The South African government, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Presidency, recently hosted a pivotal Phakisa Action Lab to address the untapped possibilities inherent in the cannabis and hemp sector. ### Developing a Coherent Policy
The impact of drug abuse and illicit trafficking is widespread, affecting individuals and communities across the globe. While substance abuse has devastating consequences for everyone, it is often the most vulnerable who suffer the most. These issues have farreaching socioeconomic impacts, including on education, families, and the economy.
On June 27th, 2023, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Western Cape will be hosting a media tour at the Berg River Dam, located near Franshoek. This tour aims to provide insight into various crucial aspects of water and sanitation in the region. The media tour is a platform for DWS to communicate their initiatives, challenges, and progress with the public while ensuring transparency and accountability.
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is taking active steps to ensure that state entities comply with the necessary provision of services for the victims and survivors of genderbased violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa. The CGE has scheduled oversight and monitoring visits to two police stations in KwaZuluNatal province as part of an ongoing program to assess the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) compliance.
On June 21, 2023, Thembi Nkadimeng, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), chaired a meeting of the InterMinisterial Task Team responsible for the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Izimbizo. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss preparations for the upcoming 7th DDM Presidential Imbizo, which would be led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and hosted by the Alfred Duma Local Municipality in the Uthukela District Municipality, KwaZuluNatal.
Severe storms recently battered the Western Cape province, resulting in floods and substantial damage to infrastructure. Among the most affected roads was Citrusdal’s R303 Main Road. ### Destruction of the Citrusdal Main Road
A heinous crime shook the small town of Grabouw, South Africa in December 2017. A 27yearold woman was on her way home in Libanon when she was brutally attacked and raped by two men. One of the attackers, Koos Kerneels, was recently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in this atrocious act.
South Africa is known for its trailblazers in various fields, and two young professionals are no exception. Awodwa Magingi and Luvuyo Jalisa have made significant contributions to their respective areas of expertise, earning recognition in the 2023 Mail and Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans list.
Celebrating Excellence in Education: The 2023 National Teaching Awards in Western Cape
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has opened nominations for the 2023 National Teaching Awards (NTA) to honor and recognize outstanding educators who have made exceptional contributions to the field of education. This prestigious event encourages all teachers to showcase their passion and achievements by submitting their nominations before the closing date on July 24th.
As the world prepares to observe the United Nationssanctioned International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, the City of Cape Town is making strides in tackling substance abuse at the municipal level with a multifaceted approach. This approach focuses on prevention, education, and enforcement to help individuals and families while addressing the broader societal impacts of addiction.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has announced that its onduty officers will wear body cameras to combat corruption and bribery in South African roads. The initiative is in response to public complaints of misconduct by JMPD officers, including corruption, bribery, extortion, and kidnapping. The introduction of body cameras aims to ensure transparency and accountability among law enforcement officials.
In Stellenbosch, South Africa, a unique security project is underway to enhance public safety in the central business district (CBD). The initiative is a joint effort between the Stellenbosch Municipality, local police, private security firms, and the nonprofit Winelands Safety Initiative (WSI) and involves the deployment of 40 rigorously vetted car guards.
The Water and Sanitation Directorate of the city has issued a call to action for residents to reduce water consumption for the next two days due to emergency repairs and upgrades to their bulk water supply network. The repairs will have an impact on water supply across the city, especially in highlying areas where lower water pressure is expected.
Dr. Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, visited Angola for a working visit on June 25, 2023. Her aim was to engage in diplomatic and political consultations with her counterpart, Ambassador Tete António, the Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Angola. The meeting served to fortify the historic and fraternal relationship between the two nations.
The recent R70 million fine imposed on the Lekwa Municipality by the Standerton Magistrates Court for environmental violations has drawn attention to the urgent need for ethical governance practices. The Democratic Alliance in Mpumalanga has applauded the ruling and expressed concern for the compromised livelihoods of residents affected by the municipality’s repeated offenses.
South Africa’s Cape Winelands is renowned for its vast expanse of vineyards, covering over 90,512 hectares, and producing an array of wine varieties. Among the most popular cultivars is the sauvignon blanc, which originated in Bordeaux, France. Its popularity has grown, and today, it is one of the most widely grown wine grapes in South Africa. Join us on a journey through the Cape Winelands as we explore the region’s finest sauvignon blanc offerings.