SAnews - South African News

DWS reiterates commitment to fast-track bulk water projects

GabiK — Tue, 07 May 2024 08:39:36 +0000

DWS reiterates commitment to fast-track bulk water projects

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reiterated its commitment to fast-track the effective implementation of bulk water projects in water stressed communities in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country, so as to ensure the provision of consistent and reliable water supply.

This comes as the department, through its entity in KwaZulu-Natal, uMngeni-uThukela Water, is working in partnership with different spheres of government to rollout the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme.

The Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme Water Treatment Works upgrade is a strategic rural-based project to be constructed at a cost of approximately R142 million to ensure access to potable water.

The project, which is set to be completed by January 2025, will supply 12 megalitres per day (Mℓ/d) of potable water from the Maphumulo Water Treatment Works for reticulation by iLembe District Municipality.

Departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa explained that the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme is being implemented in different phases which include, raw water abstraction from iMvutshane River, and new pipelines to distribute water from the treatment works to iLembe District Municipality’s greater Maphumulo area.

Mavasa said Phase 1 of the scheme was completed in September 2013 with Phase 3 of the project currently underway.

“We are currently undertaking Phase 3 of the project which entails the upgrade of the existing six megalitres per day water treatment plant capacity to 12 megalitres per day, and this is due for completion by January 2025. Phase 2 of the scheme include the construction of the iMvutshane Dam,” Mavasa said.

Mavasa added that Phase 4 of the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme will include the construction of a weir on the Hlimbitwa River, raw water pumps, and pipelines to convey raw water into the existing iMvutshane Dam.

After the completion of all phases, Mavasa said the supply scheme will service the areas of Maphumulo, Masibambisane, KwaSizabantu, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, and Ashville.

The service will in the future also include Emtanjeni, Nyamazane, Balcom, and Sindi areas.

“We anticipate that the scheme will provide potable water to approximately 150 000 consumers across Maphumulo, Masibambisane, KwaSizabantu, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, and Ashville,” Mavasa said.

Vandalism

The department has also called on residents to report and refrain from vandalising water infrastructure, warning this has a major impact on water security to communities.

“Vandalism is a serious concern to us because not only does it impact on the provision of reliable water supply, but it also has a negative impact on the effective implementation of bulk water projects.

“We therefore call on residents to please play their part. Vandalism is a criminal offence, and we will not hesitate to allow the relevant authorities to act harshly against the perpetrators,” Mavasa said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:39

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South Africa remains an "attractive investment destination" - President Ramaphosa

NeoB — Tue, 07 May 2024 08:27:51 +0000

South Africa remains an "attractive investment destination" - President Ramaphosa

In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the growth of South Africa’s automotive sector is a demonstration of “the potential of South Africa as an investment destination”.

The President said 2023 was a milestone year for South Africa’s automotive sector with the sixth millionth South African built vehicle exported with new vehicle exports reaching nearly 400 000.

“These figures are significant for a number of reasons. They show that our auto sector continues to grow despite a gloomy global economic outlook and disruptions to the flow of goods between countries.

“The growth of the automotive sector also demonstrates the potential of South Africa as an investment destination. It is a good example of how committed investors, supported by government policies and programmes, can achieve good returns for their shareholders while contributing significantly to the South African economy,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President pointed out that world leading vehicle manufacturers and other companies continue to pour more investment into South Africa.

“By way of example, Volkswagen last month announced a R4 billion investment to expand its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape in preparation for the production of a new vehicle model expected to roll off the assembly line in 2027. This investment is expected to secure the livelihoods of approximately 3500 workers and support an additional estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and opportunities.

“South Africa’s value as an investment destination extends across many other industries, as local and international companies continue to either expand their investments or undertake new investments.

“Investment is important because, among other things, it creates employment, supports the growth of emerging suppliers, generates revenue for the country, and, in doing so, supports our efforts to reduce poverty and inequality,” he said.

According to the President, a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has found that net foreign direct investment (FDI) into South Africa has been consistently positive since the global financial crisis of 2007 to 2009 – meaning more investment has come into the country than out.

“Last year, FDI inflows amounted to R96.5 billion, equivalent to 1.4 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This supports a trend where foreign direct investment has, on average, been far greater over the last five years than over the previous decade.

“The PwC report notes that South Africa has attractive fundamentals, such as world-class financial services and communications industries, deep capital markets, abundant natural resources and a transparent legal system. Furthermore, South Africa is ‘a strategic geographical location for entry into the rest of sub-Saharan Africa’,” he said.

Addressing challenges

President Ramaphosa highlighted that although there is a “broadly positive attitude towards South Africa among investors”, more work needs to be done to ensure that the FDI as a percentage of GDP is heightened.

“That is why we continue to work to implement our policies and align regulatory and other obstacles, so that we can attract higher levels of investment. Through the auction of broadband spectrum and progress in digital migration, for example, we have greatly expanded opportunities in telecommunications.

“We have significantly reduced waiting times for water use licences and other authorisations that are so important for getting major investment projects off the ground. We are working to get rid of other forms of red tape that impede and slow down investment,” the President said.

He also acknowledged that South Africa’s electricity problems remain a “major challenge to our people and the economy at large” and issues at ports and rail are being addressed.

“Through our Energy Action Plan, we have made much progress in dealing with the country’s electricity crisis. We have seen an improvement in the performance of Eskom’s power stations and substantial investment in new generation capacity. This has contributed to a sustained decrease in the severity of load shedding.

“The work we are doing with business, labour and other social partners in improving the efficiency of our ports and rail infrastructure is also starting to bear fruit. Further progress in these areas will increase the country’s competitiveness and attractiveness as an investment destination,” the President said.

The President assured that government will continue in its path towards economic recovery.

“We will continue to build on the gains that we have made towards creating an enabling business and investment climate that promotes economic growth and creates jobs.

“It is only through attracting higher levels of investment, both foreign and domestic, that a swift, sustainable economic recovery can be assured,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:27

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Minister condemns burning of SA flag in advert

nosihle — Tue, 07 May 2024 08:10:05 +0000

Minister condemns burning of SA flag in advert

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has condemned in the strongest terms the political advertisement by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which shows the burning of the South African flag.

The Minister said the South African flag will not be used as an instrument to sow division and hysteria.

“In the 30 years of South African democracy and freedom, it has been evident time and time again that our flag is a unifier and an integral component in the building of our nation. Those who choose to use our flag to divide us will not succeed. The South African flag represents our nationhood. It represents the coming together of our people,” the Minister said on Monday.

He explained that the South African flag symbolises unity in diversity and represents the hopes and aspirations of the nation.

“As custodian of all national symbols, which include the South African flag, I strongly condemn the Democratic Alliance advertisement which depicts the burning of the South African flag.

“This action by the Democratic Alliance offends the gains South Africa has made as a free and non-racial democracy, and the blood, tears and sacrifices it took for the country to gain this freedom.

“It offends all South Africans who proudly raise our country’s flag sky high and appreciate its representation as the flag of a free, democratic and non-racial nation. I shudder to think what other South African compatriots such as Helen Suzman, Zack de Beer, and Van Zyl Slabbert would say about this act of desperation and recklessness demonstrated by the current ahistorical and unpatriotic leaders of the DA,” Kodwa said.

The launch of the DA’s election advert included the burning of the South African flag as an allegory of what could happen to the country if certain parties in a coalition were to govern South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:10

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Western Cape government sends resources to help in collapsed building

GabiK — Tue, 07 May 2024 07:56:07 +0000

Western Cape government sends resources to help in collapsed building

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, says the provincial government is closely monitoring and sending resources to assist the emergency response to a building collapse in George, Southern Cape.

A multi-storey building under construction in Victoria Street, collapsed on Monday afternoon with 75 construction workers on the site at the time of the incident.

Winde said all the necessary support has been offered to emergency personnel to expedite their response.

“At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage. The Western Cape Government is sending personnel support as well as emergency response support,” Winde said.

The Premier has urged the public to allow emergency services officials the space to carry out their duties and not put their own lives at risk by traveling to the site.

Five declared dead

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Tuesday morning, George Municipality confirmed that a total of five people have been declared dead.

“Twenty-six patients have been removed from the rubble of the collapsed multi-story construction site, leaving 49 persons unaccounted for. Three teams of rescue personnel are currently working on three different areas within the site of the collapsed building.

“Safety equipment including safety goggles, headlamps and construction gloves are needed. If anyone can assist, please deliver to Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station, Pearl Road, Tamsui Industria,” the municipality said.

The municipality added that Victoria Street remains closed for access at the York Street intersection, as well as midway down the street and urged the public to access the municipal building via the Progress Street gate.

“The Victoria Street gate to the George Municipal Building is not accessible to pedestrians or vehicles. We request the public to please avoid this general area due to the constant presence of moving emergency vehicles and personnel,” the municipality said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:56

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SA’s tourism sector continues on a positive trajectory

nosihle — Tue, 07 May 2024 07:52:04 +0000

SA’s tourism sector continues on a positive trajectory

South Africa’s tourism sector continues to grow and attract international arrivals from all over the world.

According to the latest official release of international arrival figures by Statistics South Africa for January to March 2024, the country totalled 2.4 million, representing a remarkable 15.4% increase when compared with the same period in 2023.

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille has welcomed the increase in international travellers as it is a significant contributor to the economy and job creation.

“We are determined to continue with this momentum. South Africa remains attractive and accessible for all travellers to enjoy,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

South Africa welcomed 1.8 million tourist arrivals from the rest of the African continent between January and March 2024, marking a significant 74.5% of all arrivals.

Zimbabwe and Ghana stood out for their remarkable growth, with Zimbabwe experiencing a 21.8% increase in tourist arrivals to South Africa when compared to the first three months of 2023, totalling 613 675 arrivals, while Ghana recorded a 249.4% increase when compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 7 904 arrivals for January to March 2024.

“Ghana’s immense performance can be attributed to the fact that South Africa and Ghana announced a visa-waiver scheme on 1 November 2023. The visa-waiver allows for travel for periods of up to 90 days within a calendar year, for purposes of business or tourism.

“This coupled with targeted integrated marketing initiatives executed by South African Tourism to attract visitors from this market makes for a winning formula for the growth of our sector,” de Lille said.

Travellers from other parts of the world also continued to show their interest in South Africa.

Tourist arrivals from the Americas registered at 118 194 from January to March 2024, reflecting a 12.4% growth compared to the same period in 2023.

Strength in European markets

From January to March 2024, South Africa saw 420 727 tourist arrivals from Europe, an 8.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

“The United Kingdom remains the top European source market, with 125 420 tourists choosing South Africa, marking a 5.3% growth compared to 2023. Germany experienced a 9.9% increase in arrivals compared to same period in 2023, amounting to 98 954 tourists.

“This was followed by the Netherlands, which saw an increase of 9.9% when compared to 2023, amounting to 37 548 tourist arrivals between January and March 2024. Russia exhibited a dramatic growth of 9.6% when compared to 2023, contributing 9 329 arrivals in 2024,” the Ministry of Tourism said.

Asia markets

The Asian markets also showed significant growth with a total 49 741 arrivals from the region, representing an astounding 25.4% when compared to the same period in 2023.

“We welcomed 16 209 tourists from India; 0.9% lower compared to 2023. Notably, South Africa received 11 017 visitors from China registering a massive 82% increase in the first three months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023,” the Ministry said.

Middle East arrivals

South Africa received 2 387 arrivals from Saudi Arabia in 2024, marking an increase of 31.7% when compared to 2023.

The United Arab Emirates saw 321 arrivals to South Africa between January and March 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:52

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Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill, the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill signed into law

NeoB — Tue, 07 May 2024 07:45:44 +0000

Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill, the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill signed into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill and the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill.

In signing the two Bills, President Ramaphosa said: “In a year in which voters are presented with the greatest diversity of electoral choice, the legislation that is now enacted constitutes tangible, material support for a vibrant, competitive, open and equitable electoral system and democratic culture.”

According to the Presidency, the two Bills will expand “financial resources for South Africa’s multiparty democracy, including support for independent candidates and representatives”.

“[The] Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill…provides for a net movement of R290 million across functions and economic classifications in line with the requirements of the state.

“Furthermore, the Bill provides additional financial support to a number of departments and institutions, including R200 million to the Department of Home Affairs for the purpose of transferring the money to the Independent Electoral Commission for the Represented Political Parties Fund,” the Presidency said.

The resources in the fund are to be provided annually from the National Revenue Fund and expected to be distributed to political parties represented in both the national and provincial legislatures.

“By providing for this funding, the Second Adjustments Appropriation Bill gives effect to the provision of Section 236 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which directs that national legislation must provide for the funding of political parties participating in national and provincial legislatures on an equitable and proportional basis,” the Presidency said.

The Electoral Matters Amendment Bill, the Presidency explained, amends the Political Party Funding Act of 2018 to provide for the regulation of the private and public funding of independent candidates and independent representatives, among other provisions.

“The Bill makes consequential amendments to the Electoral Act of 1998, the Electoral Commission Act of 1996 and other relevant legislation, which arise from the introduction of independent candidates and independent representatives in the National Assembly and provincial legislature.

“In this context, the new legislation provides for independent representatives to receive funds from the Multi-Party Democracy Fund, which is also administered by the Independent Electoral Commission.

“While the Represented Political Parties Fund is resourced by the fiscus, the Multi-Party Democracy Fund aims to raise and distribute donated funds from the private sector to represented political parties. The fund will now include independent candidates,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:45

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City Power's Eskom debt reaches "unprecedented levels"

NeoB — Tue, 07 May 2024 07:16:31 +0000

City Power's Eskom debt reaches "unprecedented levels"

Eskom says it will approach the courts in a bid to have City Power pay its R1 billion debt to the national power utility.

City Power is a company wholly owned by the City of Johannesburg which purchases, distributes and sells electricity within the city coupled with maintaining and installing electrical infrastructure.

The power utility said City Power’s debt stood at some R1.073 billion at the end of March this year.

“The escalating City Power debt…has left Eskom with no choice but to apply to the High Court in Johannesburg for a declaratory order to force City Power to pay what is due to Eskom. The case has been enrolled for hearing on 4 June 2024. The power utility started to default on its payments from October 2023 and no payment was received for the March 2024 invoice.

“The debt owed by City Power has reached unprecedented levels, exacerbating Eskom’s already strained financial situation. This dire situation not only undermines Eskom’s financial sustainability but also threatens its ability to maintain essential infrastructure, invest in new technologies and meet the growing energy demands of the province,” Eskom said.

According to the national power utility, City Power has “declared a dispute regarding potential overbilling on bulk purchase invoices dating back to 2021”.

“Eskom denies the claims made by City Power and will prove its position through the arbitration process.

“In terms of the electricity supply agreements sanctioned by the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, if a municipality raises a dispute with Eskom, it must still pay. The dispute does not absolve it of its legal obligations to pay Eskom for the bulk electricity it has received.

“Eskom remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of providing reliable and sustainable electricity to assist in growing the economy of Gauteng, making the province an investment destination of choice,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:16

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Condolences for families of George building collapse

NeoB — Tue, 07 May 2024 07:03:18 +0000

Condolences for families of George building collapse

President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended condolences to the families of those who died in the George building structure collapse.

By Tuesday morning, the collapse had claimed the lives of five people.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the relatives and friends of five people who have died in an incident where a building collapsed in George in the southern Cape.

“The President’s thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones as well as the families of close to 50 people who are trapped in the rubble,” the Presidency said in a statement.

Operations are still underway to rescue those still trapped under the rubble in the Western Cape town.

“President Ramaphosa wishes rescue teams the best as they go about their operations and says investigations into the cause of the incident must aim to bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster,” the statement concluded.

A media statement issued by the George Municipality in the early hours of Tuesday morning said that that 51 people were unaccounted for at the 75 Victoria Street collapsed multi-storey site.

“Seventy-five construction workers were present on the site at the time of the collapse which occurred at 14:09 on Monday, 6 May. Three teams of rescue personnel are currently working on three different areas within the site of the collapsed building.”

Meanwhile, the municipality expressed heartfelt appreciation for the organisations and individuals who have sprung into action to assist with the rescue operation.”

Meanwhile, in a media statement on social media platform X, the Western Cape government said it was “closely monitoring and sending resources to assist the emergency response to a construction site collapse in George.”

“All the necessary support has been offered to emergency personnel to expedite their response. At the moment, officials are focused on saving lives. This is our top priority at this stage,” Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said in Monday’s statement.

The provincial government further added that it was sending personnel and emergency response support. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB Tue, 05/07/2024 - 09:03

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KZN declares war on illegal dumping

GabiK — Mon, 06 May 2024 13:46:18 +0000

KZN declares war on illegal dumping

In a bid to eradicate illegal dump sites and maintain cleanliness in public spaces, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has launched its "War on Illegal Dumping" campaign.

Launched by KZN COGTA MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, the program will be implemented across 10 municipalities in the province, providing employment to 450 people for 12 months through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

Participating municipalities include the eThekwini Metropolitan, Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, Msunduzi Local Municipality, Alfred Duma Local Municipality, Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, eNdumeni Local Municipality, Newcastle Local Municipality, KwaDukuza Local Municipality, Abaqulusi Local Municipality and uMhlathuze Local Municipality.

The launch of the programme commenced with a massive cleanup and the eradication of two dump sites in Amaoti Township, north of Durban. The MEC, along with Mayors of the participating municipalities, also awarded contracts to the newly recruited EPWP workers.

Speaking at the launch, Sithole-Moloi said each municipality will be supported with 40 EPWP workers, with the eThekwini Metro allocated 100 workers.

The department has allocated a budget of R10 million through the EPWP to facilitate this initiative.

“The budget will cover stipends for all participants and provide necessary tools and personal protective equipment (PPE). Our primary goal is to eliminate illegal dump sites and transform them into community gardens and recreational areas.

“We have identified various areas within these municipalities, including townships and locations near schools, hospitals, and sports facilities [and] we will closely monitor progress and consider extending this initiative for another 12 months if needed to achieve our desired outcomes,” Sithole-Moloi said.

The MEC urged municipalities to support the "War on Illegal Dumping" campaign by providing essential assistance and tools, including waste bins and removal services.

Sithole-Moloi also underscored the vital role played by communities in adhering to municipal by-laws and regulations.

“We are committed to enhancing our communities, as the consequences of illegal dumping are severe, impacting our rivers and oceans, posing a threat to marine life. Also, illegal dumping blocks drainage systems, leading to flooding. Therefore, this initiative aims to address all those issues," Sithole-Moloi said.

All 450 participants have already commenced their duties. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK Mon, 05/06/2024 - 15:46

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Government notes strides made in Energy Plan delivery

GabiK — Mon, 06 May 2024 12:48:40 +0000

Government notes strides made in Energy Plan delivery

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says government is making strides in the delivery of the energy plan unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022.

Ramokgopa’s remarks comes as the country marks 40 consecutive days of no load shedding.

Ramokgopa attributed this to improvement in structural changes within Eskom, which has seen last year’s anticipated unplanned capacity loss factor reduced from 15 000 megawatts to 14 000 megawatts during the same period.

“Eskom, by its own admission accepts that the kind of improvement that we have seen is so enduring that we can say to the country that we have clocked back 1000 megawatts compared to the same period of the previous calendar year,” he said.

Updating the media on the progress of the Energy Action Plan (EAP) in Pretoria on Monday, Ramokgopa noted the aggressive rollout of solar photovoltaic (PV) by both industry and households on the back of incentives provided for by the National Treasury.

READ | Requirements for solar panel incentive explained

“[Due to] the kind of reforms that have been introduced, we are seeing greater numbers of households and industry that are taking up the opportunity to roll out solar PVs behind the meter intervention,” Ramokgopa said.

He also noted that on the back of the fiscal support received from National Treasury, Eskom has been able to invest a significant proportion of time into planned maintenance.

“When we went to December of 2023 transitioning into January 2024, we experienced about 18% of the total generating capacity taken out for planned maintenance, unprecedented in the past three years, as a result of this fiscal support. These concerted efforts are beginning to bear fruits,” the Minister said.

He said the biggest enemy is to ensure that the entity addresses the issue of unit failures, including unplanned capacity loss factor, and efficiency of the units.

Ramokgopa said during the same period in May 2023, unplanned capacity loss factor moved from 16 800 megawatts to about 18 000 megawatts.

“This recovery and the clawing back of the 7 000 megawatts is something that has been experienced over a period of time [and] in this instance, over a 24-month period. All indications suggest that we will continue to improve on this number,” Ramokgopa said.

To date, unplanned outages from 26 April 2024 have been reduced by about 4 400 megawatts from 15 500 megawatts experienced some time ago.

Upcoming elections

Meanwhile, Ramokgopa disputed the accusations that the improvement in electricity has something to do with the upcoming National and Provincial government elections on 29 May 2024, saying “there’s no correlation between this performance and the date of 29 May."

“When the team was making these efforts; when we ramped up planned maintenance in December and January, little did we know that there would be a big date with a ballot box on the 29th of May.

“This is not staged [or] managed. It is an orchestrated effort, and an engineering feed by the team at Eskom.

“What we know is that UCLF [unplanned capacity loss factor] is tracking at 29% as of April of 2024, as opposed to 34 % of April 2023. We have recovered five percentage points over the period of the same period in April and a comparable period this year in April.

“You do not earn and recover that five percentage points suddenly because a date of an elections has been announced. It is as a result of process mapping in an engineering term; the stabilisation of management; ensuring that we use and deploy this fiscal injection, and identifying candidate stations that can give us the best returns in the shortest possible space of time.” – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK Mon, 05/06/2024 - 14:48

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