Water

1 March 2024

Government doing all it can to improve lives

Location: News

Government doing all it can to improve lives

Government is doing all it can to pursue a more just, inclusive and fundamentally transformed society, says Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng.

“Key to achieving this is ethical leadership in all spheres of government and in our context, in local government... [it] is at the epicentre of delivery of human rights,” Nkadimeng said on Friday.

Addressing the Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government currently underway in Johannesburg, Nkadimeng said ethical leadership embodies integrity, accountability and a commitment to serving the people who have entrusted government with their well-being.

“It means, for example, acknowledging the injustices of the past, addressing the present challenges, and ensuring that every citizen has access to the basic services they need to thrive.”

According to the Minister, ethical leadership entails a deep-rooted understanding of the importance to provide clean, running water to the elderly, as this will enable them to take their medication on time and maintain their health and dignity.

“It could also mean having a holistic comprehension of the intricacies of Local Economic Development (LED), recognising its role in developing sustainable growth, empowering local businesses, and catalysing socio-economic progress.

“...[Ethical leadership] could mean no corruption... in the delivery of services to our people and adhering to the principle of treating others as we wish to be treated ourselves.

“Our democracy has matured, with each election strengthening the voice of the people. We have seen landmark legislation enacted by the current government to safeguard human rights and promote equality,” Nkadimeng said.

LED is an approach towards economic development that allows and encourages local people to work together to achieve sustainable economic growth and development, thereby bringing economic benefits and improved quality of life for all residents in a local municipal area.

As a CoGTA programme, LED is intended to maximise the economic potential of all municipal localities throughout the country and to enhance the resilience of macro-economic growth through increased local economic growth, employment creation and development initiatives within the context of sustainable development.

Nkadimeng said government has made tangible improvements in expanding access to essential services, as reported by Statistics South Africa’s Census 2022.

“Yet, despite our achievements, our journey towards a truly just and equitable society is far from complete. We still face deep-rooted inequalities, systemic injustices and pervasive poverty that continue to marginalise millions of our fellow citizens.

“As leaders and stakeholders in local government, it is our duty to confront these challenges head-on, to prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society, and to work tirelessly to build a future where every person, regardless of their background, can thrive.

“We should, as a collective, ask ourselves, for example, if the people residing in the 66 dysfunctional municipalities are content with the current state of their municipalities and the limitations they face in accessing basic services,” the Minister said.

Ethics in the public service

Nkadimeng said the Constitution of South Africa requires a high standard of professional ethics in the public service.

“This therefore means that public administration must be governed by the democratic values and principles, as well as the standards for professional ethics enshrined in the Constitution,” she said.

Also speaking at the same event was the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Head, Advocate Shamila Batohi, who said in local government, service delivery is key.

“When there is no service delivery, people get frustrated,” she said.

Batohi said corruption affects people and in this regard, criminal investigations are crucial.

“Without committed leadership and ethical leadership, it is hard to deal with corruption. We need to make sure that we build strong leadership. We need to ensure that we put the right people in positions,” Batohi said.

Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Advocate Andy Mothibi, also emphasised the importance of ethical leadership.

Mothibi said poor governance leads to poor service delivery.

“It is important that we put in place measures that deal with corruption,” said Mothibi, adding that ethical leadership is needed in the whole of government.

The Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government marks the culmination of three years of collaborative efforts within the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI).

LGELI is a partnership between The Ethics Institute, the Department for Cooperative Governance, the South African Local Government Association and the Moral Regeneration Movement, which was established to develop the Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government, as envisaged in the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy.

It is a five-year project that commenced in October 2019 and is convened under the Chairpersonship of Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 13:05

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1 March 2024

SA, Netherlands recommit to cooperation in water and sanitation sector

Location: News

SA, Netherlands recommit to cooperation in water and sanitation sector

The governments of South Africa and the Netherlands have undertaken to explore more cooperation opportunities in the water and sanitation sector in order to strength the existing relations between the two States.

The two countries made the undertaking when Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu joined by Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, met with the Ambassador of the Netherlands to South Africa, Joanne Doornewaard, in Pretoria this week.

Mchunu and Doornewaard held their first meeting since the Ambassador was posted to South Africa in August 2023.

A number of issues were discussed at the meeting, including the bilateral agreement on water management between the two countries, as well as other collaboration opportunities in the water and sanitation sector.

Expanding on the existing relations between the two States, Mchunu acknowledged the expertise and contribution offered by the Netherlands in the water and sanitation space, saying that it has a significant impact.

Mchunu said the visit by His Majesty the King of Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima in South Africa in October last year, as part of the Blue Deal Project, demonstrated the love they have for the people of South Africa.

The Minister outlined some challenges that the country continues to face, including delipidating infrastructure at municipal level, resulting in water losses.

“South Africa remains one of the driest countries in the world, yet we have a high rate of non-venue water at municipal level, losing so much water that we so need. We need lots of work around this matter [through] investing more in our water infrastructure to ensure that we nip this in a bud,” Mchunu said.

He said that South Africa has more challenges in water services than it has with water resources.

Mchunu, however, maintained there is no water crisis in the country but is experiencing “isolated incidents that do not equate to a crisis".

Phillips said the department and the sector at large are reaping the benefits of some programmes undertaken by the Netherlands government under the Blue Deal Project, particularly in the supply chain management in infrastructure procurement.

“We have had an internationally renowned expert in infrastructure procurement, who has imparted so much knowledge that we are currently implementing to modernise our systems. This is going to make a huge improvement in our service delivery, and we want to take this to our water boards and municipalities to implement as well,” Phillips said.

Doornewaard outlined several projects that they want to undertake in Limpopo and other parts of the country, as part of support to the country’s water challenges and other sectors.

“We just want to lend a helping hand to the country,” Doornewaard said.

South Africa and the Netherlands signed the Blue Deal agreement, which aims to support water management by exchanging knowledge and experience. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 13:30

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1 March 2024

Auditor General gives damning report on police headquarters

Location: News

This was just hours after workers at the Telkom Towers office were evacuated after it was declared unfit for human use

1 March 2024

DWS kickstarts National Water Month

Location: News

DWS kickstarts National Water Month

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will be embarking on advocacy programmes as part of National Water Month.

Today, the department kick-starts National Water Month, which is conceptualised along the annual commemoration of World Water Day.

World Water Day is spearheaded by the United Nations (UN) and is observed on 22 March.

The UN uses World Water Day to focus attention on the global water crisis and raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water, with the aim of aspiring nations to commit to long-term action.

This is to ensure that everyone in the world has access to safe water by 2030, while not impacting the environment.

World Water Day also brings attention to the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

This year’s Water Day will be observed under the theme, 'Leveraging Water for Peace', which encourages communities and countries to use water as a tool for peace, when cooperating over this precious shared resource.

The theme also highlights that water can spark and intensify conflict when access is denied and usage unfairly shared.

The department said National Water Month will be used to reflect and deliver the department’s mandate in response to these challenges, with the strategies to avoid the projected deficit.

Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately-owned land

The ministerial launch of the Water and Sanitation Services Policy on privately owned land, scheduled to take place in KwaZulu-Natal, will be the highlight of this year’s National Water Month.

“The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will launch this holistic policy with the intention of unifying and simplifying the provision and regulation of sustainable and equitable water services to residents living on privately-owned land,” the department said.

The month-long activities will also see Mchunu visiting Limpopo to assess progress on the Giyani Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which will benefit 24 villages.

This follows his commitment to accelerate the project through, among others, optimisation of the Giyani water treatment works to its original capacity and increase the project scope to ensure 55 villages benefit from the scheme. This is through funds allocated for reticulation and expanding access to yard connections.

To this end, the department said 24 villages are in various stages of construction and some of the villages will soon be receiving water in their taps.

“Minister Mchunu will also meet with his four counterparts from Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe to sign the amendment of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) by the four riparian States which share the Limpopo River Basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, energy generation, as well as for domestic use.

“The agreement signed in 2003, will be amended to formalise the establishment of the LIMCOM Council of Ministers to be the main policy and decision-making body on transboundary, water resource management issues in the Limpopo River Basin,” the department said.

The department has reiterated its call to all South Africans to make a difference by changing the way they use, drink and manage water in their respective lives.

“South Africa is a dry and water-scarce country with an average annual rainfall of 470mm compared to the global annual average of 814mm. Thus, it has limited water availability, which is diminishing compared to other countries,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 10:58

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1 March 2024

Gugulethu school for adults abandoned by government, say residents

Location: News

St Francis Community Learning Centre has to rely on illegal connection for electricity

29 February 2024

Cabinet welcomes 29 May as date for General Elections

Location: News

Cabinet welcomes 29 May as date for General Elections

Cabinet has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proclamation of 29 May 2024 as the date for the General Elections, following his consultations with the Electoral Commission of South Africa and all nine provincial Premiers on the state of readiness for the national and provincial elections.

Briefing media on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni emphasised that Cabinet has called on everyone, especially the youth, to exercise their right to vote.

“Years of untold sacrifice and struggle for our freedom culminated in the right to vote for the majority of South Africans in 1994. Our struggle for freedom secured the right for every South African to be active participants in our democratic system.

“This year’s elections coincide with the celebration of 30 Years of Freedom, which is a significant milestone for South Africa, as it provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our successes and also look for solutions to address our surmountable challenges,” the Minister said.

READ | Landmark election marks 30 years of electoral democracy

Presidential eThekwini Working Group

Cabinet has also noted President Ramaphosa’s meeting, which was held last Friday with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss various initiatives, led by national government, to assist the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to address the current water, electricity and infrastructure challenges.

“The President also established the Presidential eThekwini Working Group to accelerate the speedy resolution of issues affecting the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The group – comprising Ministers, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and business officials – will regularly present progress reports to the President,” Cabinet said.

14th Policy Dialogue Forum (PDF) of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education

Cabinet has further noted the country’s successful hosting of the 14th PDF of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Monday, 26 February.

The event brought together education stakeholders from across the globe to foster advocacy, knowledge exchange and the monitoring of progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

The Policy Dialogue Forum released a High-Level Panel Report on the Teaching Profession and also launched the Global Report on teacher shortages. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 02/29/2024 - 12:05

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29 February 2024

South Africa and Netherlands recommits their cooperation in the water and sanitation sector

Location: News

South African Government
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South Africa and Netherlands governments have undertaken to forge more cooperation opportunities in the water and sanitation sector in efforts to strength the existing relations between the two states.

This undertaking was made on Tuesday, 27 February 2024 in Pretoria when the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu, joined by Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips met with the Ambassador of Netherlands to South Africa, Joanne Doornewaard.

The meeting between Minister Mchunu and Ambassador Doornewaard was the first one since she was posted to South Africa in August 2023. Several issues were discussed, including the bilateral agreement on water management between the two countries as well as other collaboration opportunities in the water and sanitation sector.

Expanding on the existing relations between the two states, Minister Mchunu appreciated Netherlands expertise and the contribution that they are making in the water and sanitation space, saying that it has a significant impact. Acknowledging, the assistance from Netherlands government, he said the visit by the King and Queen of Netherlands to South Africa, as part of the Blue Deal Project, demonstrated the love they have for the people of South Africa.

Minister Mchunu outlined some challenges that the country continues to face includes the delipidating infrastructure at municipal level as well as water losses as a result of that.

“South Africa remains one of the driest countries in the world, yet we have a high rate of non-venue water at municipal level, losing so much water that we so need. We need lots of work around this matter, that is investing more on our water infrastructure, to ensure that we nip this in a bud”, he emphasised.

In addition, Minister Mchunu said that South Africa has more challenges on water services that it has on water resources, saying the dams are full but the ability to take that water to the taps. However, he said, there is no water crisis in the country, what is experienced, are isolated incidences that do not equate to a crisis.

Director General, Dr Phillips said the department and the sector at large is reaping the benefits of some programmes undertaken by the Netherlands government under the Blue Deal project, particularly in the supply chain management in the infrastructure procurement.

“We have had an internationally renowned expert in infrastructure procurement who has imparted so much knowledge that we are currently implementing to modernise our systems. This is going to make a huge improvement in our service delivery, and we want to take this to our water boards and municipalities to implement as well”, he said.

Ambassador Doornewaard outlined several projects that they want to undertake in Limpopo and other parts of the country as part of support to the country's water challenges and other sectors, saying they just want to lend a helping hand to the country.

South Africa and Netherlands signed a Blue Deal agreement which aims to support water management by exchanging knowledge and experiences, assist the national, regional and local organisations and cooperate with key stakeholders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

29 February 2024

Limpopo records progress in improving citizens’ lives

Location: News

Limpopo records progress in improving citizens' lives

Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha says much has been done to improve the lives of people in the province.

“When we achieved our April 1994 democratic breakthrough, less than 30% of rural households had access to electricity,” Mathabatha said.

Delivering the State of the Province Address in Polokwane on Thursday, Mathabatha said the provincial government has electrified at least 94.% of rural households in the province, marking a significant improvement in access to electricity.

“People in rural areas overwhelmingly depended on firewood to cook, using three-legged pots. There was deforestation, impacting trees and other plants, an important source of oxygen supply for human life, and a key resource of environmental conservation,” Mathabatha said.

Mathabatha said forests have risen in various areas that were affected due to the massive household electrification programme.

“In healthcare, it is pleasing that we currently have 476 clinics in Limpopo and 216 of healthcare centres (45%) operate 24 hours a day,” Mathabatha said.

Mathabatha said in 2010, the province reached 80% access to water, reaching more communities and improving public health outcomes.

“However, because of various countervailing factors, we have experienced a decline to 69.1%. We are worried about this, and we are hard at work with authorities in the water provision space to improve the situation.

“It is important to note that we have improved access to sanitation to 63.1%, up from 26.9% in 2002, and up from a far lower baseline in 1994.”

Mathabatha said the tarred roads network in the province has significantly expanded since April 1994.

“It is now covering rural areas that were neglected before. Through this progress, we have enhanced connectivity and improved transportation efficiency, facilitating economic development in Limpopo. At present, our target is to surface 13 800 kilometres from gravel to tar,” he said.

Mathabatha said the provincial government has worked very hard in education.

“Our efforts are now visible in improved matric results. We have improved from a 38% matric pass rate in 1996. At 79.5% in 2024, our matric pass rate now approximates our 80% target.”

Mathabatha said Limpopo's contribution to the national economic output over the past three decades has improved.

He said in 1996, Limpopo contributed 5.3% to the national gross domestic product.

“Despite the global economic and pandemic crises, our contribution to national GDP reached 7.3% by 2023. This reflects the strategic efforts undertaken by the province to harness its vast natural resources, develop critical sectors and attract investment.

“From just over 911 000 households in 1996, we have increased to over 1.8 million households in 2022. This substantial growth in households highlights Limpopo’s growing population. We have now reached over six million people, according to the latest census,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

Giving an update on the progress made to move the project toward completion, the department said on 14 December 2023, Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu convened a meeting between the department, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Zululand, and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities.

The meeting was held to check on the status quo of the project progress.

At the meeting, presentations were made by both district municipalities, with visibly identifiable gaps and overall slow project progress.

This was followed by the Minister’s announcement that the scheme would be taken over by the department and transferred into a Ministerial Scheme.

“The decision to take over the project was as a result of the delayed nature of the project and its huge socio-economic impact, as it is cuts across two districts,” departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa explained.

During a meeting held on 3 January 2024, Mchunu also announced the appointment of uMngeni-uThukela Water as the implementing agent, responsible for certain aspects of the project.

In addition, the Zululand District Municipality has been appointed to implement Phases 5 and 6 of the project, which will benefit 279 297 people.

“Phase 5 includes the construction of the main pipeline that will abstract water from Jozini Dam to Mandlakazi Water Treatment Works, and several other pipeline projects within the entire Mandlakazi project footprint. Phase 6 concerns the construction of a network water reticulation pipelines to provide water to the households of the entire Esiphambanweni community.”

While waiting for the Mandlakazi Scheme to be completed, Mavasa said the department has provided funding for emergency storage reservoirs and connection to supply water to the Hlabisa area.

Mavasa said, as of 20 February 2024, the project have been tested and commissioned, and reservoir 12 Mthwadlana and reservoir 22 Miyaneni, will now be able to receive water.

Reservoir 12 Mthwadlana feeds all reservoirs to the east of Hlabisa in the villages including Matshamhlophe, Majukujukwini, Ophaphasi, Nhlwathi, Nqamu, Ngodini, Mcwabakazi, Makhowe, and others.

Reservoir 22 Miyaneni is a command reservoir that feeds all reservoirs to the west of Hlabisa, including Mpembeni, Hlabisa Town, Mhlambanyathi, Mgangatho, Mansiya, among others.

“The technical teams are currently doing pressure testing and checking the functionality of some of the pipelines, since the reservoirs are now at full capacity,” Mavasa said.

Mavasa reiterated the Ministry, and the department continue to provide support and oversight to the project, to ensure that it meets its deadlines as outlined, and that communities identified receive sustainable potable water upon its completion. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 11:15

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27 February 2024

Emalahleni municipality wants to evict families in “illegal” township

Location: News

Many of the families live in brick and mortar homes. But the municipality says these structures are unlawful and wants them to be demolished

27 February 2024

EWSETA introduces specialised training for renewable energy, water management

Location: News

EWSETA introduces specialised training for renewable energy, water management

The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) has developed and implemented specialised renewable energy and water resource management training programmes, in a bid to align with industry needs and technological advancements.

This was revealed during a media engagement with the organisation in Rosebank, Johannesburg on Tuesday.

EWSETA Chief Executive Officer, Mpho Mookapele, engaged the media on the back of growing research that macroeconomic trends and technological advancements continue to disrupt labour markets worldwide.

Mookapele highlighted some of the courses implemented by the organisation and others currently in the pipeline, including water works management, solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance and other green energy solutions, among others.

She said as the energy sector is rapidly evolving the EWSETA is currently developing qualifications that will respond to the gaps in the curriculum.

The skills programmes that will be introduced include wind turbine operation, biogas installation, microgrid and battery energy storage operation, solar PV manufacture, design, and installation.

“When the sector needs certain skills, we are committed to working together with industry to build these capabilities. Ultimately, we exist to ensure industries are successful.

“As such, we aim to move with agility to ensure that these programmes and qualifications are concluded and submitted for registration with Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) and South African Qualification South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA),” Mookapele said.

She said due to the boom in the photovoltaic sector and more people going solar, the SETA is also currently working with industry to ensure that minimum skills requirements are mandated for the PV Green Card training - a quality assurance standard for solar PV installers.

These minimum requirements will hopefully mitigate against substandard installations.

Mookapela said the EWSETA is looking for partners to enable retro-fitting technical workshops for TVET colleges to ensure that they are responding to the tech-developments in the industry.

Developing water-related qualifications

The EWSETA has also partnered with water boards, including municipalities and private industries, to develop water-related qualifications that aim to address the challenges around clean drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.

“In response to the evolving water landscape, a Water Works Management NQF 6 qualification has been registered. EWSETA is in the process of developing a Water Resource Management qualification at NQF level 8 and a skills programme for a Water Conservation Practitioner,” she said.

Advances in water treatment processes will necessitate the development of qualifications that will respond to the future treatment landscape, and these include biological water treatment and smart water grids, amongst others.

“As the world transitions to net zero, the traditional career landscape is changing, and it is up to all of us to future-proof our workforce. The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority is taking strides to harness the opportunities that these exciting changes present,” Mookapele said.

Skills development initiatives

Meanwhile, Mookapele underscored the importance for businesses to share their skills plans with the EWSETA to enable the organisation to capacitate learners accordingly.

Investing in skills development secures the long-term sustainability of industries and contributes to economic resilience.

“Together with government and private entities we are collaborating to fast-track skills development initiatives that seek to upskill and reskill employees to meet the workforce demands of the changing energy and water sectors,” Mookapele said.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) last year revealed that 4.7 million more people were employed in clean energy globally in 2022 than in 2019.

Mookapele noted that concerns around the “green skills gap” have been echoed by a recent report from LinkedIn, which shows that only 1 in 8 employees globally possess one or more green skills.

“We don’t want to leave South Africa’s young people and workforce behind; it is important for businesses to share their skills plans with us, so that we can capacitate learners accordingly,” she said.

EWSETA’s mandate is to participate, build and strategically plan and manage skills development, and training needs in the energy and water sectors, as directed by the National Skills Development Plan 2030. – SAnews.gov.za

“The last Presidential engagement took place in May 2022. [Friday’s] session presented an opportunity for the President and the Durban business community to recap on measures that have been put in place to grow the provinces economy and address the current water, electricity and infrastructure challenges.

“During the interaction, the President and the Ministers briefed the business community on various initiatives that are currently underway in assisting eThekwini and the province through the various interventions led by the national government,” the Presidency said in a statement.

A Presidential eThekwini Working Group has also been set up.

“To accelerate the speedy resolution of issues impacting the eThekwini metro, President Ramaphosa has set up the Presidential eThekwini Working Group that will be made up of Ministers in the affected portfolios, working alongside the metro and business. The working group will present their progress reports to the President regularly,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the President also met with the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial House of Traditional and Koi-San Leadership to address a variety of issues and “foster closer relations between government and institutions of traditional leadership”.

“Among the issues addressed by the President was the finalisation of the Traditional Leaders Handbook which contains all the support that will be provided to Amakhosi by the government. With KZN having grappled with the killing of Amakhosi, the President committed that the government was looking into the matter to decide on the best solution.

“President Ramaphosa pleaded with Amakhosi to collaborate with government to fight social ills, build rural economies and assist in facilitating development such as building bridges, roads and educational programmes.

“With general elections on the horizons, President Ramaphosa also appealed to Amakhosi to be tolerant to all political parties by allowing campaigning in their communities without fear and intimidation. He also encouraged political parties to respect traditional leaders as they carry on with their campaigns,” the Presidency said.

President Ramaphosa assured the traditional leaders that other issues related to land, rural development and agriculture will also be addressed. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 02/25/2024 - 08:18

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