On May 26th, 2023, the Lufhereng Social Housing Project was launched in South Africa’s Gauteng Province, with the aim of achieving a significant milestone towards integrated communities in Soweto. The project was inaugurated by the Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, the Gauteng MEC of Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development, and the City of Johannesburg MMC for Housing, Cllr Anthea Leitch.
In a significant milestone for community safety and policing services, the South African government has officially opened the Chatty police station in the Eastern Cape. The station, one of 13 new establishments to be handed over during this financial year, aims to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement to address the needs of communities and bring police resources closer to the people.
The South African Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition has recently announced Energy Users and Energy Suppliers Block Exemptions to encourage collaboration among companies and institutions in the energy sector. These exemptions allow for joint investment in shared energy infrastructure, joint financing and risksharing, and collaborative training and skills development programs. This move aims to address the nation’s electricity supply constraints and improve the efficiency of energy use.
South Africa’s Deputy Minister Candith MashegoDlamini participated in the 12th South AfricaChina Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, cochaired by Vice Minister Deng Li. This momentous gathering signifies the strong bond of friendship shared between the two nations at both partytoparty and state levels.
On May 26th, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr. Gwede Mantashe, inaugurated the Freedom Park Clinic and an Early Childhood Development Centre in Rustenburg. The facilities were officially handed over to the Departments of Health and Education in the North West Province to improve the quality of life in mining and labour sending communities.
The Role of Market Inquiries in Maintaining Fair Competition Market inquiries play a crucial role in ensuring a fair and balanced economic environment within trade, industry, and competition. These inquiries are conducted by the Competition Commission to assess competition levels for specific goods or services, and to determine the overall state of competition and market structure. Examples of market inquiries include the Banking Market Inquiry, Data Market Inquiry, Grocery Retail Market Inquiry, Healthcare Inquiry, LPG Market Inquiry, and Public Passenger Market Inquiry.
The South African government has launched the ‘One Country One Skills Development Plan’ to address skills supply and demand imbalances. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is spearheading this innovative plan, which seeks to create a more skilled and diverse workforce that will drive economic growth and promote social inclusion.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has been making headlines and sparking interest among business communities across the African continent. The AfCFTA aims to boost intraAfrican trade by creating a single market for goods and services, free movement of people and investments, and eliminate tariffs among African Union (AU) member states.
The cutflower export industry is a booming sector in South Africa, worth over R1.7 billion in 2021. Recently, the industry received a significant boost with the announcement of the protection of the name “Cape Flora” and its accompanying logo. This move serves as a crucial step towards establishing a Geographical Indication (GI) for the sector.
The City of Cape Town, through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), has launched the Youth Literacy and Life Skills Programme to support the youth and bridge the education gap in disadvantaged communities. The programme aims to train 44 beneficiaries as literacy tutors and life skills coaches in order to pave the way for a brighter future for the younger generation.
Andile Jali, also known as AJ15, has become a revered figure in the world of South African soccer. However, Jali’s departure from Mamelodi Sundowns marks the end of a remarkable era for the celebrated midfielder. ### A Colorful and Illustrious Career
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered an inspiring address at the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, South Africa, on Africa Day. The occasion was celebrated to reflect on the continent’s rich history, resilience, and unity. The Cradle of Humankind served as a poignant symbol of human origins, reminding Africans of their shared history and the challenges they have faced and overcome.
The Western Cape Government has taken a significant step towards preserving its iconic coastline. The Coastal Management Programme for 20222027 was recently announced by Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The Programme is considered an essential tool for integrating coastal management in the Western Cape and focuses on environmental conservation and socioeconomic development.
On Friday, May 26, 2023, at 2 pm, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will hold a media briefing at the Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room in Tshedimosetso House, Pretoria. The briefing is set to provide updates on the progress of the Energy Action Plan, a vital aspect of South Africa’s strategic vision for the future.
The city has been experiencing an increase in electricity service requests due to severe weather conditions, putting a strain on already stretched resources. This has resulted in unplanned power outages in several areas, which prompt swift action from authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.
As cities continue to evolve, it is imperative that they adapt to meet the changing needs of their residents. One such adaptation is the need for loadshedding readiness. In an effort to ensure continued services during loadshedding periods, the City of Cape Town has decided to temporarily close three City customer offices in Brackenfell, Strand, and Kraaifontein on Saturday, 27 May 2023.