Cape Town’s Cash for Power programme allows residents and businesses to sell surplus solar PV power to the city, earning a combination of bill credits and cash payouts. The programme has already facilitated the purchase of 25 million kilowatthours of solar power from microgenerators and aligns with the city’s objective to eliminate loadshedding. Mayor HillLewis emphasises the importance of collective efforts in shifting towards a greener future and lauds the programme’s worth. The programme is expanding to include more residents and aims to diversify the city’s energy supply with independent power supply.
The City Ombudsman is a mediator between residents and city administrators, offering a forum for dialogue and active participation. The office is easily accessible via phone, email, and an online portal, and they provide thorough examination of all complaints. The Ombudsman’s independence is crucial, and the rejuvenation of the office symbolizes the growing influence of administrative oversight and a commitment to transparency.
South Africa’s Parliament is a bustling hub of decisionmaking and conversation, where the nation’s destiny is crafted. A typical week includes committee meetings, debates on national matters, and opportunities for public engagement. From thorough examination and indepth analysis to discourses on nationwide concerns, each day is a testament to South Africa’s dynamic democracy. The pulse of Parliament beats through its committee meetings, and public interaction is encouraged. Parliamentarians, such as Mr. Christiaan Frederik Beyers Smit, are committed to serving the public, and each week in Parliament showcases a vibrant blend of discussion, examination, and action.
The 14th Policy Dialogue Forum on Teachers for Education 2030 in Johannesburg discussed the global issue of teacher shortages and strategies to address it, such as enhancing teachers’ salaries and working conditions, creating opportunities for career progression, and ensuring a fair distribution of teachers. The Global Report on teacher shortages was also launched at the forum. South Africa was honored to host the event, which aimed to elevate the teaching profession and provide solutions to the challenges highlighted in previous reports. The forum ended on a positive note, with hopes for more innovative and effective strategies toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4.
The SAPS housing initiative is a project between the South African Police Service and various sponsors and stakeholders to provide safe and secure homes for victims of crime and those in need. The initiative aims to create a social safety blanket for those affected by crime and has already provided homes for six households in South Africa. The Vokwana family is one of the latest beneficiaries, receiving a modern and furnished twobedroom house in the town of Delft, a notorious area for gangrelated activities. The initiative is an ongoing endeavor to institute a safer and more secure environment for all.
Stephen Price’s arrival at Lotus High, a school in Grassy Park with a low academic performance and a demoralized staff, marked the beginning of a journey of transformation. He identified students who needed extra help and instilled a sense of selfbelief among them, resulting in a significant increase in the matric pass rate, from 32% to 65%. Price’s positive approach, coupled with infrastructure improvements, serves as an inspiring narrative of hope and the transformative power of education.
South Africans are working together to find missing sevenyearold Joslin Smith, with community members, political factions and civic bodies united in their efforts. A R100,000 reward has been offered by Gayton McKenzie, head of the Patriotic Alliance, and the War Against Parental Alienation group has pledged R10,000. Technology including helicopters and drones has been used in the search, but efforts have been hindered by restricted access to areas and negative social media posts. The community’s determination to find Joslin serves as a testament to their resilience in the face of adversity.
Residents of Loyiso Nkohla informal settlement in Cape Town protested for essential facilities, including electricity, water supply, waste disposal bags, and more toilets. The City of Cape Town stated that they have limited resources and obligations towards formal settlements, but assured residents that their concerns are being considered. The community’s fight for basic amenities showcases their resilience and determination to survive and prosper despite neglect.
Cape Town is a lively city with many captivating stories to tell, from maritime adventures to geological events, outdoor experiences to economic realities, and from celebrity culture to adventure ventures. The city’s dynamic spirit is reflected in its many narratives, which range from the mundane to the remarkable. This dossier offers a comprehensive review of recent happenings, providing readers with a broader perspective of the city’s vibrant life and the compelling stories that shape it.
The Koeberg Sewer Pump Station is facing challenges due to sand and foreign debris intrusion, causing regular breakdowns and overflow. The city is addressing the issue by installing a sand trap and screening facility, increasing capacity, acquiring new pumps, and reassessing the berm design. A longterm improvement plan costing R118 million is projected to be completed by 2028. The city has also implemented temporary measures such as a dieseloperated mobile pump and a rising main to manage overflows during peak periods. The goal is to ensure efficient sewage management and protect the environmental health of the Milnerton Lagoon.
UniteBehind is a South African activist group dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability. Their legal confrontations have exposed corrupt practices within the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), and they have successfully held individuals and organizations accountable for their involvement in the scandal. They continue to advocate for justice and better services for citizens who rely on the rail service.
Planned water supply disruptions are happening in some areas of the city to improve the water supply infrastructure. Citizens are encouraged to store adequate water in clean, sealed containers and keep their taps closed during the disruption phase. The City is managing water pressure more efficiently to reduce potential pipe bursts and unnecessary water wastage. Follow @CityofCTAlerts on Twitter for realtime updates.
Kombo Bere and Daan Terblanche, two promising young cyclists from Vhembe, Limpopo, are preparing to compete in the Cape Epic, despite financial challenges due to corruption and fraud that swallowed the R9.5 million allocated for cycling development in their region. The misallocated funds signify more than lost opportunities for proper training facilities and equipment they robbed the cyclists of their dreams. Despite this setback, Bere and Terblanche remain undeterred, embodying true sportsmanship and resilience as they persist with their training.
Kelly Rowland left a live interview on NBC’s Today Show due to questions about her past with Beyoncé. The persistent focus on her past revealed a larger issue in the entertainment industry: the difficulty of moving away from past identities. Despite the controversy, Rowland’s publicist emphasized her kindness and resilience in the face of constant turbulence in the industry. The event highlights the importance of respecting artists’ privacy and their efforts to establish their own identities separate from their past associations.
The Green Point Tennis Courts in Cape Town have been restored for public use after the eviction of unauthorized inhabitants. The City of Cape Town approached the eviction with both empathy and practicality, offering temporary lodging options and social programs through City Safe Spaces to support social integration and rehabilitation. The City continues to invest in Safe Space transitional shelters to combat homelessness and assist those in need.
The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities has invited the public to review and provide feedback on 20 candidates for six open positions in the Commission for Gender Equality. This move exemplifies the democratic principle that decisions should not be made about people without their input and underscores the commitment to creating an inclusive society where every citizen can express their views on matters of public importance. The shortlisted candidates are diverse in gender, race, disability, and profession, and the public’s participation highlights the significance of every voice in the journey towards gender equality in South Africa. The deadline for feedback is March 12, 2024.