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Posted by Enviroadmin
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Tuesday, 25 October 2011 10:15 |
 Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has ordered the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) to halt all processes linked to the new toll gate system on the country's major roads.
According to a statement by the department, Ndebele is of the view that consultative processes should be allowed to take place to offer concerned parties an opportunity to share their views on the toll road programme.
"While he believes that the country requires good road infrastructure to meet its economic growth targets, the minister says this shouldn't put a huge financial burden on the shoulders of consumers," said the department.
While the first phase of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Plan has delivered good road infrastructure, it was an expensive exercise that has drawn sharp views from the public.
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Posted by Enviroadmin
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Thursday, 20 October 2011 10:01 |
 Ian Holman, a farmer near the Magaliesberg mountain range, and several of his neighbours, are readying for battle against mining outfits African Nickel and Autumn Skies Trading 455 CC, who have cast their eye on the scenic surrounds of Golden Valley, says a report in The Star.
Several months ago, African Nickel applied to extend its exploration activities on a cluster of farms in Golden Valley, while in recent weeks, Autumn Skies Trading 455 CC has lodged two separate applications, within weeks of each other, to prospect for gold and uranium on several properties in Koesterfontein and Kaalfontein, including on Holmans' land. According to the report, Holman claims Autumn Skies Trading 455 CC and its consultant, Future Mining Consultants, have not followed proper procedure in notifying and consulting with landowners about their intentions. Last year, notes the report, African Nickel abandoned similar plans to prospect in the Groot Marico following opposition from the community. In June, it slapped Golden Valley landowner Thys van As with a R50m damages claim for alleging that it was causing damage to the environment. Residents say the lawsuit has stopped others from voicing their concerns around mining. 'They (African Nickel) went for a soft target to silence everybody else,' the report quotes valley resident Denise Rootenberg as saying. 'I find it strange that all these mining companies are descending on the immediate area at the same time.'
Full report in The Star (subscription needed)
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Posted by Enviroadmin
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Thursday, 20 October 2011 09:59 |
 Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has assured Brakpan residents that the water quality in the area is safe for consumption.
“The quality of tap water in the area is not compromised and meets the South African National Standard for drinking water,” Mayoral Committee for Water and Energy, Aubrey Nxumalo assured residents.
This follows recent warnings on social media websites and emails circulating, saying that residents should not drink their tap water. This was after the area experienced water shortage on 9 October.
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Posted by Enviroadmin
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Wednesday, 28 September 2011 17:01 |
 Johannesburg Water (JW) has warned residents against bogus agents pretending to be JW employees testing water in order to gain access to properties.
“Our laboratory has received calls from concerned residents complaining about agents claiming to represent JW wanting to test the quality of tap water in their properties,” said JW spokesperson, Baldwin Matsimela.
Matsimela pointed out that water samples in the city were taken by qualified scientists with JW identity cards and branded vehicles.
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Posted by Enviroadmin
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Monday, 22 August 2011 14:46 |
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PLEASE SEE UPDATED NOTICE AT THIS LINK
DMR APPLICATION / NOTICE IS AVAILABLE HERE
 Notice to all Magaliesburg Residents and LandOwners
Magaliesburg residents need to be aware that once again mining companies are attempting to plunder the beautiful Magaliesburg situated in the Cradle of Humankind. This current prospecting application falls hot on the heels of a license issued to African Nickel for prospecting in the Golden Valley area (right behind the town of Magaliesburg) despite few landowners knowing about it or having been consulted. Once again landowners and the beautiful area of Magaliesburg are under attack.
The current prospecting application by a company calling themselves Autumn Skies Trading 455 cc is being handled by a Mining consultant called Future Mining Consultants. Piddly notice boards which barely meet the minimum requirements and are hardly noticeable were erected some time on Saturday the 20th of August. These notices are not easily noticeable to passers by who use this incredibly dusty sand road. It's not the first time we've seen mining consultants only do the bare minimum required by law.
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Posted by Enviroadmin
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Thursday, 11 August 2011 22:22 |
Pretoria - Cabinet has approved toll tariffs for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project phase one.
The approved tariffs are cheaper than what was initially proposed.
The tolls tariffs were suspended in February due to public outcry over the high prices.
A panel was then appointed to review the proposed toll tariffs.
Under the new prices, motorcycles would pay 24 cents per kilometer, from the initial proposed 29 cents. Light motor vehicles (class A2) will pay 40 cents, while medium vehicles (class B) will pay R1.
Longer vehicles (class C) will pay R2 a kilometre.
However, commuter taxis and buses approved by authorities will not have to pay toll fees.
In addition to the 31 percent e-tag discount, other discounts applicable would be the time of day discount (available to all vehicles), and a frequent user discount for motorcycles and light motor vehicles fitted with an e-tag.
The Transport Department's Deputy Minister, Jeremy Cronin, could not confirm the exact date for the commencement of the new tariffs.
"The department, through its agency - the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) - will now commence with the implementation of the Cabinet decision and further announcement regarding the implementation will be made in due course," Cronin told a post Cabinet briefing on Thursday.
Asked how they will ensure driver compliance, Cronin said they will use the "user-pay" (toll) principle, similar to buying a prepaid cell phone.
Car owners will be asked to set up accounts, either by phoning in or going to a website, where they can then load money onto these accounts before entering the tolling system.
Road users will also have the option to link their e-toll account directly to their credit card. If so elected, the toll transactions for the day will be rolled up and the e-toll account topped-up from the road user's credit card account.
If a user elects to have a pre-paid account, top-up of the account can take place by various payment channels, including electronic fee transfer (EFT), debit orders, and at retailers (similar to the purchase of air-time). Users can also top-up their account at dedicated e-toll customer service centres/kiosks.
Once this is done, commuters must go to an outlet to get an electronic tag or transponder, to be displayed on their front windscreens. Commuters will not be charged for this tag.
The tag means the toll transaction is a quick, electronic one, with no physical toll gates where money is collected.
Motorists simply pass underneath a gantry housing the equipment which reads the tag while also taking a photo of the licence plates as soon as their vehicles break a laser beam.
Cronin said the decision was taken as the benefits outweighed the cost to the road user.
The tariffs, he said, will in a way help them address the ailing road infrastructure and will be used to fund the Gauteng Free Improvement Project, which is a multi-phased project currently underway to expand and widen the province's freeway network, currently choking under increased congestion.
Phase one carries an estimated R15.1-billion price tag, excluding vat.
"Most of the road network has long exceeded its design-life, and has reached a state of disrepair. A 60/40 split is necessary, where 60% is for maintenance and 40% is for any new capital expenditure work," said Cronin.
The Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project has been designed to ensure inter-model facilities between Metrorail, Gautrain, buses and taxis, and allows commuters to use public transport effectively.
But as with future phases of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, their priority and affordability will be assessed by the infrastructure commission, chaired by President Jacob Zuma. The commission was announced by Cabinet last month, and aims to ensure that infrastructure projects are integrated. - BuaNews
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Posted by Enviroadmin
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Tuesday, 28 June 2011 15:25 |
Pretoria - The Transport Department says no final decision has been taken with regard to the proposed toll tariffs on Gauteng’s freeways.
The department was reacting to media reports which claimed on Monday that the proposed toll tariff of 66c/km will more than likely not change.
Transport Director-General and Chairperson of the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) Toll Steering Committee, George Mahlalela, said media reports based the” inaccurate claims” on the Department of Transport’s steering committee report.
The report was sent out to various organisations that had made public proposals on the toll fees.
“We wish to re-iterate that no decision has been made on the Gauteng toll tariffs. The tariffs will be announced by Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele in due course, after studying the final recommendations of the Steering Committee as well as consultation with the Political Oversight Committee,” Mahlalela said in a statement issued by the department.
The Steering Committee, announced by Ndebele to make recommendations on the proposed toll tariff of 66c/km, had not completed its report and will be meeting again with stakeholders on 30 June, he said.
“It was made clear right at the outset that the principle of tolling has been accepted, and that the matter under review is the proposed tariff of 66c/km. Therefore, this type of reporting by certain sections of the media is totally mischievous.”
He said comments and proposals received from organised formations and civil society had been overwhelming, with the initial deadline of 30 April 2011 for submission of the report having to be shifted.
With the majority of South Africans having taken the Easter break, the Steering Committee had to reschedule its follow-up engagement and consultation with stakeholders.
Mahlalela added that the Gauteng toll tariffs, which have attracted an outcry from a wide range of stakeholders, have to be dealt with thoroughly and in a manner that addresses the concerns raised during consultations.
It was of importance that the process “retains its integrity and that the outcome reflects the honest engagement we have had with stakeholders across the spectrum.”
“In the interest of all road users, we cannot rush into hasty decisions on the e-tolling issue as this might, however well-intended, undermine the very aim of having engaged with all the stakeholders,” the department said. – BuaNews
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Posted by Wildlands Conservation Trust
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Friday, 24 June 2011 15:25 |
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 The Matjele Community Project based in Mapetla in Soweto works with vulnerable children, supporting over 130 people with a feeding scheme and other services. The project is about to expand to include the Indigenous Trees for Life Programme run by the NGO the Wildlands Conservation Trust, where participants will be taught to grow trees from seed and trade them for goods.
Support by law firm Webber Wentzel has helped Julia Mokoena to develop the Matjele Community Project, which provides a feeding scheme for vulnerable children, as well as counselling, HIV and TB education, and assistance in adherence to medicine regimes. The project also helps with access to grants and assists people apply for documents such as birth certificates and identity documents.
Webber Wentzel has now committed support to the environmental NGO the Wildlands Conservation Trust to set up the "tree-preneur" project whereby the community are afforded the opportunity to earn by growing trees. Wildlands runs the programme as part of their Sustainable Communities Programme, and project manager Hlengiwe Mthembu from Wildlands will work with Julia Mokoena and the Matjele Community Project to appoint and train facilitators, who will then teach participants how to propagate trees from seed.
"Once the facilitators are in place, training of tree-preneurs should take place in July so that seeds can be in the ground during August. We are excited to be spreading the project further in Gauteng, after a project we started in Vosloorus was such a success." Hlengiwe Mthembu said.
The Indigenous Trees for Life programme first took root in northern KwaZulu Natal, and now has 23 projects across KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.
"This project will allow the children and adults to set goals. To decide they want to grow trees in order to buy food, school uniforms and things, will be very good. It is not handing people fish, but teaching them how to fish for themselves," said Julia Mokoena, head of the Matjele Community Project.
Picture: Zanele Makitla is a "tree-preneur" at the Vosloorus Indigenous Trees for Life Programme. This innovative livelihoods programme will be starting up in Soweto, through the Matjele Community Project.
Picture credit: Hlengiwe Mthembu/ Wildlands Conservation Trust
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Posted by Enviroadmin
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Monday, 09 May 2011 12:11 |
Soweto residents from Braamfischerville Extension 13 will receive 444 trees, thanks to a joint initiative between vehicle and asset finance specialist WesBank, and Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA).
Braamfisherville was built in 2005 when Alexandra residents were moved there after the blasting of the Juskei River caused flooding and damaged many homes. The township has grown and now encompasses almost 2 500 low cost houses, for a mostly unemployed community.
These Wesbank trees will be distributed from the new Ikusasalethu Secondary School. WesBank staff members, Councilor Msedo of Ward 44 and the team from FTFA will hand out and plant the 444 trees for the excited and grateful residents.
Johan Keet, Business Head of WesBank’s Agriculture Finance division, commented, “The new trees will provide much needed shade for the residents, will help to settle the dust and will assist to develop leafy more habitable suburbs and a greener future for the residents of Soweto.”
The Wesbank “Tractors for Trees” initiative was launched in the Agriculture Finance division of WesBank nine months ago. Apercentage of every new finance transaction written by the division goes towards sponsoring trees and train community members for residents of low income settlements across South Africa.
The “Tractors for Trees” initiative demonstrates WesBank’s commitment to environmental awareness and sustainable community upliftment”, concludes Keet.
The 444 trees, as well as the community training, were provided by social greening enterprise FTFA as part of their Trees for Homes programme. FTFA has been greening South Africa since 1990 and has already distributed over 4 million trees, with support from many sponsors.
The Wesbank tree distribution will take place at 10:00 on 11 May at Ikusaslethu Secondary School, Braamfischerville, Extension 13. Please contact Joanne Lee Rolt on 011 656 9802/3 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for more information, interviews, photographs or to attend the event.
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Posted by Enviroadmin
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Tuesday, 08 March 2011 18:15 |
Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
Date: 08 Mar 2011
Title: Consultations for Gauteng e-tolling set to get underway
By Francis Hweshe
Cape Town - The Department of Transport has set up a steering committee meant to drive a vigorous and far reaching consultation process around e-tolling in the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
Last month, during her State of the Province Address, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said that they did not object to tolling as a cost recovery strategy, but voiced concern over its implementation.
Tolling in the GFIP is set to be in operation by the end of June. Minister of Transport Sibusiso Ndebele, briefing the media in Parliament, announced the steering committee, which would be chaired by the department's Director General George Mahlalela.
Other members included Kgaugelo Lekgoro from Mokonyane's office, Transport HOD Benny Monana and Sanral chief executive Nazir Alli.
Business, civil society, unions and other stakeholders have been given 10 days to submit names to make up the rest of the committee.
The committee is meant to start work soon and submit a report to the minister by the end of next month for recommendations before he sends it to Cabinet.
"We are consulting because we do not want to choke the economy and people of Gauteng. I must state that tolling remains one of the most viable means of funding transport and infrastructure all over the world.
"There is no debate in our country about whether or not we require well-maintained roads, world-class airports or a modern rail sector; the debate is only about how these projects must be funded," Ndebele said.
He said that the deterioration of road infrastructure and the non-existence of access roads had been a major issue for him since he assumed the ministerial position.
"We have obtained a total of R22 billion in the beginning this financial year (April) to 2014, which will vigorously deal with provincial road maintenance, potholes and community access roads," the minister said.
The project will be called S'hamba Sonke and will create more than 70 000 jobs.
On another note, Ndebele said that Gautrain's commuter line, which goes from Johannesburg to Hatfield Station in Tshwane, would be running by June.
The line will carry 40 000 commuters in less than 38 minutes and will have 125 feeder buses operating between Sandton, Fourways, Midrand, Centurion and Hatfield. - BuaNews
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