South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks, are gearing up for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship with the return of three crucial players from injury. Flyhalf Damian Willemse has been cleared to play in the championship, while lock Eben Etzebeth and scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse are expected to return as they recuperate from shoulder injuries. However, the team’s regular flyhalf, Handre Pollard, will not be able to participate due to a delay in his recovery from a calf injury.
Northern Cape Province in South Africa is an area with vast untapped potential in the fields of mining and energy. In a recent Northern Cape Mining and Energy Investment Conference, Mr. Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, highlighted the opportunities and challenges faced by the province.
The bustling city streets can be a hazardous place, especially for its youngest inhabitants. The PartTime Traffic Attendants (PTAs) make up the Road Safety Education Unit of the Traffic Service and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of thousands of children as they navigate their way to and from school.
On June 30, 2023, Eastern Cape MEC Nonkqubela Pieters of the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) unveiled a new R1.1 million shearing shed for farmers in Bell village, Ngqushwa. The project aims to promote youth participation in the wool industry and support local farmers.
On July 2, 2023, Minister of Electricity Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will be providing an update on the progress made in the implementation of the Energy Action Plan. Members of the media are invited to attend the briefing, which will take place at the GCIS Auditorium in Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria, and will also be streamed live on the GovernmentZA YouTube channel.
On June 29, 2023, the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) held its 8th Summit in Mandvulo, Eswatini. The summit brought together the Heads of State or Government of SACU member countries, including Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Botswana. ### Welcoming the Executive Secretary and Addressing Global Developments
Diepsloot, a township in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been experiencing a surge in public unrest as of late. On Thursday, June 29th, 2023, local police arrested three individuals suspected of involvement in the violent protests. The police used rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, which had gathered to voice their grievances. The situation remains under close observation by the authorities, with the possibility of further tensions.
South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr. Ronald Lamola, has recently announced a series of proposed reforms to the existing whistleblowing legal framework. These recommendations, open for public comment, were based on an extensive research process and comparative analysis of different global whistleblower systems, including those of the US, UK, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Uganda, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana.
The Western Cape Province has experienced a significant increase in the number of visitors to its various attractions, with a 54% growth recorded compared to the previous year. This surge has been due to domestic and international tourists who are eager to explore the region’s rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. As a result, Wesgro, the Western Cape Government’s official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency, has compiled a monthly tourism report highlighting the province’s achievement in attracting visitors.
In today’s world, where the effects of climate change threaten humanity’s survival, it is crucial to have leaders who prioritize environmental management and strive to build resilience against the consequences of global warming. One such leader is Ms. Barbara Creecy, the South African Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. Her recent speech at the Annual Garden Route Environmental Management and Climate Change Indaba 2023 highlighted the importance of localized efforts to combat climate change and adapt our societies to its effects.
On June 29, 2023, the Durban International Convention Centre hosted the 8th annual Green Youth Indaba. Among the attendees was Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and The Environment, Barbara Creecy, who delivered a speech on the importance of sustainable development and the role of youth in addressing environmental issues.
In a landmark decision, Judge Johannes Daffue of the Special Tribunal has ruled that three former Western Cape municipal officials must jointly pay back R400,027.50 for their involvement in an irregular Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tender. This case highlights the devastating impact of corruption and maladministration in public procurement during the Covid19 pandemic.
At the 8th Summit of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) held in Ezulwini, Eswatini on June 29, 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to Union leaders about the challenges facing the global economy and the importance of collaboration and cooperation within SACU.
The KwaZuluNatal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs recently released a preliminary report on the damages caused by severe weather conditions in Durban Metro and Ugu District Municipality. The report revealed that heavy rains and strong winds caused significant harm to roads, electricity, sewer systems, and housing.
Inanda, a town located northwest of Durban, was recently struck by a devastating tornado. In response to this disaster, the government has pledged assistance to help rebuild the homes affected by the tornado. ### Government Inspection and Assistance Plan
South Africa and Germany have signed a declaration of intent to establish the South African German Hydrogen Task Force. This joint task force aims to explore and develop the green hydrogen market, which has emerged as a promising new frontier in the realm of clean energy. Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck have committed their respective nations to collaborate in tapping into the immense potential of the green hydrogen economy.
