News - Page 185

In an impressive demonstration of collaboration and dedication to the public, South African Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, and MEC for Cooperative Governance Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Ketso Makume, teamed up on November 3, 2023. They aimed to provide title deeds to beneficiaries in the Fezile Dabi District of Moqhaka Local Municipality in Free State Province. This noteworthy occasion marked an essential achievement in the continuous efforts of the Department of Human Settlements to encourage secure housing and enhance the living standards for citizens throughout the nation.

Attention South Africans! The Electoral Commission has announced that voter registration for upcoming Municipal Ward Byelections in numerous wards will take place on 45 November 2023. Eligible voters must present a valid identity document and can register, verify registration details, and update their address information if needed. Special voting procedures will be available for those who cannot vote on 13 December 2023, and it is crucial for citizens to participate in the democratic process and influence decisions at the local level.

Cape Town will see a significant decrease in human settlements grants, losing over R107 million in the 2023/24 financial year, resulting in R37 million being eliminated from the Informal Settlement Upgrading Partnership Grant and R70 million from the Urban Settlements Development Grant. The cuts will impact vulnerable members of society who depend on grant funding for vital services and aid. The city is now emphasizing privatesector housing delivery and giving priority to the rapid release of land for affordable housing.

Cape Town is facing a housing crisis due to budget cuts of over R107m, with significant reductions in funding for informal settlement upgrading and urban settlements development. The city is shifting its focus to private sector housing delivery and advocating for a higher share of funding to support its growing population. Despite financial obstacles, Cape Town remains committed to its vision of being a progressive, propoor, and progrowth city.

Cape Town recently celebrated 17 businesses and organizations for their exceptional efforts in responsible water management. These entities were recognized for their adherence to the City’s Water bylaws and their advocacy for water conservation and prevention of water pollution. The recipients included Finlar Fine Foods, Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, and the University of Stellenbosch’s Tygerberg Campus, who all received the highest fivestar rating for implementing exceptional watersaving solutions. The Water Star Rating Certification system encourages organizations to make sustainable changes towards achieving a watersensitive urban living.

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.