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 National Department of Health recently clarified the situation regarding two laboratoryconfirmed cases of cholera in South Africa’s North West province. The confirmation was made on May 30, 2023, by the North West Department of Health. However, following discussions with North West health officials, it was revealed that the confirmed cases were reported under the jurisdiction of Gauteng.
The Western Cape province of South Africa has achieved a remarkable feat in crimefighting by reducing the murder rate by 14.1%. The recently released crime statistics for January to March 2023 reveal that there were 872 murders in the 2022/23 financial year in comparison to 1,015 in the previous year. The decrease outperforms the 904 murders recorded in 2020/21.
Cape Town’s bustling city depends on its dedicated workforce to keep vital infrastructures running smoothly. Among these workers are the operational teams of the Water and Sanitation Department, whose relentless efforts ensure that the city’s sewers and drainage systems remain functional. Without these individuals, residents would be subjected to the dire consequences of blocked drains and sewage systems.
The South African government is dedicated to maintaining an active engagement with its citizens, and the Presidential Imbizo is an excellent example of this commitment. Scheduled for June 9th, 2023, this year’s Imbizo will take place in the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, located in the uThukela District Municipality of KwaZuluNatal Province.
On June 2, 2023, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Ms. Pinky Kekana made a followup visit to Greater Knysna Municipality to evaluate progress in addressing service delivery issues raised during her previous visit in October 2022. The purpose of this visit was to provide guidance and support to areas requiring improvement.
Cape Town, a city with high crime levels, has adopted a proactive approach to tackle criminality. The Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin HillLewis, has recently announced several initiatives aimed at supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS) in creating a safer environment for residents.
Cape Town is taking steps towards improving its infrastructure to create a safer environment for its residents. As a response to the road safety concerns raised by the local community, the Transport Infrastructure Implementation Department has initiated the widening project of Welcome Zenzile Road in Khayelitsha.
On May 29, 2023, Cape Town’s Portfolio Committee Chairperson for Human Settlements, Councillor Albert Anda Ntsodo, visited the Tambo Square informal settlement in Gugulethu. The visit celebrated the installation of new street name signs that will impact the lives of residents in various ways.
As affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce, Cape Town is taking a proactive stance towards addressing this issue. Through the City’s Human Settlements Directorate Strategic Indaba, leaders from various sectors have come together to brainstorm and share ideas for the development of affordable housing in Cape Town.
Operation Vulindlela is a collaborative effort between the Presidency and National Treasury to fasttrack the implementation of 35 key reforms aimed at boosting economic growth and creating employment opportunities in South Africa. In a recent progress report, the initiative highlights developments across sectors including energy, logistics, digital communications, and visa regulations.
South Africa has witnessed a surge in crime rates, prompting the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Police Ministry to commit to decisive action. Operation Shanela is an aggressive form of policing aimed at upscaling the response to criminal activities by increasing visible policing and disruptive operations.
In October 2020, President Ramaphosa launched Operation Vulindlela to accelerate the implementation of 35 priority reforms that would impact economic growth and job creation. This initiative has played a crucial role in driving necessary structural reforms across key sectors such as energy, logistics, digital communication, water, and visas.
The Department of Social Development (DSD) presented its 2023/24 Budget Vote with the theme “DSD@Work: Leaving No One Behind.” This happened during the national Child Protection Week focused on protecting children affected by shocks and disasters, while addressing the prevalent issue of inequality and the rising living costs in South Africa.
The City of _____________ will temporarily close its customer offices on June 3 and 4, 2023, to carry out mandatory maintenance work. This closure will affect municipal offices, motor vehicle registration and licensing locations, Human Settlements offices, Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs), and municipal courts. Customers who typically visit the customer offices in Lansdowne Corner Mall, Liberty Promenade Mall, and Table Bay Mall will also be impacted by the closures.
Cape Town’s Mayor Geordin HillLewis has announced a new initiative to tackle the growing threats of theft, vandalism, and extortion. The city will be deploying a specialized unit aimed at safeguarding city facilities and frontline staff from criminal activities. ### The Need for the Initiative
The City of Cape Town is currently in the process of updating prepaid electricity meters across the metro. This is being done in phases to ensure that all meters are updated before the current software expires in 2024. Failing to update the meters on time may result in customers being unable to recharge and left without power supply.