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Cape Town News
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.
Operation Shanela, executed by the South African Police Service in the North West province, resulted in the detention of 1,154 suspects involved in a variety of criminal activities. The operation successfully targeted violent offenses, resulting in 10 cases of homicide and the apprehension of 293 suspects wanted on various charges. The success of Operation Shanela underscores the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies and other key participants in the fight against crime. The operation displays the capacity of the police service to rise to the occasion and secure the province.
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.
Operation Shanela is a successful initiative in Northern Cape, South Africa that has significantly reduced contact and violent crimes. Within a week, the operation made 352 arrests, deployed vehicle checkpoints, conducted stopandsearch operations, and targeted illegal drugs and contraband. The operation’s success is a result of collaboration between law enforcement agencies, and it serves as proof of the efficiency of such collaboration in combating crime.
Cape Town has an exciting March calendar, with a diverse range of events such as music festivals, surf competitions, culinary fairs, literature festivals and more. The city showcases its remarkable diversity and energetic spirit with something for everyone, catering to a broad scope of interests and backgrounds. Highlights include Ultra South Africa, Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Town Carnival, Red Bull Shay’ iMoto, Cape Town Surf Pro, and the SPAR Women’s Challenge. The city’s eclectic event assortment embodies its multicultural tapestry and dedication to healthconscious living and outdoor pursuits.
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.
South Africa celebrated the inauguration of the 2024 Human Rights Month at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Facility, a location heavy with historical weight due to its association with previous violations of human rights. The monthlong observance commemorates the sacrifices made during the country’s fight for democratic freedom, including events such as the National Human Rights Day on March 21st. This year, Sharpeville’s George Thabe Stadium will host the National Human Rights Day Commemoration, symbolically recognizing the sacrifices made by those who fought for liberation.
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 Bayside Canal Upgrade is a groundbreaking project aimed at balancing urban growth with environmental conservation in Cape Town. The R87.5 million revamp of the canal includes innovative strategies such as sedimentation ponds, a secondary treatment channel, and reed bed ponds, as well as a search and rescue operation to preserve rare and endangered plant species. The upgrade exemplifies the city’s dedication to sustainable urban planning and provides a tangible example of the benefits of balancing growth with environmental protection.
South Africa’s National Assembly Speaker, Ms Nosiviwe MapisaNqakula, will attend the 2024 Women Speakers’ Summit in Paris, organized by the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), on March 67. The summit will bring together women Speakers of national parliaments and women Presidents of regional and international parliamentary assemblies to discuss urgent matters concerning women’s rights including education, equality, health, and the fight against violence. The South African delegation is expected to contribute substantially to the discussions and provide valuable insights based on the South African experience.
In South Africa, a police officer narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by two threatening fugitives. The Ntuzuma police force tracked down the culprits’ vehicle and intercepted them, leading to their arrest on charges of attempted homicide of a police officer and unlawful possession of a firearm. The bravery and dedication of the police force were exemplified in their quick reaction and successful capture of the culprits, reinforcing the core values of the South African Police Service.
