Uitsig is struggling with a 165% increase in sewer blockages due to outdated infrastructure and incorrect waste disposal practices. Despite a pipeline replacement project starting in July 2023, only 8.2% completion has been achieved due to the dual threats of extortion and public safety. The City has set up a 24hour hotline for anonymous reporting of incidents of extortion and urges residents to be mindful of what they discard to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more efficient Uitsig.
Cape Town is planning to convert selected roads into oneway streets to improve road safety and ease peakhour traffic. The city is inviting its citizens to participate in the decisionmaking process by providing feedback on the proposal. The city administration is committed to transparency and has set up multiple avenues for the public to express their views and concerns, fostering active citizen engagement and shaping the city’s urban evolution in a participatory and democratic way.
Modulêr Electrical Assemblies, located in the Atlantis Special Economic Zone, produces electrical panel components that play a crucial role in the shift towards renewable energy. Its growth is a testament to the potential of renewable energy as a driver of job creation and economic growth. The ASEZ provides an ideal environment for business growth in the renewable energy and agribusiness value chains, with various development programs in place to promote economic development. The future of Atlantis is set to become a shining example of green innovation and sustainable industrial growth.
The Food and Beverages Graduation ceremony in Mbombela celebrates the success of 81 graduates in the training program, marking the start of their bright and promising future. The joint endeavor by diverse stakeholders has proven pivotal to tackling the skills deficit in the hospitality and food and beverages domains. Education is a vital component of national development strategy, generating jobs, enhancing health facilities, and meeting other necessities. The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan aims to ensure longterm sustainability in collaboration with its stakeholders.
The Zondo Commission was set up in South Africa to investigate corruption and state capture. The President presented the Commission’s report and implementation plan in October 2022, showing the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Parliament is actively working on implementing the recommendations, and the upcoming media briefing by Acting Speaker Mr. Tsenoli will highlight the progress made, including the challenges and successes, in carrying out the Commission’s recommendations as part of the country’s ongoing pursuit of a corruptionfree society and a dynamic democracy.
The South African National Service Institute (SANSI) is a new entity established to empower the youth and combat youth unemployment in the country. Spearheaded by the SANDFled National Youth Service, SANSI aims to develop skills and create meaningful employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, particularly in impoverished districts. The launch of SANSI marks a significant chapter in South Africa’s history, embodying the nation’s commitment to civic responsibility and service while holding endless promise for the future.
Hisense has introduced a revolutionary 100inch U7K ULED MiniLED TV equipped with advanced technologies such as Quantum Dot Colour and Game Mode Pro, setting a fresh benchmark for home entertainment devices. The TV was constructed at Hisense’s plant in Atlantis, on the fringe of Cape Town, and it will debut in South Africa in June 2024 with a price tag of R79 999. This launch symbolizes a new stage for Hisense in South Africa, reinforcing the company’s dedication to providing cuttingedge products that cater to the digital era’s evolving requirements.
Kalk Bay is a charming village on the False Bay coastline that combines history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. Its streets are lined with unique shops, and its bustling fishing port is a mustsee attraction. The Kalk Bay Theatre and the Olympia Café and Bakery are cultural and culinary treasures that visitors cannot miss. The community spirit is also vibrant, promising a rewarding experience to every visitor who immerses themselves in the abundant offerings of Kalk Bay.
The city of Woodlands in Mitchells Plain is undergoing a public housing revolution, with an investment of R1.2 billion over the next three years aimed at revitalizing public housing upkeep and refurbishments. Councillor Carl Pophaim has formulated a strategy to combat rampant vandalism in public housing units, encouraging tenants to report any acts of vandalism and allocating more teams to emergency tasks. This investment is about more than just replacing staircases; it signifies progress towards a future of safety, dignity, and community unity.
In Johannesburg, a notorious carjacker with a history of 29 counts of vehicle theft and carjacking met his end at the hands of the South African Police Service’s antikidnapping task force. The operation was the result of careful planning, involving a multidisciplinary team, and aimed at bringing justice to those responsible for the abduction and subsequent murder of a wellknown businessman. While the pursuit of remaining coconspirators continues, the story serves as a reminder of the unrelenting efforts of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the safety and security of citizens.
A shocking story of violence and betrayal emerged from KwaZuluNatal, South Africa, in May 2022, when a man murdered his fiancé and subjected his daughters to shocking assaults. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes. The case highlights the importance of reporting crimes against women and children, and law enforcement’s commitment to punishing those who prey on vulnerable members of society. The KwaZuluNatal Police Service advocates for victims to come forward, as reporting such crimes is a step towards justice and eradicating genderbased violence.
The Civil Security Cooperation Initiative is a partnership between city governments and community safety partners to incorporate community watch groups and other security structures into intelligence gathering and distribution efforts during crises. The initiative aims to streamline crisis communication and capitalize on the benefits of having a direct communication line with community organizations. This represents a gamechanging shift in urban safety management, positioning civic society as the centerpiece of intelligence gathering. The pilot program was tested in a simulated dry run on May 11th, 2024, and proved to be an efficient and effective approach to crisis management.
The City of Cape Town is conducting a household survey to gain insight into the socioeconomic circumstances of different communities, with over half of the targeted 10,000 interviews already completed. Residents can participate to help shape their communities’ future and enhance service delivery. The collected data is confidential and adheres to the Protection of Personal Information Act, and participation is voluntary. Kantar, a data collection agency, is conducting the survey with safety measures in place to ensure legitimacy and minimize privacy intrusion.
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has launched a groundbreaking initiative called “Home Affairs on Wheels”, bringing government services closer to the populace through a fleet of mobile office trucks. The trucks offer fullyequipped services, including applications for passports, smart IDs, birth, marriage, and death certificates, and will be stationed in towns and villages at specific times. The initiative aims to reduce the costs and distances rural residents incur to access these services, with plans to add a hundred more trucks each year until they reach a thousand.
The Western Cape is experiencing an economic revival thanks to the business events industry, with 30 new bids set to generate over R1 billion in economic output and create jobs across multiple industries. The events range from international congresses to global conferences, and the Western Cape’s stateoftheart facilities make it an attractive destination. The region has a track record of successfully hosting international events and is committed to doubling tourist numbers by 2035, with business events playing a crucial role in achieving this goal.
The EyeintheSky is a new aircraft equipped with toptier surveillance technology, capable of achieving higher flight altitude, extended airtime, and lower weather susceptibility compared to drones. The aircraft boasts infrared cameras, which can detect heat signatures from recently discharged firearms, persons submerged in frigid waters, or the swiftly rotating tires of a fleeing vehicle. The EyeintheSky marks a significant paradigm shift in Cape Town’s fight against crime, highlighting the city’s dedication to harnessing the power of stateoftheart technology to ensure community safety.
