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.
Ms. Barbara Creecy, Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Minister, recently delivered the Budget Vote 2023/24 for the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. In her speech, she emphasized several key initiatives and projects aimed at preserving South Africa’s natural resources, combating climate change, and enhancing the nation’s biodiversity.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made remarkable progress in addressing crossborder criminal activities in Northern KwaZuluNatal. Within just three months, the task team deployed to the region by the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has arrested 59 suspects. This success is the result of discussions with community leaders and the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele.
Athlone Stadium, known for its versatility and diverse offerings, is set to host two thrilling Currie Cup rugby matches. Despite having been transformed into a mass vaccination site during the Covid19 pandemic, the stadium is making headlines once again as rugby returns to this iconic venue. Its continued relevance and adaptability are a testament to its lasting legacy.
A motherdaughter duo has been sentenced to double life imprisonment for the brutal murders of Simangele Simamane and her daughter Sbongakonke Mthembu in October 2020. The Durban High Court has delivered the verdict along with an additional elevenyear sentence for kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
On May 18, 2023, Cape Town made history with the launch of its first Urban Waste Management (UWM) Innovation Expo. The event aimed to bring together the latest sustainable waste management solutions, addressing the increasing need for innovative methods to tackle the city’s waste challenges.
The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate has been making significant progress in the upgrade of Amandel Road in Kuils River. This major upgrade project is part of the City’s Congestion Management Strategy, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion across the Bottelary River.
The United Nations Global Road Safety Week has just concluded, and the City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate is taking steps to improve road safety in the Khayelitsha Township. The project involves building walking and cycling lanes that are universally accessible, which will promote safety for all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
Karpowership has been granted access to three major South African ports Ngqura, Durban, and Saldanha Bay for a period of 20 years. The National Department of Transport made this decision based on the National Ports Act No.12 of 2005, which empowers the Minister to approve applications for access to ports in the Republic of South Africa.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, will host the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Meeting in Cape Town on June 1, 2023. The meeting aims to enhance diplomatic relationships and encourage cooperation among participating nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The midterm meeting provides a platform for Foreign Ministers to engage in discussions on regional and global developments.
In a recent move that reflects South Africa’s openness to investment and trade, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has established a presence in the heart of New York City, reiterating its longstanding economic ties with the United States. ### South Africa’s Unique Position Among Emerging Markets
The South African Information Regulator has taken a major step towards increasing transparency and accountability within the country’s political parties. In a recent announcement, the Regulator revealed plans to conduct a series of assessments of political parties’ compliance with the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2, 2000 (PAIA).
Cape Town is taking a proactive stance on improving its infrastructure, with Mayor Geordin HillLewis leading the charge on a comprehensive sewer pipe replacement project. This critical upgrade aims not only to support economic growth but also to create a healthier and more dignified living environment for all residents of the city.
The Infrastructure Built AntiCorruption Forum (IBACF) has made significant strides in curbing corruption and fraud within the construction sector. As a strategic intervention, it aims to safeguard the integrity of the government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan through a proactive approach that focuses on corruption prevention.
Enlit Africa is a highly respected conference and exhibition that recently shone a light on Cape Town, highlighting the city’s focus on innovative energy solutions. Held from May 16th to 18th at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including businesses, consultants, developers, and analysts representing various countries. Together, they worked towards contributing to Africa’s vision for a ‘Just Energy Transition’ and addressing South Africa’s energy crisis.
The Cape Town government and Garden Cities have partnered to provide affordable housing for the city’s residents, with the Greenville Phase 4 project in Fisantekraal, Durbanville, being a notable milestone. The project has recently handed over keys to 28 beneficiaries and aims to complete 1,050 homes for qualified residents and their families by the end of 2025.
The recent arrest of three individuals involved in a document forgery syndicate, operating in Johannesburg’s central business district, has brought to light the severity of the issue of document forgery. The suspects were caught redhanded, producing counterfeit documents such as birth and death certificates, university degrees, and fake identity documents.