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.
On June 28, 2023, Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, will host a Transport Career Expo in Bergville, KwaZuluNatal. The Expo aims to connect job opportunities in the transport sector with unemployed youth, women, and local Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
On June 28, 2023, the City Human Settlements Directorate’s Title Deeds Roadshow arrived in Makhaza, Khayelitsha. The roadshow aims to facilitate the distribution of title deeds to beneficiaries of historic housing programs, including those from older RDP projects. ## Progress and Challenges
On June 30, 2023, the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) in Centurion, South Africa, witnessed the inauguration of the Motheo Innovation Centre by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele. The Centre is a collaboration between SITA and Software AG, established to promote innovation, provide essential facilities, and create avenues for sustainable development in the South African ICT sector.
Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Bernice Swarts, is set to host an event on June 30, 2023, at Belgravia High School Hall in Athlone, Cape Town. The event aims to uplift and empower young South Africans by acknowledging their potential and commemorating Youth Month under the theme “Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future.”
As technology progresses, scammers are also finding new ways to trick unsuspecting residents, particularly the elderly, with their fraudulent schemes. Recently, two new electricity scams have emerged, which residents must be aware of to avoid falling victim to these ploys.
To promote national identity, social cohesion, and healing, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host a Geographical Names Capacity Building Workshop in Bloemfontein on the 28th of June 2023. The threeday event at the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) aims to equip municipal managers with the necessary knowledge and skills for appropriate naming and renaming of buildings, places and geographic locations.
On 28 June 2023, the Department of Employment and Labour held a significant gathering at Kievits Kroon Wine Estate in Pretoria. The event marked the inauguration of the newly appointed Employment Services Board (ES Board). It was a blend of reflection and anticipation, as it welcomed the new board members and acquainted them with their critical responsibilities.
The annual South AfricaGermany BiNational Commission (BNC) was held on June 27, 2023, bringing together government officials and dignitaries from both nations. The meeting was led by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, and attended by Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, representing Germany. The BNC is a testament to the strong and strategic partnership between South Africa and Germany, which covers various areas such as trade, tourism, climate change, and international cooperation.
In a move towards sustainable development, South African Minister of Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, recently signed a joint declaration of intent with Germany’s Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mr. Robert Habeck. This virtual signing took place during a BiNational Commission between South Africa and Germany.
As the rainy season begins, the Water and Sanitation Directorate of the City of Cape Town is requesting the participation of residents in preventing sewer overflows. An essential part of this effort is to protect the sewer drain manhole covers, which are crucial for the city’s infrastructure.
On June 27, 2023, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, will host the German Foreign Minister, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, for the 11th South AfricaGermany BiNational Commission (BNC). This meeting serves as a symbol of the strong relationship between these two influential nations, demonstrating their dedication to collaboration and progress.
The Department of Social Development has appointed a panel of arbitrators for NonProfit Organizations (NPOs) in Kempton Park, Gauteng. This panel will adjudicate cases related to noncompliance with the NPO Act’s requirements and cases of organizations that have been denied registration by the department.
On June 28, 2023, Solidarity SA, a trade union, and the South African Government, represented by the Department of Employment and Labour, signed a settlement agreement at Sol Tech (Monument Park Campus) in Pretoria. This agreement marks a significant milestone in resolving the longstanding dispute over the Employment Equity Act.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), the Police Ministry, and the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) have formed a partnership to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and media houses. The goal of this collaboration is to establish trust within communities and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Gauteng police force in South Africa has achieved a significant milestone in their fight against serious and violent crimes by confiscating an astounding number of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Over a sixweek period, from May 15th to June 26th, 2023, the police, in partnership with other law enforcement agencies, Business Against Crime South Africa’s Eyes and Ears (E2) Initiative partners, and various crimefighting stakeholders, recovered over 900 unlicensed firearms and nearly 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has been offering financial assistance to workers in the North West province since March 2020. The COVID19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy, and the UIF has disbursed R2.1 billion in aid through its COVID19 Temporary EmployerEmployee Relief Scheme (COVID19 TERS), benefiting 457,546 workers.