A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.
In Botshabelo, located in the Free State Province of South Africa, the Department of Tourism, along with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environment Affairs, is organizing a community engagement event aimed at empowering the youth in the tourism sector.
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has been a guiding force in promoting gender equality and addressing genderbased discrimination and inequality issues in South Africa and beyond. Recently, the organization underwent a significant leadership change as its Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Phelisa Nkomo, mutually agreed to part ways with the organization on June 19, 2023.
Cape Town’s Draft Filming Bylaw: Balancing the Needs of the Film Industry and Residents Cape Town has always been an attractive location for film productions due to its breathtaking landscapes and stunning architecture. In this regard, the City of Cape Town’s Events and Film Department has introduced a new Draft Filming Bylaw aimed at regulating filming activities within the city. This bylaw seeks to replace the current Filming Bylaw from 2005, aligning Cape Town with international standards while empowering the Film Permit Office (FPO) to better manage filming activities.
The Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) held a successful Youth Day Programme on June 19th, 2023, at the Delft Civic Centre. The event aimed to empower and support the youth in Delft, addressing critical issues such as GBV and personal trauma.
Cape Town is a bustling metropolis renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. While the city has much to offer, it also recognizes the importance of supporting its residents who may face financial hardships. In this regard, the City of Cape Town has introduced several assistance programs that aim to provide relief and support to municipal account holders who need it the most.
Education has the power to transform lives, and Kagiso Komane’s story is a testament to this. Despite facing many challenges, Komane overcame them to achieve his Masters of Applied Sciences in Chemistry from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2022, thanks to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s bursary program.
On 22 June, the Department of Tourism, in conjunction with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environment Affairs (DESTEA), organized a community engagement event in Botshabelo, Mangaung. The aim was to provide the youth of Botshabelo with opportunities to upskill and empower themselves in the tourism sector.
Small businesses are struggling to survive, but the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism provides vital assistance to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The latest iteration of the department’s SMME Booster Fund demonstrates the commitment of the Western Cape government to support the growth and development of SMMEs.
The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is closely monitoring the water situation in the Western Cape following heavy rainfall, which has boosted dam levels in the province. The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS), which consists of the six largest dams in the area, has reached an impressive 90% capacity, the highest level since June 2014. The Theewaterskloof dam, for example, currently has a water level of 96%, a significant increase from last year’s 76.67%.
In the past few days, Western Cape has been dealing with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by a series of cold fronts that hit numerous regions between June 14 and 19. The Cape Winelands and West Coast areas suffered the most significant damage. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has been leading a coordinated effort to manage the disaster and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
The Department of Employment and Labour in the Western Cape has announced a weeklong series of inspections of employers in the hospitality sector across the Southern Cape. Taking place between the 26th and 30th of June 2023, the primary goal of these inspections is to evaluate the level of compliance with various labour laws, including the National Minimum Wage Act (NMW), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Compensation for Occupational Injuries & Diseases Act (COIDA), and the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA).
Recent weeks of consistent rainfall have led to high water table levels in some cemeteries, posing potential shortterm challenges for their operations. While high water tables are not a new phenomenon, the current adverse weather conditions are exacerbating the situation.
South Africa’s cultural tradition of customary initiation is a significant rite of passage into adulthood that holds great significance within the country’s rich cultural heritage. As it symbolizes an important transition, it is essential to observe the highest levels of respect, care, and legal compliance.
South Africa has been grappling with an ongoing tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, further exacerbated by the COVID19 pandemic. The country has one of the highest TB burdens globally, including drugresistant and HIVassociated TB. ## The Impact of COVID19 on TB Control
The 11th SA AIDS Conference is set to take place from 2023 June 2023, bringing together esteemed stakeholders and health professionals to assess South Africa’s response to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The event presents a unique opportunity for experts to discuss emerging priorities and strategies in eliminating the public health threat posed by HIV.
In a rare and significant event, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently welcomed two Heads of Government in a joint working visit. The esteemed guests, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark and Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, were received at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria. This historic meeting signifies the growing ties between South Africa, Denmark, and the Netherlands, fostering cooperation in various sectors.