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 Water and Sanitation Directorate in Cape Town has recently invested over R53 million in procuring 23 highly specialized trucks. These stateoftheart vehicles will improve the delivery of water and sanitation services throughout the city. The trucks were specifically designed to enhance the maintenance of the city’s sewer network.
On July 12, 2023, South African security forces apprehended 28 suspected illegal miners in Orkney. These individuals, aged 20 to 35, face charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, attempted murder, and contravention of the Immigration Act. They are expected to appear before the Orkney Magistrates’ Court on July 17.
South Africa’s property market is undergoing a significant change with the establishment of the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), which replaces the Estate Agency Affairs Board (EAAB). Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi recently met with industry stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the sector, which has a significant impact on the country’s economy.
Indigent households in Mpumalanga are receiving newlyconstructed homes, thanks to the efforts of Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Mr. Speed Mashilo, the MEC of Human Settlements. The housing handover, which took place in the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality, is a part of an initiative to restore dignity and security for the less fortunate, including the elderly.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, communication and media landscapes have undergone significant transformations. The digital revolution has made it possible for consumers to actively engage with decisionmakers on various issues, including service delivery matters. ### The Launch of the OverTheTop Platform
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament has been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of Sign Language as an official language in South Africa. This has been a significant achievement for the deaf and hard of hearing community and sets an important precedent of inclusivity and equality for other countries to follow.
In an effort to assist its vulnerable citizens, the City of Cape Town has opened applications for rates and services relief. This financial support is available for eligible residents, including indigent households, pensioners, and those facing financial difficulties. Successful applicants are encouraged to reapply every 12 months, while residents aged 60 and above can maintain their relief until the next municipal property valuation.
The Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) have announced a collaborative initiative aimed at stimulating the growth of small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs). The multiyear SME Accelerator Programme seeks to create economic opportunities and generate jobs for South Africans by bolstering the growth of SMEs in the Western Cape.
Urban resilience is a topic that policymakers and city planners must prioritize in an increasingly interconnected world. The BRICS Urbanisation Forum is a testament to the importance of this issue as leaders and experts from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other African countries prepare to discuss urban development challenges. This event, which will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, will feature over 600 delegates and will share insights on how cities can become more resilient in the face of global challenges.
On July 21st, 2023, the Training and Development branch organized a remarkable annual Adult Reading Competition for city staff members enrolled in the Adult Education and Training (AET) program. The competition, held at Green Point’s DHL Stadium, showcased participants from various suburbs like Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Imizamo Yethu, and Kraaifontein, boasting of its richly diverse talent pool.
On July 23rd, 2023, Limpopo’s Provincial Commissioner praised the efficient arrest of two suspects connected to a murder and armed robbery in the Hlogotlou policing area outside Sekhukhune. This arrest happened thanks to a collaborative sting operation involving the Sekhukhune Tracking Team, Hlogotlou Detectives, and MEP Security Company.
Cape Town, South Africa, is gearing up to host the firstever African Netball World Cup. With only a week left before the tournament begins, the city has come alive with an official flag ceremony honoring all participating nations. ### Flags of Unity
In August 2023, the Durbanville Library in Cape Town will commemorate its 50th building anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, an open window event named ‘Beyond the Pages: Unveiling the Tapestry of Knowledge’ has been organized. The event invites the community to participate in the festivities and explore the library’s influence on the town’s artistic landscape.
On July 20th, Gauteng’s MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu NkomoRalehoko, paid a visit to victims of the Joburg CBD explosion. The explosion, which occurred on July 19th, 2023, caused several injuries, and those affected were admitted to various healthcare facilities for immediate medical attention.
A new chapter in digital education and technological advancement has been opened in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, with the inauguration of a stateoftheart Cyberlab at Ntafufu Senior Secondary School. The event, graced by the honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, marks a promising future for education in the region, providing internet connectivity and advanced learning resources for students and teachers.
The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa, led by Minister TW Nxesi, recently released the National Labour Migration Policy and draft Employment Services Bill. In response, an information session on Labour Migration and Governance will be held in Denilton, Limpopo Province. The goal is to engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from various sectors.