The South African government teamed up with the Pan South African Language Board to organize a crucial workshop on the South African Sign Language (SASL) Charter on September 22, 2023. Held at the Government Communication and Information System in Pretoria, the event brought together representatives from national and Gauteng government departments to deliberate on the execution of the SASL Charter.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is committed to cultivating talent and encouraging a greener, sustainable future for South Africa. To achieve this goal, the department has announced bursaries for fulltime students in the 2024 academic year. The bursaries cater to a broad range of study fields, including Environmental Programmes, Forestry Management, Regulatory Compliance Sector Monitoring, Fisheries Management, Oceans and Coasts, Biodiversity and Conservation, Climate Change and Air Quality Management, and Chemicals and Waste Management.
A recent gathering of the BASIC group, consisting of Brazil, South Africa, India, and China, was held alongside the 78th United Nations General Assembly session on September 20, 2023. The meeting focused on climate change strategies and showcased the group’s solidarity and continued leadership in addressing climate change.
South Africa has long been grappling with the intricate challenges of unemployment and economic disparities, particularly impacting its young population. In an effort to address these concerns, the South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC), a legal and economic policy advocacy organization, recently hosted its second annual business gala dinner in Johannesburg. The theme for this year’s gathering was “Accelerating Economic Growth & Growing Investments for Youth Job Creation,” highlighting the significance of laborintensive sectors in creating employment prospects for the country’s young people.
Climate change impacts everyone, and the necessity for a worldwide approach to confront this critical issue is more urgent than before. South Africa is particularly susceptible to climate change, experiencing increasing occurrences of extreme events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Consequently, the country has emphasized transformative adaptation actions with significant socioeconomic consequences for both smaller and major emerging economies.
In line with its dedication to environmental sustainability and transparency, Cape Town has initiated a public participation process concerning permits for Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and marine outfalls in various locations, including Mitchells Plain, Simon’s Town, Millers Point, Oudekraal, and Llandudno. From September 21, 2023, to November 21, 2023, residents and stakeholders can express their opinions and concerns about these vital facilities.
Cape Town embarks on an exciting new chapter in healthcare as the Western Cape Government (WCG) announces its visionary project to develop a cuttingedge central hospital. Unveiled at the recent Hospital Association of South Africa’s annual conference (HASA2023), this ambitious undertaking aims to elevate the city’s healthcare infrastructure and accommodate the needs of its expanding population.
The recent passing of Lieutenant Gillian Malouw, the first woman to navigate a submarine in Africa, marks the loss of a trailblazer within the maritime industry. This historic achievement was regrettably brought to an abrupt end during a submarine operation in Cape Town that claimed the lives of three Navy crew members and left others injured. In this tribute, we delve into the life and accomplishments of Lieutenant Malouw, celebrating her groundbreaking contributions to the naval field.
The recent malfunction in South Africa’s Social Security Agency (SASSA) payment system left a minimum of 600,000 social grant beneficiaries in agony, frantically waiting for their overdue deposits. The situation worsened when Johanna Gryzenhout, a 61yearold pensioner from Cape Town, experienced a heart attack due to the stress of waiting for her grant. This tragic event underlines the grim repercussions that system breakdowns can have on susceptible people.
Nature’s allure often stems from tales of struggle and perseverance that arise within it. One such story involving three young seals and their rescuers, James Suter and Guy Gafney, has recently captivated our hearts and minds. In a world grappling with the escalating menace of plastic waste, this account serves as a touching reminder of how our actions affect the environment and emphasizes the need for collective efforts to preserve marine ecosystems.
The South African Policing Union (Sapu) has expressed its serious concerns about the escalating rate of police killings in the country. This comes after three law enforcement officers were brutally murdered in KwaZuluNatal, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga on the same day. As a result, Sapu referred to 15 September as a “dark day” for policing. In a statement, the union emphasized that the problem appears to be growing worse due to the increasing number of incidents involving the deaths of police officers.
In a realm filled with outstanding liquors, the heated battle for acknowledgment and awards is nothing to scoff at. Despite this, Van Ryn’s, a distillery from South Africa, has attained an incredible achievement claiming the World’s Best Brandy Trophy twice in a mere four months. This esteemed honor is presented by the prestigious International Spirits Challenge, a yearly event taking place in London that gathers the finest brandies across the world.
In the ongoing war against crime, the impressive alliance of Mossel Bay, Overstrand, and Swartland K9 units, together with Rural Safety Units (RSUs) in the Overstrand and Swartland areas, have achieved remarkable progress. Collaborating with municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS), these teams arrested 76 individuals from 5 September to 19 September. The arrests encompassed the Overstrand municipal area (43), the Mossel Bay region (17), and the Swartland region (16).
Lieutenant Gillian Malouw will be celebrated as a maritime industry pioneer, making her mark as the first woman to navigate a submarine in Africa. However, her promising career came to a sudden halt during a recent submarine operation in Cape Town. On a tragic Wednesday in Kommetjie, three Navy crew members, including Malouw, perished in a devastating accident. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has since launched an inquiry to examine the details of this incident.
Cape Town, a city renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich history, is making significant strides in addressing homelessness within its bustling streets. Recently, Mayor Geordin HillLewis presided over the inauguration of the newly expanded wing of the Haven Night Shelter on Napier Street in Cape Town’s Central Business District (CBD). This achievement signifies a crucial milestone in the city’s continued efforts to assist those living without homes.
The African continent experienced a momentous occasion as Lieutenant Gillian Malouw became the first woman to navigate a submarine. Regrettably, this achievement was overshadowed by a heartbreaking event, as she was one of the three Navy crew members who lost their lives during a submarine operation in Kommetjie, Cape Town. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is conducting an investigation to uncover the details of this distressing occurrence.
