Ghanaian industrialist and economist Tsonam Cleanse Akpeloo has been elected as Chairperson of the Trade and Industry Cluster of the African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC).

The election took place during the Second Ordinary Session of the 4th Permanent General Assembly (PGA) held in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 11 to 13, 2024.

This milestone marks the first time a West African has been elected to this influential position.

Akpeloo’s leadership role reflects his longstanding contributions to Africa’s trade and industry sectors and his dedication to advancing economic development across the continent.

As Chairperson, the Ghanaian economist will be responsible for driving strategies that promote industrialization, regional trade, and economic integration within the African Union’s framework. His appointment aligns with Africa’s ongoing implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a key initiative aimed at enhancing intra-African trade and boosting economic growth.

Akpeloo currently serves as the CEO of SUKU Technologies and the Chair of the Accra Region of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), where he plays a significant role in promoting industrial advocacy and supporting local businesses.

These experiences uniquely position him to lead AU ECOSOCC’s Trade and Industry Cluster toward achieving Africa’s economic goals.

In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Akpeloo expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him.

“This is a pivotal moment for Africa. I am deeply honored to serve in this capacity and remain committed to fostering sustainable economic growth through trade and industry. Together with my colleagues at AU ECOSOCC, we will create opportunities for Africans and drive industrial development across the continent,” he stated.

The election of Akpeloo signifies the growing recognition of West Africa’s role in influencing Africa’s economic future. It also highlights the AU’s commitment to fostering regional representation and inclusivity in its leadership structures.

The Elected Akpeloo is expected to provide strategic leadership, particularly in ensuring the successful implementation of the AfCFTA, strengthening Africa’s economic integration, and opening new opportunities for businesses and communities.

Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and economic powerhouse, is grappling with a critical issue that affects both its present and future: water scarcity. Despite being one of the most developed urban centers on the African continent with a population of 3,2 million spread across over 1.6 million households, the city faces significant challenges when it comes to securing a reliable and sustainable water supply.

Its water resources are limited, with the city relying heavily on distant river systems and groundwater to meet the needs of its growing population.

Johannesburg is characterised by its youthful residents, with 42 percent of the population under the age of 24 and 49.

The city’s population is also growing, largely as a result of migration from other parts of the country, placing huge demands on the city’s economic and social infrastructure.

As the demand for water continues to rise, Johannesburg’s ability to meet this demand while ensuring equitable access for all, remains uncertain.

WHY IS THERE WATER SCARCITY?

The scarcity of water in Johannesburg is a result of multiple interconnected factors that create pressure on the available resources. These factors are both natural and human-induced, and they highlight the city’s vulnerability in the face of growing demand for water.

Climate Change and Droughts

Johannesburg, like much of South Africa, is affected by climate change. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and more frequent droughts have made water sources less predictable and less reliable. The Vaal Dam and other reservoirs are particularly vulnerable during dry periods, resulting in reduced water supply capacity.

Population Growth

Johannesburg’s rapid population growth is one of the major contributors to the city’s increasing water demand. The city is growing as an urban center, with millions of people relying on limited water resources. As more people flock to the city for economic opportunities, water consumption continues to rise, putting a strain on the existing supply system.

Water Inefficiency and Losses

Water leakage and inefficiencies in the distribution system are major problems in Johannesburg. The city suffers from a significant rate of water loss, sometimes reaching up to 40-50% in some areas. This is due to aging infrastructure, poorly maintained pipelines, illegal connections, and lack of sufficient investment in the water sector.

Pollution of Water Sources

Pollution in the Vaal River and other water bodies exacerbates the scarcity of clean water. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage all contribute to water contamination. This makes water treatment more expensive and resource-intensive, limiting the available potable water.

Over-reliance on a Few Water Sources

Johannesburg is heavily dependent on the Vaal River System and the Crocodile River System. When these sources are strained due to drought or pollution, the city’s water security becomes precarious.

Economic and Infrastructure Challenges

The cost of maintaining and upgrading Johannesburg’s water infrastructure can be high, and funding may be insufficient. Economic constraints, coupled with mismanagement or corruption, contribute to delays in necessary improvements to water supply systems, leaving parts of the city vulnerable to water stress.

Environmental Degradation

Urban sprawl and deforestation in the catchment areas around water sources like the Vaal River have degraded the natural environment. This results in soil erosion, reduced water retention, and siltation of dams, further impacting the capacity of these water bodies to supply the city.

WHAT IS JOHANNESBURG’S SOURCE OF WATER?

The city faces a variety of challenges when it comes to water supply and it has no significant natural water sources within its immediate vicinity, which means it relies on complex systems to source its water.

The Vaal River System

The primary source of water for Johannesburg is the Vaal River System, which is located approximately 100 kilometers south of the city. This river system, which includes the Vaal Dam, is a crucial water supply system that serves Johannesburg and surrounding areas.
The Vaal Dam, built in the 1930s, stores water for consumption, agricultural use, and industrial purposes. This dam feeds into a network of pipelines that transport water to Johannesburg.

The Crocodile River System

Water is also sourced from the Crocodile River System, which supplies water through the Roodekopjes Dam. This system provides water to areas in the western parts of Johannesburg, including some of the city’s municipalities. The Crocodile River is connected to the Vaal River system and serves as a supplementary water source.

Groundwater

Johannesburg also taps into underground water resources, particularly in the form of groundwater extraction. Boreholes are drilled to tap into aquifers beneath the city, though this is limited in scale and is typically used as a backup source of water.

Recycling and Reuse

To combat water scarcity, Johannesburg has been making strides in wastewater recycling. The city has facilities like the Johannesburg Water Sewage Treatment Plants that treat and recycle wastewater for non-potable uses, such as irrigation and industrial use.

Water scarcity in Johannesburg is a complex issue driven by a combination of climate change, overpopulation, pollution, inefficient infrastructure, and dependency on a few water sources. Addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach, including better water management, infrastructure investment, pollution control, and the development of alternative water sources like desalination and groundwater. Effective governance and sustainable practices will secure a water future for Johannesburg’s growing population.

Oscar Pistorius, once hailed as the “Blade Runner” due to his remarkable athletic achievements despite being a double amputee, gained international fame in the 2012 London Olympics. His inspiring story of overcoming physical challenges to compete at the highest level made him a symbol of triumph for many. However, his career and reputation took a dramatic fall after the 2013 incident in which he shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, triggering one of the most highly publicized criminal cases in recent history.

Pistorius’s life took a dramatic turn on the night of February 14, 2013. He shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, at his home in Pretoria, South Africa. What initially appeared to be a tragic accident turned into a controversial and highly publicized murder trial, which would eventually lead to Pistorius’s conviction for the killing of Steenkamp.

The Murder Trial

The trial for Reeva’s death began in March 2014 and attracted intense media attention. Pistorius maintained that he had acted in self-defense, but the prosecution argued that the killing was premeditated. In September 2014, Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide (a lesser charge than murder) and sentenced to five years in prison. However, this ruling was appealed, and in December 2015, the Supreme Court of Appeal in South Africa increased the charge to murder. Pistorius was ultimately sentenced to six years in prison, which was later extended to 13 years after further appeals.

Early Release and Further Legal Struggles

Pistorius was granted parole after serving about half of his sentence, but his release has been delayed multiple times due to legal hurdles, including the requirement for him to serve a minimum of 13 years before parole could be considered. His case continued to generate widespread media coverage, especially as his possible early release was discussed.

Recently, rumors have emerged that Oscar Pistorius has found love once again after his release from prison on January, 2024. While details about his new relationship remain scarce, sources claim that he is in a relationship with Rita Greyling.

Who is Rita Greyling

33-year-old Rita is a multi-millionaire farmer’s daughter and a business management consultant from Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Reports say she has been supportive of his reintegration into society since release from prison, and a long-time family friend. They are both said to be in a romantic relationship, though details are being kept strictly private.

Oscar Pistorius’s potential new relationship is seen by some as a sign of his efforts to rebuild his life. However, many critics question whether he is truly remorseful for his actions or if he is merely seeking personal solace. This relationship raises questions about forgiveness, rehabilitation, and whether Pistorius can ever fully atone for the crime he committed.

Public Reaction and Media Scrutiny

The news of Pistorius’s new relationship has attracted media attention as his previous relationship with Reeva and the events surrounding her tragic death have left a permanent mark on his public persona. His new girlfriend’s role in his life is being closely scrutinized, and questions about the ethics of his rehabilitation continue to dominate discussions.

Reeva’s mother, June, has since reportedly raised concerns about Oscar’s anger issues, warning Rita that his temper remained a “red flag” and that he continued to be a “danger to women.” The mother of the victim told “The Sun” Sunday: “I don’t understand how she doesn’t see a red flag about him because he has not lost his temper problem. “He was supposed to be under anger management when he was in jail and at one stage I stopped him coming out because I was annoyed that he wasn’t having treatment.”

“He was angry – and he still has a problem with anger. He’s still a danger to women. “Reeva only knew him for three months and she was dead and he’s never confessed.” June and her husband Barry, from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, reportedly said they had convinced parole chiefs to block Oscar’s release twice over fears he still posed a threat.

The 78-year-old grieving mother continued: “It’s not painful for me that he’s with this young woman – I’m just worried about her.”

Reeva’s sister Simone, made a chilling warning to new girlfriend Rita to ‘sleep with one eye open’ next to killer Pistorius. REEVA Steenkamp’s sister has asked “did he want a lookalike?” after reports emerged that killer Oscar Pistorius has found love after being released from prison.

The Ongoing Impact

Reeva’s death continues to have a profound effect on her family, fans, and the general public. The Steenkamp family’s continued fight for justice and their commitment to preventing future tragedies underscores the broader issues surrounding gender violence and domestic abuse.

A Complex Case and a Troubling Future

The story of Oscar Pistorius and Reeva Steenkamp is one of great tragedy and complexity. From Pistorius’s rise as a global sports icon to the shocking murder of Steenkamp, their relationship and its tragic end have left an indelible mark on public consciousness. As Pistorius attempts to move forward with his life, questions about his redemption, public perception, and the lasting impact of his crime will continue to unfold. Meanwhile, the memory of Reeva Steenkamp, her life, and the cause she championed will remain central to any discussion about justice, forgiveness, and healing.