Author: Staff Writer

The Generation Operational Recovery Plan continues to deliver a constant energy supply and efficiencies with loadshedding remaining suspended and Eskom achieving 170 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024. In the past seven days, Eskom’s use of its Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) resulted in diesel expenditure of R4.16 billion from 01 April to 12 September 2024. This is a 75% reduction compared to the R16.7 billion spent during the same period last year. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) averaged 63% over the past week, with top-performing stations such as Kusile, Lethabo, Grootvlei, Camden and the peaking stations…

Aliko Dangote, founder of Dangote Group, has called on African business leaders to take the lead in transforming the continent. Speaking at the just concluded African Renaissance Retreat held in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote pointed out that despite significant challenges besetting Africa, its youthful population and abundant resources, including about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and the largest reserves of gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds, offer opportunities for substantial and inclusive growth. “Additionally, we have 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater sources. Together these present a myriad of opportunities for robust,…

The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has piloted an online appointment portal, where clinic clients can schedule clinic visits to suit their needs and schedule. The portal is a step up from the existing appointment system, which until now has allowed clinic staff to make appointments on behalf of clients. However, by accessing the portal, clients can now decide when exactly they want to visit the clinic, and where. The portal also allows them to cancel and reschedule bookings – all from their cellphone. ‘This pilot project aims to put clients in control – they can choose their preferred…

Following a notice issued on 2 July 2024 to the National Treasury and Emfuleni Municipality, Emfuleni has been removed as a beneficiary of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 124 Debt Relief program due to multiple breaches. As a result, the Sheriff of the Court has attached Emfuleni’s four bank accounts, ensuring that funds collected for electricity are paid directly to Eskom. The municipality failed to comply with the debt relief program’s requirements, prompting this action. The account attachment guarantees Eskom receives payment for the electricity it supplies, ensuring uninterrupted service to Emfuleni’s customers. Eskom said in a statement today…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has received a total 161,607 tax directive applications for in two-pot system. This includes the directives which have been cancelled.  159, 853 relates to Savings Withdrawal Benefits, which is 98.9% of the total number of applications received from Sunday 1 to 10 September 2024, which means SARS received an average of 17,964 tax directive applications a day. Gross amount of the lumpsums for the applications received totals R4.1 billion. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said contributions made to a pension or retirement fund were not taxed at the time of payment to the fund but…

The uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) has taken centre stage as the most viable means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions around the world. In South Africa, the race to shrink the transport industry’s carbon footprint is no different. However, the local automotive ecosystem’s sluggish transition to low-emission alternatives means its sizable contribution to GDP hangs in the balance, says GoMetro CEO, Justin Coetzee. His view is that commercial players and government bodies can both do more to safeguard the industry. In 2023, 75.5% of vehicles produced in SA were exported to the UK and EU, according to the Automotive Business…

With the festive season fast approaching, road safety concerns are on the rise. This year, the Department of Transport reported a staggering 1,184 fatalities over the 2023/24 festive period.  Aligned with its mission to challenge injustice, inDrive announced today the introduction of a new in-app call feature, alongside other innovative safety measures, aimed at ensuring a safer e-hailing experience this festive season. Expanding its reach, inDrive recently launched in seven additional cities across South Africa, bringing the total to 16, with new operations in Bloemfontein, Mahikeng, Emalahleni (Witbank), Kimberley, George, Vereeniging, and Potchefstroom. These safety upgrades come at the perfect…

During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Huawei and Standard Bank South Africa (SBSA) signed a strategic cooperation agreement, to accelerate digital transformation of the financial sector and enhance South Africa’s ability to continue growing its digital industries. Jason Cao, CEO of Huawei Digital Finance BU, gave the welcoming address which set the scene for the day’s discussions. He spoke about the established relationship between Huawei and SBSA, Africa’s largest bank, in several countries. He said, “We are signing an agreement for the future because we share a common goal of achieving excellence. Huawei’s cutting-edge technologies and…

As Apple prepares to launch the iPhone 16, cybercriminals are already exploiting the hype with scams targeting eager fans. Widely regarded as the most anticipated tech event of the year, the release has fans poised to acquire the latest high-tech gadget. However, Kaspersky researchers have discovered that threat actors are luring users with fake pre-orders, early-adopter offers, and bogus technical support — all packaged in convincing websites that lead only to financial losses and disappointment. The new iPhone 16 is set to be unveiled during the “Glowtime” event on Monday, September 9, 2024, with official invites for the event sent…

South Africa faces a stark reality: a significant literacy gap hinders the nation’s progress. With eight out of ten children unable to read proficiently by age ten, the path forward demands innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to learning. Literacy is more than just the ability to decipher words on a page; it is the bedrock upon which individuals, communities, and nations are built. It is the key that unlocks a world of opportunity, empowering people to pursue their dreams, engage critically with the world around them, and contribute meaningfully to society. The consequences of illiteracy are far-reaching and devastating. Without…