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 Western Cape Government has made significant strides in reducing bureaucratic red tape, resulting in a notable impact on the province’s economy. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Red Tape Reduction Unit (RTRU) has been instrumental in implementing these initiatives, providing businesses with considerable financial savings and improving the ease of doing business.
Recent revelations about firearm management in South Africa have raised concerns about public safety. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not destroyed a single confiscated firearm in the first quarter of 2023 according to Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. This alarming information highlights the critical issue of firearm management and its potential dangers to public safety.
On May 18, 2023, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) will hold a Special House Sitting to celebrate the life and contributions of the late Honorable Joe Mpisi, who was an elected Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL). Hon. Mpisi’s sudden passing on May 12, 2023, due to a prolonged illness was a great loss to the community he had served with dedication and passion, especially as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education.
On May 19, 2023, Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Makhotso Sotyu will hold a media briefing ahead of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s (DFFE) Budget Vote. The event is a critical platform for the ministry to outline its priorities for the 2023/2024 financial year, with a particular focus on forestry, fisheries, and the environment.
Agriculture is a vital sector in the South African economy, contributing to the nation’s employment growth and social stability. The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Ms. Thoko Didiza MP, has expressed her encouragement regarding the sector’s overall contribution to employment in the country.
Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala recently reaffirmed the South African government’s commitment to ensuring equitable water supply and dignified sanitation for all citizens. Their statements align with the country’s constitution and Minister Senzo Mchunu’s proposed budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Amidst the growing prevalence of violent conflicts globally, the African Heads of State have taken a commendable initiative by facilitating peace talks aimed at resolving the RussiaUkraine conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa presented this mission to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during separate phone calls.
The Department of Transport recently hosted a Post Budget Vote Stakeholder and Media Panel Discussion Breakfast on May 18, 2023 at the Taj Hotel in Cape Town. The event aimed to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and media representatives to analyze the key transport issues that emerged following the budget announcement.
Infrastructure development is a critical aspect of economic growth, creating job opportunities and paving the way for increased economic opportunities and an improved quality of life. In this regard, two significant infrastructure projects in George, South Africa, are set to revolutionize life for local residents: the Gwaing Road upgrade and the Metro Grounds housing project.
On January 27, 2023, the Electoral Commission marked a significant milestone with the implementation of the Political Party Funding Act. This Act requires political parties to disclose their sources of funding and sets out the framework for public funding of political parties. The Commission tabled a report on political party funding in the National Assembly, which included the AuditorGeneral’s statement. The report pertained to the financial year 20212022.
On May 16, 2023, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, presented an ambitious budget of R40.291 billion for the 2023/24 fiscal year in the National Assembly. The department’s primary objective is to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the water sector, while addressing the existing challenges and shortcomings and providing reliable services to communities.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has scheduled a comprehensive planned maintenance work for the water supply infrastructure in several areas, including Bellville CBD, Triangle Farm, Bellville South, Labiance, Greenlands, Glenhaven, and Stikland. This article provides information on the scope of the maintenance work, its purpose, and how residents can prepare for it.
The Minister of Finance Enoch Gondongwana presented the National Treasury of South Africa’s Budget Vote for the 2023/24 financial year, highlighting the government’s efforts to foster higher and more inclusive economic growth, address fiscal vulnerability, and stabilize public finances. The total allocated budget for the National Treasury amounts to R34.9 billion, with 85% allocated to transfers and subsidies.
The government of South Africa has taken an important step towards transparency and inclusivity by releasing comprehensive information on the collection of media accreditation for the upcoming Presidential Imbizo. This public event aims to foster dialogue and cooperation between the government, the media, and the public and is set to take place on Friday, 19 May 2023, at the Dal Josafat Stadium in Paarl, Western Cape Province.
Loadshedding has become a constant source of disruption for neighborhoods, with new trends emerging as a result of high stages of loadshedding and increased demand during winter. ### Pressure on Energy Teams
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully brought down a ruthless serial rapist who used Facebook to target and exploit young women. Khululekani Justin Ngqeza, aged 36, has been handed multiple life terms and an additional 280 years imprisonment by the Makhanda High Court for his heinous crimes.