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Cape Town News
Cape Town has received a massive R5 billion budget for water and sanitation services in the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The funds will be used to secure the city’s water future, ensure access to highquality drinking water, address sewer overflows, and provide satisfactory sanitation services in informal settlements. The investment demonstrates the city’s dedication to its residents and its readiness to tackle future challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. The capital budget allocation is diverse, addressing a variety of needs, including proactive measures for sewer overflows, flood mitigation projects, and pollution reduction initiatives.
Cape Town’s call centre industry has grown rapidly in recent years, creating over 10,000 jobs in just one year, and reaching a total of 90,000 employees. The success is partly attributed to CapeBPO, a project that develops skills within the industry and promotes Cape Town as an ideal location for BPO firms. The sector adds a significant amount to the city’s economy and is evidence of the effectiveness of publicprivate partnerships. Initiatives like the Afterschools and Sunday School programs ensure sustainability by providing job training and industry exposure to potential employees. This success is a symbol of hope for young people in Cape Town.
South Africa’s National Commemoration Day pays tribute to fallen police officers who risked their lives for public safety. The ceremony, held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, honors heroes and heroines who made the ultimate sacrifice, reminding South Africans of the constant threats faced by the police force. The Acting President of South Africa, H.E. Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, challenges the police force to reassess their strategies and strengthen the policetopopulation ratio to combat crime. The ceremony concludes with a moment of silence, honoring the bravery of the fallen officers and a call to action for the living officers.
Sergeant Monyamane Moeketsi is a fierce crime fighter in Temba, Gauteng, and a crucial part of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit. With an impressive 14year track record of successful convictions, including 20 sexual offenders, Moeketsi is a role model for women everywhere. Balancing family life with her demanding career, she remains steadfast in her fight against crimes aimed at South Africa’s most vulnerable. Her commitment to justice and the safety of South Africans is an inspiration to all.
The Department of Community, Arts and Culture Development organized an immersive experience to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Cape Town City Ballet. The event aimed to cultivate appreciation for performing arts among new and diverse audiences and provide opportunities to engage with professionals in the field. Participants were treated to a prediscussion session, final dress rehearsal, and Q&A with artistic personnel, offering an exclusive glimpse into the technical and artistic subtleties of ballet. The initiative represents a laudable step in expanding the influence of performing arts and enriching Cape Town’s cultural landscape.
FlySafair is expanding its flight routes in South Africa by launching a new direct route between Cape Town and Windhoek, Namibia. The airline will operate two flights per week on this new route, with ticket prices starting at R1 800. In addition, FlySafair also unveiled a Cape Town to Kruger route earlier this year, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to improving access to central destinations and stimulating economic growth. These new routes aim to make air travel more accessible and affordable, encouraging more visitors to explore South Africa’s natural wonders.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a lifesaving organization that protects animals from human atrocities. Bumpy the dog’s story highlights the SPCA’s vital role in providing emergency medical care for poisoned pets. The SPCA serves as an educational body, teaching us how to respond in emergency situations and safeguard our pets. The SPCA and its committed staff, like Dr. Rivona Ramnanan, are unsung heroes in the fight against animal cruelty, and we must take proactive measures to guarantee the safety and health of our pets.
Cape Town is gearing up for an exciting rugby match between the Springboks and the All Blacks at DHL Stadium on September 7th, 2024. The City administration is ensuring an easy and stressfree experience for the expected crowd of 50,000 fans with an expanded and complimentary MyCiTi shuttle service and ample parking facilities. The City is also taking proactive measures to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure safety. With meticulous planning and extensive arrangements, the City of Cape Town promises to make this event a flawless and unforgettable experience for rugby fans.
The Cape Town Film Fund has been launched during FAME Week Africa, with the aim of supporting film and media projects that promote economic growth and employment. The fund covers a wide range of genres and has a temporary advisory board to assess funding applications. The initiative is committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and nurturing budding talents through training and skills development programs. FAME Week Africa and the Cape Town Film Fund collectively sketch an optimistic future for the African film industry, with Cape Town emerging as a champion of local talent.
The maintenance operations aim to improve the water supply infrastructure for the benefit of consumers. The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be conducting maintenance operations in certain areas, which will lead to shortlived water supply disruptions. Residents are advised to stock up on water and keep their faucets shut during this time. Follow @CityofCTAlerts for updates.
The Workshop for Chief Whips and Chairpersons at Cape Sun Hotel aimed to equip the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) members with the necessary tools to execute their duties efficiently and promote collective action and interconnectedness. The keynote speech delivered by the Chairperson of the NCOP shed light on the workshop’s objective, emphasizing the importance of public participation and international solidarity. The discussions focused on the challenges faced by NCOP and the need to bolster its oversight agenda while steering discussions towards the national dialogue.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is celebrated as a beacon of justice and integrity in South Africa for his leadership during transformative events in the country’s democratic history. Under his guidance, the Zondo Commission helped rebuild societal faith in holding wrongdoers accountable and established a benchmark for integrity in public affairs. Despite facing resistance, Zondo’s unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law has earned him respect and admiration from all strata of society, making him a symbol of hope for future generations.
The Standing Committee on Finance is visiting Ithala Bank following the suspension of its Financial Services Provider (FSP) license due to operational issues. The committee aims to ensure that the bank meets financial health standards and rectify any setbacks. The visit includes discussions with stakeholders and the objective of reinstating the bank’s FSP license. The committee’s swift action demonstrates decisive leadership and dedication to maintaining financial stability in South Africa.
South Africa’s National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the nucleus of the country’s democratically elected power structure, is set to begin a new term with renewed excitement and anticipation. Newly elected chairpersons and Whips are undergoing a twoday immersion program to lay the groundwork for fulfilling the NCOP’s charge, which includes supervising government departments and handling Bills. With up to 15 committees gearing up to assemble, the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa remains steadfast in keeping citizens in the loop and updating the committee meeting schedule, demonstrating the country’s commitment to transparency and democracy in action.
SCOPA members are a diverse group committed to ensuring public funds are allocated clearly in South Africa. They are united in their mission to address financial matters and take a proactive approach to financial management. The committee is planning to create a mechanism to assist organizations with financial management and governance issues. Their dedication reflects the true essence of democracy and public service.
The Second Presidential Health Compact in South Africa is a commitment to affordable drugs and vaccines for all, aiming to strengthen the healthcare system’s capacity to safeguard the population from public health crises. The private sector’s involvement is crucial, and the enactment of the NHI Act underscores the urgency of collective action. However, budget cuts, inefficiencies, and corruption pose substantial challenges. The compact is a testament to South Africa’s commitment to conquering these challenges and building on the successes of the initial compact, prioritizing the health of its citizens as its truest wealth.
