LEGAL TALK with Hahn & Hahn Attorneys: Eskom Generation Capacity and Legacy Charges Explained

LEGAL TALK with Hahn & Hahn Attorneys: Eskom Generation Capacity and Legacy Charges Explained

Are you aware of Eskom's new Legacy and Generation Capacity Charges and what this may mean for solar users? Merilynn Du Plessis of Hahn & Hahn Attorneys joins us to explain. WEBINAR – DAYLIGHT ROBBERY: THE HIDDEN COST OF GOING SOLAR You are invited to a webinar on 9 June from 12:00–13:00 where we will address the following: Eskom’s newly approved tariffs mean solar generation customers can now be charged new fixed fees even when they use very little electricity from the grid. In other words, many people who installed solar to save money are now being hit with extra Eskom charges. These charges apply regardless of actual electricity usage, which can reduce the savings you expected from going solar. A recent legal opinion shows that these charges are open to a legal challenge, including: * Solar users may be charged for capacity they don’t actually use. * Historic Eskom costs may be shifted onto customers who now rely largely on solar. * Some charges may be based on assumed (not measured) demand. * The consultation process may have been procedurally unfair. An additional concern is that if this issue is not addressed, Eskom and NERSA may continue to increase these tariffs significantly in the coming years, further reducing the financial benefit of investing in solar. If you’ve installed solar and are seeing unexpected increases, it may be worth understanding your position and exploring your options. About the speakers Jaco Hamman (Partner: Hahn & Hahn) Jaco Hamman is a skilled legal practitioner specializing in electricity law and dispute resolution in South Africa. With extensive experience in advising commercial entities, landlords, tenants, and electricity resellers, Jaco has built a strong reputation for resolving complex disputes involving electricity supply, billing, and regulatory compliance. His practice focuses on assisting clients with electricity law, ensuring that municipalities and Eskom comply with required legal procedures. He frequently acts in urgent matters to secure the reconnection of electricity and to pursue damages arising from unlawful disconnections. Merilynn Du Plessis (Senior Associate Attorney: Hahn & Hahn) Merilynn is a legal practitioner and senior associate to Jaco specializing in electricity law and dispute resolution in South Africa. With experience in advising commercial entities, landlords, tenants and electricity resellers, Merilynn has built a strong reputation for resolving complex disputes involving electricity supply, billing and regulatory compliance. She assists Jaco in his practice by assisting clients with electricity law, ensuring that municipalities and Eskom comply with regards to legal procedures. Merilynn frequently acts in urgent matters to secure the reconnection of electricity and to pursue damages arising from unlawful disconnections. Merilynn also has significant expertise in addressing incorrect electricity billing and account disputes, guiding clients through issues such as faulty or malfunctioning meters, inaccurate tariff applications, estimated readings and billing reconciliations. She supports clients by analyzing electricity usage and ensuring charges align with municipal bylaws and approved tariff structures. Time: 12h00–13h00 Date: Tuesday – 9 June 2026 REGISTER HERE: https://dash.vdw.co.za/saippa/event/2026-2027/workshops-and-webinars/ [https://dash.vdw.co.za/saippa/event/2026-2027/workshops-and-webinars/] Legal Talk is aired every Wednesday morning at 10:00 on eRadio and available as a podcast thereafter.

The OPTISMILE Podcast 110 - Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)

In this episode of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, Dr Clifford Yudelman of OptiSmile joins Eon Engelbrecht to unpack one of the quieter revolutions in modern orthodontics: the Temporary Anchorage Device, or TAD. These tiny titanium mini screws sound intimidating, but they have transformed what is possible without resorting to jaw surgery. Across ten questions, the conversation covers how TADs work as a fixed anchor point, the kinds of movements they make achievable, what patients actually experience during placement and removal, and how they pair with both fixed braces and Invisalign. Questions and Answers Question 1  (1:07)  What on earth is a TAD, and why does it sound like a screw in the gum? A TAD is a temporary anchorage device, a small titanium screw placed in the bone to act as a fixed, stable anchor for precise orthodontic movement. It prevents unwanted reciprocal movement of other teeth and makes sophisticated movements possible that were previously difficult or only achievable with jaw surgery. Question 2  (1:43)  How do TADs let orthodontists achieve movements that were once impossible without jaw surgery? They provide what is called absolute anchorage, so a tooth can be moved precisely without causing other teeth to drift. This enables difficult movements such as intrusion, pulling a tooth up into the bone, and bodily movement, physically walking a tooth along the arch. The result is far wider treatment options and, in many cases, no need for surgery. Question 3  (2:24)  Is the procedure to place them painful? No. It is done under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb, and patients feel pressure rather than pain, much like having a small filling. Afterwards the discomfort is minimal, usually settled with Nurofen and Panado, and you get back to normal activities right away. Question 4  (3:08)  How are TADs used to fix a gummy smile? A small screw placed above the upper front teeth lets an elastic intrude those teeth up into the bone, and as they move up the gums follow, reducing gum display. It is a conservative, biologically sound approach that avoids aggressive gum or jaw surgery, applying more controlled force than braces or aligners could manage on their own. Question 5  (4:07)  Can TADs close spaces where teeth have been missing for years? Yes, though it is demanding work, because without anchorage neighbouring teeth simply tilt into old spaces. A TAD allows controlled movement to walk an adjacent tooth back into a long-standing gap, sometimes removing the need for an implant or bridge. Success depends on careful assessment of the bone, the size of the space, and the overall bite. Question 6  (4:56)  Do they stay in permanently, or are they removed? They are removed, often without even needing anaesthetic. The little screw is simply turned out, leaving a tiny hole that heals naturally within a few days to a week. Studies have shown no long-term side effects or adverse outcomes. Question 7  (5:25)  How do you keep them clean while they are in your mouth? Oral hygiene stays normal: you brush around them and can add an antibacterial mouth rinse if needed. They are small, smooth titanium and sit high up, so plaque does not really collect on them. They are also only placed in mouths that are already healthy, which keeps inflammation away. Question 8  (6:02)  Can they be used with Invisalign, not just with metal braces? Yes, they work with both fixed braces and clear aligners like Invisalign. Combining TADs with aligners, all supported by digital planning, allows very sophisticated and controlled movements while keeping the treatment patient-friendly. Question 9  (6:27)  What are the success rates, and can they fall out? Success rates are high, in the region of 80 to 95 per cent, but a TAD can loosen or come out, much like a screw in a piece of wood that is under constant load. If that happens it is easily replaced with a fresh one in a slightly different spot. Question 10  (7:12)  How do TADs save money compared with surgical options? By reducing or eliminating the need for jaw surgery, they dramatically lower cost, risk, and recovery time. They also improve force efficiency and control, which shortens treatment and makes movements possible that simply could not be done before TADs existed. Closing Thoughts What once required jaw surgery, headgear, or compromised results can now often be solved with a quietly placed mini screw and a clear plan. For the right patient that means shorter treatment, lower cost, and avoiding the operating theatre altogether. As always, the theme is biologically intelligent dentistry that does more with less. Further Resources Learn more about orthodontic and aligner treatment at OptiSmile: Orthodontics in Cape Town: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/orthodontics/ [https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/orthodontics/] Invisalign in Cape Town: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/invisalign-cape-town/ [https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/invisalign-cape-town/] Clear Aligners: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/clear-aligners/ [https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/clear-aligners/] Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign: https://optismile.co.za/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-clear-aligners-in-cape-town/ [https://optismile.co.za/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-invisalign-clear-aligners-in-cape-town/] Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.

Your Money Maument with Mauritz Oberholzer - RSA Retail Savings Bonds

This week financial advisor Mauritz Oberholzer talks about an RSA Retail Savings Bond, an investment with the Government of South Africa which earns fixed or inflation linked interest for the term of the investment. Your Money Maument is aired on eRadio SA every Thursday and available as a podcast afterwards. For more information visit https://www.mauritzoberholzer.co.za/ [https://www.mauritzoberholzer.co.za/]

LEGAL TALK with Hahn & Hahn Attorneys: PIE Amendment Bill

This week we focus on the PIE Amendment Bill and what it changes in South Africa’s eviction laws. We look at why the Bill is needed, what new offences and penalties it introduces, and how it affects municipalities and state responsibilities. We also examine whether vulnerable occupiers are still protected and what the broader impact will be on property owners, developers, and the economy. Joining Eon is Nirvana Nothnagel of Hahn & Hahn Attorneys. Legal Talk is aired every Wednesday morning at 10:00 on eRadio and available as a podcast thereafter.

The OPTISMILE Podcast 109 - Airway Orthodontics & Palatal Expanders

Introduction A child's upper jaw shapes far more than the alignment of their teeth. It forms the floor of the nasal cavity and directly governs how easily they breathe, how deeply they sleep, and how their face grows over a lifetime. A narrow palate is not simply a cosmetic orthodontic concern — it is a functional one with wide-reaching consequences for health, behaviour, and development. In this episode, Dr Clifford Yudelman of OptiSmile Advanced Dentistry and Implant Centre in Sea Point, Cape Town, explains what palatal expanders are and how they work, the differences between fixed metal and Invisalign-based expansion systems, the critical window for intervention in growing children, and why early expansion can prevent extractions, surgical procedures, and a cascade of harder problems later in life. Topics covered include the relationship between a narrow palate and nasal airway resistance, the surprising link between jaw width and bed wetting in children, what happens to the face profile when teeth are extracted unnecessarily, the current limits of adult expansion, and the specific signs parents should look for at home right now. Episode Questions and Answers Question 1  (1:06) How does a narrow palate affect a child's ability to breathe? The palate forms the floor of the nasal cavity, so a narrow palate directly constricts the nasal passages. Children develop increased nasal resistance, become habitual mouth breathers, and are vulnerable to poor sleep, snoring, behavioural issues, and altered facial growth. Question 2  (2:31) What on earth is a palatal expander, and does it hurt? An orthodontic appliance that widens the upper jaw by separating the mid-palatal suture. In children the suture is still flexible, so expansion is biologic rather than surgical. Most children feel pressure rather than pain, with mild tightness after activation that settles quickly. Question 3  (3:51) What is the Invisalign Palatal Expander and how is it different from metal ones? The traditional metal expander is fixed to the molars and turned daily by a parent. The Invisalign system uses a digitally planned series of removable clear expanders. It is more comfortable, easier to clean, and better accepted by children. Correct diagnosis and timing matter more than the device chosen. Question 4  (5:19) Can expanding the jaw prevent the need for removing teeth later? In most cases, yes. Widening the arch increases both width and perimeter, giving teeth space to erupt naturally. Multiple studies confirm early expansion reduces the need for future extractions. Unnecessary extractions narrow the arch and can flatten the facial profile significantly. Question 5  (7:12) How is bed wetting linked to airway issues and even narrow jaws? Nocturnal enuresis can be linked to sleep-disordered breathing. Poor oxygenation and frequent sleep arousals disrupt the hormonal signals involved in bladder control. Improving airway patency through nasal breathing can help in airway-related cases. Question 6  (8:10) Is there an age limit for expanding the palate? Expansion is most effective in children and early adolescents while the mid-palatal suture is still open. As skeletal maturity increases, non-surgical expansion becomes less predictable. An orthodontic screening at around age seven is the recommended starting point. Question 7  (9:20) How does airway orthodontics improve sleep quality for children? Palatal expansion increases nasal airway volume and reduces airflow resistance. This supports deeper, more stable sleep cycles. Parents typically report reduced snoring and improved daytime focus and behaviour. Sleep studies confirm measurable improvements in airflow after expansion. Question 8  (10:16) Can adults benefit from expansion or is it surgery only for them? Adults can benefit but the fused suture means conventional expansion tends to tip teeth rather than widen the skeleton. Surgery-assisted or TAD-supported expansion can achieve skeletal change. Dr Yudelman cautions that this is being heavily oversold and would not currently refer his own patients for the surgical route. Question 9  (11:18) Does expansion change the shape of the face or even the cheekbones? In growing children, expansion supports more balanced facial development and a broader smile. Changes are gradual and harmonious. Claims of dramatic adult facial transformation should be treated with scepticism. Function is the primary goal; aesthetics are secondary. Question 10  (12:10) What signs should parents look for to know if their child needs this? Watch for chronic mouth breathing, snoring, a narrow smile, crowded teeth, dark circles under the eyes, and frequent fatigue. A simple home check: tilt the child's head back. A flat, wide palate is normal; a deep V-shape is a prompt to see the dentist. Outro Airway orthodontics may be one of the most underappreciated areas in modern dental practice. A child who breathes better sleeps better, learns better, and grows better — and the window for non-surgical palatal expansion is narrow and biologic, which is why early screening matters so much. The dentist who looks at a seven-year-old's crowded smile and sees only teeth is missing most of the picture. Look at the airway. An orthodontic assessment at around age seven allows for the simplest, safest, and most effective interventions — ones that can prevent years of complex and expensive treatment later. Next week's episode covers TADs — temporary anchorage devices — the small titanium screws used in orthodontics to create fixed points that help move teeth predictably. Another essential piece of the modern orthodontic toolkit. To learn more and to book an assessment at OptiSmile, visit the links below. Further Resources Invisalign at OptiSmile https://www.optismile.co.za/invisalign/ [https://www.optismile.co.za/invisalign/] Full overview of Invisalign treatment for adults and teens at OptiSmile, including the Invisalign Palatal Expander system discussed in this episode. Orthodontics at OptiSmile https://www.optismile.co.za/orthodontics/ [https://www.optismile.co.za/orthodontics/] Overview of orthodontic services at OptiSmile including early intervention, palatal expansion, and adult orthodontics. About OptiSmile https://www.optismile.co.za/about-us/ [https://www.optismile.co.za/about-us/] Background on Dr Yudelman's training and the OptiSmile approach. Useful context for patients wanting to understand the practice's evidence-first philosophy and use of digital dentistry. Book an Appointment https://www.optismile.co.za/contact/ [https://www.optismile.co.za/contact/] Book directly online or get in touch with the OptiSmile team in Sea Point, Cape Town. Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.