The keynote speakers at the Renewable Energy Postgraduate Symposium (REPS) held at Stellenbosch University on 17 and 18 July emphasized the need for relevant, perhaps even bankable research. “Academic research needs to come out of the lab and onto commercial spaces,” said Mr. Cebo Silinga as he presented instruments from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) designed to … [Read more...]
SA’s new cabinet a blow for efforts against climate change
Following the delayed announcement of President Ramaphosa’s cabinet this week, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and many civil society actors were disappointed and dismayed to hear that Mr Gwede Mantashe was awarded the newly combined Mineral Resources and Energy Ministry. “We are deeply concerned about the re-appointment of Mr Mantashe … [Read more...]
Drought relief: animal feed urgently needed in Free State
Of major concern is the condition of tens of thousands of animals as they are facing thirst and hunger in the absence of feed. Loss of animals is impacting heavily on the farmers, both subsistence and large scale, with major implications for farm labourers, farmers and the general economy. It has been stated that farmers owe in excess of 125 billion rand to banks at the … [Read more...]
Water relief efforts intensify amid national drought
A wave of volunteers are bringing water to drought-stricken areas of our country. The South African plastics industry has joined in, with the Maitland office of Plastics|SA becoming a collection point for water donations made by members of the public and businesses from Cape Town’s southern and northern suburbs. “Low rainfall in parts of South Africa has caused severe … [Read more...]
Finding solutions to SA’s escalating power costs
The future of South Africa’s electricity – will the country be able to afford electricity in the near future and what is being done about minimising electricity consumption? Electricity price hikes and the constant threat of depleting electricity supply are just some of the worries facing South Africans over the past few years. The seriousness of the energy situation has … [Read more...]
