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Measures in area to deal with Diphtheria outbreak

Location: News

Measures in place to deal with Diphtheria outbreak

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is leaving “nothing to chance” as it deals with the outbreak of Diphtheria at the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre, says it’s National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale.

This after a 19-year-old inmate died and eight other inmates tested positive for the contagious bacterial infection at the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape.

“We would like to assure the public and stakeholders that we are taking proactive measures to address and contain any possible spread of the disease. The epidemiological investigation on the index case is still ongoing.

“Recognising the potential risks associated with communal living, we have implemented a comprehensive set of measures to mitigate the spread of the disease within the correctional setting.

“We are doing this because we also know that [a] Diphtheria outbreak in a correctional environment requires a coordinated and comprehensive response in order to contain the spread and provide appropriate medical care to the affected individuals,” he said at a media briefing on Monday.

Thobakgale outlined the measures taken which include:

  • Vaccination campaign: The department has initiated a vaccination campaign to ensure that all eligible individuals receive the Diphtheria vaccine. A total of 342 inmates have been vaccinated. In terms of officials, the department stands at 36.
  • Hygiene practices: Inmates and staff members are once more being educated and encouraged to practice enhanced hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and the use of hand sanitizers. Facilities are being deep cleaned in an effort to minimize the risk of disease transmission. This involves pest control.
  • Isolation: according to Thobakgale, direct contacts are  “effectively on day 16 of isolation”. Appropriate medical care is also provided to those classified as high risk.
  • Regular Health screenings: Inmates and staff members are now subjected to regular health screenings to detect any potential cases early to enable DCS to prevent the spread of the disease and be ready to deal with new infections should they emerge.
  • Medical attention: Health care professionals are available and are treating affected inmates. Appropriate medical treatment is also being offered. The Department of Health is also working closely with DCS in this regard thus ensuring a comprehensive response plan.

“We are leaving nothing to chance, health education efforts to inform inmates, DCS officials and service providers about the symptoms of Diphtheria, the importance of vaccination, and preventive measures are being amplified. Our health care team is vigilant in monitoring the situation and the infection prevention measures are for every individual in a correctional facility to follow through.

“The situation is calm and under control. No new cases have been reported in the past five days. Hence, we do believe that the measures that we have put in place shall be effective in ensuring the well-being of everyone in our care,” he said.

Roots of the outbreak

Reflecting on the events leading up to the outbreak, Thobakgale explained that the 19-year-old inmate who died, fell ill after being transported back to the facility following a court appearance on October 17.

“When the inmate showed signs of not feeling well, the Correctional Services Health Care officials treated him and a decision was taking that he be transferred to an outside hospital. At the time the inmate showed malaise and respiratory symptoms hence the transfer to Victoria Hospital on 28 October.

“He received further treatment and was tested for Diphtheria and the results came back positive on 02 November 2023. Unfortunately, the inmate’s condition deteriorated and he sadly passed away on 5 November 2023 at the Groote Schuur Hospital,” he said.

Thobakgale said following the inmate’s diagnosis, the department immediately embarked on a contact tracing exercise with some 54 inmates and 15 correctional services officials identified as contacts.

Some eight inmates tested positive.

“[The officials] were tested and released to isolate at home. The provisional results have since came back negative, awaiting confirmatory results.

“As a department, it was important that we act with necessary urgency. The health and well-being of our incarcerated inmates, staff members, and the surrounding community are of utmost importance to us, and we are obligated to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

“Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, and through…comprehensive measures, we aim to minimize the risk of transmission at Pollsmoor Correctional facility,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 12:00

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Nzimande commends arrest in university stabbing incident

Location: News

Nzimande commends arrest in university stabbing incident

The arrest of a university student for allegedly stabbing his wife at a private student residence in Belhar, Cape Town, on Saturday, has been commended by Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande.
 
The 26-year-old woman was a student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), while her alleged attacker, aged 30, is a University of Western Cape (UWC) student.
 
According to UWC, the suspect and the CPUT student are married.
 
Nzimande welcomed the swift response of law enforcement agencies in arresting the perpetrator, who according to the video footage in circulation, was merciless and barbaric in committing the crime against his partner.  
 
Nzimande noted that gender-based violence (GBV) is a global pandemic that affected one in three women in their lifetime.
 
“As many as 38% of murders of women are committed by an intimate partner, 35% of women worldwide experienced physical and sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence,” Nzimande said.
 
As part of dealing with gender-based violence in institutions, the Minister launched the Transforming MENtalities initiative, which is a multistakeholder partnership within Post School Education and Training (PSET) with a particular focus on mobilising men to be part of championing a world free of gender biases, stereotypes, violence and discrimination.
 
Nzimande urged all institutions working with Higher Health, which oversees wellness at higher education institutions, to continue working collectively in implementing programmes towards addressing the challenges of sexual and gender-based violence within the PSET system. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 10:36

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More thrills at this year’s Killarney Motor Exhibit

Location: MyPR

This past weekend, motoring enthusiasts gathered at the annual Killarney Motor Show for another exhilarating event, immersing themselves in the unmistakable aroma of petrol, the symphony of screeching tyres, and a visual feast of everything motorised, from sleek classics to Mad Max replicas. Motul, the celebrated name in superior automotive and motorcycling lubricants, showcased their …

Read moreMore thrills at this year’s Killarney Motor Exhibit

Progress made in the battle against criminality

Location: News

Progress made in the fight against criminality

Government is making inroads into destroying criminal activities as well as syndicates and has vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that criminals are dealt with, says Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise.

“We will make sure that as the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, we create a safe and secure environment for our people to live [in],” Modise said on Friday.

The Minister was addressing a JCPS cluster media briefing to provide progress made in combating organised crime which she said, is a growing concern as it negatively impacts on the livelihood of citizens, the economy and compromises the safety and security of people.

“South Africans have borne the wrath of criminals masquerading in our communities causing disruption in their daily lives. In some parts of our communities, extortion and protection fees demanded by criminal syndicates have become the order of the day.”

She added that infrastructure mafias continue to destabilise the construction industry through intimidation and the threatening of people’s lives.

 “These and other criminal activities have put fear in our people and undermine the authority of the state.”

Operation Shanela

Through the South African Police Services’ Operation Shanela, South Africa has adopted a decisive approach in reducing the high levels of crime.

Operation Shanela is the SAPS crime combating high density operations incepted in May 2023.

 “It is through Operation Shanela, that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully arrested 213 059 suspects for various crimes such as cash-in transit robberies, extortion at construction sites and kidnappings in the past six months.

“During the same period, 2 657 illegal and unwanted firearms were confiscated,” Modise said.

The operation has led to the arrest of 19 299 suspects who were arrested for drug possession while 7 580 were arrested for drug trafficking and dealing in the last six months.

On cash-in-transit (CIT) heists and crimes associated with it, law enforcement agencies continue to make inroads with the police having arrested 75 wanted suspects in the past six months.

“The arrests were made during foiled CIT attempts, during the commission of these crimes and during targeted tracing operations,” she said.

On the drugs front, the latest drug busts are a clear indication that government remains committed to the fight against drug trafficking. Law enforcement is hard at work in identifying emerging trends in the transportation and packaging of these drugs and closing down of clandestine laboratories.

 “It is therefore encouraging that nine drug laboratories worth more than R3 million were dismantled in Gauteng, North West and the Western Cape. In a space of three weeks, police have intercepted large quantities of cocaine in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

“The latest cocaine consignment was seized last week at the sea port in Gqeberha where R65 million worth of cocaine was seized from a vessel that was coming in from Brazil,” Modise said.

Two other drugs busts were made in KwaZulu-Natal where R150 million worth of cocaine was seized in the space of two days.

With regard to extortion at economic and construction sites, Modise said various threats were identified that impact negatively on the economy of the country.

“From April 2023 to date, 61 suspects linked to these extortions were arrested. Since 2019, 27 accused have already been convicted for a collective 43 years direct imprisonment.”

On kidnapping for ransom, Modise said from April 2023 to date, 98 suspects have been arrested for these crimes and more than 30 victims have been rescued.

The cluster said government continues to deploy Anti-Gang-Unit members in provinces prone to gang violence such as the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.

“190 arrests have thus far been effected in 145 cases,” she said.

Also speaking at the media briefing held in Pretoria was Police Minister, Bheki Cele, who said police operations are continuing to ensure that criminals are flushed out.

“They are interfering with the lives of communities. They are armed, they need to be pursued,” he said, adding that law enforcement has identified some of the people involved in illegal mining and is on their trail.

“Some of these people are from our neighbouring countries and relevant Ministers are dealing with the matter. We are hoping to find a lasting solution to this matter,” he said.

Illegal mining

Responding to a question on illegal mining, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said there is a plan to seal all the illegal mines.

“The Department of Mineral Resources is working on the policy matter to close all the illegal mines in the country,” Ntshavheni said.

Ntshavheni said some of the mine owners can’t be traced.

Modise said in the past twelve months, government has witnessed an increase in incidents where illegal miners held communities at ransom, committing various violent crimes, including murder and rape.

“Illegal mining has also been linked to other organised crimes such as gangsterism, human trafficking, money laundering, dealing in illegal weapons and explosives, tax evasion, illegal immigration and transnational organised crimes,” she said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has roped in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist in dealing with illegal mining in the country.  – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

Edwin
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 10:24

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Eskom’s Hex Battery Energy Storage System is a step in the correct direction

Location: News

Eskom's Hex Battery Energy Storage System is a step in the right direction

Projects like Eskom’s Hex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Worcester in the Western Cap can assist the country in ending load shedding.

This is according to Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan who said these kinds of projects create hope that sooner rather than later, South Africa is going to overcome the challenge of load shedding. 

Minister Gordhan was delivering remarks at the launch of Eskom’s Battery Energy Storage System at the Hex substation in the Breede Valley Municipality.

The project – which was launched on Thursday - is a first in Africa. 

“If we do more of these kinds of projects in other parts of the country, which is what Eskom intends to do, we will see the end of load shedding pretty soon. Today, after a few hiccups, you see in live form, the launch of this BESS project right in front of us. It is a great achievement for Eskom and the country. 

“Eskom is demonstrating that it can have a sense of urgency, it can have an important quality that we all need in South Africa and elsewhere – which is the ability to innovate and create new ways of doing things. And not just think about them, but concretely deliver them. That is the key,” the Minister said. 

BESS is a giant step in the right direction to support the Just Energy Transition (JET) programme for boosting green energy as a renewable alternative source. As renewable energy begins to grow, so does the demand for the installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems.

The Hex battery storage project is the first part of Eskom’s Battery Energy Storage System rollout scheduled for construction in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Easter Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Through these kinds of projects, the Minister said, the country will grow economically and be able to create more jobs. 

“We are going to get more investments, not just in the Western Cape but the whole country. Our younger people can look toward to a much better life than those of us that have lived through the last few decades.

“So, this is an opportunity to demonstrate to our own people and citizens, and the globe, that South Africans are innovative, and can deliver world class solutions like the one that we actually see today,” he said. 

The Minister emphasised that it is important that focus is placed on what is best for the country, and what is best for the people of the country, and not for the few individuals who want to become rich as a result of these projects. 

Quoting the recent Census results, Gordhan said that there are 62 million people who must be beneficiaries of these sorts of projects and of the work that is being done. 

The Minister reiterated government’s aim which is to have enough electricity or energy security in this country.

“So, there must be a reserve, just like you have in a savings account for a day when you need some cash. In the same way, you need an energy savings account because you don’t know when you are going to need extra energy. 

“Right now, we have a shortage. We need to get to a point where we have a surplus. And we need to continue keeping that surplus. And Eskom as an institution is going to play a crucial part in developing that surplus through the investment of the private sector in renewables and other forms of energy,” the Minister said. 

He explained that the 120 battery banks cost a fair amount of money - R830 million - and during the construction 255 residents of the greater Worcester area were employed. 

He said they must take the experience and the lessons that will be learnt from this project and use it elsewhere, to make whatever changes that are necessary to have more successful projects in the remaining provinces. 

Minister Gordhan extended his gratitude to the funders. He said that without the concessional funding that they have for Eskom from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the New Development Bank, they would not have been able to prosecute this project.

He also thanked Hyosung Heavy Industries, who supplied the batteries. The Minister further thanked Eskom for thinking about this idea and for researching the idea. - SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Fri, 11/10/2023 - 10:40

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KZN population increases by 21%

Location: News

KZN population increases by 21%

The 2022 Census results has showed an increase in the KwaZulu-Natal population by 21%, between 2011 and 2022.

The Census results, presented to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Council by Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke, showed that the population in the province increased from 10.2 million in the 2011 Census to 12.4 million in 2022.

The results showed that the eThekwini Municipality continues to record the highest population with 4.2 million followed by the uMgungundlovu District at 1.2 million. 

The Census 2022 is the fourth population and housing count in post-apartheid South Africa, following the first count in 1996 and subsequent censuses in 2001 and 2011.

The KwaZulu-Natal province is the third to receive the results following the presentation made by Maluleke to President Cyril Ramaphosa. The results include information at national, provincial, district and municipal level.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the province - with 12 423 907 people - finds itself at number two sandwiched between Gauteng and the Western Cape.

Dube-Ncube said the growth of the province’s population meant that the Provincial Executive Council would have to stretch available resources. 

“With more people and no extra financial resources to turn to, we are called upon to use our equitable allocation wisely, efficiently and effectively. We are already feeling the strain of this growth in our numbers on the provision of social security, basic services, jobs and the fight against poverty. 

“We are approaching a turning point in the management of dwindling resources which have to address a growing if not steady demand, issues including the negotiated wage hikes, the social wage and even the unpredictability occasioned by climate change,” Dube-Ncube said.

She said knowing that KwaZulu-Natal households have the largest number of female-headed households, which is at 4.4%, meant that government needed to focus its energy and resources in programmes that benefit women.

Nationally, the Census 2022 results showed that the South African population has increased from 51.7 million in 2011 to 62 million in 2022. 

Gauteng remained the province with the highest population of 15 million, while the Northern Cape has the smallest population at 1.3 million. About 56% of the country’s population lives in three provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. 

The results showed that the Western Cape has moved from being the 5th largest province in terms of population size in 1996 to being the 3rd largest in 2022. Black Africans remain the dominant population group (81.4%), followed by Coloureds at 8.2%, Whites at 7.3% and Indians/Asians at 2.7%. 

The results also showed a steady decline in the proportion of the White population, from 11% in 1996 to 7.3% in 2022. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

GabiK
Thu, 11/09/2023 - 13:41

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Diphtheria outbreak at W Cape prison kills inmate

Location: News

Diphtheria outbreak at W Cape prison kills inmate

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced on Thursday an outbreak of diphtheria disease at the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape, which has since claimed one life. 

A 19-year-old male inmate presented with diphtheria symptoms on 28 October and was referred to the local hospital for further medical care. 

“Throat swabs were collected the same day for culture laboratory testing and the results returned positive five days later on 2 November. Unfortunately, his health condition continued to deteriorate until he regrettably passed away on 5 November,” a statement from the department said.

Diphtheria is a disease caused by bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheria. 

The bacterium usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, causing respiratory and skin infections.

Public health measures have since been undertaken to bring the outbreak under control. These include contact tracing of inmates, correctional services staff, consulting healthcare workers and emergency services personnel. 

Meanwhile, more tests were conducted with the 55 identified close contacts as part of the case investigation, of which eight inmates tested positive for this serious infection.  

Of these, the department said, two of them presented mild symptoms, while the other six were asymptomatic. 

“All patients including the deceased fall within the age group of 18 to 23 years old. Immediate contacts of the patients and the deceased have been put in isolation from the rest of the correctional centre section to prevent further spread of the disease.” 

In addition, two staff members displayed symptoms compatible with diphtheria and have received treatment and are still waiting for their laboratory test results. 

The Western Cape Department of Health, working with the Department of Correctional Services, has since embarked on a vaccination campaign in the affected section of the correctional centre. 

The department said two laboratory-confirmed cases of diphtheria disease were recorded earlier in the year from an adult in KwaZulu-Natal and a child in the Western Cape. 

Diphtheria, according to the department is an uncommon, but vaccine-preventable serious infection. The toxin may lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death. 

The bacteria spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. 

The symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat with the formation of a membrane on the tonsil and throat and swollen glands in the front of the neck. 

Close contacts of known cases are at increased risk of infection, the department explained. 

“Routine diphtheria vaccination is part of the childhood vaccine programme and parents are encouraged to get their children vaccinated.” 

Healthcare workers are urged to maintain a high index of suspicion in order to ensure that cases are detected early, while all individuals are reminded of the importance of ensuring that they and their families are up-to-date with their vaccinations. 

In South Africa, diphtheria-containing vaccine is offered to all children free of charge in public sector facilities at six, 10 and 14 weeks and 18 months as one component of the hexavalent jab. 

“Booster doses are offered at six and 12 years, and to all Grade 5 learners in public schools during the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 11/09/2023 - 15:05

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Harnessing Trust

Location: MyPR

In an era marked by a global “trust deficit disorder” as commented by the Secretary General of the United Nations, a collaboration between VUKA Group and The Global Trust Project stands out as a necessary and timely endeavour. Together, they will work with leaders, organisations, governments and societies to foster a shared understanding of, and …

Read moreHarnessing Trust

September floods declared a national disaster

Location: News

September floods declared a national disaster

The Western Cape Provincial Government has welcomed the decision to declare the floods that took place in September as a national disaster.

In a notice published in the Government Gazette on Tuesday, the National Disaster Management Centre declared the floods as a National Disaster for the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. 

“We are pleased with this declaration, as it now enables all three spheres of government to work together to fund and repair the damage left in the wake of the unprecedented rains experienced over the Heritage Day long weekend in September,” Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said.

Bredell said the disaster classification makes it possible for the provincial government to approach the National Disaster Management Centre for relief funds to support the work needed to recover and repair damages suffered to public infrastructure, including buildings, roads, bridges, and water networks.

The MEC said the damage assessments for the September floods are estimated at R441 million for provincial infrastructure, and a further R154 million for municipal damages. 

“We will now request the National Disaster Management Centre to approach National Treasury with these numbers [but] there is no certainty on how much or when we will receive any support from the national government. The provincial government will reprioritise existing budgets and continue with our own recovery efforts as best we can,” Bredell said.

According to the latest figures from provincial Infrastructure Department, 22 roads remain closed as repairs are prioritised for roads that connect communities and vital for economic activity. 

In the aftermath of the floods, both the N1 and N2 highway, including more than 150 other roads, were closed.

The Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Department has so far received 238 applications to do emergency repairs in rivers and streams that under normal conditions would require lengthy environmental approvals. 

“The department has already finalised 196 of these applications making use of Section 30A of the National Environmental Management Act, which allows for verbal approval in an emergency to carry out listed or specified activities to prevent or contain further damages to affected areas,” Bredell said. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

GabiK
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 10:07

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Western Cape September floods receive National Disaster classification

Location: News

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa
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The National Disaster Management Centre in its latest Circular declared the September floods as a National Disaster for the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. “We are pleased with this declaration, as it now enables all three spheres of government to work together to fund and repair the damage left in the wake of the unprecedented rains experienced over the Heritage Day Long Weekend in September,” Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning said in response.

Minister Bredell said the disaster classification makes it possible for the provincial government to approach the National Disaster Management Centre for relief funds to support the work needed to recover and repair damages suffered to public infrastructure such as buildings, roads, bridges, and water networks.

The damage assessments for the September floods are calculated at R441 million for provincial infrastructure and a further R154million for municipal damages. “We will now request the National Disaster Management Centre to approach National Treasury with these numbers. There is no certainty on how much or when we will receive any support from the national government. The provincial government will reprioritise existing budgets and continue with our own recovery efforts as best we can,” Minister Bredell said.

According to the latest figures from the provincial Department of Infrastructure, only 22 roads remain closed as repairs are prioritised for roads that connect communities and roads that are vital for economic activity. In the aftermath of the floods, both the N1 and N2 were closed, together with more than 150 other roads.

The Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has so far received 238 applications to do emergency repairs in rivers and streams that under normal conditions would require lengthy environmental approvals. The department has already finalised 196 of these applications making use of Section 30A of the National Environmental Management Act, which allows for verbal approval in an emergency to carry out listed or specified activities to prevent or contain further damages to affected areas.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa.

Read moreWestern Cape September floods receive National Disaster classification

Sole Mandate -The Real Estate Advertising Platform No-one Saw Coming

Location: MyPR

Introducing Sole Mandate: Revolutionizing Real Estate Advertising for Agents Western Cape, 07 November 2023 – Real estate agents in South Africa have long grappled with a common adversary—the dominance of a few powerful advertising platforms that have dictated pricing, limiting the industry’s growth and opportunities. But a new, visionary player is here to challenge the …

Read moreSole Mandate -The Real Estate Advertising Platform No-one Saw Coming

Agreement bolsters Western Cape Climate Change Resilience

Location: News

Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier
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In a ground-breaking development, and as part of the ongoing commitment of the Western Cape Government to bolster and ensure a strong climate-resilient future for the province, the Western Cape Departments of Agriculture and of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, yesterday, 7 November 2023, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the School for Climate Studies of Stellenbosch University.

The School for Climate Studies, which was launched in 2021, creates a transdisciplinary capacity to combine the climate-related knowledge systems of its faculties, the public sector's climate policies and initiatives, the private sector's climate redress and innovation capacities and the social impact mission of the university in both academic and applied ways – all in support of the just transition to a climate-resilient society and a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

According to Ministers Ivan Meyer and Anton Bredell, co-leaders of Climate Change governance in the Western Cape, the signing of this agreement is testimony to the Western Cape government's drive towards climate change resilience.

Minister Meyer said, “Climate change modelling shows that annual temperatures are rising, and the number of colder days will decrease. Droughts, floods and heat waves will become more regular, and these trends highlight the need for a coordinated response from government, tertiary institutions, private sector and the whole of society to mitigate the impact of climate change.”

“The MOA underscores the value of partnerships and collaboration to advance the Western Cape as a leading province in job creation, economic development and capacity building across disciplines. Guided by the Western Cape Climate Change Response Strategy and the SmartAgri plan an effective response to climate change amidst global and local disaster events is now urgent,” continued Minister Meyer.

Minister Bredell highlights that the MOA will provide an enabling platform to pursue local and international research and capacity-building opportunities (including joint projects) to build the climate change knowledge base in the Western Cape.

Minister Bredell commented, “Climate change projections for the Western Cape suggest a likelihood of more frequent and more intense extreme weather events which threatens food security and economic growth in South Africa and the Western Cape.  The MOA will enable the exchange of scientific and institutional expertise within the partnership and with global partners to drive a more rapid transition towards climate change adaptation and mitigation and a climate-resilient province”.

At the signing ceremony, Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, SU said: “The signing of this MOA highlights the important role of the university in the continuous development of the province.  Research conducted by the School for Climate Studies will be pivotal in the development and application of climate-related solutions and technologies that address issues on the broader social agenda, which include job creation, skills training, poverty alleviation and inclusivity.”

“The Western Cape Government is looking at climate change's impact on its three strategic priorities, namely, jobs, safety, dignity and well-being. By doing so, we are mainstreaming climate change in the business of the Western Cape Government. The goal is a green, low-carbon and climate-resilient province by 2050”, concluded Minister Meyer.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.

Read moreAgreement bolsters Western Cape Climate Change Resilience

Electricity Minister to embark on Eskom power station visits

Location: News

Electricity Minister to embark on Eskom power station visits

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to embark on a series of follow-up visits to Eskom power stations.

The follow-up visits will begin at Arnot and Hendrina power stations in Mpumalanga on Monday.

“The visits are a follow-up to the initial round of visits that Minister Ramokgopa undertook upon his appointment as the Minister of Electricity in March 2023. During the visits, the Minister sought to acquire more insights into the challenges facing the power stations.

“[This is] in order to advance the necessary interventions required to fix Eskom in line with the objectives of the Energy Action Plan to improve the reliability of electricity supply and end load shedding,” the Ministry in the Presidency for Electricity said in a statement.

On Wednesday, 8 November, the Minister will visit Kriel and Matla power stations, which are also in Mpumalanga. On Thursday, he will visit Camdem power plant.

Ramokgopa is expected to visit Lethabo plant in Gauteng on Monday, 13 November. He will visit the Ankerling and Koeberg plants in the Western Cape on Tuesday, 14 November.

“Minister Ramakgopa will be engaging with management, unions and workers during his upcoming visits,” said the Ministry on Saturday. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sat, 11/04/2023 - 19:38

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