Only Nine of 55 Villages Get Water From Controversial Multi-Billion Rand Project
Deputy President Paul Mashatile promises that by November a dozen more villages would get tap water via the Giyani Water Project
Water
South Africa’s Positive Momentum Bodes Well for Property on the Kzn South Coast
The country’s peaceful transition to a Government of National Unity has sparked optimistic sentiment among investors, with interest in KZN South Coast properties one of the positive spinoffs of this economic upturn. Coupled with the unique natural beauty, affordable prices, and idyllic coastal location, interest in KZN South Coast properties is only set to grow. …
Honouring heroes of SA’s liberation struggle
Honouring heroes of SA’s liberation struggle
Government has planted indigenous trees at the site earmarked for the Forest of Freedom in honour of the heroes and heroines who contributed to South Africa's liberation struggle.
“By planting these trees at the Forest of Freedom, we are also honouring the 30 years of democracy and freedom,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts said on Sunday in Pretoria.
Addressing the launch of the Arbor Month Campaign at Freedom Park, the Deputy Minister said the infrastructure, together with the cultural and historical essence that Freedom Park symbolises, made it the most suitable venue to host the launch of the campaign.
“Freedom Park is the custodian of South Africa’s cultural and historic information. It has a wide variety of South African woodland tree species and because of its location and infrastructure it has become a home of many cultural events.
“In recent times major construction work took place to fit in a high-pressure water pipe from a reservoir situated in the Freedom Park precinct to supply the City of Tshwane with water. In the preparatory work of laying the pipe, a significant amount of land clearing and deforestation was done. In order to reclaim the disturbed area, the Forest of Freedom was conceptualised,” Swarts said.
The project involves planting and putting back some of the vegetation, including trees, that were removed in the process of clearing.
Certain key woodland species were identified to be placed in the area. The first 30 trees that were planted are dedicated to the 30 years of South Africa’s Freedom.
“The rest of other trees and shrubs will be planted to complete the Forest of Freedom. In future, key individuals will be invited to plant trees in the forest as a symbol of remembrance of their visit to Freedom Park,” she said.
Trees were also planted at other community parks within the City of Tshwane, including at Kalafong Park in Atteridgeville, Springbok Park in Hatfield, and Fountains Valley Resort in the Groenkloof Nature Reserve, south of Pretoria.
“There are reasons why we chose to plant trees at these specific parks. For instance, we chose Kalafong Park because the Kalafong community is benefiting from the park through the provision of open recreational space as well as a fitness park. Before the intervention to establish a park, the area was used as a quarry to mine soil. It was a big hole that was excavated by the housing and construction developers to mine soil and sand.
“Springbok Park is currently managed through an Adopt -A- Spot programme initiative. The initiative was established to encourage community, business organisations and other independent entities to partner with City of Tshwane in ensuring parks, open spaces and other public recreational spaces are well taken care of and beautified where possible. Thus far, the partners of the Springbok Park are doing very well,” the Deputy Minister said.
In their first year, they managed to erect a new fence and kept the park clean.
“It is important to retain the indigenous flora approach on this park to preserve its National Monument status for the coming generations because educational activities for both future generations and community.
“The Fountains Valley was chosen to showcase the restoration work that the City of Tshwane is doing at the park. Due to old age, the Celtis trees growing at the Fountains valley are dying. In the quest to preserve the Celtis trees, the City of Tshwane started on a restoration drive.
“Young Celtis trees are integrated within the existing Groenkloof Reserve and at the Fountains Valley. This is a continuous process that will take place until the diminishing Forest Celtis trees are saved,” the Deputy Minister said.
By the end of the National Arbor Month Campaign, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment would have planted 3 500 trees at various parks within the City of Tshwane.
The tree planting activities also seek to highlight the Ten Million Trees Programme, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“Arbor Month has found a permanent place in our events calendar as a way of celebrating and increasing awareness on the importance of trees, whilst recognising their contribution in managing deforestation and biodiversity,” the Deputy Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 08:47
284 views
South African Mother of Four Conquers Seven African Peaks in an Epic 14-Day Expedition
Wilderness, Garden Route, South Africa – September 9, 2024 : Love Botha, a South African mother of four, has achieved an extraordinary feat by summiting seven of Africa’s highest peaks in just 14 days. Her journey through the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda is not only a testament to remarkable endurance and resilience but also a profound …
Minister George weighs in on future of circular economy in Africa
Minister George weighs in on future of circular economy in Africa
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George says the circular economy has the potential to address some of Africa’s “environment complexities”.
The Minister was speaking at the African Circular Economy Alliance (ACEA) Ministerial briefing dinner held in Côte d'Ivoire.
The circular economy refers to a model in which products are re-used and recycled, waste is reduced, and products are re-designed.
“The circular economy holds the potential to address many of the environmental complexities we face, including the issues related to the theme of this AMCEN [African Ministerial Conference on the Environment] 10th Special Session — drought resilience, land degradation, and desertification.
“Circular agriculture, for instance, offers solutions for regenerating degraded soils and reducing water stress. By utilising organic waste as a resource, we can enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and restore ecosystems,” George said on Friday.
He emphasised that tackling plastic pollution, “which continues to degrade our lands and rivers”, is as important.
“The ACEA must play a prominent role in providing technical knowhow on [the] circular economy and extended producer responsibility implementation in processes such as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
“In addition, the recent research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveals that agricultural soils may receive greater quantities of microplastics than oceans, affecting both the quality of our soils and our food systems. This is where a circular economy can play a key role in mitigating and addressing plastic pollution,” the Minister explained.
Taking the lead
George told the gathering that Africa – with all of its rich natural endowments – must be at the forefront of change.
“Africa must take the lead in developing sustainable alternatives, promoting recycling technologies, and integrating circular economy principles into the plastics value chain. Moreover, we must consider the role and governance of critical minerals, which are essential for the global green energy transition.
“Africa’s mineral wealth is unparalleled, but we must extract and manage these resources in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. A circular approach can ensure that we maximise the value of these materials while minimising environmental and social harm.
“This includes developing frameworks for ‘materials as a service’, extending the lifecycle of products, and fostering technological innovation to reduce the need for new extraction.”
The Minister highlighted that land has a “critical role” to play in Africa’s future circular economy.
“Africa’s rich biodiversity and vast landscapes are both our greatest asset and our greatest responsibility. The Abidjan Legacy Programme, launched at the UNCCD [United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification] COP15 in May 2022, provides a clear roadmap for advancing towards Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030.
“I believe that integrating circular economy principles into this programme will not only help us restore degraded lands but will also contribute to building resilient communities and achieving food security.
“We have the opportunity to redefine our economic model, not only for the benefit of our environment but also for the future prosperity of our people. Let us seize this moment, using the power of circularity to combat environmental degradation, create jobs, and build the sustainable Africa we envision in Agenda 2063,” George concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 13:06
182 views
IAEA Concludes Long Term Operation Safety Review at South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts today completed a review of long term operational safety of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in South Africa.
The Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) follow-up review mission was requested by the plant's operator, Eskom. Koeberg Units one and two started commercial operation in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Koeberg's Unit 1 received a license to continue operating until 2044 in July this year, and Eskom is planning to extend operation of Unit 2 until 2045.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant is located approximately 30 kilometers north of Cape Town, South Africa, and provides around 5 per cent of the country's electricity, playing a vital role in reducing reliance on coal. It is the only commercially operating nuclear power station on the African continent. Koeberg is equipped with two pressurized water reactors with a combined capacity of 1934 MW(e), making it a key component of South Africa's energy infrastructure.
During the 3 to 6 September mission, the SALTO team's review focused on aspects essential to the safe Long Term Operation (LTO) of both units. The mission reviewed Koeberg NPP's response to recommendations and suggestions made during an IAEA SALTO mission in 2022, which built upon an initial IAEA pre-SALTO mission held at the plant in 2019.
“The team observed that the plant is addressing the SALTO team's suggestions and recommendations from the 2022 review,” said team leader and IAEA Nuclear Safety Officer Bryce Lehman. “Based on its efforts, the plant has made significant improvements in ageing management and resolved most of the issues identified in 2022. The plant is on track to complete the remaining items in a reasonable timeframe.”
The team – comprising two experts from the Czech Republic and Slovenia, and two IAEA staff members – said the plant had:
- Updated the LTO programme ensuring that all long-term operation activities are systematically planned, executed on schedule, and aligned with safety and operational standards.
- Completed the revalidation of environmental qualification for qualified cables ensuring that nuclear facility cables remain capable of safely performing under specific environmental conditions over time, despite aging or wear.
- Completed the revalidation of the Time Limited Ageing Analysis (TLAAs) for concrete structures, including the containment TLAA.
The team noted that the plant needs to continue its work to ensure that:
- The plant programmes supporting LTO are fully implemented for the LTO period.
- The containment monitoring system is fully refurbished and remains fully functional during the LTO period.
Plant management expressed a determination to maintain the level of preparedness for safe LTO and to further cooperate with the IAEA in this area.
“For us, this is an integral part of the IAEA's supporting service to ensure safe operation of the Koeberg reactors during the LTO period for the next 20 years. The IAEA SALTO missions, and technical cooperation, helped to improve our continued focus on safe operation,” said Keith Featherstone, Chief Nuclear Officer, Nuclear Operating Unit, Eskom. “Eskom has worked diligently to demonstrate and ensure the safe operation of the Koeberg plant today and into the future and together with the IAEA carried out four review missions and several technical support discussions. We appreciate the IAEA's support and the independent review against international safety standards. We will continue to collaborate in the future as part of our drive to continuously improve,” he added.
The team provided a draft report to the plant management and to the South African National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) at the end of the mission. They will have an opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. A final report will be submitted to the plant management, the NNR and the South African Government within three months.
Background
General information about SALTO missions can be found on the IAEA Website. A SALTO peer review is a comprehensive safety review addressing strategy and key elements for the safe long term operation of nuclear power plants. They complement OSART missions, which are designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. Neither SALTO nor OSART reviews are regulatory inspections, nor are they design reviews or substitutes for an exhaustive assessment of a plant's overall safety status.
LTO of nuclear power plants is defined as operation beyond an established time frame determined by the license term, the original plant design, relevant standards, or national regulations. As stated in IAEA safety standards, to maintain a plant's fitness for service, consideration should be given to life limiting processes and features of systems, structures, and components (SSC), as well as to reasonably practicable safety upgrades to enhance the safety of the plant to a level approaching that of modern plants.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Law enforcement commended for R20 million copper recovery
Law enforcement commended for R20 million copper recovery
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has commended law enforcement agencies for the arrest of a 59-year-old suspect linked to the theft of copper worth over R20 million.
The stolen copper was recovered this week from a scrapyard on Martin Drive in Queensburgh, south-west of Durban.
Buthelezi said every year, criminal syndicates cause hundreds of millions of rands in damage to public infrastructure that provides essential services, including water, electricity and sanitation.
“These criminals sell the stolen metals to unscrupulous scrapyard dealers, severely hampering municipalities' ability to serve their communities. We are pleased to see that law enforcement is gaining the upper hand in the fight against these criminals who perpetuate economic sabotage through their actions,” Buthelezi said.
Buthelezi emphasised the importance of community involvement in combating these crimes and urged the public to work closely with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities.
“The fight against crime is a collective effort. We need the eyes and ears of our communities to help us protect our public assets,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/06/2024 - 13:53
95 views
Women in Limpopo Village Had to Dig Their Own Water Well
Vhembe District Municipality says repairs to faulty boreholes across Elim will be done by end September
Cabinet welcomes efforts to ensure water security over the next decade
Cabinet welcomes efforts to ensure water security over the next decade
Cabinet says efforts to improve the management of existing water assets and ensure water security over the next decade has been boosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa's assent to the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Bill.
According to the Acting Minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, the new legislation will also see that a new agency responsible for developing and managing national water infrastructure is established.
READ | President Ramaphosa assents law advancing water security for South Africa
The plan is to also mobilise finance for new projects through innovative models to crowd in private investment.
“Cabinet welcomes the new legislation as signifying a critical step in the reform process to increase investment in the maintenance and construction of water infrastructure and improvement of water quality,” the Minister said on Thursday.
Ramokgopa was addressing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
The new legislation will also enable South Africa to expand bulk water infrastructure.
In a statement released by the Presidency last month, it explained that the law seeks to address the current fragmentation in water resource management between the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and the Water Trading Entity.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will be visiting Limpopo to assess progress achieved in various intervention projects undertaken to improve water services in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality on Friday and Saturday.
The Deputy President will conduct the visit as Chairperson of the task team established to address water challenges in various areas of the country.
The task team is an institutional coordinating mechanism, which brings together key role players within government to provide leadership and technical assistance towards the resolution of challenges in water services in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 12:32
80 views
Slight GDP increase sets ‘a positive tone’ – Ramokgopa
Slight GDP increase sets 'a positive tone' - Ramokgopa
Cabinet has called on all sectors of South Africa to build on the momentum of the slightly increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This is according to Acting Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa who briefed the media on Thursday, following a regular meeting held by Cabinet this week.
Earlier this week, Statistics South Africa reported that the economy has grown by some 0.4% during the second quarter of 2024.
“Cabinet noted the slight increase in the growth of the South African economy…which sets a positive tone for our overall economic performance for the year. South Africa’s economy remains robust and Cabinet encourages all sectors of society to build on this momentum going forward.
“When all sectors build on this momentum as a nation, we will realise the creation of more jobs and improve the living standards of all South Africans.
“Cabinet has prioritised inclusive economic growth and job creation for the Seventh Administration and therefore existing interventions will be intensified to achieve this objective,” Ramokgopa said.
Investment and infrastructure development
Ramokgopa told the briefing that government remains focused on growing the economy, reducing unemployment and creating a more resilient investment climate.
In that regard, she said, Cabinet welcomed the launch of the R1.1 billion automotive components manufacturing facility at the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The massive investment by Toyota Tsusho Africa (Pty) Ltd and Ogihara Thailand Corporation Ltd is a vote of confidence on South Africa’s position as a formidable destination for foreign direct investment.
“The investment also underscores the progress that has been made under the stewardship of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has championed an investment drive that has attracted more than R1.51 trillion in investor commitments since 2018.
“South Africa’s investment appeal continues to draw catalytic investments that affirm the government’s intent to drive economic growth and create jobs,” she said.
Furthermore, Ramokgopa noted that the recently approved R17.8 billion funding from the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) will accelerate infrastructure development in water and sanitation.
Transnet has also signed a R5 billion loan agreement with the NDB in support of the public entity’s improvement and modernisation efforts in freight rail.
“The recently approved R17.8 billion funding…for infrastructure projects in water and sanitation will reduce infrastructure backlogs and ensure the provision of basic services to poor households.
“Cabinet expressed appreciation for the funding, which will greatly accelerate infrastructure development in our nation and contribute to improving the lives of people,” Ramakgopa noted. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:45
123 views
Aussie-Owned West Coast Mining Company in Trouble
Owner of controversial Tormin mine is in business rescue
The Three Businessmen and the Gauteng Social Development Department’s Millions
The department says the Hawks are investigating the sustainable livelihoods programme but will not provide details
Crocworld and Team Release Juvenile Crowned Eagle Rescued From the Ocean
Even South Africa’s most powerful Eagle sometimes needs a little assistance. This was the case for one juvenile Crowned Eagle that was rescued by a family fishing out to see, after they spotted the bird floating on the water on 26 June. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Crocworld Conservation Centre, Scottburgh Veterinary Clinic, Ezemvelo …
Entries Now Open for the 2024 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon – A Comrades Qualifier
Sapphire Coast Tourism is excited to welcome runners, spectators, and supporters to Amanzimtoti for the highly anticipated Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon on Sunday, 27 October 2024. This early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon, organised by Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, is a great opportunity for athletes and visitors to experience this coastal gem. “We can …
Government welcomes positive GDP growth
Government welcomes positive GDP growth
Government has welcomed the country's positive economic growth, as reflected in the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures.
According to data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the GDP increased by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024, following a 0.0% growth in the first quarter.
On expenditure, real GDP rose by 0.5% in the second quarter, an improvement from the 0.1% decrease in the first quarter of 2024. Household consumption emerged as the largest positive contributor to overall growth, demonstrating the renewed confidence and spending power of South African households.
From a production perspective, the finance, real estate, and business services industry played a pivotal role, contributing 0.3% to the overall GDP growth. Other notable contributors include the manufacturing sector, trade, and the electricity, gas, and water supply industry, which saw a remarkable growth of 3.1%, driven by increased electricity generation and water distribution.
Acting Government spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa, said the second quarter's economic growth was a clear indication that South Africa’s economy is on a solid path to recovery.
“The positive trajectory also speaks to the effectiveness of the measures that have been implemented to support recovery and growth. The absence of load shedding has played a crucial role in revitalising key sectors, particularly the electricity, gas, and water supply industry.
“The government remains committed to implementing policies that will sustain and accelerate growth, ensuring that the benefits are felt by all South Africans,” Mnukwa said.
Government further acknowledges that sectors such as agriculture, mining, and forestry and fishing are experiencing challenges, but work is being done to provide relief that will ultimately restore growth in these sectors.
Mnukwa said government continues to support and foster an environment that encourages sustainable economic development. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 11:14
106 views
Beneficiaries express gratitude for Green Tourism Incentive Programme
Beneficiaries express gratitude for Green Tourism Incentive Programme
The Department of Tourism has invited eligible tourism enterprises to apply for support under the Green Tourism Incentive Programme’s (GTIP) 10th application window.
The window opened on 2 September 2024 and will remain open until 28 February 2025.
The GTIP was developed by the Department of Tourism in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to enable and encourage tourism enterprises to improve efficiency in the utilisation of energy and water resources in their operations.
In this way, the programme not only promotes compliance with responsible tourism principles, but also offers a mechanism for enterprises to reduce operational costs so they can operate in a sustainable and competitive manner.
The GTIP has enjoyed much success from tourism enterprises who applied for support.
Mokgaetji Flora Phala from Mminanoko Eco Guesthouse in Limpopo said: “I was spending R2 500 on electricity costs per month. I now spend R500 a month, saving between R1 500 to R2000 a month following the installation of energy solutions. The GTIP is a great initiative that helps a lot and can be recommended to other businesses.”
Chris de Vries from Maribelle's B&B in Pretoria, Gauteng, said the amount spent on electricity was high before the installations, but it has gone down significantly.
“It is still too early to tell the exact amounts, but I have noticed a significant saving from the installations. I would definitely recommend other business to get access to this programme; it is very beneficial,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gugulethu Nogaya from Imvomvo Country Lodge in MaXesibeni, Eastern Cape, said energy consumption prior to the installation of energy solutions averaged at 24 000 kWh per month.
“Since the installation it has reduced our monthly energy consumption by half. We were spending approximately R60 000.00 on diesel during peak load shedding, but that has now dropped to less than R5 000 per month only when there are power outages. I would highly recommend the GTIP programme for all lodges, B&B’s and other businesses as it significantly improves margins by reducing cost and increases customer satisfactions,” he said.
The GTIP offers partial grant funding on the cost of retrofitting tourism facilities with energy and water efficiency equipment and systems. The application process to access the GTIP is done through two phases:
• Phase 1: The applying Tourism enterprises undergoes a resource efficiency audit during which appropriate efficiency measures and solutions are recommended. The cost of this audit is fully covered under the GTIP programme.
• Phase 2: Eligible applicants (who completed phase 1) are able to apply for grant funding support of between 50% and 90% on the cost of installing relevant technologies and equipment recommended during the Phase 1 (capped at a maximum of R1 million per applicant).
The GTIP is administered by the IDC and all applications are received, processed and managed by the IDC on behalf of the Department of Tourism.
Since inception in November 2017 and June 2024, the GTIP has had nine application windows from which 216 applications were approved at a total grant value of more than R140 million.
Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, said initiatives such as the GTIP are contributing immensely to greening the tourism sector and in the process helping to sustain the future of this sector.
“Conserving our scarce natural resource is crucial to the sustainability of the tourism sector. As we work towards the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), programmes such as the GTIP become critical in reinforcing and supporting tourism enterprises to adopt responsible tourism practices.
“Accordingly, the GTIP aims to support tourism enterprises to retrofit their facilities with green technologies such as solar PV panels and water saving measures. I therefore encourage businesses to apply for funding support under the GTIP,” the Minister said.
Tourism enterprises can visit www.tourism.gov.za or www.idc.co.za to read more on the requirements, eligibility and qualifying criteria and the application processes for the GTIP. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:33
34 views
Effective Sun Protection With Heliocare 360
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial for maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance. Exposure to the sun can lead to premature aging, pigmentation, and even skin cancer. Incorporating high-quality sun protection into your daily routine can help shield your skin from these damaging effects. Heliocare 360: A Comprehensive Sun Care Solution …
Rhodes University Plans Water Independence From Municipality
“Our students and staff can no longer depend on a dying municipality” says vice-chancellor
SA economy grows by 0.4%
SA economy grows by 0.4%
South Africa’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024 with finance, real estate and the business services industry contributing most to the growth.
This is according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) which released the GDP results on Tuesday.
“The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 1.3%, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point to the GDP growth. Increased economic activities were reported for financial intermediation, auxiliary activities, real estate activities and other business services.
“The trade, catering and accommodation industry increased by 1.2%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, retail trade and accommodation,” Stats SA said.
According to the institution, manufacturing increased by some 1.1%, “contributing 0.1 of a percentage point”.
“Six of the ten manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates in the second quarter. The following divisions made the largest positive contributions: motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment; food and beverages; and basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery.
“The electricity, gas and water industry increased by 3.1%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. This was largely due to increases in electricity production and consumption, as well as water consumption,” Stats SA explained.
Decreases in transport, storage and communication contributed a -0.2% of a percentage point.
“Decreased economic activities were reported for land transport and transport support services.
“The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased by 2.1%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. This was primarily due to decreased economic activities reported for field crops and animal products,” the institution added.
In terms of expenditure on GDP, Stats SA reported that expenditure on GDP grew by 0.5% during 2024’s second quarter after a decrease of some 0.1% in the first quarter.
“Household final consumption expenditure [HFCE] increased by 1.4%, contributing 0.9 of a percentage point to the total growth. The highest growth rates were reported for services and semi-durable goods."
The main positive contributors to the increase in HFCE were expenditures on the ‘other’ category (4.5% and contributing 0.6 of a percentage point), clothing and footwear (3.2% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.2% and contributing 0.2 of a percentage point).
“Final consumption expenditure by general government increased by 1.0%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. This was mainly driven by increases in purchases of goods and services and compensation of employees,” Stats SA explained.
A decrease in exports out of South Africa was also noted.
“Net exports contributed negatively to expenditure on GDP. Exports of goods and services decreased by 0.4%, largely influenced by decreased trade in vegetable products; mineral products; vehicles and transport equipment excluding large aircraft; and base metals and articles of base metals.
“Imports of goods and services increased by 1.7%, largely influenced by increased trade in vehicles and transport equipment excluding large aircraft; vegetable products; mineral products; and textiles and textile articles,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 12:06
228 views
A Waterblommetjies Celebration
The annual Waterblommetjie Festival returns on Saturday 7 September. Windmeul Kelder and Rhebokskloof Estate outside Paarl will host a fun-filled day of festivities suitable for the whole family. The waterblommetjie (also known as Cape Pond Weed, Water Hawthorne, Vleikos, Aponogeton distachyos (Aponogetonaceae) is an indigenous delicacy that is only found in the Boland area of …
DP to visit Limpopo to assess state of Giyani water projects
DP to visit Limpopo to assess state of Giyani water projects
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday visit Limpopo to assess progress achieved in various intervention projects undertaken to improve water services in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality.
The Deputy President will conduct the visit as Chairperson of the task team established to address water challenges in various areas of the country.
The task team is an institutional coordinating mechanism, which brings together key role players within government to provide leadership and technical assistance towards the resolution of challenges in water services in the country.
“The two-day oversight visit is aimed at ensuring that there is access to functional basic water supply infrastructure for the surrounding communities of Giyani, as well as to deal with the long-standing challenges of water backlog in the area,” a statement by the Presidency said.
The visit will include a walkabout at the Nandoni Dam Pump Station and then the delegation will proceed to assess other projects, including a Canal at Xikukwana, Giyani Water Treatment Works, and a reticulation project at Nwakhuwani.
Deputy President Mashatile will also lead an engagement with members of the surrounding communities at the Thomo Community Hall to outline progress achieved by government in improving the reliability of water services to the area and promote transparency on water issues affecting different communities.
The Deputy President will be accompanied by the Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo, Limpopo Acting Premier Basikopo Makamu, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, district and local Mayors as well as traditional leadership representatives. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 10:04
194 views
How to Save Water in Your Garden
Water is a vital resource for all life on Earth, covering around 71% of the planet. It is crucial to conserve water to ensure we have enough fresh, clean water and to prevent water shortage and drought. This article provides tips on how to save water in your garden. If you save water, water saves …
5 Vital Water Recycling Tips
Water is one of our most precious resources, yet it is often wasted in daily activities. With increasing demands on water supplies and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, recycling water has become an essential practice for sustainability. By reusing water, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint, conserve natural resources, and ensure that …
Simple Tips to Help You Save Water in Your Kitchen
The kitchen is a significant water user in the house, but there are many ways to reduce your kitchen water usage. Like other areas around the house a few simple changes can make a big difference and help cut down on your water usage in the kitchen. Here are some simple tips to help you …