Latest news with #GuguSisilana
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality denies awarding contracts for smart meters amid allegations of wasteful expenditure
eThekwini Municipality denies purchasing smart meters from seven companies, saying the procurement process is still ongoing. Image: Willem Phungula eThekwini Municipality has denied awarding seven companies to supply electricity smart meters. In a written response to the story that the Independent Media published last week, the city's spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said the municipality was not aware of differing quantities being placed across suppliers; therefore, dismissing the assertion of wasteful expenditure. Sisilana said the procurement process is still ongoing. 'The allegations of wasteful expenditure, which are not corroborated by any evidence, are not true. This is due to the fact that the procurement process for electricity meters is still ongoing through the Supply Chain Management process. We are not aware of differing quantities being placed across suppliers,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Despite the city's denial and information obtained from the city's website, it was revealed that indeed the companies were awarded. Independent Media also saw purchase orders matching the companies on the city's website. Sources within the municipality have described the decision to award all the companies as an attempt to avoid awarding the tender to a qualified supplier with the lowest quote. The source said the only possible reason for this was that the officials wanted kickbacks from the highest bidders. In May 2024, the National Treasury approved the RT29 national transversal for smart metering. The Treasury approved seven companies for the city to choose from when buying these smart meters. In the purchase orders, the city ordered 2,000 smart meters from a particular supplier, which cost R2,591 per unit, whereas the other supplier's unit price was R1,645. One provider charged R2,218 per item, while the other charged R1,811. The city had to pay R5.9 million for 2,000 smart meters from the highest-priced supplier, which likewise had a unit price of R2,600. The source said the city also ordered non-smart meters for R1,996 per unit, which totalled R4.5 million for 2,000 units. It is not clear why the city needed non-smart meters and which customers will be supplied with them, whereas others use smart meters. Among the companies are two giant cellular network companies. In contrast to non-smart meters, which require personnel to physically visit the site and disconnect when consumers have circumvented them or established unauthorised connections, smart meters may be switched off by city officials from the office, the source claimed. 'This is another wasteful expenditure the city has incurred, and there is no valid reason why the officials chose to purchase the same product with the same quality from different suppliers with varying prices. Surely, there is something fishy,' said the source. The municipality has been in the headlines for incurring costs that many view as wasteful, stemming from court cases it has lost. It was recently forced to pay a supplier more than R20 million, which was an interest that had accumulated from the court appeals it had finally lost. The supplier had initially demanded R30 million, which the city disputed but lost the appeal.
News24
12-07-2025
- Climate
- News24
Heavy rain in Durban, residents urged to stay indoors
A level 2 weather warning was issued for Durban as well as the KZN south coast for Saturday. The eThekwini Municipality urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Disaster management teams are on standby. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has predicted heavy rainfall for parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, with the south coast expected to receive between 30mm and 50mm. SAWS warned of isolated showers across the province and more concentrated rainfall along the south coast, leading to localised flooding due to the persistence of rainfall in that area. The forecast model indicated the possibility of level 2 disruptive rainfall, with isolated showers continuing into the evening. The persistent rainfall may result in the flooding of low-lying roads and bridges, formal and informal settlements, difficult driving conditions, damage to infrastructure, and the destruction of mud-based houses. Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution and maintain a safe following distance on wet roads. The eThekwini Municipality's Disaster Management Directorate and emergency services are on standby and monitoring the weather forecasts. The municipality's spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said the weather alert remained subject to change and that SAWS would update the warning accordingly. 'The City advises residents to exercise caution, to stay indoors if possible, and to avoid travelling, unless absolutely necessary.' She urged residents in flood-prone areas, including informal settlements, to take the necessary safety precautions. Sisilana advised members of the public not to cross overflowing rivers and streams.
News24
08-07-2025
- General
- News24
Hundreds displaced in devastating Durban informal settlement fire
A fire has destroyed around 200 informal structures in Durban's Dakota Informal Settlement, displacing about 300 people. Authorities believe the fire was caused by an imbawula (makeshift heater). The eThekwini municipality, provincial disaster management teams and Gift of the Givers Foundation are providing emergency aid. A fire ripped through the Dakota Informal Settlement in Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal, in the early hours of Tuesday, leaving hundreds of residents homeless. It destroyed about 200 informal structures and displaced an estimated 300 people. According to the eThekwini Municipality, emergency services officials and the disaster management teams went to the scene. City spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said firefighters battled for hours to contain and extinguish the blaze. According to initial assessments, she added, the fire was likely caused by a burning brazier, commonly known as an imbawula - a makeshift heating and cooking device widely used in informal settlements. 'Remarkably, no injuries or fatalities were reported. In the aftermath, affected residents found temporary refuge with neighbours, relatives, and friends,' said Sisilana. Meanwhile, onsite humanitarian assistance is being coordinated by the municipality's disaster management directorate in partnership with humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers Foundation, Sisilana said. She added that relief efforts included the distribution of food, blankets, and other essential supplies. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the province had also deployed provincial disaster teams to support local teams. Buthelezi said his department confirmed that the provincial Disaster Management Centre was brought on board shortly after the fire broke out to reinforce response operations and assess the extent of the damage. 'This tragic event underscores the vulnerability of informal settlements to fire disasters, especially during winter. Our teams are on the ground to provide relief and prevent further humanitarian impact,' Buthelezi said. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation, and further updates will be released as relief operations progress and damage assessments are finalised. Residents and those who wish to assist with relief efforts are urged to contact the eThekwini Disaster Management Centre or Gift of the Givers Foundation.
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
eThekwini announces water outage for southern reservoirs
ETHEKWINI has issued a notice regarding a planned interruption of water supply from various reservoirs supplied by the Wiggins Water Treatment Works Gravity System from the morning of July 8 to 9. Also read: Umkhomazi water tender sparks legal battle eThekwini spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said the shutdown is for the city's bulk water supplier, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), to replace 1 200mm diameter seals and check meters on the gravity bulk pipeline. 'This includes the repair of a leak on the aqueducts that has affected full recovery of the plant inflow since the April shutdown,' said Sisilana. In preparation for the shutdown, UUW will shut off the treatment works, which will result in no water flowing into the city's reservoirs. Those who may receive water during this period are urged to reduce consumption and to use water sparingly. Water tankers will be deployed to affected areas where necessary. For more information regarding water supply, the public can download the eThekwini Municipality's mobile app to log faults or send a WhatsApp to 073 1483 477. Alternatively, send an email to Eservices@ or call the toll-free number 080 311 1111. Affected areas in the south system are: Athlone Park, Galleria Mall, Arbour Crossing, Kingsway Hospital, Ezimbokodweni, Southgate Industrial Park, Lewis Drive, Amanzimtoti CBD, Almond, Winklespruit, Warner Beach, Illovo Glen, Lower Illovo, Doonside, Launceston, Illovo Beach, Karridene, Panorama Park, Umgababa, Umnini, Mfume, KwaSoni, Mashiwase, Nkwali, Lovu, Bhekulwandle, Msarhweni, Inkwali, KwaMakhutha, Mkhazini, eMasomini, Ekuhlengeni Psychiatric Hospital, Ohlongeni, Adams, Adams Central, Zwelisha, Ilfracombe, Magabheni, Thoyane, Umkhomazi, Craigieburn, Amahlongwa, Crowder Farm, Malukazi, Clansthal, and Naidooville. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KwaZulu-Natal municipalities to use AI and satellite data to track illegal solar PV installations
Kwazulu-Natal municipalities are set to leverage AI and satellite technology to identify homes with illegal solar photovoltaic systems. Image: File KwaZulu-Natal municipalities are set to use technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and satellite data to locate homes that have illegal solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. According to National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) regulations, Eskom direct customers who have Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) installation systems, must register the system with Eskom. Owners of these systems in areas with municipal electricity supply are required by NERSA to register these systems with their local municipality. The eThekwini municipality has warned that, in the future, it will deploy AI, combined with other resources, as it clamps down on illegal installations. This comes as energy experts have warned that failure to file proper paperwork could lead to homes that have installed solar systems being fined or having their systems disconnected. At least three municipalities have warned residents in the province to ensure they have legally complied with regulations around solar panel installations. Rein Snoeck Henkemans, CEO of Alumo Energy, in a recent statement said that Eskom and municipalities have begun using satellite technology to track unregistered rooftop solar systems, and thousands of households could be in violation without even knowing it. Even legally purchased and professionally installed solar setups are now at risk of being disconnected or fined if the correct paperwork isn't in place, he said. 'The government is tightening the enforcement of regulations on rooftop solar after recently confirming that satellite technology will be used to identify unregistered SSEG systems as part of a national compliance sweep that could result in thousands of fines being issued across the country,' he said. 'A solar Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is the only document that proves an installation meets South African National Standards. No CoC means no legal grid connection and, crucially, no insurance payout if lightning destroys a pricey battery bank,' he concluded. eThekwini Municipality's spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, stated that compliance checks are planned for the future. 'Currently, the eThekwini Electricity Directorate has not commenced compliance investigations, as customers who have installed unauthorised solar systems are still being given the opportunity to register their systems with the municipality. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'However, in the future, the municipality plans to utilise AI in conjunction with its Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify customers operating unauthorised solar photovoltaic systems,' she said. The City said all customers wanting to install solar photovoltaic systems need to complete the Embedded Generation application form and submit it to the municipality's Electricity Directorate for approval. Upon approval, customers may then commence with the purchase and installation of equipment. Customers need to comply with various regulations such as the NRS 097, SANS 10142, and the South Africa Renewable Energy Grid Code. For those who have already installed systems, the municipality said they need to complete the Embedded Generation application form requesting to regularise their solar PV installation. The municipality will then assess their application, and should everything be in order, they will regularise their system. The City of UMhlathuze in Richards Bay said it will be recruiting qualified technicians to conduct compliance checks. "Homeowners are advised to visit the City's website under Small Scale Embedded Generator Registration (SSEG) for all requirements for registration and compliance.' Msunduzi Municipality spokesperson, Ntobeko Mkhize, said, 'Due to capacity constraints, Msunduzi has not yet commenced formal compliance inspections. However, during routine operations, if a customer is found to have installed a system without following the required processes, they are issued a notice to comply within a specified period. 'Failure to comply may result in further action being taken against the customer. It must be emphasised that non-compliant systems improperly connected to the grid pose serious safety risks to Msunduzi staff. In such cases, the customer's electricity supply may be disconnected until compliance is achieved or the solar PV system is safely isolated from the grid. "While it is the municipality's intention to begin inspections of the growing number of solar PV installations—primarily to protect the safety of our operators—this initiative is currently constrained by limited human resources."
