Blog Archives

The following information has been taken from the Johannesburg City Website (www.joburg.org.za click on residents—tariffs)

City Power charge winter tariffs from May through August

Domestic 3 phase – energy (cents per kWh)
Current                    Proposed                    Increase
2011/12                     2012/13

Summer Tariffs

0 – <500 kWh                83.18                           93.99                               13%

501 – <1000 kWh          84.47                          95.45                                13%

1001- <2000 kWh          85.76                          96.91                                13%

2001 – <3000 kWh        87.05                          98.37                                13%

Winter Tariffs

0 – <500 kWh                125.18                        141.45                            13%

501 – <1000 kWh          127.12                       143.65                             13%

1001- <2000 kWh          129.07                       145.85                             13%

2001 – <3000 kWh        131.01                       148.04                             13%

The above are stepped tariffs – you are charged according to the amount you use in each band.

________________________________________________________________

NORFED (Northern Federation Of Ratepayers) members have been advised by various market specialists in the energy field that we can expect load shedding shortly. Mr. Mike Schussler, a highly respected economist based in Johannesburg, is also of the opinion that the situation is critical and that load shedding will be unavoidable.

We hope the following information will be of interest as, if our information is correct, we will have to look to alternative sources of energy over the next few years.

GENERATORS / SOLAR
A local resident – Mr. Rudi Wellmann (an engineer)– has sent us the following information:

When you have equipment like PCs that HAVE to keep running during load shedding, a simple UPS is not enough since most of them will only give you around 15 minutes backup. They are ideal to provide bridging power while another power source (typically a generator) starts up, stabilizes, and then takes over.

The cheapest options (I can think of) for generating the backup power are

1. generator
2. a battery array + inverter (i.e. a very large UPS)
Here you have a choice of how to charge the battery bank…
a) with a charger powered from Eskom power
b) with a solar PV charger

In both cases you will typically have to install some dedicated plugs and wire in a few other connections in your house (e.g. a few critical lights, and perhaps your fridge/freezer, since usually the backup is not big enough to simply take over powering everything.)

Notes on Generators
Drawbacks:
1. You need to have a reasonable amount of fuel on site for the generator
(there are all sorts of rules and regulations on this)
2. Generators that are only used occasionally tend to require even more
maintenance than ones that are used frequently, but their running costs in
(c/kWh) is much higher than using Eskom power so you do not want to run it too
much either
3. They are quite noisy and make some exhaust fumes.
4. Auto start-up and auto stop is typically only supported in the bigger (more
expensive) models.
5. Some generators tend to produce dips/spikes when the load changes suddenly. Choose carefully what is connected. (e.g. laser printers are known to be troublesome).
Good aspects:
1. Simple enough to do yourself

Notes on the battery array + inverter.
Drawbacks:
1. Higher up-front cost compared to generator.
2. Higher running/operating costs compared to generator.
3. Batteries age quickly – especially if they are discharged deeply.
You will have to replace the battery bank every 3-6 years depending on use.
4. Depending on the type of battery you could have -
nasty fumes when they are charged
fire hazard
5. You need someone who knows what they are doing to set this up
(you can try Current Automation http//www.rectifier.co.za/)
Good aspects
1. No noise problem, no exhaust fumes
2. Can be set up to have glitchless switchover, so you do not need other UPS’s on
your PC’s etc.
3. To get a longer back-up time one can simply add more batteries in the battery
array

It is also easy to use solar PV panels to charge such a battery array but it would be a waste if you do not use the power every day since in pure backup situations that battery will be full most of the time, so the PV panels will not actually be doing much. However if you use the system every day the battery will age very quickly, resulting in higher operating cost.

The bad news is that any which way you do this you will end up with a system that has a higher running cost than what Eskom is charging so you end up paying a lot of money for something that is not used much (a bit like insurance).

Other notes:
Back-up systems like the above normally can NOT handle large loads like a stove/oven, kettle or geyser.

I have changed my stove to a gas unit last time we had lots of load shedding.

You should definitely consider changing your geyser to a solar type or (my preferred option) a heat pump system. Both options will save you enough power to reach a return-on-investment within a few years.

Another thing I have tried so far was to replace my swimming pool pump with one that can operate from solar PV panels. The pump starts when the sun comes up and stops at sundown. No timer to set, no batteries at all and no connection to Eskom. This system is simple and standalone, and I calculated that I will reach return-on-investment in about five years.

Fences/Walls

A high fence around the house with lockable gates, is much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.

The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intrusion difficult and to allow dogs to move freely around the house.

Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.

Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.

The following devices prevent easy access:

Window bars
Security doors
Security gates
Razor wire
Additional locking devices on doors
Strengthening of doors
Peepholes in the doors
Safety chains to doors
Intercom system between the home and gate, front door or garage

Alarm Systems

An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.

In the rural environment a siren/alarm on the roof that can be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch/panic button in the house, is recommended.

A few switches/panic buttons in different rooms of the house should preferably be installed.

An alarm must also have the capability to warn the occupants of any intrusion into the house.

Examples of alarm systems:

Mechanical and/or electrical (purchased types)
Improvised systems
Threaded tins
Threaded pieces of iron
Gravel on window pains, pathways or around the home
Obstacles that can make a noise when moved
Biological Systems:
Dogs
Geese
Ostriches

Security Lights

Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.

The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without being observed from outside.

Be aware of possible shadows and blind spots.

Safety Precautions

Ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home.

Large dogs serve as a deterrent. At least one dog should be trained to sleep inside the house.

If you leave your residence, inform your family/ neighbours of your intended destination, time you expect to return and the route you will be driving, especially if you reside in a rural area.

Ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them.

Vary your daily routine.

Get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights.

Remain awake for a while.

You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep.

Always keep a torch nearby at night and when you use it, ensure that you do not give away your position.

If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/a visit, eg your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home.

Contact your neighbour to assist you in securing your home.

Identify relatively safe places of refuge, ie: bathroom, toilet or storeroom.

The fewer windows and doors these rooms have, the better.

Involve employees as they are part of the family/team.

Employees must be involved in maintaining security on an equal footing.

Report suspicious behaviour and information to the South African Police Service.

Clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places.

Take photographs of all employees.

It could be to your advantage to identify them, if required.

Remunerate your employees when useful information is provided that contribute to the prevention of crime.

Do not employ casual workers without a reference.

Keep copies of all your employees – Identity Documents (ID’s).

Ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other.

Access and Key Control

Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house without having properly identifying the person, especially at night.

Implement proper key control measures.

Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels to which gate/door access can be gained.

Keys to the safe must be kept on the person.

Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.

Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be turned to avoid easy removal.

Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.

Change locks when keys are lost.

Insert barring devices in door locks.

Remove keys from doors when leaving.

Communication

There should be two systems for alternative back up:

Telephone
Cellular phone

Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house.

Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone.

SAPS CRIME STOP : 08600 10111
SAPS EMERGENCY LINE : 10111

CHECK YOUR ID – USING THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM.

Pretoria – The Department of Home Affairs has made public the names of 29 000 people who share their ID number with someone else – in a bid to assist those with duplicated IDs.
Home Affairs Director-General Mkuseli Apleni said at a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday that the names of those affected had been put up on the department’s website – www.dha.gov.za – and that they would also be published in print media across the country from 8 May.
The names of those affected will be published in titles such as the Sowetan, The Star, Pretoria News, Cape Argus, The New Age, Daily Dispatch, The Herald, Die Burger, Diamond Fields Advertiser, Illanga, Volksblad, the Witness and Cape Times.
He urged those whose names appeared on the website and in the newspapers to go to their nearest Home Affairs office so that they could receive assistance.
“Due to security reasons the publication will include only the name, birth date and area of last known address,” Apleni said.
South Africans will also be able to check if they share an ID number with someone else on a SMS track and trace service. Citizens can send a SMS with the letter D (for duplicate) followed by their ID number to 32551. SMS charged at R1.00

They will then receive a response informing them if they are one of those affected.
“The department will be increasing dedicated capacity of officials within the Civics Branch, charged with resolving these issues so that these cases can be dealt with effectively and efficiently,” he said.

Home Affairs offices will also have dedicated counters to help those affected.
Apleni said the department recognised that duplicate IDs caused grief to a number of South Africans and was committed to addressing the problem.
The first phase of the campaign to deal with duplicate IDs will target the 29 000 people who share their ID number with someone else. The second phase will focus on the other 83 000 who have more than one ID number. –
Click on the link below to check your ID number.

http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/Enquiry/DupID3/Default.aspx

Dear Residents,

The following note has been distributed by Councillor Denis Hunt, the DA’s Shadow Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services (EIS), City of Johannesburg

24 April 2012

We were informed at the last meeting of the EIS Section 79 last week on Tuesday that the new fleet contract had not been sorted out. The earliest we could expect it to be sorted out was by the end of April. Pikitup is operating under an interim contract which, we were told in that meeting, provides only maintenance of the current vehicles of the City and which has no provision for replacement vehicles in reserve. Furthermore, no replacement vehicles were on order. The new contractor would have to order vehicles which will have to be built, so the earliest is 6 months. Finally, they are changing the model of operation, so until the operations plan is approved, they will not be able to, in general, order new vehicles.

So the situation in terms of Regular Collection Rounds is unlikely to improve much for the foreseeable future. Some alleviation could be effected once the contract has been signed since I believe that Fleet Africa might have some reserve vehicles which could be acquired, or taken over by the new contractor, but this won’t happen until the contract is signed with the new contractor.

The settlement of the strike last year in February / March, the terms of which were made clear to me in this last meeting, now also means that many of the private contractors are compromised. The settlement was that the city would take over all the staff of the various private contractors in the waste removal business, because the unions believed that the workers were being paid considerably less and were, therefore, undercutting the City workers and jeopardizing their jobs. The settlement was upheld in a Supreme Court ruling. Pikitup, therefore, has a surfeit of staff, and this is evident when you come across a vehicle, in that where in the past there were 4 to 5 bin handlers, you will generally see more than that.

Denis F Hunt
PR Councillor City of Johannesburg
DA SMMC on Environment and Infrastructure Services
083 800 2144
Tel 011 706 5521
[DAJHB] [INFRA]
www.dajhb.co.za

(Reporduced with permision of  SAPS Honeydew)

Crime briefs will now be formatted in plain text for your convenience, the official PDF file will still be available to download just click this link  - Crime Brief 10 April 2012 - to download it.

HONEYDEW SAPS CRIME BRIEF: 10 APRIL 2012

Rape and Attempted Rape is once again showing an increase for this month with Sector 1 (Northriding & Sonneglans) and Sector 4 (Zandspruit & Cosmo City) currently showing increases. The hotspot times of these crimes is between: (00:00 – 01:00) and (20:00 – 00:00). All females are once again sensitized to be extremely careful when walking home alone during the evenings. Always try to walk in groups and in well lit areas. Stay away from bushes and walk on the side of the street facing the traffic.

House Robbery

• Residents are reminded to please lock all their doors when busy inside the house (no matter what time of the day or night). A complainant was busy inside her house at approximately 08:00 when she heard her daughters screaming. She went to investigate and found two unknown suspects with firearms. The suspects tied up the complainant and her daughters after which they fled the scene on foot.
• The complainant arrived home with a large amount of cash. On arrival he placed the money on the table and continued to the back of the yard. The complainant was then approached by two unknown men with firearms who forced him back into the house. The complainant and his wife was tied up, the money was taken as well as a large amount of jewellery.

Business Robberies

Business owners and manager are again urged to sensitize their employees on duty during the opening and closing times of the store to be vigilant. They must be aware of any suspicious persons and or vehicles lurking around the shop. Ensure that the staff is in possession of all emergency numbers at all times:

• On Friday evening at 19:35 a Liquor Store was robbed at Zandspuit. Two suspects with firearms stormed into the store and held up staff members. The cash registers were emptied after which the suspects fled the scene on foot.
• On Sunday morning at 09:15 another Liquor Store was robbed in Randpark Ridge also by two unknown men with firearms who emptied the tills and fled on foot. The one suspect was wearing a white jersey with black jeans. The other suspect was wearing a black shirt, black jeans and takkies.

 Anyone with information is asked to contact the investigating officer Constable Raedani on: 073 138 8540. 

Suspicious vehicles to be on the lookout for

• White Corsa/Bantam bakkie with four occupants involved in Residential Robberies.
• White Toyota Tazz with two occupants involved in Theft of motor vehicles.

Community Support Services at it again! These suspects were arrest by Greg and his team! Well done guys!

picture: Randburg Sun

The Domestic Worker Forum that is held on the first Wednesday every month at 90 Randpark Drive is a valuable resource for both the domestic workers of the area and the RRVA.

On the 4th of April ER24 joined us to give us valuable information pertaining to First Aid. ER24 donated their time to train the basics of first aid. We would like to thank Ronald Modie and Klaus Milbert for their time and effort. Ronald was a fantastic facilitator who gave valuable information.

I would like to send a thank you to Sue Cowie for allowing us to use her home and for making it such a pleasure to hold the forums at her property. I would also like to thank Rachel Cauldwell of the pencil box, for the donation of Sandwiches, which is such a treat for the forum meets.

Clodagh Mannion-Nash