News Wrap: Experts say it may be a cold and DARK winter for South Africa as loadshedding may reach Stage 8 on some days

Western Cape Government calls for more schools of skills to be established in the province 

The Western Cape Government has called for the establishment of more schools of skills. Premier Allan Winde and Education MEC, David Maynier, this week visited the Struisbaai School of Skills. The visit was part of the provincial government bicycle handover tour.  The school is one of 27 in the province that offer a blended curriculum that focuses on skills development. Winde says these schools will help learners to find jobs in the future.

Experts say it may be a cold and DARK winter for South Africa as loadshedding may reach Stage 8 on some days

Energy experts continue to warn South Africans that the cold winter months could experience the worst recorded loadshedding.
This is due to the extended use of electrical appliances, lights, and geysers.
Analysts predict that power outages could reach Stage 8 on some days as demand increases.

COCT’s SoundThinking technology helping law enforcement clampdown on illegal gun activity on the Cape Flats 

The City of Cape Town has installed SoundThinking in Hanover Park, Manenburg and Lavender Hill over the past three years.
SoundThinking is a gun-detecting technology which immediately alerts law enforcement agencies of illegal guns in gang violence areas where it has been installed. The city’s Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says they will continue fighting against violence and crime and ensure the residents are safe.

European Satelite releases first images since its launch last year

The first images from Europe’s new weather satellite, Meteosat-12, have just been released.
The spacecraft, which sits 36,000km above the equator, was launched in December and is currently in a testing phase that will last most of this year. When Meteosat-12’s data is finally released to meteorological agencies, it’s expected to bring about a step-change in forecasting skill.