A scandal involving the construction of a redundant call centre with public funds, initially intended for service delivery, has resulted in an ongoing investigation by the North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee. The lack of comprehensive reports and documentation, along with unsigned responses from the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, has raised concerns. The municipality has pledged cooperation with law enforcement and committed to investigating the issue, highlighting the importance of responsible governance and the pivotal role of oversight committees in ensuring transparency and accountability in public institutions.
The Refinery Exchange Initiative is a project in the Western Cape of South Africa that aims to improve traffic safety at the Refinery interchange. The project includes the construction of two new bridges, an expansion of an existing bridge, and the reconstruction of the carriageway. Despite minor delays due to weather events, the project has created jobs, supported local businesses, and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024. It serves as an example of the province’s dedication to upgrading its road systems and revitalizing the local economy.
The Voter Registration Weekend in South Africa is a crucial event where eligible voters can register to vote in the upcoming elections. It involves the Department of Home Affairs extending their working hours to provide essential ID services and support to eligible voters. The Independent Electoral Commission also sets up registration stations. The Department of Home Affairs tactically sets up dedicated counters for collections and provides the choice to schedule appointments to collect IDs, making the process smooth and effective. The dedication and meticulous planning of all involved reflect the democratic spirit.
Matteo Carreras, a rising star in rugby, has left Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership to join Bayonne in France’s Top 14 club. Carreras had a successful stint with Newcastle, where he developed into one of the world’s top wingers. Despite leaving, he remains focused on being the best player and teammate until the end of the season. His transfer highlights the fluidity of rugby and the talent hunt that perpetually shapes the sport.
Injuries in rugby can have a significant impact on a team’s dynamics and morale, with players struggling to cope with the psychological and strategic effects of their teammates’ absences. The recent Rugby World Cup victory by the Springboks has been overshadowed by concerns over the knee injury suffered by Bongi Mbonambi, which may keep him out for an extended period. This injury, along with others, has raised substantial concerns for the Sharks’ immediate prospects and overall morale. Despite the harsh reality of sports injuries, the rugby fraternity continues to stand united with injured players, personifying the essence of the sport unity in triumph, support in adversity.
Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Johannesburg in November 2023 with a weekend of diverse events. Attend “An Intimate Night with Arno Carstens,” a painting session, and “A Year with Frog and Toad” play for an immersive and enriching experience. From rock music to Picassostyle art and family theatre, these events offer something for everyone and promise to be a memorable journey of cultural exploration.
The South African RallyRaid Championship 2023 Finale, Waterberg 400, saw Gareth Woolridge claim victory while TGRSA’s Guy Botterill and Brett Cummings faced setbacks but still managed to finish in second place. The event showcased the team’s spirit of teamwork, resilience, and determination to succeed against the odds. TGRSA is now preparing for the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia and the race stands as a testament to the relentless spirit of teamwork.
Taylor Swift’s decision to reschedule her Buenos Aires concert due to inclement weather had an unforeseen impact on the aviation industry. LATAM Airlines, the largest carrier in South America, waived change fees and even extended the policy to include differences in fares until November 17, demonstrating the farreaching influence of Taylor Swift’s stardom. This incident serves as a reminder of the ripple effect of celebrity influence and how it can permeate diverse sectors, inciting policy changes and impacting everyday life.
Cape Town is preparing for a series of planned water supply disruptions as part of their efforts to improve their water infrastructure, which is crucial for a sustainable water supply future. The disruptions include zeropressure tests and conditional assessments in various areas, which may result in lower water pressure or temporary outages. The city’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is urging residents to prepare for these planned operations and see them as a necessary step towards a stronger water infrastructure. The proactive approach demonstrates the city’s commitment to providing toptier services to its inhabitants.
South Africa’s Biodiversity Management Agreements (BMAs) aim to protect endangered species like the Southern Black Rhinoceros and the African Lion. Landowners who sign these agreements commit to conservation initiatives and legal requirements in exchange for biodiversity tax incentives under the Income Tax Act. By merging biodiversity management with financial incentives, the BMAs showcase South Africa’s innovative approach to conservation and sustainable finance. These agreements also ensure accountability and adaptability in biodiversity management, providing a comprehensive solution to preserving the country’s remarkable biodiversity.
The TUT Centre for Entrepreneurship Development celebrated its fifth anniversary on November 14, 2023, marking five years of empowering startups with essential entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and training. The center’s strategic approach aims to foster social and economic inclusivity by encouraging participation from women, youth, and disabled individuals in the entrepreneurial space through access to education and support. The event also recognized the remarkable contributions of entrepreneurs, trainers, mentors, and the Department’s leadership, leaving attendees with a renewed purpose and optimism for the future of entrepreneurship in South Africa.
Rachel Kolisi, a fitness influencer from South Africa, is committed to social justice and has founded the Kolisi Foundation with her husband Siya Kolisi. The foundation aims to uplift the disadvantaged and has partnered with the Saartjie Baartman Centre to combat genderbased violence. Rachel has created Power2You bags to empower women and children with tools to resist GBV, symbolizing a transition from victimhood to survivorship and activism. Her tireless work highlights the impact of empathy and compassion in creating a more fair world and shows that joint efforts can tackle societal problems.
Coach Hugo Broos surprised many with his squad selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, including Sibongiseni Mthethwa from Kaizer Chiefs. The rest of the elite squad comes from Mamelodi Sundowns, with eight players selected. The team faces a daunting challenge, with their first match against Benin on November 18th, 2023, followed by an away game against Rwanda on November 21st. The Bafana Bafana team will need two positive results from their first group C matches to advance to the 48team FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Siya Kolisi, the Springbok captain who led South Africa to World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023, recently signed a threeyear contract with Racing 92, moving from the Sharks. His debut is scheduled for November 26 against La Rochelle in Paris. Despite his notable career accomplishments, Kolisi remains grounded and excited to embrace the new opportunity and leave a lasting impression on the club and its supporters.
South Africa’s economic hub is experiencing a surge in power vandalism and unauthorized connections, with 201 cases reported in the third quarter of 2023. The districts of Mitchells Plain and Philippi have been identified as hotspots for this criminal activity. The City of Cape Town is taking measures to combat the problem, including heightened surveillance, requesting citizen cooperation in reporting suspicious activities, and offering rewards for anonymous tips. Citizens are encouraged to play their part by reporting any damage to municipal electrical infrastructure or suspicious activities in their area.
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa is extending operating hours for ID collection ahead of the Voter Registration Weekend in November 2023. Dedicated counters for Smart ID Card and passport collections have been introduced to reduce long queues, and a Branch Appointment Booking System has been launched to streamline the process. The department is urging clients who have been waiting for their identification documents for three weeks or more to take advantage of the extended service hours or the Voter Registration Weekend to collect their essential documents.