On August 31, 2023, Lebogang Maile, the MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development, visited a building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg that had been ravaged by a fire. The incident claimed several lives, leaving the community grieving and in shock. Maile’s visit aimed to assess the situation, understand the needs of the affected families, and determine the appropriate government assistance.
Cape Town’s Table View beachfront, a top tourist attraction along the Atlantic coastline, is getting a major facelift to enhance its beauty and functionality. The City of Cape Town is investing in a significant upgrade project to improve a 3km stretch of coastline from Dolphin Beach to Bokkomsbaai. The project will encompass the rehabilitation of dune systems, construction of a new walkway, and upgrades to parking areas and ablution facilities, set to begin midSeptember.
The Inaugural Southern African Steel Summit held at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, highlighted the significance of the steel industry for South Africa’s industrialization and the challenges faced by the global steel sector. The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Fikile Majola, emphasized steel’s importance in various aspects of the economy, from transportation and infrastructure to its role as a vital material in manufacturing.
The South African energy landscape is transforming as Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, endorses agreements with two new Preferred Bidders under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP). The signing ceremony took place in Pretoria on August 30, 2023, representing a significant milestone in South Africa’s pursuit of a sustainable and reliable energy future.
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) have announced a Built Environment Climate Change Indaba in Durban, KwaZuluNatal, from 31 August to 1 September 2023. The conference aims to address climate changerelated disasters and strengthen preventative measures by coordinating responses across sectors. The built environment profession will play a central role in reducing climate change impacts, and the conference will bring together experts, researchers, and professionals from government departments and the private sector.
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.
