Blackouts countrywide this weekend

Eskom will implement rotational load shedding in stage 2 over the weekend in a bid to augment its water and diesel reserves for the week ahead.  Load shedding in Kouga Municpality area will be:  Eskom has released the following load shedding times for the weekend (Sat and Sun): J-Bay 8 – 10.30 am St Francis…

Wounded St Francis Bay fsherman rescued by NSRI

A local fisherman with rib injuries had to be rescued at sea by the NSRI St Francis Bay yesterday as the boat  could not enter Port St Francis owing to huge wave swells and fierce winds. Yesterday, 27 November, the NSRI said it was activated following a request for assistance from the chokka fishing boat, Southern…

Truce with parliamentary opposition parties is off

The agreement between Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and opposition parties represented in Parliament has been called off. This was revealed yesterday, 24 November,  after Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa met with opposition leaders at Emoyeni, Johannesburg yesterday. The Deputy President said the agreement reached with opposition parties could not proceed as the Democratic Alliance (DA) decided…

Increased risk for load-shedding later this week – Eskom

The risk for load-shedding will increase later this week Eskom warned today, 24 November 2014. The risk increases as water and diesel reserves decline. “Mild and cloudy weather is forecasted from Wednesday onwards, which will increase the demand in electricity, thereby putting pressure on the system and increasing the risk for load shedding.” South Africa’s…

Repairs to storm damage at St Francis Bay’s beaches

Stormy weather has caused damage to the St Francis Bay beaches, rock revetments  and access stairs or boardwalks. The St Francis Bay Residents Association (SFBRA)  has taken action to repair some of these areas prior to the Christmas holidays.  The stairs leading to the beach at Peter Crescent were removed before the revetments could be…

 Medium-low risk of load shedding Monday-Tuesday this week

The risk of load shedding for tomorrow and Tuesday (24 and 25 November 2014 is medium to low  owing to steady progress made in building reserves to limit the risk of load shedding. This is according to an Eskom press release this afternoon, Sunday 23 November. Eskom says it declared a power emergency with large…

Electricity supply system expected to be ‘tight’ – Eskom

The power system is expected to be tight owing to cold and cloudy weather conditions  over the evening peak periods for the next few days. This according to power utility Eskom that says this is because of weather conditions forecast for the next few days  and the loss of additional units at its power stations…

Paddler Mark Feather’s body found

The body of surf-skier, Mark Feather, was found on the shore near Trennerys, Wild Coast today, 17 November 2014.  His body is now in the care of the SAP on the scene and will be taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services. Feather, 43 from Rivonia, Gauteng, was reported missing when he failed…

Parts of missing paddler’s surfski found today

During the search early this morning at about 7 am,  part of the missing surf-ski belonging to  missing paddler Mark Feather, was found offshore of East London. But no sign of Feather himself, missing since yesterday morning was found.  Feather, 43, from Rivonia, Gauteng failed to return to shore after setting off to compete  in…

St Francis Chronicle November 2014 edition on the web and mobiles

St Francis Chronicle November 2014  print edition is now also available  on the web and on mobiles. All our readers around Southern Africa and the world can read all the latest news of their home town or favourite holiday spot. This edition  is a preview of what will be going down during the forthcoming festive…

Photo of Rivonia paddler missing near East London

NSRI have released a photograph of the missing surf-skier, 43 year-old Mark Feather, from Rivonia, Johannesburg, to aid efforts find him. Aircraft, Police, NSRI East London, NSRI Port Alfred and NSRI Port Elizabeth and sea rescue craft will resume a sea, air and shoreline search from first light while Police between East London and the Transkei…

Surf-skier missing near East London

A surf-skier is missing after he failed to return to shore in the Peter Marlin surf-ski challenge from Orient Beach to Yellowsands, East London, today 15 November 2014. The 43 year-old missing paddler is from Johannesburg and despite six winged aircraft searching for him he has still not been found. According to the NSRI release…