We’re taking a break from publishing facts until mid January 2010. You can still sign up to get the Fact-a-Day emailed to you each day at www.eighty20.co.za/fad.

Have a good break!

Leaving the car windows open while driving creates a drag that increases fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent. (Department of Minerals and Energy website)

This week’s theme: Energy conservation

Electricity is currently being provided to 80% of South African households, up from 50% in 1995. (EU Municipal Outreach, Newsletter 17, April 2009)

This week’s theme: Energy conservation

Eskom revealed that South Africa’s energy savings reached around 800 megawatts in the 2008/9 financial year, exceeding the target of 150 MW. (SA energy savings reach 800 MW, www.sagoodnews.co.za)

This week’s theme: Energy conservation

1.8 million of South Africa’s urban adults (11%) would not, or are unsure if they would, be prepared to switch off electrical appliances to save energy or electricity. (Future Fact 2008)

This week’s theme: Energy conservation

It is estimated that if every household in South Africa saved 10% of power used, total electricity usage in the country would fall by 3%. (www.savingenergy.co.za)

This week’s theme: Energy conservation

An estimated 870,000 South Africans are receiving anti-retroviral treatment in 2009, up from around 140,000 in 2005. (Statistics South Africa, Mid-year population estimates 2009)

This week’s theme: World AIDS Week

An estimated 5.2 million people in South Africa are living with HIV, at an estimated overall HIV prevalence rate of 10.6%. (Statistics South Africa, Mid-year population estimates 2009)

This week’s theme: World AIDS Week

70% of urban South African adults agree with the statement ‘If I had HIV/AIDS I would be prepared to disclose my status’. (Future Fact 2008)

This week’s theme: World AIDS Week

The new AIDS and Demographic model released by the Actuarial Society of South Africa indicates that by 2010, there will be an estimated 380,000 AIDS deaths per year. (www.actuarialsociety.org.za)

This week’s theme: World AIDS Week