On May 31, 2023, the Cape Town City Council passed the ‘Building Hope’ Budget designed for the 2023/24 fiscal year. The budget team received commendations from Mayor Geordin HillLewis for striking an ideal balance between forward planning, addressing the city’s vulnerable residents’ immediate needs, and acknowledging ratepayers’ rising pressures.
On May 30th, 2023, the City of Cape Town revealed its largestever budget, aimed at addressing infrastructure and social needs while offering hope to residents facing increasing pressures. This ambitious plan, drafted after extensive consultation with stakeholders, marks a significant milestone for the city’s development.
This week, North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape will deliver the 2023/24 Budget Vote and Policy Speech for the Office of the Premier to the North West Provincial Legislature. The event will showcase the progress made by the Office of the Premier and outline plans to address challenges affecting the delivery of services at both provincial and local government levels.
The Department of Human Settlements in North West, South Africa, is set to change the landscape of human settlements in the region. The department has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with six alternative building technology (ABT) companies. The introduction of ABT is expected to help address the housing backlog and blocked projects in the region.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation has taken a crucial step in ensuring the smooth functioning of the upcoming BRICS conferences in South Africa. In a notice published on May 29, 2023, the government gazette outlined the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges that will be conferred for the duration of these conferences.
Access to justice is a fundamental right for all citizens, and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development in South Africa is committed to ensuring that this right is upheld. As the current administration enters its final year, the Department has identified several key areas to focus on to improve access to justice for all citizens.
Cholera is a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in regions with poor water and sanitation infrastructure. The acute diarrheal illness is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium and can be lifethreatening if not treated promptly. ### Minister Joe Phaahla Provides Updates on Cholera Outbreak
Minister Ronald Lamola of Justice and Correctional Services in South Africa recently announced the department’s budget for the 2023/24 fiscal year. The budget allocation of R23.2 billion is aimed at protecting the Constitution, upholding the rule of law, and making justice accessible, fair, speedy, and costeffective.
### Media Accreditation ### Media Accreditation
As the importance of inclusivity in education grows, accommodating children with disabilities in schools is becoming increasingly necessary. To address this issue, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has teamed up with Agape Youth Movement, the Department of Basic Education, and the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities to organize a webinar on Disability and Inclusion in schools.
The passing of Eusebius McKaiser, a prominent broadcaster, writer, and political commentator, on May 30, 2023, has left the communications sector in South Africa in mourning. His loss is deeply felt by those who knew him as a fearless advocate against discrimination, inequality, prejudice, and corruption.
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, along with Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, visited Ladysmith in advance of the Presidential District Development Model (DDM) service delivery outreach programme scheduled for 9th June 2023. The purpose of the visit, which took place on 2nd June, was to evaluate the current state of the district’s water supply and sanitation services.
Lloyd Harris, the only South African player in the men’s singles, displayed incredible determination and perseverance in the 2023 French Open at Roland Garros despite being eliminated in the first round. In this grand sporting event, Harris went up against German 22nd seed Alexander Zverev, who had a flawless record against Harris in their previous four ATP Tour encounters.
The National Department of Health recently clarified the situation regarding two laboratoryconfirmed cases of cholera in South Africa’s North West province. The confirmation was made on May 30, 2023, by the North West Department of Health. However, following discussions with North West health officials, it was revealed that the confirmed cases were reported under the jurisdiction of Gauteng.
The Western Cape province of South Africa has achieved a remarkable feat in crimefighting by reducing the murder rate by 14.1%. The recently released crime statistics for January to March 2023 reveal that there were 872 murders in the 2022/23 financial year in comparison to 1,015 in the previous year. The decrease outperforms the 904 murders recorded in 2020/21.
Cape Town’s bustling city depends on its dedicated workforce to keep vital infrastructures running smoothly. Among these workers are the operational teams of the Water and Sanitation Department, whose relentless efforts ensure that the city’s sewers and drainage systems remain functional. Without these individuals, residents would be subjected to the dire consequences of blocked drains and sewage systems.
