Why the invention of air-conditioners remains a breath of fresh air JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 18 September 2019 – Technology has shaped our lives in extraordinary ways. In under a century, we’ve transformed our reality with the rise of the internet, smartphones to electric cars, biological engineering, artificial intelligence and even augmented reality. However, sometimes it’s the simplest technological solutions like air-conditioning that makes all the difference. Being able to keep cool in summer and warm in winter is a gift that keeps on giving. “Technology is here to make life easier. That’s why, we’re committed to the relentless pursuit of innovation that makes every day, that much better. The air-conditioner is a wonderful example of technology that makes a real difference,” says Robert Larkan, Head of Digital Air Solutions at Samsung South Africa. Your air-conditioner is a dream investment The magic temperature range for a good sleep is between *15 and 20 degrees Celsius. While 15 degrees may feel too cold for some and 20 degrees too hot for others, once you find your sweet spot you’ll be in dreamland in no time. The science behind it is simple. This temperature range assists the body to reach the cooler temperatures that induce deep sleep. Your air conditioner is good for your health Keeping in shape does wonders for your mind, body and soul. However, air pollution and other environmental factors can trigger respiratory problems like allergies and asthma. It’s therefore perfectly fine and sometimes better to train indoors, according to the American Lung Association*. If you do put your air-conditioner on while training, you can maintain a comfortable temperature, while attempting those new moves you saw on Youtube. Air-conditioners protect us While the cold may make you more susceptible to illness, a common cold is caused by bacteria, not cold temperatures. “Samsung’s Wind-Free™ air-conditioner has a filter that captures dust, …
Interwaste: The role of effective waste management in preserving our country’s heritage!
17 September 2019 - September marks Heritage month and as we celebrate culture, diversity and traditions, it’s critical not to forget mother earth. Interwaste has committed to commemorating environmental Zero Emissions (ZeDay) as well as National Clean-up and Recycling Day for the month of September, as we believe that this subtle alignment gives us the opportunity to focus on how we drive and support zero emissions, the role that recycling plays, what these observations mean for our country’s heritage, and the environment as a whole. “To ensure we preserve our land for future generations to come, we need to actively address pollution and continue to find innovative waste management solutions” says Jason McNeil, CEO at Interwaste. “Reducing emissions and creating opportunities for reducing, reusing and recycling waste – thus creating what is known as the circular economy today– is crucial. What’s more, we need to continue finding sustainable alternatives for coal, in order to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, the largest cause of CO2 emissions locally.” South Africa is the 14th largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. However, the good news is that the South African government has committed themselves to a reduction in greenhouse gasses of 34% by 2020, and 42% by 2025. Further to this, through the recently implemented Carbon Tax Bill, government is also able to put a price on carbon emissions, incentivising waste producers to optimise their operations and reduce their emissions further. “We are already seeing exciting innovations in this space, with solutions like Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) as well as waste to energy projects – and with selected waste management companies leading this cause – we are bound to see a major shift in renewable energy options in the market,” adds McNeil. “Nevertheless, we also need to address the issue of recycling, a cornerstone to this and the overall circular economy. By recycling we are not only creating an …
South Africa kept 3.9 million cubic metres of paper out of landfill in 2018
JOHANNESBURG, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 - In 2018, South Africa recovered 1.285 million tonnes of recyclable paper products, putting the country’s paper recovery rate at 71.7%. This is according to Anele Sololo, general manager of the country’s paper recycling association, RecyclePaperZA, who adds that this rate is well above the global average of 59.3%*. If baled, 1.285 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging would: Cover 166 rugby fields Fill 1 542 Olympic swimming pools Weigh the equivalent of 214 208 adult African elephants. “More importantly, the paper recovered in 2018 saved 3.855 million cubic metres of landfill space and ensured that the recovered fibre was made into new products that we use every day,” says Sololo. More than 90% of this recovered paper is used for the local beneficiation of new paper packaging and tissue. South Africa’s paper recycling success is thanks to the efforts of citizens who separate their waste at home, work and school, industry initiatives and our informal waste sector. “Recycling requires a collective effort – from retailers to the consumer. We can all play a small part in making sure that recyclable paper gets where it should: to the paper recycling mills across the country,” says Sololo. Get into a recycling rhythm With National Recycling Day taking place on Friday, September 20th, RecyclePaperZA wants to help you get into recycling rhythm. Keep it clean and dry - Empty paper-based packaging such as beverage cartons and paper cups of the dregs. (Replace the cap on beverage cartons – these are recycled to make wheelie bins! Lids from paper cups can be recycled with your plastics – they are made from high density polystyrene) - Remove any remaining food and non-paper items from your paper packaging. This includes the inner plastic bag from your cereal box. Keep it separate - Have a separate container for your paper recycling – in your kitchen, bathroom and office. Make it easy for yourself and the …
How the Angola-South Africa Agri-Business and Eco-Tourism Forum in Cape Town this month ties in with Angola’s Privatisation Programme (2019 – 2022)
CAPE TOWN — On 5 August this year, Angola made public its eagerly awaited privatisation programme (PROPRIV). An important part of the economic reforms contemplated by the new Angolan government involves the privatisation of state-owned enterprises and the sale of stakes that the Angolan state directly or indirectly holds in enterprises. PROPRIV includes assets in Angola as well as assets located abroad. Kilson Kalanda, Managing Director of the Angola-South Africa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CACIAAS), says by offsetting or selling this many public assets, it will be the first time in the country’s history that the Angolan government will not be the majority owner of the major top companies in the country across its main sectors. More than 190 public companies, 32 of them major national companies, will be privatised through a Stock Exchange model. This includes assets in Angola, as well as assets that are located abroad (excluding the major investments of the Angolan state in Portugal). The process of privatisation of public companies is already underway and, according to government officials, it complies with the rules and criteria established by law. The privatisation programme is aimed at improving the productive sector. It also intends to take hold of the companies that have the greatest impact on the country’s economy and provide them with competitive conditions. Dr Victoriano F. Nicolau, CACIAAS President, says considering that several companies in agriculture, tourism, the industrial sector, and finance, among others, will be privatised, with the new turning of events, it was a given that we include this hot topic in the upcoming Angola-South Africa Agri-Business And Eco-Tourism Forum to be held on 26 and 27 September 2019 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. “The new announcement of privatisation has already sparked major interest from companies outside Angola to do business with the country. It will not only have a major …
SASRCOA Pleased to note SA Government’s attention to Sardine Run Operators
The South African Sardine Run Charter Owners Association (SASRCOA) notes the South African Government's comment on the formation of the association on 2 July 2019. A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Oceans and Coasts said; "We believe [sardine run] operators have a choice to form and/or belong to an association." SASRCOA was formed as an umbrella association of excellence to which ethical Sardine Run Tour Operators ascribe. SASRCOA also provides legal advice and joint marketing to members who agree to abide by a strict constitution regulating their activities. Legal Representative for SASRCOA, Shaheen Moolla said; "The South African Sardine Run Charter Owners' Association has noted that the South African government has begun the process of acknowledging that the annual sardine run event - South Africa's own "greatest shoal on Planet Earth" - does not require permitting from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries based on the Association's strong legal position which we put to the Department in June 2019. We have maintained that any attempt at regulating the sardine run event, including obligating businesses to apply for "permits" under the Marine Protected and Threatened Species Regulations of 2017 would be unlawful and beyond the scope of the current legal framework." The South African Sardine Run Charter Owners' Association protects the interests of its members and, above-all, act to ensure that their clients experience the sardine run in a safe, responsible and ecologically sustainable manner. Every member of the Association is bound to comply with a strict Code of Conduct which is available for viewing on the SASRCOA website - https://sasrcoa.co.za. "We look forward to engaging with the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries further as we continue to forge our common interest, which is to encourage responsible marine eco-tourism," concluded Moolla. Video: …
Soweto recycling entrepreneur cleans up with equipment boost
A desire to clean up his beloved Soweto, educate the community and combat the problem of overfull landfills has seen Pendowave founder Gordon Nkuta build a thriving recycling business and now earn the support of one of the world’s largest PET plastic converters. Nkuta started his buy-back centre in Diepkloof Zone 6 in 2017, collecting recyclable materials such as PET plastic bottles, cans, glass and paper from communities and landfill sites. At present, Pendowave collects 20 tonnes of PET plastic bottles alone per month for selling on for recycling. ”I have spent all my life in Soweto and it was easy for me to see that there was a need for education and awareness. The existing government service was not coping when it came to cleaning the area and educating the community, thus we took it upon ourselves to assist and create employment at the same time,” said Nkuta. The business provides a regular income for 26 people – six contract employees and 20 waste collectors. According to Nkuta, who is also managing director of the company, the plan is to grow to the point where Pendowave will be able to take on permanent staff and move to the next level in recycling, such as manufacturing. On Tuesday (August 27), the company took another step in the right direction when the national PET plastic recycling company, PETCO, and PETCO member ALPLA South Africa handed over supporting infrastructure worth over R200,000 to further Nkuta’s vision. The support includes a R150 000 baling machine from ALPLA plus equipment donations in the form of a branded trailer, signage and bulk bags from PETCO. Outlining what the donations mean to his business, Nkuta said: ”Companies like PETCO and ALPLA are extremely important as they assist in pushing the dream and creating employment by empowering SMMES like myself. “Having a baling machine simply means progress and profitability. It helps with reducing the loads done and also helps with increasing profit margins. “The …
Indigenous gardens of Renishaw Hills attract kaleidoscope of birds and butterflies
As the venue for this year’s Botanical Society of South Africa’s Winter Gardens, visitors were able to witness the magnificent bird and butterfly life attracted to the Renishaw Hills mature lifestyle village. Located within the Mpambanyoni Conservation Development on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, this estate boasts some of the area’s most diverse indigenous flora and fauna – largely due to the work done by Dr Elsa Pooley and her team. “The Renishaw Hills mature lifestyle village has been designed with a focus on conservation and natural habitat rehabilitation,” explained Phil Barker, managing director of Renishaw Property Developments. “Elsa and the Renishaw Hills landscaping team have established some of the region’s finest indigenous gardens, resulting in a rich biodiversity, with residents enjoying an abundance of local bird and butterfly species.” One such resident is Mary Lindsay, a butterfly enthusiast who has photographed more than 100 butterfly species at Renishaw Hills since taking up residence in 2017. Her interest in these beautifully-adorned insects was sparked back in 2004 when she was planning her daughter’s wedding and needed to collect butterflies for a release. “I started noticing butterflies more and more and was always amazed at how people could identify a butterfly that was furiously flying overhead!” recalled Mary. “The more I noticed the more interested I was and my husband and I started visiting the butterfly farms.” To date, Mary has photographed 343 different species in 30 different locations, many of these in and around the Renishaw Hills area. Commenting on the abundance of these winged creatures, Mary said: “Indigenous plants and grasses - and even a few weeds - attract a large number of butterflies to the gardens. Because I post images to the virtual butterfly museum, I am always looking for new locations, but I do not have to move away from our Renishaw Hills gardens and the communal areas to photograph many different …
#OLLIMove – A Call to Move from Caring to Doing on World Rhino Day!
3 Rhino are still being poached daily in South Africa but many who may have become immune to these statistics; reason with themselves “What can we do anyway? This is up to government and others. It’s probably too late to change what is inevitable.” Extensive research has recently shown that 82% of the world’s wild mammals have been lost since 1970 and currently a million species are facing extinction in the next few decades. For many there is a real concern and an understanding that if we can’t save the rhino – how will we save the rest? These are the people saying “I care”… and of course most of us care, but honestly, is that enough? The reality is that the time to care passed long ago and the time to “do” is now -before we pass the point of no return. Life is demanding for most of us and we get engaged in our daily challenges where time is a limited resource and one we protect. But this is a resource we all have and it presents an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our world and ultimately to us leaving a legacy. That sounds very dramatic but it is the truth… all it takes is our time. Can you imagine the resources and talents represented by people throughout the world being channeled into specific time given to causes? Using what we have in hand for a cause is not hard at all and the repercussions are significant. Collaboratively we can bring about meaningful change without much effort… and with effort we can change the world. “It’s only one straw, said 8 billion people”… is a statement that should stir every heart and motivate every person to consider how they can make a difference. People gravitate to causes that touch their hearts or where their passion lies, but, we should also be considering causes that represent issues that have far-reaching consequences for our future and our planet. People are important but equally so is our environment and the fine balance of nature that sustains life on earth. Everything is interconnected and …
South African Industry forced to adapt as Liquid waste and Hazardous waste is now prohibited from Landfill Disposal
22nd August 2019 - Today local legislation bans all liquid waste from landfill – signalling a massive shift in South African waste legislation and placing significant importance on the effective management of such waste by waste producers and the waste industry alike. The question is – is South Africa ready to manage this and what is it going to take to do so? “Over the past several years, new legislation has been developed to improve the disposal of waste to landfill, and more importantly, encourage our industry to seek alternative and sustainable solutions. One of the most recent significant developments has been the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) placing a ban on all forms of liquid waste, as well as hazardous waste with a calorific value of >20MJ/kg from landfill disposal effective as of 23rd August 2019,” says Kate Stubbs, Director Business Development and Marketing at Interwaste. “And, with additional waste streams shifting towards this prohibition on an annual basis, it becomes essential that our industry not only embraces these legislations, but also takes the necessary steps to comply. These prohibitions not only seek for opportunities for alternative and more sustainable waste management solutions but create a more efficient waste economy in South Africa.” New liquid waste regulations Previous regulations state that hazardous liquid waste with high calorific values >20MJ/kg – such as refinery waste, chemical processed paint waste, hydrocarbon contaminated liquids, sludges and chemical solvents ought to have been progressively banned from landfills as from August 2017. However, today all liquid wastes will be banned from landfill, as well as reactive wastes, recyclable waste oils, whole waste tyres, lamps, lead acid batteries, and waste with a calorific value >20MJ/kg, amongst others. Section 5 (1) (a - u), as well as Section 5 (2) (a – c), of the National Norms and Standards for the Disposal of Waste to …
Why should South African companies in the tourism and agriculture sectors be interested in venturing across our borders and attend the Angola-South Africa Agri-Business And Eco-Tourism Forum in Cape Town next month?
CAPE TOWN — There is a tremendous, almost tangible, excitement around the upcoming Angola-South Africa Agri-Business And Eco-Tourism Forum, held in conjunction with the CACIAAS Angola South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACIAAS) and the Angola Private Investment Agency and Promotion of Exports (AIPEX, an agency for private investment) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 26 and 27 September 2019, prompting the question: “Why focus on the agriculture and tourism sectors?” According to Dr Lello Francisco, an AIPEX Board Member, the answer to this question is quite simple. He says: “Both South Africa and Angola are currently placing huge emphasis on these two sectors and collaboration between these two countries can be mutually beneficial. The same, in fact, applies for the other countries in the SADC region.” “The focus on agriculture and tourism was a natural choice as it speaks of the diversification of the Angolan economy as these two sectors play an important role in developing much needed infrastructure and in reducing imports into Angola. Angolan imports on food alone are almost US$1.5 billion per year. Thus, with local production we will be able to reduce that figure considerably. We foresee local production activities creating numerous employment opportunities.” “When one analyses the Angolan agriculture industry, one realises that it has huge potential. There is so much more that still needs to be done. Consider this fact: Angola has more than 50 million hectares available for agricultural development, including 35 million hectares of arable land. Of the available arable land, approximately 15% is currently cultivated and 20% is suitable for irrigation. That is a lot of development waiting to happen! In terms of agriculture, we are not only looking at actual farming. In the bigger scheme of things, this provides opportunities in production (factories), logistics and trade in general — so there is a huge value chain …