Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille recently met with stakeholders in the Overberg region of the Western Cape to address key issues and provide updates on the state of tourism. The meeting was aimed at boosting the recovery of the tourism industry and contributing to the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.
The annual Neighbourhood Watch (NW) Awards, initiated by the City’s Safety and Security Directorate, are currently open for nominations. The awards commend the unwavering commitment and diligence of accredited individuals and NW teams throughout the metropolis in their quest to maintain and enhance community safety.
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is launching an initiative aimed at conducting Employment Equity Hearings, focused on reviewing gender transformation in both the public and private sectors. On September 14, 2023, the CGE will call prominent entities such as Clover SA, the Department of Small Business Development, and the Department of Water and Sanitation to account for the slow pace of gender transformation within their organizations.
The National Tourism Careers Expo (NTCE) 2023 is a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism, Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education Training Authority (CATHSSETA), and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, represented by the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA). The event, which marks its 13th anniversary this year, is aimed at attracting young talent to the thriving tourism sector.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has recently announced the organization of a special official funeral service for the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. This event has been declared a Special Official Funeral, Category 1, by President Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighting the Prince’s extraordinary credentials and immense importance to the Republic of South Africa.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently reported the arrest of six suspects in separate incidents. Three individuals were apprehended in connection with an armed robbery, while the other three were found in possession of carbreaking implements. The swift response of the police in both cases exemplifies their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the communities they serve.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Ms. Thembi Nkadimeng, is embarking on a visit to Mpumalanga Province as part of ongoing engagements with municipalities and provinces throughout the country. The objective of this initiative is to offer critical support in overcoming persistent challenges that hinder the effective and efficient functioning of municipalities.
The South African government’s commitment to overcoming the challenges faced by municipalities is evident in the District Development Model (DDM) Ministerial Outreach program. On September 13, 2023, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Ms. Thembi Nkadimeng, will lead the program’s outreach to Kimberley in the Northern Cape. This event is a significant step towards addressing the barriers that impede the effective functioning of local government administrations.
The North West Province of South Africa is facing scrutiny over inadequate management of infrastructure development projects. The situation has become so dire that permanent members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) had to air their disappointments after attending a meeting to receive updates on provincial and municipal infrastructure projects at Ngaka Modiri Molema Council. The following sections will delve into the issues, challenges, and recommendations to remedy the situation.
South Africa is committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. These goals address critical global issues, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment, and offer a shared vision for a better world that prioritizes prosperity, peace, and environmental sustainability.
With the constant increase in unemployment rates, individuals who are looking for employment are at risk of being tricked by unscrupulous recruiters. Recently, the Department of Water and Sanitation has issued a warning against fake employment recruiters who falsely claim to represent the Department and offer training programs for unemployed youth.
On September 12, 2023, the University of Pretoria’s Future Africa Campus will host the firstever Timber Construction Conference in South Africa. The conference aims to explore the potential of timber construction in the country, under the theme “Growing Timber Connections”. The keynote speaker will be the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms. Nomalungelo Gina.
Cape Town is implementing a new approach to managing sewer spills by investing in cuttingedge technology, new vehicles, and expanded teams. The city’s goal is to minimize the occurrence of sewer spills by implementing proactive measures while improving incident response times.
The Steenbras Hydro Pumped Storage Scheme has been a vital resource for Cape Town’s energy supply, providing loadshedding protection and sustainable energy. To ensure the scheme’s longevity, the local government has announced a significant investment of R107 million for refurbishments and maintenance.
The Gauteng AntiGang Unit has made significant progress this year in the fight against crime. Specifically, in the Sophiatown, Langlaagte, and Eldorado Park areas of Johannesburg, the unit has arrested 73 gangsters linked to 90 criminal acts, resulting in three life sentences and an additional combined prison time of 130 years.
In the modern world, technology and innovation are essential for the progress of nations. The rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies has made digital skills critical for daily life and employability. ## South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Embraces Digital Skills