Category: Africa

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s commitment to improving water and sanitation infrastructure is bearing fruit with the R16 million refurbishment of the Kelvin Jones Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kariega.

The upgraded facility plays a critical role in supporting major industries within the metro, including multinational companies such as Volkswagen South Africa, Tromberg, Schubert, and several automotive component manufacturers operating in the region.

Over the past three years, the plant suffered damage due to floods and vandalism, which negatively affected its performance. This poor performance had a direct impact on the linked industries, particularly neighbouring industrial operations.

To address these challenges, the municipality undertook comprehensive mechanical and electrical refurbishment works. 

These included the construction of a new concrete platform to accommodate upgraded inlet pump sets and the manufacture and installation of six new Gorman Rupp T10 Eradicator pumps. 

The pumps are belt-driven by 45kW electric motors and mounted on custom galvanised over-mount bases.

Three pump sets have been installed per sump in, a two-duty, one-standby configuration, ensuring the plant can effectively manage peak wet weather flows. 

The existing galvanised manifold was rotated by 90 degrees to optimise the new layout, with delivery branches now facing vertically upwards.

New HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and galvanised pipework has been installed to accommodate the revised configuration incorporating six pipes. Galvanised piping is used directly on the pumps to reduce heat transfer, while HDPE pipework, known for its 100-year design life, was fitted with electrofusion welded fittings to ensure durability and longevity, resulting in cost savings for the municipality.

Additional upgrades include the installation of new AVK knife valves to isolate pipework during maintenance or in the event of blockages, as well as AVK swing check valves to ensure pumps remain primed and to prevent reverse flow. 

These valves are fitted with counter-levers, which not only indicate pump operation and flow through the pipework, but also act as a buffer against water hammer, improving system reliability.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said the metro has adopted an aggressive infrastructure investment strategy to protect existing industries and attract new investment.

“We are fully aware of the ageing infrastructure and the growing population that continues to place increased demands on our systems. We are pleased that this infrastructure is now fully operational, and that disruptions to sanitation services for the people of Kariega and its industries will be a thing of the past,” Lobishe said.

The refurbished plant is now operating at an optimal capacity of 24 million litres per day, serving the entire Kariega area and parts of KwaNobuhle.

In the medium to long term, the municipality plans to expand the plant’s capacity to treat 30 million litres per day in the medium term and up to 50 million litres per day in the long term, in line with projected population growth and the continued expansion of Kariega’s industrial economy. – SAnews.gvo.za
 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of severe thunderstorms over the central interior, accompanied by heavy rain on Monday.

A cut-off low is expected to approach the Eastern Cape from the northwestern interior, leading to significant cloud development with a chance for heavy downpours in places.

“As the cut-off low-pressure systems approaches the country from the west, it will lead to conditions favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms, resulting in heavy downpours, strong winds and hail over most parts of the Northern Cape and Free State, except the north-eastern parts today, as well as western parts of North West and central Free State tomorrow afternoon,” the weather service said.

These weather conditions are likely to cause flooding of susceptible roads, settlements, and low-lying bridges/areas, along with strong, damaging winds.

The weather forecast for Tuesday shows cloudy weather over the central and eastern parts, otherwise partly cloudy and cool to warm, but hot in some places. 

Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers expected.

“A Yellow Level 4 for severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours and flooding of susceptible roads, settlements, and low-lying bridges/areas over the western parts of the Eastern Cape and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

“A Yellow Level 2 warning remains for the central and eastern interior for localised flooding due to heavy downpours,” SAWS Meteorologist Tokelo Chiloane said.

Possible flooding due to heavy downpours:

• Wednesday: No significant weather expected.
• Thursday: Low to medium 40% – 60% chance – Limpopo (Western Bushveld), Gauteng, Mpumalanga (Highveld and escarpment)
• Friday: Low to medium 40% – 60% chance – North West (eastern parts), Free State (eastern parts), Limpopo (Western Bushveld), Gauteng, Mpumalanga (Highveld and escarpment), KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape (eastern parts)
• Saturday: Low to medium 40% – 60% chance – North West (eastern parts), Free State (eastern parts), Limpopo (Western Bushveld), Gauteng, Mpumalanga (Highveld and escarpment), KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape (eastern parts).
• Sunday: Low to medium 40% – 60% chance – North West, Free State, KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape.

Possible severe thunderstorms:

• Monday: Low 40% chance – Northern Cape (eastern and central parts), Western Cape (except the coastal areas), Eastern Cape (western and central parts), Free State (western parts).
• Tuesday: Low 40% chance- Free State, Eastern Cape and Western Cape (eastern parts).
• Wednesday: No significant weather.
• Thursday: Low to Medium 40% – 60%chance – Limpopo (Western Bushveld), Gauteng, Mpumalanga (Highveld and escarpment), Eastern Cape (along the escarpment).
• Friday: Medium 60% chance- North West (eastern parts), Free State (eastern parts), Limpopo (Western Bushveld), Gauteng, Mpumalanga (Highveld and escarpment), KwaZulu-Natal (north-western parts), Eastern Cape (eastern parts).
• Saturday: Medium to High 60% – 80% chance: North West (eastern parts), Free State (eastern parts), Limpopo (Western Bushveld), Gauteng, Mpumalanga (Highveld and escarpment), KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape (eastern parts).
• Sunday: Medium to High 60% – 80% chance: North West, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.

Winds (not associated with thunderstorms):

• Monday: Moderate to High 60% – 80% chance – East and South-east coast.
• Tuesday: Moderate to High 60% – 80% chance – South-east coast.
• Wednesday: Moderate to High 60% – 80% chance – South-west coast.
• Thursday: Low 40% chance – West coast.
• Friday: Low 40% chance – East and South-east coast, West coast.
• Saturday: Low 40% chance – West coast.
• Sunday: Moderate to High 60% – 80% chance – South and South-west coast.

–SAnews.gov.za

Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso will lead a high-level South African delegation to Cartagena, Colombia, for the International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ICARRD+20) this week.

The ICARRD+20 conference marks 20 years since the inaugural International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and convenes at a time of renewed global focus on agrarian reform, food sovereignty and the democratic governance of natural resources.

The summit, taking place from 24 to 28 February 2026, provides a strategic platform for governments, social movements and international organisations to deliberate on pressing global challenges, including land and water grabbing, climate change vulnerabilities, and the need for redistributive land reform.

Nyhontso is expected to participate in several high-level bilateral engagements during the conference. These include consultations with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on the launch of the Global Land Observatory and strengthened collaboration on rural development initiatives.

The Minister is also scheduled to meet with international leaders, including representatives from Brazil and other countries facing similar land reform and agrarian justice challenges, to exchange perspectives on land governance, environmental sustainability and climate justice.

In addition, the Minister will take part in ministerial sessions focusing on the balance and perspectives of agrarian reform and its role in fostering peace, democracy and equitable development.

The South African delegation comprises members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development, as well as senior officials from the department.

The delegation will participate in a series of key plenaries and high-level segments, including:
• Inaugural Plenary: “Earth: past, present and future: the struggle of the peoples for Agrarian Reform”.
• Thematic Sessions: Discussions on the geopolitics of resources, including control over land, oil, and minerals.
• Global Commitments: The “10 years for Agrarian Reform” plenary, aimed at securing global commitments for structural transformation.

“The Minister and the Department of Land Reform views this conference as an essential entry point for the African preparatory process, ensuring that the continent’s priorities regarding land governance and dignified livelihoods are central to the global agenda,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with municipalities to ensure that previously unserved communities have access to safe potable water.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, accompanied by Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo, conducted an oversight visit on Friday, 20 February, to the uMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Scheme in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, to assess progress and address challenges that impede progress of the water supply scheme.

Majodina and Seitlholo were joined by Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, iLembe District Municipality Mayor Thobani Shandu, uMshwathi Local Municipality Mayor Mandla Zondi, as well as uMngeni-uThukela Water Chairperson Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo.

Traditional leaders from the iLembe Local House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders were also in attendance.

The uMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Scheme is being implemented in five phases. Phases 1 – 3 have been completed and already delivering water to several communities within uMshwathi Local Municipality, while Phases 4 and 5 are currently under construction.

Phase 4 includes an almost complete water pipeline supplying five million litres of water per day to surrounding communities, and 1.5 million litres of reservoir capacity at Montobelo Hospital, serving the Dalibho area, where taps are already flowing.

Phase 5 features an 11-kilometre bulk water pipeline – recently commissioned – supplying Bhamshela, Ngcongangconga and Chibini villages, with water flowing to residents’ taps.

The scheme draws water from an existing 50 megalitre storage reservoir in Claridge, which is supplied from Midmar Dam through DV Harris Water Treatment Works.

After the completion of the entire uMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, additional bulk potable water supply will also be provided to Ndwedwe and Maphumulo Local Municipalities.

Majodina underscored the importance of focusing on rural and historically underserved communities.

“People in rural areas are citizens, who deserve quality service delivery. They have the right to access water, and the scheme will help develop livelihoods and restore dignity in the uMgungundlovu District. Rural areas are homes that need [the same level] of service too,” she said.

The Minister acknowledged delays experienced since the project’s inception in 2013, citing demands from business forums and community stakeholders as contributing factors.

Once completed, the project is expected to benefit approximately 28 000 households. Currently, only 15 000 households are receiving fresh water supply.

“Water access equates to freedom, and we are committed to delivering that to unserved communities,” Majodina said.

Following the oversight visit, the Minister engaged with residents and visited a household benefiting from the scheme.

She also announced plans to rehabilitate boreholes and protect spring water sources, while encouraging communities to harvest rainwater as a supplementary measure.

Majodina further indicated that the department would return within two weeks to commission another bulk water scheme to benefit more unserved communities.

uMshwathi Mayor Mandla Zondi welcomed the progress, expressing appreciation for the department’s assistance and renewed focus on underprivileged communities.

“Rural communities tend to be left in the periphery, with little to no access to basic service delivery. There were critical areas that didn’t have water, such as the Montobelo Hospital, which now has its own elevated reservoir. The consistent supply of water has brought relief to the community of uMshwati,” Zondi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Eskom has recorded some 280 days without the implementation of load shedding, continuing the power utility’s generation recovery.

At the same time, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) continues to hold steady, rising to some 65.11% for the financial year to date.

“Eskom’s generation performance continues to show steady and measurable improvement, reinforcing the reliability of South Africa’s power system and supporting confidence in the wider economy. Improvements in plant availability, together with reduced unplanned outages, have strengthened the stability of the national grid.

“These gains, enabled by the Generation Recovery Plan, are contributing to long-term energy security and helping sustain uninterrupted supply, an essential foundation for economic activity and growth,” the power utility said.

Last week, average unplanned outages measured at some 9980MW – an improvement of 2784MW from the same period last year.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF], reflecting unplanned outages, was at 20.77%, representing a reduction of 4.53% compared to the 25.30% recorded during the same period last year.

“During the same period, Eskom’s Planned Capacity Loss Factor [PCLF] – reflecting planned maintenance – was at an average of 10.49%, down from 15.71% in the previous financial year.

“In addition, 9 897MW is currently in cold reserve due to excess capacity,” Eskom said.

The power utility noted that diesel usage last week saw “2.48GWh of energy being sent into the grid at a cost of R14.89 million, equating to a 0.433% load factor”.

“The use of diesel resulted from the dispatching of the independent power producers [IPP] Open Cycle Gas Turbine [OCGT] units in line with existing take‑or‑pay contractual obligations with the two IPPs.

“These agreements were concluded during a period of severe supply constraints to secure guaranteed minimum average usage levels every six months. Under these contracts, Eskom is required to pay for the committed capacity whether it is utilised or not. Accordingly, diesel usage over the next few weeks, may primarily reflect the fulfilment of these contractual obligations.

“As system performance continues to improve and the EAF strengthens, Eskom’s operational focus remains on utilising the most cost-effective primary energy sources, while responsibly managing legacy contractual commitments and maintaining grid stability,” Eskom explained.

Despite this, year to date expenditure on diesel remains low – coming in below budget.

“Year-to-date (1 April 2025 until 19 February 2026), total diesel expenditure is now R5.49 billion lower than at the same time last year, reflecting substantial cost savings and continued improvements in operational performance driven by Eskom’s turnaround initiatives,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has conveyed his heartfelt condolences following the tragic death of 24-year-old pilot student Leeche’ Manuel, who lost his life during a flight training exercise in Johannesburg.

Manuel, originally from eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal, died in a plane crash on Thursday, 19 February, while undertaking advanced flight training in Johannesburg.

At the time of the accident, Manuel was in the final stages of completing his Instructor Rating and was conducting a routine practice flight with his instructor. Both Manuel and the instructor sustained fatal injuries in the crash.

“We are devastated by this unimaginable loss. Leeche’ was not merely a bursary recipient; he was a shining example of the talent, discipline and determination that our province seeks to nurture. Being on the verge of qualifying as a Flight Instructor is a testament to his commitment and hard work,” said Premier Ntuli.

“On behalf of the Provincial Government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the broader aviation school community,” Ntuli said in a statement.

Manuel was awarded a comprehensive bursary by the Office of the Premier to pursue his Commercial Pilot Licence and Instructor Rating. His training journey began in Pietermaritzburg, continued in Richards Bay, and finally Johannesburg, where he was completing the specialised aircraft training required for his final assessments.

The Premier has directed the Bursary Unit to provide all necessary support to the Manuel family during this difficult period. An official from the Office of the Premier will be dispatched to engage directly with the family to convey the Premier’s personal condolences and assist with immediate arrangements.

“This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the risks that young people undertake in pursuit of their dreams and in their efforts to contribute meaningfully to our country. We are awaiting a full report on the technical causes of the accident.

“However, I wish to assure the family and our communities that this devastating loss will not deter us from our mission. The struggle for the empowerment of our youth continues. We will honour Leeche’s memory by remaining steadfast and unwavering in our commitment to opening doors of opportunity for young people,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

The Gauteng multidisciplinary integrated teams of Operation Shanela conducted successful high-density operations over the weekend that resulted in the arrest of more than 900 suspects for various offences.

The suspects included 700 suspects wanted for serious and violent crimes such as murder, robbery, rape and sexual assault. 

According to the police, the operations conducted simultaneously throughout the five districts in the province also aimed at enhancing police visibility and assist local police stations with crime reduction.

The teams further seized dangerous weapons, various drugs, liquor and a stolen vehicle. With liquor flagged as a contributor of crime in the province, the teams closed down 21 liquor outlets for non-compliance, and the owners were given fines as per the Gauteng Liquor Act.

“Through Operation Shanela, SAPS [the South African Police Service] in Gauteng continue demonstrate its commitment to promoting safety while maximizing police visibility and stamping authority of the State,” the police said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za