Thabo Sebata

Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is implementing a Water Demand Management Strategy to ensure a sustainable and secure water supply for its growing population. The program includes various tests and evaluations to optimize water supply networks, as well as pipe and valve installations, repairs, and replacements. Although some residents may experience temporary water disruptions during these works, the City has carefully considered the timing of its maintenance to minimize inconvenience. The City’s commitment to addressing unaccounted water issues and preserving resources for the future reflects its collaborative approach with its residents.

The National School of Government (NSG) is celebrating its 10year anniversary with a range of activities and events showcasing its contributions to building public sector capacity in South Africa. Over 526,000 participants have benefited from its training programs, generating more than R1 billion in course fee revenue. The NSG has hosted highimpact engagements and demonstrated good governance and financial management through consecutive years of unqualified and clean audits, while effectively navigating the challenges presented by the COVID19 pandemic and increasing online enrolments for eLearning courses. Its efforts align with the South African government’s decision to prioritize the development of a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

South Africa’s Freight Logistics Roadmap aims to improve the performance of the country’s ports and rail network, with the government committed to maintaining public ownership. The government is focused on reforming the logistics system to increase efficiency, attract private investment, and promote competition. The establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee and government engagement with the private sector highlights the collaborative approach towards enhancing the logistics system, with no intention to privatize strategic national assets. It is important to distinguish fact from fiction and appreciate the government’s dedication to improving the lives of its citizens.

South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has formed a partnership with Cisco to enhance the country’s digital economy. The collaboration will focus on economic growth, digital skills, sustainable infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the digital transformation of government services. Cisco will support South Africa’s digital skills drive, contribute to job creation, and extend its network of EDGE Centres to assist small and mediumsized enterprises in the technology sector. The partnership aims to create a brighter digital future for South Africa, ultimately boosting the nation’s economic expansion.

Matlosana, South Africa is undergoing a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul with the P137/1 rehabilitation project. The initiative involves the rehabilitation of a surfaced road, sinkhole repair, and an intersection upgrade. The project’s completion will enhance safety, reduce travel time, and foster economic growth, showing the government’s commitment to improving citizens’ lives. The collaboration between different government levels serves as evidence of the power of teamwork in driving positive change, setting a new benchmark for infrastructure development in South Africa.

The National Digital and Future Skills Conference 2023 aims to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing nations by advancing the goals of the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy. The conference brings together government agencies, organized business and labor, academia, scientific organizations, and civil society to exchange ideas and pool resources. Attendees will participate in stimulating discussions and explore innovative approaches to propel South Africa towards a digitally inclusive future. This groundbreaking event signifies South Africa’s commitment to equipping its citizens with the essential skills and knowledge required to flourish in an increasingly digital world.