The City of Cape Town is implementing scheduled maintenance work from October 4th to 6th, 2023, to enhance the water supply infrastructure and safeguard this indispensable resource. This includes conducting zeropressure tests and conditional assessments in Claremont, Newlands, and Rondebosch, which will furnish the maintenance team with crucial data regarding the water supply conditions in the area. While some residents might experience reduced water pressure or even a temporary loss of water during the testing phase, the City reaffirms its dedication to delivering an effective and dependable service to its residents and encourages them to prepare for planned water supply disruptions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the South African Special Olympics Team at the Union Buildings in Tshwane to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany. The team earned 22 gold, 20 silver, and seven bronze medals, breaking down barriers and highlighting the nation’s commitment to social inclusion and the promotion of human rights. These athletes are inspirational heroes and distinguished leaders, showcasing the power of dedication, perseverance, and cooperation between government and civil society in creating a more inclusive and united nation.
AfriForum, a private prosecution unit, has joined the investigation into the murder of AntiGang detective Charl Kinnear, who was shot outside his home in September 2020. Kinnear’s widow has criticized the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate for their failure to bring those responsible to justice. AfriForum’s involvement is hoped to bring renewed urgency to the case and ensure that Kinnear’s assassination is not left unpunished, serving as a reminder to protect those who confront crime and corruption.
South Africa’s Transport Minister, Sindisiwe Chikunga, led a delegation to the 27th World Road Congress in Prague to showcase the country’s progress in developing and maintaining transportation infrastructure. The conference allowed South African officials to present their achievements and ideas to an international audience and engage with their counterparts from other countries. Minister Chikunga highlighted the crucial role of infrastructure investment and implementation in stimulating economic growth and described the Safe Systems approach to road safety promoted by the South African National Roads Agency.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has promised a smooth social grants payment process for October 2023. Beneficiaries can choose their preferred payment method, and SASSA staff will be available to assist those with payment challenges. The agency is committed to serving the needs of South African citizens who rely on social grants and is continuously working to improve the system.
South Africa’s Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has ambitious plans to recover 80% of the rail corridors and lines, modernize public transportation, and revitalize the passenger rail system. This initiative comes during a challenging time as the country’s transport sector tackles the impacts of the pandemic and severe flooding in some regions. Various stakeholders, including MECs of transport, roads, infrastructure, public works, and community safety, are collaborating to build better transport infrastructure for all South Africans, emphasizing the government’s dedication to improving the transport sector.
Cape Town is leading the way in tackling South Africa’s energy crisis by introducing new regulations for alternative energy sources. The city’s mandate requires homes and businesses to adhere to an approved list of inverters to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency in the sector. The move towards embracing alternative power solutions positions Cape Town at the forefront of a greener and more sustainable future, setting an example for other cities grappling with similar challenges. As the world moves towards a more environmentally conscious future, Cape Town’s proactive approach to addressing its energy challenges is a testament to the city’s resilience and adaptability.
Transport Month in South Africa celebrates the nation’s progress in the transportation industry, highlighting advancements in road infrastructure, rail networks, train production, aviation sector development, and public transport investment. The government is also dedicated to fostering equality and empowerment in the transport sector, particularly for historically disadvantaged individuals. The month also commemorates notable milestones for six transport entities, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), and CrossBorder Road Transport Agency (CBRTA). The government’s investment in infrastructure development, equality and empowerment, and innovation will ensure a brighter future for all South Africans.
Cape Town is experiencing a rooftop solar explosion with a recordbreaking 1,500 smallscale embedded generation (SSEG) applications in August 2023, a 50% increase from the previous month. The driving force behind this growth is a desire to avoid loadshedding and take advantage of the City’s upcoming incentives, including cash compensation for generated power. Cape Town envisions a future grid that enables all customers to both consume and generate electricity as part of an integrated network, with new regulations in place to ensure safety, integrity, and efficient solar power generation.
Reagen Allen, the Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, has been leading intergovernmental municipal engagements to unite local municipalities in the Western Cape province to combat crime. These engagements aim to create a shared vision, examine crime prevention strategies, and align resources to create a safer environment for residents. Allen’s leadership has inspired municipalities to join forces and embrace the Western Cape Safety Plan, and with continued collaboration, the province is set to become the safest in the country.
The Western Cape region has been hit by a powerful winter storm causing widespread destruction. The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre is taking immediate action to restore services and rebuild the affected areas. The recovery efforts aim to overcome infrastructure and communication challenges, and address urgent needs for vulnerable communities. Despite the obstacles, the combined efforts of various stakeholders ensure that the region will rise again, stronger than ever before.
The swift reopening of vital roads after the recent storms in South Africa’s Western Cape is a remarkable achievement, as many communities were cut off and in need of assistance. Collaboration between government, civil society, farmers, and private sector teams led to a thorough cleanup operation that resulted in the reopening of several key routes within 48 hours. The reopening of these roads facilitated the delivery of aid to previously unreachable communities and helped to restore dignity.
Cape Town successfully defended its businesses and infrastructure against the shutdown threats of the National Coloured Congress (NCC). The city’s prompt response, collaboration, and legal actions stopped the NCC’s plans before they could cause lasting damage. The government’s commitment to a lawabiding society and the safety and wellbeing of its citizens was reaffirmed, and the city’s strength in cooperation and unity against intimidation and chaos was demonstrated.
In Gauteng, South Africa, a CashInTransit (CIT) robbery was stopped thanks to the prompt action of the Gauteng police. The robbers disarmed the security guards, detonated explosives on the cash van, and escaped with an undisclosed sum of money. However, the police managed to track down and arrest the suspects within a mere three hours, confiscating three rifles, cash, and two cellphones from the arrested suspects. The incident highlights the effectiveness of the ongoing Operation Shanela, which aims to eradicate crimes such as murder and armed robberies in the region.
Cape Town is hosting the Urban Mobility Summit on 3 and 4 October 2023 to address pressing transport challenges facing the city, such as passenger rail, minibustaxis, and congestion. The event will consist of six panel discussions led by experts, discussing topics of public interest and concern, including sustainable mobility, modernization of the minibustaxi industry, and tackling vandalism and crime. The City of Cape Town is committed to collaborating with transport stakeholders and implementing innovative solutions to strengthen resilience, promote transport reform, and reduce travel expenses.
In Cape Town, South Africa, a group of animal rescuers consisting of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, City law enforcement officials, and rescue services have teamed up to save abandoned animals amidst a flood. As families fled their homes, many pets and stray animals were left behind, but the rescuers faced the treacherous conditions to save them. Through remarkable teamwork, several horses, cats, and dogs were rescued, and the community’s generosity has helped support the ongoing mission. The story of these animal rescuers serves as a symbol of hope and unity during trying times.