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.
Mossel Bay and George, two municipalities in South Africa, are celebrating the graduation of 23 Peace Officers (POs), who will contribute to the fight against crime and enhance safety within their communities. With an additional 17 officers set to graduate in Hessequa in May 2023, this marks a significant milestone in the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP), aimed at reinforcing Municipal Law Enforcement capacity throughout the Western Cape.
South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, has provided insights into the country’s mining and energy sectors. In this article, we discuss the progress, achievements, challenges, and investments within these industries. ### Universal Access to Electricity
South Africa is taking a big step towards enhancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the region. Thanks to the collaboration between Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela, and multinational company Sasol, the University of Mpumalanga will receive a mobile science laboratory on May 17th.
South Africa, a waterscarce country, faces several challenges in providing its citizens with access to clean water and sanitation services. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has recently presented its budget for the financial year 2023/24, outlining its plans to address these issues. This article provides an indepth analysis of the budget speech, examining the key projects, initiatives, and future plans of the DWS.
Cape Town faces significant traffic congestion, which frustrates daily commuters. In response to this challenge, the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has introduced an innovative solution: the Automatic Congestion Information Display (ACID) sign. This system is designed to provide realtime information to commuters travelling towards the southern suburbs of Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, St James, Noordhoek, and Kommetjie.
Cape Town residents have demonstrated their commitment to preserving the city’s natural heritage by achieving second place in the City Nature Challenge. The challenge invited people to document the plant and animal species encountered in their natural open spaces and reserves. Participants used the iNaturalist.com app to upload their findings, with over 52,000 observations and 3,800 species recorded by Cape Town residents.
On May 16th, Minister Maropene Ramokgopato and Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana led a monitoring visit to the Saldanha Industrial Development Zone in the Western Cape Province. Their objective was to evaluate socioeconomic catalytic projects within the zone and ensure that they are on track to drive economic progress.
South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is proud to join the global community in celebrating World Migratory Bird Day on May 13, 2023. The event aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by migratory birds and promote habitat conservation.
Deputy Minister Philly Mapulane is scheduled to visit Langa Township in Cape Town, Western Cape Province on May 16, 2023. This visit is part of prebudget vote activations and will take place before the Departmental Budget Vote Speech on May 17, 2023. The event commemorates the centenary of Langa, the oldest township in the Western Cape.
Cape Town has stated its commitment to lawfully allocate and spend funds received for upgrading 16 informal settlements in Khayelitsha. This move was necessary because of the emergence of these settlements during the Covid19 lockdown. ### Allocation Questions Raised by National Human Settlements Minister
From May 15th to 18th, a series of events will take place covering various aspects of transportation, with Transport Minister Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga leading the activities. ## Oversight visits to the Huguenot Tunnel and Passenger Rail Northern Line Projects
The City of Bellville is embarking on a major transformation project that will breathe new life into the central business district (CBD). The Kruskal Avenue upgrade, which is in its second phase, seeks to enhance the pedestrian experience by improving sidewalks, lighting, and the stormwater system. Additionally, the project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and conflicts between pedestrians and delivery vehicles by revamping the Middestad Mall’s delivery area.
Cape Town is taking bold steps towards embracing the growth of the mobile business sector, with an initiative that allows residents to shape its future. From May 15 to June 15, 2023, the City is inviting the public to weigh in on the proposed locations for 69 mobile business trading areas that would cater to food trucks, trailers, and other portable services. This initiative is a crucial step in the City’s plan to support various business sectors and stimulate economic growth.
Over the past week, Cape Town’s enforcement departments have carried out a comprehensive operation, leading to the arrest of 283 suspects and the issuance of 59,834 fines for various offenses. The city’s authorities have expressed their concern regarding the high number of road accidents and are calling for citizens to take responsibility for their own safety and that of others.
Youth unemployment is a pressing issue globally, and the Western Cape Government in South Africa is taking commendable steps to address this challenge. In partnership with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), 12 employers in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector are working together to create job opportunities for young individuals. This article delves into the objectives of this initiative, the recruitment process, and its anticipated impact on the youth of the Western Cape.
On May 15, 2023, Thabo Clifford Benzana (36) and Eric Mangaliso Mvuka (39) appeared in the Wolmaransstad Magistrate’s Court after being arrested in Carletonville by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation. North West Crime Intelligence and Gauteng Highway Patrol worked together to bring about this arrest. The duo is accused of participating in a cashintransit robbery that occurred on January 5, 2023, approximately 5 kilometers away from Wolmaransstad.