A new study by EE Publishers looks at the initial capital cost as well as the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) generated by the proposed 9.6 GW new-nuclear build in South Africa. Initial cost R776 billion The EE Publishers study estimates an initial overnight capital cost (including owner’s development costs, but excluding interest during construction) of the 9.6 GW … [Read more...]
The time has come to un-muzzle the SABC
The SABC is under attack - corrupted into a pro-government megaphone that deafens democracy and drowns out dissent. Six journalists have now been suspended for criticising the propaganda policies of SABC chief, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Policies that silence reports on public protests and require 80% of SABC news to be good news - news the government likes. As elections … [Read more...]
Comment sought on draft carbon-offset rules
National Treasury on Monday published the draft regulations on carbon offset in terms of the Draft Carbon Tax Bill for public comment and further consultation. The Carbon Offset Regulations were developed jointly by National Treasury, the Department of Energy and the Department of Environmental Affairs in terms of Sections 13 and 20 (b) of the Draft Carbon Tax Bill and sets … [Read more...]
Ethical Coffee Part 1: How to drink a cuppa that matters
On the journey towards regenerative living you transition from consumer to conserver. You want all your shopping to serve a greater purpose. Where does it come from, how was it produced, how were the workers treated? How can us coffee drinkers ensure that our drink or purchase is as close to harmless as possible? There are different criteria here – organic, shade-grown and … [Read more...]
SA sends 300 firefighters to help battle Canadian blaze
Canada is hammered by excessive fires and our skilled firefighters are helping. South Africa has answered the call and is providing aid to Canada. 300 of their firefighters have come to help with the Fort McMurray Beast, landing at Edmonton International Airport a week ago. Anyone who’s ever flown between Canada and South Africa knows that you’re pretty much semi-conscious … [Read more...]
No end in sight for Fukushima’s reign of marine terror
The 5th anniversary of the meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear power plant on the east coast of Japan has come and gone, and, still the whole story hasn't been told. The cover-up began almost immediately after the 11 March 2011 disaster, and Japanese journalists who dared write about it, risked criminal action. Besides Japanese pride, there are many reasons for the cover-up. … [Read more...]
What are the next steps to domesticate the Paris Agreement?
Although South Africa has announced its intention to sign the Paris Agreement, there is still a long road ahead before it can be translated into constructive action domestically. The Paris climate change conference (UNFCCC COP21) stood out as not only a symbol of global solidarity, but also a beacon of hope for the then flailing international climate change negotiations. It … [Read more...]
Health for all demands switch from intervention to prevention
Despite the best efforts of our National Department of Health to reduce the burden of disease in South Africa, many of today’s most common diseases including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other diseases of lifestyle continue to rise sharply in numbers. Just the number of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes continues to rise unabated, despite increasing disease management … [Read more...]
It is very obvious now that a “war on natural health” has begun
Since the signing and promulgation of the Medicines & Related Substances Amendment Act containing the new definition of medicine on 24th December 2015, there seems to have been a step up in the SAPS special crimes unit's activities around Cannabis medicine makers and healers despite the fact that at least 16 stays of prosecution have been granted in view of the upcoming … [Read more...]
Comrades in arms: BRICS nations’ war on drugs
While all 50 states in the US have now legalised medicinal cannabis - due to its exceptional healing properties - SA and other BRICS countries are clamping down on this plant for both medicinal and recreational purposes. The BRICS nations comprise of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The members are all developing or newly industrialised countries, with a … [Read more...]
SA to ease strict GM crop rules to avert food crisis
South Africa will relax some of its tough rules on genetically modified crops so it can ramp up maize imports from the United States and Mexico to avert a potential food crisis amid a severe drought, officials said. Almost 90% of maize in South Africa is genetically modified and the country bans commodities with strains not approved by the government and does not allow … [Read more...]
Nuclear energy just not natural for SA
The Cabinet has endorsed nuclear power. Now the governing party’s secretary-general, Gwede Mantashe, has stated that those who claim SA cannot afford it are "mischievous." Surely, he is missing the point? It is not only a question of whether nuclear energy is affordable, but whether it is right for our nation and planet. The country clearly cannot afford it, but even if we … [Read more...]
Cops to spray poison again in Eastern Cape
Glyphosate has been banned in many parts of the world and the World Health Organisation has recently declared it a grade 2 carcinogenic. This means 'probably causes cancer.' This month it seems police are again going to use helicopters to spray this on the dagga fields in the former Transkei, despite widespread opposition. Eastern Cape police spokeswoman Colonel Sibongile … [Read more...]
