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Join Us for the 2025 Global Freedom Summit: Raising Awareness and Taking Action to End Human Trafficking

Encee van Huyssteen
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Join Us for the 2025 Global Freedom Summit: Raising Awareness and Taking Action to End Human Trafficking

Big things are ahead for A21 and our city!
After successfully hosting the Walk for Freedom in Secunda for three consecutive years, we have witnessed firsthand the incredible power of raising awareness and transforming it into meaningful action. Each year, countless community members have come together—walking, sharing, volunteering, and partnering—to shine a spotlight on the urgent issue of human trafficking in our local community. We are deeply grateful for the support and dedication we’ve received from everyone involved.

This year, although the approach will be different, our core mission remains unchanged: to continue raising awareness and inspire action that can bring about real change.

“In Secunda, we, as the A-Team Secunda, are partnering with the Bulletin to further this mission by hosting a screening of the Global Freedom Summit this Saturday, 11 October 2025, on the Bulletin Facebook page. This event is a vital opportunity for our community to come together virtually and learn how we can contribute to ending human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children. We invite everyone to be part of this important initiative,” Said Nadia Heyns.

One of the most pressing issues highlighted at this year’s summit is online child exploitation—a subject that has taken on new urgency in our increasingly digital world. Nadia Heyns, a passionate advocate, emphasises, “Today, playgrounds are digital. This is where kids spend a lot of their time. This is where strangers gain access and where exploitation begins. Quietly. Invisibly. Behind the scenes.”

Global Freedom Summit | 2025 Trailer

Digital platforms, while offering amazing opportunities for learning and connection, also pose significant risks for children and teenagers. Strangers can exploit these online spaces to gain access unknown to parents and guardians, often with devastating consequences. It’s crucial for parents, teachers, and communities to understand what these digital playgrounds offer and how to better safeguard our children.

Change begins with individuals taking proactive steps. The summit aims to equip viewers with knowledge, tools, and resources to recognise the signs of online exploitation and to foster safer environments for children both online and offline. Whether you have participated in previous awareness events or are learning about this issue for the first time, your involvement can make a difference.

We encourage everyone to join us in turning awareness into meaningful action. As a community, we can work together to ensure that every man, woman, and child is free from the horrors of human trafficking and exploitation.

Let’s stand united in this movement—until every man, woman, and child is free.

What is the Global Freedom Summit?

The Global Freedom Summit is a powerful event designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and equip communities to take action.

This hybrid experience combines the accessibility of online events with the power of in-person gatherings. Through this format, we hope more people than ever before will have the opportunity to understand the reality of exploitation, protect themselves and their loved ones, and safeguard their communities.

Event Details:
2025 Global Freedom Summit Broadcast
Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
Location: Facebook – The Bulletin Page
Watch the broadcast here: https://youtu.be/jiEKsjsKvns?si=ASMCzLzXtiA9pp39

You can also visit the A21 page and register: https://www.a21.org/content/global-freedom-summit-2025/gwonpk?permcode=gwonpk

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for partnering with us and spreading the word. Your support is essential in creating a safer and more aware community. If you have any questions or would like to know more about how you can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can end human trafficking.

Secunda Mall Celebrates Excellence: A Night of Inspiration and Recognition at the 2025 Tenant Awards

Encee van Huyssteen
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Secunda Mall Celebrates Excellence: A Night of Inspiration and Recognition at the 2025 Tenant Awards

Secunda Mall celebrated its highly anticipated yearly tenants’ awards tonight, an event that recognises the outstanding contributions and achievements of its valued tenants. The evening was held at the elegant Symphony’s Cafe, providing a perfect setting for an inspiring and celebratory occasion.

The event featured Hykie Berg as the keynote motivational speaker, who delivered a powerful message about the importance of having a vision. He emphasised that without a clear direction or vision, one cannot truly succeed or make meaningful progress. His words resonated with the audience, reminding everyone present that vision and purpose are essential ingredients for growth and success.

Guests were treated to a delectable three-course meal courtesy of Symphony’s Cafe, which added a touch of sophistication to the evening. The ambience was warm and lively, with dignitaries, tenants, and staff alike enjoying the fine dining experience as they celebrated the achievements of their fellow tenants.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the announcement of the winners in various categories of the Secunda Mall Tenant Awards for 2025. The awards recognise excellence across different aspects of tenant performance and contribution to the mall community.

In the coveted Tenant of the Year category, Lovisa took home the top honour, applauded for its outstanding performance and exceptional service. The Valuable Contribution to Secunda Mall Activities award was presented to Food Lover’s Market, reflecting their active involvement and positive influence on mall events and initiatives.

The Look & Feel award was proudly awarded to @Home, recognising their stylish presentation and inviting atmosphere that enhances the shopping experience. Customer Experience went to Bogart, acknowledged for their exemplary service and dedication to customer satisfaction. In the category of Excellence in the Community, Woolworths was celebrated for its ongoing efforts and positive engagement within the local community.

The Most Improved Store accolade was awarded to The Fix, highlighting their impressive growth and revitalisation efforts over the past year. Finally, the People’s Choice award was presented to Checkers Hyper, as voted by the shoppers and patrons who appreciate their quality offerings and friendly service.

Overall, the evening was a wonderful celebration of achievement, community spirit, and shared vision. It highlighted the remarkable dedication of tenants who continue to drive the mall’s success and foster a vibrant shopping environment for the community.

DA calls for heads to roll as Mpumalanga Government records over R10 billion worth of irregular expenditure

Encee van Huyssteen
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DA calls for heads to roll as Mpumalanga Government records over R10 billion worth of irregular expenditure

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued a strong call for immediate and decisive action by Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu following the release of the latest Auditor General’s (AG) report for the 2024/2025 financial year. The report reveals a troubling state of financial mismanagement and accountability within the province’s government, with over R10 billion recorded as irregular expenditure and several departments regressing in their audit outcomes.

Bosman Grobler, MPL and DA Caucus Leader in Mpumalanga, emphasised the seriousness of these findings, stating, “The recent AG report paints a disturbing picture of a government that has regressed rather than improved in matters of financial oversight. This failure to manage public funds is unacceptable, and it requires urgent action from the Premier and his leadership team.”

Bosman Grobler – DA Caucus Leader Mpumalanga Legislature

According to the report, five key departments—Sports, Education, Agriculture, Social Development, and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency—have shown regression from their previous clean audit outcomes. The reasons cited include salary overpayments, approving housing allowances for civil servants who did not qualify, unfilled critical vacancies, lack of IT resources between departments and provincial treasury, and instability at the management and leadership levels. Grobler asserted, “These issues highlight systemic failures across multiple departments. It’s clear that accountability has been sidelined, and the province’s finances are suffering as a result.”

The report further details that the Mpumalanga Provincial Government recorded an alarming R10.8 billion worth of irregular expenditure during the 2024/2025 financial year. The departments contributing the most to this figure are the Health Department with R5.8 billion, followed by Education with R1.8 billion, Human Settlements with R0.5 billion, and Social Development with R0.3 billion. Grobler condemned this situation, saying, “Such massive irregular spending indicates a lack of proper financial controls and oversight. It is the taxpayers’ money that is being misused or lost through poor management.”

The DA is calling on Premier Mandla Ndlovu to act in accordance with the recommendations made by the AG. These include monitoring and supporting department accounting officers in investigating unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure, as well as implementing appropriate consequence management. Grobler emphasised, “Premier Ndlovu must not only support these investigations but also hold those responsible accountable. Failure to do so undermines public trust and perpetuates a culture of impunity.”

Premier Mandla Ndlovu

Furthermore, the party insists that the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature must ensure that the Premier is held accountable for addressing these financial irregularities. “The legislature has a duty to ensure that investigations are completed thoroughly and that appropriate consequences are enforced against those implicated,” Grobler added.

Grobler concluded with a call to action: “We urge Premier Mandla Ndlovu to follow the recommendations of the AG without delay. The time for excuses has passed. The people of Mpumalanga deserve responsible leadership that prioritises accountability, transparency, and good governance. Only then can we restore trust and ensure proper management of public resources.”

South African Local Government Association (SALGA) – Mpumalanga Assembly

Encee van Huyssteen
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South African Local Government Association (SALGA) – Mpumalanga Assembly

On Monday evening, the first day of the Mpumalanga Assembly, SALGA took the opportunity to recognise and honour the outstanding contributions of various municipalities within the province. This celebration underscored the vital role that local government plays in driving development, fostering community engagement, and ensuring service delivery reaches every corner of Mpumalanga.

A Night of Celebration and Recognition

Speaking at the event, SALGA Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Nomsa Mtsweni, expressed her pride and appreciation for the dedication demonstrated by local government officials and their teams. “Tonight, we celebrate those who have transformed challenges into platforms for progress — leaders with integrity, vision, and resilience. We also pay tribute to the countless municipal officials, technical staff, community partners, and volunteers whose tireless efforts often go unnoticed but are the backbone of effective service delivery,” she said.

Highlights of the Excellence Awards

The awards ceremony highlighted exemplary achievements across several categories, encouraging municipalities to continue striving for excellence:

  • Best Geographic Information System (GIS): Awarded to Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, recognising innovative use of digital mapping technology to improve urban planning, service delivery, and infrastructure development.
  • Best Performing District Municipality on Local Economic Development Stakeholder Management: Presented to Nkangala District Municipality, acknowledging efforts in fostering partnerships among local businesses, government, and community organisations to stimulate economic growth.
  • Best Performing Local Municipality in Capacitating Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs): Awarded to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality for its successful initiatives in providing relevant skills training and support programmes that empower local entrepreneurs.
  • Best Municipality on Migration Management: Recognising Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s effective policies and programmes in managing internal migration and ensuring inclusive services for all residents.
  • Best Municipality on Municipal Health Services: Awarded to Nkangala District Municipality, highlighting improved healthcare delivery and health promotion activities at municipal clinics and outreach programmes.
  • Best Municipality on Arts, Culture, and Heritage: Presented to Nkomazi Local Municipality, celebrating its efforts to preserve and promote local cultural heritage through projects, festivals, and events.
  • Best Municipality in Combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Recognising Steve Tshwete Local Municipality’s proactive approach in addressing GBV through community awareness campaigns, support services, and partnerships.
  • Best District Development Model (DDM) Coordinating District: Awarded to Nkangala District Municipality for its exemplary coordination and implementation of integrated district development strategies.
  • Best Transport Forum Coordination: Presented to Ehlanzeni District Municipality, acknowledging its effective management of transportation planning and service delivery frameworks.

The event also recognised municipalities for specific operational excellence:

  • Runner-up for Implementation and Cascading of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS): Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, for its commitment to staff development and performance accountability.
  • Best District Municipality on Implementation of PMDS: Ehlanzeni District Municipality, for embedding performance management into daily operations to improve service quality.
  • Best Local Municipality on Implementation of PMDS: Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, promoting a performance-driven culture amongst municipal staff.
  • Best Municipality in Addressing Climate Change and Biodiversity: Nkangala District Municipality, demonstrating leadership in environmental sustainability initiatives and climate resilience.
  • Best Municipal Environmental Management Team: Recognising Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s outstanding efforts in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
  • Best Municipality in Fire and Rescue Services By-laws and Performance: Multiple awards were presented to Gert Sibande District Municipality, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Victor Khanye Local Municipality, and Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality for their comprehensive fire safety regulations and effective emergency response services.

Significance of the Awards

These awards serve as a reminder that local governments are key drivers of community development and social stability. They motivate municipalities to continually improve service delivery, adopt innovative solutions, and foster inclusive growth. SALGA’s recognition aims to inspire a spirit of healthy competition and a shared commitment towards building resilient, prosperous, and better-performing local governments across Mpumalanga and beyond.

Looking Ahead

As SALGA’s Mpumalanga Assembly continues, the focus remains on strengthening governance, capacity building, and citizens’ participation. The organisation believes that through collaboration, transparency, and dedication, local governments can meet the diverse needs of their communities and achieve sustainable development goals.

#SalgaMPAssembly25
#InspiringServiceDelivery
#Asisho

AfriForum temporarily blocks Nersa and Eskom settlement that would cost South Africans billions

Encee van Huyssteen
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AfriForum temporarily blocks Nersa and Eskom settlement that would cost South Africans billions

Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa)’s controversial settlement agreement – ​​which would cost consumers around R54 billion over a three-year period – was today put on hold for the time being, thanks to AfriForum. Due to pressure from the civil rights organisation, Eskom agreed to transfer the case from the uncontested to the contested role. The agreement was to be ratified by a court order in the Pretoria High Court today. However, this move now creates the opportunity for AfriForum and other interested parties to join the case as parties. AfriForum believes that this settlement can be considered unlawful and unreasonable due to a lack of transparency.

Soundbite: Deidré Steffens (English)

AfriForum wrote to Eskom in September this year, requesting that this case be removed from the uncontested roll so that the organisation could join the case as a party. Eskom opposed the request, arguing that AfriForum did not have the right to intervene and that the public did not have a veto right. According to Eskom, this settlement did not require public participation.

If this settlement were to proceed, consumers would face rate increases of almost 9% per year.

Deidré Steffens, AfriForum’s advisor for Local Government Affairs at AfriForum, believes that the energy giant’s response is short-sighted as the public will be directly affected by this decision. “To say that the public, who must fund the decision, has no interest in the matter shows Eskom’s blatant arrogance, and it can no longer be tolerated and blindly funded.”

Eskom and Nersa must act transparently and responsibly, especially after Nersa’s several tariff missteps and Eskom’s uncertain financial management. According to AfriForum, Nersa is undermining public trust by attempting to conclude this settlement without public participation.

“This development is a victory for transparency and consumer rights. AfriForum will ensure that the public’s voice is heard and that Nersa and Eskom are held accountable for their decisions,” concludes Steffens.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Celebrated as a Historic Day for Mpumalanga’s Taxi Industry

Encee van Huyssteen
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Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Celebrated as a Historic Day for Mpumalanga’s Taxi Industry

Tuesday, October 7, 2025, will go down in history as a landmark day for the taxi industry in Mpumalanga. This significant milestone was marked by a groundbreaking deal between Santaco South Africa and Absa Bank South Africa, aimed at easing the financial burdens faced by taxi operators across the province.

Provincial Chairman and Deputy President of Santaco South Africa, Mr FJ Sibanyoni, announced that a special agreement has been signed that will drastically reduce the monthly instalments for the purchase of brand-new Toyota Quantums. Under this deal, taxi operators will now pay a flat rate of R12,000 per month, inclusive of insurance and tracker fees—a substantial reduction from previous payments, which sometimes soared as high as R18,000 per month.

This initiative comes as a relief to many taxi owners who have been struggling to keep their vehicles on the road. The high monthly instalments had led to numerous instances where banks repossessed taxis due to the inability of operators to meet their payment obligations, causing financial distress among local drivers and entrepreneurs.

Speaking to members at the Santaco offices in Middleburg, Mr Sibanyoni assured all eligible taxi operators that they should approach their nearest vehicle dealers with the required paperwork to take advantage of this new deal. He emphasised that this initiative is designed to support the industry, promote sustainability, and enable taxi owners to expand their businesses without the crippling financial strain that previously plagued them.

He also urged taxi operators facing difficulties to seek assistance from their local association leadership, who are ready to provide guidance and support through the process.

This development is seen as a significant step forward in empowering Mpumalanga’s taxi industry and fostering economic growth within the province. It demonstrates a commitment by industry stakeholders and financial institutions to work together in building a resilient and prosperous transport sector.

#MpumalangaAProvincesThatWorksForAll
#Santaco
#Vukta

Pretoria High Court condemn late Deputy President DD Mabuza in landmark R306m judgement in MTPA Case

Encee van Huyssteen
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Pretoria High Court condemn late Deputy President DD Mabuza in landmark R306m judgement in MTPA Case

The Pretoria High Court has delivered a scathing critique of the late Deputy President David Dabede “DD” Mabuza, condemning him even after death for his purported involvement in a corrupt and ruthless campaign aimed at dismantling a landmark conservation initiative and ejecting its founder from the region.

In a comprehensive 181-page judgment handed down on September 25, Judge Neil Tuchten laid bare a complex web of political misconduct. He awarded R306 million in damages to Grand Valley Estates, the principal entity behind the ambitious “Nkomazi Wilderness” project. The ruling cast a harsh spotlight on Mabuza’s alleged abuse of power, which the court described as an orchestrated effort to persecute Fred Daniel, a legitimate businessman and key architect of the project, who refused to partake in a large-scale land claims fraud.

The legal battle dates back over a decade, to 2010, when evidence emerged of a secretive “collusive agreement” involving the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), the Regional Land Claims Commission (RLCC), and Mabuza, who served as Mpumalanga’s Premier and MEC for Agriculture before ascending to national politics.

Central to the case was Daniel’s achievement of consolidating 30,000 hectares of land, backed by R380 million invested by Kerzner International and the support of the Development Bank of Southern Africa. His vision was to develop a premier eco-tourism reserve, but the court found that his efforts were deliberately undermined after he exposed and refused to participate in a land-brokering scheme led by Pieter Visagé. According to court findings, Mabuza called Daniel and pressured him to admit land claims over the project area and to sell these claims to the Ndwandwe Trust, a move the judge characterised as coercive.

When Daniel refused, Mabuza allegedly leveraged his political influence to incite violence, instruct police to stay absent during protests, and create an environment of lawlessness to intimidate the project’s founder.

late Deputy President David Dabede “DD” Mabuza

Evidence revealed that about 150 protesters, bused in from Middelburg, descended on the site in August 2008, setting tyres alight and damaging fences, while police were ordered to refrain from intervening. Mabuza later addressed the crowd, reportedly promising them land—a move the court interpreted as fomenting unrest rather than protecting property rights.

A pivotal piece of evidence was a 13-minute phone call in late August 2008, during which Mabuza told Daniel that protection could only be guaranteed if he “admitted the land claims over the Project lands and sold them to the Ndwandwe Trust.” Judge Tuchten condemned this as a form of extortion, stating that Mabuza’s language suggested he was withholding police protection unless Daniel complied with his demands.

Further allegations described political interference within provincial offices, where officials, overheard by witnesses, planned to use land claims as justification to deny Daniel’s permits needed to operate his reserve. Evidence also pointed to violent sabotage, including a controversial raid in June 2008, where officials seized and ultimately shot a leopard and other animals from Daniel’s sanctuary—an operation the court found to be unjustified and timed to coincide with legal proceedings against him.

Judge Tuchten emphasised that the raid was a demonstration of how officials had moved beyond their lawful roles, becoming perpetrators of intimidation and cruelty designed to crush Daniel’s aspirations.

In his final order, the judge dismissed technical legal objections raised by the defendants, asserting that justice could only be served through the claim for damages. The R306 million awarded consisted of R38 million for the undervalued land sale and R268 million for projected future profits lost. The court also imposed a punitive costs order, holding the involved agencies jointly responsible for Daniel’s legal expenses, including the entire history of the case.

This ruling reveals a disturbing picture of political abuse and state-sponsored intimidation, with the court asserting that even after Mabuza’s passing, his actions remain a matter of grave concern.

Eskom Turns Profit for the First Time in Eight Years, Reinvests R23.9 Billion into Nation’s Infrastructure

Encee van Huyssteen
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Eskom Turns Profit for the First Time in Eight Years, Reinvests R23.9 Billion into Nation’s Infrastructure

Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, has announced a historic turnaround, posting a profit before tax of R23.9 billion for the year ending March 2025 — the first positive financial result since 2017. This remarkable recovery reflects the success of its comprehensive turnaround strategy initiated in FY2024, which has begun to restore both operational stability and financial health.

The impressive financial results are underpinned by a stronger EBITDA margin of 29.05%, surpassing the previous year’s 14.67%. The company also benefits from a 12.74% tariff increase and a 14% reduction in primary energy costs, thanks to improved reliability of coal-fired power plants and reduced dependence on expensive Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGT). These efficiency gains contributed to diesel savings of R16.3 billion annually.

Eskom also significantly reduced load shedding, with energy not supplied dropping from 13.2 TWh in 2024 to below 0.4 TWh in 2025. The total load shedding duration plummeted to just 175 hours — compared to 6,367 hours the previous year — with only 13 days of outages, compared to 329 days in 2024. Consequently, Eskom supplied electricity on 96% of the days in the reporting period, markedly improving service stability.

A key factor in the improved profitability was the recovery of previously disallowed fuel levy rebates from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which provided a notable boost to Eskom’s earnings. After accounting for this once-off recovery, Eskom recorded a ‘normalised’ profit before tax of R11.9 billion.

Eskom’s efforts in governance and internal controls are also bearing fruit. Around 90% of external audit findings from FY2021 to FY2024 have been addressed and closed, signalling progress towards better compliance, although some challenges remain.

Eskom Chairman Mteto Nyati highlighted the organisation’s transformation, stating, “Eskom is increasingly a sustainable, investable company ready to compete in a liberalised, competitive energy market. The crisis inherited in October 2022 is now a thing of the past, thanks to strategic recalibration and dedicated execution.”

The CEO, Dan Marokane, added, “Our stability and performance are vital for South Africa’s economic growth. We are committed to reinvesting profits into critical infrastructure—over R320 billion over the next five years—to ensure long-term energy security and support economic development.”

Despite these successes, Eskom faces ongoing challenges, notably municipal debt, which stood at R94.6 billion as of March 2025 — a 27% increase from the previous year. Many municipalities struggle to meet their payment obligations, posing risks to Eskom’s financial stability and wider industry reforms. The utility is exploring new interventions, including prepaid models and distribution agency arrangements to improve revenue collection.

Eskom also emphasises its focus on efficiency, launching the Cost Optimisation and Revenue Enhancement (CORE) programme, which aims to deliver over R50 billion in cumulative efficiencies by 2029.

However, the organisation’s financial integrity remains under scrutiny. Eskom received a qualified external audit opinion for FY2025 due to incomplete records linked to the Public Finance Management Act. Internal control deficiencies and uncertainties regarding its sustainability — heavily reliant on government support — continue to pose risks. To address these issues, Eskom has launched a three-year Audit Recovery Programme, ambitiously targeting comprehensive internal control improvements and striving for an unqualified audit opinion.

Looking ahead, Eskom’s leadership remains committed to executing its long-term Generation Recovery Plan, strengthening governance, and fostering a resilient, sustainable power sector. As the company stabilises, its strategic focus on efficiency, innovation, and transparent management aims to secure energy supply and contribute to South Africa’s economic revival.

For more details on Eskom’s FY2025 results and ongoing initiatives, visit the Eskom website.

Kusile Unit 6 achieves commercial operation, unlocking full 9600MW capacity across Eskom’s flagship stations

Encee van Huyssteen
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Kusile Unit 6 achieves commercial operation, unlocking full 9600MW capacity across Eskom’s flagship stations

Eskom is pleased to confirm that Unit 6 at Kusile Power Station has officially entered commercial operation, marking the successful completion of Eskom’s Build Programme. This milestone is a key component of the Generation Recovery Plan and ends the construction of South Africa’s two supercritical coal-fired power stations—Medupi and Kusile.

Together, these stations form the backbone of the country’s baseload electricity supply. With Unit 6 now online, Kusile and Medupi can deliver a combined 9,600MW when operating at full capacity, significantly strengthening South Africa’s electricity supply

Photo by Creamer Media’s Donna Slater

Commercial operation indicates that the unit has passed all required testing and optimisation phases and is now fully integrated into Eskom’s operational fleet. Although the unit has been supplying electricity to the grid since its synchronisation on 23 March 2025, its contribution had not been reflected in official reporting until now. From this point onward, Unit 6’s output will be included in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) calculations, contributing to Eskom’s overall performance metrics.

This achievement also marks a key milestone in Eskom’s strategic goal to add 2,500MW of new capacity to the grid by March 2025 and represents a major step in completing one of the largest infrastructure projects in South Africa’s history.

“The successful commissioning of Unit 6 adds 800MW to the grid and completes our twelve-unit Megaprojects fleet. We extend our gratitude to employees and contractors for their commitment and perseverance in delivering this milestone. Despite the many challenges along the way, the successful handover of Unit 6 reflects the team’s resilience and dedication. We look forward to the added stability these megawatts will bring,” said Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom Group Executive for Generation.

“Achieving commercial operation of Unit 6 within the planned timeframe is a testament to Eskom’s disciplined execution of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan. This milestone not only completes the Kusile build programme but also reinforces Eskom’s commitment to restoring energy security, enhancing grid stability, and investing in infrastructure that supports South Africa’s long-term economic growth. Since its synchronisation in March, Unit 6 has consistently met performance benchmarks, contributed to grid reliability, and helped meet electricity demand 97% of the time,” said Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane.

“Medupi and Kusile will remain central to South Africa’s electricity supply for many years to come. Both stations are designed for an operational lifespan of approximately 50 years. As we celebrate this milestone, we are also accelerating efforts to expand our renewable energy portfolio, complementing our baseload infrastructure. This is part of our broader strategy to repower the grid and reduce overall emissions,” added Marokane.

Kusile Power Station is the first in South Africa—and on the African continent—to implement Wet Flue Gas Desulphurisation (WFGD) technology. This ensures compliance with air quality standards and aligns with global best practices to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions.

Eskom remains committed to executing its Generation Operational Recovery Plan, enhancing governance, and future-proofing the organisation to ensure energy security, economic growth, and long-term sustainability for South Africa and the broader sub-Saharan region.

Pilots at Risk as Laser Pointers Are Directed at Aircraft

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Pilots at Risk as Laser Pointers Are Directed at Aircraft

Local pilots have reported incidents in which laser pointers were directed at aircraft operating in the vicinity of Secunda. Such conduct is hazardous and may distract or temporarily incapacitate flight crews, creating a risk of serious accident or loss of life. The Bulletin received video evidence of an incident; authorities traced the source to a residence on Tsitsikamma Street. The precise address is withheld pending ongoing legal processes.

Regulatory Advisory:

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has issued a formal warning: the deliberate illumination of aircraft with laser devices is dangerous, unlawful and subject to severe administrative and criminal sanctions.

The green laser that is being pointed at the aircraft

Aviation Safety Risks Laser illumination directed toward aircraft or air traffic control personnel presents the following operational hazards:

  • Distraction and disorientation:
  • Laser exposure during critical flight phases (take-off, approach and landing) can divert pilot attention from essential flight duties.
  • Temporary or permanent visual impairment:

Direct exposure to laser radiation can cause flash-blindness or retinal injury, diminishing a pilot’s ability to control the aircraft.

  • Increased susceptibility at night: reduced ambient light amplifies the effects of laser illumination, elevating risk during night operations.

Interference with air traffic services:

Laser incidents may affect ground-based personnel and equipment, increasing the risk of miscommunication or procedural error.

Legal Framework and Penalties:

Under South African civil aviation regulations, directing any light source, including laser pointers, toward aircraft or air traffic control installations is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to: Substantial fines; and/or Criminal prosecution, which may include imprisonment of up to ten years, depending on the circumstances and applicable statutes.

Reporting Procedures SACAA requests that members of the public report laser illumination incidents through the Centralised Occurrence Reporting Portal. Reports should include: date, time, precise location, a description of the device used, and any available identification or descriptive information regarding the person(s) involved.

Guidance for the Public

  • Do not point laser devices at aircraft, air traffic control towers, or any aviation personnel.
  • Report any instance of laser illumination of aircraft immediately via the SACAA portal.
  • Promote community awareness regarding the hazards and legal consequences of misusing laser devices.
The warning label designs may not be the same. But the labels have to include: the starburst insignia, laser classification, maximum output
power (in mW), and wavelength (in nm).

Safety Guidance for Laser Pointer Users

Overview:

When used appropriately for visual aids, compliant laser pointers can be safe. Misuse, however, can result in eye injury and create hazardous situations. Where practicable, presenters should consider electronic on-screen pointer functions as a safer alternative.

Selection and Operation

  • Prefer low-power devices (Class 2) that emit less than 1 mW; these present a lower risk of injury from inadvertent, brief exposure.
  • Prefer red-wavelength devices (approximately 633–690 nm). Green and blue pointers (notably 532 nm green devices) have been shown in some inexpensive models to emit hazardous levels of infrared radiation due to inadequate filtering and may produce persistent retinal after-images; blue wavelengths (400–500 nm) also raise photobiological concerns.
  • Use a momentary-contact (spring-loaded) on/off switch. Devices with locking mechanisms that maintain continuous emission are discouraged.

Identification and Labelling:

Only use laser pointers that carry a clear regulatory warning label indicating class and output power. Avoid unlabeled devices, as these may exceed safe power levels.

Operational Safety Practices

  • Direct the beam solely at inanimate targets (e.g., presentation screens). Never point a laser at a person, animal, or reflective surface. Reflections can be equally hazardous.
  • Do not view laser beams through optical instruments (binoculars, telescopes, microscopes), which can concentrate energy and increase the hazard.
  • Keep laser devices out of reach of unsupervised children.
  • Ensure the device ceases emission immediately upon release of the switch; do not employ pointers fitted with locking mechanisms that sustain the beam.

Avoiding Accidents.

Even low-power lasers can produce glare, flash-blindness or after-images sufficient to cause accidents.

To reduce risk: Never aim laser pointers at aircraft, vehicles, drivers, or law enforcement officers. Do not aim laser pointers inside occupied buildings or toward public thoroughfares.

Conclusion:

Deliberate or negligent use of laser pointers toward aircraft is a serious public-safety and legal matter. Compliance with regulatory requirements, adoption of safe equipment and operational practices, and prompt reporting of incidents are essential to protect pilots, passengers, air traffic personnel and the broader public.

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