South Africa’s public transport sector is embracing the electric revolution with the introduction of Lion’s Explorer E electric buses by Golden Arrow Bus Services. The electric buses are financially viable and address the country’s unique environmental conditions. With successful trials and positive feedback, the City of Cape Town plans to incorporate electric buses into MyCiTi Phase 2A by 2027, indicating the country’s commitment to sustainable transport. The transition towards electric buses is a refreshing development, showcasing the country’s dedication to green technology and a sustainable future.
Residents can access a variety of information and services from the municipal website, including motor vehicle registration and licensing processes, which can be booked online. The introduction of QR codes on municipal account invoices has simplified the payment process, and payments can also be made through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or at various retail outlets. The city is committed to providing efficient and effective services through digital platforms, allowing residents to access services from the comfort of their own homes.
The Safety and Security Directorate of Cape Town has proposed a draft budget for the fiscal year 2024/25, which focuses on utilizing cuttingedge technology and conventional practices to establish an environment that is not only secure but also operationally efficient. The budget proposes a substantial allocation of roughly R363 million for the procurement of new equipment, expanding the city’s CCTV network, refurbishing buildings, and enhancing the efficiency of the Emergency Policing Incident Control system. The Safety and Security Directorate’s unwavering dedication to integrating technology into its operations is wellfounded, and the proposed budget signifies a brave move towards a future where technology and tradition unite in the pursuit of safer, more secure communities.
South Africa Connect Phase 2 Project is a groundbreaking initiative to reduce the digital divide and provide comprehensive connectivity to all educational, health, and governmental facilities. The project aims to enhance the digital footprint of SMMEs and create job opportunities for trained experts and semiskilled workers. Collaborative efforts by Broadband Infraco, SENTECH, and SITA are striving to deliver broadband services to South African citizens, ensuring digital inclusivity and promoting the country’s digital economy. With the launch of this project, South Africa is taking a significant step towards bridging the digital gap and ensuring universal connectivity for all.
Solarpowered illumination systems are being used to light up marginalized communities in Cape Town, providing safety, security, improved quality of life, prolonged working hours for local businesses, educational opportunities, ecological benefits, lessened fire hazards, and improved respiratory health. The initiative is part of the City’s latest Urban Energy Poverty Alleviation Programme and is being explored in areas where traditional electrification methods are not feasible. The potential of solar power is immense, and the City’s dedication to this mission is apparent in its combined approach with grassroots experts and partners.
Propranolol, a medicine typically used to treat high blood pressure, could potentially diminish unconscious racial prejudices. This theory suggests racism might be a neurological aberration, a ‘brain bug,’ and could be medically addressed. While still in its infancy, this groundbreaking viewpoint on racial bias offers radical new insights in the fight against racism. However, it’s important to remember that societal efforts to address the basis of racism in cultural, educational, and systemic infrastructures are still necessary.
The Safety and Security Directorate of the city recognizes the importance of integrating cyber forensics into their defensive strategy due to the increasing rate of digital offenses. To achieve this objective, they recently organized a transnational training session on cyber forensics led by professionals from France and Australia, focusing on digital aspects of crime scenes and handling digital proof. The Directorate plans to incorporate cyber forensics into their training college’s curriculum to prepare their personnel to tackle modern criminal activities effectively.
Cape Town’s Development Management Department is planning to replace registered mail with email for notifications concerning the Municipal Planning Bylaw. The shift is expected to be more efficient, reliable, and economical for the City, ratepayers, and the applicant. The City has planned a transition period of roughly two years, but is continuing to use registered mail for individuals whose email addresses aren’t recorded in the City’s system.
Cape Town’s TER Scottsdene Pump Station is a groundbreaking project aimed at increasing the availability of treated effluent and reducing the city’s reliance on potable water supplies. It plays a crucial dual role, increasing the availability of treated effluent and significantly reducing reliance on potable water supplies. The project symbolizes Cape Town’s unwavering dedication to sustainable water management and becoming a waterconscious city.
The Khayelitsha LED highmast renovation project is replacing old highmast lights with stateoftheart LED fixtures in an effort to promote economic growth, increase safety, and reduce energy usage. The first phase is being implemented in the neighborhood of Makhaza, with a total of 222 highmast fixtures to be replaced across Khayelitsha. This initiative represents a significant investment in the city’s key infrastructure and signifies a significant shift towards urban sustainability. However, the success of this initiative depends on collective responsibility and the support of the community.
Cape Town has introduced an online solar PV authorization portal that has already authorized over 5,000 solar PV systems, contributing 126 MVA to the city’s energy grid. The innovative platform significantly reduces the time taken to authorize solar PV systems, ensuring safety measures within the energy sector. The Energy Services Application automates the issuance of Permission to Install Letters for specific types of applications, including smallscale residential solar PV and battery systems, and is available via eServices. The increasing demand for solar PV in Cape Town is evident, with the number of monthly applications tripling from 2021 to 2023.
The Water, Air, and Energy (WAE) Lab has recently been launched in Cape Town by JPAL Africa, the City of Cape Town, and Community Jameel. The lab brings together policymakers, researchers, and the public to create evidencebased solutions to improve access to clean air, water, and energy for the city’s inhabitants. The lab is part of JPAL’s global network of Air and Water Labs (AWLs) and has the potential to impact millions of people worldwide, making it a beacon of hope for a sustainable and equitable future.
Hout Bay is using stateoftheart trenchless pipecracking technology to replace over 3,300 meters of outdated water pipes, showcasing the city’s dedication to adopting innovative solutions to tackle its infrastructural hurdles. The technology is costeffective, reduces disturbances, and facilitates quicker completion times, making it a practical choice for the world with scarce resources. The project is expected to be accomplished by June 2024, signifying another step towards urban regeneration and a sustainable future.
The recent internet disruption in Africa caused by damage to at least four submarine communication cables off the west coast of Africa highlights the importance of undersea cables for our digitallydriven global community. The outage led to outages and connectivity issues for mobile operators and internet service providers, with varying degrees of impact across different countries. Major international telecom operators, including Microsoft, experienced knockon effects, emphasizing our growing reliance on digital infrastructure and the need for sturdy emergency plans.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela, spoke at the Basic Education Lekgotla on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education, employability, and society. AI is changing the way we learn, communicate, and work, but it is important to ensure that it remains accessible, fair, and ethical for everyone. The use of AI in education is creating inclusive and efficient learning environments, but challenges such as data confidentiality and algorithmic prejudice need to be addressed. The automation of labor markets through AI is creating opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, but promoting lifelong learning and upskilling is crucial to ensure the future workforce is prepared. South Africa’s efficient science, technology, and innovation (STI) reaction to the COVID19 pandemic provides valuable lessons for navigating the AI transformation and its impact on education, employability, and society.
Kensington in Cape Town is undergoing a major infrastructure transformation, moving from overhead electricity lines to an underground system. This project involves replacing over 5,500 metres of overhead electricity conductors and 42 transmission poles with 5,315 metres of underground cabling. The project is set to improve the reliability of infrastructure, area aesthetics, and safety. It is projected to be completed by April 2024 and is part of the City of Cape Town’s efforts to mitigate chronic loadshedding and rampant vandalism. The benefits of transitioning to an underground power infrastructure are manifold, including enhanced reliability, improved safety, and boosted visual appeal.