The Umoya Energy Wind Farm in South Africa is using a bladepatterning strategy inspired by a project in Norway to decrease bird fatalities caused by wind turbines. They are painting ten turbines a ‘signal red’ color, while an additional ten unpainted turbines act as controls, resulting in a 70% reduction in bird fatalities at the painted turbines. With over 200 bird species suffering fatal collisions with wind turbines in South Africa, this innovative approach has the potential to address the growing concern about the environmental effects of wind energy on bird populations and promote sustainable coexistence between renewable energy and the natural world.
The World Rugby Awards in Paris celebrated rugby players’ achievements and contributions to the sport, with New Zealand’s Ardie Savea winning Player of the Year and Andy Farrell of Ireland winning Coach of the Year. Eben Etzebeth was included in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year, while John Smit received the International Rugby Players Special Merit Award. The Springboks’ experience at the awards highlighted the significance of acknowledging not just the winners on the field, but also the crucial players behind the scenes, and the event’s lasting impact united the global rugby fraternity in a shared appreciation of the sport’s finest talents.
South African leaders and mayors met for a twoday workshop to discuss international migration’s effects on local communities and identify areas for collaboration. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including government ministries, traditional authorities, and municipalities, who agreed on several areas of cooperation, such as policy changes, enhanced coordination, and supporting local economic development. The workshop’s collaborative environment signifies a positive step towards addressing national migration challenges and highlights the importance of joint efforts by all involved parties.
Professor Ihron Rensburg has been appointed as the Administrator of the University of South Africa to address governance and financial irregularities. His responsibilities include initiating processes to restore proper governance and management, developing and implementing a turnaround plan, and commissioning an independent external investigation or forensic audit into financial irregularities. Prof Rensburg will also establish a new council, realign UNISA’s strategic focus, and support student body strategies to improve success rates. His appointment represents a critical juncture for UNISA, and the higher education community looks forward to the revitalization of its governance, management, and strategic focus.
Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha encourages the Matric Class of 2023 in Limpopo province, South Africa, to stay focused, motivated, and tenacious as they embark on a year of academic rigor and achievement. The entire community stands with these young students, providing support, guidance, and motivation at every step. The message instills a sense of pride and confidence in the students, reminding them that they are the future leaders of the province and their success will contribute to a brighter future for the entire community.
Cape Town plans to establish six new nature reserves and expand nine existing ones to balance urban expansion with environmental sustainability. The city employs land banking and biodiversity offsets to preserve its unique biodiversity and natural assets. Collaborative efforts with CapeNature and local communities ensure transparent guidelines and public involvement, making Cape Town a model for sustainable urban development.
Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Nomakhosazana Meth, is calling for increased food safety inspections and penalties for store owners who sell expired products in South Africa. This comes after a surge in foodborne illnesses across the nation, particularly among school children. Meth has urged municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance food safety inspection procedures to protect children from expired items and ensure that store owners who violate the law are held responsible. The responsibility for food safety also falls on consumers to be cautious about where they buy their food.
Strengthening Mental Health Services in Gauteng Province: Prioritizing Accessibility and Universal Human Rights
The Gauteng Department of Health is taking steps to improve mental health services in the province by expanding access to experts, rehabilitation services, and acute mental health beds. They are also working towards eliminating stigma and discrimination, addressing workforce shortages, and providing preventative and interventional mental health care through various teams and initiatives. Their goal is to create a more inclusive and empathetic society that prioritizes mental health and wellbeing for all.
The Welisizwe Bridges Project, a collaboration between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Provincial Departments of Transport, is an ambitious threeyear initiative with a R3.3 billion budget allocation to build 134 bridges across six provinces in rural South Africa. The project not only provides access to essential services but also creates numerous employment opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme, offering valuable skills to the workforce. The initiative symbolizes the government’s dedication to addressing inequality and improving the wellbeing of its citizens, serving as a blueprint for similar programs in other countries.
South Africa’s National Senior Certificate Examinations are about to begin, with over 900,000 students participating across 6,898 centers. These exams are critical for students as they determine eligibility for higher education and other tertiary institutions. The South African government is dedicated to supporting these students and has invested significantly in the education sector, providing equal opportunities for all learners. The Class of 2023’s success in these exams will pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous South Africa.
Unveiling Corruption: SIU Sheds Light on Irregularities in PPE Contract for Taxi Industry
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered irregularities in a personal protective equipment (PPE) contract awarded by the National Department of Transport to Ecko Green Environmental Consulting (Pty) Ltd worth R8,072,000. The SIU found the procurement process was unlawful and Ecko Green was not registered on the government’s Central Supplier Database (CSD) when the contract was awarded. Additionally, Ecko Green had altered details of another company on the CSD in order to submit bid documents to the Department of Transport. The company has been instructed to repay R1,701,000 plus interest.
Acting Premier Nono Maloyi is confident in the success of Grade 12 learners in North West as they prepare for their final exams. The province has registered over 46,000 candidates who will take their exams in 448 centers, with technical readiness and safety measures in place. The collaboration between students, teachers, parents, and communities demonstrates the power of education and offers hope, determination, and cooperation towards academic success and personal fulfillment.
The matric class of 2023 has shown remarkable determination and resilience in their academic journey, despite the challenges brought by the pandemic. The students, with the support of their teachers, families, and peers, are ready to take on their final exams and achieve greatness. Teachers deserve recognition for their dedication and teaching expertise, which have greatly influenced the students. The diversity within the class further underscores the value of unity and inclusivity. The students should remember to balance their studies with selfcare practices and take pride in their hard work and dedication.
Discover the enchanting city of Cape Town through its art, food, and entertainment in this feature that highlights the city’s vibrant culture, stunning views, and exciting events. Join foraging workshops at Veld & Sea, heed the warnings about smashandgrab incidents, and celebrate the rebirth of South African Airways. Delight in the return of beloved fish spreads at Pick n Pay and indulge in the culinary creations of Franschhoek Creates. Don’t miss out on the Galileo Open Air Cinema and the sweet gift given to rugby star Ox Nche.
Barcadia in Cape Town is a unique combination of a retro arcade bar and contemporary gaming hub. With classic arcade games, a PlayStation 5, and a Stern KISS pinball machine, Barcadia caters to both oldschool and modern gamers. Visitors can enjoy freshly made popcorn and a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks while taking in the vintage ambiance of the venue. Entry is limited to adults aged 21 and over, and Barcadia is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 pm to 2 am.
South Africa is taking significant steps to improve its education sector, with a focus on initiatives such as enhanced security measures and contingency plans for national exams, adoption of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, and infrastructure development. The country is also working to address challenges and unlock the potential of its youth through early learning programs and engagement with stakeholders. These efforts highlight the collaborative dedication of various departments, institutions, and stakeholders towards a bright future for South Africa’s education landscape.