet-of-things) home automation range, called the Astute Range.