In the world of politics and governance, Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana’s dedication to public service is exemplary. As the Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Kekana is responsible for ensuring that government initiatives are effective. One such initiative is her recent followup visit to Tsantsabane Local Municipality in the Northern Cape Province on June 27, 2023.
The Public Employment Services (PES) unit in Vryburg, Taung, and Christiana Labour Centres organized a threeday career exhibition from 20 to 22 June 2023 in Ganyesa, Mokasa II village, and SweitzerReneke. The event aimed to benefit the communities by providing a platform for attendees to expand their networks, learn about different career opportunities, and discover various learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, bursaries, and entrepreneurship options.
The Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) recently released its 23rd report, which sheds light on the slow progress of transformation in the South African workplace. Despite the country’s aspirations towards social justice, the report reveals that employment equity targets remain out of reach.
The University of Fort Hare was established in 1916 and has since become a prominent center for higher learning in South Africa. It has produced notable alumni who have fought for justice and equality, such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Robert Sobukwe. However, recent reports have revealed governance, administration, and leadership challenges that have put the university’s reputation at risk.
Desmond Mmola, a young man from Namakgale township in Mopani District, has defied the odds and achieved success through his determination and selfbelief. Here is his inspiring story. ## Pursuing Higher Education
On June 21, 2023, Kishugu Aviation aerial firefighting pilot, Justin van As, tragically lost his life during a firefighting operation in Ngodwana, Mpumalanga. He was a devoted professional and a hero who dedicated his life to saving others and protecting our environment. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, expressed her deepest condolences to Justin’s family in a heartfelt message.
The National Energy Crisis Committee (NECC) has emerged as a key player in addressing the complex world of energy crises and the need for sustainable solutions. As the government of South Africa works to find effective solutions to energyrelated challenges, the NECC has taken charge. On June 25, 2023, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted a media briefing to showcase the progress of the committee.
In the beautiful landscapes of South Africa, the Swartland and Overstrand K9 and Rural Safety Units are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their communities. These units, in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS), have been successful in their mission to maintain law and order. This success story is a result of the power of teamwork and collaboration in the fight against crime.
Drug trafficking in the maritime industry is becoming a global concern, with the Durban port serving as a hub for illegal drug trade. The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mrs. Hendrietta BogopaneZulu, is leading a proactive effort to combat this growing menace. The aim of her antisubstance abuse campaign is to strengthen working relations with law enforcement authorities, particularly border policing, to effectively fight the drug scourge in the region.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile inaugurated the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Investment Roundtable in Johannesburg. The event was organized with the theme “Unlocking investments for human capital for an inclusive economy,” inspired by Youth Month’s theme, “Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future.”
A viral video of Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, a celebrity aesthetics doctor, walking outside the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court without handcuffs has caused widespread debate on social media. Dr. Nandipha is currently facing multiple charges, including assisting a convicted criminal to escape from custody, tampering with a corpse, fraud, and defeating the ends of justice. She appeared in court on 20 June alongside her boyfriend, Thabo Bester, and seven others, and is scheduled to reappear on 8 August.
SuperSport United has made a significant acquisition by securing the services of Phathutshedzo Nange, the recently released Kaizer Chiefs midfielder. The signing of Nange is a positive step for the team as he brings not only talent but also familiarity with SuperSport United’s coach, Gavin Hunt.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) recently received a report on the suspected deaths of 31 illegal miners, who are believed to be Basotho nationals. The miners were reported missing in a ventilation shaft of Shaft 5 Virginia mine in Welkom, Free State province. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho communicated the message to the High Commission of South Africa on May 18, 2023, stating that these suspected illegal miners may have lost their lives in a mine ventilation shaft that was last operational in the 1990s.
The construction and civil engineering sectors in Ireland are facing a critical skill shortage that South African graduates can help address. The Department of Employment and Labour of South Africa is collaborating with the Irish Government’s Department of Social Protection in a recruitment drive to find highly skilled South African graduates to work in Ireland.
The Durban Port is one of the major players in the maritime industry and has recently been targeted by global drug cartels for drug trafficking activities. Due to the strategic risks that the maritime environment poses to the nation’s economic security, stronger efforts are needed to combat criminality, marine exploitation, and ensure economic productivity.
The celebration of Pride Month has recently sparked controversy in South Africa due to the antiLGBTQ+ statements made by Turkish immigrant Mr. Mehmet Vefa Dag, the President of the Truth and Solidary Movement Party. The rainbow strip painted on Somerset Road in Greenpoint, Cape Town, which represents the LGBTQ+ community, has been met with disapproval by Dag.
