South Africa has been grappling with an ongoing tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, further exacerbated by the COVID19 pandemic. The country has one of the highest TB burdens globally, including drugresistant and HIVassociated TB. ## The Impact of COVID19 on TB Control
The 11th SA AIDS Conference is set to take place from 2023 June 2023, bringing together esteemed stakeholders and health professionals to assess South Africa’s response to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The event presents a unique opportunity for experts to discuss emerging priorities and strategies in eliminating the public health threat posed by HIV.
In a rare and significant event, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently welcomed two Heads of Government in a joint working visit. The esteemed guests, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark and Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, were received at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria. This historic meeting signifies the growing ties between South Africa, Denmark, and the Netherlands, fostering cooperation in various sectors.
Since May 23, 2023, the town of Hammanskraal in South Africa has been dealing with a tragic cholera outbreak that has claimed the lives of 23 residents. Investigations are underway to identify the source of the outbreak, but initial speculation points to poor water quality as the primary cause. The situation in Hammanskraal shines a light on the broader issue of water management in South Africa.
The Upper Kenilworth Improvement District (UKID) and Pinelands City Improvement District (PLICD) have recently received approval to operate in their respective areas after months of seeking support. These nonprofit organizations aim to enhance neighborhood safety, cleanliness, and social development by collecting fees from property owners through the City’s rates billing system.
As the 2023 winter season progresses, South Africa’s agricultural sector is experiencing a mix of thriving crops and livestock in most areas. However, some regions, including the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape, continue to experience dry conditions. Despite this, most provinces’ significant dam levels remain high, thanks to the country’s dynamic weather patterns and diligent resource conservation efforts.
The recent flooding in Cape Town has resulted in various challenges for learners, families, and communities. The disaster has not only left learners unable to attend school but has also caused financial and emotional strain on affected communities. This article highlights the difficulties faced by learners and residents in informal settlements such as Vygieskraal, Philippi, Strand, Gugulethu, Mfuleni, Masiphumelele, Kraaifontein, and Khayelitsha.
On June 19, 2023, the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, welcomed the French Minister, Ms. Catherine Colonna, for a Working Visit with the aim of strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The visit provided a platform for both Ministers to engage in profound discussions on topics of mutual interest, covering regional and international matters.
In the North West Province, municipalities face significant capacity challenges in local governance. To address this issue, MEC Nono Maloyi, the head of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, has partnered with North West University to deploy 100 skilled graduates from various disciplines. The collaboration aims to revitalize municipal operations and performance, enabling municipalities to handle the intricate challenges of urban planning, environmental management, and public administration more effectively.
On June 20, 2023, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety will host a meeting with the political and administrative leaders of Metro Police Departments from different metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng. The gathering will provide an opportunity for these authorities to report on their crime prevention efforts and enforcement of municipal bylaws within their respective areas.
The High Density Operation Shanela in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, has made a significant breakthrough in its effort to improve safety and order. In a massive crackdown, a total of 69 suspects were apprehended across the province’s three districts, addressing various offenses.
Mina Guli, a global leader, entrepreneur, and adventurer, has made significant strides in raising awareness about water conservation. Her passion for solving the water crisis began when she witnessed the devastating effects of water overconsumption on the banks of the Orange River in the Richtersveld. Since then, she has devoted her life to finding solutions to this pressing issue.
In April 2023, South African Crime Intelligence agents trailed Thabo Bester, a notorious criminal, to Tanzania, where he was apprehended along with Dr. Nandipha Magudumana and a Mozambican accomplice. The trio was reportedly en route to Kenya at the time of their arrest.
The story of Tete Dijana is an inspiring account of sheer determination and relentless pursuit of personal growth. Dijana, a twotime winner of the Comrades Marathon, has overcome numerous obstacles to achieve his goals. ### From Humble Beginnings to Victory
Pitso Mosimane, a wellknown figure in South African football, has taken a significant step in developing the country’s next football generation by launching the Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools (PMSS) in collaboration with Curro. The objective is to create an environment that fosters young talents’ growth and development.
The City of Cape Town’s Economic Growth Directorate recently hosted the Informal Trading Economy and Expo at the City Hall. The event attracted over 400 traders and aimed to support the informal economy, an essential sector responsible for creating jobs and supporting livelihoods.
