Children play among rubbish and rodents at this Dunoon park
City official says a developer is waiting for approval to fund the repairs of Thandabantu Park but suggest moving the equipment to a different place
Water
Parents alarm for children’s safety at this dilapidated school
Mntla Primary consists of prefabs from the 1980s
SA participates in Cairo Water Week
SA participates in Cairo Water Week
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo will participate in a high-level ministerial panel discussion at the sixth edition of Cairo Water Week (CWW2023) in Cairo, Egypt this week.
The conference, to be held from 29 October to 2 November 20203, is organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and will be attended by ministers, water experts, stakeholders, and academics from around the world.
Held under the theme: “Action on Water Adaptation for Sustainability”, the conference will focus on fostering cross-sectoral cooperation and present innovative solutions for the sustainable management of water resources.
Over the past five years, Cairo Water Week has evolved into a prominent global platform for addressing pressing water-related challenges.
The Department of Water and Sanitation said through its diverse workshops, seminars, and knowledge exchanges, it has played a pivotal role in shaping innovative solutions and collaborative strategies to tackle issues such as water scarcity, climate change, and ecosystem resilience.
The Deputy Minister will engage in constructive discussions on vital issues, including policies, strategies, plans, and measures related to water adaptation, to ensure sustainability for the Arab, Mediterranean, African, and worldwide regions.
“Among the issues to be discussed is technologies of reclamation and desalination of water in the African region, which can increase freshwater supplies to areas that are experiencing decreased water supply and water quality,” the department said in a statement.
The department noted that the current installed desalination inventory in South Africa is very modest in comparison to other parts of the world like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Australia and the United States of America.
“There are about 33 plants that have been built over several years, with a combined capacity of not exceeding a total of 200 Ml/d to treat various types of waste water, including seawater and mine water for mostly domestic consumption.
“The plant capacities range from 1 kl/d to 47 Ml/d, but the vast majority are smaller than 10 Ml/d and were implemented as emergency drought response projects. Such plants are generally not deemed viable for continued operation when the drought breaks and conditions returned to normal. For comparison some of the new schemes coming up in MENA region are in the order of 600 Ml/day,” the department said.
Mahlobo said South Africa needs to increase projects for the reuse, reclamation, and desalination of seawater to strengthen its water resilience.
This is in line with the country’s National Water and Sanitation Master Plan. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 10/29/2023 - 11:06
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Embattled municipality yet to pay thousands of workers’ salaries
Workers staged a sit-in at the Matjhabeng municipal headquarters in Welkom to demand that they be paid immediately
Progress made in upgrading Emfuleni critical water infrastructure
Progress made in upgrading Emfuleni critical water infrastructure
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the repairs and upgrade of critical bulk water infrastructure such as pipelines and pump stations in the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
Mchunu, who accompanied President Cyril Ramaphosa on an oversight visit to Emfuleni on Friday, acknowledged that at no stage in the past had government reached this level of cleaning up of sewers and fixing sanitation and water infrastructure.
“It’s the first time we’ve reached this level. Yesterday there was a meeting, first of its kind, convened by our special advisor, bringing in Rand Water, Emfuleni Local Municipality, provincial government and stakeholders; bringing them on board to make sure that whatever we have achieved and all the progress, cannot be reversed, but can only be taken up,” Mchunu said.
In order to prevent reversing, Mchunu said, Emfuleni must appoint a water and sanitation service provider under them, that will to do the job of water and sanitation services for the people of Emfuleni, at a required quality and level.
“They are seeking Rand Water to do that job as a service provider to them, instead of them doing it themselves because they have no capacity [and] I’ve seen them with my eyes. They are trying to catch up, but it is not really doable in the foreseeable future. That’s guaranteed; this report will come to us on 15 November to say we agreed,” Mchunu said.
President Ramaphosa led an oversight visit by government to the Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng.
The municipality incorporates areas including Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Sharpeville, Sebokeng, Boipatong and others.
The economically and socially important Vaal River also flows through this area.
Joined by a number of Ministers, including Mchunu, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and provincial and municipal leadership - the President assessed progress in improvements to service delivery, as well as challenges that remain.
The municipality has faced difficulties in the provision of water services, leading the Department of Water and Sanitation to intervene to upgrade critical bulk pipelines and pump stations infrastructure.
The President’s visit took place in the context of the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to improve cooperative governance through integrated intergovernmental planning and budgeting.
It is also a fulfilment of a commitment made by the President that he would visit all provinces as part of the “Leave No One Behind” District Development Model series of Presidential Izimbizo.
During the oversight, the President visited Sebokeng Waste Water Treatment Plant, Evaton West Pump Station, and later held an engagement with local stakeholders at Vereeniging Community Hall. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/27/2023 - 14:28
278 views
The Benefits of Prepaid Electricity Meters
Empowering Homeowners with Control and Savings Saving the environment by reducing the consumption of scarce water and electricity Making payment collection a breeze Prepaid electricity meters have emerged as a practical solution for homeowners seeking more control over their electricity usage and expenses. These innovative devices allow users to monitor and manage their energy consumption …
President to visit Emfuleni Municipality
President to visit Emfuleni Municipality
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead an oversight visit to the Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng on Friday.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the President will lead a delegation of ministers and provincial leaders on the visit to asses service delivery improvements and challenges in the area.
“The municipality has faced difficulties in the provision of water services leading to the Department of Water and Sanitation to intervene to upgrade critical bulk pipelines and pump station infrastructure,” he said.
Magwenya added that the visit will take place in the context of the District Development model which aims to improve cooperative governance through integrated inter-governmental planning and budgeting.
“It’s also a fulfilment of a commitment made by the President that he will visit all provinces as part of the ‘Leave No One Behind’ District Development Model series of Izimbizo,” he said.
The oversight visit will include visits to a water treatment plant, a waste water treatment plant as well as a highway pump station.
President Ramaphosa will also meet with stakeholders in the area. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 14:35
327 views
Phoenix, Joe Slovo residents to store water ahead of pipeline upgrade
Phoenix, Joe Slovo residents to store water ahead of pipeline upgrade
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has urged the residents of Phoenix and Joe Slovo to store enough water ahead of tonight’s planned upgrade on the water main supplying the two areas in Milnerton.
The city said residents of Phoenix and Joe Slovo have been experiencing low water pressure, and the water and sanitation maintenance team will be upgrading a section of the pipeline to improve the water pressure in these areas.
“This requires that the water supply to these areas be shut off to enable the work to be done safely. Residents in these areas are kindly requested to store enough water in advance and also to keep their taps closed during this period to prevent water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored,” the city said in a statement.
Water supply in Phoenix and Joe Slovo will be shut off from 8pm on Thursday until 3am on Friday.
The city said a water tanker will be made available to provide water for domestic consumption, where required.
“The city sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused, but it is imperative that it maintains its water supply infrastructure to benefit its customers.”
For updates on the maintenance work and location of tankers, follow @CityofCTAlerts Twitter account. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 12:36
145 views
African Development Bank’s novel 5-year strategy paper focuses on governance and the private sector
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (https://www.AfDB.org/en) have approved South Africa's Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2023-2028. The Bank's interventions over the next five years will focus on two priority areas: improving governance and developing the private sector in southern Africa's largest and most populated country.
The CSP 2023-2028 aims to support the South African government's efforts to tackle its structural challenges, promote industrialization and establish a faster, more inclusive growth trajectory to reduce poverty for the long term. Its indicative operational program for 2023-2028, amounts to a total of $1,54 billion, comprising six sovereign operations totaling $887 million and seven non-sovereign operations totaling $654 million. The sovereign operations selectively support four focal sectors, relatively large projects aimed at delivering transformation at scale and impact.
In the first priority area, the African Development Bank will support efforts to improve economic governance and boost private investment to promote inclusive growth and create decent jobs. This will help broaden access to the main social and economic services, improve skills and employability, and increase resilience to external and climate shocks.
The Bank will also contribute to strengthening the governance framework to create favourable conditions for implementing infrastructure projects. Its support will help to reduce costs and contribute to the success of the private sector by helping the country to address regulatory barriers.
Among the expected outcomes are a reduction in the budget deficit of 4.2% of gross domestic product in 2022-2023 to 3 percent in 2027-2028. Energy production by the private sector should increase from 100 megawatts in 2023 to over a gigawatt in 2028, and 700 new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should have access to funding, including at least 210 owned by women and 70 by young people, by 2028.
In the second priority area – developing the private sector – the African Development Bank aims to improve access to high-quality infrastructure, boost productivity and strengthen competition to promote growth driven by the private sector and job creation through transformative projects. The Bank's interventions will focus on the energy, transport, water and sanitation sectors, as improving these kinds of infrastructure will contribute to reducing the cost of economic activity, increasing productivity and strengthening South Africa's competitiveness at all levels. These interventions will also enable women to access basic services and economic opportunities.
Finally, there will be an emphasis on protecting infrastructure from the effects of climate change to strengthen sustainability and resilience, a goal that will be at the forefront of all infrastructure projects.
The Bank's actions in the transport sector should help increase the market share of rail freight from 26.8 percent in 2023 to 28 percent in 2028 and complete the construction of 38 kilometres of tunnels by 2028.
On 30 June 2023, the African Development Bank Group's active portfolio in South Africa comprised 23 projects, with total funding of USD 7 billion.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: https://www.AfDB.org/en.
World Bank supports SA’s transition to cleaner energy with a $1 billion loan
World Bank supports SA’s transition to cleaner energy with a $1 billion loan
The World Bank Board has committed to support South Africa’s efforts to promote long-term energy security and a low carbon transition with a $1 billion Development Policy Loan (DPL).
“We are pleased to support South Africa’s government, which has taken decisive reforms to address the challenges posed by the energy crisis. These reforms will benefit the people of South Africa - particularly the most vulnerable households - the economy, the environment, and advance the energy transition,” World Bank Country Director for South Africa Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly said on Wednesday.
The operation supports reforms in two critical areas. It facilitates the restructuring of the power sector through the unbundling of South Africa’s power utility, Eskom.
It supports the opening of the power market and aims at improving Eskom’s efficiency by redirecting its resources toward investments in transmission and maintenance of existing power plants.
The operation also supports a low carbon transition by encouraging private investment in renewable energy, including by households and small businesses, and strengthening carbon pricing instruments.
The World Bank noted that South Africa has been facing an ongoing energy crisis, which has had a marked negative impact on productivity and safety, at a time when the country has been working to implement a just transition to a low carbon economy.
In 2022, load shedding averaged eight hours per day, costing 2-3% of GDP growth to the economy.
“This operation comes at a crucial time for South Africa as it will provide much needed fiscal and technical support, enabling us to pursue our policy priorities in the energy sector including easing the electricity crisis in the long term, stimulating private sector engagement and creating jobs in the renewables space,” National Treasury Deputy-Director General: Asset and Liability Management Mmakgoshi Lekhethe said.
South Africa is among the world’s top 20 greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters. Energy represents 81% of South Africa’s emissions, of which 45% comes from electricity.
“The operation is expected to enhance economic activity and job creation from new investments in renewable energy generation. Poor and vulnerable households will be cushioned against recent increases in electricity tariffs. Poorer households and businesses - particularly women and Black women-owned businesses - will be supported through access to credit by commercial banks to enable them to invest in solar technology,” the World Bank said.
The operation will also contribute to gradual reductions in water and air pollution, as a result of reduced reliance on coal for power generation.
“This is anticipated to lead to substantial improvements in the quality of life of South African households in the long term. South African authorities will also receive technical assistance to identify future reforms necessary to manage the social costs associated with the decommissioning of coal-fired power.
“The operation has been a collaborative effort between the government, the World Bank and three partners, namely the African Development Bank (AfDB), KfW Development Bank (KfW), and Government of Canada. It was informed by South Africa’s development priorities, including the Presidential Energy Plan and the Just Energy Transition,” the World Bank said. – SAnews.gpv.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 09:56
290 views
Sand mining company appeals against refusal of water licence in Philippi
A campaign to preserve the horticultural area says the silica mine will impact food security and the Cape Flats Aquifer
Sewage still seeps through Kariega streets and the mayor is nowhere to be seen
Promises made in July have not been kept
Didiza to commemorate World Food day in KZN
Didiza to commemorate World Food day in KZN
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, together with KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Super Zuma, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), will on Thursday commemorate World Food Day (WFD) at iLembe District Municipality.
The event, which will take place at Esixeni Sports Field, aims to inform communities on ways to mitigate the impact of rising food prices through the establishment of food gardens and supporting agricultural cooperatives in attaining food security, job creation and economic growth.
The WFD also aims to deepen public awareness of the plight of the hungry and undernourished in the world, and to encourage communities to take measures to combat hunger.
The day will be observed under the theme: 'Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind', highlighting the critical role of water for life on earth and water as the foundation of food.
Didiza and senior government officials will visit projects and households.
“It is also expected that some of the indigent households in identified communities will receive food parcels and agricultural support,” the department said in a statement.
About World Food Day
World Food Day is commemorated annually on 16 October in remembrance of founding the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 1945 as an organisation that deals with global food and agricultural issues.
The conference of FAO proclaimed World Food Day in 1979 to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
The objectives of World Food Day are:
• To inform South Africans on the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security.
• To heighten public awareness on issues such as absence and scarcity of food in the country and to strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
• To promote food production and to stimulate national, bi-lateral, trans-national and non-governmental initiatives.
• To encourage research and technology development for the development of symbiotic ecological food production systems to ensure sustainable food production.
• To enhance the participation of rural people, particularly women and the under privileged in decisions and events impacting their living conditions.
• To heighten public awareness on the government programmes aimed at halving hunger in South Africa.
• To raise awareness of the public regarding the contribution of indigenous forests to food security and nutrition. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 12:22
163 views
Mieke De Ridder: In The Proteas Women ‘Mieks’ After Debut Call-Up
JOHANNESBURG: Having left cricket at 19 to pursue her Architectural Technology studies, recently-capped Proteas Women wicket-keeper Mieke de Ridder made...
National Assembly Passes the Railway Safety Bill and the Climate Change Bill
The National Assembly (NA) has, during its hybrid plenary this afternoon, passed the Climate Change Bill and the Railway Safety Bill, respectively.
Introduced in Parliament in 2022, the Climate Change Bill is the first piece of legislation in South Africa specifically aimed at mitigating and addressing the effects of climate change. The Bill's objective is to establish a robust strategy for addressing climate change and implementing a fair, long-term energy transition plan, and ultimately fostering a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy in South Africa.
The Bill further seeks to manage climate change adaptation to impacts such as flooding, drought, wildfires, excessive heat, and water and food insecurity. The Bill provides that government, at provincial and national levels, is obliged to assess all the risks and expected impacts and create response plans.
The Bill also defines responsibilities for different national, provincial, and local governments, ensuring that all relevant role-players are mandated to do their part in responding to climate change and work together effectively.
The Bill is intended to ensure that the country is empowered to respond adequately and safely to climate change and its risks and impact. It seeks to regulate climate change mitigation through the reduction of greenhouse gas carbon emissions.
According to the Bill, the minister responsible for the environment must assign carbon budgets to companies to limit their carbon emissions.
The Railway Safety Bill, on the other hand, aims to amend the National Railway Safety Regulator Act 16 of 2002 by facilitating an improvement in general safety within the railway environment.
It seeks to ensure that rail becomes an attractive mode of transport and contributes towards economic growth, which is a platform to effectively fight inequality, poverty, and unemployment.
Additionally, in an effort to align legislation with the White Paper on National Rail Policy and government's plan to move passengers and freight from road to rail, the Bill proposes and promotes the use of rail as an efficient mode of transport. Also, the Bill aims to facilitate a modern, flexible, and efficient regulatory regime that ensures the continuing enhancement of safe railway operations across the country.
Both Bills will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
How to finish the year like a boss!
How to end the year like a boss! When done well, office parties can make for great bonding sessions, especially when the company uses a hybrid working model or is entirely remote. Year-end parties can also be like opening a mystery box on a TV game show. Depending on your company culture and colleagues, you …
Savanna Origin of Trails routes set to live up to the reputation of being SA’s MTB Party of the Year
The upcoming 10th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience promises to deliver exciting route enhancements that are guaranteed to captivate riders from start to finish in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch on both Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023. “We’re excited to mark a decade of mountain biking excellence at the 2023 Savanna …
Microplastics are a danger to our health. Here’s how to reduce our exposure to them
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Government committed to dealing with challenges facing traditional leaders
Government committed to dealing with challenges facing traditional leaders
Government remains committed to swiftly addressing issues confronting traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking at a gathering on Tuesday called by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in Bloemfontein, Free State.
“We will continue to support initiatives that benefit our indigenous communities. We will also continue to provide sufficient funding for education, healthcare, and social services so that no one falls behind,” Mashatile told the leaders.
Mashatile, who was leading the meeting in his capacity as chairperson of the inter-ministerial task team on matters of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, called on the private sector to actively engage with traditional communities through investing in local businesses and projects.
“Through initiatives such as skills development programmes, entrepreneurship training and mentorship, we can collectively unlock the entrepreneurial spirit that resides within our traditional communities,” the Deputy President stressed.
As government works towards the promotion of development and social cohesion in traditional communities, Mashile reminded the leaders that the journey requires collective effort.
“Let us recognise the immense potential that lies within our traditional communities, waiting to be unleashed. Together, we can create a future where traditional and modern ways of being thrive side by side, where development and social cohesion go hand in hand.”
The Deputy President said he was inspired by the unwavering commitment to overcoming the complex developmental challenges that traditional communities face.
“It is important for all of us to come together and collaborate in order to achieve a future that is not only prosperous but also united in diversity and anchored on the prospects of a greater South African nation that has, at its core, the interests of improving and nurturing the lives of those in our rural communities.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa established the inter-ministerial task team in 2020 to consolidate all efforts and unblock issues that impede the resolution of matters.
“We are also committed to play our part in supporting this institution of traditional leadership, for the advancement of all our people.”
Providing support for traditional authorities and rural communities is, according to the Deputy President, of paramount importance.
He also vowed that the state will find ways to bridge the gap between traditional and modern practices to strike a delicate balance that preserves cultural heritage while propelling the nation forward.
“We must preserve our history and knowledge systems, such that these may also shape the future that we imagine, a future that is both inclusive and progressive.
“The South African government remains committed to protecting the rights of traditional authorities and their communities.”
He also spoke about dealing with discrepancies between the rural and urban, in terms of development, service delivery and overall well-being.
Mashatile acknowledged that rural communities still face several challenges.
These, he said, include limited access to information and communication technology services in rural communities, gender-based violence and femicide, teenage pregnancy, drugs and substance abuse, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and inadequate access to water and electricity.
In the same breath, however, he said the government has made some progress over the years.
According to Mashatile, government has provided water between 1996 and 2022, with the percentage of households with no access to piped water dropping from 19.7% to 8.7%.
“This is a significant milestone and has improved the lives of our communities, especially women and girls in rural areas,” he said, adding that the State was looking to fast-track development in rural areas.
On technology, he said it was crucial to strategically allocate investments towards the infrastructure networks in rural regions.
He believes that this will enable people to attain essential amenities, including water and sanitation facilities, reliable electricity supply and maintained road networks.
In addition, Mashatile said it would establish connectivity between their residences, workplaces, educational establishments, and healthcare facilities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:19
70 views
Government flats falling apart, say Wentworth residents
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Late entries are still available for the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon this Sunday
Runners looking to compete in one of the country’s most scenic races still have a chance to enter the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon in Amanzimtoti on Sunday, 29 October. With a new route along the Amanzimtoti coastline, this early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon has already attracted a number of top competitors. “There …
KZN South Coast retains title of ‘highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in KZN’!
Tourism on the KZN South Coast has received another boost with the announcement on Friday (20 October 2023) that the region has retained its position as having the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province. “We are delighted that the KZN South Coast has, once again, shown it’s a premier seaside destination that …