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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Please help stop the poaching in South Africa!

This group is here to create awareness of the poaching crisis in South Africa and its National parks. The Counter Poaching and Ranger Support Services (CP+ RSS) section of the South African Honorary Rangers has placed tins around to ask for your financial support. We are greatful to receive any donation from you and it is all going towards an important cause of saving our plants and animals.

The Anti-poaching tin at Northcliff High School has unfortunately been stolen. If anyone has any information about this, please get back to me (Robin).

The latest rhino victim was found on Wednesday in South Africa's Krugersdorp Nature Reserve, where the animal was downed with a tranquiliser dart, had its horn removed with a chain saw and bled to death on the dusty terrain.

Please contact me on 072 779 5973 from the 1st of July about donations. Thank you :-)

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Join this Facebook Group an support Stop Poaching in South Africa.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Bavarian Expo on renewable energies - 2010

MEC Anton Bredell speech at Bavarian Expo on renewable energies

16 Jul 2010

Esteemed colleague, Provincial MEC for Economic Development
Finance and Tourism: Alan Winde
Consul General of Austria
Officials of the Bavarian delegation
Business and Academic leaders
Municipal and Provincial Officials
Ladies and gentlemen; Molweni, Guten morgen, goeie môre, good morning!

In 2020 the Western Cape has a modern energy system that is highly efficient and where fossil fuel use and fuel poverty are significantly reduced. Energy efficient programmes achieve a 15 percent savings across the various programmes; clean and renewable energy contributes to 15 percent of the energy mix; and emissions reductions of 15 percent are achieved. Provincial and local authorities have an understanding of the impacts of their energy use patterns and play a leading role in implementing the energy strategy across the province.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for affording me this platform not only to engage with you but to stimulate conversation and progress about renewable energy in the Western Cape. The scenario which I have just presented is the long term energy vision for the province which requires commitment and innovative thinking. More importantly this vision challenges the ability of all sectors to come together through harmonised working relationships to realise measurable results.

During the delivery of my annual budget speech, I spoke of the inspiration to explore, dream and discover. The frontier of renewable energy is characteristic of these elements and presents the Provincial Administration and each of you with significant challenges if the 2020 vision will be a reality.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning administer a mandate to ensure ecological sustainable development while using the natural resources to promote justifiable economic and social development. It is estimated that in 2004, approximately 250 million gigajoules of energy was consumed in the Western Cape. If the economy continues to grow as expected the demand on energy consumption is predicted to increase at 3.5 percent by 2020. The industrial and transport sectors are currently the highest energy consumers in the Province, and at 47 percent industry accounts as the largest energy consumer of electricity.

One can deduce that the Western Cape is very reliant on fossil fuels for its energy needs, which leaves a negative footprint on the environment. This serves as one of the primary reasons to move the province to a more sustainable path of energy production and use. Adding to the above scenario, it is estimated that 85 percent of the urban population live in electrified households. In essence, it is imperative that all actions contribute towards affordable energy use for all, and to minimise the negative effects of energy usage upon human health through clean efficient practices.

Economic perspective

Ladies and gentlemen, the Western Cape has been at the forefront in terms of creating an environment conducive to investment opportunities. South Africa is ranked as the 24th biggest economy in the world and this can be attributed to a high level of economic stability over the last ten years. The Western Cape is globally marketed as a competitive and sustainable business destination as South Africa is expected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2010 and 3.2 percent in 2011. The economic performance and rapid industrialisation will place considerable strain on the country's infrastructure and on the energy sources of the respective provinces.

The Western Cape is a leader in the renewable energy sector and is the most competitive location for solar panel manufacturing if compared to the leading locations in Europe. Wind resources, for example are substantial and are amongst the best on the country. This verifies that renewable energy provides the most promising path for investment in this province and we hope to do this in conjunction with partners such as universities, banks and insurance companies.

Ladies and gentlemen, in addition to the preceding factors, investment opportunities become more viable as this province boasts the highest literacy rate in the country. It also has a highly developed services industry, showcases world class infrastructure, boasts three export orientated ports, consistently outperforms national growth and has a diverse and young trainable workforce.

Creating an enabling environment

Ladies and gentlemen, the energy profile of the Western Cape alone requires that we progress as rapidly as possible to reduce energy consumption. In 2008 the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in consultation with key stakeholders and through comprehensive research developed the Western Cape Sustainable Energy Strategy.

This strategy, which has now been set out I will take to cabinet as a white paper to be approved during the coming month. Furthermore, I undertake that there will also be enough public participation before the white paper is approved by and for our province. This white paper will pave the way for renewable energy in the province, and will now determine how best to create an enabling environment, not only to assure investors of the opportunities in renewable energy, but to allow policy to foster the move towards sustaining the environment without the compromise of economic development.

Ladies and gentlemen, every long term vision has to be defined by working solutions which are practical and produce results. It is the purpose of the proposed white paper to ensure that the Western Cape has a secure supply of quality, reliable, clean and safe energy. This must be coupled with the intention to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the citizens of the province. The rapid move to renewable energy will mitigate the effects which global warming will have on this region and promote the eradication of energy poverty.

By setting social, environmental and economic sustainability goals the white paper will promote the development of a strong renewable energy sector in the province. It will also create an environment which manages the implementation of energy efficiency by the transport, industrial, commercial, government and residential sectors.

The approval of the White Paper on Sustainable Energy will be a milestone for the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Furthermore, it will be for the benefit of the current and future generations. It is the intention of the provincial administration to work closely with stakeholders at national and local government to realise the goals, objectives and targets of the white paper.

Summary

Ladies and gentlemen, to summarise our vision of the proposed White Paper: The 2014 Sustainable Energy Vision for the Western Cape is presented as: "The Western Cape has a secure supply of quality, reliable, clean and safe energy. These deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the province's citizens, while also addressing the climate change challenges facing the region, as well as the eradication of energy poverty."

Ladies and gentlemen, progressive success is achievable by creating high expectations. The department has through the White Paper identified that 15 percent of the electricity consumed in the Western Cape will come from renewable energy sources in 2014, and that a reduction of 15 percent carbon dioxide emission can be expected by 2020. We will strive for these targets; for our mission is clear and the mandate to ensure energy security to supply the growth demand of the province is outlined through these targets.

Setting these high targets encourages the facilitation and creation of an enabling environment to develop the generation of additional electricity through a number of small, medium and large scale projects. Further consideration is given to the implementation of energy efficiency programmes aimed at providing affordable energy to poor communities. The progression to realising these targets encourages improved energy efficiency in all sectors and promotes and justifies the move towards renewable energy.

What is fundamentally important is that cognisance is paid to the fact that the white paper will now provide an institutional framework for the coordination of an integrated energy strategy and programme that incorporates local and national government objectives and plans. Through this clear strategy and programme of action, provincial government will facilitate the role between the various spheres of government and external partners to optimise the development of energy resources in the province.

Ladies and gentlemen, our province is busy seeking and investing in clean energy, that is, solar and wind energy. Everyone who knows the Western Cape will know that we have enough sunshine and wind in order to make efficient use of solar and wind energy. My department has already rolled out 1 300 solar energy systems to poor households this year, and we aim to increase this number significantly. We will, however have to look at legislation in this case as well.

For the medium to high income households we will have to change legislation to make solar energy compulsory. However, for the lower income group the state will have to provide subsidies of some kind to enable all these citizens to utilise solar energy as well. Furthermore we also have the option of utilising the burning of garbage to produce energy.

Our province faces many challenges when one thinks of the greatest supplier of energy, that is, Eskom. So it should be clear to everyone present today that we, as a department but also as a province are facing many problems. Let me make it clear, however that we do not see them as unsurmountable. No, where there is a challenge we are ready to solve it.

Other problems that we face are that of the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as the Power Purchase Agreement. We also do not see them as something which cannot be conquered, but as a challenge. Our government has already decided on a project plan for the first week of August when we'll discuss all blockages to our sustainable energy plan for the future under the leadership of the Premier, Ms Helen Zille.

To summarise, ladies and gentlemen, my department and I are ready to submit the white paper to Cabinet within a month, and therefore it will be open for public participation. We have ample wind and sunshine for usage as wind and solar energy, but we also face problems regarding legislation, Eskom and nuclear energy suppliers.

However, and this I say without thinking that these problems cannot be solved: We will solve our problems and then face a brighter and better future where we save energy, but also reduce emissions which foul the air around us.

In just a short while we will have a panel discussion, under the auspices of my Department of Environmental Affairs about renewable energy, which I hope you'll all take part in.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you, baie dankie, enkosi, vielen dank and to all delegates, enjoy this amazing province; let the warmth of our people create an experience most memorable.

Source: Western Cape Provincial Government

 

Issued by: Western Cape Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
16 Jul 2010

Minister Sonjica launches Mthatha Radar

16 Jul 2010

On 16 July2010 Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Buyelwa Sonjica, launched a new state- of-the art weather radar system and handed over a project sponsored by the South African Weather Service to refurbish the Highbury Junior Secondary School in Mthatha. The event took place at the Highbury Community, Mthatha Eastern Cape. The launch of the Mthatha radar system coincided with SAWS’s celebration of 150 years of service to South Africans that will officially be celebrated on 26 October 2010.

The new weather radar network of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forms part of government’s infrastructure investment to upgrade and replace current weather radars that are over 30 years old. At the official launch of the new South African Weather Radar Network on 29 March 2010 Minister Sonjica mentioned that SAWS is now capacitated with state-of the art weather radar systems around the country, that will bring about a substantially improved weather observation network that meets contemporary needs. The new weather radars will play a vital role in enhancing adaptation tools and products such as the Severe Weather Forecast project and the Flash Flood Guidance System that minimise loss of life and damage to property in events of severe weather.

Weather radars are situated mostly towards the Eastern parts of South Africa, where severe weather is more frequently experienced. Most of the radar systems currently deployed are remote and sometimes inaccessible. The Mthatha radar is unique in the sense that it is located right in the middle of the Highbury community.

The older radar system, which has been operational since 2004, monitors the activity over a critical area of the country prone to natural disasters that often go unnoticed by the general public. The safety and operability of this radar is of paramount importance.

As members of the community are the source of security and sometimes maintenance for the radar site, this has led to the creation of four sustainable jobs and the generation of consistent income for the community. Furthermore, as part of its social development mandate, SAWS has investigated ways of contributing towards the development of this rural district community. With the assistance of community leaders, SAWS embarked on the upgrading of the Highbury Junior Secondary School in Mthatha. With the support of SAWS staff in Mthatha, East London and Port Elizabeth, as well as a subcontractor, SAWS completely refurbished the two existing classroom blocks. SAWS also sourced additional funding to build an additional classroom and ablution facilities, while making use of labour from the local community. Even though SAWS is in the business of meteorology, it can never be separated from its responsibilities to the nation in helping to nurture future generations.

Weather radar systems are particularly useful for the identification of small scale weather systems that are sometimes not clearly visible from weather satellite imagery. This sophisticated instrument senses certain weather phenomena remotely, observes cloud development and motion and can accurately measure the movement of clouds over a radius of approximately 300 kilometres. The position of clouds and weather is displayed on a monitor and analysis of this information assists weather forecasters to provide accurate information and weather warnings to the public. Weather radar systems can provide now casting information on flash floods and tornadoes.

Radar information is captured, monitored and displayed with the information from other radars in the country. This allows forecasters to have a full picture of cloud information over most parts of the country. Cloud information from radars is used in conjunction with other forecast products, weather satellite imagery and measured rainfall in order to gain detailed understanding of approaching weather systems.

Apart from forecasting, research applications are also developed from radar information to benefit agricultural studies, water resource management and the public warnings of approaching severe weather.

Weather radar is a remote sensing instrument using microwave energy between X-band (3 centimeters wave length) and S-band (10 centimeters wavelength). A short pulse of high power microwave energy is produced by a magnetron in the transmitter system and this energy is focused by an antenna system into a narrow beam. This pulse of energy travels through the atmosphere at the speed of light (3 x 10 8 ms-1).

When a target such as a raindrop is encountered, some of the energy is scattered of which a minute fraction is in the direction back to the antenna system were a sensitive receiver system is used to process and amplify this received power into useful data. From the azimuth and elevation information on the pointing direction of the antenna, the time between transmitting and receiving and the power of the received signal, the target location can be determined as well as its intensity or reflectivity.

Various atmospheric and environmental conditions can negatively affect radar data and caution should be exercised when interpreting the information. Some of these effects include:

  • returns from mountains and other non-meteorological targets
  • attenuation of the radar signal when viewing weather echoes through areas of intense precipitation(with C-band radars)
  • temperature inversions in the lower layers of the atmosphere which bend the radar beam in such a way that ground clutter is observed where normally not expected
  • the "bright band" which is a layer of enhanced reflectivity caused by the melting of ice particles as they fall through the OoC level in the atmosphere and which can result in over-estimation of rainfall.

Fore more information contact:
Ms Modjadji Makoela
Tel: 012 367 6055
Cell: 084 361 6469

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
16 Jul 2010

Monday, July 12, 2010

Minister Molewa's statement on the occasion of World Population Day

12 Jul 2010

11 July 2010 marks the 21st anniversary of World Population Day. "Everyone counts", this year's theme seeks to draw the world's attention and call to action to address key issues of population and development.

 

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) resolved to observe this day every year with the view to bring governments’ attention to the growing world population and the many development challenges this pose to the environment and natural resources.

 

The theme for this year's World Population Day lies at the centre of the South African population policy and reaffirms our government's commitment to ensuring that our people remain at the centre of all our development endeavours.

 

Over the last 16 years, our government has worked tirelessly to entrench human rights and made "everyone count" through government policies and programmes, and through the provision of basic services in key areas such as social development, health, education, housing, water and sanitation to the most vulnerable members of our society.

 

The International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo (Egypt) in 1994 and the adoption of the programme of action were a turning point and provided the necessary impetus to population and development issues.

 

Since then, population and development have become more important policy issues and priorities for governments across the world, and ours is no exception.

 

In April 1998, Parliament adopted the White Paper on Population Policy for South Africa (hereafter referred to as the population policy) which is founded upon the ICPD programme of action.

 

The shift to the sustainable human development paradigm rather than the emphasis on demographic targets; places population at the heart of development strategies.

 

The 10 year review of the South African population policy and the 15 year review of the ICPD programme of action show that government has made remarkable progress in key areas of development.

 

More than ever before, access to primary and secondary schooling has almost reached universal enrolment, more children have greater access to free primary healthcare and that more than eight million children receive social assistance in the form of social grants transfers.

 

As we commemorate the World Population Day this year, we reaffirm our government's resolve to accelerate progress towards the full realisation of the rights of our people as envisioned in the Freedom Charter and our Constitution.

 

We also reaffirm our commitment to tackle the remaining development challenges that continue to confront our country. This includes the socio-economic imbalances and the growing inequality between the rich and the poor, urban and rural disparities, high unemployment, particularly among young people, ageing population and mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS to make our people the driving force and ultimate beneficiaries of development.

 

Equally, we will accelerate progress on key issue of national importance of gender equality and women empowerment through expanded access to education and health services, skills development and employment, and full participation in policy and decision making processes at all levels of government and society.

 

In South Africa, this year's World Population Day falls on the same day as the final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. For this reason the national commemoration has been postponed to August and will take place in Parliament, Cape Town.

 

The highlight of this event will be the official launch of the report entitled: "Progress review on the implementation of the White Paper on Population Policy for South Africa and the ICPD programme of action".

 

For enquiries contact:

Mandla Mathebula

Cell: 083 282 6133

Issued by: Department of Social Development
12 Jul 2010

Four suspected rhino poachers arrested in KNP

The South African National Parks (SANParks) Environmental Crime Investigation (ECI) team and rangers arrested four suspected poachers in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Saturday, 10 July 2010. The suspected poachers were found in possession of two freshly chopped rhino horns, AK 47 assault and a Mosin Nagant bolt action rifles (both with ammunition) and an axe.

In the course of the operation, rangers found a newly killed rhino carcass with horns already chopped off. The four suspected poachers were found immediately after near the Manyeleti Dam and arrested on the spot.

The four suspects, who are all of Mozambican origin, admitted to having camped in the park overnight. It is suspected that they may be linked to other poaching incidents in the park.

Dr David Mabunda, Chief Executive Officer of SANParks, made a further request to members of the public to continue assisting authorities by reporting any suspicious behaviour.

“It is unfortunate that we could not save this young rhino female in time but are convinced that with the added pressure we are putting in protecting our resources the poachers are feeling the pressure and we will prevail”, said Dr Mabunda.

For previous media statements on this matter, please go to www.sanparks.org

Issued by:
Kruger National Park Public Relations Department on behalf of South African National Parks

Enquiries:
wanda mkutshulwa - Head of Communications, Tel: (012) 426 5201, Cell: 083 908 2692 email: wandam@sanparks.org