Originally published on 18 November 2021

What was the problem?

Transnet had a big problem with over 1,000 kilometres of overhead cables being stolen in 2021.

How did they solve it?

Overhead rail cables were marked with nickel microdots. These microdots can’t be removed. This mark made it risky for scrap yards to buy stolen cables and also helped catch and convict the thieves.

Read more

CableDNA.

Acknowledgements:

Original article written by: Mitch Mitchell

Photograph supplied by: pressportal

Source

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

• How to set up a community group

• How to start a WhatsApp group

• How to start a residents' association

• How to set up a community policing forum

• How to set up a neighbourhood watch

• How to organise community action

• How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.