Saldanha Bay Municipality, with the support of iX Engineers and the National Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, the latter who availed a limited grant, invited selected schools in the municipal area to participate in an 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻.  The project team also consulted with the relevant Circuit Manager of the Western Cape Education Department as part of the process.

Two local schools, namely Weston High School and Vredenburg High School submitted entries, which involved a video production and poster presentation about the subject.

First place was awarded to Weston High School and the runners up was Vredenburg High School.

Municipal Manager, Heinrich Mettler and members of the Mayoral Committee as well as Jacques Laubscher from iX Engineers and officials from the municipal Electrotechnical department, presented the prizes to the winning schools on Monday, 2 September 2024.  Mr. Mettler applauded the learners for their innovative ideas and their playing a part in the changing landscape of energy supply within the South African context.

The prizes ranged from a large hybrid inverter and battery supply as the first prize and a medium hybrid inverter and battery supply as the second prize, plus a portable power station, each.  The prizes can be used as back-up power supply for large administrative offices or in classrooms during power outages or as means to save energy by installing solar panels to supply the systems.

📝 Competition guidelines were as follows:

• Participating schools had to construct a poster (“Science Expo” type), not larger than A0 size.
• On the poster: depictions of different means of clean energy generation were to be presented. This would include for example solar, wind, hydro plants and nuclear energies.
• Each school would then do a 3-minute presentation about the content of the poster and elaborate on the different kinds of clean energy and why it is important.
• This 3-minute presentation had to be video-recorded and sent via email to the Saldanha Bay Municipality Electrotechnical department and the competition associates.
• The posters had to be delivered to the Saldanha Bay Municipality Electrotechnical department.
• Each school was allowed one entry only.
• Entries were judged on creativity and content and not the cost of the poster components.
• Entries closed on 20 May 2024.

Saldanha Bay Municipality, in conjunction with the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and other key role-players, visited Diazville Primary on 25 July 2024 to educate and raise awareness amongst learners.  The morning’s programme involved Grade 1 and Grade 4 learners. The NSRI representative engaged learners in some interactive and simulation exercises.

The municipality would like to thank the 𝗡𝗦𝗥𝗜 as well as the following, other emergency services for their support in terms of their presence at the event, as well as during similar and ongoing programmes that are presented within the Saldanha Bay Municipal area: EMS, Emergency Medical Rescue Services, SAPS Sea Border Unit, Municipal Fire and Rescue Services, Law Enforcement, Traffic Services and Disaster Management Volunteers.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of water safety. It’s a day of reflection on those impacted by and lost to drowning, and how we can prevent these events from happening again.

Despite it being winter, does not mean the dangers in, on or around water are gone. Ensure you are keeping safe by following a few steps: Never swim alone. Check the depth before you jump or dive in. Check the weather before you head out. Don’t swim when you’ve been drinking or taking drugs.

We can all act to end drowning, wherever we are.

The campaign is executed under the slogan “Anyone Can Drown – No One Should.”

The newly elected Youth Council for the 2024/25 term was inaugurated at a distinctive gathering held in Saldanha earlier today.

Leading this formidable group of youth leaders are Palesa Theletsane as Junior Mayor, Shikil Sahadew, elected Junior Deputy Mayor, Willmore Daries who was confirmed as Junior Speaker and Ethan Mahoney who will carry out his duties as Junior Deputy Speaker.

The new Youth Council members were warmly welcomed and supported by the Municipal Manager, Mr. Heinrich Mettler, Executive Mayor, Cllr. André Truter, Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr. Charmaine Laubscher, Speaker, Alderman Olwene Daniels and other esteemed Aldermen and Councillors from the Saldanha Bay Municipality.

Family members and friends shared proud moments with members of the new and outgoing Youth Council members.

Saldanha Bay Municipality wishes this group of leaders great success with the task ahead.