Latest news with #R213
The Citizen
14-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
R213m down the drain as Limpopo residents still have no water
Residents say they are forced to collect water from the same source as donkeys, monkeys and goats. Residents in Limpopo's Blouberg municipality say they are forced to compete for dirty water with wild animals. This comes after the government spent a staggering R213 million on bulk water projects that have failed to produce a drop of water for two years. Most of these projects remain incomplete, while others are described as 'white elephants'. The projects are funded by the Capricorn district municipality through the municipal infrastructure grant (MIG) and other sources. The district is a water service authority to three local municipalities – Mole-Mole, Lepelle Nkumpi and Blouberg. The DA in Limpopo confirmed the allegations, branding the situation a shame under the ANC's 31-year rule. Limpopo residents share water with animals Johannes Seanego, a resident of Silvermine in Blouberg, said that sharing water with donkeys, monkeys, goats and cattle was a daily experience for his community. 'We fetch water from a fountain each and every day. This is because the district municipality has failed dismally to provide this community with fresh water. When the sun sets, all these animals assemble at this fountain and drink from the same source as human beings,' he said. 'During winter, like today, there is no end to our sufferings. Sometimes, parents go to work without bathing, while teachers at schools complain every day about the unbearable smell as they enter our children's classrooms. This is not on,' he added, while sobbing. ALSO READ: Limpopo's Rain Queen suspends initiation schools in 2025 DA caucus leader in the Blouberg local municipality Schoeman Kobola said many water projects were affected. These include: Ramaswikana Phase 1, which was budgeted at a cost of R171 million; Taaiboshgroet (R36.6 million); Milbank (R37.7 million); Brana (R3.7 million); Nailana (R22.6 million); and Pax (R3.7 million). The delays in the water projects have been blamed on poor workmanship, disputes over contractual obligations between service providers and the Capricorn district municipality, disputes between traditional leaders and contractors and the failure to pay for oversight by the authorities. 'We call on the mayor for the Capricorn district municipality, Mamedupi Teffo, to urgently investigate these incomplete projects,' said Kobola. R213m spent – but still no water Kobola said the Capricorn district municipality, as the legislated water service authority and water service provider to Blouberg, had funded water projects in 2023 in excess of R213 million. Most of these projects, he said, remain incomplete. In some instances, Kobola said pipes and taps were connected to houses, but for the last two years, no water has flowed out of them. He added that four boreholes were drilled to mitigate the shortfalls of some of the projects. 'But even today, residents continue suffering while trying to get this important basic human right. 'We urge Teffo to investigate these incomplete water projects and hold officials and service providers accountable,' he said. ALSO READ: Will new ANC faction take over in Limpopo? Jabu Masondo, the communications manager for the Capricorn district municipality, confirmed that some water projects had stalled. 'Many of these projects are affected by external factors, technical constraints and budgetary limitations beyond our immediate control,' said Masondo. Reasons for delays in water projects He said the delay at the Devrede water project was due to a dispute over boreholes drilled outside the jurisdiction of the relevant tribal authority. Grootpan, Sias, Longdon and Ramaswikana were delayed due to limited funding under the municipal infrastructure grant. Taaiboschgroet was completed, but the boreholes, he said, began to dry up. A geohydrologist was, according to Masondo, assigned to investigate and borehole automation was introduced to prevent over-pumping. These interventions, he said, managed to restore the water supply to the community, which is now receiving water. Masondo said the Kromhoek water project has been completed but there is a shortage of water, particularly in the Ratau section, because of illegal connections. 'From where I am standing, a contractor is still on site at the Milbank phase 1 water project and has yet to officially hand over the project. Two new boreholes were tested and equipped in May and the reticulation network is currently being tested. The Pax plant is operational and the delay in the Brana water project is due to a dispute regarding an Eskom-installed transformer, which was placed on private property.' Masondo said the Madoana and the Matshoana water supply projects, each valued at R9.7 million, are scheduled to be handed over in the coming week. 'We remain committed to ensuring the delivery of clean and sustainable water services across all communities,' he said.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Mining Week to Spotlight Cutting-Edge Mining Tech
The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa's premier gathering for mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1-3, 2025 in Cape Town – will feature a dedicated Technology Forum. The forum will connect African mining projects with global technology providers and investors, showcasing how digital solutions are transforming resource extraction and redefining the mining value chain. As African countries scale up mineral production to drive GDP growth, developers are increasingly adopting data analytics and digital tools to boost operational efficiency. U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals, which applies artificial intelligence (AI) to mineral exploration, entered the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in April 2025 to tap into the country's estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral resources. The DRC – already the world's largest cobalt producer and a key copper supplier – could see its global mining profile rise significantly with KoBold's involvement. In Zambia, the company is advancing the $2 billion Mingomba project, one of the world's most promising untapped copper assets. Similarly, in Zimbabwe, Caledonia Mining is investing $1.1 million in IT infrastructure upgrades at the Blanket Mine as part of its $41.8 million capital budget. The upgrades include new mine planning software and a digital clocking system to improve labor efficiency, with a goal to increase gold output from 76,656 ounces in 2024 to up to 77,500 ounces in 2025. In Botswana, Botswana Diamonds is employing AI-driven exploration to expand beyond diamond mining, recently identifying new prospects for copper, silver, cobalt, gold, nickel, zinc and platinum group metals. 'During the initial analysis of the big database, it became clear that the AI technology could be used to identify other unknown minerals opportunities – and so it turned out,' said John Teeling, Chairman of Botswana Diamonds. Meanwhile, South African firms such as Kilken Platinum and Rio Tinto are deploying digital tools to unlock greater operational value. A joint report by Accenture and the World Economic Forum projects that digitalization could unlock up to R213 billion in additional value for South Africa's mining sector by 2026. Technologies such as predictive maintenance, autonomous operations and real-time data monitoring are helping firms streamline processes, reduce downtime and improve safety outcomes. The Technology Forum at AMW 2025 will feature high-level panels examining how digitalization can optimize infrastructure, enhance safety, predict system failures and support sustainable resource management in a data-driven mining environment. The forum will also provide a platform for mining companies to showcase real-world case studies, exchange knowledge with tech innovators, and explore partnerships that drive long-term value creation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. About African Mining Week: African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@
