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.
A brief pause in the succession of cold fronts that have hit the Western Cape provided an opportunity for humanitarian assistance to reach those affected by widespread flooding. Over the weekend, the provincial government, communitybased organizations, and NGOs united to help those most in need.
Thabo Mkhabela, known for his role as Leshole Mabitsela in the popular South African soapie, Skeem Saam, has made a name for himself not only onscreen but also behind the scenes as the show’s casting director. Mkhabela’s journey from an actor to a casting director is a testament to his versatility, dedication, and passion for the entertainment industry.
The Western Cape police have launched a highdensity operation called “Operation Shanela” in their battle against crime. From June 12 to June 18, 2023, this initiative has resulted in the arrest of 2,011 suspects and has made significant inroads against crime in the affected areas of the Western Cape.
In Cape Town, during a season of heavy rain, citizens are encouraged to report water and sanitationrelated issues, such as sewer overflows, by using the city’s official reporting channels. The convenience and ease of WhatsApp make it a suitable platform for residents to assist the Water and Sanitation Directorate in preserving and improving the system.
The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has announced that they will be hosting a twoday Provincial Summit on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) on June 22 and 23, 2023. The goal of this gathering, which will take place a few months before the start of Phase 5 of the Programme, is to encourage collaborations and partnerships for successful implementation.