The informal sector comprises a significant portion of the workforce in BRICS countries, with 62% of workers employed in this sector. However, the lack of formal training and education creates a skills gap and results in low productivity and work deficits. To promote decent work and reduce poverty, it is crucial to address this skills gap and incentivize a transition to formality.
As South Africa marks 29 years since the inauguration of Nelson Mandela, the nation has made great strides in building a more inclusive and equitable society. One essential element in this journey is the role of the National Statistical System (NSS) in driving development planning and monitoring.
Mpumalanga Province, located in the northeastern part of South Africa, has experienced a surge in rainfall that has resulted in a significant increase in water levels in various dams and catchment areas. As of the weekly state of reservoirs report dated 08 May 2023, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has released data indicating that the average dam levels in the province have risen from 98.5% to 98.8%. Although this is a welcome development, residents are still encouraged to conserve water due to the country’s overall water scarcity.
South Africa recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform the country’s education system and support the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The country has made considerable progress in using AI to improve communication between students, educators, researchers, and institutions. However, some stakeholders are defensive about AI, while others embrace its potential.
Recently, Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie embarked on a journey from Cape Town to Bellville to assess the state of the city and province’s railway system. Their goal was to witness firsthand the challenges and progress of the train service and understand the concerns and needs of daily commuters.
The Electoral Commission has announced the voter registration weekend for the upcoming municipal ward byelections in Gauteng, KwaZuluNatal, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape provinces. The byelections will be held on 28 June 2023, and it is crucial for eligible voters to register, check their details, and update their addresses if necessary.
At the second Employment Working Group (EWG) held in Port Alfred, South Africa, BRICS countries were encouraged to increase trade amongst themselves to promote economic growth within the bloc. ## Highlighting the Discrepancy in Trade
After a period of uncertainty, the construction project for the road between Molelema and Matsheng in Taung is finally set to resume. This project brings new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region. ## Resolution of the Conflict
The uMkhanyakude District has been facing ongoing water challenges, prompting Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu to embark on a twoday visit to KwaHlabisa and Mtubatuba municipalities in KwaZuluNatal on May 11 and 12, 2023. The purpose of the visit is to provide comprehensive oversight of the refurbishment and upgrading of water supply schemes following the invocation of Section 63 of the Water Services Act, 108 of 1997, in February last year.
Today, on World Facilities Management Day, we recognize the professionals who work tirelessly to maintain the health, safety, and productivity of an organization’s facilities. In Cape Town, the ongoing energy crisis has presented numerous challenges for the City’s Facilities Management Department. However, the department has implemented various strategies to ensure the continuity of services for both staff and the public.
On May 13th, the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme Hendrietta BogopaneZulu, in collaboration with USAID, will launch ChommY. This pioneering program aims to empower children aged between 10 and 14 years from Ekurhuleni hostels. The initiative will be launched at the Vosloorus Civic Centre under the theme “Invest in my Future…Protect me Today.”
The Western Cape Government is bracing itself for a challenging winter season, made worse by cold weather and extended load shedding. During a Disaster Management Centre briefing, Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, emphasized the importance of readiness in the face of these challenges.
Cape Town’s Mayor Geordin HillLewis has announced a heartwarming initiative to aid the city’s homeless population during the winter months. As part of the annual Winter Readiness campaign, the City will collaborate with nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to add an additional 300 beds to homeless shelters.
On a sunny afternoon in Sea Point, South Africa, Toby Finneran, a 31yearold triathlete and avid surfer from Farnham in Surrey, quickly transformed into a hero. While strolling along the Sea Point Promenade, Finneran noticed two distressed boys on the beach, pointing towards the ocean.
The recent capture of Odis Maluleke on May 6, 2023, is a significant development in the ongoing struggle against rhino poaching in South Africa. Maluleke is one of Mpumalanga’s most wanted rhino poaching suspects. His capture marks a testament to the persistence of law enforcement and conservation organizations in their efforts to conserve rhino populations and bring notorious criminals to justice.
On the 6th of May 2023, Linda Thompson, a resident of Cape Town, joined an elite group of twelve swimmers who have successfully swum the 33km stretch from Rooi Els to Miller’s Point across False Bay without a wetsuit. The swim is notoriously challenging due to its unpredictable weather and strong currents, and only a few seasoned openwater swimmers have managed to complete it.
