Happy 2009!

Happy New Year. 2009 looks promising for South Africa & the rest of the world. As RSA is bracing herself for the 4th democratic elections, we all anticipate a good balance in the polical leadership and opposition (as Obama shown us in 2008 that change is possible). 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup in South Africa is just over 500 days away, and 2009 will see us hosting the Confederation Cup. Hopefully Zimbabwe and other neighbours will find political and economical solutions in 2009. We have confidence that Mr President Obama will push to resolve some of the world challenges - economic crunch, peace - lead the renewable energy revolution and contributing positively to climate change resolutions. Happy, peaceful and prosperous 2009!

Airshow in Cape Town

Excellent display of South African military aircrafts including fighter jets...


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A visit to Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve

On the 5-7 September, my extended family, my family and I visited and lodge at Kagga Kamma, which is located near the Cederberg mountains. The whole trip, the scenary was refreshing. Driving more than 70km's on gravel road reminded me of the former Transkei region with the mountainside roads. Hikes, Snow, Animals - boks, Bushmen's ancient paintings, all was just amazing.

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InWent course on Renewable Energy

On the 14-16 July 2008, I attended a Renewable Energy course, sponsored and facilitated by InWent, a German-based organisation. The course focused on the State of Bavaria - how they are optimising the manufacture and implementation of wind turbines and PV panels.

"Cap your Carbon"! Happy World Environment Day, South Africa!

Happy World Environment Day to all! Today the world is celebrating the WED by encouraging people from all nations and all walks of life to TAKE ACTION against the greatest threat of all, the global Climate Change. The UN theme for 2008 is "Kick the CO2 habit! Towards a low carbon economy!" In that, everyone is encouraged to put a ceiling to their business-as-usual, carbon-intensive lifestyle and pursue a low-carbon lifestyle.

Our organisation is celebrating the day by encouraging the employees to play "Climate Change Quiz" on a Touchscreen Kiosk (that I personally masterminded). The Quiz has ten questions ranging from what the definition of CC to what actions the Provincial Government of the Western Cape is taking, to personal actions that individuals should adopt.

The prize for the winners is a cap (a tight-fitting headdress...see picture below) with the label "CAP YOUR CARBON". The cap was introduced by the Provincial Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Tasneen Essop during her Budget Speech in the Legislative House, encouraging the Legislative members to calculate their Carbon Footprints in order to necessary steps in reducing their footprint. The Carbon Foorprint of all the senior managers in my organisation has been calculated.

The Cap...


The employees queueing to participate in the CC Quiz...


I personally want to challenge, YOU (the reader) to calculate your Carbon Footprint, and then examine what small and big changes you may need to make in your everyday lifestyle.

Happy WED!

GISSA's GIS Week 2008 event

During 5-9 May 2008, GISSA (Geo-Information Society of South Africa) - an association that represents the interests of Geospatial experts in South Africa - hosted the GIS Week event at the UWC; targeting the School learners and educators. Since GIS has been incorporated as part of the Geography Syllabus for the Grade 10-12 learners in South Africa, there is need for all the geospatial experts and organisation to assist in training and support schools especially rural schools. So GISSA is doing their bit by hosting them.

This year I led my staff in exhibiting and assisting in the training lab. I believe our stall was the best as our touchscreen kiosk (that I designed) was the centre of attraction. Every time the learners get the highest score on the Climate Change QUIZ, they were given prizes (including a bag, water bottle and a pencil case - all with a message on Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Recycling).

Our exhibit theme was "Greening 2010 Soccer World Cup as part of our Climate Change Action Plan". Some of our work showcased included the GreenStaySA - an initiative targeting the hotels to reduce their footprint through clean production, energy and water efficiency, etc. Our aim is to get as many hotels participating in the Campaign. We also demonstrated the possible applications of GIS on Climate Change scenarios, e.g. Sea level rise in an informal settlement. We also promoted Energy Efficiency and the use of Renewable Energy.

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Solar Water Heaters Launch at Hessequa, Riversdale

On the 17th April I participated in a Solar Water Heater Project Launch that was held in Riversdale in Hessequa Local Municipality (just about under 100km away from George). The event was graced by the presence of MEC Tasneem Essop, the Provincial Minister of Environment, Planning and Economic Development, and the National Minister of Minerals and Energy, the Honorable Minister Buyelwa Sonjica.

As South Africa is facing power outages as well as load shedding, this initiave aims at contributing to Electricity Savings in the Province. Solar Water Heaters/Geysers have been identified as one of the measures to be installed by households and businesses in order to save electricity. In this project, 240 SWH units will be installed in Riversdale alone, and about 760 in Cape Town.

This project will also address three areas of challenge, namely,
(1) Global Climate Change (SWH uses clean energy to heat water - no emissions released during the operation of the unit),
(2) Job Creation & Poverty Alleviation (about 50 jobs were created in Riversdale alone - a training academy for SWH is to be established during 2008)
(3) Save electricity (this technology save up to 40% of the total electricity consumption for heating water)

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