The BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have made significant progress in recent years. However, with the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, it is crucial for these countries to demonstrate unity, solidarity, and camaraderie. The Second Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting concluded with Thobile Lamati, DirectorGeneral of the Department of Employment and Labour, emphasizing the need for member states to leverage their collective power in multilateral forums to advance common interests and protect their positions.
Western Cape Government Voices Concerns Over Allegations of South Africa Supplying Weapons to Russia
The Western Cape Government has expressed deep concern over allegations that South Africa has been supplying weapons to Russia, made by the United States Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety. The government has called for the protection of the region’s economy and jobs, which are already under significant pressure due to the ongoing impact of the COVID19 pandemic and the severe rolling blackouts that have plagued the country.
South Africa and Singapore enhance economic cooperation On May 16th, 2023, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa received Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in an official visit to Cape Town. This meeting aimed to strengthen the existing economic partnership between the two countries and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu recently visited residents of Big Five Hlabisa Municipality in uMkhanyakude District to discuss the ongoing efforts to restore their water supply. The Minister aimed to assess the progress of refurbishment and upgrading of water schemes in Big Five Hlabisa and Mtubatuba local municipalities. These efforts primarily focused on communities facing significant water challenges in the district.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile of South Africa warmly received Colombian Vice President Francia Elena Márquez during her official visit to the country. This historic meeting marked the first highlevel engagement between the two nations since the establishment of diplomatic relations, signifying a significant milestone in their bilateral relationship.
Cape Town has emerged as a leading destination for festivals and events in Africa, with over 1,000 diverse events hosted in the 2022/23 season. The City’s Events Coordination Committee (ECC), consisting of various City departments such as Disaster Risk Management, Metro Police, Fire Services, and Transport, has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and logistics of these events. Now, as Cape Town gears up for another exciting season, the city’s position as a premier destination for events and entertainment is further solidified.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Mpumalanga region has recently cleared up rumors regarding the SASSA gold card’s expiration date. This clarification states that beneficiaries can continue using their cards until 31 December 2023. By doing so, SASSA hopes to ease the panic and confusion that has caused large crowds to flock to their offices, seeking reassurance about their financial support.
The recent incidents of violent disruptions, arson, vandalism, and intimidation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the University of the Western Cape have raised concerns amongst university communities and the public. In response, Dr Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, has expressed his strong condemnation of these criminal acts.
The Gauteng Executive Council held a special meeting to discuss and make significant decisions regarding various urgent matters. The council approved a new concessionaire for Gautrain, discussed a potential railway link between Gauteng and Limpopo, and announced several new appointments.
The South African Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete will hold an imbizo in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on May 12, 2023, at 11:00 am. The purpose of this event is to engage with informal communities and provide feedback on the provision of fundamental services. The gathering follows previous government engagements aimed at addressing community leaders’ concerns.
The City of Cape Town is committed to making local government more accessible and improving the quality of life for its residents. Two initiatives have been deployed the Mobile Office and Basket of Services to provide residents with convenient opportunities to receive assistance from City officials representing various departments.
Maitland Mews Social Housing Project: A Sustainable and Accessible Initiative for Western Cape Residents The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (WCDOI) has launched a new social housing project, the Maitland Mews, to provide affordable housing to residents of the province. This 204unit development is a publicprivate partnership project that is situated within a 10 km radius of the Central Business District and connected to the Metro’s transport network. The project aims to provide sustainable and accessible housing to a diverse range of income groups.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele and Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale will pay their respects to Sergeant Lwando Lawrence Bunga and Sergeant Mario Nel, two fallen heroes who were tragically shot while on duty in the Eastern Cape’s Nelson Mandela Metro and Buffalo City Metro respectively.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has recently addressed a number of critical issues affecting the country. These include energy generation, corruption within stateowned power company Eskom, South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, and the integrity of the financial system.
Dr. Blade Nzimande, the South African Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, expressed his deep sorrow over the recent passing of David Niddrie. Niddrie was a crucial adviser on national skills development policies and strategies and contributed immensely to the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Science and Innovation.
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete are set to engage with communities from various informal settlements in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. The imbizo, scheduled for May 12, 2023, at the Tusong MultiPurpose Centre, aims to provide feedback on the provision of basic services, discuss future plans, and strengthen the relationship between the government and the communities.