South Africa’s National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, will attend the 2024 Women Speakers’ Summit in Paris, organized by the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), on March 67. The summit will bring together women Speakers of national parliaments and women Presidents of regional and international parliamentary assemblies to discuss urgent matters concerning women’s rights including education, equality, health, and the fight against violence. The South African delegation is expected to contribute substantially to the discussions and provide valuable insights based on the South African experience.
The *South African Energy Investment Forum* is a critical platform for stakeholders to address energy deprivation, stimulate investment, and reduce carbon emissions. The government’s strategy includes the *Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)* to *increase energy capacity, eliminate transmission capacity limitations, and encourage embedded generation*. *Nuclear and gas* are expected to play a vital role in South Africa’s energy transition, with a *focus on engaging communities and encouraging investments* to ensure effective information dissemination and active community involvement in the industry. Overall, the forum serves as a beacon of hope for a sustainable and prosperous future in the energy sector.
Simplifying South Africa’s Revenue Service (SARS) tax system by adopting a flatrate tax system, similar to Mauritius, could boost compliance rates and tackle tax evasion. This streamlined approach could incentivize highincome taxpayers and small businesses to participate in the formal economy and contribute their fair share to the state’s revenue. While such a strategy may not resolve all issues, implementing a flat tax rate could be a significant step towards an efficient and less complex tax system, contributing to a stronger and more equitable economy.
Cape Town is leading the way towards a sustainable future by adopting green energy through various projects such as embedded generation, solar, and energy utility reform. The city has secured global technical support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the German Development Bank (KfW) to fasttrack these projects. Cape Town’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources is witnessing steady advancement and is setting a global standard for the adoption of renewable energy.
Arsenal is on fire, winning seven games in a row since January and showing they have what it takes to win the Premier League title. The team’s recent performance has been impressive, with strong players like Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice leading the charge. Despite injuries and a busy schedule, Arsenal’s resilience and adaptability make them formidable opponents. Fans and sports analysts should keep their eyes on Arsenal’s quest for Premier League dominance, as they have the potential to end their championship drought.
South African retailer, Game, made history by sending a can of Koo baked beans to the edge of the atmosphere using a weather balloon. The can travelled 38,000 meters into the stratosphere and back in a total of 2 hours and 44 minutes, while being tracked for live data. The mission was part of a Leap Day promotional weekend, showcasing Game’s creativity and innovation in the retail industry.
South Africans are facing contrasting financial shifts this week, with the arrival of social grant payments providing some relief, but rising fuel prices presenting a new financial hurdle for motorists. The government is aiming to strengthen the Covid19 Social Relief of Distress Grant and match social grants with inflation, but Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana acknowledges the limits of the country’s financial aid. South Africans are urged to stay informed and adapt to the economic realities, drawing on their resilience and perseverance to navigate through the changes.
Highly accomplished striker Khama Billiat has made a surprising move to Yadah FC on a oneyear deal with a monthly salary of around R95,000 and a brand new Land Rover Defender. The move has sent shockwaves through the Zimbabwean football community, with Yadah FC luring Billiat with a down payment in cash. The burning question now is whether Billiat can utilize his talent and expertise to bring glory to his new club.
Kaizer Chiefs, a prominent South African soccer team, recently suffered a shocking defeat against Milford FC in the Nedbank Cup, leading to scrutiny of coach Cavin Johnson’s tactics. Junior Khanye, a respected football analyst, criticized Johnson’s strategic errors, particularly his belief in the existing team. Meanwhile, rumors of potential new recruits, including TS Galaxy’s Lehlohonolo Mojela, are creating buzz in Soweto. The fate of Kaizer Chiefs and Mojela’s future remain uncertain as the team navigates challenges and opportunities in the upcoming season.
In the thrilling world of soccer, the Orlando Pirates are in a strategic game to secure the signing of talented winger Shaune Mogaila, who recently left his former club, Royal AM. While the Pirates were close to finalizing a deal, Norwegian club Valengra FC has shown persistent interest in the player, potentially offering him the chance to play internationally. As the narrative unfolds, it remains to be seen if the Pirates can successfully acquire Mogaila or if Valengra’s pursuit will prove too formidable to contest.
The 14th Policy Dialogue Forum on Teachers for Education 2030 in Johannesburg discussed the global issue of teacher shortages and strategies to address it, such as enhancing teachers’ salaries and working conditions, creating opportunities for career progression, and ensuring a fair distribution of teachers. The Global Report on teacher shortages was also launched at the forum. South Africa was honored to host the event, which aimed to elevate the teaching profession and provide solutions to the challenges highlighted in previous reports. The forum ended on a positive note, with hopes for more innovative and effective strategies toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.
The SAPS housing initiative is a project between the South African Police Service and various sponsors and stakeholders to provide safe and secure homes for victims of crime and those in need. The initiative aims to create a social safety blanket for those affected by crime and has already provided homes for six households in South Africa. The Vokwana family is one of the latest beneficiaries, receiving a modern and furnished twobedroom house in the town of Delft, a notorious area for gangrelated activities. The initiative is an ongoing endeavor to institute a safer and more secure environment for all.
The Laureus World Sports Awards celebrate outstanding sporting performances and are regarded as the pinnacle of international sporting accolades. South Africa’s Springboks rugby team and their leader, Siya Kolisi, have been nominated for the prestigious awards this year, with the Springboks nominated for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award and Kolisi nominated for the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award. The final verdict is taken by the Laureus World Sports Academy, a distinguished jury comprising 69 of the world’s greatest sporting legends. These nominations reflect South Africa’s dominance in the sporting industry on a global stage.
South Africans are working together to find missing sevenyearold Joslin Smith, with community members, political factions and civic bodies united in their efforts. A R100,000 reward has been offered by Gayton McKenzie, head of the Patriotic Alliance, and the War Against Parental Alienation group has pledged R10,000. Technology including helicopters and drones has been used in the search, but efforts have been hindered by restricted access to areas and negative social media posts. The community’s determination to find Joslin serves as a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.
Experience Worcester’s diverse and vibrant food scene, offering an array of unique dining experiences and flavors. Indulge in a highend steakhouse experience at Fowler’s Grill, savor authentic Italian cuisine at Beluchi’s Woodfired Artisan Pizzas, enjoy carefully aged steaks at The Hussar Grill, take in scenic views while dining at the DAM! Diner and Bar, and indulge in an extraordinary sushi experience at Starpark Sushi Restaurant. Worcester offers something for every food lover, promising a dining experience that will linger in your memory.
The upcoming Nedbank Cup clash featuring Orlando Pirates has generated excitement as Evidence Makgopa’s remarkable performance has boosted the team’s morale and his own selfconfidence. The young forward’s recent form and the unwavering confidence of manager Jose Riveiro could see Makgopa shine in the competition. While Makgopa has already left a substantial mark on the club, Riveiro believes that his continued development and triumph are essential to the team’s overall prowess, and maintaining his current level of performance is crucial.