Author: Agency
Stage 4 load shedding has been implemented immediately with Stage 6 expected to return from 2pm this afternoon (Wednesday). This as state power utility Eskom continues to battle generation unit breakdowns. By Tuesday afternoon, some 16 313MW were offline due to breakdowns with further losses overnight. “Due to the loss of additional generating units overnight, the extensive use of Open Gas Cycle Turbines and the inability to replenish pumped storage dam levels, Stage 4 load shedding will be implemented at 7am [on Wednesday] until 2pm. “Thereafter, Stage 6 load shedding will be implemented from 14:00 today until 05:00 on Thursday.…
The Government of Ireland has invited South Africans interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Ireland to apply for the Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme to study at Ireland’s world-renowned higher education institutions. The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is a flagship programme of the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa offered to South African students. The programme is part of the broader Ireland-Africa Fellowship Programme offered by the Government of Ireland. Through the programme, professional women and men, with leadership potential from South Africa will avail of relevant postgraduate study opportunities in Irish higher education institutions. “The scholarship broadly supports leadership…
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called for incentives to reward those that use cleaner fuels as a measure to reduce air pollution, which affects human health and the environment. “Vehicle subsidies may be offered for example towards buyers of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, electric and hydrogen run vehicles. While fare subsidies are known to attract more numbers of commuters from use of private cars,” Chikunga said on Monday in Pretoria. Addressing the 41st annual Southern African Transport Conference (SATC 2023), she said the contribution of road transport to the Republic of South Africa’s (RSA’s) Greenhouse emissions (GHG) has increased to…
Gauteng Metrorail has advised commuters to seek alternative transport after its service experienced disruption at most of its lines on Monday, due to adverse weather conditions. “Refunds are facilitated at Metrorail train stations for affected commuters. Metrorail remains committed to operating trains safely. We would like to apologise to commuters for the inconvenience caused,” Gauteng Metrorail said. The cold weather has a negative impact on the infrastructure and its components (tracks, crossover points, electrical cables, etc.). The overhead wires also experience tension, which results in power instability and failure. Delays were experienced in the Saulsville to Pretoria line, Centurion to…
South Africa’s electricity generation capacity continues to show signs of improvement and stabilisation, says Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. This follows work done in the past two weeks. The Minister was speaking on Sunday during his weekly media briefing on progress made regarding the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. Outlining the generation performance for period 3 -7 July 2023, the Minister said that Eskom has been able to maintain the increased energy availability of more than 60% resulting in lower levels of load shedding. “The progress we’re making is tribute to the fact that we’ve stayed…
National Treasury has outlined the basic characteristics and requirements for the solar panel incentive, which is meant to help individuals in their immediate decision making regarding any solar installation services. This follows an announcement by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana at the tabling of the National Budget earlier this year that tax incentives would be provided to households installing rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV). “Government proposed this programme to encourage households to invest in clean electricity generation capacity, which can supplement electricity supply. The incentive will only be available for one year to encourage investment as soon as possible,” National Treasury said.…
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the global competitiveness of the local automotive industry. The CSIR partnership with AIDC, a wholly owned subsidiary company of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, signals a significant milestone in advancing the growth and development of the South African automotive industry. The MoU, the CSIR said, provides a framework for joint programmes and co-development initiatives with an intent to bolster the sector. Acting CSIR Group Executive, Sipho Mbhokota, said he was elated about this move, which…
Motorists are in for more relief this month, as both grades of fuel are expected to decrease for the second month in a row. Illuminating paraffin and LP Gas are also expected to decrease, with an increase in the price of both grades of diesel. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has announced the following price changes: 93 grade petrol is expected to decrease by 24c. The price of 95 grade petrol is expected to decrease by 17c. Diesel 0.05% Sulphur is expected to go up by 18c. Diesel 0.005% Sulphur will cost 12c more. Wholesale illuminating paraffin…
With improved funding for South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, the country will be able to invest significantly in bolstering the electricity grid and new renewable energy generation. In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said this will significantly help to end load shedding. The President’s newsletter comes after his participation at the New Global Financing Pact Summit in Paris last week, where several world leaders gathered. “With improved funding for our Just Energy Transition, we will be able to invest substantially in strengthening our electricity grid and new renewable energy generation. “This will make a…
South African government is making strides in the development of a policy for the hemp and cannabis sector, as stakeholders have collectively agreed on regulatory reforms. “These reforms will unlock the potential of cannabis in African traditional medicine; pharmaceutical and complementary medicines; human and animal ingestion, and multiple industrial applications,” the Presidency said on Friday. Given the need for more urgent implementation, under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) – together with the Presidency – government convened a Phakisa Action Lab from 19 to 23 June 2023. The Action Lab brought together more…