South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently celebrated 30 years of diplomatic ties between their nations during Prime Minister Lee’s initial official visit to South Africa. This visit marked an opportunity for both leaders to discuss crucial areas of mutual interest while exploring ways to strengthen their bilateral cooperation and partnership.
The impact of the Covid19 pandemic on education has been devastating, as evidenced by the recently released Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 results. South Africa experienced a 32point drop in its average PIRLS score, a concerning trend that demands swift action to address.
Cape Town’s Mayor, Geordin HillLewis, has announced that the city’s unemployment rate has dropped by four percentage points yearonyear, boasting the lowest unemployment rate among South Africa’s metros. Despite the progress, the Mayor acknowledged that much work remains in fostering further economic growth and alleviating poverty through job creation.
Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, recently delivered the 2023/24 Budget Vote speech, outlining the key goals and initiatives for South Africa’s mining and energy industries. ### Transformation, Empowerment, and Sustainable Growth
The South African government has expressed optimism regarding the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey results, despite a rise in unemployment. The increase in the number of employed individuals is a significant development that offers hope for the country’s economic growth and recovery.
In the midst of South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis, the city of Cape Town is leading the way in efforts to combat loadshedding and create a more sustainable future for its citizens. At a recent SmallScale Embedded Generation (SSEG) event, Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, outlined the city’s ambitious plans.
Minister Noxolo Kiviet gave a speech during the 2023/24 Budget Vote for the National School of Government, Department of Public Service and Administration, and Public Service Commission, highlighting the theme, “Taking care of public servants to care for South Africans.” The speech emphasized the importance of public servants in improving the quality of life for all South Africans.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has achieved a significant victory with the declaration of the land reform lease agreement with Cultiver Investments as irregular and unlawful by the Special Tribunal. This agreement was ordered by the former Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Ms. Maite NkoanaMashabane, who directed the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform to finalize the lease for a chicken farm in Limpopo Province.
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.