Latest news with #Benoni
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- General
- The Citizen
Benoni SPCA reports surge in abandoned animals amid emigration, financial hardship
The Benoni SPCA has reported a significant increase in the number of animals taken in over the past financial year, attributing the surge to growing financial hardship and increased emigration among residents. During the 2024/25 financial year, the society admitted 4 176 unwanted, neglected, and abandoned animals. This was revealed during the organisation's AGM on July 15 at the Northfield Methodist Church in Airfield. Martine Hampson, manager of the Benoni SPCA, said the number of animals taken in continues to grow each year. However, the organisation remains committed to alleviating suffering by providing medical care, food, shelter, and compassion. Despite the challenges, the SPCA rescued, rehabilitated, sterilised, and rehomed 338 animals during the year. 'The prevention of cruelty to animals is more than a moral responsibility; it is a cornerstone of a compassionate society. Research has shown links between animal abuse and violence against people,' Hampson said. She added that the organisation's education programmes continue to expand. Several schools visited the premises to learn about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. The SPCA also conducts outreach initiatives, averaging three visits per month to underprivileged communities. Chairperson's report Chairperson Monique Quenet, who has served in the role for three months after being vice-chair, shared updates on key developments. These included the addition of two vehicles to the society's small fleet, improving response times to calls for help. 'We have watched our nest egg shrink as donations dwindle, the need for our services skyrockets, and day-to-day costs spiral,' she said. Quenet thanked the public, noting that 'when the society's back was against the wall, Benoni rose to the challenge.' Future goals include launching a professional interactive website and establishing an on-site sterilisation clinic. She also praised staff and committee members for their dedication. Inspector's report Benoni SPCA inspector Thomas Mohlake reported that the inspectorate faced a difficult year due to being under-resourced and understaffed. However, he welcomed the addition of two team members: trainee inspector Monicah Masemola and trainee field officer Emmanuel Leutle. The department received 248 cruelty complaints, up from 188 the previous year. They issued 22 warrants and 90 warnings and notices. Seven animal cruelty cases were opened during 2023/24, including the notable 'Buddy's case,' which was successfully concluded in court. The inspectorate conducted 75 routine inspections and examined over 2 000 animals at abattoirs, security companies, stables, pet shops, farms, Bunny Park, and hawking sites. Financial report Treasurer Mark Stuart Downing reported a slight decrease in overall income, from R3 675 623 to R3 424 150, generated through adoptions, boarding fees, the charity shop, donations, and other sources. Adoption income saw a notable increase, rising from R157 966 to R335 360. The annual Golf Day raised R119 794, while legacy, bequest, and testamentary dispositions rose significantly from R215 007 to R800 000. Boarding fees declined from R238 825 to R145 726, and the charity shop, described as the organisation's lifeline, saw a slight dip from R1 162 450 to R1 015 432. How you can help Make the Benoni SPCA your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet beneficiary. Every swipe supports their outreach programme. Donate R50 regularly or sponsor a kennel for R300 per month. All donations qualify for a Section 18A Tax Certificate. For more information, call 011 894 2814/5 or email [email protected]. Also Read: Benoni SPCA needs pet food and blankets urgently Also Read: These Benoni SPCA animals are looking for homes
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'It's a lifesaver': Making solar power affordable in South Africa
South African Mark Moodley believes that installing a domestic solar power system has helped keep his 81-year-old mother alive. She spent three weeks in intensive care last year, and now back at home in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, she needs an oxygen concentrator to help her breathe. But the country's erratic electricity supply meant could not be relied on. "There were days we'd be without power for six hours. I had to use a car battery to run her oxygen tank, but that didn't last long and you'd have to sit with her with her arms raised to try and get oxygen into her lungs," Mr Moodley tells the BBC. "Sometimes we had to rush her to hospital when that didn't work. It was scary." Back then, doctors told the family she might not have long to live. But a steady power supply has given them more time together. "It's been a lifesaver. I don't have to check on her constantly through the night. I know her oxygen tank has power no matter what," he says, voice trembling. Despite recent improvements in South Africa's power grid, there are still outages. Having a steady electricity supply has become a privilege in the country, which has endured nearly 15 years of "load-shedding" - scheduled nationwide blackouts introduced to ease pressure on the fragile infrastructure. As well as endangering some lives, the crisis has damaged economic growth and contributed to job losses. South Africa is heavily reliant on highly polluting coal for its power - it accounts for around 80% of all electricity generated. But in recent years it has loosened restrictions on small-scale solar generation and created tax incentives for installation. The country is also looking for more investment in renewable energy in order to aid the switch from coal. Domestically, those with financial means have gradually taken their homes and businesses off-grid, investing in solar power systems that require an initial outlay of $14,000- $19,600 (£10,400-£14,500). That price tag means that this option is far out of the reach of most South Africans. Those scraping by cannot take advantage of the country's sunshine and invest in clean, reliable energy. But Mr Moodley was able to turn to a pay-as-you-go scheme that has kept the lights on and the medical equipment working. His electricity bill has dropped by $80 a week - savings he hopes to use to expand what he has and eventually go completely off-grid. The system he uses comes from Wetility, a local start-up founded in 2019 For domestic users, the most basic package costs $60 a month - and crucially no prohibitive up-front payment - making solar power more accessible. The company says it identified a gap in the market - affordable solar solutions tailored to small businesses and low-income households. "South Africa has traditionally had high electricity access - but access means nothing if the power isn't reliable or affordable," says Vincent Maposa, the company's founder and a former energy analyst. "We had to develop products that are both fit-for-purpose and financially accessible." While solar power is not new in South Africa, Wetility's business model includes a mobile-phone style monthly payment plan, allowing customers to spread out the cost. For years, load-shedding has been used as a last-ditch attempt to keep the national grid from total collapse, following decades of mismanagement at state utility Eskom. While blackouts have eased for some urban centres, poorer communities and business people continue to suffer forced cuts as aging infrastructure struggles to meet the growing demand. For some in the townships worries about theft and practicality have also deterred people from getting solar equipment, but Wetility has also designed lightweight, flexible panels that can be fitted on the fragile rooftops common in many of these areas. "We came up with a thin-film panel that sticks onto the roof. If someone tries to peel it off, it tears and becomes valueless. That was important for areas where theft is a concern," says Mr Maposa. "In terms of efficiency, they perform about as well as traditional panels." The energy unit, including an inverter, which converts the power generated by the panels into useable electricity, and a battery that works when the sun is not shining, is secured in a large steel box weighing about 300kg that bolts onto a wall. The team says this reduces the risk of theft and avoids drawing attention in high-crime areas. Shopkeeper Julius Koobetseng recently made the switch to solar that may have saved his small grocery store. In a grey beanie hat and thick blue jacket to ward off the cold in the southern Hemisphere winter, he stacks cans of drink in a brightly lit fridge remembering how the frequent power cuts nearly wrecked his livelihood. "Meat would go off, dairy would spoil. Sometimes we'd be without power for four days," the 43-year-old says. But since March, his shop in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg, has been using the pay-as-you-go solar power system to keep the lights and fridges on. Some small business owners have turned to back-up diesel generators but Mr Koobetseng, who has had his shop for the past 13 years, was drawn to the more environmentally friendly option. "Power cuts have badly affected small businesses. I know many in this area that had to shut down because they couldn't keep up with the uncertainty," he says. "We live month-to-month, depending on what the business brings in. If you can't guarantee power, how do you even plan for the future?" Now he does not worry when the power goes out which has been "a huge relief". It costs his business $250 a month but Mr Koobetseng's business has picked up thanks to the reliable power. "People know my shop stays open even when the power's out. Some just come to charge their appliances, but while they're here, they buy things too," he says with a smile. For him, the benefit is not about lowering his electricity bills. It is the consistency. "Solar gave me back control. I can plan my day knowing I'll have power." You may also be interested in: Joy and relief as South Africa manages to keep its lights on The roots of Eskom's power problem No power, no pinot - power cuts hit vineyards Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Focus on Africa This Is Africa
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
South Africa solar power: Pay-as-you-go system helps save lives
South African Mark Moodley believes that installing a domestic solar power system has helped keep his 81-year-old mother spent three weeks in intensive care last year, and now back at home in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, she needs an oxygen concentrator to help her the country's erratic electricity supply meant could not be relied on."There were days we'd be without power for six hours. I had to use a car battery to run her oxygen tank, but that didn't last long and you'd have to sit with her with her arms raised to try and get oxygen into her lungs," Mr Moodley tells the BBC."Sometimes we had to rush her to hospital when that didn't work. It was scary." Back then, doctors told the family she might not have long to live. But a steady power supply has given them more time together."It's been a lifesaver. I don't have to check on her constantly through the night. I know her oxygen tank has power no matter what," he says, voice recent improvements in South Africa's power grid, there are still a steady electricity supply has become a privilege in the country, which has endured nearly 15 years of "load-shedding" - scheduled nationwide blackouts introduced to ease pressure on the fragile well as endangering some lives, the crisis has damaged economic growth and contributed to job Africa is heavily reliant on highly polluting coal for its power - it accounts for around 80% of all electricity generated. But in recent years it has loosened restrictions on small-scale solar generation and created tax incentives for country is also looking for more investment in renewable energy in order to aid the switch from those with financial means have gradually taken their homes and businesses off-grid, investing in solar power systems that require an initial outlay of $14,000- $19,600 (£10,400-£14,500). That price tag means that this option is far out of the reach of most South Africans. Those scraping by cannot take advantage of the country's sunshine and invest in clean, reliable Mr Moodley was able to turn to a pay-as-you-go scheme that has kept the lights on and the medical equipment electricity bill has dropped by $80 a week - savings he hopes to use to expand what he has and eventually go completely system he uses comes from Wetility, a local start-up founded in 2019For domestic users, the most basic package costs $60 a month - and crucially no prohibitive up-front payment - making solar power more company says it identified a gap in the market - affordable solar solutions tailored to small businesses and low-income households."South Africa has traditionally had high electricity access - but access means nothing if the power isn't reliable or affordable," says Vincent Maposa, the company's founder and a former energy analyst."We had to develop products that are both fit-for-purpose and financially accessible."While solar power is not new in South Africa, Wetility's business model includes a mobile-phone style monthly payment plan, allowing customers to spread out the cost. For years, load-shedding has been used as a last-ditch attempt to keep the national grid from total collapse, following decades of mismanagement at state utility blackouts have eased for some urban centres, poorer communities and business people continue to suffer forced cuts as aging infrastructure struggles to meet the growing some in the townships worries about theft and practicality have also deterred people from getting solar equipment, but Wetility has also designed lightweight, flexible panels that can be fitted on the fragile rooftops common in many of these areas."We came up with a thin-film panel that sticks onto the roof. If someone tries to peel it off, it tears and becomes valueless. That was important for areas where theft is a concern," says Mr Maposa."In terms of efficiency, they perform about as well as traditional panels."The energy unit, including an inverter, which converts the power generated by the panels into useable electricity, and a battery that works when the sun is not shining, is secured in a large steel box weighing about 300kg that bolts onto a team says this reduces the risk of theft and avoids drawing attention in high-crime areas. Shopkeeper Julius Koobetseng recently made the switch to solar that may have saved his small grocery a grey beanie hat and thick blue jacket to ward off the cold in the southern Hemisphere winter, he stacks cans of drink in a brightly lit fridge remembering how the frequent power cuts nearly wrecked his livelihood."Meat would go off, dairy would spoil. Sometimes we'd be without power for four days," the 43-year-old since March, his shop in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg, has been using the pay-as-you-go solar power system to keep the lights and fridges small business owners have turned to back-up diesel generators but Mr Koobetseng, who has had his shop for the past 13 years, was drawn to the more environmentally friendly option."Power cuts have badly affected small businesses. I know many in this area that had to shut down because they couldn't keep up with the uncertainty," he says."We live month-to-month, depending on what the business brings in. If you can't guarantee power, how do you even plan for the future?"Now he does not worry when the power goes out which has been "a huge relief".It costs his business $250 a month but Mr Koobetseng's business has picked up thanks to the reliable power."People know my shop stays open even when the power's out. Some just come to charge their appliances, but while they're here, they buy things too," he says with a him, the benefit is not about lowering his electricity bills. It is the consistency."Solar gave me back control. I can plan my day knowing I'll have power." You may also be interested in: Joy and relief as South Africa manages to keep its lights onThe roots of Eskom's power problemNo power, no pinot - power cuts hit vineyards Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Mail & Guardian
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Mashika tracks spiritual sounds
Emotional depth: Composer Zethu Mashika is exactly where he wants to be – painting a picture with his music for films that strengthen the frames and dialogue It's a Friday night in August 2009 when Zethu Mashika makes a call that changes everything. It's his birthday month and he's about to be given an opportunity that will alter the path of his life. A spontaneous check-in with a friend turns into an invitation: 'Don't you want to make music for a film?' This is the night that Mashika discovered film scoring. He had happened to find his friend in the middle of an emergency, struggling to make the music for a grad film he was working on. 'They came to pick me up and I scored [the film],' he says. 'That's when I caught the bug, got infected, and then, you know, the rest is history.' Mashika, born and raised in Benoni, Gauteng, had been working as an artist and producer, a career that began in 2003 during the surge of hip-hop and kwaito. 'I was the artist, producer type. I got to produce some tracks on Flabba's album. At that time the Zulu Mob and H2O were the big guys. And then I did a track with RJ Benjamin.' During his years as a producer, he explored different genres of music, including rock and Chinese, to figure out which lane he would thrive in. Among his experiments was film music, which didn't make much sense to him at first. 'When I listen back, it sounds horrible.' But something in it stuck. 'I didn't realise it would build the life I wanted, or make me the person I wanted to be. You're not sure until you actually do it.' After that first short film, everything changed. 'It was 12 minutes long, and I scored the whole thing in one night. I wouldn't do that today,' he laughs. 'But when I came back, I was no longer a producer. I was a composer.' After discovering his passion for film composition, Mashika shifted his focus from producing music to creating scores that enhance visual storytelling. Mashika rebranded himself overnight. He started downloading trailers, stripping them of sound and scoring them for practice. He then used those as pitch material. 'That's how I got my first film.' Meaning: The score for Go (left) is Zethu Mashika's son's going-to-school music. He worked with Forest Whitaker and Eric Bana (right) on The Forgiven. Photos: Netflix & Light and Dark Films The experience of scoring the grad film ignited a newfound dedication within him, one that would lead to him having a successful career in the industry as a film composer. He landed his first professional project, Zama Zama. While still working on it, another opportunity landed: SKYF, starring Thapelo Mokoena. Although Zama Zama came first, SKYF was his first fully completed feature. A South African Film and Television Awards nomination followed soon after. 'It was a stamp. Like, 'Yes. This is it,'' he said. The projects kept rolling. One of Mashika's most significant was the 2017 feature The Forgiven, starring Forest Whitaker and Eric Bana. 'That was a big one. A proper learning curve. You see how the machine moves on that level: how an editor works, how a director with depth directs.' Working with directors who bring vision and emotional depth reshaped how Mashika thought about music in film. 'There's a difference between curating pretty shots and telling a story. Same with music. Some just do background music. Others push you to go deeper. When you work with someone like that, you're not just making sounds, you're putting in layers.' He likens it to becoming an 'active watcher' involved in every frame and every line of dialogue. 'That changes how you compose.' The creative process for a score looks different for every composer. Mashika's requires a helping hand from digital tools. 'Every time I start a film, I'm like: I don't know if I can do this. Only 12 notes! You have to find a combination no one's done that still fits the picture, the psychology, the world.' Unlike many composers, Mashika doesn't play instruments. 'No muscle memory. I hear everything in my head, and I input the notes with a mouse, one by one.' That limitation is a strength. 'It's slow, but it's intimate. I know why every note is there, why every gap matters. Some just go with 'sounds good'. But I know why I'm putting icy strings down low, or that brass over there. It's painting a picture.' He's also keeping up with new tech, tools that let him hum melodies into a mic, which then generate MIDI data. 'It's weird. But it's fun.' Mashika's sound is distinct: a mix of brass, strings, alternative synths and voice. Each has its emotional use. 'Brass can fill a space like nothing else. It's triumphant, but you can make it sound so sad. Strings can go dark. Synths, especially the weird ones, blur the line between music and sound design.' His inspirations include giants such as Hans Zimmer, Jóhann Jóhannsson and Ludwig Göransson, but Mashika's approach is personal. He describes himself as a spiritual composer, for whom work and life are one and the same. 'There are people who have a job and then a life. For me, they're the same. I shoot my wife's commercials for fun. I help with her photo shoots. I like being on set. It's all the same energy.' That energy has spilled into fatherhood. On car rides to school, his four-year-old son insists on listening to tracks from Go, a recent Netflix project Mashika scored. 'That's now our school music. He sings along. It's the best thing.' At this point in his life, Mashika says there's nowhere else he'd rather be. 'When you see how your music affects a film, how empty it is without it, you know you're exactly where you need to be.'
The Herald
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
‘A dream come true,' says Johan Ackermann as he is appointed Bulls coach
'Johan Ackermann is not just an outstanding coach, he is a leader who lives and breathes the values of this union. His reputation for forging powerful team cultures, developing players to their full potential and delivering results at the highest level is well proven. 'The Bulls are a club built on legacy and ambition and with Johan at the helm, we are confident our future will be shaped by excellence, resilience, and unity. 'This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Bulls rugby and we are thrilled to welcome him home.' The Bulls said Ackermann's 'journey through rugby is one of resilience, transformation and authority'. 'Born in Benoni in 1970, he forged a robust playing career as a lock and earned 13 Test caps for the Springboks between 1996 and 2007. 'His relentless physicality and grit made him a formidable presence and his appearance at age 37 crowned him the oldest debutant in Springbok history. '
