South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened applications for funding for the academic year 2024, providing hope for students facing social and economic challenges. The application window will run until the end of January 2024, and NSFAS has introduced a mobile app to simplify the process. The scheme supports 1.6 million students, and the government aims to streamline the funding process and improve the query handling process to enhance students’ experience.
Cape Town’s Jobs Connect platform has revolutionized the job market in South Africa, connecting job seekers and employers through an easytouse online platform accessible at no data charge for MTN and Vodacom users. With over 98,000 individuals registered and many success stories, Jobs Connect acts as a catalyst for ambitions and a guiding light in the intricate process of job hunting, while fulfilling the goal of cutting down the unemployment line. This innovative platform has earned recognition and transformed the way employers and candidates convene, setting a benchmark for other cities to emulate.
South Africa is working hard to reduce its 15% rate of premature births, advocating for consistent and early antenatal care for expectant mothers. Initiatives such as MomConnect and the SidebySide radio campaign promote health for both mothers and their infants, while guidelines are in place for managing conditions such as hypertension and infections. South Africa has also committed to safeguarding children with vaccinations and exclusive breastfeeding for at least 24 months. It is part of a larger plan targeted at lowering the mortality rate for children under five.
Over 300 medical professionals in Cape Town gathered in a picket line, demanding an urgent ceasefire and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for Palestine. The Health Care Workers for Palestine emphasized the importance of allowing hospitals and clinics to function without fear of being targeted and appealed for the sanctity of healthcare to be preserved. Among the protestors was Norwegian doctor Mads Gilbert, who spoke about an alliance of healthcare workers being created to reconstruct the healthcare system in Gaza.
On November 21, 2023, South Africa’s higher education sector experienced a monumental event. Professor Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, and Mr Ernest Khosa, the Board Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s (NSFAS), convened to engage the press. Their objective was impactful, marking the launch of NSFAS funding applications for the 2024 academic year.
“The Smeds and the Smoos” is a groundbreaking children’s animation that has won international acclaim, including an Emmy Award. Directed by Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler, the film is based on a popular children’s book and tells the story of two young aliens from rival clans who fall in love. The film’s success is an inspiration for aspiring creators and shows the power of imagination to bring people together.
Operation Phakisa was a successful multisector collaboration aimed at tackling marine resourcerelated offenses, illegal ranching, fishing, and harvesting, drug distribution, and the influx of illegal immigrants in Namakwa district. It involved various departments and SAPS units and celebrated several victories, including the seizure of marine resource products and the arrest of offenders. The operation showcased the effectiveness of a coordinated approach in addressing a wide array of issues.
Dirkco Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen, a sevenyearold dance prodigy from South Africa, captured the hearts of millions with his captivating performance at his sister’s annual concert. Known as ‘Klein Kwagga’, Dirkco’s love for dance mesmerized the audience and his video went viral, amassing over ten million views on TikTok in a few days. Dirkco’s story is a reminder that talent knows no age, and the power of dance can resonate across borders, eliciting joy and admiration from millions.
In the middle of November 2023, a significant national event took place. It marked the commencement of the Voter Registration Weekend in South Africa, an important affair directed by the Electoral Commission. The event sent a profound message to the country: the foundation of democracy, the power of the citizen’s ballot, was being prepared with great precision and openness.
South Africa is leading a global drive towards a lowcarbon future through its participation in the Just Energy Transition, with international financial support from the World Bank, KfW, and AfDB. The loan agreements signify global recognition of South Africa’s energy transition strategy, reinforcing its commitment to a fair transition towards a durable, lowcarbon economy. These agreements also strengthen international partnerships and highlight the transformative potential of sustainable energy in creating jobs and curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
Siya Kolisi, the South African rugby leader, recently showcased his impressive wit in a humorous act orchestrated by comedian Mpho Popps, proving himself to be both a skilled sportsman and a man of great humor. Kolisi is also recognized for his philanthropic pursuits and crosscontinental travels, making him a fascinating personality. His journey from the rugby field to comedy acts, charitable activities, and cultural experiences paints a picture of a man who is skilled in sportsmanship and equally adept at humor, kindness, and embracing diverse cultures.
South Africa’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections saw over 2.9 million voters participate in the registration process, with 2.7 million physically attending voting stations and almost 200,000 using the online portal. The Voter Management Device (VMD) facilitated over 800,000 live transactions and captured 1.8 million transactions for later processing. The highest number of registration transactions were recorded in Gauteng, KwaZuluNatal, and the Eastern Cape, with females slightly outnumbering males at 52.52%. The online registration portal recorded almost 200,000 transactions during the Registration Weekend. The Electoral Commission’s dedication to fostering voter participation extends beyond the registration process and reflects its commitment to ensuring everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to register.
South Africa is leading the way in the green hydrogen revolution. Its ambitious plans to use hydrogen energy to combat climate change, boost economic growth, and enhance energy reliability could potentially reduce the nation’s emissions by 10 to 15%. The Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa outlines the country’s goals to build a globally competitive hydrogen economy, and its success could contribute an additional 3.6% to South Africa’s GDP by 2050, generating over 370,000 jobs. South Africa’s robust capital markets and favorable conditions for renewable energy generation make it uniquely poised to spearhead this revolution.
The Municipal Economic Review and Outlook (MERO) is an annual report that guides policymakers in crafting opportunities for growth, job creation, and hope in the Western Cape. The report contains vital data on the economic terrain of all municipalities in the province, providing a roadmap for sustainable strategies for development. The MERO’s significance lies not only in its quantitative data but also in its potential to stimulate development and job creation, contributing to the overall economic vitality of the province. Its annual unveiling underlines the Western Cape government’s commitment to transparency, evidencebased governance, and datainformed decisionmaking.
Hannes Strydom, a beloved South African Rugby Legend and former Springbok lock, passed away tragically in a car accident. He was known for his impressive career, including being a vital member of the Springbok team that secured South Africa’s first Webb Ellis Cup in 1995. Strydom’s legacy endures, his contributions to South African rugby permanently imprinted in the sport’s history, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations.
Johannesburg’s K73 Allandale Road has undergone a significant infrastructure upgrade, easing traffic and providing job opportunities for locals. The project, spearheaded by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, included a dual carriageway construction, the enhancement of Woodmead Drive and Allandale Road, and the building of a bridge overpass. The upgrade has already been recognized by the community for its immediate advancements, improving traffic flow and boosting the local economy through the employment of 34 SMME subcontractors. The project showcases the government’s dedication to bettering residents’ lives and serves as a landmark achievement in infrastructure improvement.
