South Africans may have to brace themselves for more severe power outages as Eskom, the country’s energy provider, considers implementing loadshedding measures beyond stage 8 to prevent the national grid’s collapse. ## The Crucial Document
South Africa is facing a significant literacy crisis, with nearly 80% of Grade 4 students struggling to read for meaning despite the efforts of the Department of Basic Education’s National Reading Plan. In the town of Makhanda, where educational inequalities are prevalent, teachers are grappling with overcrowded classrooms and limited support in nofee schools.
Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala recently reaffirmed the South African government’s commitment to ensuring equitable water supply and dignified sanitation for all citizens. Their statements align with the country’s constitution and Minister Senzo Mchunu’s proposed budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Cape Town, South Africa, is home to a network of wildlife sanctuaries that contribute significantly to the conservation of diverse species. Each of these sanctuaries plays a vital role in preserving, rehabilitating, and promoting environmental education. Here, we take a closer look at these incredible spots and the work they do.
Pieter Swart’s taxidermy workshop in South Africa is a bustling hub where workers meticulously preserve the hunting trophies of international visitors. However, a new British law has him worried about the future of his craft. ## The Ban on Hunting Trophies
Amidst the growing prevalence of violent conflicts globally, the African Heads of State have taken a commendable initiative by facilitating peace talks aimed at resolving the RussiaUkraine conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa presented this mission to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during separate phone calls.
In recent years, the Mzunduzi Township in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, has been the site of several gruesome attacks, including a massacre that occurred last month. These attacks are believed to be related to gang violence in the area. ### Details of the Attack
South Africa has been committed to promoting equity in the workplace for more than two decades. The government’s efforts aim to foster equal opportunities and fair treatment for all. The Employment Equity (EE) Act plays a crucial role in this endeavor, as it works to eliminate unfair discrimination and promote affirmative action measures. The ultimate goal is to address historical imbalances and facilitate the equitable representation of designated groups, such as Black people, women, and persons with disabilities, at all levels of the workforce.
The Western Cape local government has launched a R1.2 billion educational initiative called #BackOnTrack to tackle the learning crisis, which COVID19 has worsened. According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED)’s 2022 systemic test results, more than half of the learners in Grades 3, 6, and 9 in the region are unable to achieve basic pass scores in mathematics and reading.
Cape Town, known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, demonstrated its dedication to environmental conservation by achieving second place in the global City Nature Challenge held from April 28 to May 1, 2023. The competition, which involved 482 cities worldwide, aimed to inspire urban residents to explore their local nature reserves and document the diverse flora and fauna they encountered.
A group of young football players from the University of Florida has partnered with Rise Above Development’s (RAD) Youth Centre in Lavender Hill, South Africa. The goal of the collaboration is to create a selfsustaining vegetable garden that benefits the local children and fosters a sense of global unity and understanding.
Infrastructure development is a critical aspect of economic growth, creating job opportunities and paving the way for increased economic opportunities and an improved quality of life. In this regard, two significant infrastructure projects in George, South Africa, are set to revolutionize life for local residents: the Gwaing Road upgrade and the Metro Grounds housing project.
On January 27, 2023, the Electoral Commission marked a significant milestone with the implementation of the Political Party Funding Act. This Act requires political parties to disclose their sources of funding and sets out the framework for public funding of political parties. The Commission tabled a report on political party funding in the National Assembly, which included the AuditorGeneral’s statement. The report pertained to the financial year 20212022.
On May 16, 2023, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, presented an ambitious budget of R40.291 billion for the 2023/24 fiscal year in the National Assembly. The department’s primary objective is to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the water sector, while addressing the existing challenges and shortcomings and providing reliable services to communities.
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has scheduled a comprehensive planned maintenance work for the water supply infrastructure in several areas, including Bellville CBD, Triangle Farm, Bellville South, Labiance, Greenlands, Glenhaven, and Stikland. This article provides information on the scope of the maintenance work, its purpose, and how residents can prepare for it.
The Minister of Finance Enoch Gondongwana presented the National Treasury of South Africa’s Budget Vote for the 2023/24 financial year, highlighting the government’s efforts to foster higher and more inclusive economic growth, address fiscal vulnerability, and stabilize public finances. The total allocated budget for the National Treasury amounts to R34.9 billion, with 85% allocated to transfers and subsidies.