More than a decade later, Carolina’s dirty water still puts residents’ health at risk
A 2012 court judgment ordered the municipality to provide clean water. It has still not complied
Water
Probe into Vaal River clean-up method
Probe into Vaal River clean-up method
The Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, and Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, have noted public concerns related to the use of chemical, glyphosate, to clear alien invasive plants from the Vaal River by Rand Water.
“Following the complaints in the public domain, the two Ministers and other relevant parties met and agreed to determine whether the clearing methods followed were in line with the regulatory environment and to devise a future plan that ensures that the clearing of the alien invasive plants is done in a manner that poses no harm to the environment,” a joint statement by the two departments said on Saturday.
Once that process is concluded, the departments will issue a further statement on the way forward.
Rand Water provides bulk potable water to more than 11 million people in Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, the Free State and the North West.
According to media reports, the Vaal River has become overrun with water lettuce, which is a poisonous and highly invasive free-floating freshwater weed that is found in water bodies and slow-moving waterways in warm regions.
The water lettuce reportedly forms dense mats that clog waterways making boating, fishing, and other water activities, impossible.
These mats also degrade water quality by blocking the air-water interface and greatly reducing oxygen levels, which can result in fish die-off and the overall reduction of aquatic fauna and flora diversity. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/18/2024 - 10:22
260 views
Failing sewage plants continue to pollute False Bay
Most of Cape Town’s sewage treatment works are failing, including the city’s largest one which releases effluent straight into the sea
Relocation of more than 880 families from Cape Town central railway line completed
PRASA says it can now recover infrastructure and restore train services
Strategic integrated projects
Strategic integrated projects
By Nomonde Mnukwa
It is often said that water is life, and this is indeed the case as no life can be sustained without water. However, very few people give a second thought about the infrastructure required to ensure clean, drinkable water.
In South Africa government is undertaking a massive infrastructure investment and build programme in the form of Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs), which are aimed at improving the quality of life for all South Africans.
Government is working to transform key sectors of our economy such as electricity, rail, ports and telecommunications through infrastructure. We are also working to rebuild and renew infrastructure in critical areas such as student accommodation, social housing water and sanitation.
Our focus on infrastructure is critical to driving economic growth and creating employment, while also ensuring that we can change lives and empower communities.
Over the medium-term the public sector is projected to spend R903 billion on infrastructure and a number of these projects have been completed, while many others are in the construction and procurement phases. In July 2020 a total of 62 Strategic Integrated Projects were gazetted that hold significant value in terms of growing our economy and driving development. These projects are currently being implemented across all three spheres of government, state-owned entities and the private sector.
Infrastructure in its most basic form is about bricks and mortar, but it is so much more than that. Every new road built enhances mobility and creates economic activity for communities. New schools open up the doors of learning and progress, and new housing developments bring hope and dignity.
The Strategic Integrated Projects are breathing life into many sectors of the economy, including potentially new and game changing ones. South Africa has amassed a pipeline of Green Hydrogen Projects with a value of over R300 billion, which are in project preparation stages. Among these projects, is the Boegoebaai Green Hydrogen in the Northern Cape with a potential to progressively create around 35 000 work opportunities. .
Since the first round of SIPs were gazetted in 2022, an additional 26 have been added, bringing the number of gazetted SIPs to 88. These include infrastructure projects in energy, water and sanitation, transport as well as digital communications infrastructure. The SIPs also cover human settlements, agriculture, and agro-processing.
A number of projects to the value of R21.4 billion have already been completed covering roads, energy and human settlements, while the total value of projects currently in construction is R313.5 billion. A number of projects are also in the procurement stage to the value of R295.2 billion.
There are various projects that have also been registered in the energy sector which once fully operational will assist in ensuring greater energy security for the country. The energy sector infrastructure project pipeline includes R180 billion of embedded generation investment.
Once all 88 SIPs are concluded there will be a massive increase in energy and water security. They will also further boost our Fourth Industrial Revolution ambitions and capabilities, while also ensuring that we provide homes, accommodation and revitalise the agricultural value chain.
Our investment in infrastructure is turning bricks and mortar into hope for a better tomorrow for all. It is creating new frontiers of growth and progress and will ultimately ensure that we create the South Africa we want.
*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director-General of the GCIS
Janine
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 14:53
5 views
President Ramaphosa hails democracy’s role in uplifting youth
President Ramaphosa hails democracy's role in uplifting youth
President Cyril Ramaphosa says individuals born after the advent of democracy embody the essence of Tintswalo, as they have gone on to record commendable achievements in their lives and careers.
The President was responding to this week’s two-day debate on his State of the Nation Address (SONA) by Members of Parliament. The SONA was delivered a week ago in Cape Town.
A number of young people, who have benefited from government over the last 30 years, were present in the National Assembly to listen to the President’s response to the debate.
READ | Tintswalo, a child of democracy
“Today I am really honoured to have a number of Tinstwalos who have come to join us. Among these young people are aeronautical engineers, pilots, civil engineers, police officers, doctors, and a naval captain. They are qualified in a number of ways, all of whom have pursued their careers with the support of government departments and entities.
In his State of the Nation Address last week, President Ramaphosa introduced South Africa to Tintswalo, a child of democracy.
He said that for millions of South Africans, Tintswalo's story resonated deeply with their own, which prompted young people to post images online of themselves in their graduation gowns or at their workplaces, saying "#IamTintswalo".
“There are countless stories of young people who were born into abject poverty, but are now engineers, doctors, teachers, managers, tourism guides and operators, and entrepreneurs, thanks to the support and opportunities provided to them under democracy.
“They have spoken not only of how democracy has improved their lives, but of their gratitude to those who fought and strived to achieve that democracy. Many have paid tribute to their parents and grandparents – and to all the generations that came before – for the struggle and sacrifice that brought down apartheid and ushered in a new era of freedom,” he said.
Responding to those who greeted Tintswalo’s story with derision, the President said that these were people who sought to diminish the achievements of democracy.
"To them, it doesn’t matter that nine out of 10 households are now living in a formal dwelling, or that a similar number has access to clean drinking water and electricity.
“To them, it doesn’t matter that more South African adults have completed matric or earned a degree, or that more learners from poor communities are achieving Bachelor passes. It doesn’t matter to these people that South Africans now have a higher life expectancy or that maternal and child health have improved dramatically.
“It doesn’t matter to them that millions of people have been lifted out of poverty through the provision of houses, land, social grants, free basic services, expanded access to health care and education and the introduction of a national minimum wage.
"All of these great achievements of human development do not matter to them, because Tintswalo doesn’t matter to them. They are prepared to dismiss all of this progress because it does not serve their narrative of a failed nation. It does not serve their political aspirations. It does not serve their narrow interests."
The President said the journey to a brighter future continues. “We have travelled far and we have achieved much, but we have much further to go. We are clear about the progress that we have made, the challenges that we face, and the actions that we must now take,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 02/16/2024 - 10:03
253 views
Families stuck in transit camp as eThekwini housing project remains incomplete
They were relocated in 2019 to make way for the housing project. But their living conditions have deteriorated since then
New age control centres bring out the best in people and technology
In the age of the fourth industrial revolution, control rooms will be the nerve centres that ensure safety, protect critical infrastructure and assets and ensure efficiency and quality. However, while they will rely on everything from the internet of things (IoT) to artificial intelligence (AI), it is important to design environments that look after people, …
Sixth administration cracking down on crime – Lamola
Sixth administration cracking down on crime - Lamola
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola says the sixth administration is steadily rebuilding law enforcement agencies like the National Prosecuting Authority to fight crime.
Lamola was speaking during the debate of the State of the Nation Address held in Cape Town.
“[It] is the sixth administration that strengthened the work of law enforcement agencies like the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] by appointing permanent leadership in the upper echelons of the NPA and the SAPS [South African Police Service] and increased the operational budget resulting in visible institutional growth and stability.
“Organized crime verdicts have increased by 21% from 193 to 234 at a conviction rate that is above 80%. Gang leaders are behind bars or in court, whether it is Jerome Booysen, Nafik Modak, Ralph Stanfield, Mark Lifman and Vusi Khekhe, all are behind bars.
“The conviction rate in gender-based violence and femicide matters is at 74.6%. When it comes to successful prosecutions for cable theft matters, the NPA has exceeded some of the targets, the conviction rate is well above 85%, 299 convictions have been obtained from 347 cable theft verdicts,” Lamola said.
The Minister added that R3.2 billion from the criminal assets recovery funds has been allocated to fighting illegal mining and organised crime.
Furthermore, 2 996 arrests have been executed related to illegal mining activities as at December last year.
“SAPS is implementing Operation Shanela, a comprehensive plan to combat crime throughout the country. The plan includes clamping down on illegal mining areas.
“At the end of last year, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Special Investigation Units and the Hawks have secured preservation orders to freeze assets which are proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in Gauteng province.
“The frozen assets include 51 properties with a value of more than R16 million. In Mpumalanga, they secured a preservation order of assets worth more than one billion rands. The message is clear, crime does not pay and the tide against crime is turning,” Lamola said.
‘I am Tintswalo’
Harking back to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA last week in which he described the life of Tintswalo, Lamola described how he himself is a product of progressive government policies.
He recalled how he benefitted from the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), now known as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), after his parents who were both farmworkers could not afford his tertiary education.
“I can stand here in this house [and say] with great conviction that had it not been for …government’s expansion of TEFSA and my sister paying for my university registration and monthly stipend, I would not be standing here today.
“I would not have been an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa having appeared in the highest Court in the world, the ICJ, on global affairs. My life was predestined as a farm worker [by] design by the apartheid government and not by choice.
“The village where I come from, Cunningmore B in Mpumalanga, had no electricity nor running water. Today there is electricity, running water and tarred roads, so are many villages across the country.
“[NSFAS]…results are tangible. You can touch them with your bare hands,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:59
338 views
Old Age Grant is not enough to cover care needs, researchers find
Pensioners often carry households at the expense of their own needs
Renowned dietitian shares 6 diet tweaks to assist manage ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly occurring disorders affecting South African children and adolescents, and while it is treated with medication and other interventions, studies show that diet can also influence ADHD symptoms. To assist in managing these symptoms, Laager Tea4Kidz partner dietitian, Mbali Mapholi, has shared six dietary tips …
Brahman Hills Triumphs as First-Ever African Winner in Royal Horticultural Society Competition
MIDLANDS, SOUTH AFRICA — In an unprecedented achievement, Brahman Hills, home of glorious views, breath-taking gardens, an award-winning spa and charming 4- and 5-star accommodation, has been named the Overseas Region Winner in the esteemed Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden of the Year Competition. This historic win marks a significant milestone not only for …
Valentine’s Day Cocktails with Angostura
A Valentine’s dinner without the perfect cocktail is like a love story missing its plot twist – which is why we are taking a look behind the bar at some of our favourite local experts’ go-to V-day sips. Matthew Cox from Queen’s Bar keeps it simple with an effortlessly elegant Champagne Cocktail – easy to …
KwaNobuhle families have to get their water from a hole in the ground
Taps have been dry since Friday because of a damaged main pipe
Sustainability – The novel frontier of luxury in Real Estate
Heading into 2024, sustainability emerges as the new frontier of luxury in real estate trends, transcending its status as that ‘cherry on top’ for potential homeowners and holiday seekers. It has transformed into a critical consideration. Bluegrass Developers, a company committed to sustainable development in the Greater Kruger Area. Their environmentally conscious developments – Shawu’s …
Cathcart Hospital rumours spark week of protests
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Empowering Wellness: Elevating Your Brand with Health and Fitness Corporate Gifts
In today’s fast-paced world, where the lines between personal and professional life often blur, the significance of physical and mental well-being cannot be overstated. It’s become clear that a healthy lifestyle doesn’t just improve individual health outcomes but also enhances productivity and morale within the workplace. This understanding isn’t just a passing trend but has …
Western Cape supports Eskom to fix electricity outage in Central Karoo
Western Cape supports Eskom to fix electricity outage in Central Karoo
The Western Cape provincial government says it is ramping up efforts to step in to support Eskom to fix the electricity outage in the Central Karoo.
This comes after a thunderstorm ravaged the district municipality earlier this month, damaging infrastructure.
According to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, the Central Karoo is currently facing hard rock formations, faulty equipment, and Stage 6 load shedding.
“Staff across the Western Cape provincial government have been assisting with all sorts of support that Eskom needs to expedite this issue, from procuring drilling equipment to transporting and moving generators and equipment to the affected areas, they are working tirelessly,” Winde said, thanking all their staff and partners.
“I want to reassure the residents of the Karoo that we are working flat out to help Eskom restore electricity to you.”
Eskom, said the provincial government, reported that a hard rock formation on the site between Touws River and Laingsburg led to the breakdown of its rock drill, which is now preventing the completion of the last four 2.4 metres deep holes that are needed to anchor the remaining temporary poles to support the new electrical lines as part of the outage repair work underway in the Karoo.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial government has already at the weekend reached out to equipment and transport contractors to assist Eskom in procuring another drilling rig as well as an additional 20-ton and 35-ton excavator.
“The faulty rock drill is currently being fixed but we need to do everything in our power to avoid delays on this project. As such we will support Eskom where we can with procurement and logistics,” Bredell said.
However, he said the rapid acceleration of load shedding to level 6 has further compounded matters for the affected Karoo towns, as generator availability in the province is stretched to the limit.
“Many of these generators are from an R88 million allocation that the WCG made to municipalities at the beginning of 2023 when they needed to secure safe drinking water and water treatment as the worst impacts of Eskom’s load shedding were becoming increasingly felt.
“I never anticipated that this intervention would be so deeply needed under circumstances like this where entire Karoo towns have been without Eskom power since Saturday, 3 February,” said Winde.
He said the province is also seeing loan generators being called back from the Karoo towns as they are needed by their owners to cope with the extended load shedding.
“We must allocate generator capacity where it is being utilised optimally at this stage. As such, it was worrying to learn of a large 65kVA loan generator from the Garden Route District Municipality that broke down in Kannaland over the weekend. We will investigate the cause of the breakdown.”
Bredell explained that at least four additional generators are required to provide power to critical infrastructure in Leeu Gamka and Prince Albert Road at this stage.
Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Social Development is providing food relief to indigent households across the Central Karoo.
The department has also enabled three old age facilities in Prince Albert, Laingsburg, and Ladismith, to buy diesel for generators as their diesel supplies have been running low.
Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, said food relief efforts were taking place over the weekend.
“DSD staff have been working around the clock on assessments and vetting processes to ensure food relief goes to the residents who need it most.
“Hundreds of beneficiaries were assisted through this weekend’s efforts, in various towns, and the work continues. Thank you to the incredible staff on the ground, and the municipalities and stakeholders for working with us to help our vulnerable residents for whom these power outages have been especially hard,” Fernandez added.
According to the province, Eskom has indicated the project is still scheduled for completion by Thursday, 15 February. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 10:10
217 views
Indulge your Valentine’s Day appetite with exquisite creations from top Southern Sun chefs!
As Cupid’s arrow draws nearer, tantalise your taste buds with a culinary journey crafted by some of the most talented chefs across Southern Sun hotels around the country. Elevating romance to new heights, our culinary maestros have meticulously curated a selection of recipes guaranteed to enchant your senses and ignite the flames of love this …
Students snooze on the floor at CPUT amid housing funding blunder
The university says its own accredited and leased residences have already reached full capacity
Hawks act against one of their own for Lottery corruption
Spokeperson Hangwani Mulaudzi and former Head of Risk at the National Lotteries Commission Marubini Ramatsekisa are both named in a dossier handed to prosecutors
Green projects to present investment pipeline of over $1 billion at Africa’s Green Economy Summit
CAPE TOWN, 30 January 2024: Africa’s Green Economy Summit, taking place from 21-23 February 2024 in Cape Town, not only features the continent’s major sustainability thought leaders, but also provides a springboard for companies operating in the green sector to sell themselves to investors. The event brings together key African stakeholders – including investors, project …
Fanta® Unveils Apple Pie as the Mystery Flavour in South Africa’s #WhatTheFanta Campaign
The wait is over! Fanta in South Africa reveals Apple Pie as the much-anticipated mystery flavour of the #WhatTheFanta campaign 2023, leaving everyone surprised and excited.
After months of exhilarating guesswork, adventurous sip-testing, and endless fun, we finally unveil the mysterious limited-edition flavour - an unanticipated yet delightful Apple Pie. This distinctive flavour combines scrumptious dessert-inspired notes with an enticing purple hue.
"We have been thrilled by the response to our #WhatTheFanta campaign in South Africa. We know everyone loves a mystery flavour challenge and our mission is to inject playfulness into the grey of the everyday. This fun flavour mystery got Fanta enthusiasts across South Africa involved, guessing, and discussing what the mystery flavour could be," said Ramokone Ledwaba, Senior Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Africa.
Our thrilling #WhatTheFanta campaign offered more than just website clues. Consumers enjoyed a thrilling treasure hunt through the streets of Mzansi, finding novel Fanta clues at participating retailers. This campaign reached new heights with influencer collaborations, digital promotions, TV commercials, and enticing instant wins. Prizes included vibrant purple Crocs, the latest iPhone 15, unique Airbnb experiences, vouchers, and more!
The Apple Pie flavour perfectly embodies Fanta's vibrant spirit, creating a wave of excitement through its dessert-themed flavour containing no added sugar. True to Fanta's legacy, it continues to encourage its fans to embrace a playful and adventurous outlook on life.
We express our gratitude for the participation from our Fanta lovers! Head out, grab a bottle of the limited edition deliciously mysterious Apple Pie – while stocks last – and keep the Fanta flavour festivities going! Join the fun on social media platforms using the hashtag #WhatTheFanta.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.
Media Enquiries:
Lindiwe Zikalala
lzikalala@coca-cola.com
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About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com and follow us on Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/42DbAWX), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4bKvZ0m) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3UC5vYv).
Huge Gugulethu housing project dead in the water
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