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 Western Cape province is facing a persistent problem of criminal activities targeting educational institutions. Despite government efforts to strengthen security measures, schools continue to be victims of vandalism, burglary, and theft. This not only affects the financial stability of the schools but also disrupts the education of students.
The Western Cape Provincial Treasury has launched an initiative to cultivate the talents of young minds and address critical skills gaps in Economics, Accounting, Finance, and Auditing. Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, spearheads this program and has opened applications for the 2024 academic year.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of maladministration in the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu Natal. The investigation will focus on the appointment of a consultant supporting six provincial priority programs, including the Luwamba Wellness Centre Project and Operation Sukuma Sakhe Projects.
The city’s Safety and Security Portfolio Committee recently debated the implementation of newly amended Traffic Bylaw provisions, focusing on the impounding of private vehicles. From July 23 to 30, 2023, the city’s Traffic Service impounded 30 private vehicles under the revised bylaw. Comparatively, 306 public transport vehicles met the same fate during the same period.
The South African Government and business leaders have come together to tackle economic challenges and drive the nation towards growth and job creation. The partnership focuses on key sectors including energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption, with the goal of establishing a constitutional democracy, a thriving economy, and an inclusive society.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recently announced the appointment of Advocate Ntuthuzelo Vanara as its new Chief Legal Counsel, starting on 1 August 2023. The SIU has placed significant emphasis on implementing business process improvements that generate tangible outcomes, and this appointment aligns with that strategic objective.
The employment landscape for persons with disabilities (PWD) has seen minimal progress in recent years, leading to a call for action from the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) to urge employers to consider hiring more people with disabilities. ## The Need for Greater Transformation
The North West MEC for Human Settlements, Nono Maloyi, proudly announced his department’s unqualified Auditor General report for the financial year 20222023. This achievement signifies progress and is attributed to the department’s diligent imposition of stringent systems, ensuring proper processes are adhered to, and resources allocated in accordance with policies and regulations.
Cape Town’s authorities are seeking urgent discussions with national representatives to explore opportunities for private sector participation in the Port of Cape Town. This comes in the wake of the announcement of the partial privatisation of Durban’s port, which is set to be coowned and operated by the Philippinesbased International Container Terminal Services.
Welgedacht Estate, a beautiful residential area in the city, will experience a temporary disruption in water supply on August 3, 2023. The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has scheduled essential maintenance work to improve the area’s water infrastructure. The task involves pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements and will take place between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Cape Town, known for its exceptional urban greening initiatives, has been shortlisted for the highly coveted 2023 National Arbor City Award. This prestigious accolade is awarded to cities that exhibit unwavering commitment to urban forestry, the promotion of sustainable environments, and the flourishing of green spaces within their city limits. The city has previously won the award in 2016 and 2021, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to environmental preservation.
On August 1, 2023, a police officer was kidnapped and murdered in KwaMbonambi, South Africa. The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZuluNatal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has launched an extensive manhunt for at least two suspects involved in the crime. The authorities are determined to bring these criminals to justice.
The Department of Employment and Labour has launched a series of campaigns leading up to the 9th District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in an effort to support and improve the lives of the residents of Chris Hani District Municipality. The campaign will run from 1st to 10th August 2023 and aims to bring essential services closer to the people while promoting awareness about key labour programmes and services.
The City of Cape Town has expressed concern over the possible strike of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) in the Western Cape. The City has already witnessed road blockages around the Station Deck minibustaxi facility, causing traffic disruptions and hindering MyCiTi buses from exiting the central business district via Nelson Mandela Boulevard and the N2 highway. Law enforcement officials have been deployed to the scene.
A father in South Africa has been sentenced to six life sentences for the unimaginable crime of raping and impregnating his daughter. Warrant Officer Thabisho Mashililishili and Sergeant Elliot Gaya of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in the ZF Mgcawu District worked diligently to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Tourism Month 2023 is set to be celebrated in South Africa, highlighting the role of domestic tourism in driving economic growth and development. Led by Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, the initiative aims to promote national pride and appreciation for the country’s beauty and diversity, while creating awareness about the importance of domestic tourism.