Komani – Page 4

Want to Free Yourself From Municipal Electricity Bills?

AND have a redundant system!
Are batteries still viable in this ‘loadshedding lite’ pattern we find ourselves in?

I recently wrote an article comparing the average annual percentage increase for electricity in Nelson Mandela Bay and contrasted that with the average annual percentage increases for municipal employees and councillors. (Article here: https://mynmb.co.za/how-the-nmbm-contributes-massively-to-nelson-mandela-bays-financial-failure/)

That got me thinking about how we could zero our consumption at home and have a redundant Solar System.

Want to Join me to Free Yourself From Municipal Bills?

I have already taken the first step and prepared my Distribution Board for the installation of a Solar System (See: https://mypr.co.za/a-real-tale-of-the-cobbler-and-his-shoes/)

The second conversation is around monthly consumption – I find myself on the Top Tier and we consume around 1200 kWh’s per month.

I require a certain amount of redundancy so that means installing TWO inverters (and batteries if required).

I need to produce around of 40kwh’s per day.

That would mean around 12kw of PV Panels which is approximately 22 panels.

The redundancy idea also gives the ability to utilise an east, north, west orientation (with four MPPT’s)

A 30 – 40kWh battery bank will carry us through the night and on cloudy days.

The above setup, with two 12kW inverters will produce from 40 – 65kwh’s per day in summer – allowing for top up and self consumption.

My flatlet tenants consume around 450 units of electricity per month – so that will increase my recovery on the upfront investment a bit faster.

There are two suggestions as to equipment:

2 x Sunsynk 8kW Hybrid Inverters plus 6 x 5.12kWh batteries plus 20 x Tier 1 Solar Panels OR
2 x 12kw Sigenergy Hybrid Inverters plus 4 x 8.06kWh Sigen Battery Modules plus 22 x 550W Tier 1 Solar Panels

Estimated pricing (Including BoS, Cabling and Labour):

Sunsynk: R237 900 – R283 500.
Sigenergy – R282 000 – R348 000.

As Straton Solar are installers of both models my preference is for the Sigenenergy range.

Should I opt for the highest estimated amount of R348 00 then it will take me 7 years to recover that investment.

BTW – In year 7 the price of electricity (increased by 12% per annum) will be R9.02 per unit.

Next step is to get the Solar Panels up, breathe for a bit and then do the inverter and battery combinations.

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Desiree Barnesis Crowned the 2025 Snowflake Rising Stars Winner

Desiree Barnes from Qalashe, Qonce, has been named the best up-and-coming baker in the Border Kei region at this years’ Snowflake Rising Stars Bake-Off, held on Saturday, 18 October at the Blue-Ribbon Hospitality & Cookery School of Excellence.

Impressing the judges in the colour-themed mystery box challenge, Barnes wowed them with her colourful red vanilla cupcakes, earning her the top prize of R20 000, a business toolkit, PR exposure, and Snowflake stock to grow her business, DesiB Cakes & Balloon Décor.

To showcase her talent, Snowflake will host a regional roadshow where Barnes, will present her baked creations at the following malls:

Vincent Park Mall 25 & 26 October
Hemmingway Mall 01 & 02 November
Beacon Bay Park 29 & 30 November

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude. From the moment I saw the competition advertised, I believed this was something I could win. I’m incredibly proud of myself and deeply thankful to Snowflake for this amazing opportunity. To all aspiring bakers, keep believing in yourselves and never stop working toward your dreams. With faith and passion, anything is possible,” says Barnes.

Each of the ten competition finalists presented a festive-themed cake, delivered a business elevator pitch, and completed a 90-minute mystery box challenge at the bake-off, attended by judges, local industry leaders, Premier staff, and members of the media. They were evaluated by the judges on taste, texture, creativity, visual appeal, and aroma, as well as their entrepreneurial potential – including innovation and business sustainability.

In second place, Bongiwe Ngqokola from Mdantsane, East London, received R15 000, a business toolkit worth R30 000, PR coverage and Snowflake stock. Third place went to Babalwa Motile from Queensview Park, Komani, who received R10 000, along with the same support package.

Now in its second year, the Snowflake Rising Stars competition is organised in partnership with the Border Kei Chamber of Business as part of Premier ’s commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting small business development through it’s Snowflake brand.

“Congratulations to Desiree! This initiative empowers local bakers by giving them the tools, training and exposure they need to turn their passion into successful enterprises,” said Sibongile Mooko, Marketing Executive at Premier. “The creativity and dedication shown by this year’s finalists have been truly inspiring. With the right ingredients and spirit, these bakers prove that what they make is simply Too Fresh to Flop.”

Several partners contributed to the event’s success, including the Blue-Ribbon Hospitality & Cookery School of Excellence, All Things Cake and Thee Gifted Hands.

For more information about Snowflake and upcoming events, visit www.snowflake.co.za.

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Khoi and San Deserve Justice at Once

The legal principle of justice delayed is justice denied is more relevant to the Khoi and San traditional leaders and their communities than ever, as they are still suffering injustice.

For three decades, the ANC government has failed to officially recognise these indigenous groups, while Nguni communities such as the Xhosa and Zulu enjoy benefits under existing legislation.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling on 14 October 2025 suspended the declaration of invalidity of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act (TKLA) for two years until 29 May 2027 – signifying regress rather than redress.

During this time, national, provincial and local governments are free to adopt legislation without guaranteeing the rights of Khoi and San communities.

In the Western Cape, where these communities are strongly represented, their unrecognised status perpetuates exclusion from spatial planning and municipal boundary demarcation.

The DA-led provincial government has, since the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act took effect in 2003, failed to establish a Provincial House of Traditional Leaders. This failure deepens the marginalisation of the Khoi and San.

Meanwhile, the persistent lack of institutional capacity in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) hinders any progress.

Funds annually earmarked for Khoi-San research are returned unspent, while there is still no concrete recognition.

The inequality is shocking and unacceptable: Nguni leaders enjoy full legal status, while Khoi-San leaders remain oppressed. This is a gross violation of the Constitution’s principle of equality.

The Government of National Unity (GNU) has a historic opportunity to correct this injustice, but it all depends on whether the President has the political will to prioritise the rights of Khoi-San communities instead of ignoring them.

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is the only party taking a firm stand for the Khoi and San’s right to recognition and self-determination.

The party calls on these communities to intensify their activism and stand up for their cause with the Freedom Front Plus.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling, albeit in good faith, perpetuates exclusion as long as the ANC and its allies fail to take appropriate action.

Freedom Front Plus Land Reform: The FF Plus opposes land expropriation without compensation.