The Western Cape Taxi Task Unit’s Combat Team has made significant progress in its efforts to combat taxirelated violence in the area. This has been demonstrated by recent arrests and investigations. ## Arrest of Alleged Hitman in Connection with TaxiRelated Shootings
Professor JoAnn Passmore from the University of Cape Town (UCT) is leading a research group that is developing technology to identify genital tract inflammation, even in cases without symptoms. This technology will help combat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Six firefighters from Cape Town are set to participate in the prestigious World Rescue Challenge in Lanzarote, Spain, in October. This international event will see them compete against specialized extrication teams from around the world. The Cape Town Destroyers are the only African team in the competition.
The Presidential Employment Programme (PEP): CBD Regeneration Project, supported by the National Treasury, has made significant progress in addressing the issue of homelessness in Cape Town. This partnership between the City’s Enterprise and Investment Department and Khulisa Social Solutions is a crucial component of the City’s Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy (IEGS), aiming to combat economic challenges, inequality, and job creation barriers.
Origami, the art of folding paper, has proven to be a powerful tool for visually impaired students at Athlone School for the Blind in Bellville South. Led by their dedicated teacher, Asemahle Mbijana, these students are discovering the joy of creative expression and newfound confidence through this art form.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has scheduled an oversight visit to assess Emfuleni Section 63 Intervention Projects in the Sedibeng District on August 29, 2023. The projects are aimed at addressing water and sanitation challenges in the region, particularly within the Emfuleni and Midvaal Local Municipalities.
Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, held a media briefing to discuss the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting on August 30, 2023. The briefing aimed to provide information about key issues and developments discussed during the meeting. The Acting Government Spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa, handled inquiries regarding the event. The briefing took place at the Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room in Tshedimosetso House, Hatfield, Pretoria. Live streaming options were available for those unable to attend in person on multiple platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
In the Western Cape, crimefighting efforts by the Overstrand and Swartland Rural Safety Units have been boosted by the Mossel Bay K9 unit. Together, these units have successfully apprehended a number of criminals across the regions. In just a span of thirteen days, from August 15th to the 27th, 2023, the collaboration of these units, along with assistance from municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS), has led to the arrest of thirtytwo individuals. Sixteen arrests were made in the Overstrand municipality, five in Mossel Bay, and eleven in Swartland.
South African Minister of Health Dr. Joe Phaahla and Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Mr. Gwede Mantashe will officially hand over the Phola Clinic, a primary healthcare facility in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, on August 31, 2023. The clinic is the result of the Social and Labour Plan (SLP) project undertaken by Seriti Coal and Khutala Colliery, which aims to empower the communities within their operational areas and laborsending locations by elevating living standards through socioeconomic development.
South Africa’s Treasury is set to host a twoday Public Economics Conference in September 2023, with a focus on “Employment and the economics of job creation: Evaluating government employment programmes.” The event aims to examine the country’s public finance challenges, such as difficult spending choices, the transformation of the electricity and renewable energy sector, and the need to support growth and employment creation.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. David Mahlobo, recently spoke at a community engagement event held at Albert Falls Hall in Pietermaritzburg. The event focused on addressing water and sanitation issues as well as other socioeconomic challenges faced by the local community. During the event, Mahlobo encouraged the Thokozani community to pursue water sports such as canoeing as a means of promoting economic growth and job creation.
The City of Cape Town has taken a remarkable initiative to strengthen security and enhance public safety through the implementation of advanced technologies. This R860 million investment over the next three years will equip law enforcement officers with body worn cameras and invehicle cameras with Automated Number Plate (ANPR) technology.
As the world faces the aftermath of the COVID19 pandemic, the BRICS countries are joining forces to discuss measures for recovery and resilience. The 4th meeting of BRICS Ministers in charge of disaster management portfolios will take place on September 8, 2023, under the guidance of Minister Thembi Nkadimeng. Preceding the meeting, the 5th Joint Task Force technical engagement will take place on September 7, 2023.
CapeNature, the conservation agency of the Western Cape Government, and the Grootbos Foundation have established a formal partnership with the aim of promoting economic development and conservation. This collaboration will help address alien vegetation clearing in the Walker Bay Complex, while providing skills training through the Foundation’s Green Futures College.
On August 31st, Minister of Social Development Ms. Lindiwe Zulu participated in the National House of Traditional and KhoiSan Leaders’ Women and Youth Empowerment Outreach Programme in Moroke Village, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province. ## Collaboration for Community Development
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is undertaking an emergency repair project to replace a 30m sewer main pipeline in Forest Road, Eerste River, as part of its efforts to maintain efficient service delivery and invest in city infrastructure. This proactive approach aims to prevent further deterioration of the existing pipeline infrastructure, which has reached its lifespan, and improve the efficiency of the sewage system.