With numbers dwindling, scientists are concerned about the future of African penguins.On St Croix Island in Algoa Bay, which is part of the Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area (MPA), there were 7,000 endangered African penguin breeding pairs in 2015. By 2023, the number had collapsed to 700, according to researcher Professor Lorien Pichegru. But the good news is that numbers are rising again – thanks to a tax dispute. St Croix, only 12 hectares in size and four kilometres from the Port of Coega … [Read more...] about Why a Tax Dispute is Good News for African Penguins
Environment
WESSA Algoa Bay Branch Beach Clean-Up Saturday 17 August 2024
The WESSA Algoa Bay Branch beach clean-up for August will be in Summerstrand starting at the Beacon at the intersection of Marine Drive and Admiralty Way, on Saturday 17 August 2024 from 09:30 to 10:30. This stretch of coastline has a serious, on-going litter problem for a variety of reasons, and needs regular clean-ups. We are hoping that by concentrating on this spot, we can stop as much of this litter as possible from finding its way into the sea. There is ample parking at the Beacon. … [Read more...] about WESSA Algoa Bay Branch Beach Clean-Up Saturday 17 August 2024
WESSA ABB Alien Clearing Saturday 10 August 2024 Humewood
Hello everyone The WESSA Algoa Bay Branch August 2024 alien clearing will be on Saturday 10 August 2024 in Glengarry Crescent, Humewood from 09:00 – 11:00. We will be focusing our August efforts on this new area, also to stem the spread of the Rooikrans and other alien invaders in this environmentally vulnerable spot. Invasive species still seriously threaten the sensitive indigenous bush. The objective is to eradicate these alien plants and give the local vegetation a good chance to … [Read more...] about WESSA ABB Alien Clearing Saturday 10 August 2024 Humewood
Nurses stop work after finding human waste at clinic door
Since the beginning of the year there has been no wall or fence around the Mabandla Clinic in Kariega.Mabandla Clinic in Kariega was closed for the second day on Tuesday as nurses refused to work after finding human waste at the door and empty bottles of alcohol strewn around the yard. The fencing around the clinic was stolen at the beginning of the year and despite promises, it has not been replaced by the provincial Department of Health. “We can’t work in this environment,” one of the nurses … [Read more...] about Nurses stop work after finding human waste at clinic door
Wind Energy in South Africa: A Balanced Perspective
Johannesburg, 29 July 2024: South Africa’s energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with renewable energy – specifically solar and wind – emerging as a significant player in the quest for a sustainable and reliable energy supply. Indications are that between a concerted effort by Eskom to recover underperforming coal fired power plants to higher levels of production and private sector solar energy contributions, the country has turned a corner on the electricity crisis.South Africa has abundant … [Read more...] about Wind Energy in South Africa: A Balanced Perspective
Fake blood and stuffed animals: How wildlife forensics could help to convict poachers
In a report as part of Call to Earth, CNN highlights the Wildlife Forensics Academy (WFA) in South Africa. On a mission to tackle poaching, the WFA recreates wildlife crimes in a warehouse and students and rangers dressed in hazmat suits are taught how to handle the evidence. Across the world, wildlife crimes – including animal trafficking and poaching – are on the rise and are a major threat to the planet’s biodiversity. By providing forensics training, Greg Simpson, co-founder of the WFA, … [Read more...] about Fake blood and stuffed animals: How wildlife forensics could help to convict poachers
Latest science confirms plummeting penguin population
On June 23 2000, when – like now – Cape Town was in the icy grip of mid-winter, South Africa suffered what was called the world’s worst coastal seabird environmental disaster.That was the day when the fully laden ore-carrier MV Treasure broke up and sank some 8km north of Robben Island while a salvage tug was attempting to tow it to safety. The stricken vessel spilled more than 1,100 tons of highly toxic heavy fuel oil into the ocean, covering with oil tens of thousands of African Penguins from … [Read more...] about Latest science confirms plummeting penguin population
Transnet monitoring port operations as adverse weather continues
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Transnet says it is continuously monitoring operations at the ports of Cape Town, Saldanha, Port Elizabeth and Ngqura amid adverse weather conditions in parts of the country. In a statement, Transnet explained that strong winds have led to high wave swells that have led to shipping movements being suspended at some ports for safety reasons. However, no major incidents have been reported thus far. “The strong winds, which have created high swell conditions, must … [Read more...] about Transnet monitoring port operations as adverse weather continues
WESSA ABB Alien Clearing Driftsands Drive Humewood Saturday 13 July 2024
The WESSA Algoa Bay Branch July 2024 alien clearing will be on Saturday 13 July 2024 in Driftsands Drive Humewood from 09:00 – 11:00. This is again part of our ongoing efforts to stem the spread of the Rooikrans and other alien invaders in this environmentally vulnerable spot. Invasive species still seriously threaten the sensitive indigenous bush. The objective is to eradicate these alien plants and give the local vegetation a good chance to recover and re-establish itself. Dedicating your … [Read more...] about WESSA ABB Alien Clearing Driftsands Drive Humewood Saturday 13 July 2024
The Critical Importance of Protecting Our Natural Environment for Future Generations
Johannesburg, 27 June 2024: The natural environment is the foundation upon which our societies are built, providing us with essential resources such as clean air, water, and food. It is a source of beauty and inspiration, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance necessary for all life forms to thrive. However, the environment is under increasing pressure from human activities, and its degradation poses a significant threat not only to our current way of life but also to … [Read more...] about The Critical Importance of Protecting Our Natural Environment for Future Generations
WESSA in Action! Webinar #2
Join the bi-monthly information session for WESSA members and supporters today, Wednesday 26 June 2024 from 17h30 to18h30. The aim is to showcase and connect with members, volunteers and staff across WESSA's Educate. Advocate. Act activities. In WESSA's 2nd Webinar: Morgan Griffiths will provide an update on current advocacy issues Eugene Moll will discuss Decolonising Conservation in South Africa Nomfundo Ndlovu and Morgan Griffiths will showcase WESSA's South32 Eco-Hubs and how … [Read more...] about WESSA in Action! Webinar #2
WESSA ABB Beach Clean-Up The Beacon Summerstrand Saturday 22 June 2024
The WESSA Algoa Bay Branch beach clean-up for June, will be in Summerstrand starting at the Beacon at the intersection of Marine Drive and Admiralty Way, on Saturday 22 June 2024 from 09:30 to 10:30. June each year is commonly known as World Ocean Month, so this clean-up will be an opportunity to make your contribution to caring for the earth. This stretch of coastline has a serious litter problem for a variety of reasons, and needs regular and ongoing clean-ups. We are hoping that by … [Read more...] about WESSA ABB Beach Clean-Up The Beacon Summerstrand Saturday 22 June 2024
The Future of Gumtree SA is Local
June 2024 , Cape Town, South Africa -Since late 2022, Gumtree SA has been entirely SA-owned for the first time. “Becoming locally-owned, hosted and controlled has been a significant strategic boost for Gumtree South Africa (SA)”, says Marcus Badach, Chief of Staff at Gumtree South Africa. “This localisation and the resultant agility have made a huge difference to us at Gumtree; positioning ourselves as a marketplace deeply rooted in local needs and nuances, differentiates us from our … [Read more...] about The Future of Gumtree SA is Local
Ignition Group Sponsors Local School’s First Digital Library
June 2024, Durban KwaZulu-Natal – Since 2022 Ignition Group (Ignition) has been working in conjunction with The Learn Project on the Book Corners and School Library initiative. “We believe that by supporting literacy and reading programmes for foundation phase, learners at less privileged schools get the base they need to participate in and benefit from formal education,” says Head Group Marketing of Ignition Group, Samantha Botha. “In alignment with this priority, we want to ensure that … [Read more...] about Ignition Group Sponsors Local School’s First Digital Library
Daybreak Foods Announces Partnership With Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme To Address Critical Issue Of Youth Unemployment
Johannesburg, 10 June 2024: Daybreak Foods, a prominent player in the agribusiness sector, has taken a commendable step towards addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment in South Africa. The company is launching a partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, an initiative that is a beacon of hope for many young individuals who are seeking opportunities to kickstart their careers in agriculture and related industries.The YES Programme, which has been instrumental in … [Read more...] about Daybreak Foods Announces Partnership With Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme To Address Critical Issue Of Youth Unemployment
