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Mompati Mall is set to transform Vryburg in the North West province with its brand-new shopping experience that will launch to the public on 26 October 2023 with a spectacular grand opening. Vryburg’s very first mall, the ground-breaking new 22 700sqm shopping centre development by Twin City, is set to be a retail game-changer, introducing …
One lucky Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience entrant will go home with a brand-new Giant Stance 2 mountain bike to the value of R31 090.00 on Sunday 19 November 2023. “We’re proud to continue enhancing the experience of SA’s MTB Party of the year by offering entrants the exciting opportunity to win an incredible …
Veld fires pose a great threat to farmers as uncontrolled blazes can quickly engulf vast stretches of farmland, consuming crops, livestock and essential infrastructure, wiping out years of hard work in mere minutes. However, the future of farming preparation against veld fires has had a major boost with a proudly South African pioneering solution. Husqvarna …
Protesters demand that South Africans who join Israeli Defence Force be prosecuted
Johannesburg 20 October 2023 – Sometimes, all a great idea needs is a little fine-tuning to give it the confidence and gravitas it needs to succeed. A nudge in the right direction can be life-changing for many aspiring entrepreneurs in South Africa. Brand South Africa, through their Play Your Part Ignite roadshow, have been travelling …
Potchefstroom community raises concerns
Members of the community in Potchefstroom in the North West have raised various service delivery challenges with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the leadership from the three spheres of government during the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo held at the Ikageng Sport Complex.
The President kicked off the second round of the District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo in the North West province after visiting all nine provinces to address service delivery challenges.
This visit provides an opportunity for the President to assess progress made in implementing the interventions pronounced during his visit on 12 March 2022 in Mahikeng.
Major service delivery challenges raised by community members at the Presidential Imbizo include basic services such as water and electricity, housing, the neglect of NGOs for disabled people, disabled people not being considered for employment, poverty and unemployment, corruption, dilapidated infrastructure in schools and limited healthcare facilities.
One of the community members, Edith Ndindwa, from Ward 15 in Jacaranda pleaded with the President to assist with her RDP house, which has been in construction for over two years.
“The project has now stopped Mr President. Please assist us with this project to be completed. We do not even have toilets. We do not have electricity and water. Disabled people help themselves outside their houses. Please assist us in this regard,” she said.
Another resident, Maki Ntayi, asked the President to assist with funding for NGOs for disabled people in the North West.
“We can’t get funds for the NGOs we run to assist disabled people. I am pleading that you assist us with electricity connection. President please take disabled people into consideration. Our centre is not in a good condition,” she said.
The President and various Ministers provided some solutions to the issues that were raised by the community and also gave an update on progress made since the last Imbizo visit in the province.
“I thank you for giving yourselves time to come and listen to government’s plan and to voice your concerns to us. Plans to improve your lives in the North West. When we hold Izimbizo we allow everybody to speak so that we can get a clear understanding of what their concerns are,” said the President.
“We have heard you clearly, even I have written down what you are saying and the officials present have listened and taken note of your concerns. Now we have a clear understanding of how life is in this district. You all share similar concerns including the sewerage system, water, roads, jobs and housing.”
Some of the other issues raised included red tape when starting farming businesses and mining rights.
The president said he would call different Ministers to respond to the issues that are relevant to their departments.
“Almost all of Cabinet is here to listen and respond to the various issues raised and explain what the State’s plans are.”
President Ramaphosa started his morning with an oversight visit at the Potchefstroom Water Reservoir Project in Ikageng, in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in the North West.
The upgrading of the Potchefstroom Water Treatment Works project will see a 25 megalitre reservoir that will convey water to Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Ext. 1,4,5 9,12, Potchindustria, Mohadin and the Northern portion of Ikageng Ext. 7.
The position of the new reservoir site is also suited to cater for any future developments once the urban edge is extended to the northwest of the reservoir site.
President Ramaphosa was received by Acting Premier Nono Maloyi and Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu. Also, attending were Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng and Deputy Minister Parks Tau. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 15:00
Work underway for better water provision in the North West
The Department of Water and Sanitation has rolled up its sleeves to accelerate the provision of water in the North West, through an initiative geared towards enhancing access to consistent and reliable water supply in the province.
This is evident in the construction of the Ikageng 25 mega litres ground reservoir in the JB Marks Local Municipality.
The reservoir construction forms part of the Potchefstroom Water Treatment Works project upgrading which consists of six phases, including the refurbishment and upgrading of the treatment plant, the extension of AC pipeline, upgrading of the Ikageng Pump Station, and the construction of a New Rising Main and Bulk Distribution Pipeline in Ikageng.
The project is one of several mega water projects which are being accelerated by the department and other role players, through the Operation Bulela Metsi initiative, to ensure reliable water supply in the province.
The department said the construction of the reservoir is funded through the department’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), with the municipality as the Water Services Authority (WSA) appointed as the implementing agent.
The construction of the reservoir commenced in January this year and is expected to be completed by July 2024, with more than 100 job opportunities for local people in the pipeline.
“The reservoir and the new bulk distribution (gravity) pipeline will supply water to communities in Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Extension 1,4,5 9, 12, Potchindustria, Mohadin, as well as the Northern portion of Ikageng Extension 7.
“The project came about as a result of the decommissioning of the Ikageng West Reservoirs, which rendered the Ikageng Proper and Potchindustria networks without any storage capacity.
“A new reservoir had to be constructed to meet the required storage capacity, with special care taken to position a new reservoir to ensure that it is not constructed in a dolomite risk zone. Close to 22 000 households and a population of 94 201 will benefit from the successful completion of the reservoir,” the department said.
The department added that the reservoir site is suitable to cater for the future developments at Mooibank to the south of the N12 and the platform will be ready to accept additional ground reservoirs.
“The position of the new reservoir site is also suited to accommodate any future developments once the urban edge is extended to the northwest of the reservoir site, as proposed in the recent Spatial Development Framework,” the department said.
Operation Bulela Metsi project is a culmination of the hard work carried out by technical task team established by Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu and the Provincial Government in January this year to conduct an assessment on the state of water and sanitation services provision in the province, and come up with measures to address the challenges and ensure sustainable provision of the services.
Meanwhile, during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s oversight inspection of the construction site on Friday, as part of the District Development Module (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in North West, Mchunu made a commitment to fast-track the implementation of bulk water projects in water strained communities.
The department said it was working with the provincial government and its entities, as per the Minister’s directive, with an aim of ensuing water security in the province and across the country. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 15:16
There are about 4,000 households occupying the line between Nyanga and Philippi, according to the Housing Development Agency
Durban beaches closed following damage to shark nets
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has closed all Durban beaches until further notice after the recent heavy rains in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The municipality said the decision to close the beaches follows advice from the Natal Sharks Board.
Murky water which is full of logs and other unsafe objects, as a result of the heavy rains, has resulted in the shark nets at most beaches breaking - making beaches unsafe for the public to use.
“All water activities are prohibited. However, residents can still enjoy other activities along the beach that do not require them to come into contact with sea water,” the municipality said in a statement.
The municipality said teams are hard at work fixing the nets and infrastructure that was damaged by the heavy rains and urged the beachgoers to heed the warning.
All city’s beaches are therefore closed until further notice.
Camps Bay tidal pool
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town has announced that the city’s Coastal Management branch will commence with work at the Camps Bay tidal pool on Monday, 23 October 2023.
The city will be levelling the beach that was badly washed out due to the recent storms.
The City’s Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews said during the recent storms the adjacent river flooded and washed away a significant portion of the northern section of the Camps Bay tidal pool beach, depositing a significant amount of sand in the near shore.
“This has resulted in a large sand bank that is impacting the functional space of the pool. On Monday the city will commence mechanical activities to remove as much of the sand bank as practically possible and to reinstate the beach.
“These works will require lowering the water level in the pool. As such, the pool will experience lower water levels during the execution of the works and will take a day or two to fill up to capacity depending on the tides and swell size post the work,” Andrews said.
The Deputy Mayor urged all visitors and regular users of the tidal pool to visit another facility, while the work is underway.
“While the pool will not be closed in its entirety, it is recommended that the public consider visiting one of the city’s other facilities during this period, such as Maidens Cove, Saunders Rocks or Milton Pool. We thank the public for their patience while we do our best to restore this facility as efficiently as possible,” Andrews said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:04
Once revolutionary in the mobile landscape, flip phones are now an integral part of our daily lives. From their early inception to modern iterations like the Galaxy Z Flip series, these iconic devices have transformed how we communicate, interact and express ourselves. Over the years, the Galaxy Z Flip has evolved from a compact communication …
Should you have a main prepaid electricity meter in your home it may have to be ‘recoded’ in order to continue dispensing electricity after November 2024. Please note that this also applies to PRIVATE pre-paid meters as supplied by Straton Electrical Pre-Paid and the many other vendors around the world. With regards to the main …
“I’ve fallen down carrying a bucket of water with no one here to help me”
The significant advantages of nuclear energy in addressing Africa's energy needs and eradicating energy poverty was highlighted during a panel discussion at African Energy Week, in Cape Town.
Enobot Agboraw, Executive Secretary of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy noted factors including longevity, cost-effectiveness and the environmental resilience of nuclear power as reasons why more African states needed to consider investing in this energy source, underscoring its importance in ensuring a stable energy supply for the rapidly growing African population.
"Africa realizes that the issue of energy poverty is an emergency. With our population expected to double to 3 billion by 2050, we need to introduce energy solutions fast. Nuclear power, with its long lifespan and reliability, stands out as a key pillar in Africa's energy transition efforts," he said.
He added that although most countries in Africa would not be able to finance such projects on their own, he believed that through combined efforts, such as multilateral approaches, countries looking to invest in nuclear energy would be pooling their resources, reducing financial and proliferation risks.
Meanwhile, Sayed Salah Eldin Motyaser Aly, NNP Egypt chief of sector, shared updates on Egypt's nuclear initiatives, as the northern African country is currently constructing its first nuclear energy plant in El Dabaa. “This nuclear project represents the start of our future industrialization. It has created the opportunity for highly skilled jobs and the development of local industries and Egypt has invested in many initiatives such as the dedicated El Dabaa vocational school, as well as a training program implemented with our strategic partner to ensure we have the skills needed to take this project forward.”
Also speaking during the panel discussion, Keith Featherstone, Chief Nuclear Officer at Eskom, highlighted South Africa's potential for extending the lifespan of existing nuclear plants, adding that it was currently the only country on the continent which had nuclear energy generation capacity. He highlighted the opportunities presented by small modular reactors (SMRs), which had been placed on hold, and the potential use of nuclear energy to repurpose fossil fuel sites, contributing to cleaner energy production. "I personally am hopeful that the future requests for proposals will allocate more capacity to nuclear as it definitely is one of the most reliable baseload energy options we've got, especially in the South African energy sector.”
Emphasizing the need for sustainable energy solutions, Vassily Savin, Head of Power and Utilities at KEPT, noted although African states could rely on its natural resources of sun, wind and water to provide alternative power sources, a recent analysis focused on South Africa and East Africa showed that it would not be enough to allow for industrialization. "Our modeling shows that achieving this only on renewables is not achievable at all. Africa needs a sustainable grid and sustainable sources of energy. Nuclear energy is a reliable, low-carbon source that could replace retiring fossil fuel plants and allow for the integration of renewables.
"The main bottleneck here is financing. Fossil fuels are not favored by multilateral banks, and surprisingly, neither is nuclear. But if multilateral banks would finance nuclear, it would dramatically help eliminate energy poverty in Africa,” he concluded.
#AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
President Ramaphosa calls for international peace
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated the South African government’s calls for an immediate end to “hostilities” not only between Israel and Palestine but also in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The President was speaking during Official Talks with the Kingdom of Netherlands King Willem-Alexander on the occasion of that country’s State Visit.
“We are meeting at a time when our resolve to build a peaceful, equal future is being sorely tested, and where reconciliation and healing is most sorely needed.
“The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the devastating events unfolding in Israel and Palestine have left many of us saddened. They have left us fearful for the future of international cooperation and for our common aspiration to realise a world free of conflict.
“As South Africa we have reiterated that there should be an immediate cessation of hostilities between the warring parties, that the tenets of international law should be upheld, and that the international community has a responsibility to help bring about favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s painful history and now democratic present is proof that peace – in a time of great conflict – can be achieved.
“As a country that chose the path of reconciliation over conflict, and peace over war, we believe it is indeed possible for adversaries, even those that share bitter histories, to come together for the sake of peace. We believe change can never come too late, and that it is indeed possible.
“The relationship between our two countries is testament to this. The Netherlands is a former colonial power but is now supporting development and economic growth across the developing world, including in former Dutch colonies,” the President said.
Bilateral relations
President Ramaphosa praised the relationship between South Africa and the Netherlands – highlighting in particular the Netherlands’ place as a major investor into the country.
South Africa, in turn, is a leading destination for tourists from the European country.
The President said this relationship is one from which South Africa derives “great benefit”.
“Our bilateral relationship spans agriculture, education and skills development, transport and logistics, science and innovation, water management and a number of other areas.
“Our energy cooperation is increasing, notably in the fields of green hydrogen and renewable energy,” he said.
The President said South Africa looks forward to “expanding the horizons of this relationship well into the future”.
“Ours is a strategic partnership and we can be proud of it. It has evolved, matured and I see it growing exponentially in the next coming years. May our shared values and common commitment to development guide us as we write what I would believe is a new history and a new chapter in our relations,” he said.
Historical ties
President Ramaphosa reflected on the history between the two countries which began with the arrival of Dutch settlers in the Cape in 1652.
He said traces of Dutch culture can still be found in South African society.
“More than 200 years since the Dutch ceded sovereignty of the Cape, there are a number of Dutch influences that still play an important part in the cultural and linguistic life of many South African communities.
“The Afrikaans language has much of its origins in Dutch and is the third most widely spoken national language of South Africa. Our country’s Muslim community can trace its origins to the arrival in 1658 of free labourers and political exiles from the-then Dutch East Indies. There are distinct Dutch influences in the cuisine and customs of our country,” he said.
The President emphasised that despite this colonial past, the strong bilateral relations between the two countries “reflect a commitment to acknowledge and confront the injustices of our past”.
“We are determined to forge a new path for our respective countries based on shared values, and a common commitment to human rights, equality, development and prosperity for all.
“We are determined to build the bridges of tolerance and understanding in pursuit of a better future and better world.
“In this regard, Your Majesty, I wish to acknowledge the apology that you have made for your country’s role in the slave trade, including in South Africa. This was an important step towards promoting reconciliation, restoration and healing old wounds,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:30
October is the ideal time to plan out, prepare and plant your flower beds to ensure that you have a showstopper summer garden. Planning is vital to ensure that you plant your flowers in a happy spot where they will thrive. You could make a sketch of your garden – including any permanent features, such …
Mangaung Concerned Community want jobs
Water project for Libode started in 2016
Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) is delighted to announce the addition of seven new members who have joined the association representing the local vinyls industry during the last few months. Monique Holtzhausen, CEO of SAVA, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the new members, stating: “We have set the objective for ourselves at the beginning of 2022 …
Zikalala calls for efficient monitoring of projects
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Sihle Zikalala, has called on officials to work closely with contractors to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Zikalala said failure to deliver projects will also cost not only the department but the individuals concerned as well.
Speaking at the latest Siyahlola engagement in the North West town of Matlosana, Zikalala said it is important for officials to be diligent in checking up on projects.
He said that projects do not just collapse on their own; the problem often arises if the project management approach is not tight from the side of the departmental project managers, which eventually lead to delays and problems.
“The delays are caused by the lack of coherent planning between the department and the client department.
“Our project managers are not hands on enough. Long explanations as to why projects are delayed for a long time, do not help. We must be hands on and the department must deliver as expected,” he said on Tuesday.
Zikalala indicated that all regional managers must be part of technical structures of the District Development Model (DDM) so as to know what is being planned and co-ordinated at all levels of government.
The Minister’s visit comes ahead of the second leg of the DDM Presidential Imbizo which will be held on Friday, 20 October at J.B. Marks Local Municipality in Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.
Speaking at the same event, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Executive Mayor, Nikiwe Num, who was accompanying the Minister, dedicated the district leadership to be the ears and eyes of the Minister on projects and how they were being implemented.
Num said as part of the DDM work, impromptu site visits will be conducted to see to it that projects do not stall and that all blockages are reported to the Minister.
She advised that no trial and error should be tolerated on sensitive projects like the Klerksdorp Correctional Centre.
The Klerksdorp Correctional Centre is a R94. 4million project. The spectrum of work that is being covered includes building related work as well as civil, electrical and mechanical work.
The project will also replace site sewer reticulation, cold water mains, internal warm water piping and irrigation water mains. The perimeter fencing is also being replaced. The project is expected to be finalised in 2025.
Meanwhile, the North West provincial government said the imbizo aims to create an interactive platform for President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ministers and the provincial leadership to engage with communities and find solutions to challenges of socio-economic concerns confronting them on a daily basis.
The provincial government said the imbizo is aimed at intensifying the provision of services, promoting social cohesion, and advancing developmental programmes aimed at creating economic opportunities for locals. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/18/2023 - 09:35
The stage is set for yet another epic Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon which will see runners enjoying a new route on Sunday, 29 October 2023, in this early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon. Organised by the Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, the new route will give runners and walkers a chance to experience the incredible …
Mchunu celebrates Netherlands partnership in water sector
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has celebrated the strong collaboration between South Africa and the Netherlands regarding water management.
“Netherlands is … well known globally because of their expertise in water. They are very skilled in water management and a partnership with them … helps us to lift our skills level on water management as South Africa,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu made the remarks during a visit to the Blesbokspruit wetland in Ekurhuleni, where His Majesty the King of Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima visited the Blue Deal South Africa project on Wednesday.
The Blesbokspruit wetland has challenges with poor water quality due to the massive growth of water hyacinth. During the tour, the King and Queen saw how water hyacinth is removed. This is not only done by hand and machines, but researchers are experimenting with biological control, including fleas from South America.
The wetland is a water project which South Africa and the Netherlands are currently implementing under the banner “Blue Deal South Africa Programme”.
The goal of the Blue Deal South Africa partnership is to have access to clean, sufficient and safe water for 2.5 million people in South Africa in 2030.
The Blue Deal South Africa Programme aims to support water management worldwide by exchanging knowledge and experiences and assist national, regional and local organisations.
The programme will specifically contribute to clean and sufficient water.
Through the partnership, the South African Water Institutions work together with the Dutch Water Authorities, with the first four local projects already been identified to improve water quality.
Combating pollution, optimisation of wastewater treatment plants and combating invasive species are among the local goals.
Speaking to SAnews.gov.za on the sidelines of the King and Queen's visit to the wetland, Mchunu said it was an important interaction after the last meeting between South Africa and the Netherlands at the Global Conference in Water and Sanitation, held in New York, in March 2023.
Mchunu said the two countries recently renewed the Blue Deal initiative.
“This is a project of maintaining this ecosystem for the benefit of South Africans. This wetland is one of the biggest wetlands in the country and its water contributes to the main system, the Vaal River System, which supports around 20 million people.
“The Blesbokspruit wetland is one of the most important systems in the world, and therefore, the work that we are doing in partnership with Netherlands to protect this wetland, even via the moving of the hyacinth, is beneficial in many respects. But the main core business is to keep the wetland alive,” Mchunu said.
The Minister said the department often sends officials to the Netherlands for training on their water management projects as well as areas of work.
“We have practical collaborative programmes, where we join hands and maintain this wetland together.”
During their tour of the wetland, King Willem-Alexander also visited a greenhouse where the fleas are grown and watched them being introduced to the water hyacinth, while Queen Máxima spoke to a local entrepreneur who uses the dried water hyacinth to weave baskets and other useful products to sell.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are currently on a State Visit to South Africa, which will take place from 18 to 20 October 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/18/2023 - 15:24
Living in Samora Machel, Cape Town, you hear gunshots any time of the day
Imtiaz Sooliman calls for negotiations and compromise. “The only way to solve the problem is to do what is just.”
Buffalo City residents urged to be cautious during rainy conditions
Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape has warned residents and motorists to exercise caution as rainy conditions persist.
Wards 15, 30, 33, 35, 45 and 49, along with Duncan Village Ward 2 and 6, are the most severely affected.
“However, no one has been displaced or any fatalities reported. Our Disaster Management teams, together with our Human Settlements, are still on the ground collecting information on the affected people,” Buffalo City Metro said in a statement.
According to the city, the Electricity Department and Fire Services, as well as Disaster Management, are still on standby.
Residents are advised to contact Disaster Management on 0437437118 and the Fire Service on 043 705 9000 in the event of any eventuality.
“We advise councillors to be aware of the inclement weather conditions and activate their ward-based structures for any eventualities,” the city said.
The city noted with concern that some of the contributing factors to flooding include the construction of houses in low-lying areas (flood lines)/wetlands, the strain to the drainage system, which is mainly compromised by littering and the illegal building on top of municipal infrastructure.
“Our Disaster Management services are in constant contact with the South African Weather Service to monitor severe weather conditions, and to distribute such to the affected communities and sectors,” the City said.
Motorists traveling around the East London, Mdantsane, and eQonce areas are advised to look out for low-lying roads and bridges.
A number of streets are experiencing blocked drainage, which is caused by illegal dumping. However, the city has deployed jetting machines to unblock stormwater drainage systems.
“Our teams (both internal and external) have been on standby and have been working on all the areas of Buffalo City to unblock stormwater systems and the overflow problem in the city, and will continue to do so until the situation is improved or rescued," the city said.
With regards to the water outage in Dimbaza, the city confirmed that power has been affected, and as a result, the whole system is empty, and it will take about a week to recover the system. This was due to no production of water and pumping from Amatola Water's Laing WTW for three days. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:37