As South Africa’s National Planning Commission (NPC) marks the significant accomplishment of completing a tenyear review of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030, it is crucial to recognize the progress made and challenges faced since the plan’s adoption in 2012. As an independent advisory body, the NPC has assessed the strides achieved and pinpointed areas requiring enhancement.
In a world where crime is an everpresent concern, it is encouraging to see law enforcement agencies overcoming obstacles and effectively combating criminal activities within their areas of responsibility. One outstanding example is the South African Police Service (SAPS), whose recent accomplishments reveal a resolute commitment to protecting citizens and upholding law and order.
In an ongoing battle against substance abuse, cities worldwide have grappled with the challenges posed by addiction and its devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. Ten years ago, Cape Town’s Parkwood Matrix® treatment site pledged to address this pressing issue by offering comprehensive support and treatment to those in need. The program’s accomplishments were evident as nearly 300 clients recently celebrated their progress at a certification ceremony held at the Kensington Civic Centre.
The recent malfunction in South Africa’s Social Security Agency (SASSA) payment system left a minimum of 600,000 social grant beneficiaries in agony, frantically waiting for their overdue deposits. The situation worsened when Johanna Gryzenhout, a 61yearold pensioner from Cape Town, experienced a heart attack due to the stress of waiting for her grant. This tragic event underlines the grim repercussions that system breakdowns can have on susceptible people.
Nature’s allure often stems from tales of struggle and perseverance that arise within it. One such story involving three young seals and their rescuers, James Suter and Guy Gafney, has recently captivated our hearts and minds. In a world grappling with the escalating menace of plastic waste, this account serves as a touching reminder of how our actions affect the environment and emphasizes the need for collective efforts to preserve marine ecosystems.
On September 21, 2023, Basic Education Minister, Mrs. Angie Motshekga, and the CEO of the Zenex Foundation, Ms. Gail Campbell, announced the launch of the “Ulwazi Lwethu” African Languages Reading Materials at the National Library of South Africa, Pretoria. The project, initiated by the government and the Zenex Foundation, aims to enhance the Department’s efforts to improve literacy levels in the country.
In a commendable effort, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala recently participated in the Women in Construction event in Rustenburg, Northwest Province. The objective of the gathering was to empower women entrepreneurs in the construction and infrastructure sector. The event, however, faced unexpected turmoil when a group of protestors interrupted the proceedings.
Jazzart Dance Theatre, one of Cape Town’s most respected dance companies, will be marking its 50th anniversary with an unmissable Festival of Dance at the Artscape Theatre. The event will run from October 5th to 14th and is set to provide a captivating journey into the world of contemporary dance.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently took to the stage at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, fervently urging world leaders to focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comprising 17 global targets, the SDGs aim to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, and foster worldwide prosperity by 2030.
Cape Town, a flourishing city adorned with stunning mountain and sea views, is set to transform the spatial planning of its vibrant Central Business District (CBD). To promote the CBD’s ongoing economic success while making it more livable, inclusive, and resilient, the City of Cape Town intends to establish a local spatial development framework (LSDF).
As 2023 emerges as a pivotal year in South Africa’s financial landscape, the National Treasury Communications Unit (NTCU) is gearing up to reveal the highly anticipated Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). This significant milestone in the nation’s financial progress offers a chance for journalists to interact with the policy statement in a way that is both informative and insightful.
As technology continues to shape our world, coding and development skills have become increasingly valuable assets, especially for future generations. To address this need, STEM Code Africa, an initiative by NGORun EdHub App, has partnered with educators from the Khula Education Foundation to make coding education accessible for children across the African continent. Their goal is to provide userfriendly resources that teach coding, web 3.0, artificial intelligence, and machine languages to young learners.
South Africa’s beloved celebrity chef Fatima Sydow has been battling soft tissue sarcoma since her diagnosis in December 2020. Sadly, her condition has recently advanced to stage 4, leaving her unable to work and in need of financial support. ### A Heartwarming Display of Solidarity
In recent weeks, the Western Cape has experienced a worrying surge in attacks against law enforcement officers. According to reports, five officers were shot in the province. The most recent incident occurred at a Gugulethu intersection, where two police officers were ambushed while driving in their vehicle. In response, the City has offered a reward of R250,000 for any information that leads to the conviction of those involved.
In the Cape Peninsula, a diverse group of organizations has formed the Baboon Management Joint Task Team (JTT) to address the future of the area’s Chacma baboon population. The JTT consists of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town. The team has been working on a Baboon Strategic Management Plan (BSMP) draft, which they aim to finalize by the end of September. This project has sparked considerable public interest, with over 800 comments submitted by concerned citizens.
Cape Town will award Civic Honours to several notable citizens, past and present, who have made significant contributions to society both locally and globally. The ceremony will take place in December and will recognize a diverse group of individuals, including lawyer Albie Sachs, cricket legend Basil D’Oliveira, pop icon Brenda Fassie, humanitarian Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, and renowned playwright Athol Fugard. However, the most exciting recipient is Krotoa, a historical figure from the Khoi community.
