Latest news with #Nxumalo
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Koeberg Nuclear Power Station's Unit 1 return postponed: what it means for South Africa's energy
Eskom said the return to service of Unit 1 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power plant has been moved to August, after initially scheduled to return to service in July after planned maintenance. Image: Supplied Eskom announced that Unit 1 at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, South Africa's only nuclear facility located in Cape Town, that is supposed to return to service this month, has been pushed back to the end of next month. Currently offline for the second phase of its long-term operational maintenance programme, Unit 1 was initially expected to return to service by July 2025. Eskom said this adjustment reflects their "unwavering commitment to thorough inspections and maintaining the highest quality standards to ensure the safety and reliability of the facility". As part of the scheduled maintenance, detailed eddy current inspections — an essential non-destructive testing method—revealed defects in four tubes across two of the newly installed steam generators. Eskom said it acted promptly, deploying an advanced automated process to rectify the identified issues, with specialised international teams working in tandem with local experts to ensure the repairs met global safety and quality standards. "The successful completion of these critical repairs marks a significant milestone in reinforcing the safety framework at Koeberg." In addition to the tube repairs, the maintenance activities included the legally mandated 10-year Integrated Leak Rate Test (ILRT). "During this rigorous test, the reactor building was pressurised over a continuous 72-hour period, carefully monitoring its leak rate and structural integrity. The results from the ILRT confirmed the robustness of Unit 1's containment structure, thereby aligning with international safety protocols." Bheki Nxumalo, Eskom's Group Executive for Generation, emphasized the importance of prioritising safety at Koeberg. 'Our top priority is always the safety of our employees, the public and the environment. Carrying out these additional inspections and repairs to world-class standards, we are investing in the long-term reliability of Koeberg and South Africa's energy future,' he said. Nxumalo reiterated that the maintenance of Unit 1 is vital for delivering decades of affordable, low-carbon power, advocating how nuclear energy contributes to economic growth and environmental sustainability. Eskom is concurrently progressing on other generation projects, including the recently synchronised 800MW Kusile Unit 6, which is expected to enter commercial operation by September 2025. "This year has already seen the reconnection of Kusile Units 1, 2, and 3 to the repaired west stack, as well as the return to service of Medupi Unit 4 after a prolonged outage. Together, these initiatives are aimed at bolstering generation capacity and securing a stable electricity supply." Eskom said the revised return date for Koeberg Unit 1 is not anticipated to increase the risk of loadshedding. "The latest Winter Outlook released in May remains valid, indicating that the planned return of 2,500MW this winter is unaffected by the status of Unit 1. The report shows that loadshedding will not be necessary as long as unplanned outages stay below 13,000MW. Even with potential increases in outages, Eskom has projected a maximum of 21 days of loadshedding during the winter season, capped at Stage 2. As the winter season progresses, Eskom continues to encourage energy efficiency among customers while assuring them of the national power system's stability. Unit 2 of Koeberg remains operational, currently contributing up to 946MW and recording an impressive Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 99.98% as of the end of June 2023. Once all maintenance work is completed, Unit 1's reactor core will undergo refuelling, testing, and will be synchronised back to the national grid. Eskom said it meticulously plans these outages to ensure that both Koeberg units are not offline simultaneously, maintaining an essential power supply for the country.
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Opposition parties slam public works budget amid claims of dysfunction
The budget of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure came under criticism from opposition parties after Minister Dean Macpherson made a presentation to the National Assembly. Image: . Photographer: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Opposition parties pulled no punches when they criticised the 2025/26 budget of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in the National Assembly on Thursday. So brutal were the EFF, the MK Party, the EFF, Rise Mzansi and Build One South Africa that the presiding officer called to order Minister Dean Macpherson at some point during the debate for him to refrain from making signs and signaling to an MP. The MK Party's Nkosinathi Nxumalo said the department's budget was not pro-poor but protected the politically connected. 'It shields the failing institutions such as the IDT (Independent Development Trust) and CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) to mention a few, Nxumalo said. Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading He said the department's digitisation programme remained empty promises and asked where its' immovable asset register was. Nxumalo accused the department of parading Expanded Public Works Programme as job creation success. 'The Prestige Management Trade Entity received R71m to maintain VIP residences and elite comfort. A lot of money makes sure the Government of National Unity is well taken care of. This is spitting in the face of the poor,' he added. The EFF's Sharon Letlape said the department was wired with dysfunction, underspending and policy stagnation. 'Each year the department is rehashing previous commitments with no one ever taking accountability for implementation. Digitisation of the asset register and a clean audit are permanent features of the department's annual plan, yet nothing ever gets done,' she said. ActionSA MP Malebo Patricia Kobe said Macpherson had shared his vision of South Africa being a construction site but a year later, economic growth remained below 1% and youth unemployment remained at its highest. 'The department fails to maintain infrastructure and allows assets to deteriorate and erode economic value instead of leveraging assets for financial sustenance. The Property Management Trading Entity relies on growing overdraft while struggling to collect user-charges owed by client departments,' Kobe said. Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana said the department was failing in its mandate. 'Infrastructure is collapsing, regulatory bodies don't speak to one another on vital projects and almost all projects this department embarks on are delayed and have cost overruns,' Gana said. He said when the department fails to deliver, no one marches to its offices. 'They don't know you are the cause of failure. The reason there is no service delivery is because of you,' Gana said. BOSA deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster accused the department of splashing an estimated R5 billion on renting private offices. 'With over R150 billion in properties under control Department of Public works, we expect better and, in fact, we demand better. Until the department stops withholding land, wasting public money on rental instead of fixing state assets and return unspent funds while infrastructure crumbles, it will remain part of the problem. As my colleague said, you are the problem,' Hlazo-Webster said. In response, Macpherson thanked all those who spoke in support of the budget. He said the MK Party and EFF claimed there was no plan to fix and stabilise the IDT yet they fought him at every single turn when he wanted to fix the entity. Macpherosn dismissed their complaints about payment and lack of training in the EPWP, saying they were seeking to reform the programme. 'They can't have a cake and eat it... there is one thing I would agree with them. Maybe, it is time to look at the cost around prestige and there is a good place we can start and it is called Nkandla which cost millions of rands to maintain.' He accused the EFF of breaking its promises that led to it losing voter support last year in the elections. Turning to ActionSA, Macpherson said the party was distracting the public from its terminal decline and accused Kobe of previously reposting fake news about the IDT. He also said it was hard to find a voter who voted for Rise Mzansi, and that both Rise Mzansi and BOSA did not know what the mandate of his department was, saying it is not responsible for erecting parliamentary buildings.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- IOL News
Correctional Services boss alarmed by sophisticated cellphone hideout spots in prison
South African prisons have transformed into breeding grounds for organised crime, with inmates leveraging smuggled cell phones and gadgets to orchestrate scams. Image: Bheki Radebe/FILE South African prisons have become hotspots for organised criminal syndicates who smuggle cell phones and other gadgets that are used to scam people and demand ransoms from the families of kidnapped victims. This comes as the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, led a specialised team in a targeted operation that uncovered an undisclosed number of cell phones and other gadgets, allegedly being used by inmates to commit crimes from behind bars at the Bavianspoort Correctional Centre in Pretoria. It is reported that a group of inmates at the facility, who were found with mobile phones, were actively scamming members of the public, resulting in the confiscation of several mobile phones and other contraband items. Department of Correctional Services (DCS) spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo said investigations have revealed that inmates have created sophisticated hideout spots within their cells to conceal these devices. 'What is most alarming is that these illicit activities were carried out in broad daylight, raising serious concerns about lapses in vigilance and continuous monitoring by officials. 'This glaring security breach has prompted the National Commissioner to demand a full report from the centre's management, explaining how such activities could have occurred under their watch,' said Nxumalo on Sunday. The DCS raid comes as anti-crime activist, Yusuf Abramjee's TV show Crime Watch had also uncovered the truth of some of these criminal syndicates. Speaking after the airing of the latest prison exposé on Monday, Abramjee has also revealed that he had handed some of the evidence to the authorities. "Last week, we presented our evidence to correctional services ahead of our exposé. We shared all the information, and we were promised that Minister Pieter Groenewald and the DCS commissioner would take action, which led to the raid on Friday. "A whistleblower we spoke to came out with the evidence which tells us that the situation is really bad. These criminals are running amok behind bars. It appears that it has become easy for prisoners to get contraband smuggled into their cells should be a great cause for concern," Abramjee stated. Abramjee said prisoners enlist the help of prison officials, who facilitate or overlook the smuggling of gadgets and other items inside prisons. "This cannot happen without the involvement of wardens. Wardens are involved, and the department has also confirmed that some wardens are under investigation. In my view, there are also corrupt police officials who are working with people behind bars," he added. Nxumalo stated that as part of immediate corrective action, all identified inmates involved in the scams have been transferred to the maximum-security unit (C-Max) at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre while forensic analysis continues on the recovered gadgets. "Forensic analysis will be conducted on the confiscated mobile phones to trace the extent of the scam and assist in any further legal processes. Thobakgale has directed Baviaanspoort Management to urgently develop and submit a comprehensive plan to address operational weaknesses and prevent the smuggling of illegal items into the facility," DCS added. Cape Times
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Zee Nxumalo's uplifting words: a guide for artists to shine at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
However, for many artists, the pressure to secure a booking during this glamorous weekend can be overwhelming. The Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) is one of the most anticipated events in the South African social calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and showcasing a vibrant array of talent. As the 2025 HDJ approaches, Nxumalo took to Facebook to instil hope among her fellow creatives, stating: 'This coming Durban July weekend, as a DJ or an artist and you are not booked in Durban, don't lose hope, success takes time. I wish you guys all the best.' Fortunately, encouragement is just around the corner from South African singer-songwriter Zee Nxumalo , who recently shared an uplifting message aimed at those aspiring to take the stage, whether as a DJ or an artist. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. While the pressure to secure engagements can be daunting, Nxumalo's words serve as a reminder that the road to success is often paved with perseverance. To aid these artists in their journey toward success, we have compiled essential tips below to help them secure bookings. Build a strong online presence In today's digital age, your online presence is often the first impression potential bookers will have of you. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok are powerful tools for connecting with your audience and sharing snippets of your performances or artwork. Regularly engaging with followers, responding to comments, and utilising hashtags will enhance your visibility. Network within the industry Connections are critical in the arts industry. Attend local events and festivals to meet other artists, promoters, and venue owners. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself and share your passion for your craft. Building relationships can lead to referrals and recommendations, significantly increasing your chances of getting booked. Perfect your pitch Your pitch to venues and promoters needs to be concise and compelling. Tailor your communication to reflect an understanding of their specific needs and how you fit into their programming. Include links to your music or performances, highlight your previous experience and offer clear reasons why booking you would be an advantageous decision for them. Create a press kit A professional press kit is essential when approaching venues and promoters. Include a biography, high-resolution images, music samples or performance reels and any notable press coverage. This serves as a snapshot of your artistic identity and provides everything a potential booker might need to make their decision. Follow up After reaching out to venues or contacts, don't forget to follow up. A polite email or a WhatsApp message can remind them of your initial contact and your continued interest. This shows professionalism and enthusiasm, traits that can help keep you top of mind for future opportunities.
The Star
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Zee Nxumalo unveils her stunning Mercedes Benz V-Class
South African musician sensation Zee Nxumalo has acquired a new set of wheels, a luxurious carrier van, a Mercedes-Benz V300d. Taking to Instagram, the 'Ngisakuthanda' hitmaker shared a video of herself collecting her new vehicle with her family. 'Please be patient on the road😍 driver is still a LEARNER,' she captioned the video. Nxumalo has positioned herself as one of the country's top hitmakers, with her song topping radio charts and her performing across the country. The 22-year-old powerhouse has been making major moves, from her show-stopping performance at the TikTok Awards, to her critically acclaimed project "Inja Ye Game", released late last year, Her hit single "Ngisakuthanda" featuring TBO secured the No 1 position on Apple Music South Africa across all genres, marking her first-ever solo top placement in a mere six months since its initial release. Her post with her wheels was filled with congratulatory messages from her fans and industry colleagues. 'BIG ZEE 🔥CONGRATULATIONS 🥂🤝🏾,' wrote vocalist Focalistic. 'A family's pride!🙏🏾🙌🏾' wrote presenter Katlego Maboe. 'Girls with Mercs😍🔥🔥🔥' said singer MaWhoo.
