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Arguably the most commonly misunderstood issue when it comes to shale gas exploration is that fracking will significantly contaminate the ground water resources of the Karoo region.

PetroSA manager of licensing and legal compliance Tebogo Motloung however says shale gas is found between 1 500 m to 4 000 m below ground surface, which is far deeper than where acceptable drinking water is located.

Government  expects to see local economies benefiting directly and indirectly from the intended mining of shale gas, which is also likely to contribute nine per cent to South Africa’s energy mix.

The extraction of shale gas in the Karoo could see South Africa generate thousands of jobs and add as much as R960 billion to the economy over the next 20 to 30 years.

The EPWP remains a good story to tell in our work of delivering a better life for all.

The Programme faces challenges though. There are participants who expect the Programme to create permanent jobs for our people.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is tackling poverty and underdevelopment in our communities by creating opportunities for skills transfer and the delivery of public assets and services.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has urged parents to become more involved in the initiation process. The department has launched a Zero Deaths campaign, and urges communities to be guided by the theme “We Love Our Tradition, We Value Life of Our Youth”.

Delicate knee surgery carried out with the help of robotics at Mitchells Plain hospital is the first of its kind in South Africa.

Youth

When Khathutshelo Ramukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), spoke at the recent South African Youth Awards he reminded the audience that South Africa was a country where dreams could come true. Despite circumstances or background, “…you can achieve your dream and live the life that you’ve imagined”.

Youth

A fresh idea has won 26-year-old township businessman Lethabo Mokoenathe the South African Youth Awards entrepreneurship top prize.

Lethabo Mokoena gave up the security of a salary to clean shoes in Daveyton in Gauteng. For the 26-year-old former Sony brand activator, it was an award-winning decision.

A new mill funded by the Rural Enterprise Development Hub will improve the lives of rural Eastern Cape residents and spur economic growth.