Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, delivered the 2023/2024 budget vote in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), highlighting various initiatives and programs aimed at addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. ### Waste Management Improvements
On 5 June 2023, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr. Ronald Lamola, met with his counterpart, H.E. Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Justice of the United Arab Emirates. The meeting aimed to enhance mutual legal assistance and extradition matters between the two countries.
South Africa has been battling a cholera outbreak that has affected various parts of the country. However, there has been significant progress made by the Department of Health along with different stakeholders in containing the disease’s spread and saving lives. Here is an update on the response to the cholera outbreak in South Africa.
The City of Cape Town has dedicated over R1.2 billion to the repairs and maintenance of its public housing rental stock for the next three years. This investment aims to create safer and more dignified living spaces for its residents. One of the significant projects is the R12.7 million public housing staircase upgrade project, which targets the replacement of 32 rental stock staircases. The project is ongoing and expected to span across several financial years.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) AntiKidnapping Task Team has demonstrated their swift and efficient work by rescuing a fourmonthold baby boy who was abducted from his home in Dobsonville, Soweto. The infant was reunited with his family within 24 hours of his kidnapping, unharmed and in good health.
The South African Government and the nation’s organized business sector have embarked on a joint partnership initiative to promote inclusive economic growth and job creation in the country. The partnership aims to address the key challenges and capitalize on South Africa’s untapped potential.
On June 9, 2023, Minister Senzo Mchunu, accompanied by his deputies Ms. Judith Tshabalala and Mr. David Mahlobo, visited Lekwa Local Municipality to evaluate the progress of intervention projects dedicated to addressing water and sanitation challenges. The purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of last year’s allocation of R350 million to the municipality and to engage with community members to ensure transparency and accountability.
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms. Makhotso Sotyu, is set to address service delivery issues in the Buffelsnek Forestry Village on June 9th, 2023, in Knysna. The objective is to discuss solutions to challenges faced by the village and other forestry villages located in different municipal areas.
As Youth Month kicks off in South Africa, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is calling on the younger generation to prioritize safety on the nation’s roads. With road accidents and injuries posing a significant public health challenge, the RTMC seeks to involve young people in finding innovative solutions to improve road safety.
Deputy Minister Hendrietta BogopaneZulu recently highlighted the Department of Social Development’s role beyond the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants during her National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Social Development budget vote debate. The department has accomplished various initiatives across different sectors in the past five years.
In the last 15 years, the Metro Police Safety and Security Training Academy has emerged as a critical institution in the security and safety training field. The academy’s evergrowing range of training programs has demonstrated its flexibility and ability to adapt to the changing needs of the Safety and Security Directorate. Through significant investments in resources and training content, the Academy has made great strides since its inception in 2008.
The Urban Mobility Directorate of the City of Cape Town has released plans to enhance road safety and accessibility in the area of Gugulethu. The proposed development aims to satisfy the needs of various road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, and school children. The City is seeking input from local residents and stakeholders to ensure that the infrastructure improvements meet the community’s needs.
The City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has introduced a proposal to construct universally accessible walking and cycle lanes in Heideveld. The initiative aims to create a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, people with prams, and school children. To ensure that the implemented improvements cater to the community’s specific needs, the Directorate encourages Heideveld residents and affected parties to provide their feedback.
During a recent meeting, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, and the Chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) discussed the formation of a collaborative task team focused on research and development. ### The Role of Municipal Demarcation Board in Government
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a significant development in Africa’s economic integration journey. Its primary objective is to create a unified market for goods and services to stimulate trade and sustainable, inclusive growth across the continent. As part of an ongoing awareness workshop series, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (dtic) is hosting events around South Africa to educate stakeholders about the AfCFTA’s benefits and opportunities.
The South African Minister of Home Affairs has issued a new directive, extending the validity of exemption permits for Zimbabwean nationals by an additional six months, ending on 31 December 2023. This decision comes after extensive consideration of various factors, including increased numbers of visa and waiver applications and submissions from affected parties.
