Eskom’s Dirty Little Secret: Diesel-Fueled Power Station Running Rampant

Eskom’s attempt to stave off power cuts in South Africa has led to a dirty little secret: the utility is relying heavily on diesel-fueled auxiliary turbines to keep the lights on. And it’s not just a temporary fix – these polluting power plants are running at full capacity, spewing toxic fumes into the air and lining the pockets of Eskom’s executives.

The utility’s excuses are as flimsy as the excuses they give for their lack of investment in renewable energy. “Higher-than-expected electricity demand driven by cold weather” is just a fancy way of saying they’re not doing their job. And don’t even get us started on the “plant outages” that have led to this situation. It’s like they’re intentionally sabotaging the grid to justify their reliance on dirty energy.

The Diesel Bonanza

Eskom’s diesel-fueled power plants are guzzling fuel like there’s no tomorrow. And with diesel prices through the roof, it’s no wonder they’re raking in the cash. But at what cost? The air we breathe is getting dirtier by the day, and our planet is paying the price.

The Outlook: More of the Same

Eskom’s promise of no load shedding through to the end of March 2025 is just a hollow promise. They’ll keep relying on these dirty power plants until they’re forced to do otherwise. And when that day comes, it’ll be too late. The damage will be done, and our planet will be left to suffer the consequences.

Don’t Miss: The State’s Solution to Eskom’s Power Price Hike Pain

But don’t worry, the state has a solution to Eskom’s power price hike pain. And it’s not a solution that involves investing in renewable energy or reducing our reliance on dirty power plants. No, it’s a solution that involves… well, you’ll just have to read the article to find out.

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“Get Ready to Overthrow the Boring Legalese! Sabinet’s NetLaw AI Research Assistant is the Game-Changer You Never Knew You Needed.

In a world where compliance is more crucial than ever, navigating the complexities of South African legislation can be a chore. But what if there was a way to do it with ease, flair, and a dash of AI magic? Enter the NetLaw AI Research Assistant, the ultimate legal game-changer that’s transforming the way we interact with the law.

This sassy AI assistant is packed with advanced search capabilities that can help you find exactly what you need in minutes, not hours. Think of it as your ultimate legal sidekick, complete with a mind-reading ability that knows exactly what you’re looking for before you even ask.

“We’re not just talking about a fancy new tool; we’re talking about revolutionizing the way people think about legal research,” said Sanet Vos, Sabinet’s head of product. “The NetLaw AI Research Assistant is not just for legal enthusiasts; it’s for anyone who wants to stay one step ahead of the compliance curve.”

But don’t just take their word for it. The NetLaw AI Research Assistant has got the skills to pay the bills, with features that include:

AI-driven discovery: Find the information you need in a snap

In-document exploration: Go deep into the heart of the legislation

Related document search: Find the connecting threads between seemingly unrelated pieces of legislation

Export functionality: Take your research to the next level

Applicable legislation-related content at your fingertips: Because ease of access is key!

So, what are you waiting for? Join the legal revolution and experience the thrill of legislative exploration with Sabinet’s NetLaw AI Research Assistant. Ready, set, comply!

The Great TV Heist: StarSat Accuses Icasa of Power Grab

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In a move that has left the industry reeling, StarSat has accused the communications regulator, Icasa, of orchestrating a calculated power grab after a high-stakes raid on their premises. The regulator’s actions, which included the confiscation of equipment and disconnection of infrastructure, have left StarSat’s services in 23 African countries in shambles.

A License to Steal?

Icasa’s warrant allegedly targeted equipment belonging to On Digital Media (ODM), whose license has expired. However, StarSat claims that equipment belonging to StarTimes Media, which has a valid license, was also seized. "It’s like they came in with a license to steal," said Pule Mabe, head of public affairs and strategy at StarSat.

Icasa’s Aggressive Tactics

Mabe alleged that Icasa officials refused to take guidance from StarSat staff members on which equipment to disconnect, instead opting for a scorched-earth approach. "They disconnected everything, including equipment that didn’t belong to us," he said. "It was an aggressive and heavy-handed tactic."

A Conspiracy Theory?

Mabe stopped short of accusing Icasa of having a personal agenda, but his tone was unmistakable. "Icasa’s actions suggest there is an agenda," he said. When pressed for further details, Mabe cryptically referred to "movements" from Icasa to another institution that provides the same services as StarSat.

The Fallout

The raid has left viewers in affected territories with a patchy viewing experience. "Some of our best channels, like Discovery Channel and National Geographic, are not available at all," said Jan Harmse, marketing manager at StarSat. "It’s like they’re trying to destroy our brand."

The Battle for Plurality

StarSat has vowed to fight on, taking their case to the high court and even approaching the office of Communications Minister Solly Malatsi. "This is an affront to plurality and diversity in the media," said Mabe. "We will not go down without a fight."

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

The Tsunami of Spending: How Businesses Are Drowning in Their Own Excess

Imagine a tsunami, but instead of a massive wave, it’s a never-ending deluge of unnecessary spending. That’s what’s happening in business today. Companies are throwing money at problems without thinking about the long-term consequences, and it’s going to take a devastating impact to wake them up.

That’s according to Matt Lawlor, a futurist and business strategist at Futureworld, who spoke at the ITWeb Brainstorm and BCX Enterprise Forum in Cape Town. Lawlor warned that the world of business is on the brink of a revolution, with companies facing disruption and innovation at an unprecedented scale. And those that can’t adapt will be left behind.

The Death of the Status Quo

The average tenure of companies on the S&P 500 Index is projected to be just 14 years by 2026, a significant drop from 33 years in 1965. This means that the battle for relevance is on, and businesses must focus equally on planning for the future and reassessing current practices to retain customer loyalty.

But how do companies avoid becoming the next casualty of this tsunami of spending? Lawlor pointed to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has managed to reduce the cost of space travel by rethinking its approach. Instead of building a brand-new rocket for every trip, SpaceX develops reusable rockets that can be used multiple times. And they’ve managed to cut the average cost of a rocket launch by a whopping 90%.

The Hotdog Effect

But what about the hotdog and soda special at Costco? For decades, the retailer has been selling a hotdog and refillable soda for just $1.50. And despite the low price, Costco has managed to keep the profit margins intact by producing their own hotdogs and redesigning their food courts to speed up service. It’s a masterclass in understanding what customers want and delivering value.

Spending Money to Deliver Value

So, how do companies avoid throwing money at problems without thinking about the long-term consequences? Dr Fazlyn Petersen, a senior lecturer at the University of the Western Cape, warned that you can’t reduce costs if you don’t understand what your value proposition is and what value you add to your customers. You also need to know what makes you money.

And Pragasen Pather, Sun International’s group CIO, learned a valuable lesson during the Covid-19 pandemic. When the country went into lockdown, Sun International was forced to put several strategies in place to keep the lights on. But instead of giving up, they used the crisis as an opportunity to innovate and disrupt their business model. And it paid off.

The Real Competitive Advantage

So, what’s the real competitive advantage in business today? It’s not technology, as many companies think. It’s not even innovation. It’s about understanding what your customers want and spending money on activities that provide the most value to them. And it’s about embracing different levels of innovation – incremental, radical, and disruptive – to increase revenue in different ways.

The tsunami of spending may be devastating, but it’s also an opportunity for businesses to rethink their approach and deliver value to their customers. Will you be the one to ride the wave, or will you be swept away by the tide of unnecessary spending?

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SOLLY MALATSI SETS THE HONESTY BAR LOW WITH SHOCKING NEW MOVE TO RUIN BEE

In a bold – and utterly reckless – move, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has announced plans to issue a policy direction that could bring about the END OF BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT RULES AS WE KNOW THEM. And, trust us, this is a VERY GOOD THING… or is it?

According to insiders, Malatsi’s plan is to "clarify" government’s stance on empowerment rules in the ICT sector, essentially gutting the requirements that demand telecommunications and broadcasting licensees have black shareholders. Why, you ask? So that "investment can thrive" and "job creation can flourish" (just don’t ask what happens to the people who will be displaced).

And here’s the kicker: this move comes hot on the heels of Malatsi’s meeting with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and the US President. Coincidence? We think not.

So, what’s the plan, then? Malatsi wants to make equity equivalence schemes the norm, which will "encourage investment" (read: foreign ownership). And to make sure poor South Africans can access affordable broadband, he’s planning to LOWER REGULATORY HURDLES TO INVESTMENT… which is just code for "more profits for multinational companies".

Oh, and let’s not forget about those smart devices needed to access 4G and 5G data – Malatsi’s proposed lowering the price of those too. But we all know what that really means…

Malatsi claims this is all part of an initiative to "expand access to broadband connectivity" to those in rural areas, but we know better. This is about further enriching the corporate elite at the expense of the people. And let’s not even get started on the impact on black-owned businesses…

Foreign Direct Investment? More Like Foreign Control

But what’s the real motivation behind Malatsi’s plans? Is it to bring in more foreign direct investment? Or is it to turn South Africa into a US satellite state, beholden to the whims of corporations like SpaceX?

Don’t miss our follow-up story: "Malatsi to seek end to Post Office monopoly"… yeah, because that’s really going to solve all the problems in South Africa…

Stay woke, stay angry, stay vigilant… the fight against this blatant attack on our economy is just beginning!

SHOCKING TRUTH: SA’s Digital Future Held Hostage by Red Tape

Communications and digital technologies minister Solly Malatsi has finally acknowledged the elephant in the room: South Africa’s crippling regulatory hurdles are suffocating investment in the country’s digital infrastructure. In a bold move, Malatsi is set to issue a policy direction to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to ease the stranglehold on innovation.

The Hidden Hand of Bureaucracy

For too long, SA’s digital sector has been held back by a Byzantine regulatory framework that prioritizes bureaucratic red tape over economic growth. Malatsi’s initiative aims to clarify the department’s stance on equity equivalent programs, a move that could unlock millions of dollars in investment and propel SA’s digital economy forward.

The GDP Growth Connection

Research by the World Bank shows that every 10% increase in broadband penetration leads to a 1.21% boost in GDP growth in middle-income countries like SA. Malatsi is betting that by slashing regulatory hurdles, SA can turbocharge its economy and become a digital powerhouse.

The DA’s Minister of Change

Malatsi, a member of the Democratic Alliance, has made it clear that his focus is on empowering millions of South Africans by giving them access to affordable, reliable broadband. He’s taking a bold stance against the status quo, and his initiative could be a game-changer for SA’s digital future.

The Road Ahead

Malatsi’s policy direction is just the beginning. He’s promised to announce further measures to lower the price of smart devices needed to access 4G and 5G data. The minister’s bold vision is a breath of fresh air in a sector long plagued by bureaucratic gridlock. Will SA’s digital future finally be set free? Only time will tell.

The Insidious Threat to Uber: A Johannesburg Company is Poised to Take Down the Ride-Hailing Giant

In a bold move, a South African company, Secure Express, is poised to shake up the ride-hailing industry by offering a safer, more comfortable, and more secure alternative to the likes of Uber. The company, owned by Arcfyre International, a protective services specialist, has made rider safety, comfort, and customer service its top priorities as it seeks to carve out a significant slice of the market from established rivals.

The Secure Express Revolution

Led by Glenn Howell, Secure Express is "very different" from other e-hailing businesses in that it owns its fleet of vehicles and directly employs its own drivers. This approach has eliminated some of the biggest problems in e-hailing, including drivers being incentivized to decline or accept rides based on whether or not they’ll maximize their ride earnings.

Rigorous Hiring Process

The company is also "very selective" when it comes to hiring drivers, rejecting an average of nine out of 10 applications. Every employed driver has to go through a rigorous training program, which includes first aid, advanced driving, and customer service skills. They are then assigned a Toyota Corolla from the Secure Express fleet.

Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring

The company ensures all rides booked on the platform are monitored throughout the journey from its dedicated command center in Johannesburg. Its systems constantly monitor for trouble spots across the city, and routes drivers around these areas. Riders are given the option to take the fastest route or avoid higher-risk areas.

Safety Features

If a rider’s vehicle deviates from its pre-assigned route, Secure Express customer support is alerted instantly, and the team can then activate in-vehicle cameras (passenger privacy is maintained as the cameras only face the front seats, including the driver) to get a visual of potential problems. They will then assess if the ride is under any kind of duress and react appropriately if it is – for example, by alerting the police and sending its own reaction team to the scene.

Comfort and Convenience

But Secure Express is not just about safety – it’s also about comfort and convenience. The company’s focus on customer service and rider comfort sets it apart from other ride-hailing platforms. Drivers are trained to be courteous, and riders can expect a clean car, free Wi-Fi, and a driver who won’t be distracted by their phone during the ride.

The Battle for Supremacy

With Secure Express poised to take on Uber, the ride-hailing giant, the stakes are high. But with its focus on safety, comfort, and customer service, Secure Express is well-positioned to carve out a significant slice of the market. As the battle for supremacy in the ride-hailing industry heats up, one thing is clear – Secure Express is a force to be reckoned with.