On a quiet Saturday night, a catastrophic fire broke out in the Ekuphumuleni settlement of Joe Slovo Park, Milnerton, Cape Town. This tragic event claimed three lives and left 73 individuals homeless. The inferno swiftly spread through the densely populated area, reducing 20 shacks, including some doublestory structures, to ashes.
The housing crisis in South Africa has been a longstanding issue where traditional methods have fallen short in providing adequate solutions. However, Cape Townbased nonprofit organisation, Urban Think Tank Empower (UTTE), has taken a bold approach by embracing innovative design models to address this crisis through their Empower Initiative.
In today’s world, where doityourself (DIY) projects are often seen as a rite of passage, it’s not uncommon for us to venture into unknown territory with little knowledge or experience. Gasant Abarder, an influential media personality and author of “Hack with a Grenade,” recently shared a difficult lesson in his #SliceofGasant column. He narrated the repercussions of venturing beyond his comfort zone and attempting to undertake home projects that should have been reserved for professionals.
Smile FM, a radio station based in Cape Town, has launched a bold initiative to uplift thousands of families during the upcoming holiday season. Their objective is to assist 10,000 unemployed individuals in finding meaningful employment by December 25, 2023, in response to South Africa’s high unemployment rates.
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) have partnered to initiate a footandmouth disease (FMD) awareness campaign at the Mokwakwaila Stadium in Greater Letaba Municipality, Limpopo. Scheduled for September 21, the program is crucial in tackling the problems caused by FMD, a highly infectious disease that affects clovenhoofed animals in the province. In addition to FMD, the event also seeks to address other animal diseases and stock theft in farming communities.
The energy landscape in South Africa is experiencing a dramatic shift, as Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan reveals the approval of outstanding licenses for the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). This crucial development signifies a turning point in the nation’s electricity sector, paving the way for a more dynamic and competitive future.
The Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) of the North West Provincial Legislature will conduct Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) public hearings. The hearings will examine the Rustenburg Local municipality and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, focusing on their 2019/20 audit reports and addressing queries arising from the Auditor General’s reports.
The mining community recently experienced a heartwrenching tragedy when several workers perished in a catastrophic bus accident in Limpopo province, South Africa. The disaster, which transpired on September 17, 2023, plunged family members, friends, and coworkers of the victims into profound grief and disbelief. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has conveyed its sincerest sympathies to the mourning families and extended their wishes for a swift recovery to those injured.
As the 2023 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) draws near, the National Treasury Communications Unit has invited journalists to participate in a virtual PreBudget consultative meeting. This conference will not only discuss the content of the forthcoming MTBPS but will also address the logistical aspects of the lockup sessions.
In the face of rapid urbanization, cities across the globe are continuously evolving. Cape Town is no exception, as it recently embarked on a journey to revise its Urban Design Policy. This ambitious initiative aims to provide guidance for creating functional, attractive, safe, environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially equitable spaces. As the city gathers feedback from its residents, this article explores the principles and objectives of this revised policy and examines its potential impact on the urban landscape and its inhabitants.
In response to the fiscal challenges currently impacting government departments and provincial treasuries, the National Treasury released a letter on 31 August 2023 highlighting specific measures necessary to attain savings and avoid resource constraints during the latter part of the 2023/24 financial year. This article serves as a guide for accounting officers and authorities on the implementation of the measures discussed in the August letter. It is crucial to note that both the August letter and these guidelines are meant to provide guidance, not issue directives.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently took to the stage at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, fervently urging world leaders to focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comprising 17 global targets, the SDGs aim to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, and foster worldwide prosperity by 2030.
The picturesque landscapes of Limpopo province in South Africa became the backdrop for a tragic event on September 17, 2023. A severe collision on D2692 Venetia Road, situated between Musina and De Beers mine, resulted in 22 fatalities and four injuries. Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed profound grief and sadness over the devastating loss of lives, offering her sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
The North West Province in South Africa is on the brink of an extraordinary transformation as various local businesses, multinational organizations, and government entities pledge over 100 billion worth of investments. This comes after the recent Premier’s Dinner with investors, held at the Sun City Superbowl, which aimed to accelerate the coordination of investments in the region. Acting Premier Nono Maloyi, along with Members of the Executive Council, Executive Mayors, senior government managers, and StateOwned Enterprises representatives, led the charge.
In an effort to serve justice to the victims of a horrifying crime, the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crimes Unit has made a public appeal for help in locating two men believed to be linked to a recent business robbery and murder in the Orlando police precinct. Through an official statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the unit has requested the community’s support in providing any information that could lead to the successful location of these individuals, as they possess crucial information that could greatly contribute to the ongoing investigation.
During the recent HighLevel Partnership for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (PMNCH) event at the UN General Assembly in New York, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of safeguarding the wellbeing of women, children, and adolescents worldwide. The PMNCH gathering marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards providing a healthier future for these susceptible groups.
