The National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, gave a passionate call to action during the 2024 Women Speakers’ Summit in Paris, urging parliamentary speakers around the world to advocate for genderaware budgeting. She stressed the importance of incorporating a gender lens into budgetary procedures to foster gender equality and break down gender stereotypes and sociopolitical barriers. South Africa’s progress in enhancing genderresponsive budgeting has shown positive results, and MapisaNqakula implored her peers to guide their respective parliaments towards the enactment of laws and regulations that protect women’s rights.
The Southern District is facing a persistent challenge with vandalism of street lighting infrastructure, causing delays in repairs and maintenance. Officials are urging residents to report any suspicious activity and law enforcement agencies are working to combat the issue. Despite the challenges, the city’s Energy teams remain determined to protect the Southern District’s streetlights and ensure the safety and vibrancy of the area. A collective effort from officials, law enforcement, and citizens is necessary to combat this ongoing issue.
Minister Thembi Nkadimeng emphasized the role of ethical leadership in creating a fair and inclusive society, supplying citizens with essential services, and opposing corruption in service provision. She also provided updates on anticorruption efforts and the National AntiCorruption Strategy, which aims to enforce zero tolerance towards corruption and nurture an ethical and accountable state.
Get ready for an exciting week in South African politics! The country is buzzing with a surge of parliamentary activities, including highlevel meetings and discussions. The week kicks off with a Women Speakers’ Summit in Paris, followed by a multitude of local parliamentary activities and committee meetings covering a range of important topics. From government properties to nuclear safety, the agenda promises engaging and potentially transformative discussions, all with a shared dedication to democracy, transparency, and accountability. It’s a pivotal week for South Africa’s legislative and sociopolitical landscape.
The City Ombudsman Office in Cape Town is undergoing a transformation and will reveal its new look at the Khayelitsha Shopping Mall on March 8, 2024. The office is a grievance redressal institution that strives to uphold citizens’ rights and maintain the integrity of public administration. The office’s rejuvenation is driven by Vusumzi Magwebu, the City Ombudsman, who aims to make the office a symbol of justice, a protector of public faith, and a reflection of democratic ideologies. However, the office’s mandate is limited to certain types of complaints and does not investigate issues such as alleged fraud or corruption.
Thirteen exceptional individuals were recently inducted into the elite Special Task Force (STF) after completing a rigorous 15month program. The STF is a highly skilled division of the South African Police Service, responding to highrisk situations across the nation. The new members serve as an important addition to the existing team and are prepared to uphold the esteemed reputation of the unit with their dedication and discipline.
A citizen’s attempt to intervene in a hitandrun incident highlights the fine line between heroism and unilateral justice in city living. While citizen involvement in deterring crime is crucial, it should not cross legal boundaries. The story serves as a reminder for citizens to collect relevant information and report incidents to the appropriate authorities. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in preserving law and order in urban settings.
On March 6, 2024, South Africa’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their partnership and commitment to financial integrity and accountability within public administration. The MoU aimed to dissuade financial malpractices and reassure the public about the government’s commitment to eliminating financial mismanagement within its ranks. Parliament also invited the public to engage in the democratic process and visit, attend debates, and arrange a tour.
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, denies allegations of corruption linked to her past role as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. She believes in honesty and ethical behavior, calling corruption an attack on democracy and governance. Although she faces challenges and controversies, she promises to cooperate with investigations and remains committed to serving the public with integrity. The Parliament of South Africa invites citizen participation, and its members, like Ms. Lindiwe Ntombikayise Mjobo, continue to dedicate themselves to public service despite challenges.
The Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government has taken place in South Africa, coinciding with the start of Human Rights Month. The country’s local government AntiCorruption Strategy encourages ethical standards, with a focus on integrity, accountability, and commitment to public service. The Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative and AntiCorruption Forum are working to instill an ethical culture, including the development of a Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government. The Ethics Institute, SALGA, and the Moral Regeneration Movement have been instrumental in supporting this endeavor.
A new project called Beacon Valley Rejuvenation is upgrading infrastructure in Cape Town’s Area South with a R68.5 million investment. The project features the establishment of a minisubstation powering homes and businesses, but it is facing challenges due to vandalism and loadshedding periods. The city’s energy squads are implementing innovative strategies to combat the issue and the community is requested to cooperate in safeguarding infrastructure.
Cape Town is working hard to ensure a sustainable water supply as its population grows rapidly. The city has implemented a multifaceted approach that includes clearing invasive species, investing in groundwater and desalination, utilizing treated effluent, and allocating funds for maintenance and upgrades. These efforts are part of the New Water Programme, which aims to diversify and enlarge water resources to guarantee a sustainable future for the city’s growing population.
Cape Town has launched an extensive household survey in partnership with Kantar to gain a deeper understanding of its diverse residents. The survey covers every suburb within the city limits and aims to shed light on the authentic experiences of people living in Cape Town, addressing matters from resilience and mobility to safety and service delivery. The initiative reflects Cape Town’s unwavering dedication to its residents and is planned as a consistent activity, with a largescale survey scheduled every two years. The city is redefining traditional urban planning and development models by engaging with its residents’ voices.
The Urban Health Programme and Monitoring Initiative is a groundbreaking effort by the City to promote health equality and improve community health outcomes in Cape Town. It focuses on the socioeconomic determinants of health unique to the city, providing insight to all departments on how they can contribute to tackling health determinants. This holistic health initiative sets a benchmark for other cities to emulate and signifies a shift towards a healthier, more equitable urban future.
The Gugulethu Infill housing project in Cape Town has faced many challenges, from contractor issues to Covid19 delays, but the project teams and beneficiaries have remained dedicated and resilient. The project will provide 1,004 homes to deserving families, and the City is committed to completing it efficiently. Housing allocation follows strict procedures to ensure fairness and transparency. The project is a beacon of hope and a symbol of a prosperous future for the community.
South Africa has made significant progress in fulfilling basic needs and developing infrastructure through its Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). The government’s focus on intergovernmental planning, budgeting, and implementation has led to improvements in access to essential services. However, challenges remain, and the administration is working towards a better future for all, including partnerships with the private sector and addressing climate change impacts. The journey is far from finished, but the government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in this journey.