Day: February 5, 2024

WINDHOEK: The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) on Monday extended its condolences to the family of the late Namibian Head of State, Hage Geingob.

The Executive Committee of HAN and all its members across Namibia, including the tourism industry at large in a press statement extended their deepest condolences to the nation as well as the family of the late president.

It further wished the family of the Office of the President and advisors, the Cabinet, and the Namibian Government all the strength and wisdom needed to lead the Namibian House through the unique and unexpected challenges ahead.

‘Independent Namibia has lost one of its pioneers, who served this country until the end. May his legacy live on, and his soul rest in eternal peace,’ said Gitta Paetzold, Corporate Executive Officer of HAN.

This follows the devastating news of the passing of the third President of Namibia on Sunday. Mourners from both the local and international public have been extending their condolences to both the family an
d the nation at large.

The late Geingob in January announced to the nation that cancerous cells had been detected in his body and flew to the United States of America for a two-day treatment.

He was announced on Saturday to have been in critical yet stable condition upon his arrival back in the country before the revealing of his passing just after midnight on Sunday.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has told leading figures in African mining that government is working hard to address the challenges that the industry faces.

He was speaking during the opening of the 30th Investing in African Mining Indaba held in Cape Town on Monday.

The Indaba is expected to continue until Thursday.

The mining industry contributes a hefty 7.5% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for some 60%, by value, of the country’s exports.

‘We are all acutely aware that we face strong headwinds, and a number of persistent challenges are impeding mining performance. Globally, commodity price volatility, high energy prices, geopolitical tensions and a global cost of living crisis are playing a significant role in dampening the business operating environment.

‘Domestically, the energy crisis and port and rail bottlenecks are putting serious pressure on miners’ operational costs. Illicit mining, cable theft and infrastructure vandalism place a further strain on mining output and ret
urns. We are committed to work hard and work together to overcome these serious challenges,’ he said.

Energy crisis

The President told the gathering that through the Energy Action Plan, government has taken ‘several critical measures to improve the performance of our existing generation fleet and to add new electricity capacity’.

‘The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has secured 1384MW of new generation capacity that is currently in construction or already in operation. The department has released requests for proposals for the procurement of 5 000MW of renewable energy under Bid Window 7 and 2 000MW of gas-to-power and 615MW of battery storage.

‘Transmission capacity remains a challenge especially in the Cape provinces. Eskom has therefore recently published a curtailment regime which unlocks 3 470 MW of additional capacity in these provinces, and which will be essential to the success of Bid Window 7,’ he said.

Additional capacity has also been garnered following government’s removal of the l
icensing threshold for embedded generation.

At least 6 300MW has flowed through this initiative with a third of that supplying mining houses.

Illegal mining and logistics

The President addressed the impact that illegal mining and copper cable theft have on the industry.

On illegal mining, he said: ‘Since the establishment of a specialised police unit, working with the defence force, we have seen a number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of the perpetrators of this crime.’

Turning to cable theft and criminality, the President acknowledged that this has ‘serious impact on key rail freight corridors, including the supply of coal for export through Richard’s Bay’.

‘Cooperation between the private sector, Transnet and the security services has resulted in an improvement in the security situation over recent months,’ he said.

Delving deeper into the country’s logistics challenges, the President said the system itself is ‘undergoing a process of rapid and fundamental change to improve its efficiency a
nd position it for the future’.

‘By introducing competition in freight rail operations, while maintaining State ownership of the routes, we will unlock massive new investment in South Africa’s rail system. This will support jobs in every sector in the economy, from mining to manufacturing to agriculture.

‘Similarly, by upgrading and expanding our port terminals through innovative public-private partnerships, we aim to position South Africa as a leading player in global markets.

‘As government, we are alive to the reality that without bold, transformative reforms to the logistics sector, mining cannot flourish. We are working hard, in partnership with the industry, to ensure [the Freight Logistics Roadmap] is implemented without delay,’ he said.

The President said mining has a ‘crucial role to play in building the economy of tomorrow’.

‘We look forward to deepening our collaboration with industry as we write a new chapter in the history of South African mining. A story of inclusion, growth, transformation
and innovation – and one in which no-one is left behind,’ President Ramaphosa said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

WINDHOEK: President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, on Monday paid a visit to the late President Hage Geingob residence in Windhoek to extend his condolences to former first lady Monica Geingos.

The African leader is the first of many leaders expected to arrive in the coming days to pay their last respects to Namibia’s third president.

Geingob, 82, died in Windhoek in the early hours of Sunday.

Reminiscing on his relationship with the late president in a conservation with a tearful Geingos, Masisi spoke of his very close relationship with the Geingob, noting that they could talk at any time of the day, including receiving calls at 03h00.

‘We had a very close relationship. When you have a friend this close, you just keep wishing why didn’s he get a little extension… I had many more things I wished to do with him and would have liked to spend some time with the president after his retirement,’ he said.

Masisi noted that the late Geingob has done a lot for Namibia and beyond, therefore the former first lady
should expect immense support from everyone.

‘I place my support with his administration, Swapo, the government and the people of Namibia,’ he said.

Masisi encouraged the former first lady to pick up the phone whenever she needed his help.

Geingos affirmed to Masisi that her late husband mentioned him as one of his eight closest friends.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Eskom is expected to implement Stage 3 load shedding between 4pm and 5am every day due to constrained emergency reserves.

By Sunday, generating unit unplanned outages rendered at least 14 341MW offline, with a further 7 931MW offline on planned maintenance.

‘[With] the anticipated weekday electricity demand, Stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm on Monday until 5am on Tuesday, followed by Stage 2 load shedding until 16:00.

‘This pattern of Stage 2 load shedding from 5am until 4pm and Stage 3 load shedding from 4pm until 5am will be repeated daily until further notice. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur,’ the power utility said.

Eskom said it anticipates that Eskom teams will ‘continue to work diligently to ensure that the 1 450MW of generating capacity is returned to service by Tuesday as planned’.

‘We would like to thank those who heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 5pm to 9pm.

‘This lower
s demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system, contributing to lower stages of load shedding,’ Eskom said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Denel will showcase several of its top products in the fields of missile technology, air defence systems, precision-guided munitions, artillery systems and unmanned aerial vehicle systems at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia this week.

The World Defence Show, held from 4 – 8 February, attracts the world’s top aerospace and defence manufacturers and is also attended by decision-makers, industry analysts and media from across the globe.

‘This is an opportunity for Denel to demonstrate that we still design, manufacture and deliver high-technology products that are comparable and better than what is produced in the rest of the world,’ said interim Group CEO, Mike Kgobe.

The 2022 show brought together some 600 defence and security exhibitors, and attracted more than 65 000 visitors.

‘It is important for Denel to have a strong presence in the fast-growing markets in the Middle East,’ Kgobe said.

The exhibition follows a highly successful technology demonstration held in the Northern Cape, which was atten
ded by decision-makers and analysts from 10 countries.

Denel said the display would focus strongly on the company’s proven capabilities in artillery, air defence systems, guided weapons such as missiles and precision-guided munitions, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems.

On the stand will be a full-scale model of the Umkhonto-IR missile, which has been deployed with great success by several armed forces globally, including the SA Navy.

‘The infrared-guided missile has a range of 20 000m and can reach speeds of more than twice the speed of sound – Mach 2.2.

‘It is launched from vessels and a ground-based launcher and provides all-round defence against incoming missiles and aircraft. The Umkhonto-Extended Infra-Red missile adds further range, speed and operational ceiling, improving its performance and ability to defend forces on the ground,’ the statement read.

Also, on display will be a model of the Seeker 400 unmanned aerial system and upgraded through the years to ensure technology relevance.

‘The See
ker 400 can stay up in the air for up to 16 hours at a cruising speed of 150km/h and a range of 250km. It has autonomous take-off and landing capabilities and carries multiple sensor payloads which accumulate real-time images and high-definition data to stations on the ground.’

Denel’s G6 self-propelled howitzer has set the standard for long-distance artillery over more than three decades.

Over the same period, Denel completed the design and concept of the new G6 with a 52 calibre.

‘Its state-of-the-art design has a high rate of fire of seven rounds per minute with 38 rounds and an accurate firing up to a range of 57km.’

In addition to the G6 self-propelled howitzer, Denel has also developed a truck-mounted gun the T5-52 system that is mounted on a commercially off-the-shelf vehicle platform.

‘The top carriage is mounted on a high-mobility truck chassis with a purpose-designed interface and outriggers. The weapon system has excellent tactical and road strategic mobility with a range of 600 km without ref
uelling at speeds of up to 85km/h and is suitable to forces that require artillery which combines mobility with long-distance capabilities and accuracy.’

Denel’s prowess in the design and manufacturing of long-range mortars and anti-material rifles will also be demonstrated to decision-makers and analysts.

‘The NTW-20 can engage targets up to 1 750m away and is extremely effective in a counter-sniping role and against mortar and rocket launcher positions. The DM-82 is a long-range mortar which can be used during night and day and reach targets about 7km away with pinpoint accuracy.’

Kgobe said a newly restructured Denel is seeking new markets for its tried and tested products and systems.

‘We want to build on our reputation for leading-edge products and systems and the World Defence Show is a unique opportunity to gain a foothold in new markets.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has undertaken to resolve the water supply challenges in the City of eThekwini by 15 February 2024.

Mchunu made the commitment during a meeting held with the residents of Verulam, Tongaat and Phoenix on Sunday, following a number of protests by the communities over constant water supply challenges.

Mchunu, accompanied by uMngeni-uThukela Water Board Chairperson, Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, and eThekwini Speaker, Thabani Nyawose, met with stakeholders, including Verulam Water Crisis Committee representatives, where the residents urged the department to intervene and resolve the constant water supply challenges.

The residents also urged the eThekwini Municipality to implement a proper billing system, and urgently address water leak repairs.

Addressing residents, Mchunu emphasised that water is a basic human need and a Constitutional right.

‘Some institutions, including schools and hospitals like Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, have been without water. This is an
occurrence that should not be allowed, and one that should be addressed with great urgency,’ Mchunu said.

Mchunu also condemned the incident happened at a recent community protest, where some residents sustained injuries and some got arrested.

‘eThekwini is a Water Services Authority and is responsible to ensure that water reaches citizens. We apologise for the occurrences, and as the national Department of Water and Sanitation, we cannot absolve ourselves, as doing so would be a dereliction of duty. Instead, we are engaging and working together with officials from the city,’ Mchunu said.

The Minister highlighted uMkhomazi Water Project as one of the projects that will see an increase in water supply and ensure water security in the Umngeni Water Supply System. The system supplies eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, iLembe, Ugu, Harry Gwala District Municipalities and Msunduzi Local Municipality.

The Minister said overtime, raw water in Umngeni and other sources has reduced and measures need to be implemented to co
unter this.

‘We have been in intense discussions with eThekwini and as of 31 January this year, a resolution was passed by the Council, which will enable the uMkhomazi Dam Project to proceed, thereby guaranteeing water supply and sustainable raw water supply,’ the Minister said.

He said he will be meeting with the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and uMngeni-uThukela Water on 8 February 2024 to discuss a way forward on the project.

‘The Head of Water in the city, Mr Msweli and uMngeni-uThukela Water Acting Chief Operating Officer will be on the ground, hard at work. Our Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, will convene meetings every two weeks to monitor progress and I am inviting the Verulam Water Crisis Committee to form part of these meetings.

‘The given date for all these challenges to be resolved is the 15th of February. No efforts will be spared in resolving these water supply challenges. Work will be carried out – day and night if we must – in order to meet this deadline and provide people with
water,’ Mchunu said.

He assured residents that the department will come back after 15 February 2024 to account for the undertaking made.

Source: South African Government News Agency