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Showers are one of the most water-intensive activities in the home, but there are many ways to reduce your water usage. Here are some tips on how to save water in the shower: Install a low-flow showerhead: Replace old showerheads with low-flow models. Look for showerheads with the Water Sense label. Take shorter showers: Consider …
Toilets are one of the biggest water users in the home, but there are many ways to reduce their water consumption. Here are some simple fixes and smart tips to help you save water in the toilet: Fix leaks: A single leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Check for …
The bathroom is one of the most water-intensive rooms in the house, but there are many simple changes you can make to significantly reduce your water usage. Here are some effective tips to help you save water in the bathroom: Fix leaks: Check your taps, toilets, and showerheads for leaks and fix them promptly. You …
Deputy President Mashatile to continue engagements with Ministers
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to meet with Ministers in the different portfolios in Cape Town on Tuesday.
According to the Deputy President’s Office, this will be a continuation of his engagements with the core ministries that have a direct bearing on his delegated responsibilities by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The meetings - which will be held at Tuynhuys - will discuss and agree on a common programme of action for the seventh administration.
The Deputy President will meet the Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina.
Last week, the Deputy President met with the Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen at Tuynhuys.
At the time, the Presidency said the meeting was a continuation of engagements by the Deputy President with the core Ministries that have a direct bearing on his delegated responsibilities by President Ramaphosa.
The sessions will get underway at 9am . – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 14:02
The inaugural Splash Tri Dash which took place at Amanzimtoti Main Beach on Sunday, 25 August, supported by Sapphire Coast Tourism, was a massive success, attracting hundreds of spectators and some of the country’s top competitors. The titles were taken by two of the country’s best triathletes; Henri Schoeman (32) the Olympic bronze medallist in …
Just a year after the official sod-turning ceremony in 2023, the first residents of the eco-focused Serenity Hills estate on the KZN South Coast have taken up residence. This is a significant milestone for the vibrant coastal estate, with momentum set to increase as more investors discover this unique residential gem near Margate. “Handing over …
Treasury welcomes NDB funding commitments for freight logistics, water projects
The National Treasury has welcomed the funding commitments by the New Development Bank (NDB) to critical freight logistics and water projects.
The bank, during the 9th Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the NDB in Cape Town this week, announced that its Board had approved a US$1billion loan to South Africa for financing water and sanitation infrastructure development under the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).
Additionally, it was announced that a R5 billion loan agreement with Transnet was also extended.
“We welcome the NDB's funding commitments. They will go a long way in assisting us with the funding challenges faced by some of our programmes and parastatals. Every cent is welcome.
"Of course, many of our broader plans for infrastructure pipeline development and funding will be unpacked during the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in October,” said Minister of Finance and NDB Governor, Enoch Godongwana.
The annual meeting included engaging sessions and seminars focused on energy; unlocking financing for sustainable development in emerging markets and developing countries; and the role of development finance institutions in infrastructure investment.
Godongwana said government looked to the NDB to provide solutions aimed at de-risking infrastructure projects through its financial instruments to attract private capital.
This, he said, would support infrastructure projects and provide technical assistance in designing innovative funding models and institutional arrangements that could accelerate infrastructure investments at a country-level.
“However, if the bank is to continue advancing the interests of the developing world and addressing challenges such as renewable energy, infrastructure development, digital access, and job creation then the NDB must make a concerted effort to speed-up disbursements of approved projects,” said the Minister. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sun, 09/01/2024 - 09:30
KwaMashu Christian Care Society has not been paying bills. Now water has been cut off.
Investing in high-quality winter clothing now will pay off later, stay warm with these jackets from Hi-Tec. Accessibility to the great outdoors shouldn’t be limited because of the weather. Bundle up in everything you need from windbreakers to rain jackets. You can be a trailblazer and retain peak functionality even in the coldest weather with …
Call to use water wisely
As South Africa enters a new season of spring, the Department of Water and Sanitation has called on the public to use the available water wisely and sparingly, as water levels continue to drop in the watercourses.
The department reiterated that South Africa is a dry and water scarce country where every drop counts, and this makes it critical that the public always practice water conservation and use the available water wisely in everything they do.
South Africans celebrate Spring Day on 1 September annually, and this is considered to be a sign of ushering in a new season.
It is tradition in South Africa that the public, particularly children, engage in all sorts of activities such as spraying each other with water.
“Pouring each other with water in the name of welcoming spring on Spring Day might look cool but it adds to water wastage and contributes to the loss of precious water which we cannot afford.
“Spring is high time that we must strengthen water conservation initiatives as it comes with hot temperatures associated with high evaporation leading to less water availability,” the department said.
With climate change upon us, the department emphasised that it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent water losses and contribute to sustainable water supply.
“Everyone can play a part in water security by using water wisely and sparingly through fixing leaks and reporting bulk pipeline leaks to the relevant authorities, not leaving the tap to run while washing your face or brushing teeth, filling kettles with just enough water for the specific need and using a bucket to wash a car,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/30/2024 - 12:19
The Nellmapius Extension 4 residents say they weren’t consulted about the move and demand that the flood victims be removed in three months
Call to place young people in critical infrastructure projects
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has emphasised that every project, from ideation to implementation, must include the upskilling, reskilling, and placement of young people, through emerging industrialist apprenticeships.
Chikunga was speaking at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) learning event on youth unemployment crisis and gender equity.
“The country is currently facing a situation where serious infrastructure projects, from small harbours development, rail, road, and rural bridge construction to human settlements projects, water sanitation projects, and energy, are in [the] pipeline. It is about time that we insist that no labour is imported for these projects while unemployed graduates are sitting at home,” Chikunga said at Thursday’s event.
Putting in place sustainable interventions
Chikunga underscored a need for strategies to cultivate all of the country’s resources in a coherent and purposeful effort and put forward interventions that can be sustained into the future.
The Minister argued that South Africa cannot have youth hopping from one learnership to another, and from one internship to another.
She emphasised the need for an emerging industrialist programme that reaches every corner of the country.
“These interventions should, in line with our DDM (District Development Model), be implemented at national, provincial and local levels by government, parastatals, organisations within civil society and the private sector working within the framework of reconstruction and development.
“In order to respond in a more purposeful way, we are called upon to transcend traditional boundaries and do away with siloed interventions and adopt a more integrated and coordinated approach,” Chikunga said at the gathering held in Sandton, Johannesburg.
According to the Minister, a lack of industrial dynamism, youth unemployment, the high cost of living, economic inactivity, violent crime, and a lack of social cohesion, are all multidimensional challenges that require what economists refer to as a “Mission-Oriented Approach” to development.
“We are required to set ambitious goals; foster creative public-private collaborations; approach the state as a patient investor-of first resort; and develop dynamic capabilities to adapt and steer the mission as it evolves.
“The NYDA, for example, must be transformed into a capability that is able to gather market and economic intelligence about the future of industry and work; identify emerging strategic opportunities; measure (cross sectoral) impact of policies; enhance our ability to spot risks/opportunities; increase our ability to anticipate and adapt; and support new agents of systemic socio-economic change.”
Research capability
She also challenged the NYDA to have a well-resourced research capability that is able to provide situational awareness.
“[The NYDA] must address the questions such as: in light of the youth question, where are we, where should we be going, and what is likely to get in our way [both threats and opportunities], as we navigate to that collectively desired destination.
“What adjustments, if any, do we need to make to deal with the threats and make the most of opportunities? Through knowledge management, we must be able to anticipate, respond, and navigate uncertainties and potential crises,” Chikunga said.
In efforts to attract manufacturing, promote beneficiation and drive industrialisation, Chikunga stressed a need to ensure that women and youth have access to land for agricultural purposes and related value chains. She also stressed the need for an emerging industrialist fund to turn young people’s ideas and innovation into productive economic activities.
She also spoke of a need to engage with all unemployed graduates, listening to their experiences, understanding their needs, and working with them to pursue sustainable opportunities; as well as a need for a cap on the minerals that leave as unprocessed rocks.
‘We need to leverage public procurement to provide off-take for youth and women owned business. We can only do this if we leverage our convening powers as government,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 13:52
“Please accommodate our motion to write off our debts”
Hlabisa outlines vision for strengthened local government
In an address to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Wednesday, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, shared his vision for a robust and resilient local government system.
The Minister participated in the Three Sphere Planning session with the theme: ’Towards an Oversight Agenda for the Seventh Parliament: Delineating Key Oversight Priorities for the NCOP in the Seventh Parliament’.
The session forms part of the NCOP’s objective to promote cooperative governance and intergovernmental relations and ensure that the three spheres of government work together when they fulfil their constitutional functions.
The Minister emphasised local government’s key role in delivering services and as a foundation for democratic governance, social development, and community empowerment.
Highlighting the importance of Sections 152, 153, and 154 of the Constitution, Hlabisa reiterated that municipalities must focus on meeting community needs, promoting economic and social development, and actively engage in national and provincial initiatives.
“He stressed that national and provincial governments have a duty to support municipalities to ensure effective governance and sustainable development,” said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in a statement.
Hlabisa also noted the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.
This partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between traditional leaders and municipal councils, enhancing governance in rural areas.
“This MoU marks a significant step towards better communication and mutual respect between municipal councillors and traditional and Khoi-San leaders,” the Minister said.
He also presented the State of Local Government Report 2023, noting progress in reducing the number of distressed municipalities and increasing those classified as stable.
However, he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in financial management and infrastructure.
Municipal infrastructure
Turning to municipal infrastructure, Hlabisa acknowledged ongoing challenges and highlighted the support provided by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA).
Despite the long road network and improvements in electricity access, issues such as deteriorating water and sanitation infrastructure and inadequate waste management persist.
“Support through MISA and increased funding are crucial, but we must also address the underlying issues impacting infrastructure performance.
“Our focus will be [on] improving infrastructure conditions, particularly in distressed municipalities, and integrating climate change adaptation into planning.”
Hlabisa concluded with a call for continued collaboration and commitment to overcoming challenges.
“Together, we will build a local government system that is resilient, responsive, and capable of meeting the needs of all South Africans,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/29/2024 - 10:46
Transform your home climate with LG commercial air conditioning systems When considering climate control for luxury homes, townhouses, and upscale multi-family dwellings, many homeowners overlook a premium solution hiding in plain sight – commercial air conditioning systems. Kichang Jung, Air Solutions Product Director at LG Electronics South Africa, believes it’s time to take advantage of …
When considering adding a unique and functional structure to your backyard, a wendy house is an excellent choice. These quaint structures serve multiple purposes, from being a playful retreat for children to a practical storage space. This article provides a comprehensive look at wendy Houses, highlighting their versatility and the factors that influence wendy House …
President Ramaphosa assents law advancing water security for South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has enacted a legislation that will enable South Africa to expand bulk water infrastructure and improve the management of existing water assets to ensure water security over the next decade.
President Ramaphosa assented to the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Bill which establishes a new agency that will be responsible for developing and managing national water infrastructure, and will be able to mobilise finance for new projects through innovative models to crowd in private investment.
The new legislation, signed by the President, forms part of reforms in the water sector aimed at increasing investment in the maintenance and construction of water infrastructure and improved water quality.
These reforms are driven by Operation Vulindlela – a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.
“The initiative aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport, and digital communications. The new law flows from a project of the Department of Water and Sanitation to restructure the South African national water resources infrastructure,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Presidency said over the past few years, there has been an emerging recognition of the need for a stronger public sector in the key area of infrastructure development, effective maintenance, operation, and management of existing infrastructure, and to support social and economic development.
The South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Act establishes the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited as a vehicle to achieve the strategic objectives of government to eradicate poverty and to ensure sustainable and equitable development, including promoting the State’s socio-economic and transformation objectives.
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, and to establish an agency that is able to raise funds on its own balance sheet to increase investment in water infrastructure.
The Act outlines the establishment of the Agency as a State-owned Company and major public entity. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:22
Public-private partnership to tackle water crisis - Mashatile
Government is introducing a public-private partnership (PPP) model in water supply, working with National Treasury and the Department of Water and Sanitation.
According to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, this initiative aims to resolve the potential water crisis, similar to how it has successfully addressed the energy and load shedding crisis.
“We need to act before there is a crisis,” said Deputy President Mashatile on Tuesday.
Mashatile, in his capacity as Leader of Government Business in Parliament, was delivering a keynote address during the first Three-Sphere Planning session of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) of the seventh Parliament in Cape Town.
He informed Members of the NCOP that, through the District Development Model (DDM) in Waterberg, Limpopo, and with private sector involvement, government is implementing much-needed interventions to create opportunities for the community.
“In eThekwini, we have been resolving the water crisis to the extent that we are beginning to see much-needed changes in the functioning of the municipality."
Together with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mashatile said they will be visiting Giyani to assess the state of progress in ensuring that people have water in that part of the province.
“This is going to be the modus operandi of the seventh administration because we want to ensure that we do not have a water crisis in the country. We need to go to these communities and resolve the problems.”
However, the Deputy President is of the view that the success of the DDM lies in the speed of execution as a modus operandi, which should be adopted across the three spheres of government.
“We need to ensure that from the point of view of the Executive, we are entrenching the discipline of getting things done. In this regard, we are working on measures that will ensure the introduction of legislation by the Executive in Parliament is done timeously. Equally, we are ensuring that when Bills are introduced in the National Assembly, they must follow all the compliance processes so that the constitutionality of the proposed legislation is not compromised.”
The Deputy President believes this is an important task to avoid litigation.
“Honourable Members, as we gather here today, we must ensure that we sharpen and crystallise a common understanding of the three overarching policy priorities of the seventh administration.”
The planning session is being held under the theme: "Establishing an Oversight Agenda for the Seventh Parliament: Defining Key Oversight Priorities for the NCOP in the Seventh Parliament".
Parliament’s strategic innovation emphasises joint and integrated planning, encouraging collaborative work in programme planning and implementation across government.
The session is aimed at ensuring that the NCOP institutionalises and implements a comprehensive Three-Sphere Planning oversight framework and mechanism, in line with the constitutional mandate of promoting the principles of cooperative governance coordination.
Government believes this will enhance the effective implementation of key transformation priorities, in line with National Development Plan Vision 2030. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 15:13
Whether you’re looking for a substitute ingredient, or trying to make the grocery budget stretch a little further, these clever swaps will save you in a pinch Cooking isn’t just about following recipes, it’s also about being resourceful, especially when you find yourself missing a key ingredient. Fortunately, many kitchen staples have substitutes that can …
Majodina receives preliminary report into Riverlands dam failure
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has received a preliminary report into what led to the failure of three dams located in Riverlands farm in the Swartland Local Municipality.
Majodina granted departmental engineers time to conduct diligent and adequate investigation into what led to the failure of three farm dams located in Riverlands in the Western Cape.
This follows the failure of three farm dams that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.
The department said the preliminary report into what led to the failure of the dams has been finalised and handed over to the Minister on Monday, following a two-week investigation.
“Upon studying the report, Minister Majodina will make public the findings thereof in due course,” the department said.
Majodina has commended the team of engineers, led by the Head of Specialist Unit: Dam Safety, Wally Ramokopa, for swift action to avert further disaster in the area, and investigating the cause of the failure of the dams.
READ | Support for Riverlands displaced families continues
While the Department of Water and Sanitation does not own the failed dams, it exercises a regulatory function over all the dams in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 08/27/2024 - 10:59
Water pressure in Bertrams is too low to fill geysers
The former municipal manager and department director in the Dihlabeng Local Municipality appeared in court on Friday
A year after the tragedy, survivors and families of those who died in the Usindiso building want compensation
Workshop raises awareness on importance of environmental conservation
The Department of Water and Sanitation has held a workshop to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on water resources and the environment.
The 6th Citizen Science awareness workshop was held recently in Gauteng’s Tembisa, in partnership with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and Nature Speaks.
Citizen Science is a powerful tool that harnesses the knowledge and participation of local communities in scientific research and environmental monitoring.
The session was held with an intention to educate and engage local traditional healers on the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable water resource management.
Among the key objectives of the workshop was to provide traditional healers with training on how to identify sources of pollution in their local areas [as] they often perform rituals and ceremonies in natural spaces, including rivers, making them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of pollution and environmental degradation.
Citizen Science national coordinator, Noloyiso Mbiza, highlighted the significance of the workshop in empowering traditional healers to better understand and protect their natural surroundings.
“By involving traditional healers, who often interact closely with natural ecosystems, the workshop aimed to raise awareness about the impact of human activities on water resources and the environment,” Mbiza said.
Mbiza, who is also a traditional healer, emphasised the role of traditional healers as custodians of traditional knowledge and practices, and the importance of integrating this knowledge with modern environmental conservation efforts.
“We also provide them with the tools to investigate pollution in their catchment areas, so they can understand where the pollutants are coming from. This is important because it directly affects them, given that they spend about 95% of their time in the affected environment.
“By equipping traditional healers with the skills to recognise and address environmental threats, the workshop aimed to promote sustainable practices that minimise harm to water resources and ecosystems,” Mbiza said.
She added that the collaborative efforts underscore the importance of partnerships in promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement.
By bringing together government agencies, research institutions, and local community organisations, the workshop facilitated dialogue, knowledge exchange, and capacity building among traditional healers and environmental stakeholders.
In addition, traditional healers, who attended the workshop, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and engage with government and environmental organisations.
They also highlighted the importance of inclusive and community-driven approaches to environmental awareness and conservation.
Building on the success of the 6th Citizen Science awareness workshop, the next workshop will be held in Tembisa on 30 August 2024, and will be open to all members of the local community, including residents interested in learning more about citizen science, environmental conservation, and sustainable water management practices. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 10:17