Eskom, the national power provider in South Africa, achieved a remarkable feat by going 100 consecutive days without load shedding. This achievement is a result of the organization’s tenacity and tactical planning, and has generated an estimated R6.2 billion decrease in Open Cycle Gas Turbines diesel expenditure. Eskom’s immediate focus is to recover more power from their generation coal fleet and Koeberg Unit 2 before the end of the year, and they attribute their success to the relentless efforts of their devoted and proficient employees.
The Parliament of South Africa has extended the deadline for media accreditation for the 2024 Parliamentary Opening to align with digital trends in media. The growing appetite for coverage of the event highlights the media’s indispensable role in promoting public consciousness and transparency in democratic processes. The deadline for online submissions has been extended to Monday, 8th July, at 12:00 noon and applicants must provide essential information, including their roles, media organization, and contact details. Parliament’s proactive approach towards public engagement and education is a laudable move towards encouraging democratic values and transparency.
South African Airways (SAA) is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy to double its route network and increase its fleet by at least 30% within the next year and a half. The airline is carefully selecting routes to maintain financial stability amidst its current economic situation. SAA’s General Manager for Global Sales and Marketing confirms the airline’s dedication to enhancing its flight schedule to provide seamless connectivity for customers in South Africa and Southern Africa. The expansion is good news for travelers, offering more options for affordable and efficient air travel.
A young white rhino calf was rescued by Care for Wild sanctuary in Kruger National Park after losing its mother. The sanctuary collaborated with the park’s veterinary squad to transport the calf using specially designed suspension ropes. The calf’s recovery was aided by a fellow resident, Dianna, who demonstrated remarkable empathy towards her fellow orphans. This uplifting story highlights the priceless work performed by sanctuaries like Care for Wild, and their dedication to preserving wildlife.
Jacques Freitag was a talented high jump athlete from South Africa who won multiple World Championship titles and set national records. However, his personal life was plagued by drug abuse, which strained his relationships with loved ones. He tragically died at the age of 42 under suspicious circumstances, leaving behind a legacy in South African athletics. His story serves as a reminder of the private struggles that athletes often face.
Cape Town is faced with the decision of whether to extend the Koeberg nuclear power plant’s operation for another 20 years. The city is seeking more time to weigh the potential impact on urban planning and preparedness for nuclear mishaps. Koeberg is the only nuclear power station in Africa, and concerns range from its emergency response plan to legal ramifications. The decision will have significant national and global implications, and the debate on Koeberg’s future extends beyond a citycentric issue.
Good news for South African motorists as fuel prices are set to decrease from July 3, 2024, with a significant fall in petrol and diesel prices. The decline is largely driven by global trends, including a boost in oil production by nonOPEC countries. The reductions are expected to provide relief for daily commuters and transport businesses, with potential opportunities for affordable car deals in the market. Overall, the recent fuel price adjustments present a unique opportunity for South African motorists to enjoy a more economical commute.
Cape Town’s Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei weirs are undergoing a comprehensive overhaul to improve the quality of water and restore aquatic life. The project involves installing mechanically operated sluice gates, creating fish swim ways, and modifying existing structures. The City is encouraging public participation and expects construction work to begin by September 2025, lasting at least 13 months, reflecting its commitment to improving water quality and fostering community participation in environmental projects.
The city of Cape Town is warning residents about a water scam that exploits people’s fear of potential water restrictions. Scammers claim to be from the Water and Sanitation Directorate and demand over R2,000 to prevent a nonexistent water cutoff. The city is urging residents to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and validate the legitimacy of any communication related to the city. The call for vigilance is a reminder of the city’s commitment to safeguarding its residents and promoting unity in the face of adversity.
Employee Wellness Week is an annual initiative in South Africa that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of employees. Led by the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA), the campaign promotes physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. Through their Employee Wellness Programme (EWP), EWW helps corporations maintain productivity, decrease absenteeism, and prevent occupational health conditions. HSFSA’s proactive approach to wellness, holistic understanding of individual wellbeing, and focus on nutrition and stress management empower employees and employers to prioritize health and wellness.
BackaBuddy, a South African crowdfunding platform, has been caught up in controversy as a fundraising campaign for a suspended MP violated the platform’s terms of use. This incident has led to debates about the accountability and neutrality of crowdfunding platforms like BackaBuddy, especially in politically tense situations. The incident also illustrates the ongoing racial tensions in South Africa and the importance of responsible usage of social media platforms in bringing such issues to the forefront.
Learn how to travel on a budget with six tested tactics that will make your money go further. Embrace offseason travel, use online price comparison tools, choose unconventional lodging options, cook your own meals, seek out free or lowcost activities, and opt for smart transportation choices. With these tips, you can have a memorable and budgetfriendly adventure without sacrificing comfort or quality of experience.
A baboon went on a journey from the Cradle of Humankind to the city of Johannesburg, causing anxiety among citizens. The baboon crossed roads and towns before being hit by a vehicle and ultimately euthanized due to serious injuries. This incident highlights the conflict between urban development and wildlife conservation, emphasizing the need for understanding and respecting boundaries between the two.
The ANC and DA are locked in a power struggle for control of key positions in South Africa’s Government of National Unity, including the deputy presidency and major economic departments. The DA has presented several demands, including ten ministerial portfolios, and is unwilling to compromise. The potential delay in forming the GNU Cabinet highlights the difficulties in building an effective government and underscores the constantly evolving landscape of South Africa’s political arena.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) presents a promising solution for the improvement of South Africa’s informal settlements, which have been plagued by policy confusion and administrative red tape. EPWP workers, often residents of the communities they serve, could manage intricate relationships necessary for upgrading informal settlements and repair strained relationships between informal communities and their municipal governments. To fully harness the potential of the EPWP, changes such as lengthening the employment limit and creating pathways for workers to transition into municipal human settlement departments are necessary, which could become an emergency lifeline for stalled housing and upgrading projects.
The 22yearold Cameron Hanekom’s recent standout performance in the Bulls’ URC semifinal may have offered an unexpected solution for the Springboks, who are facing challenges as they gear up for the 2024 Test season, including injuries and the departure of Duane Vermeulen. Hanekom’s physical prowess, activity level, and efficiency as a ball carrier and defender, along with his “warrior spirit,” make him a promising talent for the team. However, the team management’s strategy for integrating Hanekom into international play is yet to be determined.