Day: September 5, 2022

Frances Tiafoe ended Rafael Nadal’s 22-match winning streak at Grand Slam tournaments by beating the 22-time major champion 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the U.S. Open’s fourth round Monday.

Tiafoe is a 24-year-old from Maryland who is seeded 22nd at Flushing Meadows and reached the second major quarterfinal of his career.

He is the youngest American man to get that far at the U.S. Open since Andy Roddick in 2006, but this was not a case of a one-sided crowd backing one of its own. Nadal is about as popular as can be in tennis and heard plenty of support in Arthur Ashe Stadium as the volume rose after the retractable roof was shut during the fourth set.

“I don't even know what to say right now. I'm beyond happy. I can't believe it,” said Tiafoe, who faces No. 9 seed Andrey Rublev next. “He's one of the greatest of all time. I played unbelievable tennis today, but I don't even know what happened.”

Here's what happened: Tiafoe served better than No. 2 seed Nadal. More surprisingly, he returned better, too. And he kept his cool, remained in the moment and never let the stakes or the opponent get to him. The 36-year-old from Spain had won both of their previous matches, and every set they played, too.

“Well, the difference is easy: I played a bad match, and he played a good match,” Nadal said. “At the end that’s it.”

This surprise came a day after one of Tiafoe’s pals, Nick Kyrgios, eliminated the No. 1 seed and defending champion Daniil Medvedev. That makes this the first U.S. Open without either of the top two seeded men reaching the quarterfinals since 2000, when No. 1 Andre Agassi exited in the second round and No. 2 Gustavo Kuerten in the first.

That was before Nadal, Novak Djokovic, who has 21 Grand Slam titles, and Roger Federer, who has 20, began dominating men's tennis. Djokovic, who is 35, did not enter this U.S. Open because is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and was not allowed to enter the United States; Federer, 41, has undergone a series of operations on his right knee and has not played since Wimbledon last year.

Now come the inevitable questions about whether their era of excellence is wrapping up.

“It signifies that the years go on,” Nadal said. “It’s the natural cycle of life.”

Either Tiafoe or Rublev will advance to a first major semifinal. Rublev, who is 0-5 in Slam quarterfinals, beat No. 7 Cam Norrie 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 earlier Monday.

The No. 1 woman, Iga Swiatek, covered her head with a white towel during one changeover after falling behind by a set and a break in her fourth-round match. She kept making mistakes, then rolling her eyes or glaring in the direction of her guest box.

Eventually, Swiatek got her strokes straightened out and moved into her first quarterfinal at Flushing Meadows by coming back to beat Jule Niemeier 2-6, 6-4, 6-0.

“I’m just proud,” Swiatek said, “that I didn’t lose hope.”

The 21-year-old from Poland will face another first-time U.S. Open quarterfinalist next. That’s No. 8 seed Jessica Pegula, the highest-ranked American woman, who advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova.

Nadal won the Australian Open in January and the French Open in June. Then he made it to the semifinals at Wimbledon in July before withdrawing from that tournament because of a torn abdominal muscle; that does not go into the books as a loss, because he pulled out before the match.

Nadal competed only once in the 1½ months between leaving the All England Club and arriving in New York while recovering from that injury. His play has not been up to his usual standards at the U.S. Open, which he has won four times.

The match ended when one last backhand by Nadal found the net. Tiafoe put his hands on his headm then he sat in his sideline chair with his face buried in a towel.

“When I first came on the scene, a lot of people had limitations on what I would do. ... I wasn't ‘ready for it mentally.’ I wasn't ‘mature,’” Tiafoe said. But these days, he added, “I'm able to just do me and do it my way and enjoy the game I love.”

This represents the latest significant step forward for Tiafoe, whose only previous trip to a Grand Slam quarterfinal came at the 2019 Australian Open — and ended with a loss to Nadal.

Tiafoe thanked a long list of folks who were in the stands, including his parents — they emigrated from Sierra Leone in West Africa and his dad worked as a maintenance man at a tennis facility near the U.S. capital — his girlfriend and Washington Wizards All-Star guard Bradley Beal.

“To have them see what I did today means more than anything,” Tiafoe said. “Today's an unbelievable day and I'm going to soak this one in, for sure.”

Source: Voice of America

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has called on interested parties to submit their comments on the proposed Licensing Exemption and Regulation notice published by Minister Gwede Mantashe.

According to the department, the notice seeks to operationalise the “various measures to address South Africa’s electricity challenges”, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the height of the electricity crisis in July.

“It outlines a set of electricity generation activities that are exempt from licensing and those that in addition to being exempt from licensing must also comply with the Code (distribution code, transmission code, or any code approved by the Regulator) and must be registered with the Regulator.

“Some of the activities exempt… include the operation of any generation facility with or without energy storage, of unrestricted capacity, with a Point of Connection on the transmission or distribution power system, and the trading of electricity by a reseller in circumstances respectively specified in sections 3.1 and 3.5 of the proposed Schedule 2 of the Electricity Exemption and Regulation Act,” the department said.

The exempt activities include:

Operation of a generation facility with or without battery storage for the sole purpose of providing standby or back-up electricity in the event of electricity supply interruption for a duration of no longer than the electricity supply interruption itself;

Operation of any generation facility with or without battery storage irrespective of capacity (MW) and the Facility does not have a point of connection, and

Operation of a facility with a capacity of no more than 100 kilowatts which complies with the code and has a Point of Connection, the distributor has prescribed the conditions relating to the continued use of the Point of Connection, and the Regulator has prescribed the manner in which the Distributor shall keep a register of each facility.

The gazette where the notice has been published can be accessed online at https://www.gov.za/documents/electricity-regulation-act-licensing-exemption-and-registration-correction-comments.

Written comments must be submitted to the Director General of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy

By Post to: Private Bag X96, Pretoria, 0001

By Hand delivery to: 71 Travenna Campus, Cnr Meintjies and Francis Baard Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria

Email: Donald.Ndobe@dmre.gov.za –

Source: South African Government News Agency

FREE STATE - Police in Botshabelo are appealing to members of the community to assist with information after human remains were found earlier last month.

Police members were summoned to an old quarry after a passer-by spotted human remains around Section F, Botshabelo on 09 August 2022 at about 12:30. Police also found a blue jean, grey top and green tekkies. A post mortem was conducted and it revealed that the human remains are that of a man. It is suspected that he might have been between the ages of 49 and 50.

An inquest was opened for investigation and anyone that might assist police with further information,is requested to contact Detective Sergeant Maruping Malatse on 051 535 8133 or 082 370 9407.

Source: South African Police Service

Government leaders have gathered at the Cabinet Lekgotla to tackle issues on the economy, safety and security, as well as the capacity of the State.

The Lekgotla, held at the Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane, is taking place after the two-year virtual interactions.

Addressing members of the media on Monday, Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said government will discuss progress on the implementation of infrastructure projects, as it is central to the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

The plan aims to build a new economy and unleash South Africa’s true potential. The overarching goal of the plan is to create sustainable, resilient and inclusive economy.

It will focus on energy security; industrial base to create jobs; mass public employment programme; infrastructure development; macro-economic interventions; green economy; food security, and reviving the tourism sector.

During this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa announced R21 billion infrastructure projects to support economic growth and better livelihoods, especially in energy, roads and water management.

Several catalytic projects were expected to start construction this year.

Gungubele said the meeting will discuss economic interventions that have been implemented by top economies and how this affects the country’s fiscal framework.

“…This is key in terms of ensuring that we stay afloat, we are able pay our debt and at the same time, make sure we are able to close the deficit. We will discuss budget pressures and expenditure pressures against the background of the country’s economy,” Gungubele said.

Issues of safety and security measures are also on the table, with a focus on infrastructure theft and vandalism, which takes a toll on the economy.

The outcomes of a survey on government’s public perception survey will also be unpacked.

The Cabinet Lekgotla is an opportunity for the President, Deputy President David Mabuza and Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Directors-General from government departments to meet and strategise on government’s priorities.

The meeting will assess the current administration and the progress made to date in bettering the lives of South Africans.

Source: South African Government News Agency

GQEBERHA - Unabated actions by SAPS members in the Nelson Mandela Bay District in the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition is yielding positive results as 11 firearms were confiscated during last week from 29 August to 05 September 2022.

Most of the illegal firearms recovered is a result of intensified crime prevention patrols and operations as well as police visibility in hotspot areas. Significant confiscations and arrests include:

On Monday 29 August 2022 at about 15:39, while SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members were patrolling in the gang hot spot area in Extension 22, they received information of a firearm lying in an open field around extension 22. The members swiftly reacted and a Glock pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition was found. An enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.

SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members once again recovered another firearm on 30 August 2022. It is alleged that at about 18:45 members were patrolling when they noticed a male running into a shop in Imbuia Street in Arcadia. Members followed him and after searching him, a 9mm pistol and 12 rounds of ammunition was found in his possession. The 28 year old was arrested and detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

A third firearm was recovered on 01 September 2022 by SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members when at about 21:50, the members noticed a suspicious male who, on seeing the police vehicle, swiftly changed direction and started running away from the approaching vehicle. Members chased after him and after searching him, a firearm and five rounds of ammunition was found in his pocket .He was arrested and detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

On 03 September 2022, while Public Order Policing and the Anti-Gang Unit members were monitoring a funeral of a gang member in Kamesh, they heard the sound of gunfire and as they approached the cemetery, they noticed a male walking towards a white VW Jetta vehicle. The vehicle was searched, two firearms and 23 rounds of ammunition were recovered. No one was arrested and an enquiry docket was opened for investigation. Also on the 04 September 2022, AGU members also confiscated 50 rounds of ammunition and a toy firearm at a house in Sable Street in Gelvandale.

All 11 firearms confiscated during the week will be sent to ballistics for analysis.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata applauded the members for their unwavering and relentless efforts in ensuring that illegal firearms are taken off the illegal pool of criminals. ‘We will continue to stamp the authority of the State on criminals by destroying their illicit activities. Ensuring a safer community can only be better if we all work together to stop the proliferation of illegal firearms,’ added Maj Gen Ncata.

Source: South African Police Service

Social Development Deputy Minister, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, has urged residents of Carletonville to protect unborn babies against the effects of alcohol.

The Deputy Minister was addressing community members during the fourth day of the 9-9-9 Foetal Alcohol Syndrome campaign in Carletonville on Sunday.

The 9-9-9 Foetal Alcohol Syndrome is an advocacy initiative that seeks to mobilise communities towards protecting unborn babies by educating people, especially women of childbearing age, about the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some of the symptoms of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in children include facial abnormalities, learning difficulties, poor problem solving, coordination and socialisation skills, stubbornness, low birth weight and growth retardation and behavioral problems, including the inability to concentrate.

“As we rollout the 9-9-9 Foetal Alcohol Syndrome campaign, my plea to you is that an alcohol-free society begins with me and you. It is in your hands to build strong and resilient families by not drinking alcohol, so we may together contribute towards building an alcohol-free society.

“It is important for all women who are pregnant and those who wish to give birth to healthy babies to avoid alcohol. The damage caused by FAS is permanent and irreversible, and children born with this condition have physical and intellectual problems,” said Bogopane-Zulu.

The Deputy Minister appealed to the community of Carletonville to spread the message about the dangers of drinking while pregnant, as “it is possible to enjoy a non-alcoholic drink”.

One of the pregnant mothers, who preferred to be addressed as Victoria, was afforded an opportunity to share her personal experience.

“I stopped drinking after realising that I am pregnant, and I encourage mothers and future mothers to avoid drinking during pregnancy as I have seen that it is possible to protect our unborn babies. Personally, I was able to stop drinking while pregnant because I have support from my partner,” she said.

Another pregnant mother, who admitted to drinking alcohol during the first trimester, said she was able to stop drinking for the sake of the health and wellbeing of her baby.

In order to prevent the spread of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, South Africans are encouraged to make use of intervention programmes, including medical treatment, education and awareness, as FAS can be prevented by not drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Women who are planning to become pregnant are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle before pregnancy.

The Foetal Alcohol Syndrome campaign is part of coordination and implementation of the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP 2019 – 2024), which aims to build a society free of substance abuse.

The NDMP’s objective can only be realised if the Department of Social Development works in collaboration with key social partner, including communities, traditional leaders and faith-based organisations.

The 9-9-9 Foetal Alcohol Syndrome campaign continues today at Boitekong Community Hall in Rustenburg, North West.

On Tuesday, the Deputy Minister will take the campaign to Limpopo at the Regorogile Multipurpose Centre in Thabazimbi.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Four of South Africa’s State Owned Companies (SOCs) – Transnet, Telkom, Eskom and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), together with the South African Police Service, have announced an integrated approach towards combatting the scourge of cable theft, battery theft and infrastructure damage.

This was announced at an SOC Industry Roundtable on economic sabotage of critical infrastructure.

The roundtable was led by chief executives and acting chief executives of the four SOCs, Eskom’s Andre de Ruyter, Transnet’s Portia Derby, Telkom’s Serame Taukobong and Prasa’s Hishaam Emeran.

The CEOs and entities agreed on, amongst others, further integrating their security solutions, which collectively come to about R10 billion annually, supporting the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority on criminal cases related to incidents on their networks and working even closer with communities in protecting infrastructure.

An online web application has also been created to increase public awareness and allow stakeholders to receive live, detailed information on incidents in their networks.

Transnet

Transnet CEO Portia Derby told the roundtable discussion that the company experienced a spike in fuel pipeline hits, which cost at least R400 million to clean up, with incidents on its freight rail operations as well.

“Both have a very direct impact on the economy. Whenever we’re hit on the pipeline, it has a real possibility… [of drying] up the whole of Gauteng, which is the lifeblood of the South African economy. In 2022/23, to date, we’ve had 61 incidents and the spike [on these] came up with the fuel [price] increases… It has a R1 billion impact on the environment,” she said,

Derby revealed that cable theft has steadily increased, going from 1 598 incidents in 2017/18 to some 4 356 incidents in 2021/22.

Some 1 506km of cable had to be replaced during the same period, with an “erosion of about R30 billion to the economy” and R2.1 billion in revenue losses.

“When it comes to cable theft… it’s not the size of the cable that they steal. The fact that they’ve stolen [the cable] means that the train can’t move and when the train can’t move, it has an impact on the entire value chain. You end up having a situation where we’ve not been able to meet some of the customer demands. It is truly a damaging impact on the South African economy,” she said.

More than 1 269 suspects have been arrested in rail incidents, with 186 arrested in pipeline incidents.

Transnet security officials have now been granted peace officer status, which will allow them to make arrests, search premises, facilities and people, and complete dockets to ensure suspects are charged correctly.

Eskom

Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter said infrastructure is “being stolen from under our feet” with cables, overhead lines, transformers and conductors coming in at a hefty cost of some R4 billion annually.

“We need to make sure that this is not another collation of noble intentions. We need to make sure that we start delivering and that we can, as State Owned Enterprises, protect ourselves from the scourge of infrastructure theft [and] more importantly protect the citizens of South Africa from the hugely negative consequences of that," he said.

He said an integrated approach is in the best interests of all of society.

“The opportunity was there to integrate our security efforts even more and to identify areas where [the SOCs] have common infrastructure. It is in our interest to protect the railway line supplying coal to Majuba power station and if we can collaborate on that, there’s cost saving, there’s efficiency that we definitely need to pursue.

“We’ve received some very good messages of support from chief executives of companies listed on the JSE, who protect their assets and they have offered to make available and to extend the scope of their security patrols to also include some Eskom assets… because ultimately it is in their interest as well to maintain security of [energy] supply,” he said.

Telkom

Telkom CEO, Serame Taukobong, highlighted that for as long as cable and battery theft and damage to infrastructure continues, networks will struggle to bring down the cost of data in the country.

“What’s important for us is the billions that we spend every year to upgrade and maintain our investment in infrastructure. All these investments appeal to the livelihoods of South Africans, from transportation to communication.

“Battery theft, cable theft [and] vandalism of our critical infrastructure is really taking the economy back. [Mobile networks] are all equally challenged to try to reduce the cost of data in South Africa, but the cost on maintaining our infrastructure makes it almost impossible to achieve that,” he said.

Prasa

Acting CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), Hishaam Emeran, told the roundtable that the current upward trend in theft and vandalism of infrastructure make it “very clear that we need to move with speed”.

The economic sabotage costs Prasa some R7 billion in direct costs, and between R15 billion to R20 billion annually.

He painted a devastating picture of the impact on Prasa, where thousands of incidents have left the rail network at “near total decimation”, with some 1 000km of electrical infrastructure and signalling cabling stolen out of a network of some 2 300km alone.

“One hundred kilometres of rail have been stolen… cut up and physically taken away. Our stations have also not been spared… Of our 590 stations, only 129 are functional as we speak, and we need to bring back those stations. In 2018/19, we were operating on 40 corridors. Today we are operating on 15… we are bringing back a number of those.

“The reality, unfortunately, is that because of this economic sabotage, we have taken a number of steps backward. As we speak today, passenger rail is not the backbone of the transport system and that is a problem,” he said.

The passenger rail company has now gone from – at its peak – transporting some 600 million commuters a year to transporting only 17 million.

However, Emeran said progress is being made to claw back its services.

“Prasa is working very hard to recover the rail service. We are bringing back the 10 priority corridors… many of them before the end of the year. The progress that we have made on the security front is also well documented.

“We have an approved integrated security plan. In essence, we are looking at the role of deployment of physical security personnel. We’ve already increased that by 3 100 and we are continuing to roll that out. That will be followed by a series of technological interventions as well to supplement that.

“We need to keep our foot on the peddle. We need to accelerate. We do not have the luxury of time. Commuters are suffering out there,” Emeran said.

Source: South African Government News Agency