News - Page 157

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, located in Cape Town, South Africa, has been awarded Green Flag status by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA). This recognition highlights the efforts of the City of Cape Town and its partners to protect the reserve’s unique flora and fauna. The sevenkilometer coastline of the reserve is home to over 200 plant species and offers ecofriendly tourism opportunities, including a wellmaintained hiking trail. By involving local communities and adhering to rigorous Green Coast criteria, Blaauwberg Nature Reserve sets an example for coastal conservation and sustainable tourism.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi accepted and respected the Constitutional Court’s ruling on a personal cost order and acknowledged his responsibility for the Department of Home Affairs’ actions. He plans to take corrective action against all officials involved in the case and endorsed the court’s findings regarding former legal representatives. The Minister also prepared the immigration amendment Bill, addressing section 34 amendments, to ensure better compliance with court orders and prevent similar situations from arising in the future.

There has been a disturbing surge in attacks on emergency and enforcement personnel, endangering the essential services they provide to communities. The consequences on service provision and public safety cannot be underestimated. The Safety and Security Directorate is implementing body cameras and dashboardmounted devices to identify and prosecute culprits, and it is crucial to support and value the endeavors of our uniformed personnel and hold the perpetrators accountable.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has denied allegations of delayed payments to eligible students and disbursing funds to “ghost students”. The organization insists that allowances for all eligible beneficiaries have been dispensed on time, but extra security measures have been implemented to protect against fraudsters, causing a onetime delay in fund disbursements to universities. NSFAS has also adopted measures to streamline disbursement processes and enhance fund transfer efficiency, aimed at reducing delays and facilitating faster access to funds for students. The organization has dismissed baseless allegations made by former CEO Andile Nongogo and remains committed to assisting students in need.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Pinky Kekana, visited the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to evaluate economic and service delivery initiatives. The visit included meetings with influential individuals, such as MEC Ketso Makume and Executive Mayor Cllr Gregory Nthathisi, to discuss progress on addressing past challenges and creating an enabling environment for growth and development. The DPME has already offered support through frontline monitoring reports and interventions, and Deputy Minister Kekana emphasized the importance of a united approach to overcome remaining hurdles and restore the municipality’s former standing.

Matthew Lani, a selfproclaimed doctor, is at the center of a controversy in South Africa, which has raised concerns about the credibility of healthcare professionals and the integrity of the healthcare system. The Gauteng Health Department is committed to transparency and accountability in addressing the ongoing legal proceedings. Contact information for media inquiries has been provided to ensure open communication with the public. The case highlights the importance of upholding the integrity and credibility of professional institutions and restoring public trust in the healthcare system.

In South Africa, applicants for disability grants who have been denied can appeal the decision within 30 days. The process involves a medical assessment, means test, and confirmation of South African citizenship. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) encourages applicants to seek clarification and engage with the system to promote fairness. The monthly amount for approved disability grants is R2090, and SASSA partners with licensed medical contracted practitioners to evaluate applicants.

The Gauteng Legislature is working with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and success of Grade 12 learners during their final exams. The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety is calling for strict security measures to prevent any irregularities or disruptions that might hinder the examination process. Law enforcement agencies must also safeguard examination materials and ensure their secure transport to designated schools. Additionally, community support and motivation are crucial factors in creating a nurturing environment for matriculants to excel in their assessments. The collaborative approach between various stakeholders can serve as an example for addressing challenges faced by matriculants in other provinces.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin HillLewis has written to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, urging him to maintain municipal grant funding, specifically housing conditional grants, in the upcoming midterm budget speech. The mayor disagrees with the proposed R100 million decrease in these grants and proposes that cuts should be made in nonessential government departments and expenditures. He emphasizes the need to prioritize spending that directly benefits the poor and encourages the Minister to reconsider the proposed cuts. The mayor also calls for increased Equitable Share for the city and social rental housing subsidies.

Cuddley Bears ECD Centre in Kraaifontein is taking part in Cape Town’s SpringCleanCT campaign, which aims to tackle littering and waste disposal. The children and staff have joined forces to clean up their neighborhood and were praised by Alderman Grant Twigg for their efforts. Their actions serve as an inspiring example of community involvement and show that even the smallest hands can contribute to significant change. By fostering a sense of responsibility and guardianship for the environment, we can lay the foundation for a more sustainable and cleaner Cape Town, ensuring a brighter future for generations ahead.

The number of incidents related to Guy Fawkes Day has decreased due to proactive patrols and increased public awareness, resulting in a reduction of calls to the Public Emergency Communication Centre. However, law enforcement services continue to deal with incidents, suggesting that complete elimination of the tradition may be necessary for public safety. The city has enforced strict penalties, and residents are encouraged to report any concerns and participants to reconsider their actions. As the city prepares for Guy Fawkes Day, it is important to prioritize the safety of the community.