The recent cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, a community north of Tshwane, has prompted action from the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, and the Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Cllr Cilliers Brink, to address critical water and sanitation issues in the area.
The City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management team has been working on a significant project to rehabilitate the Fish Hoek beach dunes. The project’s primary objective is to reprofile the dunes and create a profile more characteristic of foredunes, with a broader base and flatter profile that will trap windblown sand. This will safeguard public and private infrastructure near the beach, reducing sand accumulation on buildings, roads, and railway tracks.
Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity, is scheduled to hold a media briefing on June 2, 2023, to update the public on the progress made in implementing the Energy Action Plan. This update is crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability in South Africa’s energy policies and initiatives.
The Importance of Substation Maintenance The Electricity Distribution and Generation Department of the city recently completed essential maintenance work at a substation in Manenberg. This substation plays a vital role in supplying electricity to the Manenberg area and its surroundings. The timely completion of maintenance work ensures that residents continue to receive a safe and reliable electricity supply.
The Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP) has taken a significant step forward with the graduation of 33 newly trained Peace Officers (POs). These officers, consisting of 14 from the Overstrand municipal area and 19 from the Drakenstein municipal area, represent the government’s commitment to reinforcing municipal law enforcement capacity. The training, resourcing, and development of these officers, costing over R 1.8 million, is aimed at enhancing safety and combatting crime in urban and rural communities.
In a recent address, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the National Assembly’s spirited debate on the Presidency Budget Vote. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration in tackling the country’s challenges. Despite the numerous obstacles facing the nation, including an ongoing energy crisis, high inflation, and a devastating pandemic, President Ramaphosa insists on maintaining an optimistic outlook to drive change.
The City of Cape Town has recently approved an extensive budget for the 2023/24 financial year to promote economic growth and improve living conditions. The city has allocated almost R200 million for various programs, including supporting work seekers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and highgrowth sectors. An additional R100 million has also been earmarked for capital works focused on the city’s strategic economic assets and informal trading infrastructure.
The importance of providing safe spaces for children to play was highlighted during a week of commemorative events dedicated to children’s wellbeing. International Children’s Day, Child Protection Week, and World Play Day all fell within the same week, prompting reflection on the need for supporting children’s growth and development.
The North West Department of Health launched a preliminary investigation into the allegations of serious misconduct against hospital management. The investigation at MPH is part of a multiphased approach adopted by the department to resolve the challenges experienced at the hospital. MEC Madoda Sambatha emphasized that the precautionary suspension of two officials was not meant to be punitive but to ensure the investigation could proceed without hindrance. As a result, five members of the MPH management have been temporarily relocated to nearby facilities.
The Tshwane City Centre has been facing various challenges over the years, including urban decay and socioeconomic issues. However, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s Salvokop mixeduse precinct development project aims to revitalize the city’s core and create an integrated, accessible environment for all its residents.
The City of Cape Town has announced that there will be a temporary suspension of online services due to scheduled power outages at the data centers. This has left the citizens of Cape Town with the need to adapt to the situation during the upcoming weekend.
Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, responsible for CoGTA (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs), delivered a speech to the South African Parliament on the Presidency budget vote debate. In her address, she emphasized the importance of increasing the state’s capacity and abilities to speed up the provision of essential services, infrastructure development, and maintenance.
Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, from the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Administration (CoGTA), has revealed a new framework aimed at revitalizing the Community Work Programme (CWP). This initiative aims to tackle the challenges faced by the programme and transform it into a more sustainable and impactful project for the benefit of South Africa’s most impoverished communities.
On May 30, 2023, the Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Judith Tshabalala, conducted a visit to Rustenburg Local Municipality in North West Province. The purpose of the visit was to assess the water and sanitation challenges that the municipality is facing and propose possible solutions.
The ISTAfrica Conference, organized by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in South Africa, brought together public and private stakeholders to explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in addressing global challenges. Dr. Blade Nzimande, the South African Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation to provide innovative solutions for issues like climate change, food security, health, and energy.
In recent years, the use of motorized equipment in recreational angling has become increasingly common, with drones and remotecontrolled boats being popular choices for fishermen looking to enhance their experience. While many have embraced this innovation, others have raised concerns about the impact it may have on marine life and the environment.