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Cape Town News
The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) plays a pivotal role in ensuring provincial interests are respected at the national government level, aiding in intergovernmental relations and supporting cooperative governance in South Africa. Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile emphasized the importance of endorsing government priorities aimed at steering inclusive growth, alleviating poverty, and establishing a proficient, ethical, and developmental state in his keynote speech to the NCOP. Mashatile’s visionary approach to cooperative governance underscores the need for joint commitment, accountability, and a shared vision for a prosperous future in South Africa.
South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation is taking a new approach to tackle water and sanitation challenges in the country. The plan includes community outreach programs, diversifying water sources, and enhancing access to water and sanitation services. The department is also collaborating with municipalities and the private sector to achieve its objectives and improve the standard of living for all South Africans. The strategy aims to address challenges such as water scarcity, inadequate access to water and sanitation services, and decaying municipal water and sanitation services.
The maintenance operation is essential to ensure the sustainability of the city’s water supply infrastructure and resembles an artful restoration. The City of Capemont’s Water and Sanitation Directorate will be conducting maintenance on a key link to the primary water source on September 3, 2024, which will temporarily pause water supply and reduce water pressure in certain areas. Residents and businesses are advised to store water beforehand. The City extends its apologies for any inconvenience caused and urges residents to stay informed and prepared. The temporary disruption is a stepping stone towards a sustainable and resilient water supply for future generations.
The City of South Africa has launched Traffic Fine Roadshows to encourage a more accountable and compliant motoring public, creating a platform for motorists to discuss outstanding fines and clear backlogs. The initiative has garnered impressive responses and helped increase compliance levels, making driving safer for all. The City plans to host at least two more roadshows by the end of the year to continue promoting a culture of accountability and safer roads for all.
Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga believes that the youth of South Africa are crucial for the country’s industrial growth and have enormous potential for the country’s welfare. She proposes specialized programs to tackle youth unemployment and foster innovationled industrial strategies, including opportunities in green manufacturing, the ocean economy, agriculture, mining, and energy transitions. She calls for the establishment of an Action Plan and a Youth Unemployment Crisis Committee to ensure the proposed interventions are executed promptly. Minister Chikunga stresses the need for sincere evaluation and profound interventions, moving beyond surfacelevel alterations to the system, and establishing intelligent industrial towns and cities in strategic locations outside traditional urban centers.
The City of Cape Town is involving residents in the redesign of road infrastructure in the Kraaifontein region through public engagement opportunities and open public days. The project aims to reshape road infrastructure in growing regions and prioritize growth areas through proactive planning. The city is committed to democratic involvement and invites all residents to express their thoughts and comments on the proposed designs before presenting the final designs to the Council for approval.
Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has invested over R105 million in a fleet of advanced vehicles and equipment to improve the city’s water and sanitation systems, including unclogging sewer blockages and ensuring water supply during disruptions. The new fleet includes advanced jetmachine trucks, combinationunit trucks, and supersucker trucks, as well as a mobile laboratory for offsite water testing. The investment emphasizes the importance of technology in improving essential services while emphasizing the mindful behavior of residents in preserving the city’s systems.
The heroic firefighters of the City of Cape Town are taking a break from fighting fires to run in the Totalsports Women’s Race. Their goal is to raise awareness about blood cancer and bloodrelated disorders and recruit more people as stem cell donors. Their partnership with DKMS, a global nonprofit fighting against these diseases, aims to make a difference in the lives of those affected. You can join their noble cause by registering as a stem cell donor online at www.dkmsafrica.org.
The Human Settlements title deeds initiative in Cape Town distributed 2,000 title deeds to qualifying beneficiaries between June and July 2024, utilizing a doortodoor methodology that showcased community cooperation. The initiative has redefined the lives of recipients and bears witness to the commitment and determination of personnel and title deed agents. Title deeds are emblems of possession and sovereignty, integral to financial transactions, and the initiative’s success indicates a commitment to enabling residents and unlocking new possibilities. An estimated 12,000 title deeds are still awaiting delivery, and beneficiaries without a title deed are encouraged to interact with title deed agents.
Cape Town is taking action to address the need for affordable rental housing by revising the Municipal Planning Bylaw to attract micro and smallscale developers to invest in areas where housing is urgently needed. The proposed changes aim to establish and manage these developments, leading to higher quality, safer housing units that are legally connected to essential services. By introducing spatial policies and strategies, the city plans to construct safer, better quality homes in informal settlements and backyards, aligning with Objective 8 of the City’s Integrated Development Plan.
The South African Police Service showed their bravery and commitment to public safety during a highrisk car chase and gunfight in Umlazi. Three suspects were killed and a police officer was wounded but recovered. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between law enforcement and criminal forces.
Pharmacists are the unsung heroes of healthcare, armed with extensive knowledge in medication and serving as custodians of medicinal knowledge. City Health, with its team of pharmacists and postbasic pharmacist assistants, is an example of the profession’s significance. Pharmacists also play a vital role in combating antimicrobial resistance and ensuring proper drug disposal. As we celebrate Pharmacy Month, let us acknowledge their contribution and heed their advice on medication use for better health outcomes.
The MyCiTi bus service on Turfhall Road is an exciting project that aims to revolutionize public transport in Cape Town. It will connect travellers from Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha to Wynberg and Claremont through dedicated bus lanes and improvements to roads and transportation facilities. The project, set to be completed by July 2027, involves extensive construction and is being carried out in phases to minimize disruption to local residents. Despite the disruptions caused by construction, the project promises to provide accessible, dependable, and affordable public transportation, shaping a new era of connection and mobility in Cape Town.
In the Western Cape Tactical Response Team, there is only one female member, Constable Thabisa Ntyinkala. Her journey is a story of courage and determination, as she climbed the ranks of the South African Police Service. Despite being a single mother of two, Ntyinkala is devoted to maintaining her fitness and readiness for her demanding job. Her accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration for others, and she hopes to eradicate corruption within the SAPS ranks.
On World Ranger Day 2024, we celebrate the inspiring women rangers who protect Cape Town’s reserves. These conservation champions have received comprehensive training and provide diverse skills to preserve the environment. From Victoria Day, a reserve supervisor at False Bay Nature Reserve, to Vuyokazi Rubushe, a field ranger at Helderberg Nature Reserve, these women’s journeys highlight the importance of offering equal opportunities and embody the pillars of success: passion, dedication, and a commitment to learning.
A Zambian man suspected of leading a kidnappingforransom syndicate was apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. The authorities linked the man to the kidnapping of a businessman in July and discovered a stash of crystal meth worth R300 million on the same day. The arrest was the result of a joint effort by multiple law enforcement agencies and serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against organized crime.
