Author: Renier Weideman

Identified as the weakest link that could constrain the country’s energy supply, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has highlighted electricity transmission infrastructure while Eskom continues to make strides in improving grid capacity. Concentrated in the inland provinces of Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, Eskom’s transmission infrastructure is at the forefront of the government’s energy action plan to restore the supply of electricity and end load shedding, according to Ramokgopa, who spoke at a media briefing yesterday. Ramokgopa emphasized that transmission infrastructure is the remaining vulnerable area that undermines the ability to bring on board additional capacity and…

Food prices in South Africa are on a tear yet again, underscoring central bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago’s resolve to keep monetary policy tight for longer. The cost of a basket of goods in Bloomberg’s South African Shisa Nyama Index, designed to show the cost of traditional backyard braais, accelerated to 15% in June year-on-year. That compares with 12% in May. A blow for South Africans struggling with incessant power outages and a moribund economy, the acceleration reverses a three-month slowdown in price gains. Restaurant owners such as Khunou Nyakale, unable to pass on the costs of items such as onions,…

For the Oceans! During World Oceans Week, on Saturday 10 June, we joined in the Beach Clean-up with Sentinel Ocean Alliance down at Hout Bay beach. At the end of the day a HUGE bag of plastics and trash was removed from the beach. A big shout out to Sentinel Ocean Alliance for organising this day and for everything that they do for our coast If you’d like to support their work, join us for a Pint for a Purpose at Jack Black’s Taproom during the months or June and July. Proceeds from each pint will go straight to supporting…

Exploring the significance of faith UnderDogZone, a captivating DSTV series consisting of 150 episodes, delves into the lives of remarkable individuals who have overcome obstacles and achieved success against all odds. In its 10th episode,  host Renier Weideman engages in a profound interview with Jif Van Zyl, from AMAN Technologies (PTY) Ltd where they explore the significance of faith in both entrepreneurship and daily life. This article focuses on the transformative power of faith as showcased in this episode, delving into Jif’s inspiring journey and the motivational insights he shares. To truly appreciate the significance of faith, it is essential to…

Aligning with the 50th-anniversary celebrations of BMW Plant Rosslyn, the automaker has announced that it will be investing R4.2b into the facility to become the first producer of plug-in hybrids in South Africa with the next-generation X3. The next generation of the X3 will be produced with a plug-in hybrid derivative from 2024 on and the firm intends on ensuring Rosslyn, the first production plant established outside of Germany remains with the evolving times and becomes a contributor to growing demand for the new energy vehicles model. Dr Milan Nedeljković, a member of the board of management of BMW AG…

Last night, South Africa underwent a magical transformation into a snowy wonderland, with parts of the Eastern Cape resembling scenes straight out of a fairy tale. https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=167836242835684 Residents in the Eastern Cape took to sharing online photos, showcasing delightful views of snow-kissed lawns and gardens, turning the landscape into a winter wonderland. Below, you’ll find most of the images captured at the Wild Oak Guesthouse in Barkly East. As more snowy photos are sent our way, we will update this article accordingly. The South African Weather Service (Saws) has identified several regions, including Molteno, Barkley East, Lady Grey, and Matatiele,…

From June 17 to June 23, automotive enthusiasts and Formula 1 fans had an exclusive opportunity to witness Max Verstappen’s legendary racecar on display at The Square SUPERSPAR on Rietfontein Road. The car then made its way to Witfield SUPERSPAR on June 24, where it remained accessible to the public for seven days. In this article, we delve into Verstappen’s recent achievements in the world of F1, including a historic win, as well as Red Bull Racing’s significant milestone. Verstappen’s Historic Win and Ayrton Senna’s Legacy: On June 18, Max Verstappen celebrated a momentous victory at the Canadian Grand Prix,…

Babies and young children are vulnerable to getting the influenza (flu) virus, especially as the weather gets colder ahead of winter. With the prevalence of flu viruses expected to be higher this season according to health experts, it is important to take extra precautions to keep your little ones safe. Lizeth Kruger, Dis-Chem Baby City’s national clinic executive says that while lockdowns and mask-wearing measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic were effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, they also limited exposure to other common viruses, including the flu, resulting in fewer flu infections. “Chilly weather heralds the start of…

 The DA Ekurhuleni councillor Dean Stone and Mike Waters. Front: Robert Makgaila, Mary Gody and Michael da Silva. The Benoni Town Hall only needs cosmetic repairs inside and minor structural upgrades to get it back to what it was. That was the view of concerned resident Les Godwin who, and the DA’s members of the Sports, Heritage, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SHRAC) committee, conducted an oversight visit at the hall on June 22 to assess the building’s condition after years of neglect. The visit was due to Benoni City Times’ Facebook live video documenting the facility’s state during an impromptu…

 Golden Homes employees Thozani Xhakaza, Bets Coetzee, Manetjie Haasbroek and Sylvia Bhimjee heeded the call to clean the intersection. The founder of the Clean Projects NPO, Jonathan Etherington, said the upkeep of the Benoni Town Hall and other green spaces like the Bunny Park could financially benefit the CoE. Etherington said the neglect of historical monuments and parks saddened him, adding that the town hall, for instance, could be used to host events like Christmas functions, musical plays and festivals for the municipality to generate income. “Tradition is important. We can’t wipe away our past, regardless of whether it was…