Latest news with #Tsolo
Zawya
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
President Ramaphosa urges caution, care and cooperation during severe winter conditions
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of multiple lives in incidents in the Eastern Cape that have been linked to severe weather conditions. Six bodies were recovered near Mthatha and another near Tsolo in the Eastern Cape in incidents arising from flooding. In the aftermath of another incident, three children have been rescued while a number of their fellow learners are missing after the vehicle in which they were travelling to school was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha. President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents at large. The President says these incidents and others that may unfold during winter highlights the need for South Africans to display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country. Residents, businesses, infrastructure and livestock and wildlife in various provinces are currently affected by the annual, seasonal impacts of winter conditions. Some of these impacts have claimed lives and remain life-threatening and harmful to businesses and the livelihoods of workers. President Ramaphosa's thoughts are with citizens who are affected in diverse ways. The President assures the nation that national, provincial and municipal authorities – including the National Disaster Management Centre – are giving the requisite attention to crises as they unfold. President Ramaphosa said: 'While government discharges its responsibilities and services to citizens, we welcome the support we see at times such as this from businesses, community- and faith-based organisations, charities and organisations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute. 'I thank everyone from all walks of life who are working to keep all of us safe and comfortable this winter. 'The devastation that comes with nature's forces demands that we work together as best we can to bring relief to families and communities who need this the most. 'This is a time where we need to take care of ourselves in our homes and reach out to neighbours and friends who need help of any kind. 'We also need to exercise caution on our roads when travelling for work or leisure, or as we get out in nature where we may want to see such sights as snowfalls or flooded rivers. 'We must observe by-laws and regulations that exist to protect us in these conditions. 'We must pull together where disaster strikes and while none of us should evade accountability, we must put problem-solving and collaboration ahead of blame and conflict. 'Our beautiful country is a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place for all of us for most of the year, but we cannot escape winter's intensity and our own vulnerability. 'Let's show our care for each other this winter and let ubuntu see us through to spring.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Globe and Mail
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Globe and Mail
At least seven people dead as floods and snow hit South Africa
At least seven people have died in flooding in South Africa after a weather front bringing heavy rain and snow hit eastern and southern provinces, officials said Tuesday. A bus carrying high school students was swept away in the floods in the Eastern Cape province and an unknown number of children were missing, the provincial government said in a statement. Three children were rescued after they clung onto trees, according to the South African National Taxi Council, which said the bus was operated by one of its members. Disaster response teams have been activated in the province on the south coast. Six people died in flooding in the Eastern Cape city of Mthatha, where houses and cars were left submerged. A seventh body was recovered near the town of Tsolo, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Mthatha, the provincial government said. It said a search was underway for the minibus carrying schoolchildren that was swept away on Tuesday morning. SANTACO, the taxi council, said it was unclear how many children there were on the 22-seater bus when it was swept away by floodwater at a bridge near Mthatha. 'Eyewitnesses at the scene reported seeing at least three (children) clinging to trees and calling for help,' SANTACO said. 'The three have since been rescued.' Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said 'this is a devastating reminder of nature's force.' Another five people were killed in a car crash in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday when a minibus taxi overturned, according to provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose. He said the driver of the minibus was attempting to avoid a tree that had fallen onto the road. The South African Weather Service has forecast several days of disruptive rain and snow for the Eastern Cape and the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province along the east coast. Part of a major highway connecting the two provinces was closed because of snow and disaster response teams were also activated in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa occasionally experiences snow in some parts, but authorities had warned for days that a particularly strong cold front was about to hit the country.
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
At least 7 people have died and schoolchildren were swept away as floods and snow hit South Africa
At least seven people have died in flooding in South Africa after a weather front bringing heavy rain and snow hit eastern and southern provinces, officials said Tuesday. A bus carrying high school students was swept away in the floods in the Eastern Cape province and an unknown number of children were missing, the provincial government said in a statement. Three children were rescued after they clung onto trees, according to the South African National Taxi Council, which said the bus was operated by one of its members. Disaster response teams have been activated in the province on the south coast. Six people died in flooding in the Eastern Cape city of Mthatha, where houses and cars were left submerged. A seventh body was recovered near the town of Tsolo, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Mthatha, the provincial government said. It said a search was underway for the minibus carrying schoolchildren that was swept away on Tuesday morning. SANTACO, the taxi council, said it was unclear how many children there were on the 22-seater bus when it was swept away by floodwater at a bridge near Mthatha. 'Eyewitnesses at the scene reported seeing at least three (children) clinging to trees and calling for help,' SANTACO said. 'The three have since been rescued.' Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said 'this is a devastating reminder of nature's force.' Another five people were killed in a car crash in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday when a minibus taxi overturned, according to provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose. He said the driver of the minibus was attempting to avoid a tree that had fallen onto the road. The South African Weather Service has forecast several days of disruptive rain and snow for the Eastern Cape and the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province along the east coast. Part of a major highway connecting the two provinces was closed because of snow and disaster response teams were also activated in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa occasionally experiences snow in some parts, but authorities had warned for days that a particularly strong cold front was about to hit the country. ___
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
At least 7 people have died and schoolchildren were swept away as floods and snow hit South Africa
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — At least seven people have died in flooding in South Africa after a weather front bringing heavy rain and snow hit eastern and southern provinces, officials said Tuesday. A bus carrying high school students was swept away in the floods in the Eastern Cape province and an unknown number of children were missing, the provincial government said in a statement. Three children were rescued after they clung onto trees, according to the South African National Taxi Council, which said the bus was operated by one of its members. Disaster response teams have been activated in the province on the south coast. Six people died in flooding in the Eastern Cape city of Mthatha, where houses and cars were left submerged. A seventh body was recovered near the town of Tsolo, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Mthatha, the provincial government said. It said a search was underway for the minibus carrying schoolchildren that was swept away on Tuesday morning. SANTACO, the taxi council, said it was unclear how many children there were on the 22-seater bus when it was swept away by floodwater at a bridge near Mthatha. 'Eyewitnesses at the scene reported seeing at least three (children) clinging to trees and calling for help,' SANTACO said. 'The three have since been rescued.' Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said 'this is a devastating reminder of nature's force.' Another five people were killed in a car crash in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday when a minibus taxi overturned, according to provincial transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose. He said the driver of the minibus was attempting to avoid a tree that had fallen onto the road. The South African Weather Service has forecast several days of disruptive rain and snow for the Eastern Cape and the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province along the east coast. Part of a major highway connecting the two provinces was closed because of snow and disaster response teams were also activated in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa occasionally experiences snow in some parts, but authorities had warned for days that a particularly strong cold front was about to hit the country. ___ AP Africa news:
IOL News
02-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Navigating material shortages and price hikes: challenges for South Africa's construction industry
The site of the Mooikloof Mega-City residential development, which was launched east of Pretoria in 2020. Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers The construction and built environment buyers in South Africa are facing material shortages, steep price increases, and longer lead times for essentials such as steel, aluminium, solar panels, and electrical components. This was as the sweeping US tariffs are being felt across the globe, even affecting the construction industry at the southern tip of Africa. 'Although these are taxes on imports into the US, they have a ripple effect on local building costs as Chinese and other suppliers redirect their materials to markets without tariffs and disrupt our supply chains,' said Nolubabalo Tsolo, the executive director of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS). She explained that contractors are struggling to manage the rising costs and add risk premiums to tenders. This means that projects from roads and bridges to schools and affordable housing risk exceeding their budgets. In addition, currency fluctuations are making dollar-priced imports even more expensive. All this puts strain on both public and private projects, with affordability and delivery timelines being reassessed. According to the organisation that represents members who have interests in the construction industry and built environment, amidst this uncertainty, quantity surveyors (QS) were playing a crucial role in stabilising the construction sector and keeping costs under control. 'We're the only profession specialising in the finances of the construction industry, also referred to as 'building accountants' (Bou-rekenaare) in Afrikaans.' The QS's initial estimate of the project cost-including labour, material, time, and profit-is based on information from the architects, engineers and other industry specialists. Tsolo said they look at the current market prices in construction, combined with historical data, as well as statistical forecasts and construction and material price indices. Ideally, the estimate also includes reserves for contingencies and escalations to cover unforeseen risks and costs during the project. However, ASAQS said National Treasury currently does not accept contingencies (typically 5% to 10% of project value) in the public sector, and QS have to formally request additional funds for unexpected costs. It's meant to boost accountability, Tsolo says, adding that this spelt onerous bureaucracy, which delayed construction and drove costs even higher. The ASAQS suggested responses to the tariff-related challenges in SA's construction sector that included embracing dynamic pricing strategies. Together with other industry bodies, the ASAQS said it is engaging with government departments for more flexible public sector procurement frameworks to address price volatility. But this requires regulatory clarity. 'The Standard for Infrastructure Procurement and Delivery Management stated that no escalations and contingencies should be included in the contract price (clause 14.5.9). 'However, when this regulation was replaced in 2019 with the Framework for Infrastructure Delivery and Procurement Management, it didn't mention the escalations and contingencies,' Tsolo said She said the sector must also focus on strengthening local supply chains. The government has been encouraging local manufacturing, but it should use the US tariffs to actively help local producers of construction materials, for example, through tax breaks and other incentives. This would reduce reliance on imports, she said. The executive director also suggested the training of QS on integrating global economic indicators into cost planning. ASAQS members were said to be already benefitting from evolving continuous professional improvement programmes and webinars that also tackle macroeconomic topics. Other industry bodies and partners could add value to this, she added. 'By building resilience, we intend to lessen global economic shocks on the local construction sector,' Tsolo said. 'Quantity surveyors are central to this, ensuring that construction projects remain feasible, efficient, and financially sound, even in uncertain times.' Last month, the National Home Builders Registration Council(NHBRC) told this publication that whilst high interest rates inevitably impact the affordability, or lack thereof, and increase in home construction costs, as the NHBRC, they recognised economic and environmental realities and, accordingly, encourage alternatives such as the usage of Alternative Building Technology (ABT) and Innovative Building Technologies (IBT). The NHBRC said it is actively encouraging the usage and uptake of ABT and IBT, which are unconventional building methods or materials which are not covered by the National Building Regulations and Building Standards. These are assessed for fitness for purpose by Agreement SA, a certification body and custodian of IBTs in the country. Some of the notable advantages of ABT and IBT included reduced construction time, reduced life cycle cost, environmental impact, as well as innovative architectural options. Independent Media Property
