Uyinene Mrwetyana’s family want Post Office transformed into “a area of healing”
Hundreds marched to the Clareinch post office in Claremont to commemorate four years since her rape and murder
Western Cape
Court challenge to 30-year extension of West Coast diamond mining rights
Fishers say they were ignored when the original rights were awarded between 1994 and 1998
Wellington’s Tyron Adams crowned 2023 Boerewors Champion
Wellington’s Tyron Adams crowned 2023 Boerewors Champion! Tyron Adams (31) is the winner of the 2023 Shoprite and Checkers Championship Boerewors competition. The Wellington-born chef was up against nine other finalists from across the country at the grand finale held in Somerset West, Cape Town, on 26 August. “I am ecstatic! This was totally unexpected, …
Koeberg Unit 1 expected to return in November
Koeberg Unit 1 expected to return in November
Eskom’s Unit 1 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is planned to be commercially available on November 3, since undergoing a planned outage late last year.
Unit 2 is expected to go on a similar maintenance outage from November 7. This will ensure that both Koeberg units are not shutdown simultaneously.
In an earlier version of this story, SAnews, the South African Government news agency, incorrectly stated that both units will be returning to service in November. SAnews regrets and apologises for any inconvenience caused in this regard.
The power utility said the maintenance project will make the nuclear power station more efficient and add a further 27MW to the power station’s output.
“The replacement of the steam generators was a first of its kind complex nuclear project to be performed at Koeberg and is the last major plant component out of the three to be replaced on the unit as part of the Long-Term Operation (LTO) project.
“The other two components, namely the replacement of the Refuelling Water Storage Tanks and the Reactor Vessel Closure Heads, have been replaced in previous years on both Units 1 and 2. The replacement of the steam generators is the last of the large components that Eskom deemed necessary to be replaced in support of its application to operate the Koeberg units for another 20 years,” the power utility said.
Eskom explained its decision to apply to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) for an extension to operate the power station for a further 20 years.
The power utility added that the delay in returning the two units to service will not have an effect on its application.
“The conservative design of the station, the investment that Eskom has made in continuously improving the safety standards, the rigorous maintenance as well as the testing programme over its operating lifespan, give merit to Eskom’s decision to apply for the licence to operate the plant for an additional 20 years.
“The Koeberg units have operated safely and reliably for almost 40 years. The amendment of the operating licence will enable Koeberg to continue providing safe, clean, and reliable power to the grid, and playing the essential role of stabilising supply in the Western Cape, which Unit 2 has safely continued to do with an excellent energy availability factor of 94.87%, while Unit 1 was on outage,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sat, 08/26/2023 - 11:52
251 views
Taxi strike cost Western Cape R5-billion MEC tells Parliament
The strike was called without notice and badly affected businesses, learners, clinics and government services
Survey reveals massive decline in rail passengers over the last ten years
The number of Metrorail passenger journeys have dropped by 46-million since 2013, but gains have been made over the last year
PRASA prioritises full recovery of commuter rail services
PRASA prioritises full recovery of commuter rail services
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reiterated that the full recovery of commuter rail services nationally is a top priority.
“Considerable progress has been made in restoring commuter services nationally, with 18 corridors recovered nationally, and 16 corridors prioritized for recovery in this financial year,” PRASA said on Friday.
Eight lines have been recovered in the Western Cape region, with six of these lines in operation with the new Electric Motor Units, otherwise known Isitimela Sabantu.
Trains are running on the Central, Southern and Northern corridors, stopping at 88 stations out of 121 stations in the province.
Five corridors in the Western Cape have been earmarked for recovery in this financial year - Nyanga to Philippi; Philippi to Chris Hani; and Philippi to Kapteinsklip; Bellville to Strand; and Cape Town to Muldersvlei.
“We are making steady progress in recovering these lines. PRASA’s interventions to restore and sustain urban passenger rail services aim to ensure that the return of passenger rail to the city is sustainable.
“The plans are part of PRASA's wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport,” the agency said.
The plans to improve passenger train services for the City of Cape Town include:
- Increasing the number of trains running on the Cape Town rail network.
- Improving the frequency of trains, through the recovery of signalling.
- Upgrading of train stations.
- Building on the gains in the safety and security of passengers by investing in security and facilities management.
In line with its secondary mandate, PRASA has already contributed to the socio- economic fabric of the mother city with the new multi-use development at the Cape Town Station.
“Together with improvements in the train service, these activities will improve the quality of life for commuters in the city, create jobs, and boost the city’s economy.
“The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the backbone of public transport in the Western Cape.
“Residents of the city have welcomed the return of the services on several lines, including parts of the all-important Central Line. The recovery and rebuild programme is a priority that PRASA has shared with its stakeholders including parliamentary committees that we have been invited to,” the agency said.
PRASA expressed confidence that it will deliver on its plans given its turnaround momentum.
The latest StatsSA Land Transport survey shows continued strong demand for passenger rail transport.
According to the latest Stats SA Land Transport Survey, the year-on-year demand for passenger services, albeit from a low base, increased by 215% year-on-year.
“Our On-Time performance and Customer Satisfaction Index show gradual improvement. PRASA attends regular meetings at which developments that affect the delivery of train services in Cape Town are discussed.
“These meetings are in line with the provisions of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) and are designed to keep the City and the Province informed of developments within PRASA. PRASA reiterates its plans and programmes to revitalize passenger train services in Cape Town at these meetings,” the agency said.
The Railway Steering Sub Committee meetings, which is a structure set up in terms of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), provides a platform for regular updates on the state of the service.
PRASA, the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Departments of Infrastructure and Mobility are also members of an intergovernmental structure for relocating illegal occupants on the Central Line.
PRASA said it will continue to work closely with the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government during the rebuild and recovery of its infrastructure and services.
“PRASA believes that the shared goal with the city of fully restoring the rail network and train services should remain the top priority between the two entities. Through the various intergovernmental structures and committees, we have full confidence in mutual cooperation and collaboration we share with the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government for us to deliver on our promises to restore passenger rail services in the province,” PRASA said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:47
48 views
We bought dagga. It was probably illegal. Here’s why
The Medicines Act is being misused while Parliament dithers
Housing activists march to President’s doorstep
The existing State Land Disposal Act could be used to fast track the use of public land for human settlement
Is Your Web Site on THIS List?
Today we had a look at our MyPR.co.za web site statistics for the month to date of August 2023. We have deployed our own hosted stats software and have been closely watching and comparing these stats – with Google Ananlytics and our global Server Statistics programmes – in order to check the veracity of the …
Axed PRASA board chair goes back to court
Leonard Ramatlakane argues that if he did anything wrong it was minor and unintentional
International investor confidence continues to grow on the KZN South Coast
The South African property market remains an attractive investment for foreigners looking for quality yet affordable seaside locations. While the Western Cape has long dominated this market, the warm coastline of KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as an appealing destination, with the KZN South Coast now a dominant player in the property market. “There are a number …
Swellendam protesters torch municipal offices
Shops looted as residents take to the streets complaining of racism and neglect
Discover the All-New Somerset Mall: Elevating Your Shopping Experience to Recent Heights!
Attention all shopping enthusiasts! Get ready to experience your favourite retail destination in a whole new way! Somerset Mall, located in the heart of the picturesque Helderberg region in the Western Cape, understands the need to continually evolve and enhance the shopping environment. This inspired the mall to embark on an ambitious redevelopment project. Brace …
Thousands of non-violent offenders due for early release from prison
More than 24,000 prisoners are likely to be released of whom about 3,000 will be deported
Cape Town taxi agreement made an order of court
The High Court also dismissed SANTACO’s interdict application
Koeberg units expected to return in November
Koeberg units expected to return in November
Eskom’s generation capacity is expected to receive a boost by some 1 860MW when units 1 and 2 at Koeberg Power Station return to commercial availability on November 3 and November 7.
The two units have been offline on a planned refuelling and maintenance outage since late last year.
The power utility said the maintenance project is to make the nuclear power station more efficient and add a further 27MW to the power station’s output.
“The replacement of the steam generators was a first of its kind complex nuclear project to be performed at Koeberg and is the last major plant component out of the three to be replaced at the unit as part of the Long-Term Operation (LTO) project.
“The other two components, namely the replacement of the Refuelling Water Storage Tanks and the Reactor Vessel Closure Heads, have been replaced in previous years on both Units 1 and 2. The replacement of the steam generators is the last of the large components that Eskom deemed necessary to be replaced in support of its application to operate the Koeberg units for another 20 years,” the power utility said.
Eskom explained its decision to apply to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) for an extension to operate the power station for a further 20 years.
The power utility said the delay in returning the two units to service will not have an effect on its application.
“The conservative design of the station, the investment that Eskom has made in continuously improving safety standards, the rigorous maintenance, as well as the testing programme over its operating lifespan, give merit to Eskom’s decision to apply for the licence to operate the plant for an additional 20 years.
“The Koeberg units have operated safely and reliably for almost 40 years. The amendment of the operating licence will enable Koeberg to continue providing safe, clean, and reliable power to the grid, and playing the essential role of stabilising supply in the Western Cape, which Unit 2 has safely continued to do with an excellent energy availability factor of 94.87%, while Unit 1 was on outage,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 09:30
211 views
Families flee Cape Town informal settlements under threat
Nearby backyarders hope for houses, though the City of Cape Town says the land is “lost” for housing
City of Cape Town told to design modern position for Woodstock social housing site
Heritage approval has not been granted, contrary to City claims
Higher Education Committee concerned by state of affairs at NSFAS
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation is greatly concerned about the current state of affairs at the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The committee has noted that NSFAS continues to be embroiled in disputes with students across the higher education sector on issues and allegations relating to the new direct-payment system, including the defunding of students, outstanding appeal responses, non-responsive query system and accommodation accreditation backlogs.
The committee also received a memorandum of demands from a representation of students from the University of Stellenbosch, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the University of Cape Town and the University of the Western Cape outside Parliament in which students highlighted crippling inefficiencies at NSFAS that have led many students to be defunded.
The committee has been in on-going communication with NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education and Training regarding the above concerns throughout this constituency period. On Thursday, 10 August 2023, some members of the committee met with the department led by the Director General, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi, and the Board of NSFAS, led by Mr Ernest Khosa, to establish what is being done to address the above concerns.
The inability for NSFAS to resolve the above matters gravely concerns the committee given the impact it has on students' academic programme. Inundated with calls and messages from students, parents and concerned citizens, the committee shares the frustrations of affected parties and commits itself to continue representing the interests of the affected.
NSFAS remains a quintessential tool in ensuring that the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality are addressed by ensuring access to education; thus, the optimal functionality of NSFAS is paramount.
The committee had previously heard in a briefing that the direct payment system would ensure that students receive their allowances on time and that no exorbitant bank charges would be incurred by students. The committee is thus disappointed and concerned by the systemic inefficiencies with the rollout of the new direct payment system and calls on the department to closely monitor the remedies for this problem.
The committee further calls upon NSFAS to move with speed and find remedial action to resolve cases where deserving students who have been erroneously defunded are refunded.
The committee commends NSFAS for its massive growth in the number of students funded by the scheme. However, it also emphasises that the scheme must strengthen its administration and management capacity. The Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, and NSFAS Board must with outmost urgency stabilise and strengthen the leadership and work force of NSFAS.
The committee will continue to engage with NSFAS and the department as part of its oversight responsibilities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Students march to Parliament in protest against NSFAS scheme
Many students say they have not received their allowances
The success that Shines: The 10 Leading South African Marketing Companies
The success that Shines: The 10 Leading South African Marketing Companies Marketing Companies are the best storytellers. They create & spin business tales using the symphony of strategy, creativity & persuasion. Today’s business world is highly competitive, and the art & science of Marketing has taken center stage. It has emerged as a powerhouse …
RIP Johaar Mosaval
The Western Cape Government is greatly saddened to hear of the passing of a remarkable man in the arts – Johaar Mosaval.
Johaar was born in District Six and faced great opposition under the apartheid system when he started dancing in the 1940s. Sadly he was not given the opportunity to perform to his potential in South Africa due to the restrictions on access to theatres and stages. In 1950, two visiting dancers spotted his talent and assisted him to get a scholarship to attend Sadler's Wells Ballet School in London. He would go on to join the Royal Ballet School and within another year he graduated into the Royal Ballet Company.
In 1956 Johaar was promoted to soloist and performed his first solo for the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Covent Garden. She was joined in the audience by an array of royalty from across the world as well as many others world leaders.
Johaar's ballet career continued for another 25 years as a principal dancer and he returned to South Africa in 1976. He opened his own ballet school in 1977 but it was shut down by the regime of the day.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural and Sport, Anroux Marais said: “Johaar Mosaval was a story of triumph in a dark time in our country. He was able to access opportunities for him to follow his passion for dance and he made a huge impact overseas. It is a tragedy and a devastating sign of the cruelty of Apartheid that he was not recognized and celebrated in his own country during that time. We honour him as a legend of our country, who paved the way for other dancers.”
Our condolences go out to Johaar's family, friends and all those who knew him. He was a true legend of our country and his memory will long live on.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
Massive improvement in attendance at Western Cape schools
We have had a massive improvement in school attendance, with 1 074 649 learners, or 89% of all learners enrolled, present at our schools on Monday in the Western Cape.
We thank all those parents who responded to our call to bring their children back to school.
We also had 52 271 staff members, or 93% of school staff members, at school on Monday.
While we are pleased at the increase in learner attendance, they are still a little short of normal levels, which should be closer to 92%.
Now that the minibus taxi strike is over, we appeal to parents to please work with us and ensure that children go back to school. We need our learners back in class, so that we can work on getting them #BackonTrack.
Unfortunately, we are once again battling fake news regarding schools closing and threats to schools.
As a result of a false claims about a resumption of the minibus taxi strike, which circulated on Monday, concerned parents at some schools collected their children early.
SANTACO-WC has confirmed that the claimed resumption of the strike was fake news.
Please do not share information that has not been verified, because it has the potential to cause fear and disruption.
We simply cannot afford to lose one more day of teaching and learning at our schools in the Western Cape.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Education Department, South Africa.