In South Africa, genderbased violence and femicide are pervasive issues that continue to plague university campuses across the nation. The brutal murder of Uyinene Mrwetyana, a young student at the University of Cape Town, serves as a stark reminder of the deeply entrenched issues that need to be addressed urgently.
Renowned comedian and TV host Trevor Noah is at the center of a heated debate after it was revealed that he received R33 million to promote South Africa as a tourist destination. The significant amount has raised questions from political circles, leading to calls for the tourism department to reevaluate the project. However, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has been quick to address these concerns, stating that the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) will be responsible for the financial burden, and no public funds will be used.
In South Africa, the City of Cape Town’s Health and Social Development and Early Childhood Development Departments are taking action to prevent Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) by organizing awareness campaigns in high schools. These departments aim to educate communities on the effects of FASD and promote a unified approach to finding solutions together.
In recent weeks, the Western Cape has experienced a worrying surge in attacks against law enforcement officers. According to reports, five officers were shot in the province. The most recent incident occurred at a Gugulethu intersection, where two police officers were ambushed while driving in their vehicle. In response, the City has offered a reward of R250,000 for any information that leads to the conviction of those involved.
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) has been making remarkable progress in the fight against drowning incidents in South Africa. The country has been grappling with a significant number of drowning deaths, with an average of 1,477 annually, most of whom are young children. In 2022, the devastating floods in KZN claimed the lives of an estimated 435 people. This article highlights the NSRI’s tireless efforts in drowning prevention through education and skills development.
Ardagh Glass Packaging Africa has established itself as a key player in South Africa’s economy with a staggering R3.3 billion investment. The company’s commitment to sustainable growth aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for increased investment in the country. ## Investing in Expansion
South Africa’s agricultural industry is a vital force in the nation’s economy, with the latest figures from Statistics South Africa showing a growth of 4.2% in the second quarter of 2023. This growth is attributed to a successful summer harvest of grains and oilseeds, along with strong horticultural exports.
In the suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, known as Mitchells Plain, vandalism and theft have become a persistent issue, leading to an increase in streetlight service requests. This has put a severe strain on the city’s resources, with the majority of faults attributed to vandalism and theft, and over 1,600 streetlight repairs attended to by the City of Cape Town’s electricity teams in the area over a fourmonth period.
On September 6, 2023, the Western Cape Cabinet held a meeting led by Premier Alan Winde to discuss pressing issues such as the upcoming Provincial Economic Review and Outlook (PERO) report. This annual research publication by the provincial treasury is critical as it sheds light on the province’s economic, governance, and social context.
On September 8, 2023, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, conducted an inspection of the ongoing refurbishment and upgrading of the Mtubatuba Water Supply Schemes in KwaMsane township, KwaZulu Natal. This intervention addresses the water challenges experienced by the district municipality in uMkhanyakude.
On September 7, 2023, the vibrant community of Nyanga in Cape Town, South Africa, hosted the City’s Human Settlements Roadshow. The event brought together local residents, Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements Councillor Carl Pophaim and Human Settlements Directorate senior officials to tackle various human settlementsrelated concerns.
The ongoing issue of skills shortages in South Africa has become a growing concern for businesses in the region. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is taking steps to address this issue by launching a survey to identify highdemand occupations, occupational shortages, and skills gaps at national and provincial levels.
The KwaZuluNatal Women Economic Assembly (WECONA) is making a significant impact on the economic landscape of South Africa by empowering womenowned, managed, and led businesses and enterprises. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, and Bongi SitholeMoloi, MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, are leading the provincial rollout of WECONA.
On September 8, 2023, Hon. Basetsana S.R Dantjie, the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, will host a Provincial Speakers’ Forum in the Madibeng Local Municipality Chamber. This gathering aims to promote voter education, registration, and campaigns for various municipalities.
The Department of Transport, under the Maputo Corridor Development initiative, recently completed a significant project: the N4 Montrose Road Infrastructure Investment Interchange. This multimillion rand project was made possible through collaboration between South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and Trans African Concessions (TRAC). The official opening was attended by various dignitaries, including Mpumalanga Premier, Honourable Refilwe MtsweniTsipane, provincial leadership, the SANRAL Board of Directors, CEOs of Transport Department road entities, TRAC CEO, traditional leadership, and community members of the Mpumalanga province.
Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs, is scheduled to visit Blouberg Municipality in South Africa on September 8, 2023. The primary purpose of this visit is to engage with key stakeholders and discuss the Department’s services within the region. The goal is to enhance collaboration among local authorities and strengthen service delivery to improve the lives of Blouberg’s residents.
