Archive for October, 2009

Different Means of Transportation in Johannesburg

October 30th, 2009


Johannesburg lacks a convenient public transportation system, partly due to the fact that the city is geared towards private motorists.  A large number of the city’s residents are dependent on the city’s informal minibus taxis.  However, other means of transportation do exist, which include buses, trains, and airports.

  • Taxis

Johannesburg has two kinds of taxis, namely metered taxis and minibus taxis.  The minibus taxis are the essential means of transportation for the majority of the population.  However, since the 1980s, the minibus taxi industry has been severely affected by turf wars.  Unlike many cities, metered taxis are not allowed to drive around the city looking for passengers and instead must be called and ordered to a destination.  The Gauteng Provincial Government has launched a new metered taxi programme in an attempt to increase use of metered taxis in the city.

  • Buses

Another means of transportation is buses.  Johannesburg is served by a bus fleet operated by Metrobus, a corporate unit of the City of Johannesburg.  Its fleet consists of approximately 550 single and double-decker buses supplying 84 different routes in the city.  This total includes 200 modern buses (150 double-deckers and 50 single-deckers).  Metrobus’ fleet carries approximately 20 million passengers per annum.  In addition, there are a number of private bus operators, though most focus on the inter-city routes, or on bus charters for touring groups.

  • Trains

A new means of transportation is the Gautrain.  Construction of the Gautrain will only be completed by 2011, thus unfortunately not in time for the 2010 Soccer Finals.  It will consist of a number of underground stations, as well as above ground stations.  When completed, it will run from north to south between Johannesburg and Pretoria, and east-west between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport.  The rail system is being designed to alleviate traffic on the N1 freeway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, which records vehicle loads of up to 300,000 per day.

  • Airports

Johannesburg is served by OR Tambo International Airport for both domestic and international flights.  Other airports include Lanseria, Grand Central Airport, and Rand Airport.  Lanseria Airport is used for commercial flights to Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Botswana, and Sun City.  Grand Central is located in Midrand and caters to small, private aircraft. Rand Airport, located in Germiston, is also a small airfield used mostly for private aircraft.  It is the home of South African Airways’s first Boeing 747 Classic, the Lebombo, which is now an aviation museum.  Airports are a popular means of transportation in South Africa.      

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

2010 Soccer Finals Matches in Johannesburg

October 27th, 2009

2010 Soccer Finals Matches in Johannesburg

Johannesburg will play host to 15 matches during the 2010 Soccer Finals in South Africa.  Soccer City Stadium will host the opening match and the final, as well as four other first round matches, a second round match, and a quarter-final.  The opening and closing ceremonies will also take place at Soccer City.  Ellis Park Stadium will host five first round matches, a second round match and a quarter-final.  Johannesburg will thus be the only host city with two Soccer Finals stadiums.  The Soccer City Stadium has been called the home of South African soccer and will be the flagship stadium of the event.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the soccer fixtures scheduled for Johannesburg: (H2)

Games played at Soccer City Stadium

11 June 2010
Match: South Africa vs Team A2
Time:  16:00

14 June 2010
Match:  Team E1 vs Team E2
Time: 13:30

17 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B3
Time: 20:30

20 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G3
Time: 20:30

23 June 2010
Match: Team D4 vs Team D1
Time: 20:30

27 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1B vs Team 2A
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

02 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 1 vs Team 3
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

11 July 2010 – Final
Match: Winner semi-final 1 vs Winner semi-final 2
Time: 20:30
Determined by the results of group stages

Matches in Ellis Park Stadium

12 June 2010
Match: Team B1 vs Team B2
Time: 13:30

15 June 2010
Match: Team G1 vs Team G2
Time: 20:30

18 June 2010
Match: Team C4 vs Team C2
Time: 16:00

21 June 2010
Match: Team H1 vs Team H3
Time: 20:30

24 June 2010
Match: Team F4 vs Team F1
Time: 16:00

28 June 2010 – Preliminary Round
Match: Team 1G vs Team 2H
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

03 July 2010 – Quarter Final
Match: Team 6 vs 8
Time: 20:30
Determined by results of group stages

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

Facts about the Gautrain

October 27th, 2009

The Gautrain is a state-of-the-art high-speed train under construction in Gauteng. An 80-kilometre mass rapid transit railway system forms part of the greater Gautrain project. The Gautrain will link Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport. Apart from the above mentioned three stations, the seven other stations that will be linked by the railway include Sandton, Rosebank, Marlboro, Midrand, Centurion, Hatfield, and Kempton Park.

What is the Aim of the Gautrain?

The aim of the Gautrain is to bring relieve to the traffic congestion in the Johannesburg-Pretoria corridor (especially the N1 Ben Schoeman Highway), and subsequently provide an alternative public transport mode to road transport. The NI Highway carries some of the highest traffic volumes in South Africa with more than 157 000 vehicles making use of it each day; it also has a traffic growth rate of seven percent per year. The Johannesburg-Pretoria traffic corridor carries approximately 300 000 cars per week day. The Gautrain is expected to cut the number of vehicles on the NI Ben Schoeman Highway by 20 percent, with 100 000 daily passenger trips. It is thus estimated that one-fifth of Johannesburg-Pretoria commuters will make the switch from traveling by road to traveling by rail.

Who is behind the Gautrain?

A public-private partnership between government and the Bombela Consortium (representing Murray & Roberts and international specialists in tunneling and maintenance of similar train systems) are responsible for the project that is the Gautrain. The Gautrain is the biggest public-private partnership in Africa.

What are some Interesting Facts surrounding the Gautrain?

• The Gautrain project will be completed in two phases. The first phase is the route between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport, and Sandton and Pretoria. It is estimated to take about four years. Phase two involves the outer links between Johannesburg city centre and Sandton, as well as between Pretoria and Hatfield. Phase two should also take approximately four years

• During construction of the Gautrain, 48 000 jobs will be created;

• A projected 104 000 people will use the Gautrain each day;

• The Gautrain will operate daily from 05:30 to 20:30;

• 65 road intersections will be upgraded during construction of the Gautrain; and

• More than six million cubic meters of soil will have to be moved and disposed of during construction of the Gautrain.

Top Things to do in Johannesburg

October 26th, 2009


Johannesburg is a city which combines a fascinating cultural heritage with a lot of modern day attractions.  People of all ages with different kinds of interests will find something to entertain them with.  You should spend at least a few days in the city to experience some of the main attractions on offer.  Below is a selection of 6 things you can expect to do in Johannesburg.

1.  Take a trip on the Vaal River

If you want to take in the natural beauty of South Africa, then a boat ride along the Vaal River is a great idea.  A trip down the Vaal River accompanied by good company and great food is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities around Johannesburg.

2.  Pay a visit to the Casinos

Even if you are not big on gambling, you should still try your hand at it in one of the many casinos found in and around Johannesburg.  Only in Las Vegas will you find a bigger density of casinos than here.

3.  Spend an afternoon on a Golf Course

For those who like nothing more than to spend an afternoon on the greens, Johannesburg is amongst the best cities in the world.  Not only does it have the perfect warm climate for strolling across the fairways, but the fairways themselves are some of the very best on the African continent.  Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a keen amateur, golf is one of the strongest attractions in Johannesburg.

4.  Visit the Apartheid Museum

The Apartheid Museum has become a must see attraction in Johannesburg over the last couple of years, partly due to its moving exhibits containing apartheid scenes.  When having a look at this distressing period of the country’s history, the overall feeling is one of relief that the country’s segregation is in the museum where it belongs.

5.  Spend a day at Gold Reef City

Gold Reef City is a theme park with a selection of rides, a 4D theatre, a casino, and refreshment stands.  Gold Reef City offers plenty entertainment for both young and old.

6.  Take a tour of the Soweto Township

As the largest township in Gauteng, Soweto can almost be considered a city in its own right.  Some highlights of the visit include seeing the former homes of South African Nobel Prize winners, among them the home of former president Nelson Mandela.

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

2010 Soccer Finals Tournament Schedule

October 26th, 2009

Thirty-two national football teams representing the six FIFA Confederations will be in action at the 2010 Soccer Finals in South Africa.  A total of sixty-four Soccer Finals matches will be played over a period of four weeks, stretching from 11 June 2010 to 11 July 2010.  The games will take place in nine host cities.  The group stage of 2010 Soccer Finals will consist of 32 soccer teams over 8 groups, after which the following stages will be knockout games.  There will be 48 first round matches, eight matches in the round of 16, four quarter finals, two semi finals, a third place match and a final.

2010 Soccer Finals schedule

Day

Venue & Time

Stage

Team 1

Result

Team 2

Friday, 11 June

Johannesburg, 16:00

Group A

A1

A2
Cape Town, 20:30

A3

A4

Saturday, 12 June

Johannesburg, 13:30

Group B

B1

B2
Port Elizabeth, 16:00

B3

B4
Rustenburg, 20:30

Group C

C1

C2

Sunday, 13 June

Polokwane, 13:30

C3

C4
Durban, 16:00

Group D

D1

D2
Pretoria, 20:30

D3

D4

Monday, 14 June

Johannesburg, 13:30

Group E

E1

E2
Bloemfontein, 16:00

E3

E4
Cape Town, 20:30

Group F

F1

F2

Tuesday, 15 June

Rustenburg, 13:30

F3

F4
Port Elizabeth, 16:00

Group G

G3

G4
Johannesburg, 20:30

G1

G2

Wednesday, 16 June

Nelspruit, 13:30

Group H

H3

H4
Durban, 16:00

H1

H2
Pretoria, 20:30

Group A

A1

A3

Thursday, 17 June

Polokwane, 13:30

A4

A2
Bloemfontein, 16:00

Group B

B4

B2
Johannesburg, 20:30

B1

B3

Friday, 18 June

Port Elizabeth, 13:30

Group D

D1

D3
Johannesburg, 16:00

Group C

C4

C2
Cape Town, 20:30

C1

C3

Saturday, 19 June

Rustenburg, 13:30

Group D

D4

D2
Durban, 16:00

Group E

E1

E3
Pretoria, 20:30

E4

E2

Sunday, 20 June

Bloemfontein, 13:30

Group F

F4

F2
Nelspruit, 16:00

F1

F3
Johannesburg, 20:30

Group G

G1

G3

Monday, 21 June

Cape Town, 13:30

G4

G2
Bloemfontein, 16:00

Group H

H4

H2
Johannesburg, 20:30

H1

H3

Tuesday, 22 June

Bloemfontein, 16:00

Group A

A4

A1
Rustenburg, 16:00

A2

A3
Polokwane, 20:30

Group B

B2

B3
Durban, 20:30

B4

B1

Wednesday, 23 June

Pretoria, 16:00

Group C

C2

C3
Port Elizabeth, 16:00

C4

C1
Johannesburg, 20:30

Group D

D4

D1
Nelspruit, 20:30

D2

D3

Thursday, 24 June

Johannesburg, 16:00

Group F

F4

F1
Polokwane, 16:00

F2

F3
Rustenburg, 20:30

Group E

E2

E3
Cape Town, 20:30

E4

E1

Friday, 25 June

Durban, 16:00

Group G

G4

G1
Nelspruit, 16:00

G2

G3
Pretoria, 20:30

Group H

H4

H1
Bloemfontein, 20:30

H2

H3

Saturday, 26 June

Port Elizabeth, 16:00

Round Of 16 – Match 1

1A

2B
Rustenburg, 20:30

Round Of 16 – Match 3

1C

2D

Sunday, 27 June

Bloemfontein, 16:00

Round Of 16 – Match 4

1D

2C
Johannesburg, 20:30

Round Of 16 – Match 2

1B

2A

Monday, 28 June

Durban, 16:00

Round Of 16 – Match 5

1E

2F
Johannesburg, 20:30

Round Of 16 – Match 7

1G

2H

Tuesday, 29 June

Pretoria, 16:00

Round Of 16 – Match 6

1F

2E
Cape Town, 20:30

Round Of 16 – Match 8

1H

2G

Wednesday, 30 June

Rest days

Thursday, 1 July

Friday, 2 July

Port Elizabeth, 16:00

Quarterfinal C

5

7
Johannesburg, 20:30

Quarterfinal A

1

3

Saturday, 3 July

Cape Town, 16:00

Quarterfinal B

2

4
Johannesburg, 20:30

Quarterfinal D

6

8

Sunday, 4 July

Rest days

Monday, 5 July

Tuesday, 6 July

Cape Town, 20:30

Semifinal I

A

C

Wednesday, 7 July

Durban, 20:30

Semifinal II

B

D

Thursday, 8 July

Rest days

Friday, 9 July

Saturday, 10 July

Port Elizabeth, 20:30

Third Place play-off

Loser I

Loser II

Sunday, 11 July

Johannesburg, 20:30

Final

Winner I

Winner II

This article forms part of The Ultimate South African Tourist Guide White Paper.  It is an essential guide to any tourist who has the opportunity to explore South Africa, containing all the information you could possibly need to ensure your stay is an enjoyable one.  Featuring the best restaurants, accommodation, spots to shop, attractions and much more, all listed according to the specific region in question, this guide will be the ultimate in assisting your travels.  It is available to those members of the public who are interested in purchasing a piece of land in South Africa, and subsequently becoming a shareholder of land in South Africa. Visit http://www.ageofafrica.co.za to find out more about this project.

Greenhouse gas emissions

October 23rd, 2009

What is an Emissions Check?

An emissions check is basically a test performed if emissions produced through the process of combustion is to be determined. One such example is when tests are performed on vehicles to determine whether or not they meet emissions standards as set out by the government. An emissions check is also performed on the flue gases produced at industrial facilities. This is done in order to monitor the efficiency at the industrial facilities and subsequently determine whether or not the industrial facilities meet government standards.

How does an Emissions Check work?

A device known as a sniffer is used during an emissions check. During an emissions check, the sniffer is connected to an outlet for emissions such as the exhaust of a vehicle. The device subsequently relays information regarding which gases and particulates are present in the emissions being produced, and in which concentrations. The technician operating the device can then determine whether or not the emissions being checked have passed emissions standards.

• Emissions Check: Vehicles

In some countries, an emissions check is often required before a vehicle can be registered successfully. If the emissions are deemed to be too high, the problem causing the high emissions will need to be corrected so that the vehicle can be tested again. Emissions standards for vehicles are designed to reduce damage to the natural environment caused by vehicle emissions, to improve air quality standards, and to reduce the amount of harmful emissions caused by vehicles on the road.

• Emissions Check: Factories

Pollution is the main reason why an emissions check is carried out for factories. In regions where factories are forced to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, the emissions check is used to determine where the factory falls within the framework of the system, and to determine whether or not it is violating emissions standards. If a factory exceeds its amount of allowed emissions, it will need to buy or trade emissions credits with another factory. Factories with an emissions check which indicate that they are emitting less than the legal limit will be given credits to trade or sell.

Upgrading South African Airports for the 2010 Soccer Finals

October 23rd, 2009

Investment towards Airport Upgrades

Both international and national airports within the borders of South Africa will be ready for the influx of visitors expected in the country for the 2010 Soccer Finals. It is expected that the airport updates are moving along such pace that all airport updates will be completed long before the first game kicks off. This assurance was given by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) when the company released its financial results earlier. A capital expenditure budget of R5.2 billion has been spent as of 2005 through to 2009. Most of this money has been used at the country’s three international airports, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The airport upgrades include facility upgrades that are essential for 2010 but will largely be used to maintain world-class standards in aviation and tourism long after the conclusion of Soccer Finals 2010.

Airport Upgrades planned prior to World Cup Announcement

It is interesting to note that much of the airport upgrades, more specifically the infrastructural upgrades, had been planned long before South Africa won the rights to host the Soccer Finals. The awarding of the tournament to South Africa, however, has meant an acceleration and bringing forward of capital expenditure programmes planned for future regulatory cycles beyond 2010. The experience of previous hosts indicated that the event would attract increased numbers of foreign visitors, not only during the weeks of the event itself but also in the months and years leading up to 2010. Apart from having to be equipped to cope with the increased traffic demands, ACSA airports will also have to take account of future and long-term infrastructure requirements which go beyond the Soccer Finals. All airport upgrades are scheduled around long-term requirements and not specifically for the Soccer Finals.

Increased Capacity part of Airport Upgrades
The OR Tambo International Airport will be the main beneficiary of the airport upgrades. The airport’s central terminal development will cost an estimated R1.6-billion. This facility will also include a terminus for the Gautrain, a high-speed train which is to link the airport to Johannesburg, Sandton and Pretoria. Construction on the Gautrain is in an advanced phase. Other construction planned for the airport includes two multi-story parkades, additional aircraft parking aprons, and facilities for the new Airbus A380. Cape Town and Durban International Airports will also be receiving airport upgrades to their terminals, parking and aircraft facilities. Airport upgrades and new facilities have not been limited to the international airports though. A sum of money has also been invested in refurbishments at various national airports during the last couple of years, with provision for temporary facilities during the tournament itself.

Safety measures during the 2010 Soccer finals

October 19th, 2009

Safety measures have been an issue ever since the 2010 Soccer Finals was awarded to South Africa. Even though the recent Confederations Cup in South Africa was a success as far as safety and safety measures are concerned, recent crowd control issues in other African countries have sparked concern when it comes to the situation in South Africa. Organizers of the tournament are hopeful that the same would not take place in the host country.

Safety Measures put in place for 2010 FIFA World Cup

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC), together with the relevant law enforcement agencies, has put solid safety measures in place to ensure the safety of not only the players and officials, both inside and outside the match venues, but also the thousands of spectators and media officials attending the tournament. The Local Organizing Committee, headed by Danny Jordaan, maintains that all concerned parties will be safe during the duration of the tournament. It is important that the Local Organizing Committee and law enforcement agencies do not only focus on implementing safety measures at stadiums, but general safety as well. It is expected that around 41 000 police personnel will be deployed for the 2010 Soccer Finals alone, with an average of 7000 police officers at each game to be played.

Safety Measures to ensure a Safe and Incident Free 2010 FIFA World Cup

One of the new safety measures put in place is to ask fans to arrive early for matches. For this reason, the gates will open three hours prior to kickoff. If fans arrive early on match day, they can go through the various security checks and thus get into the stadiums safely. Representatives of all competing Soccer Finals nations will also be briefed on the various safety measures. Only the best safety practices and safety measures will be adopted in order to ensure a safe and incident free 2010 Soccer Finals. A whole lot of issues, including crowd control issues and rowdy fans, will test the different safety measures to be put in place.

Electric cars vs Fuel-powered cars

October 19th, 2009

An electric car is an automobile which is powered by electricity. An electric car usually looks just like those using fuel; that is on the outside at least. This is especially true of fuel-powered cars that are converted into electric cars. One thing that separates an electric car from a fuel-powered car without having to look under the hood is sound identification, as electric cars are practically silent.

How does the engine of an Electric Car compare to that of a Fuel-Powered Car? (H2)

When looking at the engine of an electric car, you will notice some major differences from what you could expect to see when looking at the engine of a fuel-powered car. An electric car has an electric motor and a controller for powering the motor. Rechargeable batteries are used to provide power to the controller. Compared to fuel-powered cars, electric cars have more wires. Fuel-powered cars, on the other hand, have a lot of fuel lines, pipes, and hoses.

Is the Electric Car a new invention? (H2)

In contrast to what many people think, the electric car is not a new invention. Electric cars have been around for many years. Electric cars were, in fact, among the very first automobiles built and even dominated the automobile market at one point in time. It is interesting to note that, in the early years of the twentieth century, electric cars held records for both distance and speed over land.

How popular is the Electric Car? (H2)

In order to reduce pollution and cut transportation costs, the electric car is gaining in popularity once more. However, electric cars tend to be pricey when compared to traditional fuel-powered automobiles. Higher production volumes and improvements in the manufacturing process could lead to a decrease in costs in the not too distant future.

What are the Benefits of an Electric Car? (H2)

The electric car offers many benefits, among which is the fact that an automobile powered by electricity does not require the purchase of high-priced fuel. This means that those owning an electric car need only pay to recharge the batteries of the electric car.

The global warming theory

October 16th, 2009

Understanding what Global Warming entails

Global warming refers to the fact that the atmosphere of the Earth is warming near its surface; the Earth’s atmosphere is thus getting hotter. It is believed that climate changes such as global warming have occurred throughout the history of the Earth and will continue to occur in the future. There is evidence to suggest that solar activity is a big offender with regards to global warming.

Theories relating to Global Warming

The greenhouse effect plays a big role in contributing to global warming. Gases that make up the Earth’s atmosphere are analogous to a greenhouse in that they allow sunlight to pass through and subsequently trap heat from escaping. The greenhouse effect, a naturally occurring phenomenon, keeps the surface of the Earth warmer than it would be otherwise. In recent years, the greenhouse wall has been thickened beyond naturally occurring levels due to a large amount of human produced compounds regularly released into the Earth’s atmosphere. When this takes place, even less heat is able to escape, which causes temperatures to rise. This process is called greenhouse warming and results in global warming.

The ozone is another theory commonly associated with global warming. The ozone is a naturally occurring gas in the lower atmosphere that helps to trap heat. The burning of fossil fuels creates even more ozone, as ozone is one component of smog. As ozone builds, so does the trapped heat, thus increasing the greenhouse effect and subsequently global warming. Apart from the lower atmosphere, the ozone also plays a crucial role in the upper atmosphere, where it shields the Earth from deadly ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, CFC’s, the same human produced compound which acts like a greenhouse gas in the lower atmosphere, destroy the ozone. This results in holes appearing in our upper ozone layer.

Global Warming has far-reaching implications

Global Warming and all its related issues have far-reaching implications and as such can have a significant impact on human life. For this reason, it is important to find out for how long global warming has taken place on Earth, at what rate global warming is taking place, and what factors are causing global warming. Answers to these issues will prepare all of humankind to handle the different effects of global warming.

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