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.
The International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) celebrated its 30th annual graduation and thanksgiving service in Zuurbekom, West Rand. The event took place during a historically significant month on South Africa’s calendar and honored the graduates and their predecessors who have encouraged the Comforter’s vision.
As the 2023 winter season progresses, South Africa’s agricultural sector is experiencing a mix of thriving crops and livestock in most areas. However, some regions, including the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape, continue to experience dry conditions. Despite this, most provinces’ significant dam levels remain high, thanks to the country’s dynamic weather patterns and diligent resource conservation efforts.
On June 19, 2023, the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, welcomed the French Minister, Ms. Catherine Colonna, for a Working Visit with the aim of strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The visit provided a platform for both Ministers to engage in profound discussions on topics of mutual interest, covering regional and international matters.
South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile, as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), is set to deliver a keynote address during the opening session of the 11th South African AIDS Conference. The conference will occur on June 20th to 23rd at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZuluNatal province.
In the North West Province, municipalities face significant capacity challenges in local governance. To address this issue, MEC Nono Maloyi, the head of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, has partnered with North West University to deploy 100 skilled graduates from various disciplines. The collaboration aims to revitalize municipal operations and performance, enabling municipalities to handle the intricate challenges of urban planning, environmental management, and public administration more effectively.
On June 20, 2023, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety will host a meeting with the political and administrative leaders of Metro Police Departments from different metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng. The gathering will provide an opportunity for these authorities to report on their crime prevention efforts and enforcement of municipal bylaws within their respective areas.
The High Density Operation Shanela in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, has made a significant breakthrough in its effort to improve safety and order. In a massive crackdown, a total of 69 suspects were apprehended across the province’s three districts, addressing various offenses.
In June each year, Mangaung, Free State Province, South Africa commemorates the 47th anniversary of the 1976 student uprising. This historical moment has inspired a new initiative to empower and uplift the youth of today through tourism. The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism, and Environment Affairs (DESTEA), has announced a community engagement event to discuss opportunities for upskilling and empowering the youth in the tourism sector.
The City of Cape Town’s Economic Growth Directorate recently hosted the Informal Trading Economy and Expo at the City Hall. The event attracted over 400 traders and aimed to support the informal economy, an essential sector responsible for creating jobs and supporting livelihoods.
The Western Cape police have launched a highdensity operation called “Operation Shanela” in their battle against crime. From June 12 to June 18, 2023, this initiative has resulted in the arrest of 2,011 suspects and has made significant inroads against crime in the affected areas of the Western Cape.
In Cape Town, during a season of heavy rain, citizens are encouraged to report water and sanitationrelated issues, such as sewer overflows, by using the city’s official reporting channels. The convenience and ease of WhatsApp make it a suitable platform for residents to assist the Water and Sanitation Directorate in preserving and improving the system.
The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has announced that they will be hosting a twoday Provincial Summit on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) on June 22 and 23, 2023. The goal of this gathering, which will take place a few months before the start of Phase 5 of the Programme, is to encourage collaborations and partnerships for successful implementation.
The fight against corruption in South Africa has reached a significant milestone as the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) charges two retired and one serving General of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for alleged involvement in corrupt activities. The case stems from a 2016 hiring process where the accused Generals allegedly tampered with scoresheets during interviews, leading to the appointment of an unqualified candidate.
The South African government is making significant strides in the realm of home affairs as Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, and Deputy Minister, Mr. Njabulo Nzuza, prepare to address the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Policy Debate on Home Affairs on June 20, 2023. The event is crucial as it sees the government presenting its budget for the Department of Home Affairs for the year 2023.
Gordon’s Bay, a charming town located on the Western Cape’s edge, is set to receive a series of road layout and access modifications surrounding its bustling Village Plaza. Spearheading the project, the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate, in collaboration with the Village Plaza Centre’s owners and EFG Engineers, aims to enhance road safety and accessibility to the shopping hub. These changes will not only enhance safety but also provide an opportunity for the town to evolve into a more pedestrianfriendly and accessible space.
Local enforcement agencies in Cape Town have been working diligently to apprehend and penalize individuals who put public safety at risk. Recent reports have shown an increase in fines and arrests for various offences, including drunk driving and reckless behavior.