Category: MIL-OSI

Eskom says it continues to maintain a stable and reliable electricity supply, with improved generation performance enabling the utility to meet rising winter demand while reducing reliance on diesel-fired generation.

In its latest power system update released on Friday, the power utility said the benefits of its Generation Recovery Plan continue to strengthen system performance through increased generation availability, reduced unplanned outages and improved operational reliability.

The utility also announced significant progress in its Load Reduction Eradication Programme, with about 1 099 430 customers removed from load reduction schedules.

“This represents 65% of the 1.69 million customers targeted under the programme. Originally established to address load reduction affecting 23.5% of Eskom’s 7.2 million customer base, the programme has reduced the proportion of customers affected by load reduction to approximately 8.3%.

“Load reduction has now been fully eliminated in five provinces, with Eskom remaining on track to achieve elimination in seven provinces by October 2026 and nationally by 2027,” Eskom said. 

Eskom said the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) increased to 64.29% for the financial year-to-date, from 1 April to 2 July 2026, compared to 58.54% during the same period last year.

“This reflects sustained progress under Eskom’s turnaround strategy, including a 9.64% improvement (4.9GW) compared to the corresponding period three years ago, driven by a continued reduction in unplanned outages and more consistent, reliable performance across the generation fleet,” the power utility said. 

According to the utility, average unplanned outages declined to 9 850MW between 26 June and 2 July 2026, compared to 14 981MW during the same period last year, representing a reduction of 5 131MW.

The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor also improved to 20.69% from 31.33% over the corresponding period last year.

Meanwhile, Eskom said no diesel was used during the reporting week, resulting in zero diesel expenditure.

For the financial year to date, diesel expenditure stands at R746.41 million, compared to R4.86 billion during the same period last year.

“This reflects an 84.65% reduction in diesel costs, underscoring stronger generation performance and significantly lower reliance on diesel-fired generation.

“This sustained reduction highlights both cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, contributing to greater efficiency in system operations,” Eskom said. 

The utility said South Africa has now recorded 413 consecutive days without loadshedding since 16 May 2025, with electricity demand continuing to be met comfortably.

Friday’s evening peak demand was forecast at 26 698MW against available generation capacity of 31 590MW, while 3 809MW is expected to return to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 06 July 2026.

Eskom said its Winter Outlook, published in April, continues to project no load-shedding throughout the winter period ending 31 August 2026.

The utility added that it has deployed 1 861 180 smart meters nationwide as part of efforts to eliminate load reduction, with nearly a quarter installed in high-priority load reduction areas.

Despite the stable power system, Eskom warned that illegal electricity connections and meter tampering continue to damage infrastructure and pose safety risks in some communities.

The utility urged customers to report illegal connections and infrastructure vandalism through its Crime Line or WhatsApp reporting platform, while reaffirming its commitment to eliminating load reduction nationally by 2027. – SAnews.gov.za

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on Chinese vehicle manufacturer Chery International to prioritise local suppliers and youth-owned businesses as it establishes its first vehicle assembly plant in South Africa.

Mashatile made the call on Friday during the Chery International Factory Acquisition Celebration in Rosslyn, Tshwane, where he described the investment as a vote of confidence in South Africa’s economy and manufacturing sector.

The Deputy President said government expects the investment to create jobs, strengthen local supply chains and drive inclusive industrialisation.

“With the understanding that a strong automotive sector depends on a strong supplier base, Government calls upon Chery to work hand in hand with us in identifying and promoting local suppliers, especially those led by our youth.

“For it is in the strength of our supply chains that the resilience of our industry is secured, and it is in the creativity of our young entrepreneurs that the future of our economy is written,” the Deputy President said. 

Mashatile said bringing township suppliers into the automotive value chain would not only strengthen Chery’s operations but also extend the benefits of industrialisation to surrounding communities.

“Together as partners, we must ensure that local suppliers receive capacity building, mentorship, and market access. We should provide opportunities for youth-owned enterprises to participate in logistics, components, services, and technology.

“In doing so, we will create a value chain that is inclusive, competitive, and sustainable,” he said.

The Deputy President noted that the acquisition of the Rosslyn factory follows government’s engagement with Chery during a working visit to China in November 2023 to promote South Africa as an investment destination and strengthen local automotive manufacturing.

He said the investment demonstrates continued international confidence in South Africa despite global economic uncertainty.

“It is in this context that the acquisition of the Rosslyn factory by Chery International is a powerful signal to global investors that South Africa remains a trusted destination for industrial investment.

“It is a vote of confidence in our people, our institutions, our infrastructure, our long-term future. It reinforces South Africa’s role as the automotive gateway to Africa,” he said. 

Mashatile highlighted the automotive industry’s significant contribution to the economy, saying it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs while driving exports and developing technical skills.

He also welcomed the company’s commitment to new energy vehicles, saying South Africa must keep pace with global shifts in automotive manufacturing to remain competitive.

“We must also bear in mind that the global automotive industry is shifting rapidly towards new energy vehicles (NEVs). We stand to lose important export markets by 2035 if there isn’t a transition in South Africa. We appreciate that Chery is leading this charge in Africa with NEV options across its range,” he said. 

The Deputy President said government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment while balancing foreign investment with measures that protect and strengthen domestic manufacturing.

He stressed that industrialisation must directly benefit communities surrounding manufacturing hubs, including Mabopane, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa and Hammanskraal.

“This factory is therefore a beacon of hope, skills and future opportunities for the youth of Mabopane, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa and Hammanskraal,” he said. 

Mashatile also urged greater investment in skills development, apprenticeships and technical education to prepare young South Africans for advanced manufacturing and technology-driven industries.

Concluding his address, he reaffirmed government’s commitment to attracting investment and growing the economy.

“As I mentioned when I met with Chery Automobile’s leadership in China a week ago as part of my working visit to enhance bilateral trade and industrial investment, South Africa is open for investment, ready for innovation, and committed to building an economy that offers opportunities for all.

“Together, we can shape a future defined by growth, industrial excellence, and shared prosperity,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za 

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The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen collaboration between environmental and health experts to better understand and address the impact of air pollution on the health and well-being of South Africans. 

In a joint statement on Sunday, the department and SAMRC said the partnership marks an important step towards ensuring that environmental policies are informed by scientific evidence on the health effects of air pollution. 

Through the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate on research, policy development, health impact assessments, data sharing, air quality monitoring, and public awareness initiatives.

Air pollution remains one of the leading environmental risks to health globally and is associated with a range of serious health conditions, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and premature death. 

In South Africa, communities living near industrial areas, power generation facilities, transport corridors, and informal settlements are often disproportionately affected.

By combining the DFFE’s environmental management mandate with the SAMRC’s expertise in environmental epidemiology and public health research, the partnership aims to generate evidence that can support more effective interventions, improve air quality management, and ultimately reduce the burden of disease linked to air pollution.

The collaboration will also support research on the health impacts of emissions from various sources, strengthen surveillance of pollution-related health outcomes, improve access to environmental data for health studies, and contribute to the development of early warning systems that can help protect vulnerable populations during periods of poor air quality.

The Deputy Director-General for Climate Change and Air Quality Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Maesela Kekana, said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to protecting both the environment and public health. 

“Clean air is fundamental to the health and well-being of all South Africans. This partnership enables us to strengthen the scientific foundation of our air quality policies and interventions by drawing on the SAMRC’s world-class health research expertise. 

“Through this collaboration, the DFFE and SAMRC will be better positioned to understand the real health impacts of air pollution, support evidence-based decision-making, and ensure that environmental management contributes directly to improved health outcomes for communities across the country,” Kekana said. 

The SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, said the agreement demonstrates the critical role of research in addressing complex societal challenges.

“The health effects of air pollution extend far beyond environmental concerns and represent a significant public health challenge. Through this partnership, the SAMRC will contribute scientific evidence that helps policymakers understand how environmental exposures affect human health and where interventions can have the greatest impact. 

“Our shared goal is to ensure that research translates into policies and actions that protect lives, reduce health inequalities, and improve quality of life for all South Africans,” Prof Ntusi said. 

With the SAMRC being the health-focused research arm of the National Department of Health (NDoH), the MoU also creates opportunities for closer collaboration with the NDoH and other stakeholders to strengthen the country’s response to environmental health challenges, including climate change and air pollution.

As South Africa continues to pursue sustainable development and environmental protection, the partnership between the DFFE and SAMRC will play an important role in ensuring that the health of communities remains at the centre of policy development and implementation. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has officially launched the country’s inaugural National Science Month, marking a new chapter in efforts to strengthen public engagement with science, technology and innovation. 

Delivering the keynote address at the launch held at the Vaal University of Technology on Saturday, Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina said the initiative expands the former National Science Week into a month-long programme aimed at bringing science closer to all South Africans.

The launch comes just days after the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation announced National Science Month as the department’s flagship science engagement programme. The event also coincided with the university’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

Gina said the transition from National Science Week, which has been implemented since 2000, reflects government’s recognition of the increasingly important role of science, technology and innovation in addressing complex global and national challenges.

“However, because science, technology and innovation are increasingly central to addressing the complex challenges facing our world today, we believe South Africa needs a broader and more sustained science engagement programme,” the Deputy Minister said. 

She said government views science not only as a driver of discovery but also as a catalyst for economic transformation, industrialisation and national competitiveness. 

Highlighting the country’s investment in research and development, Gina noted that South Africa currently spends about 0.61% of its Gross Domestic Product on research and development, well below the National Development Plan target of 1.5%.

“It is for this reason that our department adopted a new mantra: ‘Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.’

“Our mantra reminds us that fulfilling this responsibility cannot be business as usual. We must significantly raise public awareness of the value of science in everyday life, while elevating science, technology and innovation as key drivers of South Africa’s socio-economic development,” Gina said. 

According to the Deputy Minister, National Science Month seeks to demonstrate the power of science in understanding the natural and social world, harness new technologies to address societal challenges, promote informed decision-making and improve public access to scientific knowledge, while fostering greater collaboration between scientists and communities.

Held under the theme, “Science, Technology and Innovation Are for Everyone,” the month-long programme is intended to emphasise that science belongs to all people regardless of ethnicity, class, gender, belief or location. 

The launch featured a science exhibition comprising 132 stands and more than 100 exhibitors from universities, science councils and research institutions across the country.

Participating institutions include the University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Cape Town, North-West University, University of Limpopo, Stellenbosch University, University of Venda, Tshwane University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Sol Plaatje University and Nelson Mandela University.

Science entities participating include the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, National Research Foundation, Technology Innovation Agency, South African National Space Agency, Academy of Science of South Africa and the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.

The programme will cover themes including technology and innovation, health, environmental management, service delivery, education, journalism, human rights, climate change, space science, decolonising knowledge systems, science diplomacy and youth engagement.

Gina also called on South Africans to use National Science Month to showcase the country’s scientific achievements, including the Square Kilometre Array, the Southern African Large Telescope, iThemba LABS and the SANSA Space Weather Centre.

She further encouraged learners to pursue careers in science by drawing inspiration from South African innovators such as Mashudu Tshifularo and Sandile Ngcobo.

“Drawing from these breathtaking examples of South Africa’s science, technology and innovation capabilities, my message to the learners here today is simple: your dreams are valid, and you must never allow anyone to tell you that you cannot become a scientist,” she said. 

During the event, the official National Science Month logo was also unveiled, while the baton for hosting the 2027 edition was symbolically handed over to North-West University.

Concluding her address, Gina urged all South Africans to champion science in their communities.

“Let us join hands in taking the message of science to every town and village in our country. Let us tell every community that science, technology and innovation are for everyone.”

“With these words, it is my honour and privilege to formally declare National Science Month officially launched as South Africa’s premier science engagement initiative,” Gina said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has led an intensive service delivery intervention in Merafong, reaffirming the Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure and enhancing service delivery. 

The intervention, conducted on Friday, forms part of the Aga Le Rona programme, which seeks to accelerate visible service delivery over a two-month period.

Diale-Tlabela was joined by Nozuko Best, as well as senior officials from the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and the Merafong Local Municipality.

According to the department, immediate activities undertaken during the intervention included pothole patching, litter picking and cleaning, road markings, and the general beautification of the municipality.

“This intervention forms part of the Aga Le Rona programme, which is aimed at accelerating visible service delivery over a two-month period, with immediate activities undertaken today including pothole patching, litter picking and cleaning, road markings, and general beautification of the municipality,” the MEC said.

The department said the intervention forms part of a broader, coordinated approach to address long-standing service delivery backlogs and improve the condition of road infrastructure across the province.

Diale-Tlabela stressed that the programme is not a once-off initiative, but a sustained intervention aimed at ensuring communities begin to experience tangible improvements within a short period.

“This programme is about restoring dignity and ensuring that our communities experience real change. We are bringing all our resources together and working collaboratively with municipalities to fast-track service delivery,” Diale-Tlabela said. 

The department said it will continue working closely with local government and community stakeholders to ensure the intervention delivers measurable and lasting outcomes. – SAnews.gov.za

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