Cape Town Mayor Geordin HillLewis has urgently appealed to President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a joint working committee on rail devolution. This comes after the recent minibustaxi strike left thousands of commuters stranded, exposing the dire need for a functional passenger rail system in the city. The Mayor has requested a response from the President by August 31, after which the city will resort to intergovernmental dispute mediation.
Cape Town, a city renowned for its captivating landscapes and lively cultural scene, is betting on the cruise industry to boost its local economy. Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, recently spoke at the Cruise Tourism Workshop hosted by South African Tourism to emphasize the potential of the cruise sector.
On August 11, 2023, Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone DialeTlabela, handed over the first phase of the Vereeniging Intermodal facility to the Sedibeng District Municipality residents. The inauguration of the intermodal facility marks a significant step towards transforming Vereeniging into an Economic Development Hub. This initiative also demonstrates the government’s commitment to accelerating road infrastructure delivery across Gauteng.
South African law enforcement agencies have made significant progress in the investigation of the tragic mass shooting incident that occurred in Kwanobuhle on July 11, 2023. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes unit, along with the Provincial Crime Intelligence, have successfully apprehended two more suspects in connection to the heinous crime, bringing the total number of arrests to seven.
The Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) plays a vital role in meeting the Western Cape’s energy demands. As the only nuclear power station in South Africa, it is responsible for supplying the region with a significant portion of its electricity. In Premier Alan Winde’s 20th Energy Digicon, acting Chief Nuclear Officer Keith Featherstone elaborated on the importance of the KNPP to the Western Cape’s energy mix and South Africa’s energy needs.
The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate seeks input from locals on the construction of universally accessible walking lanes, bicycle parking, and other nonmotorized transport (NMT) facilities for better road safety for pedestrians. ## Tailored Improvements for Increased Safety and Access
The Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers have accomplished an outstanding feat by making 1,098 arrests between 3 and 30 July 2023. Additionally, the officers have confiscated 30 firearms from various locations throughout the metro. These achievements demonstrate the officers’ commitment to creating safer communities.
The loss of two senior environmental officials, Mushudu Owen Mundalamo and Kobus de Wet, has left a deep void in the environmental community. The passing of these two dedicated individuals has deeply saddened South Africa’s Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment Minister Barbara Creecy. In their roles, they made significant contributions to environmental conservation, leaving a lasting impact on the preservation of South Africa’s natural heritage.
South Africa’s Eastern Cape has been experiencing a prolonged drought, affecting many communities in the region. As a result, Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu has returned to the area to assess the progress of water supply interventions aimed at providing relief.
On August 13th, a security incident occurred at the DESTEA head offices in Free State, South Africa. The incident took place during a load shedding stage when five masked assailants entered the building around 18:30. The following section provides an overview of what occurred during the incident, and MEC Thabo Meeko’s response to the situation.
In recent news, the Western Cape Government (WCG) and the South African National Taxi Council in the Western Cape (SANTACOWC) have come together to find a conclusive resolution to the minibus taxi strike that has had a negative impact on the province. This effort emerged from the latest round of talks attended by key figures, including Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, Provincial Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie, Executive Mayor of Cape Town Geordin HillLewis, and Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility Roberto Quintas.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently completed his ninth District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Tsomo, under Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, Chris Hani District, in the Eastern Cape Province. The DDM initiative is an essential tool for promoting cooperative governance and integrated planning between national, provincial, and local government spheres, with the primary goal of fasttracking service delivery, assessing the availability of essential infrastructure, and fostering meaningful community engagement.
The Western Cape’s educational system faced a significant challenge due to the recent minibus taxi strike led by SANTACOWC. This event resulted in a sharp rise in teacher and learner absenteeism, leaving the region’s education system in a precarious situation.
The ongoing taxi strike violence in Cape Town has disrupted public transportation and significantly impacted residents. In response, Mayor Geordin HillLewis has taken several measures to ensure the safety and security of commuters. ## Law Enforcement Escorts for MyCiTi Buses
As Women’s Month commences in Cape Town, it presents an excellent opportunity to shine a light on the diverse and talented women musicians who call the city home. These artists create music that resonates beyond their own communities, surpassing boundaries and expanding musical horizons. By listening to their creations, we recognize the profound influence women have had on music and the significance of embracing a variety of voices. Here, we introduce five exceptional Cape Town musicians deserving of your attention.
A recent incident in Stellenbosch involving seven police officers underscores the urgent need to address corruption within law enforcement agencies. The officers were arrested for failing to declare an undisclosed sum of money seized during a drug bust in Kayamandi. This incident highlights the importance of swift and decisive action against those who undermine the laws they have sworn to uphold.
