Clean sweep for Bay hockey

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Clean sweep for Bay hockey Empangeni's Linda Joubert (left) comes under intense pressure from Karen Raubenheimer Linda Joubert gets the better of Lisl van Aarde, but not for long Lisl van Aarde THE final matches of the 2008 Zululand Hockey League were contested on a cloudy day on Sunday. The Richards Bay men played a feisty and energetic Unizulu side, who came out firing on all cylinders. Despite great breakaways and fantastic skill from Unizulu, Richards Bay emerged as 6-1 victors. Congratulations to the Richards Bay men's side who have won all nine their leagues games and are the deserved winners of the Zululand Hockey League Men's Cup. The Empangeni and Richards Bay women played the final game of the day. The score was 1-0 to the Bay at half-time and the game was evenly contested. Once Empangeni netted the equaliser, all bets were off and the encounter gained serious momentum. The Bay players, however, made a great comeback to win 3-1 and proved to be the most consistent team and, with the injection of young talented newcomers, claimed the Women's Cup with a narrow lead of two points over the Vets team. NCD Good luck to all the Zululand players who were selected for the Natal Country District sides who will be playing their respective South African Country District tournaments in Krugersdorp (men) in July and White River (women) in June. Thank you to all the club chairmen, organisers and players for making this a great season and we are looking forward to seeing you all next year. Fund-raising tournament The Richards Bay Hockey Club will be hosting a seven-a-side tournament on Friday 6 June. The games will start at 6pm sharp at the Veldenvlei Sports Complex. Teams may consist of seven women, seven men or mixed. The entry fee is R20 per player, with a prize for the best dressed team. To book, contact Vernon Franz on 083 7125605 or Lisl van Aarde on 082 5609283 before 9am on Friday 6 June.

 

A healthy lifestyle

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	A healthy lifestyle John Ntuli, the recipient of Bell's generosity, on his way to victory in the 10km run Trish Hodgson crosses the finish line in third Caelia and dad Don Voysey finish second in their respective categories And the 15km cycle gets underway WITH their heritage in Zululand, Bell Equipment, with their head office based in Richards Bay, held their inaugural mountain bike, run and walk event on Sunday, promoting a healthy lifestyle for the whole family. A big thank you to Zululand for their support at the Bell Equipment X3 family event. The races started outside the company's main entrance in Alton. Routes were marked out with water tables along the way, with prize-giving ending a great morning. Thank you to the following companies who co-sponsored the event: Laser Junction, Sign Force, Coastal Engineering, Magally Engineering, and Zululand Cycles, with the top lucky draw prize (a GT Avalanche 3.0 mountain bike) sponsored by MacSteel, going to Graham Lingard. Great Bell hampers were also given away, as well as other prizes. Goodie bags (with T-shirts sponsored by Sign Force) and Bell X3 medals were given to all entrants. All entry fees were donated to local athlete, John Ntuli, who came first in the 10km run. He is attending the world duathlon championships in Italy in September and was grateful for the funds raised. Bell looks forward to an even bigger event next year, so start getting fit! Results MTB - 35km Seniors (male) 1 Alexandre Feret 2 Rourke Croeser 3 Gideon Bruckner Seniors (female) 1 Joyce Benade 2 Julie Jennings 3 Robyn Lombard Juniors (male) 1 Dean Solomon 2 Barry Crouch 3 Nicholas Webster MTB - 15km Seniors (male) 1 Shakes Hiraman 2 Don Voysey 3 Carel du Rand Seniors (female) 1 Sharon Calitz 2 Donna Rehbock 3 Carol Cooper Juniors (male) 1 Jason Ackerman 2 Tegan du Toit 3 Sheldon Getkate Juniors (female) 1 Ashley Hodgson 2 Caelia Voysey 3 Carmen Singery Run - 10km Seniors (male) 1 John Ntuli 2 Sphamandla Nsele 3 Mduduzi Mguni Seniors (female) 1 Simone Scrase 2 Jamkelisiwe Gumede 3 Trish Hodgson Juniors (male) 1 Shane Squires 2 Malus Sikhakhane 3 Sthembiso Nsele Juniors (female) 1 Yandisa Cele 2 Anita Bezuidenhout 3 Morita Botha Walk - 5km Seniors (male) 1 Nkanyiso Khosa 2 Lindiwize Zulu 3 Johan Botha Seniors (female) 1 Fikile Vilane 2 Sue Smith 3 Mindri Bruckner Juniors (male) 1 Siswe Mthembu 2 Sheldon Master 3 Patrick Matthee Juniors (female) 1 Joanne Martin 2 Megan Martin 3 Rebecca Stewart

 

Editor

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Welcome new economic boost The announcement that Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) will be be investing more than one billion rand to re-mine its tailings stockpiles using new technology (see story on front page), serves as another welcome economic boost to the region. The value of an investment of this magnitude is obvious, but equally important is the fact that the mine's lifespan will be extended by another five years beyond 2010. Since its establishment in the area RBM's presence has not only been highly beneficial economically, but also of prime significance relating to the area's communities. Believing as it does in a close involvement with the community from which it draws the majority of its employees, RBM has set a world example in making sure that many needs of that community are met. Indeed, when it started becoming clear that the company's mining lease was nearing its inevitable end, the reality raised some concerns. Would the departure of RBM mean an end to many beneficial partnerships the company had with the local authorities, with educational institutions, with health initiatives, job security and with a host of other positive developments? The announcement means that, in the words of RBM Managing Director Cameron McRae, '...it will contribute to the economics of the greater KZN region by providing further employment and local business development opportunities during the construction period, as well as into the future.' In the past RBM contributed magnificently to Zululand's phenomenal progress and clearly it will now continue to do so for some time longer. That is to be welcomed. N2 gevaarsone Die N2-hoofweg is die hoofverbindingsaar tussen die verre Kaap en Mosabiek in die noorde. Dit loop uit die aard van die saak dwarsdeur Zoeloeland. Die verkeersvloei is druk en mens sou verwag dat dit 'n veilige roete sal wees. In der waarheid is die sowat 200 kilometers van die N2 wat deur Zoeloeland loop egter vir jare reeds 'n gunsteling roofplek vir motor-kapers, gewapende rowers wat transito-kontantvoertuie voorlê, toeriste beroof en motors onder die klippe steek. Skaars 'n week gaan verby of hierdie koerant maak melding van die een of ander misdaad wat op die N2 gepleeg word. Die jongste voorvalle is tipies. In die een instansie is 'n Coin-veiligheidsvoertuig voorgelê en van sowat R2-miljoen beroof terwyl die bestuurder van die voertuig en sy veiligheidswagte gedreig is dat hulle in die voertuig lewend verbrand sou word as sou hulle hul teensit. Brandstof is om die voertuig uitgegiet en vuurhoutjies is deur die rowers reggehou. 'n Ander geval is net so skrikwekkend. 'n Teler van tropiese vis het sy besending van 50 kiste per bakkie na Durban laat vervoer. Op die N2 naby Mandini het 'n voertuig wat deur 'n persoon in SA Polisiediens-uniform geklee was die bestuurder gemaan om stil te hou en toe hy hieroor twyfel, het die insittendes van die tweede voertuig wapens uitgepluk en hom gedreig. Hy is van die bakkie en sy vrag beroof. Dit gaan die verstand te bowe dat sulke aanvalle helder oordag gepleeg word deur misdadigers wat geen vrees vir vergelding toon nie en doen wat hulle wil. Die publiek moet op hulle hoede wees - vir wat dit werd is.

 

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Intense defence Karen Raubenheimer is under attack from Sunette Jacobs in the last fixture of the 2008 Zululand Hockey League contested in Richards Bay on Sunday. The Bay came out 3-1 victors to clinch the title for the season

 

Unizulu Mavericks shine

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Unizulu Mavericks shine at business challenge Unizulu Rector Prof Rachel Gumbi (centre) with the all-conquering 'Mavericks' - Paul Forjoe Jnr, Camagu Ngudle, Libo Matshazi and Kwanele Zuma (absent Thuthuka Ntuli)* Lesetja Malope Five of Unizulu's sharpest student business minds made the institution proud by obtaining third place in the inaugural First National Bank Universities' Business Challenge held in Sandton, Johannesburg. The five students, Camagu Ngudle (team leader), Paul Forjoe Jnr, Libo Matshazi, Kwanele Zuma and Thuthuka Ntuli, collectively called the 'The Mavericks', were the sole KZN representatives at the national competition. Fifty-five teams from universities countrywide entered. The competition required each group to simulate directors of a financially struggling company who had to get that company to its feet and making money within a specified period. The teams were required to put theory into practice when managing these 'companies'. 'The Mavericks' were one of the top eight groups making the highest cumulative 'profit' and therefore made it to the finals where their financial management and marketing skills were put to the test through rigorous business simulation. During the preliminary phase the Unizulu team were primed by university Commerce lecturers, Mr I Kaseeram and Mr AJ Williams. At the final, the five Zululanders made their biggest impression on the facilitators and deservedly obtained third place behind two University of Cape Town teams.

 

Unsightly entrance to receive attention

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Unsightly entrance to receive attention Lesley Stephenson EMPANGENI has for too long been made to look shabby and unattractive at its eShowe/Nkwaleni road entrance because of an unsightly and ill-maintained municipal wall which flanks the taxi ranks. However there is light on the other end of the wall. According to the uMhlathuze municipality 'the wall' is on the agenda for attention. A tender is out for the redevelopment of (taxi) A rank by a private developer, with the closing date being 18 July. The current broadening of Empangeni's Main Road will incorporate the relocation of A rank's entrance to Fukwe Street. As a result the wall, which falls within the rank, will be attended to when the changes are finally implemented.

 

Waste not, want not

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Waste not, want not Trucker Orphard Musaniwa says truckers have nowhere to clean out their trucks, which is a requirement before new cargo can be loaded Tanya Waterworth TRUCKERS have been dumping their waste, sometimes chemical, on the roadside in the Richards Bay CBD. On Monday morning at the weekly police meeting, it was reported that a trucker was spotted brushing manganese from his truck onto the roadside on Bullion Boulevard. And it was further confirmed that it was not the first time such an incident has taken place. In an interview with the Zululand Observer, the truckers who were parked off the road, said there is no facility available in either the port or the city for trucks to be cleaned. 'When we take cargo into the port, we sit in a long queue until the cargo is unloaded. 'The truck must immediately leave the area. 'But we are not allowed to pick up new cargo unless the trucks are cleaned. 'So we have to clean them somewhere,' said one trucker. Another said they sometimes drive out of the port and turn left into a side road, where trucks are also brushed and cleaned. When it was pointed out that chemicals such as manganese are highly poisonous, the truckers said they have no choice in the matter, as new cargo loads must be collected. There was an immediate reaction from the uMhlathuze Municipality upon receiving the report of the incident. The affected area in Bullion Boulevard was visited the same morning and a meeting held with port officials. The Chief Water Pollution Control Technician for the municipality, Cleopas Mathenjwa said, 'We have requested that a port official ensures the bins from the trucks are completely empty before trucks leave the port. 'We have also requested that truck drivers be made aware as to the dangers of sweeping chemical remnants onto the roadside,' said Mathenjwa. He added that the municipality had also requested that agents in the port monitor what is happening with trucks off-loading cargo and confirmed the agents involved in Monday's incident had been contacted. 'They have indicated that they will clean up the affected area,' said Mathenjwa.

 

Zuma visits steel plant

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Zuma visits steel plant A warm reception awaited ANC President - Jacob Zuma from Tata Steel KZN MD - Somdeb Banerjee, uThungulu District Mayor - Stan Larkan and uMhlathuze Mayor - Zakhele Mnqayi Dave Savides ANC President Jacob Zuma visited the R650-million Tata Steel ferrochrome smelter in Alton North on Tuesday. On invitation by the India-based steel and manufacturing giant, Zuma was given an introduction to the Tata Steel business and community philosophy, a progress report and a conducted tour of the plant. Zuma learned that Tata's CSI efforts include a learnership project aimed at locals, focussing on education, skills development, enterprise development and women empowerment. The Metallurgical Learnership programme saw an intake of 42 learners in 2006 and another 50 in 2007. A further 50 will be added in July 2008, 100 in July 2009 and 150 in July 2010. Technical Apprenticeships have already been offered to 20 learners and this will grow by a further 135 by 2010. Furnace One was commissioned in April and Furnace Two is due to be commissioned later this month, with the Briquette Plant due for commissioning in August. While production is already taking place, it is not yet on a commercial scale.

 

Save energy now

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Save energy now Eskom Sales & Marketing Manager: Eastern Region, Helmut Oellerman says the environment will benefit from the efficient use of electricity A host of commercial consumers attended a special Energy Efficiency presentation at the Empangeni Country Club on Wednesday Ronelle Ramsamy THE power rationing and energy conservation process is on the horizon and with it comes tough targets, penalties, incentives and new legislation. This is according to Eskom Sales and Marketing Manager: Eastern Region, Helmut Oellerman, who advised commercial consumers to start saving immediately in preparation for the punitive measures. He was speaking at a special Energy Efficiency presentation hosted by Eskom in a joint venture with the uMhlathuze Municipality and the Zululand Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Empangeni on Wednesday. The purpose of the workshop was to assist industrial consumers to contribute towards the drive for more efficient use of electricity with in depth presentations on lighting, solar power, heat pumps, motors and air conditioners. 'We are committed to the efficient use of electricity and have made Demand Side Management a priority. Over the last month, a lot of bullets have been fired at us, which are understandable, but we should now get into a mode of working together to change the situation. 'When the lights started blinking at the beginning of the year, it also revealed a lot of bad energy habits because South Africa still has one of the cheapest electricity in the world,' said Oellerman. Timeframe While Oellerman could not give a specific timeframe for the commencement of the power rationing process, he said consumers had a real opportunity to save in the time available. 'We need to save energy without killing the golden goose, which is the economy and everyone must play their part. Government is driving the rationing process with a lot of input from Eskom and the municipalities. 'It will run against a baseline so that larger customers with municipalities can see what their targets are. The baseline will be determined from October last year going 12 months back. We will have more focus sessions throughout the country to look at further interventions,' added Oellerman.

 

Councillors get stern warning

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Councillors get stern warning Satisfied with their efforts in heading the uMhlathuze budget effort are Deputy Chief Financial Officer - Hilton Renald, City Mayor - Cllr Zakhele Mnqayi, Assistant Chief Financial Officer - Cristina da Cruz and Chief Financial Officer - Dan Pillay Dave Savides 'WE will not hesitate to get rid of under-performing councillors.' That's the warning from City of uMhlathuze Mayor, Cllr Zakhele Mnqayi, who while praising the efforts and enthusiasm of the budget team and officials, spoke out strongly against the lack of capital expenditure spending. 'Our biggest concern has been the inability to spend the budgeted amounts - in particular the City Engineers Department, which takes nearly 60% of the capital budget,' said Mnqayi. 'While acknowledging the effects of the nationwide brain drain, some R60-million has previously been made available to address capacity staffing and shortages so excuses are unacceptable.' Mnqayi called on full-time councillors to become accountable for expenditure in the portfolio committees they chair. 'Lack of capital expenditure spending last year meant that some R104-million failed to benefit the intended recipients, which is totally unacceptable.' Proud Speaking to the Zululand Observer following the acceptance of the 2008/09 budget in council, Mnqayi said the record R1.6-billion City of uMhlathuze budget is the product of political and technical excellence. 'The budget we have tabled will assist us to carry out our mandate and guide us in becoming proactive to the needs of the communities we serve,' said Mnqayi. 'It has a number of strengths, one of which is the fact that it is equitably distributed. 'Vital infrastructure in the primary industrial investment node of Richards Bay and Empangeni will be maintained at a high level; more development node infrastructure investment is catered for; and rural (township) node development gets 45% of the capital budget. 'For the first time, the budget is properly aligned with the IDP, this via numerous strategy meetings last year,' he said. 'On the negative side, this is the first budget to incorporate the Municipal Property Rates Act but apart for a few who will pay more, this has been contained to affordable levels.' Still growing Mnqayi said the fact that this year's budget was nearly R400-million higher than the last showed that the City was still on an upward growth cycle. 'Investor confidence is still very high and for the next five years we will continue to show better growth than other cities. 'The fact that both the capital expenditure and operating budget are climbing is a healthy sign. 'At the same time, we are addressing socio-economic imbalances of the past by creating an enabling environment for the delivery of basic social services, job creation, economic empowerment, skills development and social security.' Mnqayi, who personally presented the road shows, said public participation had been a hallmark of the budget process, with 3 189 people having attended 12 public meetings - an increase of 106% over last year. 'People are realising their democratic right to be part of the decision-making process.'

 

Chinese heavies hit town

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Chinese heavies hit town Two new high-specification harbour-bunkering oil tankers from China entered the Port of Richards Bay on Monday aboard a special semi-submersible heavy-lift transport barge with the assistance of Transnet National Port Authority pilot tugs Ronelle Ramsamy TWO new high-specification harbour-bunkering oil tankers arrived in the Port of Richards Bay on Monday following a 42-day voyage from a southern Chinese shipyard. The 4,700 tonne deadweight sister ships were unusually carried as cargo aboard a special semi-submersible heavy-lift transport barge. In a delicate but slick operation, the vessels were successfully discharged from the barge on Tuesday. The intricate process saw the barge submerge and temporarily sit on the dock bottom, permitting the vessels to float freely off its deck. Shipping agents ISS-Voigt Shipping handled the complex arrangements and logistics. The vessels will be used to refuel ships in port in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. The ships will proceed under their own power to Durban later this week, where they will be fitted with locally supplied specialist bunkering equipment. One ship will then enter harbour bunkering service in Durban under contract to Sapref, while the sister vessel will be deployed in Cape Town to service a Chevron contract. Sophisticated The custom-designed mini-tankers were built in China for Unicorn Calulo Bunkering Services (Pty) Ltd of Durban, a joint venture company 75% owned by JSE-listed Grindrod Ltd through Unicorn Shipping, and Calulo Services (Pty) Ltd. Among the most sophisticated vessels of their type in the world, both carry the 'Cleanship' environmental notation assigned by respected ship classification society, Bureau Veritas. With a total of eleven cargo tanks able to carry gas oil, marine diesel oil and heavy fuel oil in totally segregated systems, the ships are able to deliver their cargo to customer vessels at rates of up to 1,000 tonnes per hour. Although built for harbour working, Unicorn Shipping designed these bunkering vessels to the same high standards as the company's modern fleet of large ocean-going tankers.

 

BILLION RAND BOOST FOR RBM

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	BILLION RAND BOOST FOR RBM Dave Savides MORE than one billion rand. That's the positive local investment announcement from Richards Bay Minerals. In a press release issued this week, the heavy mineral sand mining operation said that approval had been obtained for over R1-billion in funding for its Tailing Treatment Plant project (TTP). This project's aim is similar to that whereby gold has been reclaimed from mine dumps in Gauteng. Improved knowledge on mineralogy and ore body attributes, supported by intensive test work, had resulted in this approval by the RBM Board of Directors. The mineral separation process at RBM over the past 32 years of its operations resulted in some valuable minerals being discarded with the tailings, some 16-million tons of which lie stockpiled. In-house research and development has now identified the technology to separate these valuable minerals from both the currently mined and stockpiled tailings. 2010 deadline To achieve this, a new Tails Treatment Plant will be built at the Smelter site, with a smaller operation in the mining area. Cameron McRae, RBM's Managing Director said, 'The TTP project is the first major expansion since the Mine Upgrade Project 2000 (MUP), between 1996 and 2000. 'The construction duration for the TTP is 2008–2010 and it will extend the life of the mine by another five years when it comes into production in July 2010.' McRae called the project 'an excellent business case'. 'It will contribute to the economy of the greater KZN region by providing further employment and local business development opportunities during the construction period, as well as into the future. 'The additional value created in RBM through this project will also benefit the new shareholders, communities and employees, with increased equity flows following the completion of the BBBEE deal, currently being finalised,' said McRae. Power boost 'Given the current power crisis in RSA, the TTP will act as a significant insurance to continued revenue generation through the efficient production of zircon, rutile and ilmenite feedstock at low cost per megawatt usage. 'What this means when compared to the existing dredge mining process is that the TTP will consume less electricity to generate the same tonnes of production. 'To further mitigate the electricity shortage, RBM plans to generate sufficient electricity in-house to be able to supply the TTP's requirements, which is 6.5MW by 2010.' Targets According to McRae, a target of 35MW electricity through self generation by 2011 is achievable. 'This is still work in progress and will be implemented in phases over the period 2008 to 2011. 'Self generation will be achieved by fuelling 20 gas engines with the excess furnace gas available to generate electricity'. 'This creates exiting opportunities for further efficiency improvements by u sing the exhaust gas for further drying, or heating.'

 

Pelicans are back

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Pelicans are back The pelicans are back in Richards Bay - as spotted at Thulasihleka Pan and caught on camera by local birdwatcher, Pat de Korte Tanya Waterworth Thulasihleka Pan is one of Richards Bay's most important water bird areas and globally recognised as an Important Birding Area (IBA) and pelicans have been seen back in the pan. In the winter months flocks of hundreds of Pelicans congregate here, including 85% of the endangered Pink Back Pelican. According to the Zululand Birding Route's Manager, Michael Blose, the number of birds has drastically decreased due to environmental unfriendly incidents occurring in the pan. 'Last year we had less than 100 Pelicans. A flock of about 300 Great-White Pelicans has been spotted, which is not too bad, but the number of Pink-Backs is still not looking good. 'Changes in birds population is often an excellent indicator of the health of the environment. 'This knowledge and better understanding of birds can help us to plan better for more sustainable relationships with our natural environment,' said Blose.

 

June 06, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Moving in the right direction Kian Barker BSc Hons Ichthyology and Fisheries Science It was with great interest that I noticed that there is a positive shift in the management or the facilitation of the hydrodynamics of the St Lucia Estuary system. This remarkable ecosystem has been jerked back and forth through a series of management policies. However, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel - or should one say 'fresh water at the end of the tunnel?' Like any ecosystem when well managed, there are untold benefits. We have to appreciate that since the 1950s this ecosystem and the factors affecting the estuary have changed. Historical data needs to be carefully interpreted and certain of this information discarded to create a sustainable ecosystem to maximise what potential remains within and around Lake St Lucia. However, some of the popular terminology needs to be evaluated. A drought should no longer be considered as a management option, but rather dry and wet cycles. Dry and wet cycles are natural global features. If we refer to a drought, the general understanding is that this is an anomaly and it will eventually go away. Not in Africa. Genetic ability In fact, in all ecosystems the plants and animals that live within these ecosystems have a genetic ability to deal with these cycles. But when there is a change in a resident human population, agriculture and industry expands naturally and certain challenges are created - there is less water for everyone. This is especially true during dry cycles when aquatic ecosystems come under great pressure, especially St Lucia as it is at the end of several river systems. Add climate change and the projected drying of this area, careful long-term management is required. Climate change forecasts indicate progressively less rainfall for this area. However these dry periods will be punctuated by heavy rain in the form of cyclones and intense low pressure systems dumping tons of rain. Therefore, long-term management practices taking this into consideration are the only way forward. There will be more dry periods, with less rain in summer, but generally an average year-on-year winter rainfall. Climate change If one splits the rainfall figure over the past few years into summer rain and winter it becomes apparent that there is less summer rain and average winter rainfall - possible results of climate change, which create hotter summers. Higher air temperature means less of an ability for the atmosphere to carry moisture to create rain. This rainfall and temperature forecast pattern will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Trouble is that Lake St Lucia loses most of its water through evaporation in the hot summer months when there has been little or no rain. A rather bleak scenario. What about the past history of Lake St Lucia? When examining an area it is critical to look at how an ecosystem formed - what factors and features resulted in the final product. Also how this 'ecosystem' that we so affectionately refer to as Lake St Lucia, sustained itself prior to the arrival and even subsequent to the arrival of man. The Umfolosi (Imfolosi) River delivered an estimated 60% of freshwater into Lake St Lucia. However, certain factors and decisions resulted in the canalisation and diversion of the river. This precious load of fresh water was then dumped into the sea, along with its load of silt and sediment. Taking this amount of fresh water out of any ecosystem will have long and sustained effects. By looking at some basic agricultural figures to determine the effects of removing the Imfolosi River, it is possible to see why these recent changes are so important. The estimated evaporative index for this area is an estimated 2 200mm per annum. Annual rainfall is approximately 1200mm. Shortfall Therefore an estimated shortfall of water required to keep lake St Lucia at sea level is one metre of water over the whole lake system. The in-flow of the Imfolozi River assisted in this and kept lake St Lucia 'generally' balanced. When this system is stressed by a dry cycle, then there is a net inflow of seawater (when the mouth is open). During this period sea sand is drawn into the estuary part of Lake St Lucia. But when we enter a wet cycle there is a net-outflow of freshwater, that is diluted with the estuarine salt. During these net out-flows, sand is also carried out to sea. Unfortunately when the mouth was breached in March 2007 there was a net in-flow of seawater that brought in tons of sea sand because of the low lake level due to the recent hot dry summer. It was a mere 120 days before the mouth silted closed. Shortly after opening, the channel linking to the sea was 2.3m deep. Closure was for two main reasons: a dry cycle so the lake was losing millions of litres of water due to evaporation and the lack of the Imfolozi River, which would have counter-balanced the evaporative pressure placed on Lake St Lucia due to the relatively large surface area to volume. Therefore the current move to re-introduce the freshwater into lake St Lucia is critical and should have been done years ago. We all remember the devastating effects of the dry period of 2002/3. During this period the lake lost a huge biomass of fish and invertebrates. Had this simple policy been introduced this lake would not have suffered the permanent ecological scar of that ecologically disastrous period. Salinities were estimated to have reached five times that of seawater. Since very few organisms can survive in such high salinities, it is a great pity that current policies were not implemented then. Now we are heading in the right direction.