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.
South Africa’s freight and rail industry is undergoing a rebirth as the government focuses on modernization and rejuvenation. The National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) is working with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) to address challenges in rail, port, and road transport systems, while promoting public awareness of ongoing reforms. Investment in infrastructure and technology can lower transportation costs, improve connectivity, and open new opportunities for businesses and communities. The upcoming GCIS webinar provides an opportunity to learn about the ongoing reforms and their potential benefits for South Africa’s economy and environment.
The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa is hosting a dialogue on Labour Migration and Governance to tackle issues related to labour migration regulations and employment services. The event aims to promote innovative practices, identify challenges and opportunities, and encourage regional cooperation in the Southern African Development Community region. Attendees will include government departments, employers, workers, and international organizations, and the event will emphasize the importance of social dialogue and innovative solutions in addressing complex issues surrounding labour migration.
Operation Safer Festive Season is a coordinated effort by police in Gauteng, South Africa, to combat crime during the holiday season. The initiative led to the arrest of over 140 suspects, the recovery of highcalibre firearms, and joint efforts with Crime Intelligence and Bekkersdal Visible Policing. Authorities also joined forces to support the operation, resulting in the arrest of 85 individuals and the dismantling of illegal mining operations. The operation demonstrates the importance of a coordinated and proactive approach to preventing crime.
Get ready to laugh out loud at Mel die Storieverteller’s soldout performance, “Almal is Mal,” at Tiger’s Milk Somerset West on November 17. With a massive following on social media and over two decades of experience, Mel is a seasoned performer and provides valuable guidance for aspiring comedians. The Open Mic Night on November 29 will give emerging talents a chance to showcase their skills, with the lucky winner receiving a R2,000 voucher for lunch or dinner at Tiger’s Milk. Overall, these events celebrate the thriving South African standup comedy scene and provide a platform for comedy enthusiasts to connect and engage.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Petro de Luanda are set to kick off the firstever African Football League. The game will be an opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills and determination against formidable rivals. Mamelodi Sundowns seeks redemption following their recent losses and welcomes back seven important players, including Gaston Sirino, while uncertainty surrounds the participation of two influential members. The game will receive broad coverage, representing a historic moment for African football.
South African citizens can enjoy a break from load shedding as Eskom halts the power outages for the weekend due to stable generation capacity. After this point, Stage 2 load shedding will recommence from 4 pm until 5 am on Tuesday. Eskom has also shared an update on the status of Koeberg Unit 1, indicating the end of its outage and its synchronization with the grid expected by October 2023. The anticipated revival of Koeberg Unit 1 offers hope for enhanced energy availability in the future, and residents are encouraged to explore the city during the load shedding suspension.
Johann Rupert, the wealthiest person in South Africa, is using his money to uplift disadvantaged communities through initiatives such as the Khaya Lam project. Together with his wife and First National Bank, Rupert established the Free Market Foundation to address the impacts of apartheid. The foundation’s primary focus is the Khaya Lam Land Reform Project, which aims to convert apartheidera leasehold titles into freehold titles, enabling individuals to secure loans and pursue economic opportunities. Rupert’s philanthropic endeavors serve as a blueprint for aspiring philanthropists worldwide to effect tangible change in their communities.
The New Voices Programme in Cape Town provides a platform for emerging artists to tell their stories through cultural mapping and mentorship initiatives. The Artscape Theatre recently held an event where young creatives presented their unique creations, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling. The programme not only empowers new artists, but also exposes their work to diverse audiences, highlighting the crucial role that storytellers have in shaping our society.
Central banks can impact climate policy coordination by understanding how climate change affects their responsibilities, mitigating policy planning and coordination risks, and avoiding excessive interference due to policy failures. They must consider the effects of climate change on the economy when developing monetary policy. To support the green transition, central banks should maintain financial and price stability, provide analytical support, and address financial market data inconsistencies. They can work with governments to minimize unintended side effects and optimize employment benefits.
NASA and the University of Cape Town (UCT) have joined forces for a fouryear initiative called BioSCape, aimed at mapping the biodiversity of South Africa’s Greater Cape Floristic Region. The project will use satellite and aerial data in combination with ontheground observations to map marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species and ecosystems within the region. It is hoped this will strengthen conservation efforts and biodiversity research, whilst offering pioneering resources for charting and monitoring the diverse living organisms in one of the world’s most biodiverse areas. The BioSCape project is a testament to worldclass biodiversity research in South Africa and represents an ambitious leap forward in the understanding and conservation of unique ecosystems.
South Africa’s Air Force is in crisis, with a shocking 85% of its aircraft fleet currently nonoperational. Democratic Alliance member Kobus Marais exposed the issue, and Defense Minister Thandi Modise confirmed the statistics. The ANC government’s mismanagement and negligence are primarily responsible for the state of the fleet, leaving the nation vulnerable to security threats. Urgent action and resource allocation are needed to restore the South African Air Force’s former strength and protect the nation’s security.