A recent gathering of the BASIC group, consisting of Brazil, South Africa, India, and China, was held alongside the 78th United Nations General Assembly session on September 20, 2023. The meeting focused on climate change strategies and showcased the group’s solidarity and continued leadership in addressing climate change.
The North West Government has taken the initiative to tackle numerous service delivery challenges faced by various localities. This has been accomplished through the second phase of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme (ASDP), also known as Thuntsha Lerole. The objective of the program is to enhance the living standards of North West residents by supplying essential services and addressing obstacles that have previously obstructed service delivery.
The Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development of the North West Provincial Legislature has announced public hearings on the Agricultural Product Standards Amendment Bill B15B – 2021]. These hearings are scheduled for Friday, 22 September 2023 and will occur at four separate venues: Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro Community Hall in Khunwana, [Potchefstroom Agricultural College, Vryburg Banquet Hall, and Bokamoso Community Hall in Madibeng. The hearings will also be available for live streaming on the North West Provincial Legislature’s Facebook page and additional social media platforms like YouTube Channel, allowing for widespread public participation.
Cape Town, a picturesque city at the base of Table Mountain, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and dynamic culture. Nevertheless, like numerous urban centers worldwide, it also faces the intricate problem of homelessness. As the city continues to develop, finding effective and sustainable solutions to this issue becomes increasingly crucial. The local government, under the leadership of Mayor Geordin HillLewis, has recently made considerable progress in assisting homeless individuals, focusing on increasing transitional shelter capacities and offering allencompassing social services.
At the 2023 Public Finance Management Conference, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana spoke about the urgent need to develop innovative and agile strategies for public service funding and delivery in the midst of volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) times. In his address, Godongwana identified the difficulties facing South Africa’s public finance sector, emphasizing the significance of strategic alliances, consequence management, and ethical procurement as crucial tools to overcome these hurdles.
Anton Bredell, the Western Cape’s MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, emphasizes the importance of incorporating coastal risk data into development planning in light of recent coastal flooding incidents and property damage. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has adopted the Coastal Management Programme as a vital instrument for tackling the challenges presented by such occurrences.
Cape Town’s stretch of Atlantic shoreline, from Lagoon Beach to Sunset Beach, including Milnerton, boasts breathtaking landscapes with immaculate sandy beaches. Yet, these beaches face a slow retreating or erosion process over time. The complex interactions between sediment transport processes and urban development result in reduced sand replenishment during summer months, causing an overall loss and coastal erosion.
The constantly shifting tides along the coast, a source of inspiration for many artists and poets, now present a new threat to South Africa’s shoreline. As we marvel at the aweinducing power of nature, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has urged increased caution among coastal communities. The spring tide, a phenomenon intensified by the new moon, has caused chaos throughout the Eastern, Southern, and Western Cape, prompting people to consider the fragile balance between human settlement and the ocean’s unyielding advance.
Contemporary art often finds inspiration in the human condition, and South African artist Natasja de Wet is no exception. Through her art, which includes painting, mixedmedia drawing, threedimensional assemblage, and installation, de Wet explores the complexities of human existence. ## Oil Paintings
South African comedian Trevor Noah found himself at the center of a social media storm due to rumors about his involvement in a R33 million promotional video. In a recent interview with East Coast Radio, Noah took the opportunity to address the rumors and dispel any misconceptions.
Passionate craft enthusiasts and naturelovers will find a haven in the Earthskills Gathering, an annual festival that celebrates South Africa’s heritage crafts, outdoor skills, and lowimpact living. Taking place during the Heritage Day long weekend from 22 to 25 September at Twin Rivers near Greyton, Overberg, this unique event offers an enriching experience that delves into practical skills and cultural traditions specific to South Africa, with a focus on sustainability and African culture.
Cape Town is renowned for its stunning landscape, composed of mountains, valleys, and oceans, making it an ideal hiking destination. However, beyond the welltraveled routes, the city has hidden gems that offer a unique and exhilarating experience. These five offbeat hiking trails promise a perfect blend of adventure and nature’s bounty.
In today’s world, the global movement against genderbased violence (GBV) is gaining momentum. However, the brutal assault on 25yearold Zizipho Nikita Kalubi serves as a somber reminder of the persisting danger faced by women in their everyday lives. Kalubi, hailing from Somerset West, endured an unthinkable act of violence after reportedly rejecting a man’s unwarranted advances in Khayelitsha. The fateful encounter unfolded on a Saturday afternoon as Kalubi and her boyfriend were returning from running errands.
South Africa is making waves in the world of ice dancing with the recent participation of Mikhail Ajam, 19, and Felicity Chase, 15, in the Junior Grand Prix (JGP) held in Bangkok, Thailand. This marks a significant milestone for South African ice dancers as it has been a decade since they graced the international stage.
The Presidential Employment Programme (PEP): CBD Regeneration Project, supported by the National Treasury, has made significant progress in addressing the issue of homelessness in Cape Town. This partnership between the City’s Enterprise and Investment Department and Khulisa Social Solutions is a crucial component of the City’s Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy (IEGS), aiming to combat economic challenges, inequality, and job creation barriers.
The South African Cape Coast is a haven for nature lovers, offering a unique opportunity to witness the majestic Southern Right whales traversing the coastline during whale season. But while whalewatching is undoubtedly the main attraction, visitors can also indulge in the exceptional wines produced by local estates. Here are ten wineries to add to your itinerary: