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Committed to using technology for good, Samsung partners with Africam and The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit to expand its Wildlife Watch pilot. Harnessing the technology in its Galaxy S21 Ultra and new S23 Ultra devices to broadcast live, 24/7 streams of wild animals in the Balule Nature Reserve, part of Kruger National Park. Coinciding with …
Africa can produce more energy than it requires - Minister Ramokgopa
Africa can produce more energy than it requires within the next 30 years if it takes advantage of its natural resources.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was delivering a keynote address on Green Hydrogen at the Africa Energy Week held in Cape Town.
“We need to have a Pan African view in the exploitation of this energy carrier and our view is that by 2040 Africa can produce up to 50 times more energy from renewables than the world’s estimated demand.
“This is as a result of our location advantages. I think we have some of the radiation levels of any parts of the world and we also have some of the best wind speeds along the coastal areas,” he said.
The Minister emphasised, however, that Africa must provide its own “interpretation” on what a just energy transition constitutes.
“We have got an opportunity to define a Just Energy Transition with African characteristics and in this instance, it is about universal access, the exploitation of critical minerals that are key to development of green hydrogen and realising its potential.
“We can see that by smelting African iron ore locally, we are likely going to create much needed jobs and therefore the skills that are required to support that transition. In that way, in addition to broadening the industrial base, we are really getting people in good quality jobs…this is in addition to the decarbonisation agenda,” he said.
Honing in further on green hydrogen, Ramokgopa moved to allay fears that green hydrogen production will bear a heavy toll on South Africa’s water resources.
“It is important that in the conversation around the potential of green hydrogen, we confront what essentially is an objective inherent risk associated with the exploitation of this resource and the strain that it’s putting on our water resources.
“There’s a rich body of literature that suggests that coastal countries can use sea water to produce green hydrogen and therefore eliminating the strain that is likely it’s likely going to place on limited water resources...especially countries like South Africa where water is a scarce commodity,” he said.
The Minister explained that Sub-Saharan Africa’s resources have the capacity to “produce anything between 5000 and 13 000 million tonnes per year” of green hydrogen.
“We think that could come at about $2 per kilogram…essentially by 2050 and therefore making green hydrogen financially competitive compared to other energy sources.
“I did make the point that it could also contribute significantly to the national revenue funds of many African countries of up to $20 billion and that could distributed to ensure that we are able to expand on social infrastructure, improve the quality of life of our people and ensure that we put Africa on a pedestal for significant growth going into the future,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 15:29
President Ramaphosa calls for cessation of acts of war in Israel and Palestine conflict
President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to call for an immediate cessation of acts of war between Israel and Palestine, the opening of humanitarian corridors and a UN-led negotiation process towards resolving the conflict.
President Ramaphosa said this must lead to a just and lasting peace that satisfies the human rights, dignity and aspirations of all the people on both sides of this conflict.
The President highlighted that like many people around the world, South Africans have watched with great anguish and pain the devastating violence and destruction in Israel and Gaza since Saturday last week.
“It has never been our nature as South Africans to reserve our empathy only for those with whom we share an ethnic, racial, religious or cultural affinity.
“As South Africans, we have made it part of our national DNA to stand firm against all forms of prejudice, including racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and xenophobia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of both Palestine and Israel as they go through these difficult times,” the President said.
The President bemoaned the harrowing deaths of Israeli and Palestinian civilians during this conflict.
“It has been traumatic to see the images of civilians killed, wounded and captured; of destroyed homes, and of entire neighbourhoods flattened by bombardment. The atrocities that we have witnessed since last week Saturday are the latest chapter in a painful history of suffering, oppression, occupation and conflict going back more than 75 years.
“The harrowing deaths of Israeli and Palestinian civilians is a shock to our collective humanity. While international law recognises the right of oppressed people who defend themselves to use arms as a means of struggle and defence, that right must be exercised within the bounds of the Geneva Conventions,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the images of the killing of civilians in Israel by Hamas just over a week ago and the ongoing killing of civilians in Gaza by Israeli forces goes against the tenets of international law, which prohibits the targeting of non-combatants, especially women, the aged and children.
He expressed the country’s sadness and condolences to all those who are going through the most difficult time with their families.
“As South Africans, we are particularly filled with deep sorrow, as some who have died are South African citizens caught in this conflict.
“The sheer scale of human suffering is a grim reminder that it is civilians who bear the brunt in armed conflict and who pay the heaviest price.
“We stand firm against violence directed at civilians; against the killing of children, the elderly, the infirm and non-combatants; against the targeting of critical infrastructure such as hospitals; and against the collective punishment of civilian populations.”
The President said that the wanton attack on civilians in Israel and the siege of Gaza and the decision to forcibly expel a population of over one million people from Gaza, together with the indiscriminate use of force, lays the basis for further suffering and death on a huge scale.
“Acts of collective punishment like cutting electricity, food, water, medical and other essential supplies to civilian populations are abhorrent, as is the deliberate destruction of people’s homes.
“As South Africans, this has echoes of the collective punishment of our own people by the apartheid regime as it sought to destroy the liberation movement. It brings back painful memories, as it does for our neighbours in the region,” the President said.
He emphasised that South Africa echoes the position taken by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, that depriving civilians of goods essential for their survival is prohibited under international law.
He noted the growing concern that the current conflict may render the possibility of a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and a two-State solution even further out of reach.
The President said reconciliation and peace is possible if there is demonstrable political will from all sides, and when ordinary citizens commit to a common, shared future.
“Without justice, there can be no peace. The cycle of violence that has been unleashed is the tragic outcome of decades of unmet and unfulfilled possibilities to peacefully solve the problem between Israelis and Palestinians.
“The international community has a responsibility to support peace and to create favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue, and not to fan the flames of conflict. World leaders need to, and must make, a call for peace and not vengeance,” the President said.
He emphasised that the only way to bring about peace is the fulfilment of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to human rights, dignity and nationhood.
“It is our collective hope that the Israeli and Palestinian people come together, reconcile and choose the path of a just peace,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 10:48
Green hydrogen economy plays prominent role in SA’s just energy transition
President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the vital role the green hydrogen economy plays in the country’s development and just energy transition.
“The hydrogen economy has a prominent role to play in our country’s just energy transition, providing employment and support to vulnerable workers, communities and small businesses.
“It has been estimated that the hydrogen economy has the potential to add 3.6% to our GDP by 2050 and approximately 370 000 jobs. We must act with purpose to harness the potential of the green hydrogen economy,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa was delivering remarks at the second iteration of South African Green Hydrogen Summit (SAGHS) in Century City, Cape Town, on Monday.
The inaugural SAGHS, held in 2022, reaffirmed South Africa as an investment destination of choice and a world leader in the green energy space. It focused on scaling up regional cooperation around green hydrogen.
This second summit aims to highlight South Africa’s exceptional potential as an early stage, large scale and low cost world-class green hydrogen production hub, and total value chain investment destination.
South Africa’s Investment Strategy, approved by Cabinet earlier this year, lists green hydrogen as one of the big frontier strategic sectors expected to attract foreign and domestic direct investment.
The President emphasised the nation’s goal to position itself as a globally competitive player in this dynamic and growing industry.
The President noted that 64 countries, accounting for 89% of global emissions, have announced net zero targets by 2050. He further said that is anticipated that global green hydrogen demand will increase sevenfold by 2050.
He said that for the world to limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius, green hydrogen will need to constitute 10% to 20% of the global energy mix.
“South Africa has committed to ambitious emission reduction targets. Our own estimates indicate that green hydrogen has the potential to remove 10% to 15% of our domestic emissions and contribute to our nation’s long-term energy security,” he said.
Green Hydrogen Alliance
The President acknowledged the collaboration efforts being made through the African Green Hydrogen Alliance, which includes Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Ethiopia, Angola and South Africa.
The alliance aims to harness Africa’s potential in developing green hydrogen industries. It aims to make joint calls for technical support, funding and market access to international public and private sector partners.
“The inaugural summit laid a strong policy foundation. This year’s summit has a dedicated project focus, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the degree to which projects have matured and advanced. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate technological developments and advancements in the green hydrogen space.
“Close cooperation between public, private and financial partners will be key to unlocking Africa’s green hydrogen potential. This will enable mass-scale domestic and international demand for green hydrogen, and increase cooperation on green hydrogen production, storage and distribution infrastructure,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President emphasised that if investment is significantly scaled-up, green hydrogen can deliver the equivalent of more than one third of Africa’s current energy consumption, increase the collective GDP, improve clean water supply and empower communities.
He said proper planning, regulation and incentive schemes are critical to mobilise private sector investment.
“South Africa has deep capital markets, with world-class conditions for generating renewable energy through solar and wind power, which are key drivers of the production of green hydrogen.
“Funding green hydrogen projects will require innovative financing structures sourced from multiple stakeholders,” President Ramaphosa said.
Building the green hydrogen industry
In June 2023, South Africa concluded a Heads of Agreement with the intention to launch the SA-H2 Fund. This is an innovative blended finance fund that will facilitate the development of a green hydrogen sector and circular economy in South Africa.
SA-H2 aims to secure $1 billion in funding raised directly in South Africa or via indirect channels. The Fund is a partnership of private and public enterprises, locally and globally.
Since the last Summit, the President said advances have been made towards building the green hydrogen industry in the country.
These include a Joint Declaration of Intent with the German government, focusing on market access, off-take opportunities and value-additive benefits in the production of green steel and green fertiliser.
South Africa has also signed a MOU with the Netherlands as an off-taker for green hydrogen derivative products.
“It is encouraging to note that a Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed at this conference by three multinationals in the green hydrogen mobility space, namely Sasol, Anglo American and BMW.
“Sasol will serve as a supplier to Anglo and BMW as part of their focus on commercial and passenger fleet transformation. These are important initiatives within the context of carbon border adjustment mechanisms,” the President said.
He thanked all the partners and sponsors that have made this summit possible. He sent a special mention to Anglo American, BMW, Sasol, the Industrial Development Corporation and GIZ.
“I wish business and government delegations at this summit well as we work to shape Africa’s green hydrogen agenda for the benefit of our economies and societies, now and into the future,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 13:20
Celebrating its fourth anniversary on World Food Day, leading food rescue and hunger relief organisation SA Harvest reflects on its remarkable achievements over the past four years. This milestone coincides with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) theme of ‘Water is Food, Water is Life,’ a message that resonates deeply with SA Harvest’s …
Representatives march to the provincial office of COGTA under the banner of the Inyanda National Land Movement
A substantial group of Tygerberg MTB Club members is eagerly awaiting SA’s MTB Party of the year, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, that is set to showcase the sport of mountain biking against the backdrop of Stellenbosch’s legendary trails on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023. “The Savanna Origin of Trails MTB …
“We are not here because we want to be here. We are here because we need homes.”
By Thabo Molekoa, Chairman & Managing Director, Siemens Energy Southern Africa (https://www.Siemens-Energy.com/)
Fostering an environment that promotes a culture of learning, exploration, and technological excellence among the youth, is the key to a more sustainable future.
From 3 – 6 October 2023, the 43rd instalment of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was held at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Johannesburg. Each year the Expo finds the top young innovators and scientists across South Africa and Internationally, bringing these students together to compete against, and engage with, like-minded individuals on a platform that promotes innovation and scientific excellence. This year the Expo hosted 330 young scientists from 35 regions across South Africa, alongside 20 international students from 10 countries including Mexico, Namibia, Mozambique, and Turkey.
The Expo plays a pivotal role in promoting and sustaining the youth's interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Innovation (STEMI) subjects. It provides budding scientists with the opportunity to showcase and demonstrate their problem-solving skills, innovative capabilities, and creative thinking to solve some of the world's biggest challenges. We saw students demonstrate power generation through an electrolysis system using lead pencils and water; we saw them improve the energy generation capacity of solar panels by using mirrors to direct sunrays throughout the day; as well as to identify how we can generate electricity by using the gas released from biodegradable substances. Platforms such as this also gives corporate organizations and educational institutions the opportunity to support the growth of STEMI subject skillsets and training, by providing the youth with the necessary tools to pursue scientific and engineering careers.
Siemens Energy was proud to participate as one of the main sponsors of this initiative. We sponsored students from Namibia and Mozambique to travel to South Africa and showcase their inventions. We also sponsored laptops to nine rural and underprivileged schools across the country, with two young scientists each receiving full bursaries to study engineering at a university of their choice.
The Expo was an insightful and inspiring event that demonstrated the impressive capabilities of today's young scientists. It allowed the students to showcase their knowledge and skill, in a fun, exciting, and supportive environment.
As global economies rush to enable a shift in energy systems; we need to encourage innovation, knowledge, and continuous revolution in training and education to facilitate progress. Involving the youth in challenges like these, provides the next generation of energy professionals with opportunities to learn and lead in the energy transition.
Siemens Energy recognizes the role of the youth in tackling this problem, our Just Energy Transition Hackathon, held last year is another example of how Siemens Energy is assisting in exposing the youth to a passion for STEMI subjects and energy in an engaging and rewarding format.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Siemens Energy Southern Africa.
SA condemns violation of the Geneva Conventions
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has condemned in the strongest possible terms Israel’s violation of the Geneva Conventions and the abandonment of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza.
According to the World Health Organisation, the complete blockage of the Gaza Strip announced by Israel remains in effect.
Israeli authorities have stopped their electricity and water supply to the Gaza Strip and no movements of food, fuel, health, other humanitarian supplies or patients are allowed – worsening the already dire situation, said Dirco in a statement.
Article 14 of the Geneva Convention states: “Starvation of civilians as a method of combat is prohibited. It is therefore prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render useless for that purpose, objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population such as food-stuffs, agricultural areas for the production of food-stuffs, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works”.
According to the Fourth Geneva Convention, “civilians in areas of armed conflict and occupied territories are protected by the 159 articles of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Civilians are to be protected from murder, torture, or brutality, and from discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, religion or political opinion”.
The UN Commission on Human Rights has previously declared Israel’s “continuous grave breaches” of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I to be war crimes.
“International Humanitarian Law includes the obligation not to target civilian populations, and the responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflict. Israeli bombardments from the air, sea, and land have continued and intensified across the Gaza Strip for the sixth consecutive day.
“This is an egregious violation of International Humanitarian Law,” said Dirco.
According to the latest report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the continual bombardment of the Gaza strip has now resulted in over 423 000 internally displaced people, this represents an increase of 24 percent over the past 24 hours. Two-thirds of the IDPs are taking shelter in UNRWA schools.
“[The] announcement by Israel giving 1.1 million Gazans 24 hours to leave the Northern Gaza strip and evacuate to the South of Gaza will lead to further catastrophe as, according to humanitarian organisations on the ground, there are not enough resources to host so many IDPs in other governorates - not enough shelter, aid or water.
“The UN has announced that UN schools turned into shelters are already overrun with shortages in resources, including food, water, medicine, and other humanitarian provisions as required under International Law,” the DIRCO statement read.
The department urged the Israeli government to heed calls to provide services to the Gaza strip.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that crucial life-saving supplies, including fuel, food and water, must be allowed into Gaza.
Between 100 and 150 Israelis, including soldiers and civilians, some of whom are women and children, as well as some foreign nationals, have been captured and forcibly taken into Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the “immediate release of all Israeli hostages, which is also forbidden under International Humanitarian Law”.
“South Africa calls on Israel to immediately heed the calls of the UN Secretary General, the plethora of humanitarian organisation operating in Gaza, and a number of governments around the world to immediately provide water, food, fuel, and electricity to the people of Gaza.
“South Africa also calls for the release of the Israeli hostages taken into Gaza,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 09:01
President Ramaphosa on working visit to Namibia
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a delegation of ministers on a working visit to Namibia today.
While there, the President will co-chair the 3rd Session of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia Bi-National Commission (SA - Namibia BNC) with his Namibian counterpart, President Hage Geingob.
According to the Presidency, the BNC was inaugurated some 10 years ago at Windhoek with the second session of the BNC held in 2016.
“South Africa and Namibia share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based, equitable international system of governance.
“The scope of cooperation between the two countries is expansive, anchored by 74 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements. The geographical proximity of our countries and the sharing of common borders has over the years presented many opportunities for cooperation and thus benefitted the economies of the two countries,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Presidency said this third session of the BNC has the following objectives:
“President Ramaphosa will lead a government delegation comprising of Ministers Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation; Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry and Competition.
“The delegation is also expected to include Ministers Lindiwe Zulu of Social Development; Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy; Barbara Creecy of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; Senzo Mchunu of Water and Sanitation; Sandisiwe Chikunga of Transport; Patricia de Lille of Tourism; and Ministers in The Presidency, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,” the statement read.
Committees that make up the BNC include the Diplomatic, Economic, Social and Defence and Security committees. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:44
Modise extends words of comfort to families mourning soldiers who died in Lohatla fire
Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Thandi Modise, has extended words of comfort to the six families who lost their loved ones in the wildfire that engulfed parts of the SA Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, Northern Cape, last week.
“I am so sorry because it’s never easy to address people who have lost loved ones. I’m apologising because we’ll go and visit the graves. Yes, we’ll go and touch the stones. But that voice, hug, that laughter, will continue only in our hearts and only in our minds,” Modise said.
The Minister was addressing mourners and fellow South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who had gathered at the training centre to honour the deceased.
The SANDF has since issued the names of the deceased members and they are Sergeant Abraham Desember Morajane, Staff Sergeant Sipho Berrington Cele, Corporal Sithembiso Wiseman Ndwalane, Corporal Noxolo Faith Ngubane, Lance Corporal Prince Michael Mthethwa and Lance Corporal Londiwe Purity Zulu.
The officials tragically lost their lives after the raging fire that started from a nearby mine destroyed sections of the camp where the soldiers were in preparation for the upcoming Exercise Vuk’uhlome, which is taking place this month until November.
“We will not be there to wipe every tear of a child who continuously asks the mom about the father. But we will be there to make sure that the child is well looked after and well educated. We will make sure that the names of those who gave their lives shall be remembered,” she added.
She also had a word of encouragement to the widows and daughters who lost fathers.
“I want to say to the mothers who have lost their sons and daughters who have lost their mothers, God always gives you what He knows you can carry.
“In whatever pain you may be feeling; the sun shall rise. We will take heart. The most painful is to lose a child when you are a parent because children are supposed to bury us.”
She said her department also stands with the children who will grow up without parents.
“We will walk with you and hold your hands through the journey. Even though we haven’t met those who parted. It hurts because we become parents on your behalf when they’re on our premises. You will not walk alone.”
Modise said they will ensure that the dependents are looked after and that the children go to school.
She urged the widow with a two-year-old, Lerato Noxolo Cele, who lost her husband not to lose the memories but pass them on to her daughter.
Seargent Cele leaves behind a toddler that he and his wife battled for a decade to conceive.
Modise told the packed hall that no life is taken for granted in the army.
“We know that those who serve, serve at a place that sometimes takes life and sometimes rewards for keeping our heads above the water but also for ensuring that South Africa continues to do well.”
Meanwhile, the Minister said government will do everything in its power to ensure that the soldiers do not lose their lives through the elements such as fire.
“Whatever this base needs, we will look at. We will also make sure that in our training, we take care and that in whatever contingency we’re ready to preserve the lives of those who are willingly giving up their lives in the name of this country.”
She said government needs to ensure it has a well-trained and well-resourced force.
“Because if we don’t, we might not have a country tomorrow,” she said.
Modise also announced that the SANDF has launched an inquiry that will get to the bottom of the matter. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 11:04
Frustrated South Hills residents blocked main roads and burnt tyres
In the vast realm of industrial machinery, pumps play an indispensable role in various sectors. From agriculture to refrigeration, the right pump can significantly enhance efficiency and productivity. Centex Africa, a leading name in the industry, offers a diverse range of pumps tailored to specific market needs. Let’s delve deeper into their offerings: 1. …
“The municipality has no heart for disabled people” says mother with three disabled children
The vast, 100 hectare site is a hive of activity, with local contractors Stefanutti Stocks heading up the construction work with approximately 500 people currently on site. Piling, earthworks, retaining structures and columns of Westown Square are virtually all complete and the walls of the 50 000m² retail experience, the first project within Westown, are …
While plans for temporary relocation of 891 households occupying the Central Line are making progress, thousands of households remain on the railway
Census 2022 shows improvement in basic services
South Africa’s first digital census shows an increase in the proportion of households that had access to piped water inside their dwelling, from 32.3% in 2001 to 46.3% in 2011 and to 59.7% in 2022.
This is according to the South Africa's Census 2022 national results, which was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa by Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The data shows that in 2022 over four-fifths (82.4%) of households in the country had access to piped water either inside their dwelling or inside their yard.
“The proportion of households that accessed piped water off-site (from a water source outside the yard such as a neighbour or from a community stand) halved from 17.9% in 2011 to 8.9% in 2022.
“Households in the Western Cape were more likely to have piped water inside their dwelling (85.5%) compared to Limpopo, where less than one-third (31.4%) accessed piped water inside their dwelling.
“Although the national picture regarding access to piped water shows improvement over the years, there is a sizeable proportion of households in Limpopo (20.5%) and Eastern Cape (19.5%) with no access to piped water.
“The majority of households across the three censuses made use of a regional/local water scheme as their main source of water. This proportion increased steadily from 74.7% in 2001 to 79.7% in 2011 and to 82.7% in 2022,” Maluleke said.
There has been an increase in the percentage of households that used a flush toilet as their main type of toilet facility during this period (+18.9 percentage points).
However, the percentage of households that used a pit toilet without ventilation and households with no form of toilet facility declined during the same period, from 22.8% to 12.5% and from 13.6% to 1.6% respectively
Energy
The proportion of households using electricity as the main source of energy for lighting increased significantly from 58.1% in 1996 to 94.7% in 2022; conversely, the use of paraffin and candles as the main source of energy for lighting decreased.
Electricity was the main source of energy for lighting across all provinces.
In 1996, 28.8% of households utilised candles for lighting compared to the 3.2% in 2022.
The use of paraffin declined, with only 0.9% of households using it for lighting compared to the 12.7% in 1996.
“It is noted that the country recorded an upward trend in refuse removed by a local authority regularly, an increase from 52% in 1996 to 66% in 2022. Approximately two-thirds (66.3%) of households in the country had their refuse removed by a local authority once a week whilst one in four households used their own refuse dump (22.3%).
“The percentage of households with no refuse removal or using their own refuse dump both decreased over the same period. In 1996, 32.6% of households used their own refuse dump and 9.7% did not have any refuse removal,” he said.
In 2022, households using their own refuse dump decreased to 22.3% and those with no refuse removal halved to 4.5%
SA population
According to South Africa's Census 2022 national results, the population increased from 40.5 million in 1996 to just over 62 million in 2022; an increase of over 21.4 million people in 26 years.
“Black Africans remain consistently the dominant population group at a proportion of more than 80%, followed by the coloured and white populations at 8.2% and 7.3% in 2022, respectively.
“On the other hand, the Indian/Asian population comprised less than 3% of the population over the years. The age-sex structure indicates some decline in the ages between 0 and 29 years when compared to the 2011 distribution,” Maluleke said.
The sex ratio in the country decreased from 98.8 in 2011 to 94.1 in 2022. Gauteng reported the highest ratio at 101.8 in 2022, suggesting that there are more males than females in the province compared to the other provinces.
“Furthermore, the median age in the country was 28 years in 2022, showing an increase of three years from 25 years in 2011. It was highest in the Western Cape and lowest in Limpopo at 31 and 26 years, respectively.
“The median age of the white population was 45 years while that of the black African population was 27 years in 2022. The majority (62.2%) of the population has never been married, while 24% indicated that they are legally married,” Maluleke said.
The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and provides comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends, and other service delivery related information. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 10:54
Ekurhuleni residents, businesses urged to be water wise
The City of Ekurhuleni has urged residents and businesses to implement water-saving measures, while work continues to increase water storage levels in some areas.
“The more we save water by implementing simple interventions daily, we reduce the threat of water cuts in the future,” City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, said
Water supply has been interrupted in multiple areas due to low supply from the bulk supplier, Rand Water, and of late, increased demand from customers.
Dlamini said technicians are working to maintain supply to all residents during this peak demand season.
“The city has identified supply zones that are the highest contributors to its water demand. Water demand management interventions such as pressure management will be implemented in those areas with immediate effect to minimize the impact on residents.
“Water is a critical natural resource that cannot be produced or recreated. It is therefore in the interest of all consumers to safeguard its availability for the benefit of everyone including future generations,” he said.
Dlamini added that Ekurhuleni’s technical team remains on high alert in monitoring the water infrastructure with special attention being given to the areas, including Tsakani, Etwatwa, Daveyton, Primrose, Germiston and KwaThema, which experienced massive water shortages in recent weeks.
“Meanwhile, some parts of Brakpan which are supplied by Rand Water continue to experience intermittent water supply due to the low levels in the reservoirs. However, different strategies are being implemented to ensure that the system normalises as soon as possible,” Dlamini said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 10:16
In today’s industrial world, being prepared for unexpected spills is crucial. Whether it’s a minor oil leak or a major chemical spill, having the right spill kit on hand can make all the difference. At Afrisupply, we offer a wide range of spill kits tailored to various needs. Let’s dive into the different types available: …
In the world of plumbing, two critical concerns often arise: leak detection and pipe relining. Watergate, a name synonymous with excellence and innovation, emerges as the go-to source for comprehensive plumbing solutions. Learn more. Let’s delve into the services that define Watergate’s commitment to resolving plumbing issues with precision: Leak Detection: Nipping Plumbing Problems …
Good news stories don’t come along every day. And with two of South Africa’s biggest problems being food security and sustainability, the work that Siyazisiza Trust is doing in this area inspired Tourvest to become involved. With Tourvest’s mission being to create sustainable income and ensure food security within some of the poorest rural communities …
DWS consults stakeholders on water strategies
Water and Sanitation Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, will on Thursday join Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) executive leaders and Standard Bank, in a workshop to engage on the implementation of the third National Water Resources Strategy (NWRS-3).
The department said the workshop will also be attended by representatives from different stakeholders in the water sector, who will interrogate detailed actions that are required to ensure financial sustainability of the water sector, as per the strategic objectives in NWRS-3.
The NWRS-3 is a legal instrument for implementing or operationalising the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998) and is also crucial for proper management of the nation’s water resources across all sectors towards achieving national government’s development objectives.
The department noted that South Africa faces many and varied water security challenges, which include deficient water infrastructure maintenance, inadequacy of funds for investment, recurrent droughts, inequitable access to water and sanitation, and a lack of skilled human capacity, especially at municipal level.
To address these challenges, the department said it continuously monitors the sector and develops responsive and proactive strategies to ensure sustainable water management.
“Through its National Water Resource Strategy, which is reviewed every five years to guide water resources management in the country, the department provides the foundation for financial sustainability on the entire water and sanitation value chain,” the department said.
The workshop will be held under the theme: “Ensuring financial sustainability of the water sector”. – SAnews.gov.za
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Wed, 10/11/2023 - 08:37