The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs achieved an unqualified audit outcome for the fiscal year 2022/23, showing their financial records are accurate and complete. Under MEC Thabo Meeko’s leadership, the department progressed from a qualified audit opinion in the previous fiscal year, highlighting the persistence and hard work of staff members. This achievement reflects the department’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and social benefits, paving the way for a brighter future for the Free State’s residents.
South African leaders and mayors met for a twoday workshop to discuss international migration’s effects on local communities and identify areas for collaboration. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including government ministries, traditional authorities, and municipalities, who agreed on several areas of cooperation, such as policy changes, enhanced coordination, and supporting local economic development. The workshop’s collaborative environment signifies a positive step towards addressing national migration challenges and highlights the importance of joint efforts by all involved parties.
My Cape Town Market Ridgeworth is a vibrant event that supports local entrepreneurship and creativity, taking place on December 9 and 10, 2023. Visitors can expect a festive ambiance suitable for everyone, with live performances, a children’s play area, and a dog adoption and play space. Vendor applications for trading bays are now open, and vendors must fulfill specific criteria to ensure a diverse and topquality assortment of products and services at the market. It’s a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and connect with local talents.
The Digital and Future Skills Conference in South Africa focused on developing digital skills to address unemployment and the skills gap. The conference emphasized political leadership, continuous learning and adaptation, and partnerships between the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and various organizations. Collaboration among educational institutions, businesses, governments, and individuals is critical for success in the digital age. The conference set the groundwork for propelling economic growth and societal progress through digital innovation and transformation.
Matthew Perry, the beloved actor who played Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends, has tragically passed away at 54. He was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi and thought to have drowned, with no signs of drug use or foul play. While his official cause of death is yet to be confirmed, Matthew Perry will be remembered for his incredible talent, humor, and lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
South Africans have a range of options for international relocation with golden visa opportunities, including Portugal and Greece, which require a minimum investment of €500,000, and Mauritius, which requires $375,000 in approved property. Each country’s golden visa program presents its own set of criteria and consequences, and it’s important to consult with specialists such as Sable International to make wellinformed decisions. Sable International provides essential considerations for selecting the right golden visa destination.
Get ready for some summer fun as the city’s Recreation and Parks Department announces the gradual opening of community swimming pools from November to midDecember. With 24 pools, residents can choose from a variety of options to beat the summer heat. While loadshedding schedules may affect opening times, the city is actively finding solutions to reduce their impact on pool operations. Additionally, the department has unveiled a fiveyear swimming pool readiness plan to ensure consistency and quality in the future.
The Digital and Future Skills National Conference in South Africa addressed the urgent need for skills development to support innovation and digital transformation. With a young population, the country has immense potential to leverage the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but also a pressing need to skill, reskill, and upskill the workforce to meet the demands of the digital economy. A comprehensive strategy for digital skills development that includes both technical and soft skills is essential, along with investment in innovation hubs and publicprivate partnerships to drive innovation and bridge skills gaps.
Cape Town is planning the largest social housing development in the inner city, with 1,800 units in the Salt River suburb, including 840 social rental units for families earning less than R22,000 per month, along with various onsite services. The project aims to create inclusive and diverse living environments, addressing the needs of residents and providing a highquality living space. This ambitious housing project demonstrates the city’s commitment to addressing the urgent need for affordable housing and signals a forwardthinking future for Cape Town.
South Africa’s Department of Basic Education and Dove teamed up for a weeklong celebration in October 2023, honoring the International Month of the Girl Child. The event included selfesteem workshops and a Ministerial commemoration promoting female empowerment through education. Social media influencers were in attendance, highlighting the importance of collaborations to uplift and honor girls and young women. The event demonstrated the power of cooperation in effecting change and illuminating the importance of education and selfconfidence in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
South Africa’s Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga recently presented an inspiring welcoming address at the HighLevel Meeting on the Implementation of the Jeddah Amendment to the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) in Cape Town. The event, held in October 2023, gathered distinguished attendees, including notable maritime specialists and officials. Minister Chikunga’s address emphasized the continuous efforts to guarantee safety and security throughout the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden and underscored the importance of sustainable economic growth and regional collaboration.
Embark on a gastronomic journey with beyond’s limitededition Origins of Flavour dining experiences this summer. These exclusive events, inspired by the work of collaborator and paleoecologist Dr. Jan de Vynck, offer a unique chance to delve into the Western Cape’s rich indigenous heritage, centuriesold ingredients, and inventive tastes.
Good news for SASSA Gold Card beneficiaries: Postbank has confirmed the extended validity of the cards for grant payments beyond December 2023. This means that beneficiaries can continue accessing their funds securely and conveniently without having to switch to other banks’ cards, saving them time and expenses. SASSA beneficiaries should disregard any misinformation suggesting that they must switch to other card products due to the expiration of SASSA gold cards, as Postbank is the sole bank authorized to replace these cards.
South Africa’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024) represent a significant turning point for the nation’s democratic process, as independent candidates will be allowed to compete for seats at both national and provincial levels for the first time. The Electoral Commission of South Africa, headed by Chairperson Mosotho Moepya and Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, officially introduced the NPE2024 program on October 24, 2023. The event took place at Gallagher Estates in Midrand and was attended by a variety of stakeholders, including political parties.
The Lion Protection Fee is a proposed fee to be imposed at border entry points in South Africa, with the proceeds going towards wildlife conservation. It could potentially replace revenue from trophy hunting, with lions chosen as the primary focus. Researchers have found that the funds raised from the Lion Protection Fee could potentially match or even exceed the current revenue from trophy hunting in the country. This approach offers an opportunity to reshape conservation strategies in South Africa and move towards a more sustainable and compassionate future.
Ox Nche, a South African prop, has made a remarkable impact on rugby with his gamechanging contributions in the Rugby World Cup semifinal against England. He has been hailed as “the most devastating loosehead in the world” and his strength secured vital scrum penalties that helped South Africa secure a place in the final against New Zealand. Nche has been compared to other exceptional Springbok looseheads such as Os du Randt and Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira, and his presence on the field has left a lasting impression on the sport.