Inner City Gazette

Action plan to boost energy supply

Johannesburg - The Eskom power utility is struggling to maintain supply due to breakdowns at its power plants, leading to rolling load-shedding.

The progress report is the first update since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced establishment of the crisis committee to oversee key interventions in the energy sector, in July last year.

The plan is meant to provide vital interventions to help boost the energy supply.

Steps that have been taken include amendment of Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act, to remove licencing requirement for generation projects, which will accelerate private investment.

Since the licensing threshold was first raised to 100 MW, the pipeline of private sector projects has grown to over 100 projects with over 9000 MW of capacity.

The first of these large-scale projects is expected to connect to the grid by the end of this year.

NECOM has instructed departments to streamline regulatory processes for energy projects, including reducing the time frame for environmental authorisations to 57 days from over 100 days; reducing the registration process from four months to three weeks; and ensuring that grid connection approvals are provided within six months.

A new ministerial determination has been published for 14 771 MW of new generation capacity from wind, solar and battery storage. An additional 300 MW has been imported through the Southern African Power Pool, and negotiations are underway to secure a potential 1 000 MW from neighbouring countries from this year.

Eskom has developed a programme to purchase power from companies with available genera-

tion capacity through a standard offer, the first contracts expected to be signed in the coming weeks.

A team of independent experts has been set up to work with Eskom to diagnose the problems at poorly performing power stations, and take action to improve performance.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said residents’ anger towards Eskom is justified.

“South Africans are right to demand immediate action to address the devastating impact of load-shedding on lives and the economy. The energy action plan provides a clear way out of this crisis. South Africa does not need any new plans; we are focusing on implementing this plan to achieve energy security for all South Africans. Further updates on the energy action plan will be provided more regularly,” Magwenya said.

The National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) recently released a progress report on implementation of the energy action plan for the next six months.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya

We asked Takie why he chose a career in radio. “Growing up I have always been interested in the world around me. I am very opinionated, someone who likes expressing himself and equally listening to other people’s views, so radio provided me that platform to engage and raise my views.” Takie completed the Diploma in Media Practices at the Sandton branch of Boston Media House.

What does his job entail?

“It’s difficult to narrow this question down to a few words, as running a station is all encompassing, from team leadership, management, meetings, communication, sourcing advertisers, client relations and more! I am responsible for day to day running of the station. I guide, lead and support the staff through their managers on daily issues, if any are associated with human resources, operations, communication, standardising procedures, revenue enhancement and systems applications”.

What keeps Takie motivated to get to work every day?

“I enjoy interacting with people, getting to hear their views and I also like the exposure that this job comes with. I get to meet prominent people.” This helps him overcome the less enjoyable aspect of his job, which the administration!

Most days you will find Takie seeing to his responsibilities.

“Monitoring, going through departmental reports, meeting stakeholders and clients and most importantly going out there to sell the station to make revenue so we can keep this station running successfully”.

Careers in media are seen as glamourous and exciting, what type of personality should you have to consider this for your future?

“Outspoken people hardworking individuals who are always prepared to put in extra effort and also people who work well with teams.” Adding to this, Takie says that the three important personality traits that someone must have t be successful in this type of career are to be resilient, calm under pressure and excellent problem solvers

All careers and workplaces have their own challenges, Takie ex-

plains the challenges particular to him that he has had to overcome.

“As a young person born and bred in the rural villages of Limpopo Province Ga Maboi, Ga Mojapelo, it was always difficult to access information. One could get to Matric not even knowing the kind of career path they want to take.”

The fourth IR demands traits that include flexibility and creativity, and we see this in Takie when he describes his job as “a leader of community through media.”

To school leavers and students considering a career in the media industry, Takie advises, “Hard work pays. Study hard. Nothing is impossible. You don’t need to be known to make it in the industry.” He also feels that even if you are already working, continuing education is extremely important. “The more you study/learn is the more you realise you know nothing. “

Looking for a career in media?

Go straight to the industry leaders, Boston Media House.

“I can recommend Boston anytime. My time at Boston was amazing. I enjoyed every moment with Boston. Campus life is a once in a lifetime privilege. The support we received from the school, and continue to receive, is well appreciated”

Visit Boston Media House at bostonmedihouse.ac.za, call 011 551 2000.

Security Guard shot at Malvern!

On Thursday morning, 2 March 2023, members from Cleveland SAPS confirmed that there was a shooting incident at the corner of St Amant Street and Hereford Street in Malvern.

At the scene, one security officer was found dead. Two other suspects also sustained bullet wounds and were taken to hospital.

A 30 year old suspect was later arrested and will appear at the Johannesburg Magistrate court as soon as he is released out of hospital on charges of murder

and attempted murder, he was also shot during the incident.

The management of Cleveland police station condemned this murder and all serious crimes.

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We ask the community to come forward with any information with regards to this cases. All information will be confidential. The Detective Brance Commander Luitenant Colonel Ndebele can be contacted at 011 707 5600 or 0823199674. The following numbers can also be contacted, 011 6075745/6.

Takalane TK Nemangowe, Takie to his friends, is the Station Manager at the

Two shot in robbery attempt!

Kensington – Two men who allegedly attempted to rob a mosque in Kensington were shot dead recently.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello said information indicated that three men tried to rob the mosque but a congregant fired shots and killed two of them. Two other people who included a police officer were wounded during the shooting incident, while one person was arrested.

“While police attended to the crime scene, an unknown person or persons started shooting. During the shootout two people including a police officer sustained gunshot injuries and the victims were taken to hospital for medical assistance,” she said.

Sello said two cases of murder, attempted murder and attempted business robbery have been opened for investigations, and anyone with information about the incident can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

E-toll payments to be refunded!

Johannesburg – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi recently announced that those who paid for e-tolls over the years will be refunded.

Lesufi said decision on whether or not to refund Gauteng motorists was one of the issues that led to the delay of the e-toll system being scrapped on 31 December as planned.

“The scrapping of Gauteng etolls is a legislative process that necessitates regulation changes through publishing a gazette, but there have been differences between national and provincial governments on details. Among these differences is what to do with the money owed by motorists on their bills, and what to do with motorists who have been paying e-tolls over the years,” he said.

He added that while the social victory over e-tolls has been made clear, the system will definitely be scrapped.

“All the other details have financial and tax implications for the province, which need to be ironed out. We hope it is done within the next 14 days before the state of the province address,” Lesufi said.

He added that 95% of the e-tolling issues have been settled, with government deciding to refund road users who have been paying.

“The system has a compliance rate of 17%, so the number of users is not that large, but the refund amount of R6.9 billion is not insignificant. Outstanding debate is the manner in which they will be refunded,” he said.

Lesufi said many of the compliant road users are businesses and freight companies, as well as foreigners who preferred the convenience of e-tolls over manual payments.

“A decision on the matter will be made and announced during the state of the province address later this month,” he said.

Lesufi said the 30% committed by the province to pay off the debt amounts to around R12 billion. The province is currently negotiating favourable terms for the repayment, the premier hoping for a 20-year payment period.

“That way we can use various mechanisms to raise revenue,” he said.

While the method to raise the revenue is being determined, he

hinted at some of the mechanisms available, including using existing tax laws. Some options include raising licence fees; manual tolling on vehicles entering Gauteng as it is not only Gauteng drivers using the roads; and a three cent per litre fuel increase.

He added that nothing has been decided yet, but when the decision is made the provincial government will consult residents.

“There are various mechanisms but we do not want to commit the same mistake as e-tolls of imposing a transaction without consulting. Now we will be unleashing our consultative process. No one is opposed to the payment of the debt, but the issue is the e-tolls. We will consult our residents,” he said.

The infamous Vannin Court in Hillbrow, a building known as a crime hotspot, was raided by the City of Joburg’s Metro Police recently. The MMCs Kenny Kunene and Mgcini Tshwaku led officials and members of local crime-fighting groups in the Operation Manje Namhlanje. The Vanin Court also had illegal water and power connections, which were cut off. In the operation, a cable thief was spotted and arrested in the act in possession of a stolen copper cable (inset). The operation was launched by Speaker of Council Colleen Makhubele at the Constitution Hill last month and was joined by various law enforcement agencies including the South African Police Services.

VANNIN

Tips on ways to prepare small business

JMPD Officers Admired For Selfless Commitment To Public Safety!

Nomasonto

If you have a flat tyre on a busy highway, you never know who will rush to your aid. For Bayi Malebane, it was two JMPD officers who pulled over to assist.

"Seeing acts of kindness and compassion from law enforcement personnel is heart-warming," says Malebane, who was stalled on the side of the N1 motorway with a young child when JMPD Officers came to aid.

Inspector Daniel Tshimbudzi and Officer Charles Letswalo of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) went above and beyond the call of duty to assist Malebane in changing a tyre after she and her 6-monthold daughter became stranded on the side of the busy N1 motorway.

Malebane was stranded on the motorway after her automobile developed a flat tyre.

"The place I was stuck in is known to be risky and unsafe, and I was worried because the car insurance company was taking their time arriving," Malebane explains.

On a busy road like the N1, roadside assistance can be difficult to come by. Malebane, on the other hand, received it when she least anticipated. She says Inspector Tshimbudzi and Officer Letswalo acted with exceptional profes-

sionalism and empathy in assisting her when she was in need, particularly in a potentially dangerous circumstance.

Their acts not only assisted Malebane and her daughter in resuming their journey safely, but also restored her trust in humanity and the JMPD.

This is an excellent illustration of how a tiny act of kindness can have a significant impact on someone's life.

"We should always be grateful for our law enforcement officers who go above and beyond the call of duty to serve and protect their communities," Malebane adds.

She notes that the JMPD Officer’s selflessness and dedication to public safety are truly admirable, and that every Joburger should continue to support them in their important work.

"I am grateful to the two officers for taking their time and assisting me because I didn't have much of a plan. I was so relieved when I saw them approaching," Malebane says.

In our previous edition, we published the heroic acts of JMPD officer Sgt. Connie Nkuna who helped a woman deliver a baby on the busy streets of Northcliff. We at Inner-City Gazette thank the officers for going beyond the call of duty and having Ubuntu!

Johannesburg – Impact Investing at Business Partners Limited general manager David Morobe has provided tips on how to get ready to face 2023 with renewed determination in business.

He says in the post-pandemic world, good customer service can make or break a business, due to the hyper-competitive nature of the current small and medium enterprise (SME) landscape.

“Customer experience has therefore been identified as one of the key ways that SMEs can set themselves apart in today’s marketplace. Take this time to examine whether your customer experience is optimised in a way that nurtures a sale, from the beginning to the end of the sales journey, and that you make a lasting impression. When customers have a positive experience they will be more likely to provide your business a positive review, share their experience with others and return for a repeat sale. The cost of upselling to an existing customer is less than on-boarding a new one, so focus on building a loyal customer base in the years to come,” Morobe says.

Weaknesses will be anything that is currently standing in the way of your growth and could include factors such as an inefficient sales or invoicing process, outdated digital systems or poor team spirit.

“Opportunities are external factors and can include any gap in the market or well-timed marketing tactic that you could take proactively to grow your business. Threats are also regarded as external factors and will include any aspects that may be standing in the way of expanding your business. These could include more stringent regulations, rising material costs and changing consumer demands,” he says.

He adds that in the retail industry for example, more small businesses are finding ways to adapt to the global call for sustainable production and distribution.

“With changing consumer demands, ensuring that your operations are cleaner and greener may very well be what you need to get ahead of your competitors in the new year. Another one of the most prominent trends in retail has been the move towards more efficiency and accessibility in the mobile payments space. This year it may make sense for you to invest in a payment app, a digital wallet system, a buy-now-paylater option or a QR code payment system to add a new level of convenience to your offering, with the main aim of keeping your cash flow looking healthy,” he says.

He adds that one of the first things to master as an entrepreneur is how to write a detailed business plan.

“You may do this to keep written detail of future plans, on-board a business partner, apply for business funding or pitch your idea to a potential investor. But your business plan should not be left to stagnate once you have achieved your end goal. As you wind down operations at the end of the year, look back at your business plan and review your strategy and goals, assess whether your forecasting has been accurate, make adjustments for market fluctuations, find ways to maximise your bottom-line and keep an eye out for any over-spending,” Morobe says.

BPL General Manager for Impact Investing, David-Morobe

Manyehlisa & Bongiwe Radebe

Increase in cyber-attacks expected this year!

Following Microsoft’s recent Digital Defence report indicating a 74% increase in password attacks, resulting in about 921 attacks per second, cyber-attacks are expected to increase this year.

Tech Reporter

ESET South Africa CEO Carey van Vlaanderen says passwords remain an easy win for threat actors, but that is often down to users lending this attack vector to them on a plate.

“Attackers compromise business networks prior to their phishing campaigns to look authentic, and even when victims believe to be carrying out diligence on a site, they still can be duped into believing they are in communication with a real deal,” van Vlaanderen says.

She adds that passwords continue to be an inconvenience in people’s lives, often down to not knowing or even trusting free security layers on offer.

“Implementing password managers on devices can help force unique and strong passwords for all accounts. Introducing two-factor authentication on every account helps reduce the impact of phishing campaigns,” she adds.

The past year saw a tremendous increase in businesses and consumers embracing cloud, and this space will yet again be a target for cybercriminals.

Van Vlaanderen says the shift to cloud hosting applications and infrastructure elevates cybersecurity risks.

While cloud services offer incredible benefits, it is imperative to use a reputable cloud service provider; optimising and configuration using best practices; using the best cybersecurity software; multi-factor authenti-

Metro Officers get Promoted!

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) recently celebrated the promotion of five female and eight male officers from the rank of Constable to Sergeant and Inspector.

The newly promoted officers were congratulated by Acting Chief of Police, Angie Mokasi, and the JMPD leadership.

am overwhelmed and extremely grateful. I thank the Lord Almighty for answering my prayers.”

The promoted officers will be deployed to the Metropolitan Police Academy, Internal Affairs and Operations Directorate.

cation; encryption; strong password policies and assigning credentials and rights only to those who require access.

“The damage caused by emails sent by cybercriminals that look like from within an organisation is extensive. This fraud tries to create a sense of urgency or use scare tactics to coerce the victim into complying with the attacker’s requests. Emails with requests for quick payment should be handled with caution, as emails can be spoofed with legitimate invoices but with cybercriminal banking details,” says Van Vlaanderen.

She adds that many organisations still do not understand where their most valuable data and systems lie, and have inadequate protection.

“Build an understanding of all data points in your business, enabling a clear strategy on the data that is collected and stored. Irrespective of the size of the organisation data protection is a must. It can be in the form of staff training, following compliance guidelines, using appropriate software and ensuring data storage is secure and backed up, and a data recovery strategy in place,” she says.

She predicts that adoption of smart technologies, IOT devices, car connectivity and infotainment will also present new attack vectors for cybercriminals this year.

“Given attacks becoming more sophisticated and personalised, people and organisations can’t afford to be without protective solutions in place,” she adds.

“Welcome on board. As of now, you have to think like managers. As much as you are liberated in terms of the rank, you need to think differently so that together we can take the department forward and become a force to be reckoned with,” said Acting Chief Mokasi.

The officers were happy when they received their new ranks, excited to add extra value to their new positions.

said: “I

Acting Chief Mokasi and the JMPD leadership reminded them that they have important responsibilities to ensure that officers perform their best in serving and protecting the community of the City of Johannesburg.

She also encouraged them to continue to perform their duties with diligence and pride.

The JMPD is proud of the newly promoted officers and their accomplishments. Congratulations to the five female and eight male officers for their promotions!

Close to a thousand bodies unclaimed in Gauteng!

As the number of unclaimed and unidentified bodies skyrockets in government morgues, the Gauteng Health Department has called on families and relatives of missing persons to visit Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) mortuaries to check if loved ones are not part of unclaimed and unidentified bodies.

MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, says there are 938 unclaimed and unidentified bodies across 11 FPS mortuaries unclaimed by families.

In Joburg, about 187 unclaimed bodies have been reported.

She added that it is concerning that the number of unclaimed and identified bodies is increasing by the day.

A family member or relative who wishes to identify their loved one should have their original Identity Document (ID), ID of the deceased or birth certificate

if the deceased is a child. If the deceased is a foreign national, a passport, asylum seeker certificate or a letter from country of origin confirming who the deceased is and to whom the remains should be handed over to is needed.

Once a body of a deceased is not identified or claimed within seven days, fingerprints are sent to the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Criminal Record Centre for identification and to the Department of Home Affairs for matching with their records.

MEC further indicated that If the identification process was successful, the next of kin are made aware of the deceased through the SAPS’s Investigating Officer for final release and burial or cremation. If the body is still unidentified 30 days after exhausting means of identification including the use of fingerprints, pauper burial processes are used for the final burial of the deceased.

ESET South Africa CEO, Carey van Vlaanderen

Inspector Jenice Davids

Tech Expo unlocks opportunities in ICT for youth!

Brixton - Hundreds of young people attended a Youth Tech Expo hosted by the Gauteng Department of e-Government on Wednesday, 15 February 2023.

The Tech Expo, held at Brixton Multipurpose Centre in Johannesburg, was organized to contribute towards youth employment and youth entrepreneurship for the youth in Johannesburg.

Various companies in the business sector, partnered with the department in order to enable training and funding opportunities for the youth. MEC for the Gauteng Department of e-Government, Research and Development and Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mzi Khumalo, indicated that the expo was organized to empower the youth of Ekurhuleni with career opportunities in the ICT sector, as well as to render assistance to SMME owners with funding opportunities.

“We are here to work with you as the youth and assist you in developing your careers through opening up opportunities essential for your growth, whether in employment or entrepreneurship”, said MEC Mzi Khumalo.

Cholera alert issued!

Did you or know of anyone who travelled from Malawi to Johannesburg, South Africa on the 30th January 2023 via bus?

They may have been exposed to Cholera. If you experience any of these symptoms.

- Runny stomach

- Stomach cramps

- Nausea and Vomiting

The MEC also added that the Youth Tech Expo was hosted in order to educate the youth with key issues regarding the ICT sector and how they can go about starting their own businesses, alluding that knowledge plays a significant role in developing people.

“We are here to empower you with knowledge so that you can be educated and be aware of the various opportunities available for you out there. Knowledge plays a significant role in one’s development. You will be shocked that a number of people missed great opportunities in life because of lack of knowledge. Therefore, when your mind is empowered with the right knowledge, you will be able to make proper and informed decisions about your life”, said MEC Mzi Khumalo.

The youth got advice on how to set up their companies to be eligible to do business with government. They were also taught essential issues, such as financial wellness, management, careers in ICT and ICT training opportunities. The various companies that graced the event and joined hands in empowering the youth were: Enterprise Outsourcing   Holdings (EOH), First National Bank (FNB), Assupol, National Youth

The call comes as the third Cholera case in Joburg was recently confirmed. Gauteng Health Department needs your help in finding those who may be exposed before the disease spreads.

The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has called on residents not to panic and reassured that the situation is under control.

Education dept warns about school bullying!

Johannesburg – The Basic Education Department has said that learners and parents are reminded that bullying on or off school premises could result in suspension.

The department has urged teachers and school governing bodies to implement appropriate punishment for such behaviour.

There have been videos of bullying in schools circulating on social media. Last year some school bullying was linked to multiple cases of suicide of learners under the age of 16.

The department’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the biggest

challenge happens when learners fight outside school premises.

“That is when ordinary community members need to play their part and stop violent tendencies among children of school-going age,” he said.

Mhlanga added that bullying is a violation of the Constitution.

“Schools are expected to take action, call the parent or guardian and discuss the matter, and suspend the child or children if it is necessary. School governing bodies are also expected to take a tough stance against violence of any type at schools,” he said.

Development Agency (NYDA), Tshepo 1 million, Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R SETA), Vaal Tech, Gauteng E-Waste, City of Johannesburg and The Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP).

Tom Mkhwanazi, a representative of W&R SETA, stated that his organization has been established to provide career guidance and career opportunities available within their sector.

“I would like to inform you all that our organization is packed with information about empowerment opportunities. This includes activities such as career advice, job search, training and self-employment”, said Mr Mkhwanzi. Stanley Rabasotho from EOH said that their organization will be selecting 5 young people to join

them and be trained on their ICT teaching programme.

“Today we will select 5 young people and train them in our ICT teaching programme. After completing their training, they will be placed in our ICT skills development programme.

Noluthando Miya, a laptop winner sponsored by EOH expressed her excitement about the expo.

“I am very happy to be here, and I would like to thank the Gauteng Department of e-Government for hosting such a useful event. I have learnt a lot about opportunities that are available out there in the ICT industry. Career and entrepreneur opportunities. I am going to make all the information that I have gathered to be very useful in building my career” said Noluthando Miya.

Contact: Charles on 060 738 8851

Pty, NPC/NPO & Co-ops

Contact: 073 782 7355 schisale@gmail.com

SA on cusp of history as they intensify bid for 2027!

Will South Africa join the elite list of countries that have hosted both the men’s and the women’s FIFA World Cup?

Sports Reporter

South Africa has expressed interest in hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the country is now looking forward to formally launching its intention to be a bidding nation once FIFA has issued the final bid book requirements.

South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan has travelled to different locations around the globe in the last few months and lobbied for support as South Africa attempts to join the United States of America, Germany and France as the only countries to have hosted both the men’s and the women’s FIFA World Cup.

The SAFA President is expected to continue to lobby when the 73rd Edition of the FIFA Congress, where a Presidential election is due to take place, is held in Kigali, Rwanda, on 16 March 2023.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is standing

for re-election and is expected to be elected for a third term. The FIFA President was first elected in February 2016 and then won a second term when he stood unopposed for reelection in 2019.

The FIFA President has been a strong supporter for Africa and South Africa hopes this stands the country in good stead during the bidding for 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

South Africa’s interest in hosting the tournament received a boost after government expressed its support for SAFA’s plans.

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa sent a letter to the SAFA President saying the department is proud to support the Association’s expression of interest to bid to host the global showpiece.

The Minster’s support comes on the back of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) giving Dr Jordaan a letter of support for the bid in October last year.

While the bidding process has not officially

started yet, there are several proposed bids from South Africa, a joint bid from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, The Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden), Chile and the United States of America, among others.

Dr Jordaan said SAFA is looking forward to formally launching South Africa’s intention to be a bidding nation. -SAFA

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan with Fifa President Gianni Infantino.