Water Wheel September/October 2011

Abstract

SA Weather Service turns ten The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has celebrated its tenth year as a government parastatal. According to SAWS CEO, Dr Linda Makuleni, since its inauguration in July 2001, the SAWS has distinguished itself as an authoritative voice for weather, and a custodian of climate information in South Africa. SAWS’ technical development is characterised, among others, by the first African lightning detection system with the ability to accurately pin-point lightning strikes within a 600 m radius. The organisation has also recently upgraded its countrywide radar network with 12 Doppler radars enabling it to provide much improved information on severe weather events on a shorter timescale than before. SAWS has also been commended for its customer service, and has received, over the past three years, an overall rating of 84% from its customers, moving from being just a weather and climate information provider to an organisation which values its clients and customers by providing value-added services and products, noted Dr Makuleni.

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