News - Page 187

Cape Town is cracking down on littering and illegal dumping with the Urban Waste Management Bylaw Enforcement Unit issuing fines and carrying out surveys and operations across the city. In the past three months, they have handed out over 900 fines for littering and dumping, showing a significant increase in enforcement efforts. Community involvement and reporting are also essential in preserving the city’s environment, with a new campaign providing cash rewards for information leading to convictions for illegal dumping. Cape Town’s initiatives to become a cleaner, greener city can serve as inspiration for other urban spaces around the world.

The Western Cape region of South Africa has successfully controlled the H5N1 avian influenza virus, with no new cases reported since June 2023. The poultry industry, a major part of the country’s economy and job creation, has seen significant growth. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture encourages farmers to adhere to strict biosecurity measures, including passive and active surveillance and preventing contact between poultry and wild birds to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.

KwaZuluNatal (KZN) has faced water supply difficulties, hindering economic development in the South African province. The area’s per capita water consumption is much higher than the national and global averages, causing concern. The rejuvenation of KZN’s water and sanitation infrastructure is a considerable endeavor by the South African government, aiming to improve the lives of millions of citizens. By tackling these challenges, the area is wellpositioned to achieve enhanced water security, superior sanitation facilities, and sustainable economic growth.

The City Indigent Support Drive is a program aimed at helping residents with a monthly income of R7,500 or less. The program offers support such as debt cancellations, free basic utilities, and complete discount on property taxes. The application process is streamlined, and residents can apply online or in person. The City’s commitment to serving every part of the community is evident in its list of Cash Offices and Walkin Centers, making it easier for residents to access assistance.

Khayelitsha is getting a muchneeded facelift starting in October 2023, with roadworks focused on the intersections of Japhta K Masemola Road with Swartklip Road/Old Faure Road and Mew Way. These upgrades will extend the life of the road network, and improve infrastructure to provide a more efficient and reliable transportation system for the community. With a careful construction schedule aimed at minimizing disruptions, the project is expected to result in a smoother and safer travel experience for all road users, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Khayelitsha.

The Health Department of Cape Town has noticed a concerning pattern: a consistent decrease in the use of contraceptives. Although there has been a simultaneous drop in the number of births, the department continues to promote the use of contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

The City of Cape Town is implementing scheduled maintenance work from October 4th to 6th, 2023, to enhance the water supply infrastructure and safeguard this indispensable resource. This includes conducting zeropressure tests and conditional assessments in Claremont, Newlands, and Rondebosch, which will furnish the maintenance team with crucial data regarding the water supply conditions in the area. While some residents might experience reduced water pressure or even a temporary loss of water during the testing phase, the City reaffirms its dedication to delivering an effective and dependable service to its residents and encourages them to prepare for planned water supply disruptions.

In a pioneering move, Cape Town is forging a path towards a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment by teaming up with community leaders. Recently, the city held the first of several engagements aimed at promoting cooperation and empowering local leaders to work towards a greener Cape Town.

The National Teaching Awards in Pretoria is a platform that recognizes and rewards outstanding teachers for their priceless contributions to education, despite often difficult circumstances. The event unites the educational community and promotes further excellence within the profession by acknowledging and rewarding the top educators from various backgrounds. The awards ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of South Africa’s most exceptional educators, emphasizing the importance of promoting excellence in education and encouraging continued growth and development within the profession.

The small town of McGregor in South Africa was left isolated and without basic necessities after heavy rainfall and flooding destroyed their lifeline bridge. The Gift of the Givers, a leading humanitarian organization, stepped in to provide muchneeded assistance by airlifting emergency food packages and establishing alternative gravel routes for delivering crucial supplies. Their farreaching efforts have provided support to over 15,000 people across various municipalities in the Western Cape province, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of unity in overcoming adversity.

South African Police Minister Bheki Cele has been found to have breached the code of ethical conduct for Members of Parliament after shouting “shut up” to Ian Cameron, director of Action Society, during a crime imbizo in 2022. The Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interest has called for Cele to issue a public apology to Cameron in front of the National Assembly members. The incident highlights the importance of public officials maintaining high standards of professionalism, and citizens and community organizations must continue to advocate for their rights and the proper allocation of police resources.

Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is conducting maintenance work this week to enhance the city’s water supply infrastructure. The work involves zeropressure tests and conditional assessments in several regions, which may result in temporary water supply disruptions or reduced pressure for some residents. The maintenance work aims to guarantee the longterm reliability and excellence of Cape Town’s water supply, and the city is advising residents to prepare by storing water, adjusting appliances and fixtures, and being patient. Ultimately, the improvements to the water supply infrastructure will outweigh any temporary inconvenience.

Fuel prices in South Africa are set to increase, affecting both individual drivers and the wider economy. Diesel prices will see a substantial increase, and all petrol and diesel grades will exceed the R25 per litre mark. The Central Energy Fund attributes the price increases to various international factors, including rising petrol costs and the strength of the rand against the US dollar. South African motorists may consider looking into more fuelefficient vehicles to lessen the impact of these price hikes on their budgets.

Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has successfully pursued justice within the Department of Human Settlements, with the recent Labour Court verdict validating her quest for accountability and transparency. The judgment ruled that an official within the Department unlawfully appointed nine officials, and the resolution highlights the Department’s growing dedication to professionalism. The Labour Court’s ruling sets a benchmark for future instances of unlawful appointments, reminding civil servants to act within the legal framework and emphasizing the role of transparency in fostering trust between the government and its citizens.