Thabo Bester, also known as the “Facebook Rapist,” faced a new setback as his lawyers, Advocate Jeremiah Pela and Tsireledzo Ndou, stepped down from the case. The announcement was made during a virtual court appearance on June 20th, with Bester appearing from Kgosi Mampuru II prison in Tshwane.
Cape Town’s Draft Filming Bylaw: Balancing the Needs of the Film Industry and Residents Cape Town has always been an attractive location for film productions due to its breathtaking landscapes and stunning architecture. In this regard, the City of Cape Town’s Events and Film Department has introduced a new Draft Filming Bylaw aimed at regulating filming activities within the city. This bylaw seeks to replace the current Filming Bylaw from 2005, aligning Cape Town with international standards while empowering the Film Permit Office (FPO) to better manage filming activities.
The Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) held a successful Youth Day Programme on June 19th, 2023, at the Delft Civic Centre. The event aimed to empower and support the youth in Delft, addressing critical issues such as GBV and personal trauma.
Cape Town is a bustling metropolis renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. While the city has much to offer, it also recognizes the importance of supporting its residents who may face financial hardships. In this regard, the City of Cape Town has introduced several assistance programs that aim to provide relief and support to municipal account holders who need it the most.
Education has the power to transform lives, and Kagiso Komane’s story is a testament to this. Despite facing many challenges, Komane overcame them to achieve his Masters of Applied Sciences in Chemistry from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2022, thanks to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s bursary program.
On 22 June, the Department of Tourism, in conjunction with the Department of Small Business Development and the Free State Department of Economic Development, Small Business, Tourism and Environment Affairs (DESTEA), organized a community engagement event in Botshabelo, Mangaung. The aim was to provide the youth of Botshabelo with opportunities to upskill and empower themselves in the tourism sector.
Small businesses are struggling to survive, but the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism provides vital assistance to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The latest iteration of the department’s SMME Booster Fund demonstrates the commitment of the Western Cape government to support the growth and development of SMMEs.
The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is closely monitoring the water situation in the Western Cape following heavy rainfall, which has boosted dam levels in the province. The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS), which consists of the six largest dams in the area, has reached an impressive 90% capacity, the highest level since June 2014. The Theewaterskloof dam, for example, currently has a water level of 96%, a significant increase from last year’s 76.67%.
In the past few days, Western Cape has been dealing with the aftermath of severe flooding caused by a series of cold fronts that hit numerous regions between June 14 and 19. The Cape Winelands and West Coast areas suffered the most significant damage. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has been leading a coordinated effort to manage the disaster and provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
In the world of football, finding a prolific goal scorer is a top priority for clubs like Orlando Pirates. While the team is actively scouting for strikers, they may already have a hidden gem within their ranks Zakhele Lepasa. His journey, marked by moments of brilliance and setbacks, showcases a young player eager to prove his worth in the beautiful game.
The COVID19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the reading literacy levels of learners in South Africa. In a recent media briefing, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga addressed the issue after the release of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). The results of this study placed South African learners at the bottom of 50 participating countries in terms of reading ability.
The City of Cape Town has set out an ambitious energy strategy plan to combat its energy challenges and promote a sustainable and inclusive future. The plan aims to eliminate load shedding and ensure electricity access for all residents. ## Three Core Objectives
As we celebrate Youth Month, we can learn a valuable lesson from the life of South African music icon Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse. His story shows that it is never too late to make positive changes, even if you feel like you’ve wasted your youth. This message is relevant to people of all ages who may regret decisions made in their younger years.
The Department of Employment and Labour in the Western Cape has announced a weeklong series of inspections of employers in the hospitality sector across the Southern Cape. Taking place between the 26th and 30th of June 2023, the primary goal of these inspections is to evaluate the level of compliance with various labour laws, including the National Minimum Wage Act (NMW), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Compensation for Occupational Injuries & Diseases Act (COIDA), and the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA).
Recent weeks of consistent rainfall have led to high water table levels in some cemeteries, posing potential shortterm challenges for their operations. While high water tables are not a new phenomenon, the current adverse weather conditions are exacerbating the situation.
South Africa’s cultural tradition of customary initiation is a significant rite of passage into adulthood that holds great significance within the country’s rich cultural heritage. As it symbolizes an important transition, it is essential to observe the highest levels of respect, care, and legal compliance.
