As South Africa approaches the 30th anniversary of its democracy, it is essential to reflect on the various developments made since 1993 and the crucial role played by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in facilitating communication between the government, its citizens, and the international community. In a recent address on the GCIS Budget Vote for 2023/24, Minister in the Presidency Ms. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni provided insights into South Africa’s journey thus far and the evolving role of GCIS in promoting continued progress and resilience.
Minister Gwede Mantashe delivered the Mineral Resources and Energy Department’s comprehensive Budget Vote Speech, outlining the achievements and strategies for South Africa’s mining and energy sectors amidst various global and domestic challenges. ### Focus Areas
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has scheduled a twoday oversight visit to KwaZuluNatal Province on 18 and 19 May 2023. The visit will focus on engaging with stakeholders in various sectors, including education, agriculture, commerce, and industry, to promote collaboration and address key issues faced by communities in these sectors.
Mossel Bay and George, two municipalities in South Africa, are celebrating the graduation of 23 Peace Officers (POs), who will contribute to the fight against crime and enhance safety within their communities. With an additional 17 officers set to graduate in Hessequa in May 2023, this marks a significant milestone in the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP), aimed at reinforcing Municipal Law Enforcement capacity throughout the Western Cape.
South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, has provided insights into the country’s mining and energy sectors. In this article, we discuss the progress, achievements, challenges, and investments within these industries. ### Universal Access to Electricity
South Africa is taking a big step towards enhancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the region. Thanks to the collaboration between Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela, and multinational company Sasol, the University of Mpumalanga will receive a mobile science laboratory on May 17th.
South Africa, a waterscarce country, faces several challenges in providing its citizens with access to clean water and sanitation services. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has recently presented its budget for the financial year 2023/24, outlining its plans to address these issues. This article provides an indepth analysis of the budget speech, examining the key projects, initiatives, and future plans of the DWS.
Cape Town faces significant traffic congestion, which frustrates daily commuters. In response to this challenge, the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has introduced an innovative solution: the Automatic Congestion Information Display (ACID) sign. This system is designed to provide realtime information to commuters travelling towards the southern suburbs of Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek, St James, Noordhoek, and Kommetjie.
The ongoing bail hearing for five of the eight accused in the Thabo Bester case has provided further insight into the elaborate prison escape plot that involved a decoy body, a fake funeral, and bribes. ### The Accused
The South African rand experienced a significant decline last week, reaching a record low against the US dollar. Various factors, including a diplomatic dispute between South Africa and the US, an ongoing electricity crisis, and unfavorable effects on economic growth and public finances, caused this depreciation.
An 11yearold girl in Paarl amazed everyone with her exceptional courage and resilience when she miraculously survived a horrific accident. The incident occurred when a 20ton construction vehicle unexpectedly dropped its load during roadworks and toppled sideways onto a passing car. The accident took place on the Paarl R301 to Franschhoek opposite Boschandmeer Estate.
Mark Montgomery’s passion for wildlife remains unwavering, despite a terrifying crocodile attack he recently experienced while serving as an honorary ranger at the Kruger National Park. He shared his chilling experience in an interview with the Sunday Times, where he emphasized his eagerness to return to the park and continue his work.
Mark Montgomery is a 52yearold South African safari guide with years of experience leading challenging hikes through the Kruger National Park. However, his latest trek proved to be his most harrowing yet when a 12foot Nile crocodile attacked him as he was collecting water for his group’s kettle. Despite the danger and shock of the situation, Montgomery’s experience and training allowed him to fight back and survive.
Cape Town residents have demonstrated their commitment to preserving the city’s natural heritage by achieving second place in the City Nature Challenge. The challenge invited people to document the plant and animal species encountered in their natural open spaces and reserves. Participants used the iNaturalist.com app to upload their findings, with over 52,000 observations and 3,800 species recorded by Cape Town residents.
A horrifying bus crash occurred on Saturday evening on the N2 between Mosselbay and Voorbaai, resulting in six deaths and around 32 injuries. The incident involved a collision between two buses, leaving survivors traumatized and authorities scrambling to investigate the cause of the accident.
The K9 Unit of the Metro Police in Cape Town has been making headlines for its remarkable accomplishments in fighting crime. This highlytrained unit has played a crucial role in numerous arrests and has unearthed a staggering R84 million worth of cocaine in the past 10 months.