“Fix our schools” activists show Minister as deadline passes
Minimum norms and standards set ten years ago have not been met, says Equal Education
Water
SAICC warns about the impact of South African foreign policy on local exporters
November 2023, Johannesburg: The South Africa Israel Chamber of Commerce (SAICC) notes with alarm, the current moves within the US Senate to review South Africa’s (SA’s) eligibility for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The Democratic Senator, Chris Coons is currently lobbying support for a proposed law to renew AGOA for 16 years that …
The call goes out for manganese, and South Africa’s ready
For a long time, South Africa has hinged its prosperity on gold, and the development and economic prosperity of the province of Gauteng gives testimony to this fact. Recent decades, however, have seen production of gold wane dramatically, from an era of having been our majority metal export to now being a small minority at …
Clean our “stinking” canal, demand Moeggesukkel shack dwellers
Nelson Mandela Bay ward councillor promises they will get water by Christmas and electricity in January
Health welcomes latest HIV survey findings
Health welcomes latest HIV survey findings
The Department of Health has welcomed the results of the sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour (SABSSM VI) survey released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on Monday.
The department believes the results will assist the country in strengthening the interventions in response to the epidemic.
“These show that the country is on track to achieve a new set of ambitious targets to ensure 95% of all people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection receive sustained treatment, and 95% of all those on treatment have viral suppression by 2025.”
The department also welcomed the reduction in the percentage of all people living with HIV in South Africa from 14.0% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022, which translates to almost 7.8 million people in 2022 compared to 7.9 million in 2017.
This, according to the department’s statement, can be attributed to collaborative efforts by various stakeholders involved and interventions introduced to curb the rate of transmission and treatment adherence.
“The results will also assist the department and stakeholders in resource mobilisation and allocation, especially in gaps identified to be in a better position to rearrange our landscape so that we plug the holes where the gaps are greatest.”
While the results show clearly that the prevalence of HIV is declining, the department said there were some worrying patterns regarding the age group from 25 and 49.
According to the latest data, the most pronounced differences in HIV prevalence by sex were seen among younger populations.
Among females, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 35 to 39 years at 34.2%, whereas among males, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 45 to 49 years at 27.1%.
“This requires us to change our tactics because this age band can be complicated to manage given the social and economic dynamics.”
The results, the statement said, support the case for the implementation of the differentiated model of care or Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD), which is a person-centred approach to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
The department explained that through the DSD approach, the services are tailored to meet the needs of the users.
“Lastly, we have also embarked on various prevention methods, which are also tailored for each population group. Since prevention is and will always be better than cure, we also offer prevention interventions within our public health services which include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) male and female condoms and compatible water-based lubricant.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 11:04
515 views
Work underway to clear hyacinth at Hartebeespoort Dam
Work underway to clear hyacinth at Hartebeespoort Dam
The Department of Water and Sanitation is working tirelessly to ensure the efficient rehabilitation of the Hartebeespoort Dam.
The dam is affected by hyacinth and algae.
This is according to the Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu who spoke at the centenary celebrations of the dam on Monday.
Hartebeespoort Dam marked its 100 years of existence in September this year.
The centenary celebration aimed to increase the awareness of integrated water resource management and water quality, as well as enhance relations between government, the private sector, and the community towards ensuring effective integrated water resource management in and around the dam.
Mchunu, together with senior officials from the department’s entity in North West, Magalies Water and the Madibeng Local Municipality, led a community engagement, where they provided an update on the work being carried out to clear the hyacinth from the dam.
“We are aware of the hyacinth at the dam, and thus very concerned. It is for this reason that we have appointed our entity in North West, Magalies Water, for a period of three years to develop and implement a programme that will deal with the invasive plant and the algae that is infesting the dam,” Mchunu said.
Magalies Water has since developed a Bioremediation Plan comprising of interventions which include, the profiling and fingerprinting of problematic contaminants in the dam, removal of floating plants and debris from the dam to enhance the aesthetic value and allow for biogeochemical processes, as well as the implementation of the remediation technology to restore the dam’s ecological services.
Addressing hundreds of people who joined the department and partners to commemorate the centenary celebrations, Mchunu emphasised his commitment to overseeing the effective implementation of the Bioremediation Plan.
“I want to ascertain our commitment that we have indeed rolled up our sleeves to completely rehabilitate the dam. We also want to thank the organisations that continue to help out in any way they can and continue to hold us accountable in the work that we have been brought in the office to do,” Mchunu said, adding that everyone has a responsibility to ensure that the county’s water infrastructure is safeguarded.
He also reiterated the ministry’s stance on the need to strengthen and enhance strategic partnerships in the sector, which are aimed at resolving water quality challenges of the Hartbeespoort Dam, including issues of solid waste and water pollution in the dam.
“I would therefore like to encourage all civil society organisations to work together with us, as we work towards rehabilitating the dam.
The Hartebeespoort Dam was constructed in 1921 and commissioned in 1923 with the primary purpose of providing water for irrigation.
Approximately 80% of water is used for irrigation and the remainder is used for domestic consumption and compensation flows.
The dam itself and the surrounding area currently offers tourism activities such as recreational boating, angling, mountain sports and a variety of other activities such as hiking, angling, parasailing and abseiling.
The centenary celebration was held in partnership with Magalies Water, the provincial government, and various organisations, including the North West Parks and Tourism Board, South African Resource Heritage Agency, as well as Magalie-Biosphere. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 15:01
253 views
Public works “working” on evicting people occupying land at the Castle
Cape Town mayor concerned about the lack of a clear timeline
Collaboration is key to moving SA towards a water secure future
Collaboration is key to moving SA towards a water secure future
Collaboration is critical in moving South Africa towards a more water secure future that in all essence, is the pursuit towards the fundamental preservation of life.
This was the sentiments echoed by leading scientists who attended the Climate Change and Water Sector Consultation workshop, held in Pretoria, on Friday.
The Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) assembled captains of industry, leading minds and various stakeholders in a hybrid Climate Change and Water Sector Consultation workshop.
The session was aimed at fostering meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts towards sustainable development and climate security in the water sector.
Inputs solicited from the consultation will be incorporated into the revised draft Climate Change Strategy, which will be followed by intense consultation with various stakeholders across the country to solicit more inputs to pave the way for a development of a strategy that will ensure a climate resilient South Africa.
Spearheaded by Specialist Scientist – Directorate Climate Change Analysis at the Department of Water and Sanitation, Dr Gabriel Lekalakala, the consultation delved into two key areas, including water in National Determined Contributions (NDC) to place water at the heart of development pathways, and drafting the Climate Change Status Quo and National Response Strategy.
At the workshop, speakers echoed each other’s sentiments that the drive for water security calls for a collaborative response from government, civil society organisations, experts, and the private sector.
The speakers agreed that a shared global challenge and combined efforts are essential to ensure sustainable water management, improve access, and innovate resilient solutions.
According to the scientists, this tripartite alliance can drive impactful policies, fund crucial initiatives, and implement effective strategies to secure the world's water future.
Draft National Climate Change Response Strategy
Lekalakala said the water and sanitation sector is faced with a wide range of challenges that are further exacerbated by climate change and has severe impact on water security.
He said the development of response plans such as the draft National Climate Change Response Strategy for water and sanitation sector, together with collaborative and coordinated responses from the sector, can contribute towards reducing the potential impacts.
“The strategy is a blueprint for the sector to use in response to climate change related impacts and requires all hands on deck. Hence, the consultation is to afford the sector players to contribute towards its robustness and all take ownership of it.
“There will be more consultation processes making use of all available platforms in the coming weeks. Its implementation process will involve awareness drives of the strategy to wider uptake. We encourage all stakeholder to take part in all these processes,” Lekalakala said.
Inclusion
Director of Water, Growth and Inclusion at IWMI, Dr Inga Jacobs-Mata, who led the discussions on Climate Change Response Strategy for water and sanitation sector, as well as developing the NDC Capacity Scorecard, emphasised that achieving water inclusion is not just a necessity, but an “imperative that requires all of us.”
“This collaboration is vital to address water scarcity, improve water quality, and ensure equitable access. The United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, underscore the urgency of this mission not just in South Africa, but globally.
“By prioritising water inclusion, we not only contribute to SDG 6 but also lay the foundation for achieving interconnected goals such as eradicating poverty, ensuring good health and well-being, and fostering sustainable communities. The journey to water security is inseparable from the broader pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future for all,” Dr Jacobs-Mata said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/27/2023 - 09:38
584 views
Pietermaritzburg shack dwellers relocated to flats. But some can’t afford the rent
And some residents expressed joy at living in a brick and mortar home
The rapid lane to progress: public-private partnerships steer service delivery and social development goals in townships
November, Johannesburg: A community development organisation is calling for more public-private initiatives to improve basic service delivery that can lift communities out of poverty and restore dignity to the lives of the disenfranchised masses in South Africa (SA). The obligation to restore dignity and ensure equal access to basic services has been one of the …
Kubayi orders improved services in Nelson Mandela Bay informal settlements
Kubayi orders improved services in Nelson Mandela Bay informal settlements
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has given the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan a directive to provide informal settlement dwellers with adequate human rights services, including water and sanitation -- in compliance with norms and standards -- within seven days.
Kubayi gave the directive during an outreach programme, which saw the handing over of keys to newly built government-subsidised homes and title deeds to beneficiaries in Motherwell in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape.
The visit on Wednesday formed part of the coordinated effort amongst the three spheres of government to effect province-wide interventions to accelerate the delivery of sustainable human settlements.
Kubayi said the three spheres of government and relevant agencies should present tangible responses to improve living conditions of various communities by the end of January 2024.
Responding to various concerns raised by the community during an imbizo, Kubayi said the three spheres of government must find solutions to the inhumane conditions under which people live.
“We cannot have instances where people live in Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) with inadequate ablution facilities. We can’t sit and watch injustice happen… we must intervene urgently,” the Minister said.
She noted some progress in the in-situ upgrading project in the metro, and acknowledged that more work needs to be done.
This includes proper verification processes, as “some people who demand housing in the projects may not necessarily qualify for fully subsidised government housing”.
“There cannot be repeat benefits, as the system automatically disqualifies anyone who owned a property before,” Kubayi reminded the applicants.
She said the Eastern Cape province has about 53 000 houses that require rectification.
“These are homes that predate democracy and also from the early days before the set norms and standards by the National Home Builders' Registration Council (NHBRC). Due to limited financial constraints, the rectification programme will be undertaken in a phased manner,” Kubayi explained.
Warning against sale of government-subsidised houses
The Minister reiterated the warning to beneficiaries not to sell government-subsidised houses.
“The current Human Settlements policy is very clear on who should benefit from subsidised housing, and it does not include foreign nationals. It takes R350 000 to build each house and you sell them for R15 000, and three months down the line you come back demanding housing from the government,” the Minister said.
The Minister also announced that she and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete will conduct a verification programme, called Operation Ziveze, aimed at ascertaining that government-subsidised homes are occupied by their rightful owners.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Tshwete warned residents about giving away their title deeds to loan sharks in exchange for quick, unsecured loans.
“I urge you to take care of your title deeds we are giving you today. This is not just proof of ownership, but also an asset for your children.”
The imbizo was part of a series of outreach programmes the Minister and Deputy Minister are embarking on to unlock challenges within the Human Settlements value chain.
Limpopo houses handover
Meanwhile, Kubayi and Tshwete will on Thursday hand over government-subsidised houses to the qualifying beneficiaries in Bela Bela Ext 25 in the Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo.
The project is one of the informal settlements upgrading projects aimed at restoring the dignity of people living in informal settlements.
Bela Bela Extension 25 is expected to deliver over 1 000 housing units on completion.
The housing handover will precede the last meeting for this calendar year between the Ministry and MECs of Human Settlements (MINMEC) to reflect on the performance of the sector since the beginning of the 2023/24 financial year.
Discussions will include the release of land parcels for human settlement development, an update on government’s efforts to upgrade informal settlements across the country and the delivery of housing units, and progress on the title deeds campaign. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 10:15
448 views
Enjoy a safe day outdoors by keeping personal safety top of mind
Summer is a beautiful time to relish the numerous outdoor activities Gauteng has to offer with family and friends. If you’re planning a trip to somewhere like the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam for a braai or picnic, with the warm sun overhead and the gentle summer breeze rustling through the trees, Fidelity ADT encourages you to …
DWS works to finalise Catchment Management Agencies
DWS works to finalise Catchment Management Agencies
The Department of Water and Sanitation is in the process of finalising the establishment of the Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).
The establishment of CMAs is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa.
The purpose of Catchment Management Agencies is to enhance decentralised decision-making and to involve stakeholders in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has finalised the appointment of Board Members of the Pongolo – Umzimkhulu and the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency, which was concurred by Cabinet on 15 November 2023.
The appointed Board Members for Pongolo – uMzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency include Dr Thava Kelly (Chairperson), Sibusiso Makhanya (Deputy Chairperson), Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Bhekumuzi Gumbi, Dr Lembi William Mngoma, Snenhlanhla Mngadi, Professor Purshottama Reddy, Mdandla Myeni, and Nokuthula Khanyile.
The appointed Board Members for the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency include, Desmond Solomon Fransman (Chairperson), Tsakane Zwane (Deputy Chairperson), Hubert Thompson, Nontuthuzelo Njeza, Nakana Masoka, Ponatshego Mothibi, Doris Dondur, Dichikane Mashego, and Louis Van Oudtshoom.
The department said the boards, as the accounting authority, will operationalise the CMAs which will include, developing the catchment management strategy, effective participation of stakeholders and management of water resources in the water management area.
“In addition, the CMA will be more responsive to water user needs and speedy decision making around water resources management and create a customer focused culture for water resources management which creates accountability at a local level for water resources management.
The department congratulated the new board members, and wished them well in their endeavours. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 11:05
83 views
Innovative Solutions in Pumping and Wastewater Management
In challenging environments around the globe, the need for advanced pumping and wastewater management solutions is paramount. Companies specialising in this field provide innovative and custom-built equipment to address the diverse requirements of various industries. Comprehensive Product Range These companies offer a wide range of equipment, including centrifugal solids handling pumps, self-priming pumps, slurry …
Mchunu responds to uThukela, uMzinyathi water supply challenges
Mchunu responds to uThukela, uMzinyathi water supply challenges
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has kept his promise to deliver water supply intervention projects to address water provision challenges experienced by uThukela and Umzinyathi District Municipalities.
The water supply intervention projects follows Mchunu’s visit to Mhlumayo Village in uThukela District Municipality and Kranskop town in uMzinyathi District last year, where he was informed of water supply challenges in the two areas.
Accompanied by Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, Mchunu revisited the two districts during a two-day Ministerial visit held on 20 - 21 November 2023 to inspect progress on water infrastructure upgrades and reveal interventions that he had promised during his last visit.
During the oversight visit, Mchunu commissioned two boreholes at Kranskop Water Treatment Woks to augment water supply at Kranskop town and the surrounding areas in uMzinyathi District Municipality.
The Minister also held an engagement with Inkosi Sithole of Mhlumayo Village and the neighbouring chiefs, who are currently experiencing water supply shortages at their villages.
Mhlumayo and the surrounding villages, including Oqungweni, Bhaza and Ghobo, are supplied with water by the Tugela Estates Water Treatment Plant, which has a design capacity of 1.4 million litres per day.
The water treatment works abstracts from the Thukela River, and is supplemented by a borehole and treats water to potable standards.
However, the treatment plant is currently operating at 0.8 million litres per day due to equipment failures and therefore, has insufficient water to meet current and growing demands.
A production borehole was created to augment the Tugela Estates plant, and this has increased water supply to the areas by 432 kilolitres per day.
Mchunu said the additional boreholes at Mhlumayo will have a significant impact on meeting current shortfalls in the area supplied from the water treatment plant.
“This will result in new water supply to approximately 4 300 people in the area at 100 l/capita/day. The Kranskop Water Treatment Plant has a design capacity of 2 Ml/d and supplies the Kranskop Town and the surrounding areas. The plant also abstracts raw water directly from boreholes and treats it to potable standards,” Mchunu said.
Due to vandalism in the area, only two of the eight boreholes were operational, resulting in the plant operating at a low level of 0.5 million litres per day.
This led to Mchunu’s intervention to install two new boreholes to restore supply to the affected communities.
The Kranskop water treatment plant is now able to hold 2.2 million litres of drinking water – which is adequate for the needs of Kranskop town and surrounding areas in Wards 17 and 19.
Following additional boreholes, Kranskop plant is estimated to serve 525 more consumers in Kranskop and the surrounding areas with fresh water.
Mchunu has promised more water projects that will bring more water supply in Msinga under uMzinyathi District Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/22/2023 - 13:08
221 views
ISA awarded Net Zero Carbon Level 1 certificate
ISA awarded Net Zero Carbon Level 1 certificate
The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) has awarded Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) a Net Zero Carbon Level 1: Building Emissions certification for the standardised design of small clinics.
Cabinet approved the establishment of Infrastructure SA, which is responsible for raising additional funding for the projects, and driving efforts to ensure that implementation is expedited and projects are completed.
It is governed under the executive authority of the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure. The top governance structure within ISA is the Infrastructure Investment Committee (IIC), chaired by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.
The development of a standardised design for frequently designed public assets, such as small clinics, is a mandate given to ISA by Cabinet in 2021 for the purposes of accelerating planning and delivery of social infrastructure, developing updated cost estimates and reducing professional service costs for frequently delivered public infrastructure.
The Net Zero Carbon Level 1 Building Emissions certificate is defined as ‘a building that is highly energy-efficient, and the remaining energy use is from renewable energy, preferably on-site but also off-site where absolutely necessary, so that there are zero net carbon emissions on an annual basis (Net Zero)’.
“The updated designs provided by ISA mean that a small clinic will be able to cover its own operational electrical consumption with its own embedded renewable energy system which leads to a design that reduces onsite bulk service provision and greatly reduced operational costs, over the building’s lifecycle,” Mbasa Tshombe from ISA.
Tshombe said they are still consulting with the various stakeholders prior to making a presentation before Cabinet.
“We are hoping the presentation before Cabinet will be early next year,” he said.
In addition, the building materials and services have been designed at green building best practice standards, including technologies related to water efficiency, waste reduction and energy efficiency.
“The building is simple to build and prioritises low skill labour. Its major wall and floor material is either Biomass Insulated Concrete (BIC) or other suitable alternative technology building material with impressive sustainability criteria,” said Tshombe.
The building has been designed in response to the major challenges facing SA clinics, which include cross infection, waiting times and access for people with disabilities.
ISA has over the past few months worked on a long-term plan for infrastructure development across the country, the National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) 2050.
About R6.224 trillion is estimated to be needed in infrastructure finance between 2016 and 2040.
ISA is an infrastructure centre of excellence and is established as a single point of entry for infrastructure planning, management, and delivery.
It is a catalyst for closing the infrastructure investment gap and meeting the infrastructure target set out in the National Development Plan, and provides best practises in project preparation, leadership on infrastructure planning, technical and financial support for nationally prioritised infrastructure projects and programmes.
The Green Building Council SA was formed in 2007 to lead the greening of South Africa’s commercial property sector. They provide the tools, training, knowledge and networks to promote green building practices across the country and build a national movement that will change the way the world is built. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 11/22/2023 - 13:51
190 views
Residents halt IEC registering voters in Philippi
Community leaders say elections make no difference to their terrible living conditions
Government to launch 16 Days of Activism campaign
Government to launch 16 Days of Activism campaign
The implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide (NSP - GBVF) will be among the awareness activities to take centre stage during this year’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is an international United Nations-endorsed initiative that takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The period was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise public awareness on gender-based violence (GBV) in line with resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999.
Other key commemorative days observed annually during this period include World AIDS Day on 1 December, and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on 3 December.
This year marks the 25th anniversary since South Africa initiated the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
The 16 Days campaign focuses on raising awareness to the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and the social fabric of society.
Government will launch the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign on 25 November 2023 at the Nsikazi Stadium in Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province.
This year’s campaign will be observed under the theme: “Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence and femicide: leaving no one behind”. The sub-theme for this year is: “Safe access for women to clean water: a basic human right”.
The theme speaks to the importance of ensuring an all-society and multi-faceted approach to fight GBVF. The sub-theme seeks to address barriers women face in safely accessing water and sanitation in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/21/2023 - 12:37
114 views
Mandela Park shacks petrol-bombed
This is the latest in a series of attacks on this group of land occupiers since August
Khayelitsha residents document their daily struggle with toilets
Photographic exhibition shows access to sanitation from the perspective of people living in informal settlements
Triumph over pit latrines near yet far
Triumph over pit latrines near yet far
South Africa is poised to turn the corner in eradicating pit latrines in educational facilities before the UN-designated year of 2030, writes Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.
On World Toilet Day, 19 November 2023, it is imperative to reflect on the critical role of sanitation in educational and social development to restore dignity while ensuring the safety of learners and educators.
The Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), represents a significant undertaking. It transcends the mere elimination of pit latrines, addressing broader issues at the core of adequate educational infrastructure and well-being.
This reflection comes when we’re emerging from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted all aspects of life, including the progress of essential sanitary projects in schools.
Sanitation, fundamentally linked to human dignity, is critical to global health and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are not only essential for health but also contribute significantly to livelihoods, school attendance, and the dignity of individuals, fostering resilient communities in healthy environments. Human Rights Watch amplifies this, stating that the right to sanitation, a derivative of the right to an adequate standard of living, ensures everyone is entitled to sanitation services that provide privacy and uphold dignity.
The World Bank emphasises the necessity of investing in sanitation to prevent needless deaths, improve lives and livelihoods, and uphold human dignity. This is particularly poignant considering that around 4.2 billion people live without access to safely managed sanitation, with women and girls often bearing the brunt of this deprivation. The Hunger Project further highlights that a lack of access to sanitation is not only a health issue but also a matter of safety and human dignity. Sanitation is now a global priority, and efforts are being made to educate communities about its importance and to provide sustainable solutions like eco-toilets.
Additionally, improvements in sanitation, as part of the broader WASH framework, are fundamental to enhancing people’s living standards. These improvements yield numerous benefits, including better physical health, environmental protection, improved educational outcomes, time savings, and the assurance of a life of dignity, ensuring equal treatment for all genders.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of hygiene and sanitation, which the DBE had been addressing through its emergency water programme and the SAFE initiative. The latter, albeit delayed by the pandemic, has been a pivotal project to transform the sanitation facilities in South African ordinary public schools.
SAFE’s objective is not just a replacement of outdated pit latrines but a complete overhaul of the sanitation infrastructure in line with the Norms and Standards for school infrastructure. This overhaul is not merely about installing new toilet seats, which are determined by learner enrolment and include age-appropriate facilities for primary schools and those catering to the disabled. The scope of SAFE is extensive, encompassing the assessment of existing sanitation facilities, de-sludging and demolition of old pit toilets, construction of new, appropriate toilets, provision of rainwater harvesting systems, and the construction of accessible walkways.
This initiative, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2018, underscores the power of collaboration for social change. It brought together an array of partners from both the public and private sectors, including Amalooloo, Assupol, AVBOB, Norcros, and international actors like the embassies of the Republic of Korea and the United States of America. This collective effort has resulted in the delivery of 126 projects out of a pledged 184. The diversity and innovation seen in these partnerships have been crucial in tailoring solutions to meet various needs, embodying the ‘stronger together’ ethos.
Alongside SAFE, the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) targeted 1087 sanitation projects, all of which have been completed. This achievement signifies not just a quantitative success but a qualitative shift in the educational experience for millions of previously disadvantaged school children. The inclusion of children at the Grade R level in the education system underscored the need for age-appropriate sanitation facilities, a demand that SAFE has been addressing.
To date, 2978 out of 3898 SAFE projects have been completed since the program’s intensification in 2019. This progress is significant, considering the interruptions caused by the pandemic. More than just constructing facilities, SAFE emphasises the importance of hygiene education, ensuring that schools are equipped with better sanitation and the knowledge to maintain these standards.
The urgency of this mission aligns with the United Nations’ UN Water directive, which starkly reminds us that to meet the sanitation target of SDG 6 – safe toilets and water for all by 2030 – the world needs to accelerate its efforts. The DBE, with an expenditure of nearly R 3.7 billion, is confident in meeting these goals within the next two financial years, showcasing a commitment to transforming the landscape of school sanitation in South Africa.
In conclusion, the SAFE initiative is a testament to the power of collaborative effort in addressing critical social challenges. It goes beyond mere infrastructure development, encompassing a holistic approach that includes partnership, innovation, and education.
On this World Toilet Day, as we reflect on the strides made, we are reminded of the ongoing journey towards ensuring that every child has access to safe and dignified sanitation. This fundamental right underpins their health, educational success, and future prospects. It is about our people’s inherent right to dignity. We dare shall not fail.
*Angie Motshekga is the longest-serving Minister of Basic Education in South Africa, post 1994.
Matona
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:27
458 views
The Transformative Power of Eco-Friendly Chalk Paint
In the world of DIY and home décor, one product is making a significant impact: eco-friendly chalk paint. This unique type of paint is revolutionising the way people approach furniture restoration and interior design. Not only does it offer a vast array of creative possibilities, but it also aligns with the growing trend of environmental …
Progress recorded at Dinokana water project in N West
Progress recorded at Dinokana water project in N West
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has committed to ensure that Operation Bulela Metsi meets its obligations to the people of Dinokana, North West, and ultimately the whole province.
The Minister said this during the sod-turning of the R106 million Dinokana Water Supply Intervention Project, implemented by Magalies Water, in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality.
The Dinokana project is one of the 27 water and sanitation projects under Operation Bulela Metsi that were unlocked and reprioritised after intergovernmental interventions led by Mchunu and the North West government earlier this year.
Mchunu conducted an oversight visit to the construction sites of the water project ahead of a meeting with the community of Dinokana.
During the visit, the delegation was taken through the ‘sacred’ Dinokana eye, a natural spring where the water source and pump station is located. The delegation also conducted a walkabout at the site, where a 15-kilometre bulk pipeline is being laid.
Mchunu said through intergovernmental structures set up in the province and the constitutional mandate of each institution, the programme will ensure that every household has access to water through a standpipe, and that people need to be patient as the project is being implemented in phases.
The project scope entails the refurbishment and upgrade of the Dinokana rural water supply infrastructure, which includes high lift pump refurbishment and upgrade from 2 Ml/day to 4 Ml/day; refurbishment of boreholes; upgrading of the spring water pump station and pipeline; refurbishment of the distribution system up to the bulk water reservoirs, and constructing an additional 2 Ml reservoir to provide additional gravity pressure.
Mchunu commended the progress made, saying that water will eventually reach everyone who needs to benefit from the project.
“We are now here to point to the work that is currently being carried out. Refurbishing the pump station is critical so that all the pumps are working optimally in order to pump the required quantities, and be able to meet the demand of these communities in the four wards,” Mchunu said.
Over 1 000 metres of bulk pipeline has already been laid, including the commencement of work on the refurbishment and the bulk distribution network, which has also commenced.
Mchunu was accompanied by his deputy Judith Tshabalala, North West Premier Bushy Maape, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality Mayor Khumalo Molefe, Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipal Mayor Dinah Pitso, Magalies Water Board Chairperson, Dr Lydia Sebego, and local chiefs.
Addressing Ramotshere Moiloa residents, Mchunu said 27 water and sanitation projects under Operation Bulela Metsi are currently underway throughout the North West province, and the Dinokana project is among them.
Dinokana Water Supply Intervention project is being implemented in four phases including:
Phase 1 - Bulk pipeline distribution construction, including reservoir and refurbishment to existing transmission lines.
Phase - 2 Refurbishment of boreholes and additional drilling and equipping of boreholes.
Phase 3 - Reticulation and standpipe at 200m radial distance within village boundary.
Phase 4 - Upgrading pump station and pumping line to allow both reservoirs to be fed by pump station. The objective is to provide an additional 35 000 residents with standpipes.
Mchunu said with the current 17 local people benefiting through the Dinokana water supply intervention project, five more job opportunities will in future be added to benefit 25 locals per ward.
The Dinokana project, which commenced on 30 September 2023, is expected to be completed on 30 September 2024.
The Minister encouraged locals with illegal water connections to report to the local mayor to be legally connected for free, so that they won’t face the wrath of the law.
He further called on the community to safeguard the infrastructure, warning that connecting water illegally damages the pipes.
Operation Bulela Metsi is a water and sanitation intervention programme, which was introduced by Mchunu and the North West provincial government in July this year.
The programme is a culmination of a series of intergovernmental engagements among the three spheres of government, including business, traditional leaders and community structures on the water and sanitation challenges faced by the province. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 14:43
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