The Bulletin News – Page 144

Thubelihle Library handover

Community news

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March 19, 2021

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MEC Shongwe unvailed the plaque at the handover ceremony of the new library at Thubelihle on Thursday

The new library was planned a long time ago but was only realised now.

The community will surely benefit from this initiative.

“It is fitting that we are gathered here today to witness the Official Opening of Thubelihle Public Library during an important period in the library sector.” said MEC Shongwe, “The Official Opening of Thubelihle Public Library falls within the South African Library Week, which started on March 15. Library Week is regarded as sacrosanct by librarians and all those associated with the sector. Library Week was initiated in 2001 to market services of the fountain of knowledge and create awareness of the important role they play in democratic South Africa.”

MEC Shongwe delivering the keynote adress

This Library is the 117th that was unveiled and they all have the same plans according to the MEC.

The following services will be offered by the library:

Information Communications Technology: 22 computers will be available for the public to use.
Photocopier will be available that can copy, fax and scan.
Printing services will be available.
Free internet and wi-fi.
Library material can be borrowed.
Special Library for the Blind. The room is specially provided for the visually impaired community to use special material such as, special computers loaded with the JAWS Reader, Document reader and other materials

Young Poets reciting their Poems

Here is the MEC’s full speach:

ADDRESS BY MEC THANDI SHONGWE DURING THE OPENING OF THUBELIHLE PUBLIC LIBRARY ON THURSDAY, MARCH 18 AT EMALAHLENI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, NKANGALA DISTRICT.

Programme Director, BM Mtsweni
Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, Cllr S Masilela
Executive Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr L Malatjie
Head of Department, Mr GS Ntombela
Members of the Media
Ladies and gentlemen

Programme Director, it is fitting that we are gathered here today to witness the Official Opening of Thubelihle Public Library during an important period in the library sector.

The Official Opening of Thubelihle Public Library falls within the South African Library Week, which started on March 15. Library Week is regarded as sacrosanct by librarians and all those associated with the sector. Library Week was initiated in 2001 to market services of the fountain of knowledge and create awareness of the important role they play in democratic South Africa.

MEC Lindiwe Ntshalintshali delivering the message of support

The role of libraries in society cannot be overemphasized as they play a key role in shaping the futures of young people and opening new vistas for users.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is for this reason that Government decided to mark this year’s Library Week with a two-word theme, Libraries Matter. These two words speak volume on the importance of libraries in the development and upliftment of our people.

Today, our people, the people of GaNala can access Information and Communication Technology services they were denied before. They now have a state-of-the-art library connected to the Internet, WiFi, a computer room, kids’ play area and MiniLib, which caters for visually impaired users.

Ribbon cutting!

The opening of the library is a boon for pupils in Bonginhlanhla Primary and Sibongamandla High schools, who now have access to information that will go a long way to help them improve their grades.

The little ones in local crèches are not left out as they too will learn about their ABCs at this edifice.

Programme Director, indeed Libraries Matter and let me count the ways:

Libraries play an important role in preserving and promoting our literary and cultural heritage.

Libraries play an important role in life-long learning by providing access to learning programmes from the cradle to the grave.

Libraries play a vital role in inculcating and fostering a literate society, from early literacy through storytelling and making materials available to children for reading and play, to providing access to a variety of reading and audio-visual materials for all ages, in all languages and reading formats.

The Bulletin spoke to the MEC Culture, Sport and Recreation (right) as well as the MEC Social Development (left)

Libraries support academic success by providing access to valuable reference sources and databases; they encourage further research and thus contribute to the growth of the knowledge base of the country.

Libraries provide access to the Internet (WiFi as well as public computer access).

The opening of the library is a testament the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation is committed and working hard to bring services closer to the people.

Working with each one of you, we can grow Mpumalanga together. We can protect the library against vandalism and other rogue elements. Working together we can use the library as a launchpad to turn this community into a major force that produces well informed and well read citizens.

As a Department, we are duty bound to protect the library from vandals and criminals who see it as get rich quickly schemes by stealing computers and pawning them.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to appeal to you to be ambassadors of safety and look after this library to ensure that it is not vandalized. After all, Thubelihle Public Library is here to serve you. It has provided full-time job opportunities to three community members and it will assist hundreds others to land their dreams jobs as it is also a resource centre teeming with reading materials to help one prepare for an interview or examinations.

Tour the library

As a community, you must guard it jealously against vandalism that sabotages the Department’s efforts of creating safer communities. During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, I urge users to always adhere to health and safety protocols of social distancing, sanitizing and wearing facemasks, at all times.

In conclusion, I want to remind you that March is Human Rights Month and the country will commemorate Human Rights Day on Monday, March 21. 61 years on, we must not forget those who lost their lives so that we can live in a democratic dispensation. The theme for this year’s Human Rights Month is, The Year of Charlotte Maxeke: Promoting Human Rights in the Age of Covid-19.

Human Rights Month together with the Bill of Rights recognizes the freedom of access to information as a basic human right.

Programme Director, it is pleasing to note that today we achieved four important things in one event – we opened a library, celebrated Library Week, commemorated Human Rights Month and we learnt that Libraries Matter.

I thank you.

Also read: Criminal sentenced for escaping

Asscher-cut Engagement Rings: What Makes this Cut Unique

Ralph Jacobs

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March 18, 2021

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Asscher-cut Engagement Rings: What Makes this Cut Unique

You might’ve never even heard of this cut, but in more recent years this engagement ring’s popularity has skyrocketed and become extremely popular, especially amongst celebrities. So now we want to get to the bottom of, what makes an Asscher-cut engagement ring so unique and popular. Continue reading the blog for fun facts on the Asscher-cut, the history on the Asscher-cut, and which celebrities are sporting this unique engagement ring.

Ralph Jacobs Asscher-Cut Halo Pave Engagement Ring

The Asscher-cut is very similar in appearance to the emerald cut with its step faceting. Yet, the biggest difference between the two cuts are that the Asscher-cut has larger step facets, a higher crown, and a smaller table.

The History of the Asscher-cut

The Asscher-cut was first created in 1902 by Joseph Asscher, head of the Asscher Diamond Company which was founded in 1854 in Holland. As you can imagine, the Asscher-cut design was an instant hit among the locals, with its symmetrical, architectural style.

With the Great Depression on the rise, unfortunately the interest and desire for the Asscher-cut fell out of style. This was mostly due to the fact the jewellery was seen as a luxury and became unaffordable. In this tragic time the Asscher Diamond Company was forced to put an end to production.

During World War II the Asscher family fell further into obscurity. Sadly, the Asscher family and their polishers were rounded up and interned in concentration camps. It is with great sadness to note that only ten members of the Asscher family and fifteen of seven hundred polishers survived the war, however with great spirit and their heads held high they returned to the Netherlands determined to restore the company to its former glory.

In 1980, Queen Juliana of Holland granted the Asscher Diamond Company a royal title, making them the Royal Asscher Diamond Company.

The Ideal Setting for Your Asscher-cut Engagement Ring

There are so many possibilities for an Asscher-cut setting. However, there are certain settings that do showcase its brilliance and shine better.

One extremely popular setting choice for the asscher-cut is a vintage or Art Deco style, which is the most fitting for the Asscher cut, as that style is what led to its initial popularity.

Experts would suggest a prong setting over a channel or bezel setting because it allows the stone to sit elevated from the band and finger, which allows the stone to catch the most light. Along with a channel or bezel setting, another setting that allows the central stone to maintain that pronged elevation is a pavé setting.

The choice most people choose for an Asscher-cut is a halo setting. This popular setting is due to the fact that the flat edges of the Asscher-cut stone provide a natural border for a halo of diamonds. A major benefit of the halo setting is that it can enhance the brilliance and give the appearance of a greater size.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which of these settings you select, the Asscher-cut diamond is already such a unique stone. Now, let’s see which celebrities has opted for this vintage flair engagement ring.

Celebrities with Asscher-cut Engagement Rings

Elizabeth Taylor

Jessica Alba

Kate Hudson

Reese Witherspoon

This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/asscher-cut-engagement-rings-what-makes-this-cut-unique/

10 Steps: A How To Guide for Designing Your Own Custom Engagement Ring

Ralph Jacobs

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March 18, 2021

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10 Steps: A How To Guide for Designing Your Own Custom Engagement Ring

Jewellery Design is a very important step if you decide to go with a custom engagement ring.

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, again and again…your engagement ring should not only shine bright but also glimmer with every facet of your personality. If you’ve been on the fence about custom designing your engagement ring, we are here to assist you and make the process as seamless as possible. You should definitely create an engagement ring that are as unique as your relationship. After all, a ring is something you will wear every single day and it should be something you truly love and adore.

Keep reading for a 10 steps how-to guide on creating and designing your own custom engagement ring as unique and special as your relationship.

Step 1: Start the Process Early

Remember your ring doesn’t exist yet. You still have to design and create it. Customized engagement rings take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months; be sure to start the journey early.

Step 2: Collect Inspiration

One of the most important things to have is visual cues for what you could be interested in. Inspiration can be collected anywhere, but two platforms that are perfect for this are Pinterest boards and Instagram images. Get as many images as possible, because perhaps you like the band on one ring, the setting on another one, and the colour of the stone on another ring. Remember that when you’re creating your own engagement ring design, you can borrow ideas from anywhere.

Step 3: Finding the Perfect Jeweller

The jeweller you choose has to share your style and mirror you aesthetically. Ask family and friends if they have any recommendations when it comes to jewellers. You want to go through the custom ring process with a jeweller that’s reputable and has done this before. Working with a jewellery designer who designs rings that are alligning with your style and relates to your design sensibility will ensure you end up with a ring you absolutely fall in love with!

Its also very important that the jewellery design process is smooth and effortless.

We ate Ralph Jacobs want you to do your homework properly – Designing an Engagement Ring is a big step, and we would like you to make sure of your jeweller before you make any final decisions.

4. The Metal Choice

Now, the designing and creative aspects starts. When you’re creating your own engagement ring, you can honestly choose any metal you like. In addition to the classic choices, consider rose gold, palladium, titanium, and recycled metals (which are made from a blend of metals).

custom engagement ring — www.ralphjacobs.co.za

5. Choosing Your Special Stone

This is where the fun begins. There are so many options of stones to choose from and they all sparkle in their own unique way. The best thing to do is to choose with your heart.

Whether you choose a Diamond, a Gemstone or a Moissanite, at Ralph Jacobs, we will guide you through the process of selecting the perfect center stone and accent stones for your dream design.

Step 6: Choosing a Cut

Traditional ring cuts include round, cushion, princess, oval, emerald, pear, radiant, Ascher, marquise, or heart. For a unique look, you can also choose to leave your diamond uncut. Uncut or “raw diamonds” aren’t cut to fit any setting. They are placed on the band exactly as they were formed in the ground and how they came from the earth. It is then when the setting is made to fit the stone. Its important to choose the correct custom engagement ring that pairs well with a specific cut.

Step 7: Choosing a Setting

There are even more settings to choose from than there are cuts, including halo, cathedral, prong, tiffany, bezel, bar, flush, suspension, tension style, channel, pavé, vintage, cluster, shank, and three-stone settings. Below are some examples of different settings.

Step 8: The Wedding Band

This seems too early and eager, however, it can save a lot of time and money if you design a wedding band at the same time as you’re designing a custom engagement ring. Not only will it ensure the two pairs perfectly, but jewellers can often work out a deal when you create both together.

Step 9: Collaborate on Every Step; including Sketches

Most jewellers will present the bride-to-be with a sketch of the ring. Be sure that you are present for this and take in every moment. The sketch is presented to ensure that the ring visually satisfies the requirements. Once the sketch is approved by the bride the final step commences.

Step 10: Allow Time for Casting and Further Customization

Once you have approved the sketches of your custom-made engagement rings, the next phase is casting. The ring will be cast and cleaned, and then the stones are set. Certain customizations such as micropavé are created by hand by the jeweller in this stage. After the ring is set and polished, the statement sparkler is ready to slip onto the finger of the lucky bride-to-be.

This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/how-to-guide-on-custom-design/

Criminal sentenced for escaping

Crime

Encee van Huyssteen

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March 17, 2021

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MPUMALANGA MOST WANTED CRIMINAL SENTENCED FOR ESCAPING FROM LAWFUL CUSTODY

MPUMALANGA – The Nelspruit Regional have on Wednesday 17 March 2021 sentenced Norman Sylvester Mokoena also known as “Dallas” (23) to 3(three) years direct imprisonment for escaping from lawful custody.

Mokoena was circulated as the most wanted suspect on 08 July 2020 for escaping from lawful custody after he escaped from Calcutta Magistrate Court holding cells on 5 November 2019 after he was denied bail for a series of armed robbery and murder cases. Mokoena’s crimes spree was committed in Bushbuckridge (Marite) where he targeted delivery trucks.

Mokoena was on the run from the police until he was rearrested by members of the Mpumalanga Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Tactical Response Team and Crime Intelligence on 20th August 2020 in Bushbuckridge.

Also Read: Sasco protests affect Gert Sibande College

During his arrest, the accused was found in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Mokoena appeared before the Mhala Magistrate Court on several occasions for a chain of armed robberies and escaping from police custody. He pleaded guilty on the charge of escaping from lawful custody on the 10 March 2021, hence his sentence on Wednesday.

The accused is still having murder and unlawful possession of unlicensed firearm cases pending in court against him which are scheduled for trial at Mbombela High Court between 31 May until 11 June 2021.

Read more about the HAWKS HERE

Soleil Kruger is nuwe Jeugwerker by Laerskool Secunda

Schools

Encee van Huyssteen

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March 17, 2021

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AANSTELLING AS JEUGWERKER: SOLEIL KRUGER

Secunda, Mpumalanga – Me. Soleil Kruger is onlangs deur die NG Kerk Secunda-Oos gemeente aangestel as Laerskool Secunda se jeugwerker.

Me. Kruger behartig die volgende aspekte by Laerskool Secunda: CSV, gebedsgroepe, ondersteuning vir personeel en wenners, Bybelklasse asook berading.

“Dit is my begeerte dat ek ‘n instrument vir God kan wees sodat God se hart en liefde aan elke kind, personeellid, ouer en versorger openbaar mag word.” Het Soleil oor haar aanstelling gesê.

“Spesiale dank gaan aan Ds. Frederick Coetzee en die NG Kerk Secunda-oos gemeente vir hul volgehoue ondersteuning aan ons wennerskool,” het Paul van den Berg, Verhoudings en Reklamebestuurder van Laerskool Secunda, gesê.

Lees ook: Sasco protests affect Gert Sibande College

Sasco protests affect Gert Sibande College

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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March 17, 2021

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National Sasco protest at higher education facilities

The South African Students Congress (Sasco) has called for a national shutdown of all institutions of higher learning. The national shutdown is in protest of the financial situations regarding student fees.

The Bulletin spoke to a representitive of SACO at Gert Sibande College in Evander as well as an EFF student leader regarding the protests

Student protests at Gert Sibande College

The message is clear, “We want al historical debt cleared and students should be allowed to register, even if they have debt.”

Sasco President Bamanye Matiwane said in an interview with SABC “They have a responsibility to close all campuses. The demands are clear, no student must pay any registration money. NSFAS must give students their allowances. The government must clear all student debt. We are expecting every campus that is open that it must be closed.”

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande has announced that Cabinet took a decision that funding would have to be reprioritised to address the National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding shortfall.

Sasco and the EFF are adamant that Blade Nzimande should make good on his promises. They even said that the previous president, Jacob Zuma made promises that are not kept.

The Police tried to disperse the crowd with rubber bullets as the Bulletin arrived on the scene but ceased while we were at the scene

Legal Notice: Notice of Application to generate electricity

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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March 17, 2021

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY

In terms of Section 11 of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act No. 4 of 2006); Evander Solar Solutions (Pty) Ltd hereby notifies all residents in the Evander Area, Mpumalanga that a licence application has been lodged with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to operate a 9.975 MW-AC solar photovoltaic generation plant. Subject to approval by NERSA, this facility will be established at the Evander Gold Mine, Farm Winkelhaak, Rotterdam Road, Evander, 2280, Mpumalanga.

The licence application is available for inspection at Evander Mines Main Office, Rotterdam Road, Evander, 2280 – please contact Mr Bernard Masipha at (017) 620 1666 – and on the Pan African Resources website at www.panafricanresources.com and the NERSA website at www.nersa.org.za

All interested parties and/or any member of the public may lodge written objections with NERSA, within 14 days from the date of this publication. Such objections must be in a form of an affidavit and must be directed to NERSA through any of the addresses below:

ISAZISO SOKUFAKA ISICELO SELAYISENISI UKUZE SIKHIQIZE UGESI

Ngokwesigaba 11 se-Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act No. 4 of 2006); I-Evander Solar Solutions (Pty) Ltd ngalokhu yazisa bonke abahlali base-Evander Area, eMpumalanga ukuthi kufakwe isicelo selayisense kwaNational Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) sokusebenzisa indawo yokukhiqiza i-solar photovoltaic 9.975 MW-AC. Ngokwemvume yeNERSA, lesi sikhungo sizosungulwa e-Evander Gold Mine, eFarm Winkelhaak, kuRotterdam Road, e-Evander, ku-2280, eMpumalanga.

Isicelo selayisense siyatholakala ukuze sihlolwe e-Evander Mines Main Office, Rotterdam Road, Evander, 2280 – sicela uxhumane noMnu Bernard Masipha ku (017) 620 1666 – nakuwebhusayithi yePan African Resources ku-www.panafricanresource.com nakuwebhusayithi ye-NERSA ku-www.nersa.org.za

Zonke izinhlaka ezithintekayo kanye / noma yiliphi ilunga lomphakathi lingafaka izikhalazo ezibhaliwe kwa-NERSA, zingakapheli izinsuku eziyi-14 kusukela osukwini lokushicilelwa. Ukuphikisana okunjalo kufanele kube ngendlela efungelwe futhi kumele kuqondiswe ku-NERSA ngokusebenzisa noma yimaphi amakheli angezansi:

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY

NERSA contact details/Imininingwane yokuxhumana yeNERSA

Physical address/Ikheli lendawo:

The HoD: Electricity Licensing and Compliance department

Kulawula House

526 Madiba Street

Arcadia

Pretoria

Postal Address/Ikheli lokuposa:

The HoD: Electricity Licensing and Compliance department

P O Box 40343

Arcadia

0007

South Africa

Email Address/Ikheli lokumela

chisilo.mwanza@nersa.org.za

siphiwe.khumalo@nersa.org.za

10 Engagement Ring Shopping Do’s and Don’ts

Ralph Jacobs

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March 17, 2021

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10 Engagement Ring Shopping Do’s and Don’ts

Lets help you make the right decisions when it comes to Engagement Ring shopping.

Choosing something as special and important as your engagement ring should be a fun and carefree experience. That is why we walk you through the do’s and don’ts of engagement ring shopping.

DO:

Have the dreadful budget talk.

This is a must! While this may not be the most romantic thing to think about, it’s important to have an idea of what you’re able (and willing) to spend before you and your partner enter the realm of engagement rings. It can all be daunting. Determining things like who is paying for what and how much you can spend will ensure there are no awkward in-store conversations or confusion.

Make it a day to remember.

Be sure to take in every single moment whilst shopping and browsing. It can be tempting to just wander around, remember that this is a purchase that holds a lot of meaning and symbolism. Consider making it a whole date in itself – plan to have lunch or dinner, dress up, and schedule a specific day to go. This way you ensure that you won’t just have the ring, you’ll have an engagement ring shopping experience you can think back on and remember fondly.

Feel comfortable to ask many questions.

Jewellers understand that this is a big, expensive decision. You are allowed to try on as many different rings as you’d like and ask every single question about the shapes, metals, settings and carats. Just like you’ll want to likely try on lots of different wedding dress silhouettes, you should also try on lots of different diamond shapes.

Pick a colour metal perfect for your skin tone.

This is essential, because we all have different skin tones, and not every metal is as flattering on you as it is on sombody else. Try on rose gold, yellow gold or platinum bands to see what’s best, but don’t worry so much on how the diamond reflects off of that color metal.

DON’T:

Try to go everywhere in one day.

We don’t recommend trying to see more than three stores in one day. Simply choose your top three and visit those. Having too many options can often lead to making an impulse decision, rather than choosing what you really love most.

Set hard goals.

Many times couples enter a store looking for a specific carat weight, only to find out that it’s well over their budget. It’s important to do research to determine what you’re looking for and what you can afford with your budget, but we do not recommend setting any hard goals. You will most certainly miss out on a lot of gorgeous options if you come in with too many set goals in mind.

Bring a large group of friends with on your final decision day.

Engagement ring shopping is like wedding dress shopping. You shouldn’t be influenced away from what you truly love, after all, you’re the one who’s going to be wearing this ring. Everyone will have an opinion, but the only thing that matters is you love it.

Expect to wear your ring the day of purchase.

Many times, your ring will need to be resized or set before you can actually take it home. Keep this in mind when you go engagement ring shopping, so you aren’t taken by surprise when you hear there’s a waiting period.

Touch the diamond when trying on the ring.

By touching the diamond you are dulling the center stone and stand the chance of damaging the ring. Not touching it will allow you to see its true brilliance.

This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/10-engagement-ring-shopping-dos-and-donts/

Clean-up campaign spearheaded by Mayor

Town News

Encee van Huyssteen

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March 16, 2021

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Clean-up campaign in Bethal

Monday saw a very surprising sight for residents at Bethal Dumping site. The Executive Mayor kept his promise and started his clean-up campaign in Bethal.

For a very long time residents were greeted by the sights of refuse everywhere if they travelled from Standerton towards Bethal.

It may now well be a thing of the past!

Focus on Clean-up

The following statement was taken from the Govan Mbeki Municipal Facebook page.

In an effort to increase environmental awareness, the Govan Mbeki Municipality is currently embarking on a clean-up campaign, Ijima lokuhlwengisa, in Bethal today, 15 March 2021.
The campaign was launched by the Executive Mayor, Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma, on 11 December 2020.

The Executive Mayor’s participation in the programme has drawn significant support from the business sector, which has partnered with the municipality to provide TLBs, front end loaders and tipper trucks.

Also read: Search and Seizure at Volksrust Municipality

The programme has expanded whereby local communities are organising their own clean-ups in problematic areas.

Furthermore, it has created a platform where the municipality is educating people about recycling.

The municipality has a buy-back centre in eMbalenhle (Extension 26), and there are other formal private buy-back centres within the municipality, situated in Bracken, eMbalenhle, Secunda, Kinross and Bethal.

A buy-back centre is a multi-recycling centre that buys recyclable waste such as paper, plastic, cans and glass from people and then sells it to recycling companies for further processing.

All of these centres are easily accessible to the community, and residents are encouraged to separate their waste at home and take the recyclables to one of these centres.

Visit the Govan Mbeki Municipality Facebook page HERE

Thank you to those residents already making use of these centres and which is a testimony of self-employment, dedicated hard work and commitment to save our environment.

The municipality plays a major role in encouraging recycling initiatives within the municipality with great success, and since implemented, it has created many jobs within our area.

Media Statement by Eskom on Operational Performance

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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March 15, 2021

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Media Statement by Eskom on Operational Performance

Eskom remains focused on recovering its operational performance

Eskom is making notable progress in the recovery of its operational performance, with the implementation of the Generation Recovery Programme (9-Point Plan) and reliability maintenance recovery (RMR) programme beginning to yield the desired outcome. Despite the initial challenges posed by COVID-19 lockdown, high levels of maintenance have been sustained with planned maintenance gradually increasing to between 5 500MW and 7 000MW or approximately 12%.

“While there is an improvement on some of aspects of the generation plant due to concerted efforts by Eskom employees, we are not where we want to be in terms of performance. The ultimate aim is to improve performance to reduce the risk of loadshedding. The enormity of this task cannot be overstated,” remarked Eskom Group Chief Executive, André de Ruyter.

Owing to the 9-Point Plan, which places correcting new build defects top of the list, the availability and reliability of the synchronised units at Medupi are showing steady improvement. Major defects at Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme have been addressed, resulting in each of the four units performing at the full capacity of 331MW since February 2021, from a maximum 245MW previously. Coal stock levels continue to improve, with average coal stock at 52 days by the end of February, excluding Medupi and Kusile. There is no power station below the Grid Code minimum requirement of 20 days.

The resilience of the power system during heavy rains and the cyclone storm Eloise is a clear indication that the significant investment in the wet coal management strategy is paying dividends. While there also has been significant progress in the reduction of emissions across the Generation fleet, the new minimum emissions standards now in effect, mean there is a lot work still to be done to fully meet compliance levels. This is because some of the electrostatic precipitators on the older facilities are incapable of meeting the new minimum emissions standards.

The Build Programme is progressing well, with Kusile Unit 2 having successfully achieved commercial operation on 29 October 2020, adding 720MW to the national grid. Kusile Unit 3 and Medupi Unit 1 are on track to achieve commercial operation during the next few weeks and months. The addition of Medupi 1 to the grid will bring the number of units in commercial operation at the power station to six, signalling the completion of the construction project.

Also read: Search and Seizure at Volksrust Municipality

The Koeberg Nuclear Power Station continues to operate efficiently and within the required safety parameters, and at the lowest primary energy cost of baseload stations. While Unit 1 is currently on a refuelling and maintenance outage, Unit 2 is safely generating electricity to the grid.

Transmission network performance has seen a marked improvement, however ongoing theft and vandalism of infrastructure continues to impact operations, greatly increasing the risk of power supply interruptions to customers. Distribution is also prone to criminal activities and to mitigate this Eskom is embarking on several security enhancement projects and is also working closely with the law enforcement agencies. Network overloading remains an area of great concern. To protect electricity infrastructure in certain high-density areas associated with high illegal connections, Eskom continues to implement load reduction during peak times.

On the people side, critical vacancies at some of the power stations have been filled. There is currently only one vacant General Manager Position as a result of death in service and the process to fill this vacancy alongside that of the Group Executive for Generation is underway. Eskom has recorded a cumulative 4 190 positive COVID-19 cases, including employees and contractors, as at 03 March 2021. Sadly, we have lost 104 employees and contractors to the pandemic. We extend our sincere condolences to the affected families and relatives.

Visit Eskom HERE

Eskom Chief Operating Officer, Jan Oberholzer, said: “The unreliability of the ageing fleet, with an uncertainty of about 6 000MW of capacity at any given time, will remain until the reliability maintenance programme is able to address the historical maintenance backlog. The power system remains vulnerable and volatile with the risk of loadshedding significantly reduced after the completion of the reliability maintenance by September 2021.”

“Recovering the operational performance is our top priority and we will not compromise on reliability maintenance and mid-life refurbishment,” concluded Oberholzer.

Eskom continues to ask South Africans to reduce demand to help to reduce or avoid loadshedding.