Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) achieved a significant milestone in April 2023 as the airport’s share of overseas tourists reached full recovery compared to its prepandemic levels in April 2019. During the month, CTIA recorded a total of 67,747 tourist arrivals via air, with 87% coming from overseas markets and the remaining 13% from the African continent, according to the monthly tourism report from Wesgro, the Western Cape Government’s trade, investment, and tourism promotion agency.
The Western Cape province in South Africa is committed to a sustainable future, and it is making significant strides towards achieving this goal. One of the ways the province is supporting the use of renewable energy sources is through tax incentives, as highlighted by the Director of Personal Income Tax at the National Treasury, Marle Van Niekerk, during Premier Alan Winde’s 13th Energy Digicon.
On June 2nd, Cape Town Mayor Geordin HillLewis was honored during a ceremony held in Saldanha for receiving the city’s clean audit award for the 202122 financial year from the Auditor General (AG). This award recognizes the city’s unwavering commitment to transparency, integrity, and excellence in governance. It also demonstrates Cape Town’s focus on improving the lives of its citizens by ensuring public funds are used efficiently and effectively.
Mayor Geordin HillLewis of Cape Town has recently ignited enthusiasm among the city’s residents by involving them in the naming of the new antilitter mascot. After receiving hundreds of creative suggestions, a shortlist of five names was prepared by the city officials.
Over 200 South African firefighters will join Canadian firefighters to combat the wildfires that have been devastating the province of Alberta. The Working on Fire program initiated by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment facilitated this remarkable international collaboration. This marks the fifth deployment of South African firefighters to Canada.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, has recently expressed her support and appreciation for the 2021/22 audit reports released by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) on 31 May 2023. The audit reports provide valuable insights into the performance of individual municipalities across the country under the theme of “A culture of accountability will improve service delivery.”
Despite the current economic climate, the City has managed to maintain an impressive 97% payment ratio among its residents. This is a testament to the City’s financial resilience and its commitment to providing essential services to its citizens. ### Gratitude and Support
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms. Judith Tshabalala, and a team of bikers from the South African Female Riders Forum have joined forces to donate water to the people of Hammanskraal. The aim of the donation is to mitigate the effects of the cholera outbreak in the region, showcasing the power of community and government working together to alleviate public health crises.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to establish South Africa’s inaugural Youth Violence Prevention Centre. The project, led by student and community activist Zukile Ntentema, aims to tackle crime effectively and foster safer environments in Cape Town by devising targeted prevention strategies focused on the younger generation.
The Health Ombud in South Africa, Professor Malegapuru W. Makgoba, has completed his nonrenewable sevenyear term on May 31st, 2023. The Health Ombud’s role is to promote and protect health and safety for healthcare service users. The office investigates and resolves complaints about noncompliance with prescribed norms and standards within the national health system.
On June 1st, 2023, the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations gathered in Cape Town, South Africa to discuss a range of political, economic, and social issues. The theme of the meeting was “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.” The ministers emphasized the importance of solidarity, openness, and consensus in shaping global policies.
As the winter season arrives, cities around the world need to prepare for several challenges, including treerelated emergencies. Such issues can cause severe damage to infrastructure, properties, and even pose a threat to human lives. To ensure public safety during such emergencies, the Recreation and Parks Department of the City has created teams of experts equipped to handle any treerelated problems that may arise during the cold season.
Cape Town has long been known for its diverse and talented individuals in the artistic scene, with musicians, actors, designers, and models alike calling the city home. One such shining star is LisaMarie Jaftha, an internationally acclaimed model who has gained global recognition in the last decade.
In recent years, the tension between ehailing operators and minibus taxi drivers has been on the rise in South Africa. This has resulted in various incidents of violent confrontations and attacks on drivers and passengers, raising concerns about the safety and security of public transport in the region.
As National Environmental Month begins in South Africa, Cape Town assumes a leadership role in sustainable development and environmental initiatives. With its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Cape Town is an exemplar of a city that prioritizes ecological preservation. In this article, we explore the key sustainability initiatives that position Cape Town as a beacon of environmental consciousness.
In preparation for the departure of influential captain Steven Kitshoff, the Stormers have signed two loosehead props to fill the void. Lizo Gqoboka and Sti Sithole have been brought in to strengthen the team’s front row options as they move into the postKitshoff era.
