Solar investments pay off for Camps Bay High School

Camps Bay High School has implemented a solar energy system that not only ensures uninterrupted operation during load shedding periods but also generates surplus electricity for the broader community.

In 2020, Camps Bay High School took its first step towards energy resilience by installing 80 solar panels, a forward-thinking move to curtail electricity costs and uphold our commitment to responsible energy consumption. However, the increasing frequency and impact of load shedding prompted the School Governing Body to take decisive further action,” explains school principal Louis Mostert.

This year, with a strategic allocation of R1.8m from its financial reserves, the school governing body (SGB) spearheaded the installation of a further 120 advanced solar panels, generating 100kW of electricity. The upgrade includes the integration of two 50kW inverters and two 40kWh batteries, securing the school's operation during extended load shedding periods.

The inverter, batteries, and solar panels in the new system come with guarantees of five, 10, and 25 years respectively, providing a secure and enduring power solution.

"With the sun now serving as our steadfast power source, we wave goodbye to the unsettling presence of load shedding. Camps Bay High School is now one of only a handful of schools in South Africa who can say that learning and school activities can carry on uninterrupted during load shedding," said Mostert.

"Our ability to ensure uninterrupted learning for our students, irrespective of external energy challenges, reaffirms our commitment to their education and well-being. We have not only empowered our school but our community as well."

Rigorous process

Following a rigorous tender process, NHD Solar was awarded the contract for providing the upgrading of the solar power system. The company is headed up by a school parent, Dean Tait, with installation services handled by Cinch Energy, and the panels themselves supplied by another school parent, Simon Campbell-Young and his company, CydTechsolar.com.

"The infrastructure empowers Camps Bay High School to generate an average of 450kWh of electricity daily, resulting in a noteworthy monthly saving of R49,140 under the current Eskom tariff structure. Through harnessing this surplus power, the school actively contributes to the electricity grid, generating revenue from excess energy and illuminating neighbouring residences and businesses," Tait explained.

"Our system is seamlessly integrated with a user-friendly app, providing real-time insights into energy production, consumption, and storage. This app issues alerts and notifications for issue resolution and enables the school to optimise energy usage for maximum savings," he continues.

"It offers a comprehensive view of the power dynamics, including solar generation, grid utilisation, and total energy consumption. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into available stored power reserves during Eskom downtimes."

A catalyst for positive change

"This transformative action aligns with the school’s vision of being a catalyst for positive change beyond its campus. Our comprehensive solar initiative is an investment that transcends immediate financial benefits. By generating surplus electricity that can be shared with our community, we are fostering resilience and collaboration," said Brian Williams, SGB business development manager and project leader.

"Through this commitment, we are not only energising our classrooms but also exemplifying our dedication to environmental responsibility. Furthermore, with the assurance of uninterrupted power, we ensure that learning never succumbs to the disruptions of load shedding, fortifying the education journey for our students and embodying the spirit of progress for all our community."

This system not only marks an end to Camps Bay High School's vulnerability to load shedding, but also underscores its role as a dynamic force for progress. Beyond financial savings, the school's solar venture has unlocked a new era of energy autonomy, echoing the school's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community enrichment.

- Article courtesy of BizCommunity

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/704/242096.html

Cape Town ordered to hold public hearings

Cape Town ordered to hold public hearings on sewage being pumped into the sea Environment minister criticises City’s previous lack of engagement

By Steve Kretzmann

The Green Point marine outfall is one of three in Cape Town through which millions of litres of sewage are pumped out to sea daily. The City has been ordered to embark on a public participation process over the permits required for the operation of these outfalls. Archive photo: Steve Kretzmann

• Early this year, a number of organisations appealed to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment over the granting of discharge permits to the City of Cape Town for three outlets that pump sewage into the sea.

• In her appeal decision, Minister Barbara Creecy ordered the City to engage in public hearings and criticised the City for its lack of engagement over the permit process.

• The City has now started public hearings at a “pre-briefing” on Wednesday.

Lack of engagement
Loss of trust
Grounds for appeal

After it was ordered to do so by the environment minister, the City of Cape Town has now started public hearings on three marine outfalls it operates. These pump about 28 million litres of sewage out to sea every day, according to reports commissioned by the City. The only treatment this sewage receives is to be macerated and pumped through a 3mm grid to remove grit and solids. It is then released into the ocean approximately 1.5km from shore in Green Point, Camps Bay and Hout Bay.

Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien announced the start of a 60-day public hearing period at a pre-briefing held at Camps Bay High school on Wednesday evening. This comes after the City failed to notify the public it had been granted the permits in 2019 for Hout Bay, in December 2022 for Green Point, and in January for Camps Bay. In total, the three permits allow for a maximum 56-million litres of sewage to be pumped out to sea every day.

The City also applied for a permit to discharge brine at the Green Point outfall in line with the possible development of a desalination plant.

The City had applied for the discharge permits in 2014, but it took years for the first of the three permits to be issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), due to the legislation on outfall permits being shifted from the National Water Act under the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to the Integrated Coastal Management Act under the DFFE.

In the meantime, the outfalls had been operating under a general authorisation issued by the DWS, according to previous correspondence with the City.

Following appeals to the granting of the permits submitted by a number of organisations in January and February, DFFE minister Barbara Creecy, in her appeal decision of 10 June, stated the City failed to notify interested parties that the permits had been granted or to make a public announcement.

This impinged on the public’s right to appeal. Appeals are supposed to be lodged within 30 days of the appellant being notified of the decision, or within 60 days of the decision being announced if the appellant is not notified of the decision.

Creecy stated the public only became aware of the issuing of the permits after the National Sea Rescue Institute (one of the appellants) ask the City in January if the outfall permits had been issued.

In deciding whether to consider the appeals, Creecy noted it was her view “that the CoCT [City of Cape Town] ought to have announced the decision once it was issued so that interested persons were advised of their right to appeal”.

Another factor in deciding to consider the appeals was that the discharge of sewage through the outfalls was “historic” and “continuous in nature”, thus “no prejudice (or limited prejudice) will be suffered by the CoCT”.

The outfalls have been in operation for decades under various renewable licensing conditions.

A number of the 20 people attending the pre-briefing on Wednesday were sceptical of the City’s public participation process.

Badroodien said the City was going beyond the minimum requirements and extending the public hearings to include five coastal sewage treatment plants that released treated effluent into the ocean. These were Mitchells Plain, Llandudno, Oudekraal, Simon’s Town, and Miller’s Point.

Former Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers’ Association management committee member and Bay of Sewage member Byron Herbert said this appeared to be a way to cloud the issue since the marine outfalls, unlike the sewage plants, did not treat the sewage before it was pumped into the ocean.

Badroodien denied any ill intent.

Marine conservation photographer Jean Tresfon, whose aerial photographs of plumes of sewage released from the outfalls have created public outcry, told Badroodien trust had been lost by the previous water and sanitation mayco member; Badroodien and his team would have to work hard to regain it.

Tresfon said he was part of the public participation process in 2015, but neither he nor anyone he knew who was involved were notified when the permits were granted.

He said there had been almost 3,000 objections at the time “but no one got a single reply”.

It also appeared Badroodien and director of water and sanitation bulk services, Mike Killick, had not properly read Creecy’s appeal decision. Neither had knowledge of brine discharge also being part of the Green Point outfall permit application, nor that Creecy had stipulated one of the public participation meetings had to take place in Camps Bay, which was not on the list of venues presented.

Badroodien and Killick were, however, respectful of the criticism.

Badroodien said a study on the feasibility of treating the sewage before pumping it to sea, or pumping it to other land-based treatment works, would be published toward the end of the year.

Among the grounds for appealling the granting of the discharge permits were that the sewage was being pumped into a marine protected area; it contravened the right to a healthy environment as provided for the Bill of Rights; there was no evidence of a proper public participation process or risk assessment; and the discharge was not in the interests of the whole community.

Creecy noted the City did advertise its applications for the permits and invited comment between 1 June and 10 July 2015 – four years before the Hout Bay permit was issued and seven-and-a-half years before the permits for Camps Bay and Green Point were issued.

She said the DFFE then asked for further information, which was provided in the form of various reports. However, these were not made available for public comment because the public participation process had closed.

Additionally, she stated it was unclear where and when the City’s notices inviting public comment had been placed.

This led her to the view “that any public participation process that has been conducted is inadequate, outdated and should be redone to give effect to the right to just administrative action”.

She said the granting of the permits “have potentially far-reaching consequences because the discharge of sewage into the ocean can have significant impacts on the environment and public health”.

“It is therefore essential that the public have an opportunity to provide input and feedback on these decisions.”

Creecy then instructed the City to hold a fresh public participation process, which included at least three public meetings in Green Point, Camps Bay, and Hout Bay. This needed to happen at least 30 days after notices of the permit applications, and where details of the relevant information could be found, were posted in newspapers and at public buildings.

On Wednesday, Badroodien said residents could comment or object to the marine outfalls through the City’s have your say platform. He said notices of the public hearings were also being placed in newspapers and at public buildings.

The beauty of Camps Bay is world-renowned, but it is also the site of one of three marine outfalls through which the City of Cape Town pumps millions of litres of sewage out to sea every day. Archive photo: Steve Kretzmann

- Article courtesy of Grown-up.org

https://www.groundup.org.za/article/city-of-cape-town-ordered-to-hold-public-hearings-on-sewage-being-pumped-to-sea/

CORRECTION ON 2023-09-21 15:27

We initially stated nine million litres of sewage is pumped out to sea through the three outfalls per day. The correct figure, according to reports commissioned by the City, is 28 million litres per day.

Alan Marsh: 'He will be missed': Camps Bay mourns dedicated community leader

Alan Marsh died on Wednesday 13 September at age 78.

A dedicated leader. This is how Camps Bay community leader Alan Marsh will be remembered. Marsh died on Wednesday 13 September following a short illness. 

The 78-year-old served as the chair of the Camps Bay and Clifton Community Policing Forum and co-founded and directed Ignisive – Ignite Inclusive Change Community-based organisation. 

Theresa Masaglia, a friend and co-founder of the organisation, said Marsh’s death “left a gaping hole in the community and our hearts”. 

“Few may know just how much he did for others, as he never spoke of it but instead quietly just got on with things. Even less will know how, regardless of his own struggles, he pushed through and set aside his own challenges to always put the needs of the community first.”

Masaglia said his “humble wisdom” won the respect of many. 

“He led by example and always remained so professional. His integrity, calm and discreet approach in the most delicate situations made him the perfect person at the helm, especially when chaos erupted.”

She said he treated everyone with the same respect, and everyone had the highest respect for him.

Masaglia adds that he was a teacher, a tour guide, a mentor and a legend to everyone.

“To do what he has done at his age blows my mind. The level of energy he put into everything. It was so great to work with him. As co-founder and director of Ignisive we valued his leadership in co-creating the shared vision of authentic collaboration, transformation and social impact, through a fully integrated team-centric model, inclusive of all community stakeholders including the man on the street.” 

She explains that his passing is felt beyond the boundaries of Camps Bay, 

“He eagerly joined the social development interventions in communities like Kalksteenfontein, to support ongoing efforts to keep children in school and off streets.

“The greatest blessing to me was crossing paths with him a few years ago. His legacy will live through every bit of work we will continue to do in his honour. 

Thanks for being the spark that set out to just love, learn, and bring light to everyone who had the privilege of engaging with you.”

Nicola Jowell, Ward 54 councillor, extended her condolences to his family, friends and the Camps Bay community. 

“So many people will know Alan for his dedication to the community through the CPF, which he has been the chairperson of for the last few years. He was also a founding member of Ignisive NGO who have done so much to help the homeless community and children at risk in Kalksteenfontein and more.”

Jowell says his passing leaves a massive gap in the community. 

“Alan played a massive role in the Camps Bay community, that cannot be underestimated or replaced. He will be missed by so many. Wishing his wife Edith and daughter Ali a long life, and much strength in this time of sadness.” 

Sgt Glynnis Bester, crime information management analysis centre commander at Camps Bay Police Station, said Marsh was “part of the furniture” of Camps Bay police.

“He had such a big heart for our Camps Bay police family. He came with his problems from the community straight to my office and used the famous phrase ‘Sgt Bester, we need to talk’, then you know Alan wants to talk about crime, threats and street people.”

Bester says he will be missed. 

“He always had something good to say. He was always willing and able with my projects, was on par with everything. He was an amazing human being. I’ve lost someone dear to me, and my heart is heavy. He used to sit for hours on end in my office just talking and I’m going miss him so much.” 

Marsh leaves behind his wife Edith and daughter Alley.

Camps Bay Police Station Commander ready to pass the baton as he takes early retirement

Following a 37-year stint in the South African Police Service Capt Keith Chandler will exchange his police uniform for civilian attire later this month when he retires early.

The 55-year-old Camps Bay Police Station Commander will vacate his post on Thursday 28 September. 

The officer explained he joined the police service in 1986, after completing his training at the Police Training College. 

Over the past 30 years, he has worked as a member of the Presidential Unit, the Maitland Flying Squad, a communications officer and a reservist coordinator.

Chandler said he started at Camps Bay in November 2016. 

He said his interest in policing was piqued at a young age. 

“I come from a military background. My father was in the navy. I was intrigued by the military order and militaristic rule and uniform.” 

He said policing was his passion.

“I just love and enjoy policing. My wife is also in the police force, so she understands my situation and we often assist each other.”

Chandler said with less than 20 days left in office he was still working on three cases, and added after 30 years he was still “intrigued by each case”.

He said although the job comes with its challenges, each day is unique. 

“Every day is different. You have your standard meetings, but there is always something different. 

“I work with some loyal staff and residents who are driven. It’s not only about locking people up, but also about having a passion for helping one’s fellow human being.”

Chandler said despite the negative connotations attached to the police service there are still many “good cops” serving the country diligently. 

“In every organisation there are bad apples but there are also good ones. Always see the good in people. 

“We have some young new police officers that are energetic and want to go the extra mile and we encourage people to work with the police. 

“We try to make Camps Bay and Cape Town a better place to live for our families and future generations.”

Theresa Masaglia, a member of the Camps Bay Policing Forum, believes Chandler made a huge impact in the area.

“He has always been supportive of all the initiatives and the things that we do. He has also allowed his team to work practically with us in terms of our social impact projects and they have been involved in helping to look at ways that we can get people off the street. It is nice to have a leader who is willing to engage. What I valued was being able to learn from him.” 

The officer explained that as much as he loved his job he had been planning for his retirement for at least five years.

He said he will now have more time to focus on his hobbies.

“I am very much into the antique trade. So now I can try that out as a job. I will also have more time to spend with my family.”

Chandler thanked the residents of Camps Bay and his colleagues for their support over the past few years. 

“You have to embrace change. Help us make Camps Bay, which is already the number one destination for tourists, safer, let’s maintain a good crime-free environment. 

“The thing I always notice is the good in people. We all have a bad side but look for the good. And we try and help people in any way we can.

“Give the new station commander just as much support as they gave me. We don’t consider ourselves colleagues but family. We spend more time here than at home. 

“Just keep the family going. I will be down the road and will always make a turn here.”

Chandler said his motto has always been to lead with honour and integrity. 

“I always say do unto others as you want them to do to you. I am not a strict commander but do your job and try and be the best person you can be.”

Article by Kaylynne Bantom

- courtesy News24

https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/peoples-post/camps-bay-police-station-commander-ready-to-pass-the-baton-as-he-takes-early-retirement-20230912