MyAddo

Addo and Kirkwood Accommodation

You are here: Home / Archives for News

News

Sewage Spill Poses Ecological and Health Disaster in Addo

Statement by Cllr Minette Bosman – DA Sundays River Valley Caucus:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has laid criminal charges as an ecological and public health disaster looms in Addo, where an excessive sewage spill has affected the Valencia area, home to 6,500 residents.

The crisis has persisted since at least 25 March and the spill has now reached critical levels and constitutes a serious health hazard to residents and the broader community. It creates conditions conducive to the spread of disease and also poses a significant environmental risk. Additionally, the sewage spill has interfered with local businesses, as access routes are obstructed or rendered unsafe due to the overflow, and trapped many residents in their homes.

Despite repeated reports by DA councillors and the community, the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality has failed to act. It has not repaired the broken sewerage pumps timeously, if at all. It has also failed to contain or stop the spill, clean up affected areas, or protect residents’ health and safety.

The DA therefore had no option but to lay criminal charges against the Municipal Manager at the Kirkwood Police Station on 16 April 2026 for violating the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).

Laying criminal charges was the only recourse, as NEMA places a duty of care on any person or authority who causes, has caused, or may cause significant pollution or degradation of the environment to take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or degradation from occurring, continuing, or recurring. The act also provides that the party responsible for producing the pollution must also be responsible for paying for the damage done to the natural environment. Those found guilty face fines or imprisonment.

The DA remains committed to serving Addo’s residents and holding accountable those who violate their right to healthy and dignified living conditions.

We will not allow the health and livelihoods of our people to be put at risk and will fight to ensure that environmental crimes do not go unpunished.

Looking For Targeted South African Content?

I have been there – the constant grind looking for relevant South African content for an online publication can be frustrating, time consuming and expensive.

MyPR offers a neat solution.

The bottom line:

Subscribe to the MyPR.co.za newsletter or use MyPR’s targeted RSS feeds for automatic delivery.

The long story:

In 2010 we established MyPR for mainly selfish reasons – we needed content for a number of local news sites and brain stormed that conundrum until we came upon a win-win-win-bonus win solution for all.

The concept remains simple to this day:

Win 1:

MyPR offers the opportunity for Public Relations Professionals to self submit press releases to MyPR. We get to publish and distribute those releases to our city specific titles.

Win 2:

The PR Professional gets a press release published and distributed, along with a proof of body of work for existing and potential clients.

Win 3:

Republication by any other content hungry media house is open and free – no permissions required and a handy and free REPUBLISH THIS facility (properly HTML formatted) is displayed alongside every release accessed from our newsletter.

Bonus Win:

MyPR gets to make a few rands when PR Professionals up their game and sign up for our Featured Release service. Whilst PR Professionals get maximum exposure from more publications.

Don’t forget that if you, as a PR Professional, are using media monitoring then your efforts are immediately multiplied 7-Fold with every release submitted to MyPR as a Featured Release.

And that, if you are charging clients per mention, is a HUGE bonus win for you.

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

Taxis Block Streets to Demand Repairs to Potholed Roads

Drivers and members of the Uitenhage and District Taxi Association protested in the Sundays River Valley on Wednesday.

Scores of taxi drivers blocked busy streets in and around Nqweba, formerly known as Kirkwood, on Wednesday to demand that the potholed main road be repaired.

The protest, led by Uitenhage and District Taxi Association (UDTA) and South African Civic Organisation (SANCO), also brought morning traffic on routes to Jansenville, Addo, Kariega, Gqeberha and Kliplaat to a standstill.

The blockade started at 5am and ended around 2:20pm. Night shift citrus workers were transported home, but the morning shift was unable to report for work.

Police spokesperson Majola Nkohli said, “Several minibus taxis were used to block main access routes to the area, which have disrupted commuters and other road users.”

Various policing units helped to divert motorists.

Nkohli also said, “What is believed to be a splinter group attempted to close some businesses, but the situation was diffused by the Public Order Policing Service. Two people were taken in for questioning but were later released. At this stage, no criminal cases were opened.”

UDTA spokesperson Lubabalo Vesele said they have been complaining about the terrible state of the roads for about a year. Despite several meetings and promises made, the condition of the roads remains unchanged.

“Initially, we didn’t want to strike because it is going to affect paying our taxi instalments,” he said.

Sundays River Valley Mayor Solethu Lucas addressed the protesters. He had received complaints that citrus farm workers had not been able to make it to work due to the protest.

“The majority of people in this municipality depend on citrus farms. They did not come to work because their buses were blocked.”

He said the road in question belonged to the Eastern Cape transport department.

Spokesperson for the department Unathi Binqose said the main road from Nqweba to Moses Mabida township “falls short of the standard we aim to maintain”.

“SANRAL has been approached to undertake the necessary upgrades as part of community benefit commitments linked to the major Addo project currently underway. Engagements are still ongoing. We are not yet in a position to confirm the commencement date or budget for the project.”

The taxi drivers are expected to resume operations and will meet with officials next week.

Public Order Police arrived to disperse protesters blocking traffic.

© 2026 GroundUp. This article is published under the GroundUp Republication Licence Version 1.0. Email [email protected] to request permission to republish.

Brain drain: Skilled workers emigrating to other countries.

Read More at the Source

Choose your Addo Experience:

Source: MyZA.co.za.

Part Six: Why Choose Straton Electrical for Your EV Charger Supply and Installation?

Trust the experts who power the Eastern Cape. Straton is the gold standard for EV charger installations.

Powering the Eastern Cape: The Straton Advantage

You wouldn’t let an amateur service your car – why let one wire your charger? At Straton Electrical, we don’t just install plugs; we build energy ecosystems.

Trusted by the Best: We are the authorized installation partners for National Brands, industrial and automotive giants.

Smart Integration: As Shelly experts, we can integrate your charger with your home automation, allowing for peak-shaving and intelligent solar-tracking.

The CoC Guarantee: Every installation is fully certified, ensuring your home insurance remains valid and your system meets SANS safety standards.

Our History: Established in 1966 by the late George Weston Straton (21 September 1938 to 5 June 1988) and now under the stewardship of his sons there probably isn’t a business in Gqeberha that hasn’t at some time benefitted from our service.

George W. Straton was a pivotal figure in the Gqeberha (then Port Elizabeth) business community. While his father, John Weston Straton, had established a successful plumbing business, George decided to forge his own path in the electrical sector.

In 1966, he founded Straton Electrical. His vision laid the groundwork for what has become a multi-generational family legacy in the Nelson Mandela Bay area.

The business he started nearly 60 years ago has evolved significantly, expanding into renewable energy (Solar), smart home automation (Shelly), and even returning to its roots with the recent addition of Straton Plumbing.

From East London to Gqeberha, we are the Eastern Cape’s leading choice for the electric transition.

The storm is here, but the solution is already on your roof and in your garage. From Gqeberha to the rest of the Eastern Cape, Straton is ready to help you navigate the transition.

The Solar Multiplier (Straton Solar’s Secret Sauce):

The ultimate “hidden” saving is the ability to de-link your transport costs from the global oil market entirely.

The Saving: You cannot refine your own petrol in your backyard BUT You can harvest your own electricity.

The EV Charger Reality: For homeowners with a Straton Solar and EV Charger installations, an EV becomes a “rolling battery.” By charging during peak sunlight hours, your 5-year “fuel” cost can drop from R250,000 (average for a high-mileage ICE) to essentially zero.

Add Shelly Automation products from Stratlec and you will be able to measure and manage all your electricity consumers and generators without the monthly costs of an app/cloud/hub to function.

EV Charger Articles:

  1. Part One: The Great Transition: Why Electric Vehicles?
  2. Part Two: The 5-Year Horizon: Are EVs Really More Economical?
  3. Part Three: Pro Charger vs. “Granny Cable”: Why Go Dedicated?
  4. Part Four: Fuel Rand vs. EV Rand: The 100km Running Cost Breakdown
  5. Part Five: The Tipping Point—Verifiable Data on the Shift to EV
  6. Part Six: Why Choose Straton Electrical for Your EV Charger Supply and Installation?
Illustrative image of how an EV Charger and Solar ecosystem works

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

Part Five: The Tipping Point – Verifiable Data on the Shift to EV

The “Perfect Storm” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a measurable market phenomenon. In the 48 hours following the CEF’s announcement of the R10.00 Diesel hike, market data has shown a seismic shift in South African consumer behavior.

Search Volume Spikes: Google Trends data for South Africa shows that searches for “Electric Vehicles for sale” and “EV home charging cost” have increased by 420% since mid-March 2026.

The “Fuel Hike” Correlation: Historical data shows that every time fuel crosses a R2.00/L increase threshold, inquiry rates for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) at Eastern Cape dealerships jump by 35%. With a R5–R10 hike, we are entering uncharted territory where the “interest” is turning into “urgent acquisition.”

Local Manufacturing: Gqeberha is at the heart of this. With local giants ramping up EV/Hybrid production and imports, the supply chain is shortening. Verifiable sales data from 2025 showed NEV sales growing by 71% year-on-year, and 2026 is projected to double that as the “fuel-pain” threshold is finally breached.

There is a direct statistical link between fuel price announcements and the volume of inquiries at Gqeberha dealerships. Consumers are no longer just “curious” – they are transitioning out of necessity.

The “Perfect Storm” has turned the EV from a luxury into a logical financial hedge.

Powering the Eastern Cape: The Straton Advantage

You wouldn’t let an amateur service your car – why let one wire your charger? At Straton Electrical, we don’t just install plugs; we build energy ecosystems.

Trusted by the Best: We are the authorized installation partners for National Brands, industrial and automotive giants.

Smart Integration: As Shelly experts, we can integrate your charger with your home automation, allowing for peak-shaving and intelligent solar-tracking.

The CoC Guarantee: Every installation is fully certified, ensuring your home insurance remains valid and your system meets SANS safety standards.

From East London to Gqeberha, we are the Eastern Cape’s leading choice for the electric vehicle transition.

The Solar Multiplier (Straton Solar’s Secret Sauce):

The ultimate “hidden” saving is the ability to de-link your transport costs from the global oil market entirely.

The Saving: You cannot refine your own petrol in your backyard BUT You can harvest your own electricity.

The EV Charger Reality: For homeowners with a Straton Solar and EV Charger installations, an EV becomes a “rolling battery.” By charging during peak sunlight hours, your 5-year “fuel” cost can drop from R250,000 (average for a high-mileage ICE) to essentially zero.

Add Shelly Automation products from Stratlec and you will be able to measure and manage all your electricity consumers and generators without the monthly costs of an app/cloud/hub to function.

EV Charger Articles:

  1. Part One: The Great Transition: Why Electric Vehicles?
  2. Part Two: The 5-Year Horizon: Are EVs Really More Economical?
  3. Part Three: Pro Charger vs. “Granny Cable”: Why Go Dedicated?
  4. Part Four: Fuel Rand vs. EV Rand: The 100km Running Cost Breakdown
  5. Part Five: The Tipping Point—Verifiable Data on the Shift to EV
  6. Part Six: Why Choose Straton Electrical for Your EV Charger Supply and Installation?

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

Part Four: Fuel Rand vs. EV Rand: The 100km Running Cost Breakdown

As we approach April 1, 2026, the South African energy landscape is shifting from “concerning” to what many experts are calling a “national disaster.” With the single largest fuel price hike in history hitting next week—pushing Petrol toward R26.00/L and Diesel to a record-breaking R30.00/L—the math behind the internal combustion engine (ICE) simply no longer adds up.

For this exercise we used NMB Municipality’s highest electricity tariffs to prove that EVs are still 60% cheaper to run than petrol.

In the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), we operate on an Inclining Block Tariff (IBT). This means the more you use, the more you pay per unit. For this comparison, we are assuming you are already a high-energy household (using over 500 kWh/month) and charging your EV entirely at the most expensive rate.

What It Costs to Drive 100km in March 2026

With the massive fuel hike hitting on April 1st, we’ve run the numbers using the highest Inclining Block Tariff (IBT) in Gqeberha (R3.98/kWh). Even at this “worst-case” rate, the ICE engine loses.

Vehicle Type Consumption Cost per 100km
Petrol (95 ULP) 8.5L / 100km R219.30
Diesel (50ppm) 6.5L / 100km R191.75
Electric (Grid-Max) 18kWh / 100km R71.64
Electric (Solar) 18kWh / 100km R0.00

Even on the most expensive municipal electricity, you are saving R147 per 100km compared to petrol. For a daily commuter, that’s over R3,000 a month back in your pocket.

The Solar Multiplier (Straton Solar’s Secret Sauce):

The ultimate “hidden” saving is the ability to de-link your transport costs from the global oil market entirely.

The Saving: You cannot refine your own petrol in your backyard BUT You can harvest your own electricity.

The EV Charger Reality: For homeowners with a Straton Solar and EV Charger installations, an EV becomes a “rolling battery.” By charging during peak sunlight hours, your 5-year “fuel” cost can drop from R250,000 (average for a high-mileage ICE) to essentially zero.

Add Shelly Automation products from Stratlec and you will be able to measure and manage all your electricity consumers and generators without the monthly costs of an app/cloud/hub to function.

EV Charger Articles:

  1. Part One: The Great Transition: Why Electric Vehicles?
  2. Part Two: The 5-Year Horizon: Are EVs Really More Economical?
  3. Part Three: Pro Charger vs. “Granny Cable”: Why Go Dedicated?
  4. Part Four: Fuel Rand vs. EV Rand: The 100km Running Cost Breakdown
  5. Part Five: The Tipping Point—Verifiable Data on the Shift to EV
  6. Part Six: Why Choose Straton Electrical for Your EV Charger Supply and Installation?

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

Part Three: Pro EV Charger vs. “Granny Cable”: Why Go Dedicated?

Don’t settle for slow EV charging. Learn why a dedicated wallbox is safer, faster, and smarter for your home.

Stop Filling Your Tank with a Garden Hose

Most EVs come with a portable “granny cable.” While handy for emergencies, relying on it daily is like trying to fill a swimming pool with a garden hose.

The Math of Speed

A standard 60kWh battery takes:

  • 26 Hours on a standard 3-pin plug (2.3kW).
  • ~8 Hours on a Straton-installed 7kW Wallbox.

Speed & Efficiency: A standard 2.3kW portable cable can take 20+ hours to charge a 60kWh battery. A 7kW or 22kW dedicated charger from Straton cuts that to a fraction of the time.

Safety First: Dedicated chargers are designed to handle high current for long durations. Using a standard 3-pin plug for years can lead to socket melt or wiring degradation in older homes.

Smart Energy Management: Modern chargers (like those Straton installs) can be integrated with your home’s solar and battery systems to ensure you are “charging with the sun,” essentially driving for free.

Why a Pro Installation Matters:

Safety: Standard sockets aren’t designed for 10+ hours of high-current draw. A dedicated circuit prevents melted wiring and fire risks.

Intelligence: Smart chargers can “talk” to your solar system, ensuring you charge only when the sun is shining.

Protection: Professional installs include surge protection to keep your R1-million investment safe from grid spikes.

By utilizing Smart Home automation (With Shelly gear), you can:

Load Shift: Ensure the car only charges when other heavy appliances are off to stay within lower tiers if possible.

Solar Integration: If you’re pushing solar into the mix, your “fuel” cost can drop to effectively R0.00.

Standard South African 3-pin domestic sockets are designed for intermittent loads (like a kettle or a vacuum cleaner). They are not built to handle a continuous high-current draw for 10 to 15 hours straight.

Sustained charging at 10A or higher can cause heat to accumulate in the socket and the internal wiring, potentially leading to melted plastic or electrical fires.

One of the biggest advantages of a dedicated charger is “intelligence.”

Modern EV Chargers can be programmed to:

Avoid Peak Demand: In regions like the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, where the grid faces strain during restoration periods, smart chargers can be set to “stagger” their start times. This prevents your home from contributing to a massive surge that could trip your neighborhood’s substation.

Solar Integration: If you have a PV system, smart chargers can prioritize “excess” solar energy, ensuring you are driving on 100% sunshine rather than drawing from the grid.

Energy Monitoring: High-quality chargers (and integrated hardware like Shelly relays) allow you to track every cent spent on “fueling” your car, which is essential for ROI tracking.

Compliance (SANS 10142-1): A professional installation by an accredited team like Straton Electrical ensures your charger has a dedicated circuit. This includes specialized Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and surge protection to safeguard your car’s sensitive electronics from the “cold inrush” surges often seen when power is restored after a local trip.

Installing a dedicated charger is an investment in your property’s infrastructure. Much like a bore-hole or a solar installation, a certified EV charging point is increasingly viewed as a premium feature by buyers. By ensuring the installation comes with a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC), you ensure the long-term legality and safety of your home’s electrical system.

The Solar Multiplier (Straton Solar’s Secret Sauce):

The ultimate “hidden” saving is the ability to de-link your transport costs from the global oil market entirely.

The Saving: You cannot refine your own petrol in your backyard BUT You can harvest your own electricity.

The EV Charger Reality: For homeowners with a Straton Solar and EV Charger installations, an EV becomes a “rolling battery.” By charging during peak sunlight hours, your 5-year “fuel” cost can drop from R250,000 (average for a high-mileage ICE) to essentially zero.

Add Shelly Automation products from Stratlec and you will be able to measure and manage all your electricity consumers and generators without the monthly costs of an app/cloud/hub to function.

EV Charger Articles:

  1. Part One: The Great Transition: Why Electric Vehicles?
  2. Part Two: The 5-Year Horizon: Are EVs Really More Economical?
  3. Part Three: Pro Charger vs. “Granny Cable”: Why Go Dedicated?
  4. Part Four: Fuel Rand vs. EV Rand: The 100km Running Cost Breakdown
  5. Part Five: The Tipping Point—Verifiable Data on the Shift to EV
  6. Part Six: Why Choose Straton Electrical for Your EV Charger Supply and Installation?

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

Part Two: The 5-Year Horizon: Are EVs Really More Economical?

Join Straton Electrical as we look past the sticker price to the “Hidden Savings” that make EVs significantly cheaper over a 5-year ownership period.

The Hidden Savings: The True Cost of Ownership

When comparing an EV to a petrol car, most people only look at the purchase price. But the real story is told over five years of ownership. While the “sticker shock” might be higher, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) tells a different story.

Where do the savings hide?

Zero Oil Changes: No spark plugs, no timing belts, and no exhaust systems to rust or replace.

Brake Longevity: Thanks to regenerative braking, EV brake pads can last up to 100,000 km because the motor does the heavy lifting of slowing the car down.

Efficiency: Petrol engines waste 70% of their energy as heat. EVs are 90% efficient, meaning almost every cent you spend on “fuel” actually moves the wheels.

Total Cost of Ownership

Maintenance Savings: Over 5 years, an EV requires no oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, or exhaust system repairs. Brake pads also last longer due to regenerative braking.

Residual Value: As petrol becomes a “luxury” and global demand for ICE vehicles drops, the resale value of EVs is projected to hold steadier than traditional cars.

The Breakeven Point: Current 2026 data suggests that for a high-mileage driver, the higher upfront cost of an EV is recouped through fuel and maintenance savings within 3.5 to 4 years.

Over five years, a high-mileage driver in the Eastern Cape can expect to save upwards of R200,000 in operating expenses alone.

The Solar Multiplier (Straton Solar’s Secret Sauce):

The ultimate “hidden” saving is the ability to de-link your transport costs from the global oil market entirely.

The Saving: You cannot refine your own petrol in your backyard BUT You can harvest your own electricity.

The EV Charger Reality: For homeowners with a Straton Solar and EV Charger installations, an EV becomes a “rolling battery.” By charging during peak sunlight hours, your 5-year “fuel” cost can drop from R250,000 (average for a high-mileage ICE) to essentially zero.

Add Shelly Automation products from Stratlec and you will be able to measure and manage all your electricity consumers and generators without the monthly costs of an app/cloud/hub to function.

EV Charger Articles:

  1. Part One: The Great Transition: Why Electric Vehicles?
  2. Part Two: The 5-Year Horizon: Are EVs Really More Economical?
  3. Part Three: Pro Charger vs. “Granny Cable”: Why Go Dedicated?
  4. Part Four: Fuel Rand vs. EV Rand: The 100km Running Cost Breakdown
  5. Part Five: The Tipping Point—Verifiable Data on the Shift to EV
  6. Part Six: Why Choose Straton Electrical for Your EV Charger Supply and Installation?

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

Part One: The Great Transition: Why Electric Vehicles?

In this 6 part series we will explore why Gqeberha is at the heart of the EV revolution and how moving to an electric vehicle is about more than just the environment.

The Future is Electric (and it’s being built in Gqeberha).

The conversation around Electric Vehicles (EVs) has shifted. It is no longer a “someday” technology for early adopters; it is a “right now” solution for a world facing a perfect storm of energy costs.

In the Eastern Cape, this transition is personal. With local automotive giants pivoting toward EV and Hybrid production, the vehicles of tomorrow are being built in our own backyard.

But why should you make the switch?

Mechanical Simplicity: A standard petrol engine has about 2,000 moving parts. An EV has around 20. This translates to fewer failures and less time in the workshop.

Energy Independence: You can’t refine petrol in your garden, but you can harvest sunlight. An EV paired with solar is the ultimate “off-grid” transport solution.

Performance: The instant torque of an electric motor provides a silent, powerful driving experience that traditional engines simply cannot match.

Reduced Complexity: A standard ICE vehicle has about 2,000 moving parts; an EV has around 20. This leads to drastically lower mechanical failure rates.

The Silent Drive: Beyond zero emissions, the reduction in noise pollution creates a more premium, stress-free driving experience for commuters in the Bay.

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles are incredibly inefficient. Only about 30% of the energy in a litre of petrol actually moves the wheels; the other 70% is wasted as heat through the radiator and exhaust.

The “Perfect Storm” of 2026 is here. As fuel prices reach record highs, the question isn’t “Why EV?” but rather “How soon?”

The Solar Multiplier (Straton Solar’s Secret Sauce):

The ultimate “hidden” saving is the ability to de-link your transport costs from the global oil market entirely.

The Saving: You cannot refine your own petrol in your backyard BUT You can harvest your own electricity.

The EV Charger Reality: For homeowners with a Straton Solar and EV Charger installations, an EV becomes a “rolling battery.” By charging during peak sunlight hours, your 5-year “fuel” cost can drop from R250,000 (average for a high-mileage ICE) to essentially zero.

Add Shelly Automation products from Stratlec and you will be able to measure and manage all your electricity consumers and generators without the monthly costs of an app/cloud/hub to function.

EV Charger Articles:

  1. Part One: The Great Transition: Why Electric Vehicles?
  2. Part Two: The 5-Year Horizon: Are EVs Really More Economical?
  3. Part Three: Pro Charger vs. “Granny Cable”: Why Go Dedicated?
  4. Part Four: Fuel Rand vs. EV Rand: The 100km Running Cost Breakdown
  5. Part Five: The Tipping Point—Verifiable Data on the Shift to EV
  6. Part Six: Why Choose Straton Electrical for Your EV Charger Supply and Installation?
Illustrative image of how an EV Charger and Solar ecosystem works

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

Shocking NMB Water Waste Woes: Is the Municipality Drowning in Apathy?

South Africans and thirsty Nelson Mandela Bay residents, the numbers are in, and they paint a critical picture of Nelson Mandela Bay’s water supply. Whilst one significant dam level has increased, the biggest leak isn’t in the Western Region; it’s in our municipal infrastructure.

Here are the facts:

  • 65% of Nelson Mandela Bay’s water comes from the Gariep Dam, which saw rising levels throughout 2025.
  • Nelson Mandela Bay has a TOTAL reliance on external water sources (Free State and Sarah Baartman Districts).
  • 35% of the municipalities water comes from dams to the west, four of which fall within the Sarah Baartman District.
  • BUT… 60% of that water is lost BEFORE it reaches consumers taps due to municipal infrastructure failure.

What does that mean? The municipality is responsible for wasting 223 Million Liters per day (MLD).

That is equivalent to losing 90 OLYMPIC-SIZED SWIMMING POOLS DAILY.

We are importing water from across the country, only for more than half of it to disappear through broken pipes. We cannot afford this waste.

How We Fight Back:

We must turn this data into collective action. We can’t wait for the municipality to fix it; we have to develop our own pressure map.

  1. Join the Discussion: What is the water pressure like in your street? Have you reported a leak with zero feedback?
  2. Report the Leaks: Share your municipal reference number on the forum. We use this data to escalate entire neighborhoods, bypassing the call center queue.

Don’t just watch the 90 Olympic size pools drain daily. Take control.

Join the MyNMB Forum to express your feelings, share solutions and vent!

#NelsonMandelaBay #Gqeberha #NMBWaterCrisis #ServiceDelivery #CommunityAction #TheMyNMBWay

Infographic:

Where Nelson Mandela Bay Gets It’s Water From

Links:

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.

Beat The Electricity Price Hike With a Shelly Pro 1PM: The Professional Single Phase Energy Monitor

With households scrambling to save money on electricity costs ahead of Eskom’s looming price hike many are turning to Solar Systems as a solution.

The concerns with Solar are mainly around cost to install and speed of installation.

The principle around saving electricity is a simple one; “If you can measure it, you can manage and control it!”

Shelly Devices:

The Shelly Pro 1PM is the professional, DIN-rail mountable version of the 1PM series. Photo: Stratlec

Shelly Devices offer you a very cost effective way to constantly measure your consumption and control it – on an entire premises OR single device basis – via your smartphone and WITHOUT ongoing monthly connection costs. Your device, your data, your privacy – sorted.

Take absolute control of your electricity bill with the Shelly Pro 1PM. Designed for the professional environment and high-demand South African households, this DIN-rail mountable 1-phase energy meter provides 1% billing accuracy.

In the Nelson Mandela Bay area, crossing into the “Block 3” tariff will spike your costs to R4.57 per unit (ecl. VAT). The Shelly Pro 1PM allows you to track consumption in real-time, identifying exactly which phase or appliance is pushing you toward that expensive 500kWh threshold.

The Shelly Pro 1PM is the gold standard for automating the single biggest energy consumer in your home: the geyser. Capable of switching up to 16A (3.5kW), this compact relay fits directly into your existing isolator box or DB board.

Unlike traditional mechanical timers, the Plus 1PM provides precise power measurement, allowing you to see exactly how much each shower or bath is costing you. By automating your geyser to heat during off-peak hours and utilizing “thermal mass” strategies, you can significantly reduce your monthly consumption and avoid high-tier municipal penalties.

Why Shelly Pro1 PM:

  • Overpower Protection: Integrated temperature and power sensors for peace of mind.
  • Advanced Scheduling: Create complex 7-day schedules or use “Sunrise/Sunset” logic.
  • Connectivity: Works via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—no expensive hub required.

Why Buy Shelly Products From an Authorised Reseller and Installer such as Stratlec?

As an Authorized Shelly Reseller, Stratlec ensures that every device is genuine, ICASA-approved, and backed by full technical support tailored to the South African electrical grid.

  • Local Support: Expert advice on NMBM tariff optimization.
  • Warranty: Full local warranty and replacement support.
  • Expertise: We don’t just sell the hardware; we help you build the solution.

Descriptive words: Energy Monitoring South Africa, 1-Phase Power Meter, Shelly Pro 1PM, NMBM Electricity Tariffs, Solar System Integration.

Video:

https://youtu.be/XzUUJGwJ5Zg?si=XSqeh33vnW12rvAi
Beat The Electricity Price Hike With a Shelly Pro 1PM: The Professional Single Phase Energy Monitor

Links:

Boilerplate and Editor’s Notes.
More Info on Beat The Electricity Price Hike With a Shelly Pro 1PM: The Professional Single Phase Energy Monitor here:
X: https://twitter.com/MyPE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratonElectrical/

CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.

My Press Release (MyPR) provides free South African targeted content and press releases for on and off line publishers and media.

Registering on MyPR enables public relations companies and practitioners to post articles under their own author name.

Public Relations Companies and practitioners, event organisers, sports and political writers use MyPR as a distribution mechanism for their press releases, content, images and news.

A forever free subscription allows publishers and media free access to all press releases, content and images on MyPR.