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 Inaugural Southern African Steel Summit held at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, highlighted the significance of the steel industry for South Africa’s industrialization and the challenges faced by the global steel sector. The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Fikile Majola, emphasized steel’s importance in various aspects of the economy, from transportation and infrastructure to its role as a vital material in manufacturing.
The South African energy landscape is transforming as Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, endorses agreements with two new Preferred Bidders under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP). The signing ceremony took place in Pretoria on August 30, 2023, representing a significant milestone in South Africa’s pursuit of a sustainable and reliable energy future.
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) have announced a Built Environment Climate Change Indaba in Durban, KwaZuluNatal, from 31 August to 1 September 2023. The conference aims to address climate changerelated disasters and strengthen preventative measures by coordinating responses across sectors. The built environment profession will play a central role in reducing climate change impacts, and the conference will bring together experts, researchers, and professionals from government departments and the private sector.
On September 1st, 2023, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu, will launch National Arbor Month, a monthlong celebration dedicated to raising awareness of the critical need to conserve, protect, and plant trees for both environmental and human benefits.
Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, held a media briefing to discuss the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting on August 30, 2023. The briefing aimed to provide information about key issues and developments discussed during the meeting. The Acting Government Spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa, handled inquiries regarding the event. The briefing took place at the Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room in Tshedimosetso House, Hatfield, Pretoria. Live streaming options were available for those unable to attend in person on multiple platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
In the Western Cape, crimefighting efforts by the Overstrand and Swartland Rural Safety Units have been boosted by the Mossel Bay K9 unit. Together, these units have successfully apprehended a number of criminals across the regions. In just a span of thirteen days, from August 15th to the 27th, 2023, the collaboration of these units, along with assistance from municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS), has led to the arrest of thirtytwo individuals. Sixteen arrests were made in the Overstrand municipality, five in Mossel Bay, and eleven in Swartland.
South African Minister of Health Dr. Joe Phaahla and Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Mr. Gwede Mantashe will officially hand over the Phola Clinic, a primary healthcare facility in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, on August 31, 2023. The clinic is the result of the Social and Labour Plan (SLP) project undertaken by Seriti Coal and Khutala Colliery, which aims to empower the communities within their operational areas and laborsending locations by elevating living standards through socioeconomic development.
South Africa’s Treasury is set to host a twoday Public Economics Conference in September 2023, with a focus on “Employment and the economics of job creation: Evaluating government employment programmes.” The event aims to examine the country’s public finance challenges, such as difficult spending choices, the transformation of the electricity and renewable energy sector, and the need to support growth and employment creation.
On September 1, 2023, the Acting Premier of Ngaka Modiri Molema District, Nono Maloyi, will launch the Thuntsha Lerole Service Delivery Programme in Tswaing Local Municipality. This coincides with the celebration of the 2023 Integrated Public Service Month. The event will be attended by MECs from various departments, Executive Mayors, and Mayors in the district, all with the aim of providing service delivery interventions and enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Tswaing.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. David Mahlobo, recently spoke at a community engagement event held at Albert Falls Hall in Pietermaritzburg. The event focused on addressing water and sanitation issues as well as other socioeconomic challenges faced by the local community. During the event, Mahlobo encouraged the Thokozani community to pursue water sports such as canoeing as a means of promoting economic growth and job creation.
The City of Cape Town has taken a remarkable initiative to strengthen security and enhance public safety through the implementation of advanced technologies. This R860 million investment over the next three years will equip law enforcement officers with body worn cameras and invehicle cameras with Automated Number Plate (ANPR) technology.
As the world faces the aftermath of the COVID19 pandemic, the BRICS countries are joining forces to discuss measures for recovery and resilience. The 4th meeting of BRICS Ministers in charge of disaster management portfolios will take place on September 8, 2023, under the guidance of Minister Thembi Nkadimeng. Preceding the meeting, the 5th Joint Task Force technical engagement will take place on September 7, 2023.
CapeNature, the conservation agency of the Western Cape Government, and the Grootbos Foundation have established a formal partnership with the aim of promoting economic development and conservation. This collaboration will help address alien vegetation clearing in the Walker Bay Complex, while providing skills training through the Foundation’s Green Futures College.
On August 31st, Minister of Social Development Ms. Lindiwe Zulu participated in the National House of Traditional and KhoiSan Leaders’ Women and Youth Empowerment Outreach Programme in Moroke Village, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province. ## Collaboration for Community Development
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is undertaking an emergency repair project to replace a 30m sewer main pipeline in Forest Road, Eerste River, as part of its efforts to maintain efficient service delivery and invest in city infrastructure. This proactive approach aims to prevent further deterioration of the existing pipeline infrastructure, which has reached its lifespan, and improve the efficiency of the sewage system.
On August 31, Dr. Reginah Mhaule, the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, spearheaded the KwaZuluNatal (KZN) leg of the InterDepartmental Campaign on the Prevention of Violence, Bullying, GenderBased Violence, Learner Pregnancy, as well as Drug and Substance Abuse in schools. The event took place at the KwaMashu Christian Centre in KwaMashu, just outside Durban, KwaZuluNatal.