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 City of Cape Town’s waste removal staff is facing violent threats and extortion attempts while delivering services in the Kosovo informal settlement and the surrounding Philippi East area. Despite the challenges, the City’s frontline delivery staff continues to provide doortodoor waste collection, area cleaning services, and waste disposal shipping containers.
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu recently assured the residents of Big Five Hlabisa municipality in uMkhanyakude District that the government is working diligently to restore their water supply. The minister made this statement during community engagements held on May 11, 2023, at Mkhaliphi Stadium in eNhlwathi Village and Iholo la Makhosi in Hlabisa.
On 14th May 2023, the City of Cape Town announced a new initiative aimed at providing convenient access to various city services and assistance from City officials. The initiative includes the deployment of a Mobile Office in Khayelitsha and the Basket of Services at Lentegeur’s Civic Centre.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has scheduled essential maintenance work on water supply infrastructure from 16th to 19th May 2023. The work aims to preserve the lifespan of pipelines and minimize water waste due to pipe bursts. However, residents within the affected areas should be prepared for possible water supply disruptions.
The launch of the Maitland Mews Social Housing Project in Cape Town represents a significant development in addressing apartheid spatial planning and supporting the government’s mandate to create jobs and stimulate the economy in South Africa. ### Minister Kubayi highlights the crucial role of the social housing sector
The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) has welcomed the Competition Commission’s conditional approval for the strategic equity partner transaction between South African Airways (SAA) and Takatso Aviation Proprietary Limited. This deal will result in Takatso acquiring a 51% shareholding in the airline, which is a significant turning point for the revitalization process of SAA.
Joe Mpisi, a distinguished leader and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Education, recently passed away, leaving a legacy of tireless dedication to education and social justice in South Africa. Despite his declining health, Mpisi fought to improve Gauteng’s education system and uplift the working class, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and the public.
South Africa and Colombia recently celebrated a significant milestone in their longstanding relationship during an official visit by Colombian Vice President Francia Elena Márquez. Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa hosted a media briefing after the meeting, which took place at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria. The two countries are aiming to strengthen their political and economic ties while acknowledging their shared colonial legacies and the vast diversity of people, culture, and ecology in both nations.
The City of Cape Town has recently introduced a range of new features to its web service request page to streamline service delivery and improve communication with residents. These enhancements aim to simplify the process of reporting faults and service requests, enabling residents to effectively report issues in areas without specific street addresses, such as public open spaces and informal settlements.
Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Minister, Ms. Barbara Creecy, has released an invitation for public input on the proposed amendments to the Regulations governing the adoption of spatial tools and environmental management instruments. These amendments, originally implemented in 2019, were published under the National Environmental Management Act of 1998 (NEMA), and announced in Government Gazette No. 48457, Government Notice No. 3336 on 21 April 2023.
The Makhathini Lower Pongola Water User Association (WUA) is a collective effort to promote efficient water management in the northern KwaZuluNatal area. The interim management committee started establishing a robust governance structure for the association. The goal is to facilitate the election of the management committee on May 16, 2023, in Jozini.
On the evening of Thursday, 11 May 2023, a daring and failed robbery attempt took place at a jewellery store in Klerksdorp, which is situated in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District of North West Province, South Africa. However, thanks to the brave actions of a salesperson and the swift response of law enforcement officers, five suspects were apprehended and will face charges of business robbery at the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 15 May 2023.
As we approach International Family Day on May 15th, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the success of the City of Cape Town’s Strengthening Families programme. This initiative has completed a decade since its pilot in 2013 and has become a critical part of the City’s numerous social crime and substance abuse interventions. The programme has supported more than 1,700 families in the region, focusing on substance abuse prevention and interventions.
The Metro Police Department’s K9 Unit is a specialized team making a significant impact on crime prevention, especially in drug and firearmrelated cases. In the past ten months, the K9 Unit has accomplished several notable achievements, including the discovery of an R84 million cocaine shipment.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo successfully conducted a road freight operation resulting in the arrest of 26 individuals. These individuals were aged between 19 and 45 and had committed various offenses. The operation took place on Friday, 12 May 2023, along the R555 road in Sekhukhune, which is a part of the Burgersfort policing area.
In May 2023, Hawks South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), Crime Intelligence (CI), and Special Task Force collaborated to take down a fully functional clandestine drug laboratory in rural Mogale City, Magaliesburg. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the joint operation and the implications of this success for future law enforcement strategies.