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South Africa may be able to tap into thousands of megawatts in renewable energy when the massive Inga hydro-electric project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) goes live.

The Department of Energy's chief director of clean energy, Mokgadi Modise, said a treaty that would make this possible, outlining the roles and responsibilities of the different actors, was being finalised.

Modise was speaking at a media briefing during the Africa-European Union Energy Partnership's first stakeholder forum in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Potentially largest project in the world

The Inga hydro-electric project on the Congo River could become the largest hydro-electric project in the world, and is expected to generate a massive 40 000MW of electricity - more than the current electricity generation in South Africa.

Modise said the South African negotiating team was being led by the Department of International Relations and Co-operation and included the Department of Public Enterprises, the Department of Energy and the National Treasury.

She said the project would help more South Africans access electricity while significantly boosting African regional integration.

Africa-EU Energy Partnership

According to the government's Integrated Resource Plan, a 20-year projection on electricity supply and demand, about 6% of electricity generated in the country will be required to come from hydro resources.

Modise added that the Finnish and Austrian governments were funding nine energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects in South Africa.

The Africa-EU Energy Partnership, created in 2007, is a partnership between business, government and civil society to find ways of meeting sustainable energy challenges on the continent. The partnership has 54 African and European members.

In Vienna in 2010, the partners signed a declaration setting out targets, to be met by 2020, for energy access, energy security, energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy.

The partnership's stakeholder forums - of which the Cape Town meeting is the first - are intended to enable members to explore ways of achieving these targets.

Source: BuaNews

10 May 2012

South African authorities have seized properties and assets worth R55-million believed to be the proceeds of rhino poaching involving a game farmer, two veterinary surgeons and nine other suspects from Limpopo province.

The assets - including helicopters, luxury vehicles, houses, townhouses and farms - were attached on Wednesday in a joint operation by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), elite investigative unit the Hawks and South African Police Service (SAPS).

Game farmer Dawie Groenewald, veterinary surgeons Karel Toet and Manie du Plessis and nine others were arrested in late 2010 on 1 872 charges related to rhino poaching, making it one of the highest-profile case in South Africa, according to the NPA.

The charges include assault, fraud, corruption, malicious damage to property, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, contravention of the National Environmental Biodiversity Act and racketeering.

"This team has seized assets in the region of R55-million, believed to have been acquired through criminal activities, particularly rhino poaching from Dawie Groenewald, and two veterinary surgeons, Drs Karel Toet and Manie du Plessis," national police spokesperson Colonel Vish Naidoo said on Wednesday.

"We are still attaching all 11 suspects' assets, and we will make sure that we attach more of them until that [court] case resumes in October this year."

Naidoo said that while the matter was still before the court, the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act allowed the Asset Forfeiture Unit to seize and preserve the assets of an accused until the case was finalised.

"On conviction of an accused, the seizure is realised and these proceeds are then used to continue with the combating of crime," said Naidoo.

The seizures, which are classified under Uncapped Asset Forfeiture, took place in Musina and Polokwane on Wednesday.

"The operation is expected to last until the end of the day today," Naidoo said, adding that the assets would be placed under curatorship.

With regard to the court case, Naidoo said the matter had been postponed for the defence counsel to file a request for further details.

Source: BuaNews

10 May 2012

South Africa's Ashwin Willemse was recently selected by the International Rugby Board (IRB) to be the ambassador for its upcoming IRB Junior World Championship, which is contested by under-21 teams. In this capacity he'll help to promote the event around South Africa, and build national excitement and support for it.

The event takes place at Cape Town's brand new UCT Stadium and Stellenbosch's Danie Craven Stadium from 4 to 22 June.

Willemse was previously a member of a junior World Cup-winning squad (which was known as the Under-21 World Cup at the time) when he made his national debut on the left wing for the South African team that took home the silverware at the 2002 event, played in South Africa.

The coach of that team was Jake White, who went on to lead South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007.

Player of the Year

In 2003, Willemse was selected to represent the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup in Australia. That same year he won three prestigious awards at the annual South African Rugby Awards, being named Player of the Year, the Players' Player of the Year, and Most Promising Player of the Year.

Four years later he was part of the World Cup winning team in France, making him one of the handful of players to have won both of the International Rugby Board's (IRB) junior and senior championships.

Willemse was capped 19 times in total, and scored five tries for his country, but injuries undermined what could have been an even better career.

"The IRB Junior World Championship is a huge stepping stone for young players who aspire to be full internationals," he said at the tournament's launch event in Cape Town. "I'm looking forward to playing my part, to convince all Capetonians to get behind the tournament."

Pool B

South Africa has been drawn in pool B along with England, Ireland and Italy. Their traditional arch-rivals Australia and New Zealand are playing in pools C and A respectively.

The President of the South African Rugby Union, Oregan Hoskins, described Willemse as an outstanding role model for youngsters.

"Ashwin is a shining example of what you can achieve through hard work, dedication and commitment," he said. "As a teenager and later as a young adult, he rose above his challenging circumstances to establish himself as one of the best junior rugby players in the country and later as a worthy Springbok."

Although he grew up on the Cape Flats without a father and mentor, at school Willemse excelled at sport. Speaking at the Beyond Sport Summit in 2011, he named Namibian Olympic silver medallist Frankie Fredericks as one of his childhood heroes.

'You were not supposed to become anything'

"Where we grew up," he said, "you were not supposed to become anything, you were not supposed to achieve anything. You were limited to the walls and the boundaries of the school, and the boundaries of the town, and the gangs and drugs and violence that existed in your immediate environment."

In his first year of high school Willemse encountered his first mentor, an English teacher and sports coach named Andre de Bruin, who took the gifted young sportsman under his wing.

De Bruin's patronage wasn't enough to prevent Willemse from succumbing to the temptation of gangs and drugs. He eventually became an addict and a member of the notorious Americans gang, and saw several of his friends die in gang-related violence.

But throughout those turbulent times, Willemse retained his passion for rugby. The turning point came in 1999, when former Springbok wing Breyton Paulse, another of Willemse's heroes, visited his school to talk to the kids. At the time Willemse was 17 years old, with massive potential but was, in his own words, a "juvenile delinquent with no future".

Willemse was introduced to the affable Paulse, who was informed that the youngster had been selected for the annual national provincial schools rugby festival, the Craven Week – known as a scouting ground for future national stars – but had no rugby kit to take with him. Paulse donated a kit bag with all the essentials to help Willemse get to the tournament and, touched by the gesture, Willemse made the commitment to leave his life of crime behind.

Breyton Paulse's 50th test jersey

In 2002, Willemse was selected for the junior national team, replacing none other than Paulse on the wing. Two years later the two players were teammates on a tour to the UK, and after the second test match against Ireland – which happened to be Paulse's 50th test – Willemse asked him for his specially printed shirt as a souvenir.

When Paulse questioned Willemse's request, the latter player reminded him of the day when, as a high school pupil, his life was changed by Paulse's kindness. "He didn't realise that boy was me," said Willemse.

The rugby star attributes much of his success to the fact that he was fortunate enough to have good people come his way at crucial times, who helped and guided him on the right path.

In 2009 Willemse retired from international rugby and is these days a popular motivational speaker. He is also a member of the Supersport television panel of rugby analysts.

SA under-20 preparations

In April, the South African under-20 team wrapped up a series victory over Argentina's Pumitas, winning two games and drawing the third. The South Americans were on a whirlwind tour ahead of the world championships.

"We are very proud of the ways our boys played. We proved that we can be competitive at an international level and this gives us the confidence we need to prepare for June," said coach Dawie Theron.

"This tour was a great learning experience even for us coaches. We now know how ready our players are for the JWC and what we still need to work on."

The team has since been announced and includes a number of players with experience in the Sevens and Super Rugby international tournaments.

The 28-man squad includes Blue Bulls' flank Wian Liebenberg as captain, Vodacom Cheetahs' flyhalf Johan Goosen (whose participation is questionable because of injury), DHL Stormers' prop Steven Kitshoff, and up-and-coming flyhalf Tony Jantjies, the younger brother of Springbok flyhalf Elton.

South Africa start their campaign with a game against Ireland at the Danie Craven Stadium on 4 June.

First published by MediaClubSouthAfrica.com – get free high-resolution photos and professional feature articles from Brand South Africa's media service.

South Africa and Germany have committed to growing their partnership in strategic areas, including infrastructure, the two countries said following the 7th South Africa-Germany Bi-National Commission in Berlin on Tuesday.

"Both sides agreed that the intensification of co-operation between the countries in the context of the Bi-National Commission can be fostered even further, and that full use must be made of all possibilities to increase investment in the respective countries," the countries said in a joint communique issued after the meeting.

With R14.8-billion in trade in 2011, South Africa remains Germany's most important economic partner on the African continent.

According to the communique, South Africa was encouraged by the relatively significant share of value-added items in its exports to Germany, noting that this could be further strengthened in the interest of both countries.

Infrastructure opportunities

Germany welcomed the report on South Africa's massive state-led infrastructure drive, acknowledging the opportunities this created.

"To this end, the sides undertook to work together in encouraging joint commercial activities in the area of infrastructure development both in South Africa and on the African continent."

Germany also welcomed ongoing developments in South Africa's Automotive Production Development Programme, expressing the hope that truck component manufacturers would be included in the programme.

The two countries also agreed to enhance initiatives that created export opportunities for smaller South African companies.

Skills exchanges

In the area of human capital development, both countries noted the ongoing work of the German Academic Exchange Service and National Research Foundation scholarship programme in developing the skills of South African researchers and students.

"Both sides are pleased with the strong relations under this collaboration, and committed to further advance the science, technology and innovation cooperation between the two countries."

In the area of defence, the commission noted the successful training exchanges benefiting both countries' land, air, naval and medical services.

Source: BuaNews

First-world infrastructure plus a vibrant emerging market equals huge investment potential!

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe opened the 7th South Africa-Germany Bi-National Commission in Berlin on Tuesday by extending an invitation to the European nation to invest in South Africa's massive state-led infrastructure drive.

"We are targeting a range of areas, including roads, rail, ports, water infrastructure and telecommunications," Motlanthe said in his opening remarks at commission. "To this end, we wish to invite the government of Germany and German corporates to participate in this important initiative."

Motlanthe said that, while the commission was sitting during a challenging time for Europe and the global economy, the two countries should not lose sight of the goals they had in common.

"Both our countries share the goals of enhancing peace and security; good governance; the rule of law; democracy and human rights; economic development; and indeed, dealing with the challenges posed by climate change, as well as finding new sources of energy."

To address these challenges, constant monitoring and detailed analysis so as to find practical solutions was required, Motlanthe said.

The economic crises in Europe and other parts of the world had had a ripple effect around the globe, the Deputy President said, resulting in a significant decline in South Africa's exports between 2008 and 2009.

"However, we are pleased that our trade with Germany is approximating levels previously reached before the crisis of 2008."

Tuesday's meeting discussed issues such as renewable energy and education and training, and assessed progress made since the last Bi-National Commission, held in South Africa in 2010.

The meeting also touched on global issues such as the Eurozone and problems facing the African continent, including the African Union's post-conflict and reconstruction development programme.

Source: BuaNews

US independent power provider Hydro Alternative Energy is in talks with the City of Durban on plans to develop a world-first project that would harvest hydrokinetic energy from the fast-flowing Agulhas current off South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

Senior company representatives were currently holding talks with eThekwini Municipality officials on the project, Florida-based Hydro Alternative Energy (HAE) said in a statement on Monday.

HAE said the municipality had given its in-principle support for the project, which would be undertaken in stages, the first stage involving the identification of suitable sites for mooring offshore power generation systems, followed by requests for the necessary environmental permits and power generation licences.

The plan is to develop a US$20-million 1-megawatt demonstration unit, after which additional units 8 MW units would be built "and likewise submerged, approximately 30 metres (98 feet) below sea level, to prevent interference with shipping", the company said.

'One of the most consistent currents in the world'

"The Agulhas is one of the most consistent currents in the world," Derek Morgan of eThekwini's energy unit told The Mercury newspaper. So, if the ocean current generation was to happen, Durban would be an ideal location to start harnessing it.

"If we can get it right, it has the potential to completely transform the city into a green energy location for investment," Morgan said.

'Never been done before'

Company co-CEO Mark Antonucci said that generating electric power from sea currents had never been done before. "All previous sea and wave generation technologies have been tidal based.

"We are very excited about our continued meetings and discussions with our Municipality of eThekwini partner to move this project forward to reality," Antonucci said.

"We again note the commitment of Durban and the eThekwini Municipality to substantially reducing their carbon footprint and becoming 'greener', with the eThekwini Municipality having recently hosted the 17th Conference of the Parties [COP 17] to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change."

SAinfo reporter

International models on how to boost the development of the ICT sector in Africa will come under the spotlight during the inaugural ICT Indaba taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 4 to 7 June.

The event, organised by the Department of Communications and endorsed by the International Telecommunications Union, aims to formulate an African Agenda to promote ICT as a catalyst for social and economic development on the continent.

According to the department, hundreds of delegates from Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America, including ICT executives and government representatives, will take part in the 2012 ICT Indaba, while ICT regulators from more than 50 countries on the continent have also been invited.

One of the keynote speakers at the Indaba will be ITU deputy secretary-general Houlin Zhao, who will present a paper on the role of ICTs in socio-economic development.

Tech gurus peer into Africa's crystal ball

One of the highlights of the Indaba will be a "crystal ball exercise" in which eight international experts will discuss strategies for entrepreneurs and predict the future of technology in Africa and the world over the next 15-20 years.

The crystal ball "gurus" will include Dimension Data chairman Andile Ngcaba, Japan Science Agency director Shig Okaya, Global Innovation Summit (Silicon Valley) executive chairman Alfred Watkins, Intel Capital Africa director Sam Mensah, and Microsoft Middle East and Africa regional head Zaki Khoury.

Vijay Tharumartnam of Multi Development Corporation will speak on the Malaysian "Silicon Valley experience" during a session devoted to "developing smart cities in the African context", in which there will also be presentations on Bangalore, Indian's Silicon Valley, Mexico's Guadalajara, and Egypt.

Developing country models for skills development

Speakers from Rwanda, China, India, and Cuba will discuss developing country models for building and retaining the necessary skills base for a robust ICT industry. These will include Miche Bezy, associate director of Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, who will look at how Rwanda is producing a competitive ICT skills base.

Dr Jun Xia of the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications will discuss the Chinese model of advancing rural development through ICTs, the Indian model will look at conceptualising e-skills development programmes, while the Cuban model will share experiences on producing industry-ready graduates.

Other sessions will focus on broadband connnectivity and policies for advancing the knowledge-based economy in Africa, while speakers from the World Bank and African Development Bank will address a key session looking at infrastructure development as a basis for integrated ICT initiatives.

Communications Minister Dina Pule said the ICT Indaba sought to ensure that ICT fulfilled its potential as an enabler of economic growth and job creation, not only in South Africa but throughout the continent.

"I take pleasure in inviting our compatriots across the Diaspora to our country to partner with us, the ICT industry, labour and civil society as we enter a bold partnership that seeks to shape the development of the continent," Pule said in a statement on Tuesday.

SAinfo reporter

The inaugural 36ONE MTB Challenge, held in Oudtshoorn in South Africa's Western Cape province over the past weekend, broke new athletic endurance ground and celebrated the birth of a new format of mountain bike challenge.

The 361km race, which followed a relatively circular loop, and which had a 36.1-hour cut-off limit, revealed a unique hybrid event incorporating elements of stage racing, marathon racing and 24-hour racing.

"It's an event that challenges in so many ways because it requires both day time and night time riding," said Carel Herholdt of Dryland Event Management, the company that manages the 36ONE MTB Challenge.

'Non-stop'

"It's also a non-stop race, which really tests your endurance capacity and pacing judgment."

The event started at 21:00 on Friday, 4 May, with a cut-off at 09:06 on Sunday, 6 May.

"A total of 89% of the entrants completed the event, which shows that while it offers a significant endurance challenge, it's not out of reach for the majority of committed mountain bikers and even weekend warriors," said Herholdt.

"The team that finished third in the relay section, Wilderness Wheelers Grand Masters, comprised four riders with an average age of 62. That just shows how well this race accommodates all types of riders."

Steven Liptz, co-founder of 36ONE Asset Management, the title sponsor, attended the event and was amazed by its impact.

"Remarkable event'

"If you consider that the race distance is close to half that of the entire Cape Epic, and that the riders rode through night and day and some into night again, in temperatures that ranged from close to zero and up to over 30 degrees Celsius, you realise what a remarkable event this is," he remarked.

"We plan to grow the 36ONE MTB Challenge in future, both in terms of rider value and participant numbers," Liptz added.

"Because of the relay option, it's an event that anyone can actually be a part of, which makes it quite special."

Men's solo category winner, Christiaan van Zyl, a 40-year-old businessman from Cape Town, was full of praise for the inaugural edition of the event.

'Very fortunate'

"We were very fortunate it was the 'super' full moon and there was no cloud cover. It really made the night-time riding easier, but obviously it was essential to have a decent headlight too," he said.

"I didn't go to the race with the aim of winning, but I did want to do well, as I really enjoy my endurance events," he added.

"The event was extremely well organised," Van Zyl continued. "There was a refreshment point every 30km or so with all sorts of good food on offer. You don't really need a back-up team.

"The route wasn't too technical – more an endurance test than a skill test, but very worthwhile."

Results

First across the finish line in a time of 15 hours, 27 minutes and 13 seconds was Team C4D, a two-rider team comprising Jacques van Staden and Danzil Afrika. Incredibly, after a total distance of 361km, they edged race-long rivals, Tony Conlon and Pete Stopforth of Marsilio Projects, by just one second!

The first multi-rider team (non-relay) home in 18 hours, 01 minute and 46 seconds was the three-man Screaming Eagles unit of Colin du Plessis, Jan Zonnestein and Paul Micklewood.

Christiaan van Zyl won the solo men's race in a time of 18 hours, 17 minutes and 41 seconds. Stephen Drew (18:59.39) and Kevin Taljaard (19:22.22) finished second and third respectively in an event that saw the majority of the entrants (both solo and teams) finish inside 24 hours.

In the women's solo race, highly decorated veteran athlete and former Absa Cape Epic winner, Hannele Steyn, claimed the honours, finishing an impressive sixth overall in 19:43.24.

SAinfo reporter

South Africa's women's football team, Banyana Banyana, will step up their preparations for the London Olympic Games with a training camp in Potchefstroom from 9 to 18 May, followed by two matches against African opposition later this month.

Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Kylie-Ann Louw and Roxanne Barker will return from abroad and join up with young guns Andile Dlamini, Robyn Moodaly and Lebohang Mabatle, as part of the 24 players that will go into the training camp.

A squad of 18 players will be chosen for an international friendly against Tanzania in Dar Es Salaam on Sunday, 20 May. Banyana will then face Zambia in Lusaka on Saturday, 26 May, in an African Women's Championship first leg qualifier.

Experience and goal scoring

Midfielder Nyandeni, who plays for Russian club Rossiyank FC, will bring experience and a good goal scoring record to the squad. She missed out on the Cyprus Women's Cup in March because of injury and will want to show that she is fit and ready to compete for a place at the London Olympic Games. She has played 92 internationals and scored 27 goals.

While Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza will be keen to analyse the form of his overseas-based players, he is equally happy to have some younger players in camp, who recently did duty for the South African under-20 team.

Defender Lebohang Mabatle (one cap), midfielder Robyn Moodaly (10 caps and one goal) and goalkeeper Andile Dlamini (two caps) will also be out to prove that they can add value to the Banyana Banyana team.

Young stars

Moodaly was a key member of the Banyana Banyana team that saw off Zambia, Tunisia and Ethiopia en route to Olympic qualification last year, while Dlamini has done her chances a world of good by putting in a super performance for her Mamelodi Sundowns' Ladies side in the Sasol League Gauteng Road Show held in Soweto almost two weeks ago.

"In order to send the best players to the Olympics, we have kept the selection process going for as long as possible to make sure we don't overlook any talent," Mkhonza said in a statement.

"I am happy to welcome back our overseas-based players and the national under 20 side players, so we can assess their form as we enter this crucial phase in the build-up to the Olympics."

Banyana Banyana Squad

Goalkeepers: Thoko Mndaweni (University of Johannesburg), Roxanne Barker (Pepperdine University, USA), Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders: Lebohang Mabatle (Hallelujah Zebra Force), Amanda Sister (Liverpool Ladies), Janine van Wyk (Palace Super Falcons), Gabisile Hlumbane (Kovsies), Refiloe Jane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Zamandosi Cele (Durban Ladies), Nothando Vilakazi (Palace Super Falcons)

Midfielders: Nompumelelo Nyandeni (Rossiyank FC, Russia), Kylie Ann Louw (Stephen Austin University, Texas, USA), Yola Jafta (University of Johannesburg), Mamello Makhabane (Palace Super Falcons), Mary Ntsweng (Tshwane University of Technology), Leah Sethunya (Maluti Ladies), Nondyebo Mgudu (Durban Ladies), Robyn Moodaly (HPC)

Strikers: Portia Modise (Palace Super Falcons), Amanda Dlamini (University of Johannesburg), Noko Matlou (University of Johannesburg), Sanah Mollo (Bloemfontein Celtic), Andiswe Mgcoyi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Leandra Smeda (Cape Town Roses)

SAinfo reporter

Mobile services company Oltio, a joint venture between Standard Bank and mobile operator MTN, is looking to change the way South Africans use their mobile phones by turning their handsets into personal point of sale devices.

Earlier this year, Oltio was nominated in the "best mobile money innovation" category at the annual GSMA Global Mobile Awards for its secure transaction authentication technology, payD.

Through the payD platform, launched in August 2011, consumers can buy products and services online, using their debit cards to pay for their purchase and their mobile phones to enter their PINs.

Major partners, vendors on board

The technology is used by Oltio parent company MTN for its Eazi Recharge pre-paid airtime top-up service, which has nearly 140 000 users.

Other partners include MasterCard, through its recently launched MasterCard Mobile payment platform; PayU, which currently processes 65% of all online payments in South Africa; and Vodacom's new Express Recharge pre-paid airtime top-up service.

In addition, payD has more than 200 vendors on board, including 1time Airline and online retailer TakeAlot, and Oltio is pushing to grow the number of merchants offering payD to its customers.

"The MasterCard Mobile platform enables millions of South Africans to make secure purchases using their PIN-based bank cards," Oltio CEO Terry Timson said in a statement last week.

'Convenient and cost-effective'

"It's a convenient and cost-effective payment mechanism that lets customers make use of their existing bank accounts, credit and debit cards, if issued by Standard Bank, Absa or Nedbank.

"This use of our pioneering technology means consumers can benefit from the competitive prices, convenience and variety associated with buying online, simply by registering their MasterCard or Maestro PIN-based credit or debit card to transact."

payD is also available to PIN-based Visa debit and credit cards issued by Standard Bank, Absa or Nedbank. PostBank customers can also use payD to make payments on their mobile phones.

According to Timson, this means "we are, in effect, enabling the vast majority of the more than 30-million South African debit card users to join the e- and m-commerce revolution, many for the first time."

SAinfo reporter