A major breakthrough was achieved when an illegal gold refinery was uncovered in Zuurbekom, Westonaria, South Africa on May 16, 2023. The operation was intelligencedriven and meticulously planned, leading to the arrest of a 22yearold foreign national suspect. ### Integrated Team Effort
Minister Mondli Gungubele, growing up in eNgcobo, the Eastern Cape, could not have imagined that one day villagers would be able to watch a live budget vote debate from the comfort of their homes. Thanks to technological advancements in communications and digital technologies, South Africans can now access information and stay connected, irrespective of their location. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) is dedicated to promoting growth in the digital sector while ensuring universal access to reliable, affordable, and highspeed connectivity. This article explores the latest efforts by the South African government to accelerate universal connectivity and promote digital literacy towards building an inclusive digital economy.
Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Philly Mapulane, recently outlined his vision for South Africa’s digital future in a budget vote speech. His focus was on accelerating universal connectivity and expanding digital skills to foster an inclusive digital economy.
The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and the Mossel Bay Municipality have teamed up to assist 13 families from Wolwedans, Great Brak River, in Mossel Bay. The families were forced to leave their homes due to the risk of landslides, which led to geotechnical studies by the department.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has recently completed the complex task of repairing a collapsed 30meter long bulk sewer main pipeline located on Prince George Drive, Retreat. The repair process, which began in March, was challenging but successful, and it is now time to focus on reinstating the road for public use.
The Central Line relocation process has become a source of controversy recently due to misinformation from the new Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga. During her speech in the National Assembly on May 16th, 2023, she wrongly claimed that the City of Cape Town is responsible for the project. Her statement led to confusion and raised concerns among the public.
Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE) is committed to creating job opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) by developing partnerships with various economic stakeholders to facilitate their transition from education to the labor market. Vocational training is emphasized by SEE to broaden future opportunities for PwDs who are not academically inclined.
Cape Town is making strides towards becoming Africa’s premier business destination, with a substantial decrease in unemployment. The city’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, credits this achievement to maintaining the lowest unemployment rate across the metros. However, there is still work to be done to drive further economic growth, alleviate poverty, and create additional job opportunities.
Karl Bremer Hospital in Cape Town has achieved a significant milestone by receiving the gold status in the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) Angels Awards for 2023. This recognition makes it the first hospital in the province to receive such an honor for its remarkable contributions to stroke care.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced an Africanled peace initiative to help resolve the ongoing RussiaUkraine conflict. This initiative highlights the growing role of African nations in global diplomacy. The collective effort comprises representatives from several countries, which includes Zambia, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Egypt, and South Africa. The African leaders intend to send a delegation to Moscow and Kyiv to present their proposal, with an aim to put an end to the devastating war.
On May 17, 2023, the Redhill informal settlement celebrated a momentous occasion with the City’s Dido Valley housing development. The beneficiaries, along with local dignitaries, received the first keys to their new homes. The project has a budget of R170 million and includes 600 housing opportunities. Five hundred of these homes are subsidized Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses reserved for Redhill beneficiaries, while the remaining 100 homes are designated for Luyolo land claimants.
Illegal dumping in Cape Town is causing major problems for the city’s annual Winter Preparation Programme. This initiative aims to address flood risk management and ensure that the city is clean and safe during the winter season. However, illegal dumping continues to undermine these efforts, making it difficult for the Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) Department teams to carry out essential cleanup operations in areas such as Newlands, Imizamo Yethu, and Masiphumelele.
On May 19, 2023, Minister in the Presidency, Ms. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will present the budget policy statement for the State Security Agency (SSA) to the National Assembly of Parliament in Committee Room S12A. This event will showcase the progress made by the SSA in the previous financial year and outline its targets for the 2023/24 financial year.
The Department of Employment and Labour pays tribute to Dr. Dennis George, an influential leader in the labour movement, political activism, and business leadership, who has left a lasting impact on South African society. Despite his untimely passing, his legacy and numerous contributions to the labour market policies will be remembered and continue to influence the nation for years to come.
On May 17th, World Hypertension Day and during May 15th to 21st, Salt Awareness Week, the Department of Health along with its stakeholders come together to address the concerning issue of hypertension or high blood pressure and the harmful practice of excessive salt consumption. Hypertension has been dubbed the “silent killer” due to the lack of symptoms in most cases, making regular health screenings vital.
The Western Cape Government has made significant strides in reducing bureaucratic red tape, resulting in a notable impact on the province’s economy. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Red Tape Reduction Unit (RTRU) has been instrumental in implementing these initiatives, providing businesses with considerable financial savings and improving the ease of doing business.
