Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Mduduzi Manana, has encouraged learners to apply at institutions of higher learning for the 2016 academic year now.

September is the cut-off deadline for many institutions of higher learning.

The Deputy Minister said this on Tuesday as he rolled out the 2015 Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance Campaign at three schools in Bergville, in KwaZulu-Natal.

The campaign is aimed at encouraging learners to apply on time for admission to post-school institutions to avoid the last minute rush at the beginning of each academic year. The campaign runs from March to September each year.

“The campaign was initiated by the department, following the unfortunate incident that happened at the University of Johannesburg in 2012, where a mother died in a stampede whilst accompanying her child to submit a late application.

“The career guidance component of the campaign seeks to inform learners about career choices available within the post-school education and training (PSET) sector,” the Ministry said.

Among the learners who attended the event was Silindile Kubheka. The 18-year-old is President of the Learner Representative Council at Mhlawazini High School.

She encouraged learners to heed the call and apply on time. “We promise to obtain above 80% pass for matric so we can benefit fully on the opportunities shared by the Honourable Deputy Minister,” said Kubheka.

The Deputy Minister encouraged learners to consider Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as an alternative to university education because the skills needs of the country necessitate a massive production of artisans from TVET colleges.

He also promoted the 100 occupations in high demand list that was released by the Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande in 2014.

This will assist learners to make informed career choices to avoid a situation where they too join a cohort of unemployed and unemployable graduates, said the Ministry.

The department is currently running a career development services centre to assist learners with career advice.

Deputy Minister Manana encouraged learners to use their cell phones to reach the centre by sending an SMS or a “Please Call Me” to 072 204 5056. – SAnews.gov.za

Government values the swift process by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) in reviewing the selective reopener for the third multi-year price determination for the period 1 July 2015 to 31 March 2016 that was submitted by Eskom.

As a selective reopener application, it was specifically to fund only the higher usages of the Open Cycle Gas Turbines and cover the cost of buying capacity from the short-term power purchase programme. Eskom is in the process of preparing for its full application to Nersa with regard to the Third Multi-Year Electricity Price Determination which will be submitted before the end of July 2015.

By ensuring that the requirements which are needed for our energy sector are promptly addressed it allows us to stabilise our electricity network and move South Africa forward.

Government appreciates the work of NERSA which is a product of our democratic dispensation. It ensures that there are checks and balances within the country’s energy sector.

It is mandated as the country’s independent single regulator and created under National Energy Regulator Act to protect the both interest of energy producers and consumers.

This is part of our commitment as an open, transparent and democratic society that we had envisioned at the start of democracy. It keeps South Africans informed and allows them to play an active role in the direction of the country.

Regulators and governance institutions established since 1994 ensure management of key sectors to meet the country’s needs and citizens have a say on matters that affect them.

In May 2015 NERSA had begun to process the Eskom application. This included a period of written comments from stakeholders which ended on 15 June 2015 and public hearings that were held on 23 and 24 June 2015.

NERSA afforded everyone, stakeholders and members of the public alike with an opportunity to participate in the public hearings. These were open meetings between officials and citizens, during which citizens offered their comments and views on application.

These interactions reflects the power of our democracy at work as more than 250 submissions had been made by members of the public and civil society organisations.

In keeping with our democratic principles, the views and interests of all stakeholders are incorporated into NERSA’s decisions. In assessing the Eskom application, NERSA would also consider all other possible funding options such as raising additional debt.

The Eskom application has been extensively discussed by the War-room on Energy and is one of a number of options that are being considered to ensure the continued supply of electricity and address Eskom’s financial stability.

Government appreciates the speedy conclusion of the process and thanks all South Africans for their input. As a people-led Government, we care about what citizens think and feel about the policies and programmes that we have put in place to address priorities as mandated by South Africans. We need to work together to move South Africa forward.

The rising number of households and agricultural land ravaged by fires every winter concerns the Newcastle Fire Service. It is a known fact that fires can never be prevented, since it`s crucial element in preserving nature. However, we can prevent fires from damaging items and areas of value.
It is therefore the role of each one of us to join efforts in the fight against unwanted fires.
The fire department has the following Fire Safety tips for the residents.
• Always remember all fires start small.
• Fires need oxygen, something to light it and something that can burn.
• Removing any of the three elements stops the fire.
• Avoid unnecessary open flames.
• Keep your property free of grown and dry vegetation.
• Make firebreaks around your property (farm).
• Check Fire Danger Index (FDI) with the Fire Protection Association (FPA) office and /or fire department before making a firebreak.
• Avoid accumulation of combustibles in an unprotected area.
• Do not take a chance with open fires on a windy day.
• Keep matches away from children
• Keep fuel can away from children
• Make sure you extinguish the fire after a braai.
• Report ALL FIRES you can see regardless of size.
• Switch off the heater and stoves when you go to bed or when leaving the house.
• Do not place heaters to close to bed linen or curtains or any combustible material.
• Do not overload electrical plug sockets.
• Do not leave children alone in the house with heater/stove on.
• Stay away from bad habits that can cause harm to life, property and environment.
• Report ALL FIRES on 034 312 1222

Izigwemamlilo nokuvikeleka kobusika
Ukukhula kwezindlu nobukhona kwamasimu kwenza imililo eminingi ngezikhathi zobusika, kuyazeka ukuthi imililo ayigwemeki kalula ngenxa yemvelo.

Ngezinye izindlela singavikela imililo ekuthen ingalimazi imfuyo nezindawo ezibalulekile. Kuwumsebenzi wethu ukuba sihlangane sibe yimbumba ekutheni silwe nemililo engenasidingo
Thina njengomnyango wezicishamlilo kanye nokuhlenga sinalezi ziqwashiso emphakathini.
• Khumbula yonke imililo iqala imincane.
• Umlilo udinga umoya (oxygen), udinga into ewumlilo njengomentshisi (heat) nento ezovutha (blanket).
• Uma ususa okukodwa kulokhu kokuthathu okuyizimbangela zomlilo kuyawumisa umlilo.
• Gwema imililo engenasidingo ezindaweni ezivulekile.
• Vikela isakhiwo singabi nesikhotha nezitshalo ezivulekile.
• Khanda ibhande (firebreak) uvikele isakhiwo.
• Landela imigomo ngokuthinta izicimamlilo uma ufuna ukwenza ibhande noma ukuvikela isakhiwo.
• Gwemani ukubeka inkunkuma endaweni engavikelekanga ngoba kungadala umlilo.
• Ungawubasi umlilo uma kunomoya.
• Ungabeki umentshisi lapho kufinyelela khona izingane.
• Ungabeki izigubhu eziphatha izinto eziwubulwangulwangu
• Cima umlilo uma benikade ninezoso.
• Bika ezicimamlilweni umlilo eniwubonayo ningabheki ubungako bawo.
• Cima izifudumezi (heater) kanye nezitofu ngaphambi kokuyolala noma uhamba endlini.
• Ungasondezi izifudumezi eduzane kwamakhethenisi, imibhede kanye nezimpahla ezisheshe zibambe umlilo.
• Ungatakelanisi izintambo zikagesi
• Ungashiyi izingane zodwa endlini nesitofu noma isifudumezi singacishiwe.
• Ungalahli isitompi sikagwayi etshanini obomile ngoba loko kungalimaza izimpilo, imfuyo kanye nemvelo.
• Bika yonke imililo kulenamba yosizo oluphuthumayo kulenombolo ethi 034 312 1222

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Selecting the right type of generator
Eskom has received many requests for information on the buying of generators and how to connect their generators at their homes. Generators are now available in a wide range of sizes. Generators with power supply capacities of 5kW to 50kW are readily available in the personal and home use markets, while industrial generators are anywhere from 50kW to over 3 Megawatts. A genset is either petrol or diesel driven, and is mechanically connected to an electrical generator. The engines need to be started either using a rope attached to the engine similar to that of a lawnmower or with a starter motor and a switch.

The generator part of the genset will start generating power once the engine starts and will stabilise at around 220 volts until a load or wattage is connected. This is where it is vitally important to decide what load is to be connected to the genset. Unfortunately, generator under sizing is one of the most common mistakes committed by buyers. Not only could it damage your generator, but it can also damage other assets connected to it, create hazardous situations, and even limit overall productivity of the unit and/or the business relying on it. If nothing else, the key thing to remember here is that more is always better than less.

Things to consider when buying a generator:
• Safety: Generators need to be correctly installed and/or connected to the building via a suitable and approved change-over switch including installation of an over current protection circuit breaker in the main distribution board by a certified electrician in terms of certificate of compliance SABS 1- 0142
• Total electrical load to be connected
• Voltage, frequency and phase
• Does the generator need to start automatically? If so, then an automatic mains failure (AMF) mechanism needs to be installed. If not, a procedure needs to be put in place for manual start and switch over.
• Suitable location for the generator – outside or in vented area (not to be installed in an enclosed area or indoors)
• Acceptable noise levels
• Altitude and running time

How big a generator should you get?
This capacity depends on the sum (maximum total load expected at any given time) of the electrical loads you want to power simultaneously, measured in watts. First, add up all the loads you know you want to be able to run simultaneously. Then, as a precaution, figure out which electrical item in your house requires the most electricity to start its motor and add that to your total, bearing in mind that the startup current of a pool pump motor, for example, is about 1.4 times the running load and large items like air conditioners and some refrigerators can be two or three times what they use while running. Make sure your generator can accommodate that extra electricity needed so that larger items won’t overload the system if they start up.
Every generator has two wattage ratings: running wattage and surge wattage. Generators are rated for surge wattage because they should have some excess capacity in case the load you need is temporarily larger than what you’ve calculated. When you buy a generator, choose the size based on the running wattage and its surge wattage should automatically fall into line with what you need. If you’re worried about needing more surge wattage, buy a larger generator.

What loads should you consider powering with the generator?
• Kitchen, bathroom and sitting room lights
• One plug in kitchen for kettle or cellphone charger
• Refrigerator/freezer
• Television and decoder
• Garage door opener
• Microwave/oven
• Computer
• Security – alarm systems/electric fencing/lighting

How do you calculate all this?
All heating appliances such as stoves, heaters, dishwashers, geysers, kettles, tumble dryers, toasters and hairdryers draw the most power. Controlling the number of lights switched on during generated power is advisable. PCs and electronic equipment don’t use much power but are voltage sensitive. If the generator does not deliver a constant voltage and there are dips and spikes in the system, equipment is likely to suffer damage. During generator use it is best to switch off some appliances when using others.

In this example you need a generator with the following capabilities:
Recommended wattage: 3 692 (Appliance with the highest starting wattage + total running wattage for all other appliances = total wattage needed)
Maximum wattage: 4700 Voltage: 220-240V

Do you need to hire an electrician to set up a generator safely?
A licensed electrician, who must carry out the installation, must understand and must have experience in wiring the switches, since incorrect wiring of all the live, neutral and earth wires could be life threatening.

The local supply authority should be contacted to determine their particular requirements when a genset is installed.

You can check whether the electrician is registered by contacting the local offices of the Electrical Contracting Board of South Africa. In addition always make sure that he gives you a valid electrical certificate of compliance. NEVER attempt this work yourself and never plug a supply from a genset into a socket of your house. If you do not want to install a changeover switch, a temporary extension lead from the genset can be used to plug in the equipment that you require. The lead size is important to ensure that it can carry the required load.

The transfer or change-over switch is likely to be a manual device which has three switching positions – most have a central off position and a position to the left and right of the off position. One is for the main supply and the other for the generator supply.

This will mean that when the main supply fails, the switch will have to be manually turned from mains to the generator supply. The whole process will have to be repeated once the main supply returns.

This “switching” procedure is a vital part of the process as a “back feed” is both potentially dangerous and can also damage the generator and electronic devices such as computers, TV and hi-fi. The main supply and the generator supply must never run in parallel. These transfer switches can also be automatically controlled, but this is far more complicated and costs a great deal more.

Can’t I just plug my generator into a wall outlet?
No. This is known as backfeeding, and it’s very dangerous for a variety of reasons. For instance, if someone forgets to throw the main circuit breaker to electrically isolate the house from the grid, then the generator could send electrical power beyond the house and out onto the grid. Also should the earth leakage or main switch be left on, when grid power resumes it will destroy your generator and could even cause electrical or other fires and many other hazards. In addition, if you choose to switch off the earth leakage main switch to avoid this issue, you need to remember that your family is at high risk of electrocution as when back-feeding power to your house, since the electrical system will not have earth leakage protection.

What’s the difference between a standby generator and a backup generator?
A standby generator is permanently installed apparatus, much like a compressor for a central air-conditioning system. Its engine runs on natural gas or propane. A backup generator is a small, petrol-engine generator that you wheel into position outside the house and then plug into the transfer switch. Or it can be connected to electrical loads via heavy-duty extension cords.

If it’s raining outside, can you put the generator in the garage and run it there, as long as the door stays open?
No. Never run a generator inside a house, inside a garage, under a carport, on a porch, inside a screened porch or near an open window. Even with the garage door open, the carbon monoxide (CO) in the generator’s exhaust can sicken somebody inside the house or, in the worst case, even kill someone.

What other safety tips should you keep in mind?
Have working smoke and CO detectors in the house when using a generator.
Keep the generator at least 5 metres from the house to minimize risks from CO and also the risk of the generator’s hot muffler melting vinyl siding.
Never fuel a generator while it is operating (running) or when it’s hot as it is a huge
fire/explosion hazard. Remember: “Let it cool before you fuel.”

Generators are loud. What can be done about that?
Unfortunately, not much. More mechanically advanced generators do a better job than older ones at adjusting engine rpm to their electrical output. This reduces their running speed, which is quieter and conserves fuel. The simplest way to reduce generator noise is to reduce the electrical load you’re imposing on it.

Does the generator need to be grounded?
Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual. If the manual calls for grounding the generator, that’s relatively easy to do. One simple way is to run a 12-gauge ground wire from the grounding terminal on the generator to a copper ground rod you’ve driven into the soil next to the generator. (The generator will have a grounding terminal symbol to help you identify the terminal’s location.)

As an alternative, the manual may ask you to run a ground wire from the generator’s grounding terminal to the ground bus inside the house’s service panel. As long as you follow the instructions provided in the manual, the generator will be safely grounded.

Compiled by Eskom Corporate Affairs February 2015