The budget cuts in education that could lead to over 2,000 teachers losing their jobs have caused controversy and opposition for the Western Cape government. Teacher unions have lodged disputes against the department, with the possibility of a strike looming. Additionally, there is debate over the effectiveness of the BackOnTrack program, which aims to offset learning losses due to the pandemic. The WCED is fighting for its teachers and quality education, urging unions to ally with them instead of opposing them.
Slot machine gambling has become a growing addiction among youngsters in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Children are neglecting their studies and essential nutrition to feed their craving. The community is calling for collective action to pressure convenience store owners to remove the machines and for authorities to raise awareness about unlawful gambling and enforce gambling laws to protect the community’s vitality and spirit. Personal stories of addiction highlight the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.
Sergeant Monyamane Moeketsi is a fierce crime fighter in Temba, Gauteng, and a crucial part of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit. With an impressive 14year track record of successful convictions, including 20 sexual offenders, Moeketsi is a role model for women everywhere. Balancing family life with her demanding career, she remains steadfast in her fight against crimes aimed at South Africa’s most vulnerable. Her commitment to justice and the safety of South Africans is an inspiration to all.
The Standing Committee on Finance is visiting Ithala Bank following the suspension of its Financial Services Provider (FSP) license due to operational issues. The committee aims to ensure that the bank meets financial health standards and rectify any setbacks. The visit includes discussions with stakeholders and the objective of reinstating the bank’s FSP license. The committee’s swift action demonstrates decisive leadership and dedication to maintaining financial stability in South Africa.
Minister Leon Schreiber has called for a digital transformation of the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa, citing the importance of national security against identity theft, visa fraud, and corruption. He highlighted the systemic crisis and outdated, paperdriven, manual systems that are vulnerable to manipulation and urged for a stateoftheart digital system to streamline operations and eradicate vulnerabilities. Schreiber proposed a digital platform for instantaneous auditing of the population register, streamlining visa approval, and eliminating queues and system downtime, which could invigorate tourism, draw skilled professionals, stimulate investment, and make Home Affairs more efficient.
The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) plays a pivotal role in ensuring provincial interests are respected at the national government level, aiding in intergovernmental relations and supporting cooperative governance in South Africa. Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile emphasized the importance of endorsing government priorities aimed at steering inclusive growth, alleviating poverty, and establishing a proficient, ethical, and developmental state in his keynote speech to the NCOP. Mashatile’s visionary approach to cooperative governance underscores the need for joint commitment, accountability, and a shared vision for a prosperous future in South Africa.
Cape Town is taking action to address the need for affordable rental housing by revising the Municipal Planning Bylaw to attract micro and smallscale developers to invest in areas where housing is urgently needed. The proposed changes aim to establish and manage these developments, leading to higher quality, safer housing units that are legally connected to essential services. By introducing spatial policies and strategies, the city plans to construct safer, better quality homes in informal settlements and backyards, aligning with Objective 8 of the City’s Integrated Development Plan.
A New Chapter in Public Transportation: The Development of MyCiTi Bus Service on Turfhall Road
The MyCiTi bus service on Turfhall Road is an exciting project that aims to revolutionize public transport in Cape Town. It will connect travellers from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha to Wynberg and Claremont through dedicated bus lanes and improvements to roads and transportation facilities. The project, set to be completed by July 2027, involves extensive construction and is being carried out in phases to minimize disruption to local residents. Despite the disruptions caused by construction, the project promises to provide accessible, dependable, and affordable public transportation, shaping a new era of connection and mobility in Cape Town.
Cape Town has launched a new branding strategy called “Embrace Cape Town” to boost tourism. The initiative builds upon previous successful marketing efforts and showcases the city’s diverse oceanic adventures, investment opportunities, and rich cultural spectrum. The comprehensive fivepoint action plan aims to enhance flight connectivity, cruise tourism, conferences, tourism attractions, and targeted marketing to catapult the tourism economy to new heights. The city’s commitment has already generated significant growth and success in the tourism sector, contributing to the local economy and generating employment opportunities.
Wingie, a flight booking platform, analyzed TripAdvisor reviews to uncover the top 50 travel experiences in all countries, highlighting often overlooked treasures like Ahhh Ras Natango Gallery and Garden in Jamaica, Irish National Stud and Gardens in Ireland, and Al Noor Island in UAE. These spots may not be on the usual tourist map, but they deliver unique and unforgettable experiences that surpass popular expectations. The findings provide a catalogue of destinations that, though often overlooked, are brimming with promise and remind us that the essence of travel lies as much in the journey as in the destination.
Cape Town’s Historical Budget Vote: A Step Towards Transformation and Digitalization
Cape Town’s Historical Budget Vote: A Step Towards Transformation and Digitalization. The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) 2024/25 Budget Vote took place on July 12, 2024, with a focus on resolving past disharmony and tackling present challenges. GCIS’s recent endeavors include better relations with the media, continental media platforms, and initiatives on critical issues like genderbased violence and anticorruption. The budget allocation for GCIS for the ensuing three years is R2,312 billion, with a need for digital transformation technologies to harness the best aspects of the fourth industrial revolution.
Recurring Offenses in the Metropolis: A Week Highlighting the Need for Justice Reformation
Last week in Cape Town, there were 301 arrests and 63,661 traffic and bylaw violations, including two repeat offenders. Law enforcement officers were accountable for 171 arrests and 4,208 notices for misconduct. The recurring pattern of criminal activity highlights the need for comprehensive justice reform, as criminals are often back on the streets before paperwork from their previous arrest has even dried. The city recorded additional arrests and violations, exposing the concerning trend of unregulated weapon possession, and there is a pressing need to break the cycle of criminal activity.
A power outage at Cape Town International Airport caused chaos as air travel was halted for several hours. The interruption affected essential services, leaving stranded aircraft and redirecting flights to alternative airports. Despite the inconvenience, airport staff and airlines worked tirelessly to manage the crisis and ensure passenger safety.
Get ready to be dazzled by the highly acclaimed Tony Awardwinning musical, “Dear Evan Hansen,” as it comes to Artscape from February 12 to March 9, 2025. The show is a captivating journey of selfrealization and bonding, exploring themes of mental health, isolation, and the human longing for companionship. With an exceptional creative team and a story that will leave you yearning for more, don’t miss your chance to experience this transformative musical journey. Tickets are available on the Showtime website.
The Evolving Global Travel Landscape: A New Chapter for South African and Botswana Nationals
South African and Botswana nationals now need to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland, following the Irish Department of Justice’s appointment of VFS Global as its official partner for travellers from these two countries. The decision was made in response to a surge in International Protection applications from South African and Botswana nationals, and is aimed at aligning Ireland more closely with the Schengen Area. The move is part of a broader trend of countries modifying their immigration policies to balance security considerations, economic requirements, and aspirations to maintain an opendoor policy.
The homelessness crisis in Cape Town’s CBD is becoming increasingly urgent, with hundreds of homeless individuals facing eviction. The city’s proposed solution, the Safe Spaces Initiative, provides shelter, meals, and vocational training to homeless individuals and is funded by the city. While some support the initiative as a way to preserve the dignity of the destitute, others argue for more comprehensive solutions, such as repurposing vacant buildings for permanent housing and addressing health and employment issues. The decision of how to tackle this issue has farreaching implications, making it a critical moment for the city.